Liturgy

Let us begin our liturgy with a prayer.
Our responses will be highlighted in yellow.
We are surprised to find ourselves here
In this time and place we did not anticipate.
We saw ourselves moving forward to new vistas,
Only to find we had wandered off path
Like hikers who realize they have unintentionally circled back.
We look around worriedly to see if this is indeed the same spot.
Did we miss a turn, lose the trail?
What will happen to those in our group who are feeling weak?
We take stock of our collective resources,
Hoping there is enough for our most vulnerable friends.
Carry us forward, oh God, even when we feel lost.
Strengthen us for this journey.
We take a moment to find some gratitude.
The warmth of our coziest fleece,
The relief of a long, cool drink when we are thirsty.
We remember to breathe deeply and think widely
So that we can both be in this moment and see beyond it.
Give us vision, Lord, for other times and places.
Instill us with hope.
We are aware that we are not here alone.
Others need our care and care for us.
When things feel too heavy to bear,
We reach both inward and outward,
Knowing that we are best equipped collectively.
Supply us with all we need, God, within and without,
Do not leave us lonely.
In the name of God, our trailmaker,
Jesus, our companion,
And the Spirit, our navigator.
Amen.
(Vox Prayer Team)

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the gospel according to Luke 4:16-21

16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to
the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to
read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled
the scroll and found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the
Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the
poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight
to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year
of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the
attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on
him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been
fulfilled in your hearing.”

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 & Reflection

Podcast: The Good News Embodied

How do we respond to unexpected invitations to embody good news?

What opportunities resonate for us to embody good news to the most vulnerable?

What is our collective work to embody good news as we move into a new season of Vox (4.0)?

Benediction

Ground us in the small goodnesses, God
Let our favorite song get stuck in our heads.
Blow lavender scents our way.
Wrap us in the coziest of blankets
And show us the beauty of a leaf.
Help us find safe spaces to hang out in,
Relationships where we know we are loved,
Places where all are kind and gentle,
Moments when we can take deep, slow breaths,
And even stretch out on the couch for a nap.
Then wake us to go out again
Into a world that needs our care.
Fill us with energy we can use to make change,
Love that will overflow onto those around us,
And joy in the work you have given us.
In the name of God who sustains us,
Christ who journeys with us,
And the Spirit who comforts us.
Amen.
(Vox Prayer Team)

[Photo by Annie Spratt]