Liturgy

Ever-present God, you meet us in
the borderlands, in places neither
here nor there, at times when we
are well out of our comfort zone;

even if we don’t know where we’re
going, when we feel most lost,
you are there: thank you, God.

We thank you for all we can learn from
our sisters and brothers who live on the
edge, in the borderlands: about gratitude,
grace and healing hope.

You meet us in the borderlands, to
call us back to you and to remind
us the promise of a coming home,

We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Risen Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Community Confession

Risen Christ, our eternal Savior, like the disciples,
we are gathered together the weeks after Easter:
wondering whether it is true, marveling at the
possibility, and daring to hope.

We confess we default to huddling inside
our sanctuary – a place of safety from all
that might harm us.

Our fears loom large, putting up walls between
us and your gift of peace. We are fearful of being
found out, of being shown for who we are. We are
ashamed of our mistakes and afraid of making more.

Lord, forgive us.
For the times we are afraid of the stranger,
for the times we refuse the stranger, because
we think our resources are just too meager,

Lord, forgive us.
For the times we stereotype the stranger as
an enemy, as dangerous, as inferior somehow,

Lord, forgive us.
For the times we miss the gift of the stranger,
for the times we close our door in fear,
for the times we miss your face in the other,

We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Risen Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 04.30.17 – Live as Foreigners

How can we put aside our entitlement to create space for a posture of humility?
How can we move towards sincere love that doesn’t carry expectations?

Benediction

Go now, and wherever people will hear you,
proclaim the life-changing love of God.

Do not fear your weakness,
for when you are weakest,
Christ’s strength is known.
Travel lightly, live simply,
and honor those who
welcome the gospel.

And may God be your protection
and safe haven; may the power of
Christ Jesus dwell in you; and may
the Holy Spirit be your guide forever.

We go in the name
of the Father,
of the Risen Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Sean Yeh @ Flickr]