Liturgy

Creator God, at the dawn of time,
You created not one living thing, but many.
You bent the boughs of the live oak tree that
we might swing from their mighty branches.
You flattened the paddles of the prickly pear
and left sweet nectar inside.
We rejoice in the life all around us.

You daily craft the streaks of orange in
the sunset so we can glimpse Your glory.
You brush the tide upon the shores
granting cool relief to sandy toes.
The songs of the sparrows tickle
our ears with Your words.
We welcome the life all around us.

You bestowed on each of us unique gifts
for this world, and these blessings flourish
far more in community than in isolation.
For the needs of others, enrich our calling
and enliven our being.
We connect with the life all around us.

With restored unity, we lift up
these many words as one,
in the artistry, blessing, and love
of the Holy Trinity,
amen.

(Elise Bjork)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the Gospel of Mark 5: 21-43.

There was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages
for twelve years. She had heard about Jesus, and came up
behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak.

Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body
that she was healed of her disease. Aware that power had gone
forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said,
“Who touched my clothes?”

He looked all around to see who had done it. And the woman,
knowing what had happened to her, came, fell down before him,
and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith
has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

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.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast 06.27.2021 “Who Touched Me?”

Who has touched you in the last year?

Who has touched you in the last week?

Who has touched us?

Benediction

God, we thank you for Your nearness.
When we feel consumed by illness
or despair, You see us in the crowd.
In faith, we reach for Your cloak.

When we fall distracted by the busy nature
of our world, You gift us with a friend, a love,
or a laugh. You speak Your truth into our hearts.
By Your peace, we are healed.

As we journey through this week, may we
remember those who have touched us and
reflect on the power of those connections.
With gratitude, we live out Your calling.

Holy and Beloved people,
go now in peace
To love and serve the Lord.

With thanks and praise,
we go in the name
of our Healer God,
Communal Christ,
and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

(Elise Bjork)

Go in peace, and live the church.
May you find belonging and community this week.

[Photo by Daria Nepriakhina]