Call to Worship
On glory's mountaintops of wonder and delight, we wait:
for God's amazing grace to transform our shadowed lives.
In the valleys of everyday life, where noise overwhelms us, we wait:
willing to waste time simply being in God's presence.
In the devouring fires of fear, in the mist of misguided living, we wait,
for the One who comes in majesty, to lead us down the paths of humility.
Prayer of the Day
When you could stay
hidden behind your glory,
you send Jesus,
to show us your heart.
When you could
remain silent for all time,
you wishper your hopes
to us in every moment.
When you could remain
on the pinnacle of our praises,
you enter the depths
of our shadowed lives.
Splendor's glory:
You are holy!
When we bump along
over the potholes of impatience,
you smooth out our lives
with your wisdom.
When we live in
the hollows of hopelessness,
you would transfigure us
with your joy.
When we wander the lone
valleys of grief and death,
you are beside us,
holding our hearts.
Humility's Lover -
You are holy!
You transform every day events
into miracles of awe;
you text message joy
onto the emptiness of our souls;
you enter the fog
of our feeble, fear-filled faith,
to reveal to us
the morning star of hope.
Glory's Mystery -
You are holy!
God in Community, Holy in One,
you are the glory of our mountaintops
and the comfort of our valleys,
even as we pray, saying,
Our Father...
Call to Reconciliation
Sometimes it seems that we wait for God to astound us with mighty wonders, while God knows that what we need is grace. God waits to forgive us, so let us hold nothing back, but trust in the One who listens to our prayers and answers us with mercy,
Unison Prayer of Confession
God of mountaintops, the din of the world can harden our hearts to your Word. We watch news, reality TV, silly sitcoms, yet have trouble bearing witness to your oresence in our lives. Our faith is placed in those who fail us, our trust is given to those who misplace it.
Forgive us, Revealer of Mystery. You offer mercy to us, that we might hear your call to discipleship. You whisper our names, that we might know how loved we are. Caught by the surprise of your never-ending love for us, how can we not follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, onto the mountaintops of worship and into the valleys of sacrifice and service.
Silent Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
On mountaintops and in the valleys, in our homes and in our hearts, God knows us better than we know ourselves, and God forgives us when we cannot forgive ourselves.
By God's mercy, we are forgiven.
By God's mercy, we are made whole.
By God's mercy, we are equipped to serve others.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
People of God, lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord our God.
People of God, give thanks to the One
who meets us on the mountaintops of glory
and in the valleys of service.
It is good and right to give praise
to the One who is with us in every moment.
Shaper of mountains
and Carver of rivers:
it is our greatest joy to offer you
our praise and thanksgiving in these moments.
All things in every place
were created by you
to rejoice in your radiant splendor.
Created by you to live in your garden
of hope and joy,
we believed in the shrewd schemes of the world,
and wandered into the valleys of death and sin.
But you did not forsake us,
but became one of us
that we might be transformed
into new life.
You gave us the Breath of life
and the Word of grace
so all the living could find voice
to sing your glory.
Therefore, we join with those
of every time and place
singing the ancient hymn of majesty and glory:
Sanctus
Mighty God, lover of justice,
you are seated upon the praises of your people.
On the mountain of holiness
you proclaimed Jesus Christ as your Beloved,
the hope of all your children.
He descended the mountain of glory
to climb up a garbage heap called Calvary.
When he could have stayed with Moses and Elijah,
he chose to be crucified between two thieves.
When he could have taken shelter
within your love and hope,
he endured the corss of pain and suffering.
And so, we proclaim our faith
as we come to your Table:
Memorial Acclamation
Descend upon us, Holy Spirit,
and on these gifts of the Bread and the Cup.
As we share them with one another,
may we be restored to wholeness.
May Christ's return in faith
find us in service to others;
may Christ's return in hope,
find us praying for others;
may Christ's return in love,
find us reconciled with one another.
And when Christ comes again in glory,
all people will be set free,
all brokenness will be made whole,
and all creation will sing:
through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
Call to Worship
As he walked by a lake, Jesus called folks to follow him.
And immediately, immediately!,
they left their work and went with him.
As Jesus journeys through our lives, he asks us to follow him.
In this moment, in this moment!,
we have the chance to leave the past behind,
and pursue him into God's future.
As Jesus wanders in our world, he invites others to join him.
We would join him in this ministry,
reaching out to our neighbors,
without delay, without delay!
Prayer of the Day
When we get scared
in the middle of life,
you hide us
under the blanket of your grace;
when we struggle
with those who don't like us,
you lift us up
to see the Prince of Peace
coming to make us one;
when we are lost,
you stop playing hide-and-seek
and call us home.
One thing we ask,
God of our hearts:
be gracious to us!
When our sin-parched throats
crack trying to whisper your name,
you teach us glad songs;
when we are afraid
of what is hidden
in the shadows of life,
you take our hand
so we can walk
in your Light;
when we are alone,
we discover your face
in every person we meet.
