Liturgy
God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
our days are full of trouble,
our allegiances are tested,
our families are filled with strife,
and our own instincts betray us.
In this time of pain and fracture,
as we see our friends cheer,
as we watch our neighbors cry,
as the cords that bind us strain,
may our strength come always
from your love.
Give us clarity to see as you see,
give us dexterity to be your hands,
give us patience to speak as you speak,
may the body of Christ find its voice,
and may its love shout across every divide.
We ask and pray,
confident in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Community Confession
Lord, you have created a diverse world, a world
full of languages, of nationalities, and ideologies,
and we carry commitments like so many burdens.
Forgive us for confusing our own voices
with the call to be your people.
You have placed us in this place and time,
you have given us the breath in our lungs,
and the bodies we each inhabit.
Forgive us for the selfishness which tells us to
hold back from others the gifts you gave us freely.
Your word is a lamp unto our feet,
your story is a way of life,
your commands are our freedom.
Forgive us for believing that we know better than
what you know is best for ourselves and others.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 01.22.17 – Unity
Where is God asking you to be on the journey towards unity?
In what ways do we need healing in order to walk with others in our lives?
In what ways can we reframe the language and perspective we adopt with others?
Benediction
May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back.
may the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May the road rise to meet you
may the wind be always at your back
may the sun fall warm upon your home
and may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
may blue be the skies above you,
may pure be the joys that surround you,
may true be the hearts that love you, and
may you find peace in the God who saved you.
We pray 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 Brad McMurray @ Flickr]