Liturgy
Lord God, as we gather together today
to hear your word, make us mindful of
the goodness you impart to us.
Make us aware of the goodness
we can impart to those around us.
Lord God, you made us into unique beings.
Give us patience with ourselves as we
sometimes struggle to unfurl.
Lord God, you made us powerful
beings, capable of great love.
Remind us of our calling to live
in that love, and to share it.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
by Sarah Berson
Community Confession
There are many times we fall,
and many times we get back up.
But what are the words we scream
silently or outwardly in the process?
God, forgive us for our frustration when we
expect to be perfect only to find out we’re not.
There are many times we feel lost,
and times when we know where
we’re meant to be.
But what are the evil things we
say when we feel untethered?
Jesus, you showed us how to
have compassion for others.
Teach us to show compassion
to ourselves.
There are many times we offer grace
to others, and fail to offer it to ourselves.
So we fight and do what we think will earn
us the grace we so desperately desire.
Gracious Holy Spirit, renew in us daily the
message that we are safe in your holy love,
and free us from our burdens of self-doubt
so we can live graciously with others.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
by Sarah Berson
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 01.15.17 – Light Calling
What is the invitation today that feels like grace?
What support do I need to engage or reengage my calling in a meaningful way?
Benediction
God’s capacity for love knows no bounds.
So he added to it by creating you.
You, without any of your own pretense,
are truly loved by God.
God made you for a reason, and wherever you are
in discovering that reason, give yourself grace,
trust your courage, and know that no step is a
mistake if you trust in God’s faithfulness.
Go out of this place today as an adventurer.
Let the spirit of God carry you toward the good
work you can do in this life, in this community.
Let your heart be driven by compassion and love.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
by Sarah Berson
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Meronika Gilková @ Flickr]