Liturgy

Welcome, welcome, welcome,
we welcome everything that
comes to us today.

You, who are called to follow
the ways of Christ, welcome.
You, who are standing on the
mountaintop, welcome.

You, who are struggling
in the valley, welcome.
You, who are called to hear
the word of God, welcome.

We are called here this morning to receive
and participate in the good work of the Spirit.
We are called to follow the ways of Christ.
We are called to love.

Welcome, you who are called to love.

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

Community Confession

When we’re on top of the mountain, it’s easy to see the way clear.
Left, Right, Straight, and even sometimes U-turns, are knowable
and known. No map is needed here, and optimism is abundant.

God, guide us to breathe into places of certainty with gratitude.

But with each new horror, it’s like walking into a valley
shadowed with fear, pain and torment. Sometimes death.

It feels lonely in these valleys, even though
we often experience them collectively.
In the valley, it is harder to see the way clear.
There is no map in the valley.
God, guide us to breathe into
places of sadness with peace.

Our individual experiences are so unique
that even joy can sometimes feel lonely.
God, guide us to breathe into places
of loneliness with hope.

Yet, we never walk alone.
We may not always see the trail,
but we never walk alone.
God, guide us to breathe into
places of uncertainty with faith.

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

Benediction

Almighty God, only you can bring into order
the unruly wills and affections of sinners.
Grant your people grace to embrace what
you command; that we love one another.

Grant your people the trust to desire what you promise,
that, among the swift and varied changes of the world,
our hearts may surely be fixed where true joys are to be
found: following your example to love one another.

Let us go from here, trusting and loving
in 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 Robert Ogilvie @ Flickr]