Liturgy

We gather together in the presence of our Shepherd God,
who calls us each by name,
who restores our souls,
who leads us in the way of righteousness,
and whose goodness and love never stops pursuing us.

You are our Shepherd.
You provide everything we need.
You let us rest in green meadows
and lead us beside quiet streams.
You renew our strength, and guide us
in ways that bring honor to Your name.

May we find rest in his promise this morning.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

We often live in fear of breaking the rules,
of not living up to expectations,
of not being “good enough.”

Free us, oh Lord, from these cycles of
self-loathing and shame. Show us a path
to radical freedom and palpable grace.

We get so consumed by our own failures
and fears, we sometimes don’t have space
for others and their pain.

Teach us how to love like you – fully and
completely, without criticism or fear.

Show us how to listen and care for others
rooted in the ways of freedom and grace,
without shame or judgement.

In the name of God, the Creator,
Christ, the Risen One,
and the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 4.022.18 – God Is My Shepherd

What kinds of care am I being invited into this week?

Where am I being invited to express and/or relax my agency?

Benediction

God, in his infinite wisdom, created you.
He knew what he was doing.
He made you, because he loves you.

Build this image of yourself in your mind:
you are truly loved by God.

Go out from this place today with that image.
Carry it in your mind and look at it often.
Let the Spirit of God fill you with peace
that you are enough, and let this knowledge
be the starting point for all that you do.

We pray 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 Matt Bower @ Flickr]