First Lesson: Joel 2:21-27

Theme: The God who does great things

Exegetical Note
This song of thanksgiving comes in the context of a great plague of locusts. Here God promises a harvest to make up for lost seasons, and calls for gladness and rejoicing among the people for the great things divinely accomplished, and particularly for bountiful harvests following times of deprivation.

Call to Worship
Leader: Rejoice and be glad, people, for God has done great things!
People: GOD HAS PROVIDED US PLENTY IN THE MIDST OF WANT.
Leader: And God has provided us life in the midst of death.
People: LET US GIVE THANKS TO GOD, WHO HAS DEALT WONDROUSLY WITH US.

Collect
Most generous God, who have provided well for your peoples’ needs in every generation, look kindly upon us in this troubled age; that …