Liturgy

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

You, who are standing on the mountaintop, welcome.
You, who are struggling in the valley, welcome.

You, who stand with a full heart, welcome.
You, who stand with head bowed, welcome.
You, who are called to hear the word of God, welcome.

We are called to live by the Spirit.
We are called to follow the ways of Christ.
We are called to Love.

Welcome, you who are called to Love.

We gather this morning in the name
of our Creator God,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

Oh God, in times where we are choked
by hate, jealousy, fear, breathe into us
love, patience, and faithfulness.

There is no law against Love.

In places where we feel lonely,
abandoned and lost, comfort us
with the presence of your Spirit.

There is no law against Joy.

Show us how to live by the spirit, so that we
can put aside trivial and selfish motivations.
Open our hearts to be guided by the Spirit,
so that we can participate fully in the form
in which we were created:
(which was, is and always will be) Love.

Against kindness, there is no law.
Against patience, there is no law.
Against faithfulness, there is no law.

Teach us to walk in the laws of God;
teach us to walk in the laws of Love.

We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 7.08.18 – Fasting

What has been your understanding of the relationship between your spirit and your body?

What might it look like for you to incorporate a regular practice of fasting?

Benediction

You, who are called to honor
the law of Love, go from this
place with renewed energy
for your task ahead: to Love.

You, who are called to honor the law of freedom,
go from this place called to live by the Holy Spirit.

Go from here with open hands, and open hearts.
Go in faithfulness, that you can receive God’s
love freely and give it freely.

Go as a fully loved, lovable and loving
member of the family of God,
called only to honor the law of Love.

We pray in the name
of our God, the Creator,
of the Son, our Savior,
and of the Holy Spirit, our Breath of life.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Maya Beano @ Flickr]