Liturgy

The Word you spoke, and keep speaking, O God,
is the life, the sustenance,
of all that is – seen and unseen.

The Life you gave, and keep giving, O Christ,
is the recreation, the renewed birth of every broken,
wounded and sinful creature.

The breath you breathed, and keep breathing, O Spirit,
is the inspiration for creativity, compassion and community
that connects and unites all that God has made.

Life-giving, Life-restoring, Life-fulfilling God,
may our worship seek to honor you,
may our hearts be devoted to you
and may we give our lives completely over to you.

In the name of the Father,
of the Risen Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
amen.

Community Confession

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

Great and Holy God,
we confess that oftentimes we miss the mark.
We mess up. We fall short.

We disappoint ourselves or others around us.
Most of all, we have not done all that you would have us do.

This is why we are here today:
for community that corrects and inspires us,
for worship that lifts our spirits and above all, you,

for the urgent reminder of your grace that abounds in our lives,
for the peace that enables us to embody your Spirit of peace.

In this time of worship, O Living Lord, remake us.
In this time of worship, O Holy Spirit, dwell within us.

Remind us of our calling to love and serve.
Grant us the courage to be your people
through the Risen Christ,
the only One who sets us free.

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

Reflection

How did your family of origin communicate affection?
Why might learning to communicate affection to God be a healthy practice for us? How can we practice communicating affection in our lives both individually and as a community?

Benediction

May grace and peace be ours in abundance,
in the knowledge of God and of Jesus, our Lord.

May we be thankful for simple things,
for friendship, for health, for daily bread, for good news.

May we rise above the corruption of power
and become participants in the divine nature.

May we go from this place
to pursue goodness, wisdom, holiness and love.

God the Creator, call us to the work of the kingdom.
God the Redeemer, keep us from stumbling.
God the Sustainer, transform and inspire us.

We leave, worshipping the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

(written by Rosie Venner)

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

[Photo by Jason Samfield @ Flickr]