One thing we ask,
Playmate of Peace:
keep calling us to follow!
When we no longer
see eye-to-eye,
you cleanse our sight
with living waters;
when we are stooped
by the beams of our burdens,
you twist and shape them
into a kids' playground;
when we find ourselves
living in sorrow's city,
you pack us up and move us
into hope's neighborhood.
One thing we ask,
Foolish Grace:
walk with us!
One thing we ask,
God in Community, Holy in One:
listen to us as we pray, saying,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
When we are embarrassed by how we have treated others, God invites us to seek the face of grace. When we regret foolish words that cannot be taken back, God reminds us of the hope which comes to us in every moment. Let us confess our lives to the One who not only hears us, but answers us with forgiveness.
Unison Prayer of Confession
We are reluctant to admit all the ways we have failed to be your people. Created to be one Body, Holy Hope, we are often torn apart by petty squabbles. Called to follow, we push and shove for first place in line. Invited to seek your face, we have trouble looking our sisters and brothers in the eye.
You have promised to be our Light, Healing Heart, so lead us from the shadows of our sin and silliness. You have promised to be our salvation, so set us free to explore the depths of your heart. You have promised to lead us into your kingdom, so show us how to join hands with one another, as we follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
Right now, right now!, Christ proclaims the good news to us; Christ teaches us how to live with one another; Christ tears down the barriers between us.
In God's math, joy is multiplied that we cannot compute the number - we can only welcome this gift into our hearts, to share it with everyone we meet. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Into the gloom of chaos,
a Light burst forth,
God of all time.
This light shone on life
in all its variety;
it lit the way for the sea
as it danced along
the beaches of glory;
it twinkled in the night,
reflected in the eyes
of your beloved children,
created in your image.
When we could
have been playing leapfrog
in the meadows of Eden,
we chose to stalk through
the shadows of sin and death.
The prophets came, inviting us
to leave our hidden lives,
so we could dwell in your heart,
but we chose cast our gaze
at the temptations of the world.
Finally, your sorrow multiplied
beyond all measure,
you sent Jesus to proclaim the good news.
So, with those who lived in the former times,
and with those who will dwell in the latter moments,
we lift our glad songs of grace to you:
Sanctus
Holy are you, God of all joy,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Lord.
When he could have withdrawn
into your eternal glory,
he came to us,
that we might be brought
into your hopeful heart.
When he could have ignored
our foolish fighting,
he came to tear down
the barriers we have built,
that we might be one with you.
When he have claimed all power,
he emptied himself
of your love and life,
that we might be filled
with your peace forever.
As we celebrate his life and death,
as we sing of our joy multiplied
by the joy of your love,
we speak of that mystery we call faith:
Memorial Acclamation
Pour out your Spirit
upon the bread and the cup,
simple gifts with the sole purpose
of restoring us to wholeness,
and making us one with you
and with all our sisters and brothers.
As we gather around your Table,
may we break the boundaries
of fear, of hurt, of loss
which separate us,
so we may serve each other.
As we turn from the Table,
may we see those
who are lost and alone
in our neighborhoods and homes,
so we might carry grace
to share with them.
As we hear your whispers
of hope and peace
in our hearts,
may we call to everyone we meet,
'Come and join us;
we will lead you
to the hope you are longing for!'
And when all time, former and latter,
have come to an end,
and we have left gloom and desolation behind
to live in your Light forever,
we will join our hands
to dance in your glory,
singing glad songs for all eternity,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
As he walked by a lake, Jesus called folks to follow him.
And immediately, immediately!,
they left their work and went with him.
As Jesus journeys through our lives, he asks us to follow him.
In this moment, in this moment!,
we have the chance to leave the past behind,
and pursue him into God's future.
As Jesus wanders in our world, he invites others to join him.
We would join him in this ministry,
reaching out to our neighbors,
without delay, without delay!
Prayer of the Day
When we get scared
in the middle of life,
you hide us
under the blanket of your grace;
when we struggle
with those who don't like us,
you lift us up
to see the Prince of Peace
coming to make us one;
when we are lost,
you stop playing hide-and-seek
and call us home.
One thing we ask,
God of our hearts:
be gracious to us!
When our sin-parched throats
crack trying to whisper your name,
you teach us glad songs;
when we are afraid
of what is hidden
in the shadows of life,
you take our hand
so we can walk
in your Light;
when we are alone,
we discover your face
in every person we meet.
One thing we ask,
Playmate of Peace:
keep calling us to follow!
When we no longer
see eye-to-eye,
you cleanse our sight
with living waters;
when we are stooped
by the beams of our burdens,
you twist and shape them
into a kids' playground;
when we find ourselves
living in sorrow's city,
you pack us up and move us
into hope's neighborhood.
One thing we ask,
Foolish Grace:
walk with us!
