Liturgy

God of water and wine,
Bring us together this morning
To pour and drink deeply
From the storehouse of your grace.

After a week of bruises and slights,
A week of unmet hopes,
We are here to rest, to recline
In the living room you have set.

Teach us, Welcoming Spirit,
The look and feel of wonder,
As you ply our minds, bodies, and hearts,
Into vessels of your fullness.

Thank you, Three-Personed God,
For the divine display,
For the holy emanation,
Of the plenty that is love.

In the name of the Father,
Of the Son,
And of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

(Luke Helm)

Community Confession

Holy Vine of Life,
We ask for your sustenance
In the midst of drought—
Press us into a richness we do not know.

Terse and Tender Gardener,
Give us the toughness
To endure the pain of growth—
Prune us in our lifeless places.

Wise and Able Host,
Teach us to include,
Teach us the improvisation of welcome—
Mend our torn and broken wineskins.

God above disaster,
Show us order as you see it,
Orient us to the surprise of holy power—
Prepare us for the mess of change.

God of Creation, God of Glory,
God of Water, God of Whiskey,
God of Feasting, God of Fasting,
Come to us in our great need,
And redeem, redeem, redeem.

We ask in the name
Of our God, the Creator,
Of Christ, our Savior,
And of the Holy Spirit, our Guide.
Amen.

(Luke Helm)

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 1.20.19 – Good Wine

What does receiving welcome look like for me today?

How am I being invited to engage in small welcomes?

Benediction

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,

May the Lord be gracious to you,
Lift up his countenance upon you,
And may the Lord give you peace.

Be blessed, child of love,
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Amen.

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

[Photo by Sayaka Minemura @ Flickr]