Liturgy

Loving God, let there be:
A way of walking that harms not the earth,
A way of having that leaves plenty for others,
A time for tears that dissolves grief,

A time for kindness that heals many wounds,
A path of peacemaking that settles strife,
A path of justice-seeking that creates hope.

Loving God, let there be:
A season of faithfulness,
A promise of eternity,
A way to be living,
A song for singing.

To follow your Son as he so lived,
to give as he so generously gave,

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

Congregational Prayer

Let us pray to God as a community.

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors and for those who are alone.

For our community, our nation, our world;
For all who work for justice, freedom and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of your Church, O God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel and all who seek the truth.

For the needs and concerns of our community.
Hear us, Lord; for your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown, things done and left undone;

and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection

How can we be involved with those who are facing injustice around the world?
How are we living in a way that can help those who are oppressed?

Benediction

We hasten toward an hour
when earthly pursuits and possessions will appear vain,

when it will make no difference whether we have been rich or poor,
successful or disappointed, admired or despised.

But it will be of eternal importance that we have mourned for sin,
hungered and thirsted after righteousness,
loved our Lord, Jesus in sincerity,
and served the people of this world with grace and love.

May these objects form our chief desire.

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 coolhandluke @ Flickr]