Texts: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; 2nd Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
Call to Worship
L: On glory's mountaintops
of wonder and delight, we wait:
P: for God's amazing grace
to transform our shadowed lives.
L: In the valleys of everyday life,
where noise overwhelms us, we wait:
P: willing to waste time
simply being in God's presence.
L: In the devouring fires of fear,
in the mist of misguided living, we wait,
P: 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 whisper 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 presence 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
L: 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.
P: 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
L: The Lord of the dawning day be with you.
P: And also with you.
L: People of God, open your hearts to the One
who feeds you with grace.
P: Our hearts tremble with delight for the feast
which awaits us.
L: People of God, give thanks to the One
who meets us on the mountaintops of glory
and in the valleys of service.
P: We praise God's great and holy name.
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:
P: Holy, holy, holy are you, Lover of justice.
You are exalted over all creation.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes to touch us,
whispering, 'do not be afraid.'
Hosanna in the highest!
Mighty God, shelter of all who love you,
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:
P: Christ died, defeating the power of sin;
Christ rose, God's love overshadowing death;
Christ will come again, for all who have waited for him.
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.
Strengthened by the broken bread,
may we greet each dawn with the resolve
to be such lovers of justice,
that none will remain oppressed.
Nourished by the overflowing cup of grace,
may we work through the long hours of night
to feed the hungry, to shelter the homeless
until, together, we welcome the Morning Star
into our hearts.
And when all our waiting is done,
when the stars of creation join in song,
we will get up from the Table of the Lamb,
joining our hands with our sisters and brothers
from every time and from every place,
forever dancing in joy with you,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
© 2011 Thom M. Shuman
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time/Epiphany 8 - A
Texts: Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131; 1st Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6: 24-34
Call to Worship
When our hearts are so heavy, it seems
we cannot carry them through the day,
God will give us compassion through our friends,
so we will not bear the load alone.
When our words are so inadequate
it seems we cannot speak them,
God will give us hope
so we can break forth in songs of joy.
When we have so lost our way
we stumble in the shadows of life,
God will give us light,
so we can find the living waters.
Prayer of the Day
To those who hunger and thirst
in the loneliness of life,
you nourish us with compassion;
to those who huddle
in the shadows of unhappiness,
you bring the light of joy.
You love us like a mother, Holy God.
To those held captive
by the stress of daily living,
you whisper, 'let go; cling to me.'
To those who wonder each morning
what they should wear to school,
you hand a bouquet of daisies.
You watch over us like a father,
Jesus of our hearts.
For those who stumble through life,
you fill in the potholes of our worries;
for all those forgotten
by all rushing by them,
you tattoo our faces on your palms,
so you will see us
every time you pray for us.
Like our parents,
you remember us,
Spirit of Joy.
God in Community, Holy in One,
Father, Brother, Mother,
hear us as we pray as we are taught,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Called to be servants and stewards of mysteries, we worry more about how others will judge our hairstyles or choice of shows. Let us go to God's store, where we will find grace and mercy, before wasting our blessings on the trinkets of the world.
Unison Prayer of Confession
You tell us not to worry, Mothering God,
but we cannot seem to help ourselves.
With refrigerators full of food,
we still make grocery lists;
with closets so full we cannot shut the doors,
we run out and buy new outfits;
with a simple invitation to 'follow me,'
we form committees to help us decide.
We lift our hearts to you, Tender God, so you would fill them with your mercy and hope. May we continue to seek your kingdom in every moment to come, hoping and trusting in the peace and love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
Like a nursing child fed by its mother, God's mercy calms and quiets us, so we can receive all that God wants to give us.
We welcome all that God gives to us, and will share these gifts with everyone we meet. Amen.
Great Prayer of ThanksgivingHope in God!
Our hope is in the One who feeds us!
Do not be anxious about anything, children of God.
Our hearts are lifted to the One who feeds us at this Table.
Sing for joy, beloved of God, let your voices echo the joy of heaven.
God comforts us with life, with grace, with peace, with hope.
You called, Gentle Heart,
and creation stepped out of
the shadows of chaos
into the light of goodness.
You would feed us
from grace's bounty,
you would shelter us
from the hazards of nature.
But we could not stop worrying
about what to wear,
or how long our lives would last,
so we turned to sin and death
for comforting answers.
Prophets came, assuring us
that you had not forgotten us,
but longed to help us.
When we continued to trust
in the world's seductions,
your compassion overflowed
as you sent Jesus
to bring us back to the waters
of life and hope.
So, with those of every time and place,
we lift our hearts to you,
bursting into songs of joy:
Holy, holy, holy are you, God of comfort and hope.
All creation breaks forth into singing.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes with compassion for the afflicted.
Hosanna in the highest!
Holy are you, God of Peace,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
your Compassion, our Savior.
When our days were filled
with despair, he came
bringing the day of hope.
When our days overflowed
with grief and pain,
he came to bring
the day of joy and life.
When our names were down
on death's calendar,
he came to bring
the day of salvation.
As we remember all the days of his life,
the preaching, the teaching, the healing,
the sacrifice for us, the resurrection for all,
we celebrate that mystery we call faith:
Christ died, our souls engraved on the palms of his hands.
Christ arose, calling to all imprisoned by death, "come forth!'
Christ will come again, to quiet us at God's breast.
Pour out your Spirit
upon these simple gifts
from creation's goodness,
and upon your children
gathered in your name.