One thing we ask,
God in Community, Holy in One:
listen to us as we pray, saying,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
When we are embarrassed by how we have treated others, God invites us to seek the face of grace. When we regret foolish words that cannot be taken back, God reminds us of the hope which comes to us in every moment. Let us confess our lives to the One who not only hears us, but answers us with forgiveness.
Unison Prayer of Confession
We are reluctant to admit all the ways we have failed to be your people. Created to be one Body, Holy Hope, we are often torn apart by petty squabbles. Called to follow, we push and shove for first place in line. Invited to seek your face, we have trouble looking our sisters and brothers in the eye.
You have promised to be our Light, Healing Heart, so lead us from the shadows of our sin and silliness. You have promised to be our salvation, so set us free to explore the depths of your heart. You have promised to lead us into your kingdom, so show us how to join hands with one another, as we follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
Right now, right now!, Christ proclaims the good news to us; Christ teaches us how to live with one another; Christ tears down the barriers between us.
In God's math, joy is multiplied that we cannot compute the number - we can only welcome this gift into our hearts, to share it with everyone we meet. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Into the gloom of chaos,
a Light burst forth,
God of all time.
This light shone on life
in all its variety;
it lit the way for the sea
as it danced along
the beaches of glory;
it twinkled in the night,
reflected in the eyes
of your beloved children,
created in your image.
When we could
have been playing leapfrog
in the meadows of Eden,
we chose to stalk through
the shadows of sin and death.
The prophets came, inviting us
to leave our hidden lives,
so we could dwell in your heart,
but we chose cast our gaze
at the temptations of the world.
Finally, your sorrow multiplied
beyond all measure,
you sent Jesus to proclaim the good news.
So, with those who lived in the former times,
and with those who will dwell in the latter moments,
we lift our glad songs of grace to you:
Sanctus
Holy are you, God of all joy,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Lord.
When he could have withdrawn
into your eternal glory,
he came to us,
that we might be brought
into your hopeful heart.
When he could have ignored
our foolish fighting,
he came to tear down
the barriers we have built,
that we might be one with you.
When he have claimed all power,
he emptied himself
of your love and life,
that we might be filled
with your peace forever.
As we celebrate his life and death,
as we sing of our joy multiplied
by the joy of your love,
we speak of that mystery we call faith:
Memorial Acclamation
Pour out your Spirit
upon the bread and the cup,
simple gifts with the sole purpose
of restoring us to wholeness,
and making us one with you
and with all our sisters and brothers.
As we gather around your Table,
may we break the boundaries
of fear, of hurt, of loss
which separate us,
so we may serve each other.
As we turn from the Table,
may we see those
who are lost and alone
in our neighborhoods and homes,
so we might carry grace
to share with them.
As we hear your whispers
of hope and peace
in our hearts,
may we call to everyone we meet,
'Come and join us;
we will lead you
to the hope you are longing for!'
And when all time, former and latter,
have come to an end,
and we have left gloom and desolation behind
to live in your Light forever,
we will join our hands
to dance in your glory,
singing glad songs for all eternity,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
Monday, January 14, 2008
Ordinary Time 2-A
Call to Worship
In the bleak mid-winter, we wait:
for the One who warms us
with stories of love and hope.
In the stillness of a snowfall, we wait:
for the One who clears a path
so we may follow in faith.
In the shadows of life, we wait:
for the One who lights
the way through the world.
Prayer of the Day
Like a teacher
who bends down
to hear a shy student,
you listen to our hearts;
like a fellow hiker,
you reach down
and pull us out
when we have fallen
into desolation's pit.
You are faithful,
Steadfast Love.
Like a school custodian,
you scrub the grafitti
off our graceless lives;
like a nurse,
you clean out our ears
so we can hear
the hurt and loss around us,
as well as your gentle reminder,
"what are you looking for?
Those are the ones to help."
You are faithful,
Servant of the poor.
Like a best friend,
you whisper peace
into our quaking ears;
like a debate student,
you testify about
God's never-ending love;
like an innocent child,
you see wonder in every moment.
You are faithful,
Spirit of Salvation.
God in Community, Holy in One,
we proclaim your faithfulness even,
as in faith, we pray as we are taught,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Called to follow, we often trip over our temptations, falling flat on our faith. But God picks us up, sets us on the solid ground of grace, and sends us out as servants. Let us cofess our sins to the One who is always faithful.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Shaped, formed, born to be servants, Faithful One, we spend so much time focused on ourselves. Called to be saints, we deeply despise those with whom we disagree. Challenged to testify about the good news, we keep silent, hoarding stories of joy and hope for ourselves.
Forgive us, Merciful Lamb. Give us open ears, that we might hear your words of pardon; give us open eyes, that we might see those you would have us serve; give us open hearts, that we might welcome the One who takes away our sins, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
Listen! Before you were born, God called you by name, claiming you as God's child. Pay attention! You are forgiven.
We will not keep silent. We will tell, and we will sing; we will whisper, and we will shout: God is faithful! Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
You called creation into existence,
Gatherer of goodness.
