Liturgy

Holy are you, God of infinite imagination,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son,
our Hope, our Lord and Savior.

He should have been clothed
in royal robes of purple and gold,
but put on the uniform
of a condemned prisoner,
so we could be clothed in your grace.

He should have been given
every honor the world has,
but was cursed
so we might receive your blessings.

He should have had a long and healthy life,
but was put to death at an early age,
so we might live forever with you.

Remembering that it is not our words which save us,
but your imaginative Word of beauty and love;

remembering that it is not our achievements,
but our hope in Jesus Christ which assures us of your love,
we come in community to celebrate that mystery we call faith.

We give thanks in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

God, our Father,
we lay our sins at the foot of your Son, Christ Jesus,
knowing we have fallen short of your glory.

For our failure to live as brothers and sisters, and as your children,
we confess to you,
living God, have mercy.

For those whom we have not loved as you have loved us,
we confess to you,
God of love, have mercy.

For moments we doubt your word and fail to obey your teaching,
we confess to you,
God of grace, have mercy.

For our desire to own you and contain you within our doctrines and theologies,
we confess to you,
God of patience, have mercy.

For the times we overlook you as the Lord of all and try to control our own lives,
we confess to you,
almighty God, have mercy.

Forgive us and redeem us for we have not allowed your presence
to shine among us.

Hear our repentance and guide us,
God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

What does Christ’s future return mean to you?
What are some things you need to let go of and give away?
How can you actively use your gifts and talents to serve Vox and our city?
Who are some people that you need to allow to interrupt your life?

Benediction

Go now, rejoicing in God
and delighting in all he does.

Stand firm in the grace found in Christ
so that in suffering,
you may grow in endurance, character and hope.

May God crown you with glory and honor;
May Christ Jesus bring you into the mercy of God;

and may the Holy Spirit pour love into your hearts and guide you,
that you may serve and bless those around you
as Christ has blessed all with life abundant.

Go in peace to live the church,
in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by lizzyarce @ Flickr]