Liturgy

You, who are participants in the glory of Love, listen. God is here.
You, who are renewed to new life with each rain, look. God is here.
You, who are given breath so you can speak, breathe deeply. God is here.

We open our hearts to hear the word of God today.
May we receive the love that is in every word, and
may we be comforted by the assurance of God’s presence.

We gather this morning, and we
light the second candle of peace
in the name of
our present God,
our teacher Jesus,
our comforter Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

We crave beauty, vitality and life, and are often
confused by times of uncertainty, fading and death.
It is hard to rest in the knowledge that God will bring
good things out of darkness.

God, help us trust the paths our journeys take,
that you are faithful, and that you hear when we cry out.

When we are in dry places, when we suffer, and when we are
thirsty for peace, breathe life into us, Holy Spirit. May our own
wilderness help us join our neighbors in their journey.

Teach us to rely on each other as
we create our stories of togetherness.

God’s glory is revealed in us,
God’s faithfulness is revealed in us,
and as we bloom, may we welcome
the fragrance of God to bless this Earth.

May God’s glory be revealed,
May God’s faithfulness be revealed.

We pray in the name
of our God,
Jesus the Son,
and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 12.10.17 – Advent: Fading Flowers

What are some of the dry spaces in my journey that I can acknowledge and name today?

What are the fading flowers for me today?

Benediction

You, who are participants in the glory of Love, listen. God is here.
You, who are renewed to new life with each rain, look. God is here.

You, who are given breath so you can speak, breathe deeply. God is here.

May we reflect the light, laughter and truth of Glory revealed.
May we never hesitate to cry out in joy or in pain to a God
who delights in hearing us.

May our hearts drink deeply of the nourishing love of God,
and may our souls find breath so we can speak Truth.

Let us 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 Lukasz Wierzbowski @ Flickr]