You shaped the hollows
to hold the waters of life,
you formed the stars
to glitter in the night sky,
and the suns to warm
all you created.
Before we were born from dust,
you named us as your own,
giving us breath that
we might honor you with our lives.
But when the world asked
about your constant love,
and death wondered if
your were indeed faithful,
we responded, 'we do not know God,'
and planted our feet deep
into the mud of sin and desolation.
Deeply distressed by our rebellion
hoping to bring us back to you,
you sent the prophets
to gather us home.
But we abhorred their advice,
and silenced them with our laughter.
So you sent Jesus,
the One we were looking for,
even though we did not know.
So, we join our voices with all who,
in every place and time,
call on Jesus' name, singing:
Sanctus
Holy are you, Gatherer of the lost,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
Salvation's Servant and our Lord.
He came,
opening our eyes so we could see
your light shining in our shadows;
he came,
testifying that your love and faithfulness
were the bookends
holding together our lives;
he came,
to carry our sins to the cross,
so they would be left behind
in sin's grave forever,
as the Risen Lord comes
to lead your people
back into the kingdom.
As we remember his birth, his life,
his words and wonders, his death and love,
we would speak of that mystery we call faith:
Memorial Acclamation
As you gather us around the Table,
pour out your Spirit
upon the gifts of the bread and the cup,
and upon those who come,
longing to do your will
and to follow you faithfully.
May the bread which has been broken
shape us as servants
to a world shattered
by injustice and hopelessness;
as we drink from the cup,
may our hearts be reformed
so we would hear the cries
of the lost, the last, the least;
as we are embraced in your grace,
may we be reborn, not as saints
who can bask in our own glory,
but as servants who,
abundant in gifts beyond measure,
would pour them out
for everyone we meet.
And when creation has been reborn
into the new heaven and the new earth,
and we are gathered around
the Marriage Banquet of the Lamb,
we will not keep silent
but tell and sing, whisper and shout
of your grace and of your peace,
of your faithful and constant love,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
In the bleak mid-winter, we wait:
for the One who warms us
with stories of love and hope.
In the stillness of a snowfall, we wait:
for the One who clears a path
so we may follow in faith.
In the shadows of life, we wait:
for the One who lights
the way through the world.
Prayer of the Day
Like a teacher
who bends down
to hear a shy student,
you listen to our hearts;
like a fellow hiker,
you reach down
and pull us out
when we have fallen
into desolation's pit.
You are faithful,
Steadfast Love.
Like a school custodian,
you scrub the grafitti
off our graceless lives;
like a nurse,
you clean out our ears
so we can hear
the hurt and loss around us,
as well as your gentle reminder,
"what are you looking for?
Those are the ones to help."
You are faithful,
Servant of the poor.
Like a best friend,
you whisper peace
into our quaking ears;
like a debate student,
you testify about
God's never-ending love;
like an innocent child,
you see wonder in every moment.
You are faithful,
Spirit of Salvation.
God in Community, Holy in One,
we proclaim your faithfulness even,
as in faith, we pray as we are taught,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Called to follow, we often trip over our temptations, falling flat on our faith. But God picks us up, sets us on the solid ground of grace, and sends us out as servants. Let us cofess our sins to the One who is always faithful.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Shaped, formed, born to be servants, Faithful One, we spend so much time focused on ourselves. Called to be saints, we deeply despise those with whom we disagree. Challenged to testify about the good news, we keep silent, hoarding stories of joy and hope for ourselves.
Forgive us, Merciful Lamb. Give us open ears, that we might hear your words of pardon; give us open eyes, that we might see those you would have us serve; give us open hearts, that we might welcome the One who takes away our sins, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
Listen! Before you were born, God called you by name, claiming you as God's child. Pay attention! You are forgiven.
We will not keep silent. We will tell, and we will sing; we will whisper, and we will shout: God is faithful! Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
You called creation into existence,
Gatherer of goodness.
You shaped the hollows
to hold the waters of life,
you formed the stars
to glitter in the night sky,
and the suns to warm
all you created.
Before we were born from dust,
you named us as your own,
giving us breath that
we might honor you with our lives.
But when the world asked
about your constant love,
and death wondered if
your were indeed faithful,
we responded, 'we do not know God,'
and planted our feet deep
into the mud of sin and desolation.
Deeply distressed by our rebellion
hoping to bring us back to you,
you sent the prophets
to gather us home.
But we abhorred their advice,
and silenced them with our laughter.
So you sent Jesus,
the One we were looking for,
even though we did not know.
So, we join our voices with all who,
in every place and time,
call on Jesus' name, singing:
Sanctus
Holy are you, Gatherer of the lost,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
Salvation's Servant and our Lord.
He came,
opening our eyes so we could see
your light shining in our shadows;
he came,
testifying that your love and faithfulness
were the bookends
holding together our lives;
he came,
to carry our sins to the cross,
so they would be left behind
in sin's grave forever,
as the Risen Lord comes
to lead your people
back into the kingdom.
