Liturgy

As we gather around your creations,
In all our weaknesses and strengths,
with our youth-filled spirits and aging bodies,
may we be your people, O God.

Honest in our faith and eager with questions,
singing our praise and whispering our prayers,
may we be your people, O God.

Filled with saintly determination
yet mindful of our human limitations,
may we be your people, O God.

Made strong in your endless love for us,
we know ourselves to be yours and
ask that may we be your people, O God.

And as we dwell together as family, as friends,
as neighbors, as a community, as a city
filled with your beloved people,

may we find both rest and strength
in your eternal love for us, and we praise
you God, our Creator,
Christ, our Savior,
and Holy Spirit, our breath of life.
Amen.

Community Confession

Come with what you have.
For you who grieve this day, know that you are invited
to bring the broken pieces of your heart.
Loving one another, we will discover God’s love for us all.

Come with what you have.
For you who come with gladness, know that your joy will bring peace.
Accepting God’s love, we are called to love one another.

Come with what you have.
For you who are weighed down by too many ‘shoulds’ and ‘what-ifs’,
know that here you may lay down the burdens of guilt and shame.
Loving one another, we will discover God’s grace for us.

Come with what you have.
For you who have the answers, know that new questions await you.
Accepting God’s love, we are called to love one another.

Come with what you have.
For you who come seeking, know your questions are safe
in the presence of God.
Loved by one another, we will discover God’s love for us.

Come and know our Father hears us,
come and find refuge in our Redeemer. Our Creator.

Glory to God, our Creator,
Jesus, our Redeemer,
and to the Holy Spirit, our Constant Friend.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 1.13.19 – A Beloved City

How can we continue to ask questions about our city with intention and humility?

How can we enter spaces of discomfort to form connection?

Benediction

May we go, committed to care for one another
as you have cradled us in your love.

We leave, confident in your mercy
and courageous in our role within our city and world,
inspiring human souls,

that at the dawn of your grace,
our youthful lives
will be spent to love and serve you,

so go forth, in the love
of the Father,
of the Risen Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

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

[Photo by Robert Ogilvie @ Flickr]