Liturgy
God, you are welcome in this place.
You have blessed us beyond measure
by calling us out to be your people
and to do the work of life together.
May we welcome one another into your presence
and recognize what draws us together.
As we look around and see the body of Christ,
many members but all one people;
All living, breathing, laughing, crying,
mourning and celebrating together.
God, reveal your divine essence,
the indistinguishable mixture of flesh and divine.
In your true light cast away the darkness of falsehood,
and help us to become the people you are creating us to be.
May we hold loosely that which was never ours to begin with.
We give thanks and praise to our triune God,
Father,
Son,
and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(Naomi Jackson)
Community Confession
God, in ancient times you called your people out of captivity
and brought them to the land you promised. Throughout your story
we often fall and stumble in our walk to be your people, and hurt
not just ourselves but one another.
Lord, forgive us for the hurt we cause
both intentionally and unintentionally.
We confess that we allow our pain to live inside of us,
settling deep inside before it flares up in aches and discomfort.
God of healing, invite us into the practice of releasing the pain
that we carry inside of us, the sin embodied in our very flesh.
We confess that our frustration cripples our ability to love, as you loved us.
We would rather be mad for the sake of righteousness than be loving
for the sake of Christ who humbled himself.
God of unyielding love, we repent our betrayal
towards you and your good creation.
We confess our pride and high mindedness
can make us lose sight of you Lord.
Humble us, God who brought Israel out of Egypt.
Christ who died, whose innocent blood was shed
to cover death, work us free from embodying
captivity. Release us by the power of your blood.
We turn our eyes and our hearts toward you, God, three in one,
Our Creator,
Our Redeemer,
Our Sustainer,
Amen.
(Naomi Jackson)
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 1.27.19 – Our Bodies As Christ’s Body
How can you remind yourself this week that your being is pre-approved?
What does it look like to embrace your limitations in order to participate in collaboration?
Benediction
We have heard the story of a God who
created humans and planted them in the garden,
A God who rescued his people and gave
them a land flowing with milk and honey,
A God who loved his creation so much, he came
to live with them among the thistles and weeds.
Now, may we stand witness to the story as participants.
God has been and is at work creating a Holy people for himself.
Today Vox, we mark the threshold of this moment.
God has been here all along, and he has brought
us into this place that we may love Christ,
ourselves and each other.
Let us give thanks and celebration for four walls and a roof,
for a calling to be a collective of individuals,
for a work that we cannot accomplish on our own,
and a Divine image that is displayed in brilliant splendor by God’s glory.
Fill up this place with your people and your spirit,
Holy God, it is yours,
Essence,
Image,
and Eternity.
Amen.
(Naomi Jackson)
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.