As we remember his birth, his life,
his words and wonders, his death and love,
we would speak of that mystery we call faith:
Memorial Acclamation
As you gather us around the Table,
pour out your Spirit
upon the gifts of the bread and the cup,
and upon those who come,
longing to do your will
and to follow you faithfully.
May the bread which has been broken
shape us as servants
to a world shattered
by injustice and hopelessness;
as we drink from the cup,
may our hearts be reformed
so we would hear the cries
of the lost, the last, the least;
as we are embraced in your grace,
may we be reborn, not as saints
who can bask in our own glory,
but as servants who,
abundant in gifts beyond measure,
would pour them out
for everyone we meet.
And when creation has been reborn
into the new heaven and the new earth,
and we are gathered around
the Marriage Banquet of the Lamb,
we will not keep silent
but tell and sing, whisper and shout
of your grace and of your peace,
of your faithful and constant love,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
Monday, January 07, 2008
Baptism of the Lord - A
Call to Worship
When we are reluctant to dip our toes into faith's river,
Jesus comes, to teach us how to swim.
When we are hesitant to cup our hands to drink from the fountain of grace,
Jesus comes, to reach in and splash our faces with God's joy.
When we are unwilling to be the pipeline of hope,
Jesus comes, to turn on the faucets God has installed in our hearts.
Prayer of the Day
When we clasp the past
tight to our fading memories,
you come, Glory of Creation:
to strip us bare
of all pride and pretense,
with your future;
to slip the latch
on the fears and worries
which keep us bound
from following you;
to stand with us
when death and sin
try to bully us.
And we cry, 'Glory!'
When our faith flickers
in the shadows of chaos,
you come, Servant of sinners:
to be the grace-crier
through the streets of our hearts;
to teach eager students
the songs of peace and hope;
to open our eyes
heavy-lidded by indifference.
And we cry, 'Glory!'
When we are dubious
about being disciples,
you come, Baptism's Spirit:
to journey with peace-walkers
through the world's violent streets;
to strengthen us
when we are bent by doubt;
to anoint us with rivers
of grace, hope, and reconciliation.
And we cry, 'Glory!'
God in Community, Holy in One,
we cry 'Glory!' to you,
even as we pray as we have been taught,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
The psalmist tells us that the One whose voice can knock trees to the ground listens to our hesitant prayers which speak of our sin, of how we have hurt others, as well as God. Join me, as we pray to the One who will bless us with peace and forgiveness.
Unison Prayer of Confession
You would have all people hear of your grace, Servant God, but we hinder your efforts by hoarding your Word for ourselves. You would have hope flow through our neighborhoods, but we thwart your plans by damming it up in our hearts. You would have us skip into your kingdom, but we frustrate your future by clinging so tightly to those grudges we have carried for so long.
Have mercy on us, Shaker of our wildernesses, and unlock the shuttered doors of our hearts. Remind us that at our baptism you touch us with the waters of life, promise to be with us always, and call us your beloved, even as you sang your joy to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, at the waters of the Jordan.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
You know the good news God has proclaimed to you: we are called to let go of the past, and to walk, hand in hand with the Spirit, into the kingdom.
God forgives us, accepts us, and sends us forth to do good, and to testify about the One who baptizes us in the water and the Spirit. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
People of the living waters: the Lord be with you!
And also with you!
Beloved of the Lord, lift your hearts to God.
We lift our grace-washed hearts to the One who pours hope into us.
Children of the Spirit, offer your thanksgiving and praises to God.
We sing 'Glory' to the God who baptizes us with water and the Spirit.
You immersed chaos
in the waters of creation,
God of new beginnings.
You stretched the sky
to fill it with shimmering stars,
and taught the planets
to prance like deer.
The mountains skipped with delight,
dancing round and round with the rivers.
You took us by the hand
to play in Eden's joy,
but we broke free
to go running after
sin and death.
You asked the prophets
to bear witness to all you did,
are doing, and will do,
but we were averse
to listening to their advice.
So you sent Jesus,
letting go of your glory,
to come to us
with your hope and redemption.
So, with those who have wandered
through every wilderness,
and those who have waded
in the waters of life,
we praise you that, in our baptism,
we are made one with those
of every place and time
forever singing of your grace:
Sanctus
Holy are you, hurler of the heavens,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
your Beloved, our Servant and Lord.
When the evil one
bullied us with fear,
he came to stand with us
filling us with hope.
When we huddled in the shadows
of despair and doubt,
he came to be the Light
showing the path to faith.
When death was convinced
it had won the final battle,
you gave him the go-ahead
to leave the grave,
to lead us back home.
In the baptism of his suffering and death,
in his journey through the waters of resurrection,
we are united with him,
even as we speak of that mystery we call faith,
Memorial Acclamation
Pour out your Spirit of grace
upon the gifts of the bread and the cup
and on those who gather to eat and drink
with the Risen Lord.
When we have been fed by your life,
and refreshed by your hope,
may we go forth
to bear witness to your presence
in our lives and in our world.
