Liturgy

“The miracle of life” has become a catchphrase that cannot
even begin to contain the actual miracle of your life.

The infinite and finite microscopic particles that perform one single minute function
to operate one component of one cell on repeat endlessly so your heart can beat,
your pupils dilate, your breakfast digest, are miraculous.

The electrical impulses that enabled your bones and muscles to arrive here
in this space this morning and to hear these words are constant and reverberate
in a way that only the most sensitive of instruments could ever detect.

Your feelings brighten or shadow your face by the
smallest muscles. To say “the miracle of life” does
not even begin to contain the miracle of your life.

But our God knows that miracle.
Our God knows fully that miracle.
Our God has made you, a miracle.
You are fully joined by God.
You are fully known by God.
You are fully loved by God.

We gather this morning in the name
of our Creator God,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

(Sarah Berson)

Community Confession

When you know something like the back
of your hand, you really, really know it.

But how often do you look at something familiar without love?
How often do you look at your face in the mirror with criticism?
How often do you see your body and feel shame?
How often do you consider your life choices and fear regret?

Our God is not a god of shame.
Our God is not a god of guilt.

The world is critical.
The world is shaming.
The world is hard.

Our God is not these things.
Our God is a God of Love.

It’s easy to dwell on the world’s messages,
and to internalize secret hate. We don’t even
know how often we direct that hate at ourselves.

Our God is a God of acceptance.
Our God is a God of Truth.

We bring our attention now, to this time and place,
and center ourselves on God’s goodness.

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

(Sarah Berson)

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 1.14.18- Knowing

Where do I sense meaning and connection this morning?

What gift am I being invited to receive today?

Benediction

Go now from this place, looking at those around
you as reminders of your own salvation.

In faithfulness, treat everyone you meet with kindness,
as though they had something to teach you about yourself.

Welcome these lessons, as best you can,
with open hands, receptive to the work
God is doing in your heart.

Explore the wilderness and know
you’ll never be lost; you’re tethered
forever to the One who loves you,
gave you breath, and watches
over you at every moment.

So go, 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 Dan Sully @ Flickr]