Liturgy

Thank you, O Holy One 
for this opportunity to meet you in this place of worship. 
We come to this new day after a long week,
carrying all kinds of feelings, emotions and expectations. 
But here, in your presence let your Holy Spirit move us
to a place of rejoicing in which new hopes abound.  
We will celebrate the gift of your caring Spirit.
Amen

Community Confession

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

All-powerful and all-glorious God,
We have not been faithful to you in thought, word, or deed;
hear us as we call out to you in our weakness.

We read in Scripture that you are the one true King,
but in our decisions and actions,
we pledge allegiances to lesser kings.

We know that your story
is indeed good news for all humanity,
yet we so often fail to share with others
the reason for the hope that is within us.

Sovereign God, forgive us of our wrongs.

Have mercy on us, 
soften our hardened hearts
and reform us by your Holy Spirit,
that together, we may learn to be a blessing to all
with the new life you offer through Jesus Christ, our King,

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

Reflection

How can our faith become mustard seed that can take down the mulberry trees in our city and world?
In what ways can the kingdom of God be expressed and lived out in the places we live and work?

Benediction

People of God, trust this: God keeps faith forever. 
Go from this place filled with new life,
ready to bear the good news of God’s promises. 

And should you find yourself feeling worried or discouraged this week,
remember that the wondrous love of God,
the healing power of Christ Jesus,
and the bold courage of the Holy Spirit,
go with you today and always. 
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Jocelyn Catterson @ Flickr]