Liturgy

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

We proclaim Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen One,
confessing him as Lord to the glory of God the Father.

In the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
We acclaim Jesus as the Lord of the church,
the Head over all things, the beginning of a new creation.

We acknowledge that we live and work
between the time of Christ’s death and resurrection
and the final consummation of all things which he will bring.

We are a pilgrim people,
always on the way towards the promised goal;
on the way, Christ feeds us with word and sacrament,
and we have the gift of the Spirit
in order that we may not lose the way.

We will live and work in faith and unity,
of the one holy Church,
bearing witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift and his will.

Together with all God’s people,
we will serve the world for which Christ died,

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.

Compassionate and Gentle God,
you have created us in love to be your people.
We give thanks and praise you for our community, oh God.

Yet, as we gather for worship,
we are reminded that we have lost sight of this gift
and forgotten how to really love you.

We worship other gods,
put our faith in the riches of this world,
and impress ourselves with misguided power and stability.
Lord, have mercy on us.

We have looked for help in the wrong places
and ignored the extravagances you lay before us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Send your Spirit to come and breathe its life-sustaining
and life-altering presence into us in these moments of worship.

Send your Spirit of renewal and transformation.
Send your Spirit that up-ends our lives and sets us on a new path.
Send your Spirit, O Lord, that we may learn to follow you.

Hear our prayers and remake us in your image once again.
We pray these things in the name of the One
who rose from the grave.
Amen.

Reflection

Where are the places that God has put us in order to connect people to Him?
Is obedience more important than comfort and safety in our lives?

Benediction

Go out now as God’s chosen witnesses
to testify that Christ is risen
and that we are raised with him.

Set your minds on the things of God
and do not be afraid
for your life is safe with Christ in God.

May God raise you from all that would entomb you.
May Christ Jesus be your life.
And may the Holy Spirit empower you for all that is good.

Go in peace and live the church
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 anna verlet shelton @ Flickr]