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.

Community Confession

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

God of life and all living things,
your breath fills the universe and brings it alive;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of your Spirit

Your love shines through all creation and makes it one;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Spirit

Your presence fills every corner, your voice fills every silence,
and your heartbeat lives within every living thing;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Spirit

Yet, we often fail to value the life of other people,
other creatures and the world you have given to be our home.
Lord, forgive us.

We often fail to recognize the connectedness of all things,
and bring pain through division, exclusion and selfishness.
Lord, forgive us.

We often deny your presence, ignore your voice
and forget your love for us and all that you have made.
Lord, forgive us.

Father, we remember your mercy
and look to your Son for forgiveness.

May your Spirit breathe new life into us, empower us,
and guide our steps this day and forever.

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

Reflection

What does it look like to be devoted to other people who follow Christ?
How can you bless someone who’s hurt you?

Benediction

As we go from this place, may we take with us
your word and your Spirit that our faith offers us.

Here, we learn of and sing praises for your gift of life.
We declare that we will live as vessels receiving God’s radiant light.

From our eyes, may your light shine brightly
so that in the darkness we may see the needs of others.

Through our ears, may we hear beyond the noise of self-interest
to the calls for help from those in need.

May our hearts beat with compassion,
our arms be strong in reaching out
to lift up those who stumble.

We are sent in faith,
knowing you are peace,
you are justice,
you are grace.

Go 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 John watson @ Flickr]