With your Spirit upon us,
send us out:
to speak of your peace,
so that all violence might end;
to bring healing
to all tyrannized by terror;
to work for justice
in all the brokenness of our times;
to welcome all
with the inclusive love
you have shown to us.
And when we gather at the banquet
you have catered with your joy and love,
we will join hands with all
gathered around the Table of grace and peace,
singing 'Glory! Glory! Glory!' to you,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
When we are reluctant to dip our toes into faith's river,
Jesus comes, to teach us how to swim.
When we are hesitant to cup our hands to drink from the fountain of grace,
Jesus comes, to reach in and splash our faces with God's joy.
When we are unwilling to be the pipeline of hope,
Jesus comes, to turn on the faucets God has installed in our hearts.
Prayer of the Day
When we clasp the past
tight to our fading memories,
you come, Glory of Creation:
to strip us bare
of all pride and pretense,
with your future;
to slip the latch
on the fears and worries
which keep us bound
from following you;
to stand with us
when death and sin
try to bully us.
And we cry, 'Glory!'
When our faith flickers
in the shadows of chaos,
you come, Servant of sinners:
to be the grace-crier
through the streets of our hearts;
to teach eager students
the songs of peace and hope;
to open our eyes
heavy-lidded by indifference.
And we cry, 'Glory!'
When we are dubious
about being disciples,
you come, Baptism's Spirit:
to journey with peace-walkers
through the world's violent streets;
to strengthen us
when we are bent by doubt;
to anoint us with rivers
of grace, hope, and reconciliation.
And we cry, 'Glory!'
God in Community, Holy in One,
we cry 'Glory!' to you,
even as we pray as we have been taught,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
The psalmist tells us that the One whose voice can knock trees to the ground listens to our hesitant prayers which speak of our sin, of how we have hurt others, as well as God. Join me, as we pray to the One who will bless us with peace and forgiveness.
Unison Prayer of Confession
You would have all people hear of your grace, Servant God, but we hinder your efforts by hoarding your Word for ourselves. You would have hope flow through our neighborhoods, but we thwart your plans by damming it up in our hearts. You would have us skip into your kingdom, but we frustrate your future by clinging so tightly to those grudges we have carried for so long.
Have mercy on us, Shaker of our wildernesses, and unlock the shuttered doors of our hearts. Remind us that at our baptism you touch us with the waters of life, promise to be with us always, and call us your beloved, even as you sang your joy to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, at the waters of the Jordan.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
You know the good news God has proclaimed to you: we are called to let go of the past, and to walk, hand in hand with the Spirit, into the kingdom.
God forgives us, accepts us, and sends us forth to do good, and to testify about the One who baptizes us in the water and the Spirit. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
People of the living waters: the Lord be with you!
And also with you!
Beloved of the Lord, lift your hearts to God.
We lift our grace-washed hearts to the One who pours hope into us.
Children of the Spirit, offer your thanksgiving and praises to God.
We sing 'Glory' to the God who baptizes us with water and the Spirit.
You immersed chaos
in the waters of creation,
God of new beginnings.
You stretched the sky
to fill it with shimmering stars,
and taught the planets
to prance like deer.
The mountains skipped with delight,
dancing round and round with the rivers.
You took us by the hand
to play in Eden's joy,
but we broke free
to go running after
sin and death.
You asked the prophets
to bear witness to all you did,
are doing, and will do,
but we were averse
to listening to their advice.
So you sent Jesus,
letting go of your glory,
to come to us
with your hope and redemption.
So, with those who have wandered
through every wilderness,
and those who have waded
in the waters of life,
we praise you that, in our baptism,
we are made one with those
of every place and time
forever singing of your grace:
Sanctus
Holy are you, hurler of the heavens,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
your Beloved, our Servant and Lord.
When the evil one
bullied us with fear,
he came to stand with us
filling us with hope.
When we huddled in the shadows
of despair and doubt,
he came to be the Light
showing the path to faith.
When death was convinced
it had won the final battle,
you gave him the go-ahead
to leave the grave,
to lead us back home.
In the baptism of his suffering and death,
in his journey through the waters of resurrection,
we are united with him,
even as we speak of that mystery we call faith,
Memorial Acclamation
Pour out your Spirit of grace
upon the gifts of the bread and the cup
and on those who gather to eat and drink
with the Risen Lord.
When we have been fed by your life,
and refreshed by your hope,
may we go forth
to bear witness to your presence
in our lives and in our world.
With your Spirit upon us,
send us out:
to speak of your peace,
so that all violence might end;
to bring healing
to all tyrannized by terror;
to work for justice
in all the brokenness of our times;
to welcome all
with the inclusive love
you have shown to us.
And when we gather at the banquet
you have catered with your joy and love,
we will join hands with all
gathered around the Table of grace and peace,
singing 'Glory! Glory! Glory!' to you,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Epiphany-A
Greeting
Wake up, sleepyheads! Get out of bed!
