Liturgy

The Spirit of God calls us from
many places; some of us come
from busy homes with many
people, some of us live alone.
We are all part of the family.

This week has been different
for each of us; some of us
have happy news we want to
celebrate, some of us face
grief and need comforting.
We are each members of God’s family.

Yet we all come to this place; all of us
seeking God’s presence in our lives,
all of us seeking God’s presence with
each other, all of us seeking to work
and rest in the presence of our Creator.

Together, may we become God’s family
and worship in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Community Confession

Merciful God, we confess how easy it is for us
to begin to adopt the attitudes and rhythm of
the world around us; to let our lives be shaped
only by culture rather than by your call.
Lord, in your mercy, hear and forgive.

We confess how often we think of our own
interests first — more concerned with our
own status than with the well-being of others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear and forgive.

We confess that we have not always treated
one another as valued members of your Body,
the Church; that we have allowed intolerance
and resentment to tear us apart.
Lord, in your mercy, hear and forgive.

We confess that we do not always acknowledge
you as Lord, trusting in our own abilities and
following our own goals rather than submitting
ourselves to your will and your call.
Lord, in your mercy, hear and forgive.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, transform us.
Change us from within, so that our words and our lives
would bring honor and glory to you, our Savior and Lord.

We pray to you,
our God in community,
holy in One.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 5.22.16 -Covenant Member Interviews

What does it mean to covenant with community for the sake of the other?
What does healing look like in your life?
What does relationship and community look like for you?

Benediction

Love the Lord, your God with all of
your heart, your mind and your soul.

May we love God knowing no other substitute
will suffice, that the very mention of God’s
name will be precious as we cleave to our
time of communion with the sacred.

Love your neighbor as yourself.
May we respect the wisdom of our elders.
May we protect the lives and reputations
of those around us. May we cherish the
relationships entrusted to us.

May we nurture and leave what is not ours.
May we learn the value of enough.

Love the Lord your God. May we build
upon our community a solid foundation,
that we may wholly love and serve

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 Gordon Hart @ Flickr]