Liturgy

With joy and delight we gather to praise you, Holy God.
We approach you as one community, and thank you for
knowing us fully, and not forcing us to be that which
we were never created to become.

Ever-Creating God, you call us as your children, made
in your image, with a divine spark within each of us.
We give thanks that you understand us, and encourage
us to grow in our knowledge of your limitless wisdom.

Glorious God, you invite us to sink our roots
deep into your love and holiness, and to grow
stronger each day in our faith in you.
May the fruits we bear be consistent
with what you created us to become.

We gather to worship you,
in the name of our Creator God,
of our loving Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide.
Amen.

(modified from a prayer written by Joan Stott)

Community Confession

Merciful God, creator of all that is,
seen and unseen, our delight is in your word
and we have a deep sense of your presence
when we allow it to fill our lives night and day.

For the times when we listen to the advice
of those who rebel against you,
Lord have mercy.

For those times when we gather
instead with those who scorn,
Christ have mercy.

We experience your blessings like a tree
that is planted beside a never-failing stream.
For those times when we do not
bear the fruits of your abundance,
Lord have mercy.

Merciful God, renew us by your nurture and blessing,
so that we may wisely prosper in your ways.

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

(modified from a prayer written by Jeff Shrowder)

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 5.13.18 – Happy Wisdom

Where am I being invited to seek and live into wisdom?

How can I carry the protective parts of myself with compassion and curiosity this week?

Benediction

Go forth into the world trusting with
your hearts the wisdom God bestows
upon those who seek to follow his will.

When called to lead, do so with
humility and confidence in God.

Be in this world a sign of Jesus’ presence.
Share love and compassion with all whom
you encounter.

Live wisely in God’s name,
and glorify him in all you do.

And may the grace, mercy and wisdom of
God be our support, guidance and strength
from this day forward and for ever more.

Live joyfully this week 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 anna war hier @ Flickr]