Liturgy

When only the fierce wind of chaos
blew, and there was no light,
you spoke, Immortal, Invisible God,

your Word bringing forth fruit-filled lands,
your Spirit moving the hills to and from
until they stood silent over the valleys.

In your wisdom, you shaped us.
in your image, your grace you freely offered.

Foolishly, we chased after temptation’s dreams,
becoming skilled workers in constructing
evil out of your good and wonderful gifts.

You showed the utmost patience toward us,
sending prophets with challenging words
to remind us of your promises to all,
but we were too foolish to listen.

So, you sent Jesus to us who,
like a friend who has lost touch
with those dearest to his heart,
reaches out to reconnect with them.

So, with the company of the saints in glory,
with us sinners and those seeking for truth in this world,
we sing our praises to you:

Holy, holy, holy, God whose heart overflows with faith and love.
Joy echoes down the corridors of creation.
Hosanna in the highest.
Amen.

Congregational Confession

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

God of life and all living things,
your breath fills the universe and brings it alive;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of your Spirit

Your love shines through all creation and makes it one;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Spirit

Your presence fills every corner, your voice fills every silence,
and your heartbeat lives within every living thing;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Spirit

Yet, we often fail to value the life of other people,
other creatures and the world you have given to be our home.
Lord, forgive us

We often fail to recognize the connectedness of all things,
and bring pain through division, exclusion and selfishness.
Lord, forgive us

We often deny your presence, ignore your voice
and forget your love for us and all that you have made.
Lord, forgive us.

Father, we remember your mercy
and look to your Son for forgiveness.

May your Spirit breathe new life into us, empower us,
and guide our steps this day and forever.

We ask in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflection

Why do you live in your neighborhood?
What do you love about your neighborhood?
What would make your neighborhood a better place?
What makes a good neighbor?

Benediction

Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, your mind and your soul.

We will love God knowing
no other substitute will suffice,
the very mention of God’s name will be precious
as we cleave to our time of communion with the sacred.

Love your neighbor as yourself.
We will respect the wisdom of our elders.
We will protect the lives and the reputations of those around us.
We will cherish the relationships entrusted to us.

We will not take what is not ours.
We will learn the value of enough.

Love the Lord your God,
and serve him this week

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 Gideon Tsang @ Flickr]