Liturgy
In these moments, in this family of faith, the
God of gentleness gathers us together: that
in community, our imperfections may be
transformed into acts of peace for others.
In this place, in our church shaped by his grace,
Christ, the Bread of life, calls us to service: that
our way of living may be transformed into
compassion and empathy for all we meet.
In our hearts, our mouths, our actions,
the Spirit of holiness gifts us with truth:
that our faltering, fumbling words might
be transfigured into good news.
So let us gather to worship, praying
in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Community Confession
We are incredibly stubborn, O Lord.
We have entered the time when your
Light has been given to the world,
your blessings have been poured out on the world,
and yet all we can think about is our own problems,
our own needs, our own desires….
Help us to desire you, Lord. Help us to yearn for
your presence. Pour your baptismal waters over
us again, cleanse us from our self-indulgence,
self-pity, arrogance and dis-unity.
Nourish and heal us that we may serve you wholly.
Wash away our jealousy, greed, negative thoughts
and behaviors that stand in the way of our truly being
the people you have called us to be.
Let us reflect the blessings offered in
creation, in the birth of Jesus and in
the ministry you call us to participate in.
We pray to you, our God
in community, holy in One.
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 8.09.15 -Imitation
How can we be someone who is kind and useful to the greater community?
How do we hold space for other people’s experiences and pain and hear their story?
What does it look like for us to forgive they way Christ forgave?
Benediction
Go out and imitate God, living in love.
Put your hope in God’s Word, and let your
own words be truthful and constructive.
May sin rouse your anger, but
never let anger cause you to sin.
Do not allow any room for evil.
And may God always hear your voice.
May Christ Jesus raise you to new life;
and may the Holy Spirit nourish you
for the life of love.
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.