Liturgy

We are called to be people of faith in the midst of the world,
and so we mix our worship and our work,
our faith and our life.

We gather here as people who live in the world and yet,
we gather as people who have been called to see our world
from a different viewpoint.

God calls us together,
God calls us to be part of a community.
God challenges us to consider questions of priority
as we engage with our world.

In this time together,
may God open our hearts, minds and eyes,
allowing us to see deeper,
helping us to live in the world
while still offering a challenge to the way things can be.

We ask and pray 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.
O Lord, forgive us when we fail to remember
and respond to your call with faith.
Through your Spirit, may we stand
in the assurance of your acceptance.

Forgive us when we are shackled
by our narrow understandings of discipleship
and our clouded sense of purpose.

Through your Spirit, may you illuminate
our faith with your empowering love.

Forgive us when we lose ourselves in worrying of the future
or pull back from the demand of your calling.

Forgive us when we fail to sense your presence in our past,
to acknowledge your grace in the present moment,
and to trust you for our future.

Through your Spirit we offer ourselves in discipleship.
We join in community as your followers.
We seek renewed and renewing faith.

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

Reflection

What is the work and calling in our life that requires faith? How can we pray more for faith instead of clarity?
How can we practice the skill of loving people this week?

Benediction

We go, committed to care for one another
as you have cradled us in your love.

We leave, confident in your mercy
and courageous in our role within our city and world,
inspiring human souls,

that at the dawn of your grace,
our youthful lives
will be spent to love and serve you,

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 Nicola Odemann @ Flickr]