Liturgy
Generous God,
in abundance you give us things
both spiritual and physical.
Help us to hold lightly the fading things
of this earth and grasp tightly the lasting
things of your kingdom,
so that what we are and do and say may be
our gifts to you through Christ, who beckons
all to seek the things above, where he lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
We pray to you,
our God in community,
Holy in One.
Amen.
Community Confession
Lord, God, you know our faults,
our failings, the waywardness of
our affections, the times when we
fail to practice what we know,
Yet you love us still, you forgive us,
you are there to comfort us.
You cherish us, guide us and love us,
But we often forget these gifts and
stray far from you, both when days
prove difficult and when we fall into
the lure of comfort and contentment.
Forgive us, loving Shepherd,
and seek us when we are lost.
Give us grace to love what you teach
and to desire what you promise.
In all the changes and chances of this
world, may our hearts be surely fixed
where true contentment, true life is
found, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 7.31.16 – Contentment
What are certain possessions or attachments which we might need to let go of because they generate anxiety and fear?
What are the areas we have neglected in our pursuit of our possessions and attachments?
What do our choices reflect about our value and perspective of our possessions?
Benediction
Go now and take hold of the life that really is
life. Shun the eagerness for money but be rich
in good works. Pursue righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
And may God be our refuge and fortress;
may Christ Jesus free us from all that binds
us; and may the Holy Spirit provide us with
everything for godliness and contentment.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
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.