May 8, 2016

Liturgy Reflection & Benediction 05.08.2016

Liturgy

We believe in God, who speaks through
prophets and angels and lifts our gaze
up to high and beautiful paths and peaks.

We believe in Christ Jesus, free of corruption,
yet willingly numbered among the sinners,
baptized in the waters of the Jordan.

We believe in the Spirit, who rested on Jesus
like a dove, and inspired him with such love
as the world has not seen before or since.

We believe that those who are baptized into
Christ shall share his Spirit, his mission and
his ultimate victory over sin and death.

We believe that there is no human ability that
can not be enlarged, and no weakness that can
not be used by Christ to the praise of God.

We believe that as children of God, we are the
recipients of a healing grace which precedes
and supersedes all our efforts to be true.

With the help of God, we will attempt to live our
beliefs all the days of our lives, and by his grace,
build up the church with humble service to the world.

We believe and worship
in the name of the Father,
of the risen Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

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 Risen Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 5.08.16 -Receiving Grace

Who are the messengers of grace in our lives?
What are the impediments in our lives that limit our ability to receive grace?
What are some practices that will help us be more aware of God’s grace that is always around us?

Benediction

No matter how low you are or have been,
There is always something in you that is rising,
Lifting you to a new vision of what is possible.

We will trust that God accepts us as we are
And patiently points us to what we may be.

In this we are not alone, for God has
given us all of creation, to inspire us,
to sustain us, and to demonstrate
God’s loving presence.

As faithful followers of Christ, we will join
with creation; in all our actions, we too,
will demonstrate the love of God.

Take this with you: that God’s grace is at
work not only within us, but between us,
And together, we can realize God’s vision
of a just and peaceful world.

In our hearts, in our lives,
in our speech, in our deeds:
The kingdom of God is here;
the kingdom of God is now.

Let us love and serve, knowing
the love of the Father,
the grace of the Risen Son
and the presence of the Holy Spirit, is with us.

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

[Photo by Олександр Дем’яненко @ Flickr]

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