And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I thank God for rich blessings,
And for mercies long bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

And may I never be too busy,
To help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

"The giver of every good and perfect gift, our Shepherd, causes our cups to overflow (Psalm 23:5b). God's gifts are marked by kindness and helpfulness. Unlike shifting shadows, God does not change. The Lord is always the giver of good gifts.

"Each of us has received gifts of time, talents and money to share. By employing these gifts on behalf of others, we become agents of God's grace and we find our own gifts in greater measure. Then we, too, can keep ‘drinking from our saucers.'"

—Author Unknown

Hymn
"Thank You Lord" #531 (Chalice Hymnal) or "Called as Partners in Christ's Service" #453 (Chalice Hymnal)

Litany of ministry #451 (Chalice Hymnal)

Offering

Closing prayer of dedication
Dear God, giver of everything, use these gifts which we present. May they show forth your love and our faith in ways beyond our thoughts, sight and imagination. Make us one as we go forth in your service. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Planning Suggestions

Worship center

• Arrange seven assorted candles (symbolizing the seven gifts of the Spirit) on a table covered with a purple cloth (symbolizing humility and reverence). Add a cup and saucer (symbolizing the overflowing cup of gifts) and a cross (reminding us of the sacrifice, love, and victory of Jesus Christ).
  

Offering

• Play softly or sing "Living for Jesus" #610 or "We Give Thee But Thine Own" #382 (Chalice Hymnal).
  
• A brief explanation of the Blessing Box could be given before the offering is received.
  
• Use one or two gift wrapped shoe boxes with lids wrapped separately so the box can be opened for receiving the offering.
  
• A note for the program or advance publicity:
  
• You may want to take the coins you have collected, convert into a check and give in the offering
  

—by N. Sue Alexander (Enabler Ministry, Class of 1997)
member of East Side Christian Church, Longview, Texas
her husband, Vernell, serves as pastor.
They have three adult children, a son-in-law and one grandson.

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Blessing Box dedication

Scripture
I Peter 4:10
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

Hymn
" Good Shepherd, We Are Gathered” (From l998 Quadrennial Assembly Music Packet)
Sing to any of these Chalice Hymnal tunes:
Lead On, O King Eternal, 632
Help Us Accept Each Other 487
O Jesus, I Have Promised 612
The Church’s One Foundation 272

Good Shepherd, we are gathered,
you called us each by name
Among us some are Mara.
As Joy, still others came.
Your love and grace enfold us,
Our Thankful song we raise.
Rekindle deep within us
Full lives of faithful praise.

Creator, in your image,
Our spirits are designed.
You share artistic powers,
Life’s canvas is cosigned.
When light and vision fail us,
Our thankful song we lift.
Rekindle deep within us
The wisdom of our gifts.

Companion on our journey,
At time we are afraid.
Each step requires courage,
Each day, new choices made:
To acquiesce to evil
or labor truth to birth.
Rekindle deep within us
Love’s will to bless the earth.

Litany of Thanksgiving

One: As we bring these offerings we remember our foremothers through the ages who have responded with faith to challenge and change. We gratefully claim our heritage as Disciples Women, and pray that you will keep us ever mindful that we are the foremothers of future generations.

All: Thank you, Lord

One: We celebrate with thanksgiving the women who have served as leaders in the midst of difficult lives and limited resources. Grant us their gift to find abundance where reason sees only scarcity.

All: Thank you, Lord

One: With grateful hearts we acknowledge and celebrate the gifts and ministry of lay women, who make up the vast majority of women everywhere.

All: Thank you, Lord

One: We are grateful for women who have accepted your call to ordained ministry. Theirs is a ministry of courage, obedience, and pioneering spirit.

All: Thank you, Lord

One: We remember with heartfelt thanks our mentors in faith. Guide us in our gratitude to be mentors to others.

All: Thank you Lord.

One: As partners in mission, we give thanks for all who serve in your name, even ourselves.

All: Thank you, Lord

One: Creator God, you have called us by name.

All: Grant us grace for the days ahead, that we may meet challenge with courage and receive your blessings with deep, deep thanks.

AMEN

Presenting our gifts

Participants may carry their Blessing Box offerings to the appointed place, as a hymn is played. Suggestions: “Thank You, Lord” CH # 531, “In Loving Partnership” # 497.
After all gifts have been placed, sing together one of these hymns or another appropriate hymn of thanks or dedication.

Prayer of dedication

God of all, as faithful stewards of our time, talent and worldly goods, we joyfully dedicate these Blessing Box gifts. May your presence be with us, your love surround us and your spirit guide us as we continue in loving partnership as Disciples Women. Open our eyes to the needs of the world and open our hands to the giving and receiving that lead to life abundant, life eternal.

AMEN

Planning Suggestions

Worship center

Cover a table with bright green cloth (to symbolize new life), add a brightly colored scarf or strips of fabric in several colors/patterns (to symbolize diversity) and a large candle to symbolize Christ’s presence with us today and with women through the ages. Add one or more of the newly redesigned Blessing Boxes, something from the history of your local women’s group, such as news clippings or photos, a Bible open to the story of Miriam or Naomi, Lydia or the woman at the well.

—by Marie F. Fleming
adapted from a service by Janis M. Brown, Guideposts, l999.