Liturgy
Living God,
thank you for never leaving us alone
in the work you call us to do.
We thank you for leading each of us here to Austin
and everyone who works and is connected
within our small community.
Thank you for the richness of experience,
the diversity of gifting,
the depth of hope,
the quality of commitment
all held here.
And yet, remind us to never keep
what you have given to ourselves,
instead, giving freely to our
friends and to those around us.
We pray that our friendships
will be honest, open and true;
that we will never fear vulnerability with each other
but help to build each other up;
through sharing our experiences
reflecting on your presence in them
discovering who we really are
and working out what we should do.
Help us to listen well to each other
to speak words wisely
to hold silences sensitively
to be as willing to learn as to teach
so that in all things you are glorified.
Let your kingdom come.
Reflection
What does it look like to live the church in Austin?
How can we use our resources for the benefit of those who live around us?
How can we live generously with those in our city?
How can we be a part of what God’s doing in Austin?
Benediction
We are sent;
In the name of God, the Father of the poor;
In the name of Jesus, the Son of justice;
In the name of the Spirit, the spirit of mercy;
To live out God’s promise,
A promise that transforms and makes us new;
providing signs of hope
to all who struggle for a new world of justice and peace.
May we be steadfast in faith,
untiring in love and joyful in hope,
bringing peace into every corner of our city.
We ask of the Father, the Son
and of the Holy Spirt, amen.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by indigoignition @ Flickr]