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 all 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 each 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,
all of us seeking to work and rest in the presence of our Creator.

Together, we become God’s family
and we 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.

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 this community, the nation, and the 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 care for the sick, the friendless and the needy.

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

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

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Yet, despite our efforts, we are sinful beings,
Prone to selfishness…self-preservation.

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

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

In what ways are we participating in what God is already doing?
How can we participate in community rather than pursuing the individualistic nature of our culture?

Benediction

Go out from here and live lives worthy
of the one calling which we all share.
In humility, gentleness and patience,
speak only what is true and loving
and so grow into the unity that is ours in Christ.

And may God the creator reshape our hearts;
May Christ Jesus, the bread of life, sustain us always;
and may the Holy Spirit unite us in the bond of peace.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
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]