Liturgy

The Spirit of God calls us from many places;
some of us come from busy homes with many people,
some of us live alone.
We are a part of the family.

This week has been different for each of us;
some of us have happy news we want to celebrate,
some of us face grief and need comforting.
We are members of God’s family.

Yet we all come to this same place;
all of us seeking God’s presence in our lives,
all of us seeking God’s presence with each other.

Together, we become God’s family
and worship 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.

How do we approach you, Exalted God, with our confessions?
We weary you with our inability to do justice for the poor and outcast.

We gossip about those who are close to us,
instead of being their loving friend.

We look only to ourselves when others turn to us for a voice.

Forgive us, God of hope, and bless us with your mercy.

By your peace, we can do justice.
By your love, we can act kindly.
By your grace, we can walk with you humbly,
and hopefully, as did our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We please for mercy and pray in confidence
to our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

What negative behaviors do you need to remove from your life?
How will you live in a new way together as a community?

Benediction

May the almighty and merciful Lord direct us on our journey;
May He make it prosper and maintain us in peace,
that we share his generous love and mercy to all along our path.

May the Holy Spirit intercede and accompany us on the way,
that we live our lives to serve as Christ served all
and breathe peace, joy and health into our homes and neighborhoods.

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

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

[Photo by Gideon Tsang @ Flickr]