3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - C

Call to Worship
On this first day, which is holy,
we gather . . .
not alone, but as Christ's Body;
as ones who would suffer together,
we gather . . .
On this day of celebration,
we gather . . .
not in isolation, but in community;
as those who would care for one another,
we gather . . .
On this day of joy, not mourning,
we gather . . .
not with empty hands, or emptier hearts;
but as those baptized in grace's tears,
we gather . . .

Prayer of the Day
Holy God, Word-Giver:
in soft-falling snow,
we hear your joy;
in the whisper of the wind,
we overhear your dreams for us;
in the silence of a frozen night,
we eavesdrop on your grace;
in the prayers of the poor,
we take notice of your compassion.

Jesus Christ, Perfect Word:
overcome our obsession
of focusing on ourselves,
so we might serve;
make us simple enough
to hear your good news
and wise enough
to live it;
enchant our hearts
with your grace,
so we might weep
with those around us.

Holy Spirit, Cup Holder of Living Water:
as we suffer together,
may we drink deeply
from your tenderness;
as we rejoice together,
may we taste your strength;
as we pray together,
may our hearts feast on your love;
as we worship together,
may we hear the Word you have for us.

God in Community, Holy in One,
in these moments, in every moment,
be with us,
even as we pray as Jesus taught us,
Our Father . . .

Call to Reconciliation
We are baptized as individuals, yet called
to live and serve together. We know, and
need to confess, how we have sought to
live for ourselves, not reaching out to others,
and seeing them as parts of Christ's Body.
Join me as we pray, saying,

Unison Prayer of Confession
Rock of our salvation, we know the faults
try to hide from you and others. We have
not cared for all people in the same way.
We do think some are more gifted, or
better, or prettier. We are more willing
to rejoice with someone, than to suffer
with another. We are not sure the prisoners
should be set free, or the poor given hope.

Redeemer of all people, forgive us.
Anoint us with your Spirit's power so our
eyes might be opened and our ears freed
to listen to what Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Savior, teaches us about your love and grace
for our lives.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon
God's Spirit is upon us: the Spirit of
forgiveness, the Spirit of grace, the
Spirit of oneness.
Today, and in all the days to come,
God's Spirit is with us. Thanks be
to the One who is our joy and our
strength. Amen.

(c) 2007 Thom M. Shuman