Liturgy
With friends and strangers,
with family and neighbors, we gather:
Dwell among us, Healing God,
with your love which never ends.
With faith reaching out to touch,
with hearts straining to trust, we hope:
Dwell among us, Friend of the broken,
with your compassion which makes us whole.
With word and wonder,
with silence and song, we wait:
Dwell among us, our Comforter and Guide,
to lift us to our feet to follow you.
We ask and pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Community Confession
God, You call us to love and to serve others,
but we often get stuck considering what it
might cost us, or whether those we are asked to love
are worthy of our respect, acceptance, and love.
We build walls instead of bridges,
forgetting that everything we have comes
from You and exists for Your glory.
Topple our idols,
Cause our boundaries to crumble
like the walls of Jericho.
Make our hearts like fountains
that overflow into rivers,
where all are invited to come, and drink.
Make our homes dwelling places of your Spirit,
replace our appetites for being right,
for being rich, and for being respected,
with a hunger for your Justice for all people.
We need You, God. Without You, these things
Are impossible, but with You,
all things are possible.
We pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 7.17.16 – Justice
How can we think in terms of system and not individualizing issues?
How can we stand and be near those who are suffering in order to learn more about who God is and who we are?
How do we tend to both the spiritual and physical aspects of injustice and the gospel?
Benediction
In the offering of our gifts,
as well as the living of our days,
may we not grow weary of doing what is right,
but commit to speaking up for the voiceless,
healing the broken,
feeding the hungry,
and all those mercies
which are such a part of the heart of God,
and hopes for all His children.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.