Liturgy

God our Father –
Giver of good gifts and
Lifter of the downtrodden –
equip us to relax in your love.

We come to this moment weary,
we begin and end our weeks
with achy joints, creaky souls,
and loves strained to breaking.

Both in the church and in the world,
we have been told to earn our keep.
Both in the church and in the world,
we have told others to earn theirs.

We are inclined to require effort
in exchange for love,
We are inclined to require deference
in exchange for respect.

Today, Holy Lord, Wonderful Counselor,
Break the pattern of this world:

Give us the gift of abiding love, O God,
free us from the tyranny of our own standards.
Teach us to find ourselves in your peace,
make us into conduits of your love.

In the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

God, you created us with the capacity to
decide right from wrong, and commanded
us to trust you. But how often do we take
and eat that beautifully ripe piece of fruit?
Forgive us when we seek our
own desires and not yours.

Jesus, you taught us what it means
to sacrifice. To know what is better
for the other, and also the self.
Forgive us when we choose
ourselves and sacrifice the other.

Holy Spirit, you breathe reminders that we are loved,
And yet we still try to make ourselves love-able.
Forgive us when we put on the false self,
trying to make ourselves worthy of love.

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

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 11.05.17 – Release

What burdens am I being invited to release today?
What forgiveness do I need to extend or receive today?

Benediction

Go now, in the freedom
of the gospel of Christ.

Encourage one another daily to lead
lives worthy of God, and create space
to walk together in service and humility.

Let your words and your
lives be one in Christ.

And may the God of lasting love
open the way before you;

May Jesus the Messiah,
be your one instructor;

And may the Holy Spirit lead
you on into the promised land
of God’s kingdom and glory.

Depart this week and every week,
worshipping the name
of God, our Creator,
of Jesus, our Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, our breath of life.
Amen.

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

[Photo by Analogueblues @ Flickr]