Liturgy

Consider, for a moment, why you are here.
Consider why you came to this place.
Consider your intentions for being here this morning.

Take a breath.

You’re here because of some intention.
It might be to be social, or out of boredom.
It might be because you’re wondering,
it might be to worship.
It might be obligation.

Consider, for a moment, why you are here.

You are welcome here.
You are welcome here.

Whatever your intention, welcome it.
Imagine it in your hand. Hold it in your hand.

We gather in the name of
Our present God,
Our teacher Jesus,
Our comforter Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

God of heaven, when you intended to create
beauty, love and joy, you made the world.
You made people capable of so many things.

When we slip into fruitless or destructive habits,
remind us of our capacity for creativity, and
renew our energy in creative exploration.

Jesus, our teacher, you walked with the people of
Earth with purpose. You didn’t lead from the front,
you didn’t push from behind.
Your intention was clear: to show us how to love.

When we fail to realize that Jesus walked
with us, may we use his life as an example
that teaches us compassionate humanity
and brings us back to the core intention: love.

Holy Spirit, breath of life, you give us the awareness
of our presence of mind. You flow through us.
You show us how to access the secret room of
our spirits where we can fully connect with God.

When we disregard or discount our spirituality,
breathe a renewing breath of presence in
our spirits, and let us rejoin God.

This morning, we set our intention:
to listen,
to rest,
to join together as
we pray in the name of our God,
the compassionate Son,
the guiding Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 9.02.18 – Habits

What habits of thinking, feeling or doing am I being invited to renegotiate?

Where do I hear invitation to direct intimacy?

Benediction

Consider now why you are here today.
Consider now why you are here.

It’s ok if you still aren’t sure.
Being present is all..

Take a breath.

Go out from this place with a renewed intention.
Be renewed in your commitments to love those closest to you.
Be renewed in your intention to understand those furthest from you.
Be renewed in your belief that you are held in the hand of God.
Be renewed in your faith in the good, in hard work, and in honesty.

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 Warren Kirk @ Flickr]