Liturgy
One body, one Spirit, one hope,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all, who is
above all and through all and in all,
take this patchwork collection of people
and quilt together your church.
Like old pieces of cloth, take these words,
songs and prayers, take our thoughts and
inner hungers, and join them all together
into a new and living fabric —
that we may cover and color our
part of the world with grace and love.
We ask in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Community Confession
God, thank you for your Spirit who breaks down barriers within and without.
Barriers that distort our ability to lead a life fully integrated with you and your ways.
And yet, forgive us for the times we have deliberately resisted the Spirit’s work.
Life giving spirit, God’s advocate and guide, have mercy on us.
Forgive us, God, for the barriers we create within ourselves, barriers
that resist your healing work and prevent us moving toward wholeness.
Forgive our self-centeredness, our anger, our
fear of change, our lack of trust in your love.
Life giving spirit, God’s advocate and guide, have mercy on us.
Forgive us, God, for the barriers we create between us and you, barriers
that separate us from your love and the assurance of your salvation.
Forgive our business, our independence, our desire to go our own way.
Life giving spirit, God’s advocate and guide, have mercy on us.
Forgive us, God, for the barriers we create between us and each other, barriers
that separate us from neighbors near and far and inhibit mutual love and care.
Forgive our resentment of others, our love of control, our indifference to the poor.
Life giving spirit, God’s advocate and guide, have mercy on us.
God, by your Spirit, free us and break down these barriers. Turn us away
from the bondage of a life lived for ourselves and our own desires.
May your Spirit guide us into the freedom of life lived for you and your purposes.
Life giving spirit, God’s advocate and guide, have mercy on us.
God we go into this day knowing it is you who makes us stand firm in Christ.
We are filled with your Spirit, we are anointed to serve, we go out to bring resurrection life.
We pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 8.02.15 -Rotating Towards Diversity
What are some things that keep us safe from our blindspots and prevent us from seeing the fullness of God?
How can we engage more humility and gentleness in how we may wrongly understand or perceive others?
How can we practice peace through prayer and meditation?
Benediction
Go now in peace, for Christ has
called you to live in peace among
your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Go now in courage, for Christ has
called you from the places of your
life to be agents of redemption and
partners in healing.
Go now in joy and thanksgiving,
for Christ is our light.
Go now as one body, to love and serve
God as you love and serve the world.
Let us leave unified by 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.