Liturgy

We thank you, God,
for your gifts of beginnings and ends.
To start again the work you have called us to do,
and to finish well with your Spirit guiding us.

And yet, God of the covenant,
even when we fail and fall into sin,
your Spirit invites us to remember
that you chose us to be your servant people.

Awaken us to the power and gifts
you pour into us for the good of creation,
and grant that we may be trustworthy in all things,
producing abundantly as we work to build your kingdom.

We ask all this 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 of unity and love,
place within each of us
a spirit of hope and true community.

Have mercy upon us
when we speak without love
or act without humility.

Raise us up to be your children,
growing toward maturity in faith and love.

Cleanse us with the living water of your grace.
Create in us willing hearts
to live in patience and gentleness.

Strengthen our church,
that we may be a community
that humbly and generously serves
our city and world.

Father, may your will be done here and forever more.
We pray to our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

What are the areas of our lives that still need to be changed and converted?
Is the leadership of Christ a reality in our lives?

Benediction

Go forth into the world trusting with your hearts
the wisdom God bestows upon those who seek to follow his will.

When called to lead, do so with humility and confidence in God.

Be in this world a sign of Jesus’ presence.
Share compassion with all whom you encounter.

Live wisely in God’s name,
and glorify him in all you do.

And may the grace, mercy and wisdom of God
be our support, guidance and strength
from this day forward and for ever more.

Live 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 .ultraviolett @ Flickr]