Liturgy
Each person gathered here today has a story that
is quite different from your own. Collectively, we
bring a wild arrangement of life experiences that
give strength to our community.
As different as we are, we are united in wanting
to love and serve those around us. Some of us
have energy for it now, and others do not.
Lord God, let us recognize when it’s our time
to seek, and when we should wait to be found.
We trust that no matter where we are, you will
find us, because you never left us.
We pray in the name
Of the Father,
Of the Son,
And of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Community Confession
Lord God, you have searched me
and you know me. You know what
I’m about to say before I do.
You’re in my past and in my future.
And still there are things I think
it would be better to hide from you.
God, forgive me for times I choose to hide
from you instead of sitting in your presence.
Jesus, you never showed anything other
than compassion to those who asked for it.
And yet, I often reject your message to live in
a real, honest way, especially when I’m afraid.
Jesus, help me look at myself the way you do,
and to treat others with your grace and love.
Holy Spirit, show me the truth about myself.
Give me courage to confront what I fear most,
compassion to regard myself with kindness,
and wisdom, that I might live a life full of light.
You make all things new.
Renew your Spirit in me today.
We pray in the name
Of the Father,
Of the Son,
And of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 02.26.17 – Stories We Tell
What am I hiding that God is inviting me to bring into the light?
What would it look like to share my fears with God in a meaningful way this week?
Benediction
May you be open to finding
light in the darkness.
May the rain that falls
on you be your baptism.
May your tears bring release, their
salt a reminder of your strength.
May you never close yourself
off to truth because of fear.
May each new day be an opportunity
for you to live the fullness of life.
May you live in freedom, as
one truly Beloved of God.
So let us leave,
praising 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 Srikanth Jandhyala @ Flickr]