Liturgy

Sometimes it feels like all we hear are stories
of pain and trauma, of fighting and discord,
stories of disaster and destruction, of people
hurting and abusing each other.

We could use some good news.
This morning, let us take a deep breath.
[pause here for the congregation to take a breath]

May we give God the chance to be present
with us. May we let God in on our hurts,
our pains, our mistakes, and our wrongs.

And may we give God the opportunity
to rewrite these stories into ones
more beautiful, good, and true.

We pray in the name
of God, our Loving Creator,
Jesus, our Friend and Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, Deliverer of Peace.
Amen.

Community Confession

We live among so many
distractions, even good ones.
We often don’t notice you.

Gracious God, extend us your quiet
and your stillness, so that we have
space to find you.

We are quick to rely only on ourselves,
To be consumed by our worries and our
problems. We often ignore you.

Compassionate God, grant us your peace.
Take our burdens and make them light.

Give us true rest on this Sabbath day,
that we may find calm in the midst of our
anxiety and joy in the midst of our pain.

We pray in the name
of God the Creator,
of Christ the Redeemer,
and of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 7.01.18 – Dealing with Pain

Are you currently working through pain in your life? What does that process look like for you?

When you believe your pain or patterns are too much for God, what does that do to your sense of belonging?

Benediction

Vox family, as you leave today,
may you be surrounded by love –

Love that gives you strength to face
deep divisions and disagreements.
Love that shows you kindness when
you admit that you’re wrong.

Love that covers over your judgement
so that you’re free to pass this love to your
neighbors, families, coworkers, and friends.

May this love empower you to forgive –
not just those who have wronged you,
but also yourselves, for as much as we
can love, we have been shown a love
that is a thousand times greater.

So go now in the name
of God, the Creator,
of Christ, the Risen One,
and of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Maya Beano @ Flickr]