Liturgy

Lord, here we are again at your table,
gathered with friends and strangers
alike to listen and pray and sing
together in this place of safety.

Safety to worship you as we are led,
safety to let down our guard,
safety to ask the questions that
burn in us and keep us up at night.

We thank you for that space, and
for this space, connected through
your Holy Spirit with those next to us.

We gather this morning
in the name of the loving Father,
the Risen Son,
and the Holy Spirit,
amen.

Community Confession

Lord, for the times we live and are controlled
by stubborn hearts and hard heads.
Have mercy and forgive us.

You gave your life for us and taught us
to love others, yet we fail to follow your
command with all our hearts.
Have mercy and change us.

Too often we are selfish and proud,
ignoring you, Lord, and neglecting
others for our own causes.
Have mercy and cleanse us.

Lord, in our fear and uncertainty, we
question your ability and your presence.
Have mercy and comfort us.

Father, through the redeeming death of your
Son on the cross, by your Spirit and your word,
transform and renew us to follow you with joy.

All this we ask, confident in
your unchanging faithfulness,
God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast 10.15.17 – Great Questions

How can you embrace your questions of Scripture and faith?
How can you celebrate a mistake, wrong answer, or failure as part of your spiritual practice?

Benediction

Friends, may we leave this place
full of questions about ourselves,
about God, about the life we live.

May we welcome these questions
both in ourselves and from others
for the opportunities they offer
to learn. To grow. To mature.

Lead us to more faith and trust in Him
no matter what comes our way, and may we
face it with love for God and our neighbors,

as we go in the name
of the Almighty God,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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

[Photo by Nicola Odemann @ Flickr]