Liturgy

Beloved community, let’s begin our time
together with a calming, restorative breath.

Holy One, be among us with gentle presence.
If our patience has worn thin, or disappeared,
or we never had any to begin with, give us the
resolve to trust that our needs will be met.
Shelter with us while we wait.

Holy One, rekindle our hope.
May we find our dwelling in your peace,
especially now, in these storms
of isolation, sickness and fear.
Meet us in the chaos and aftermath.

Holy One, be our security.
Remind us of our true selves,
so that we can be your priests and
representatives in our neighborhoods,
schools, workplaces and city.

You have already gifted us the tools.
Now, together, may we rebuild.

We ask you, God, our Creator,
Jesus, our Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, our Breath of Life.
Amen.
(Gina Bastone-Treviño)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from a few Scripture verses today,
starting with 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 5:9-10 and Revelation 11:15.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that
you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

9 They sing a new song: “You are worthy to take
the scroll and to open its seals, for you were
slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed
for God, saints from every tribe and language
and people and nation; you have made them
to be a kingdom and priests serving our God,
and they will reign on earth.”

15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet,
and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
“The kingdom of the world has become the
kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign forever and ever.”

The Good News of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!

The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 02.21.21 Waiting as we Wait

What areas are you called to act as priest and mediator in your spheres of influence?

What areas are you invited to expand the kingdom of God?

Benediction

We know sometimes we are alone,
and sometimes we are in community.

Sometimes we are in shadow,
and sometimes we are surrounded by shelter.

Sometimes we feel like exiles––
in our land, in our languages, and in our bodies.
And sometimes we feel surrounded by welcome.
As we seek to be human together,
may we share the things that do not fade:
generosity, truth-telling, silence, respect, and love.

And may the powers we share
be for the good of all.

And we honour God, the source of this rich life.
And we honour each other, story-full and lovely.

Whether in our shadow or in our shelter,
may we live well,
and fully,
with each other.
Amen.

Go in peace, and live the church.
May you find safety and rest throughout the week.
(Pádraig Ó’Tuama)

[Photo by Soroush Karimi]