Turn toward the sunlight,
the dawninong of God's glory for you!
Look! Look who is coming!
God's children approach . . .
sons dancing down the street;
daughters turning cartwheels with joy!
Call to Worship
We gather wondering, 'Where will we find the Babe born in Bethlehem?'
We will find the Babe
in the laughter of children,
in the wisdom of grandparents.
We gather asking, 'where will we find the Child of Christmas?'
We will find the Child
where the needy are gifted with hope,
where the oppressed are set free.
We gather wanting to know, 'where will we find the Christ who has come for us?'
We will find our Hope
where fear is overwhelmed by grace,
where hatred is overwhelmed by love,
where all people are overwhelmed by joy.
Prayer of the Day
We have heard
of your grace,
Shaper of stars;
from those set free
from injustice;
from our children
who whisper of your joy;
from greeters
of dawn's fresh start;
from late risers
who listen to the stories
of the needy.
We have heard
of your Light,
Bright Star of the morning:
which can illumine
the shadows of our lives;
which can show
the path to God's heart;
which can point the way
to where we become
servants of the gospel.
We have heard
of your promised peace,
Wisdom's Radiance:
that peace
which can end war,
as well as heal our hearts;
that peace
which can conquer our fears,
and flood us with faith;
that peace which can enter our lives
and overwhelm us with hope.
We have heard of you,
God in Community, Holy in One,
and will proclaim your glory to all,
even as we pray, saying,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Why do we huddle in the shadowed corners of life, rather than running to the Light of life? Why do we love the wrong we do rather than grasping the good news offered to us? As we struggle with such questions, let us speak to God of all we have failed to do, seeking hope and grace as we pray,
Unison Prayer of Confession
We search for your light, Star Caster, but too often end up settling for the dimness of temptation. Our motives for seeking to find Christ are not always pure, for we expect him to fulfill our desires, rather than your hopes for us. We want the gifts of wealth, health, success, fulfillment, rather than those of servanthood, of compassion, of peace.
Forgive us, Shaper of our lives, that we are so foolish to put our needs ahead of your grace. Help us to be like those wise people of so long ago, who found hope, instead of a destination; who found grace, instead of gratitude; who found salvation, instead of a sign. As we journey with your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fill us with the light of your joy and love.
Silence is kept.
Assurance of Pardon
Up, on your feet! Grace has been poured into our hearts, love has flooded our souls, the light of hope shines in us.
This is the light which has come to all, the light we will carry and give to everyone we meet. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
People of Advent: the Lord be with you!
And also with you!
People of Christmas, lift up your hearts.
We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was born for us.
People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God.
We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem.
In that first moment, you spoke,
Radiant God,
and the light of creation
dispelled the thick darkness of chaos.
You whispered,
and your glory filled the skies.
You sang,
and the dust of the earth
was shaped into your image,
as you breathed life into us.
We could have lived
in grace and peace with you
for as long as the sun endures,
for as long as the moon hangs in the night sky.
But we were tempted
by the sweet taste of sin,
and overwhelmed with temptation's
wealth of cheap gifts and thrills.
The prophets were sent
to tell of your gifts
of joy and peace,
but we listened to the world's news
of success, power, achievement.
Finally, in that dark time of despair,
you sent Jesus,
your servant of salvation.
Therefore, we will join our voices
with the wise ones, as well as the foolish,
of every time and place
who forever sing of your grace:
Sanctus
Holy are you, God of redemption,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Overwhelmed with compassion,
he left the glory of heaven,
to become a prisoner of sin,
so we could be set free.
Overwhelmed with hope,
he entered death's house,
to break its dark power forever.
Overwhelmed with love,
he travelled another road,
walking to Calvary,
so we might run with joy
into your waiting arms.
So, as we remember his birth,
as we prepare to journey with him this year,
we speak of that mystery called faith,
which is revealed to us through Christ:
Memorial Acclamation
Holy One of stars and sinners,
send down your Spirit of hope
upon those gathered around this Table,
and on the gifts of the bread and the cup,
that they might make us
your faithful and loving children.
Feed us with the bread of hope,
that when we leave,
we will travel another road,
to defend the weak,
to speak for the voiceless,
to assist those cast aside.
Refresh us with the sweet nectar of grace,
so we, overwhelmed with joy,
would go forth
to enter the houses
of the strangers in our midst;
to enter the despair
of the lonely and forgotten;
to enter the hearts
of everyone we meet.
And when eternity's time begins
and we are gathered around your Table,
with friends and family we loved,
with those we ignored and mistreated,
with all our sisters and brothers of grace,
we will lift our songs of glad joy to you,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
Blessing
Let us go to walk with God:
for as long as the sun endures,
for as long as the moon shines
in the night sky.
Let us go to walk with Christ:
into the shadows of poverty and need;
into the communities where injustice dwells.
Let us go to walk with the Spirit:
to bring hope to those who have none,
to bring peace to our brokenness.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
Wake up, sleepyheads! Get out of bed!
