Liturgy
As the harvest moon lights our path into
autumn, we rejoice at the change of the season.
The fall winds bring a welcome respite
from the heat of the summer.
With gratitude, we sing God’s praise.
As we gather again in this space,
we acknowledge the reticence in returning.
We are filled with anticipation, unsure of what
lies ahead, mourning the distance that lingers in our liturgy.
With empathy, we make space for God’s gifts.
As this treasured community reunites,
we breathe life into our relationships.
We embrace the energy of God’s
beloved and allow ourselves to rest.
With open hearts, we celebrate God’s grace.
With this prayer, unite our voices.
With our song, harmonize our souls.
With our sacraments, soothe our bodies.
We pray, as one body, in the name of
Faith, Hope, and Love,
God, Christ, and Spirit.
Amen.
(Elise Bjork)
Scripture Reading
We invite you to hear from the reading of Psalm 124: 1-8.
1 If the Lord had not been (at) our side,
let Israel now say;
2 If the Lord had not been (at) our side,
when enemies rose up against us;
3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive
in their fierce anger toward us;
4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us
and the torrent gone over us;
5 Then would the raging waters
have gone right over us.
6 Blessed be the Lord!
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the flower;
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
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 – Blessed Be the Lord 09.26.2021
How are you giving yourself permission to share and express gratitude for God’s preservation, presence and protection?
How will you express praise this week/in this season?
Benediction
As we leave this beloved space today, may we
celebrate our belief and lean on others in our unbelief.
Receive the invitation to pause, to feel the wind on your skin,
and to wonder. For God is ever-present, holding us in every
moment, through every feeling.
Just as both growth and decay form winter’s
beauty, so too, are we molded in this season
of change. May we feel the fullness of the
Spirit this week as we live out our truth.
Enter this week, Vox family,
holding fast to the lifeline of prayer.
When you are suffering, call to the Almighty God.
When you are cheerful, praise their Holy Name.
When you are sick, seek healing in our Creator.
With thanks and hope,
we pray all this in the name
of God, the Parent,
Jesus, the Christ-Child,
and the Holy Spirit, Giver of Life,
amen.
(Elise Bjork)
Go in peace, and live the church.
May you find belonging and community this week.
[Photo by Yousef Espanioly]