Liturgy

O God of steadfast love,
at the wedding in Cana
we hear of your Son, Jesus turning water into wine,
delighting all who were there.

God of miracles, transform our hearts by your Spirit,
that we may use our varied gifts
to show forth the light of your love.

Help us live in peace,
so that we too, may delight in you
and celebrate in joy as one body in Christ.

We ask in the name of you the Father,
you, the Son
and you, the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Eternal Lord, your grace and glory is evident if only we look closely around us.
We see them in your creation and in the redemption of all things.

Everything that has been or will be owes its
goodness and beauty to your hand.
Let everything that has breath praise you, Lord.

Yet all of creation is struggling and suffering under the weight and curse of sin.
Our hearts are in that struggle as well.
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against our friends, family and neighbors:
sins of pride, selfishness, and malice –
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against strangers:
sins of exclusion, of prejudice, of injustice and hatred of those not like us –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord we believe with the psalmist that our sin is ultimately against you and you alone. For our idolatry, our lust, our love of money, status, and possessions –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Restore us and let not your anger fall on us,
Favorably turn your face to us for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in each of us and all of your church the work of your salvation, that we may show forth your glory to the world,
and proclaim of your goodness and mercy to all,

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

Reflection

How can live in a way that our needs can only be met by encountering Christ?
In what ways can we care for and nurture our living and dynamic faith?

Benediction

Go now, with your trust in Christ
who quenches your soul’s thirst with the wine of God’s love.

Do not be silent about God’s faithfulness,
when in need, take shelter in God’s provisions
and keep your hearts honest.

And may God rejoice over you and call you “My Delight”;
May Christ Jesus bring out the best in you, to his glory;
And may the Spirit equip you all with gifts for the common good.

We leave here to love and serve
in 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 AlanGradilla @ Flickr]