Turn toward the sunlight,
the dawninong of God's glory for you!
Look! Look who is coming!
God's children approach . . .
sons dancing down the street;
daughters turning cartwheels with joy!
Call to Worship
We gather wondering, 'Where will we find the Babe born in Bethlehem?'
We will find the Babe
in the laughter of children,
in the wisdom of grandparents.
We gather asking, 'where will we find the Child of Christmas?'
We will find the Child
where the needy are gifted with hope,
where the oppressed are set free.
We gather wanting to know, 'where will we find the Christ who has come for us?'
We will find our Hope
where fear is overwhelmed by grace,
where hatred is overwhelmed by love,
where all people are overwhelmed by joy.
Prayer of the Day
We have heard
of your grace,
Shaper of stars;
from those set free
from injustice;
from our children
who whisper of your joy;
from greeters
of dawn's fresh start;
from late risers
who listen to the stories
of the needy.
We have heard
of your Light,
Bright Star of the morning:
which can illumine
the shadows of our lives;
which can show
the path to God's heart;
which can point the way
to where we become
servants of the gospel.
We have heard
of your promised peace,
Wisdom's Radiance:
that peace
which can end war,
as well as heal our hearts;
that peace
which can conquer our fears,
and flood us with faith;
that peace which can enter our lives
and overwhelm us with hope.
We have heard of you,
God in Community, Holy in One,
and will proclaim your glory to all,
even as we pray, saying,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Why do we huddle in the shadowed corners of life, rather than running to the Light of life? Why do we love the wrong we do rather than grasping the good news offered to us? As we struggle with such questions, let us speak to God of all we have failed to do, seeking hope and grace as we pray,
Unison Prayer of Confession
We search for your light, Star Caster, but too often end up settling for the dimness of temptation. Our motives for seeking to find Christ are not always pure, for we expect him to fulfill our desires, rather than your hopes for us. We want the gifts of wealth, health, success, fulfillment, rather than those of servanthood, of compassion, of peace.
Forgive us, Shaper of our lives, that we are so foolish to put our needs ahead of your grace. Help us to be like those wise people of so long ago, who found hope, instead of a destination; who found grace, instead of gratitude; who found salvation, instead of a sign. As we journey with your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fill us with the light of your joy and love.
Silence is kept.
Assurance of Pardon
Up, on your feet! Grace has been poured into our hearts, love has flooded our souls, the light of hope shines in us.
This is the light which has come to all, the light we will carry and give to everyone we meet. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
People of Advent: the Lord be with you!
And also with you!
People of Christmas, lift up your hearts.
We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was born for us.
People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God.
We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem.
In that first moment, you spoke,
Radiant God,
and the light of creation
dispelled the thick darkness of chaos.
You whispered,
and your glory filled the skies.
You sang,
and the dust of the earth
was shaped into your image,
as you breathed life into us.
We could have lived
in grace and peace with you
for as long as the sun endures,
for as long as the moon hangs in the night sky.
But we were tempted
by the sweet taste of sin,
and overwhelmed with temptation's
wealth of cheap gifts and thrills.
The prophets were sent
to tell of your gifts
of joy and peace,
but we listened to the world's news
of success, power, achievement.
Finally, in that dark time of despair,
you sent Jesus,
your servant of salvation.
Therefore, we will join our voices
with the wise ones, as well as the foolish,
of every time and place
who forever sing of your grace:
Sanctus
Holy are you, God of redemption,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Overwhelmed with compassion,
he left the glory of heaven,
to become a prisoner of sin,
so we could be set free.
Overwhelmed with hope,
he entered death's house,
to break its dark power forever.
Overwhelmed with love,
he travelled another road,
walking to Calvary,
so we might run with joy
into your waiting arms.
So, as we remember his birth,
as we prepare to journey with him this year,
we speak of that mystery called faith,
which is revealed to us through Christ:
Memorial Acclamation
Holy One of stars and sinners,
send down your Spirit of hope
upon those gathered around this Table,
and on the gifts of the bread and the cup,
that they might make us
your faithful and loving children.
Feed us with the bread of hope,
that when we leave,
we will travel another road,
to defend the weak,
to speak for the voiceless,
to assist those cast aside.
Refresh us with the sweet nectar of grace,
so we, overwhelmed with joy,
would go forth
to enter the houses
of the strangers in our midst;
to enter the despair
of the lonely and forgotten;
to enter the hearts
of everyone we meet.
And when eternity's time begins
and we are gathered around your Table,
with friends and family we loved,
with those we ignored and mistreated,
with all our sisters and brothers of grace,
we will lift our songs of glad joy to you,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
Blessing
Let us go to walk with God:
for as long as the sun endures,
for as long as the moon shines
in the night sky.
Let us go to walk with Christ:
into the shadows of poverty and need;
into the communities where injustice dwells.
Let us go to walk with the Spirit:
to bring hope to those who have none,
to bring peace to our brokenness.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman
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