Given as a sign of your love,
may the bread we eat
strengthen us to serve those
for whom the word
has no pity.
Given as a seal of your compassion,
may the cup we drink
nourish us so we can
guide our sisters and brothers
to your justice and peace.
And when all time has ended
and there is only that day which lasts forever,
we will gather around your Table,
feeding upon your grace and mercy,
as we lift our hearts singing your praises,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman
Call to Worship
When our hearts are so heavy, it seems
we cannot carry them through the day,
God will give us compassion through our friends,
so we will not bear the load alone.
When our words are so inadequate
it seems we cannot speak them,
God will give us hope
so we can break forth in songs of joy.
When we have so lost our way
we stumble in the shadows of life,
God will give us light,
so we can find the living waters.
Prayer of the Day
To those who hunger and thirst
in the loneliness of life,
you nourish us with compassion;
to those who huddle
in the shadows of unhappiness,
you bring the light of joy.
You love us like a mother, Holy God.
To those held captive
by the stress of daily living,
you whisper, 'let go; cling to me.'
To those who wonder each morning
what they should wear to school,
you hand a bouquet of daisies.
You watch over us like a father,
Jesus of our hearts.
For those who stumble through life,
you fill in the potholes of our worries;
for all those forgotten
by all rushing by them,
you tattoo our faces on your palms,
so you will see us
every time you pray for us.
Like our parents,
you remember us,
Spirit of Joy.
God in Community, Holy in One,
Father, Brother, Mother,
hear us as we pray as we are taught,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Called to be servants and stewards of mysteries, we worry more about how others will judge our hairstyles or choice of shows. Let us go to God's store, where we will find grace and mercy, before wasting our blessings on the trinkets of the world.
Unison Prayer of Confession
You tell us not to worry, Mothering God,
but we cannot seem to help ourselves.
With refrigerators full of food,
we still make grocery lists;
with closets so full we cannot shut the doors,
we run out and buy new outfits;
with a simple invitation to 'follow me,'
we form committees to help us decide.
We lift our hearts to you, Tender God, so you would fill them with your mercy and hope. May we continue to seek your kingdom in every moment to come, hoping and trusting in the peace and love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
Like a nursing child fed by its mother, God's mercy calms and quiets us, so we can receive all that God wants to give us.
We welcome all that God gives to us, and will share these gifts with everyone we meet. Amen.
Great Prayer of ThanksgivingHope in God!
Our hope is in the One who feeds us!
Do not be anxious about anything, children of God.
Our hearts are lifted to the One who feeds us at this Table.
Sing for joy, beloved of God, let your voices echo the joy of heaven.
God comforts us with life, with grace, with peace, with hope.
You called, Gentle Heart,
and creation stepped out of
the shadows of chaos
into the light of goodness.
You would feed us
from grace's bounty,
you would shelter us
from the hazards of nature.
But we could not stop worrying
about what to wear,
or how long our lives would last,
so we turned to sin and death
for comforting answers.
Prophets came, assuring us
that you had not forgotten us,
but longed to help us.
When we continued to trust
in the world's seductions,
your compassion overflowed
as you sent Jesus
to bring us back to the waters
of life and hope.
So, with those of every time and place,
we lift our hearts to you,
bursting into songs of joy:
Holy, holy, holy are you, God of comfort and hope.
All creation breaks forth into singing.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes with compassion for the afflicted.
Hosanna in the highest!
Holy are you, God of Peace,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
your Compassion, our Savior.
When our days were filled
with despair, he came
bringing the day of hope.
When our days overflowed
with grief and pain,
he came to bring
the day of joy and life.
When our names were down
on death's calendar,
he came to bring
the day of salvation.
As we remember all the days of his life,
the preaching, the teaching, the healing,
the sacrifice for us, the resurrection for all,
we celebrate that mystery we call faith:
Christ died, our souls engraved on the palms of his hands.
Christ arose, calling to all imprisoned by death, "come forth!'
Christ will come again, to quiet us at God's breast.
Pour out your Spirit
upon these simple gifts
from creation's goodness,
and upon your children
gathered in your name.
Given as a sign of your love,
may the bread we eat
strengthen us to serve those
for whom the word
has no pity.
Given as a seal of your compassion,
may the cup we drink
nourish us so we can
guide our sisters and brothers
to your justice and peace.
And when all time has ended
and there is only that day which lasts forever,
we will gather around your Table,
feeding upon your grace and mercy,
as we lift our hearts singing your praises,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time/Epiphany 7 - A
Texts: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Psalm 119:33-40; 1st Corinthians
3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48
Call to Worship
L: God would teach us to love, even the imperfect people,
P: so we can love others as we love ourselves.
L: God would teach us to deny ourselves,
even walking the extra mile with us,
P: so we can give ourselves to others
as generously as Christ has been given to us.
L: God would teach us new ways to journey through life,
P: so we can follow the footprints of the Word
all the way to the kingdom.
Prayer of the Day
When we see you sharing your hope
with the poor, the immigrant, the stranger;
when we watch you build a ramp
for those in wheelchairs;
when we experience your willingness
to help us in spite of our stubbornness;
when we hear your call to love
over our yearnings to hate:
we know what holiness looks like,
God of Creation.
When you refuse to speak harshly
to those who judge you;
when you wipe away the tears
of those who would hurt you;
when you choose to respond nonviolently
to those who would crucify you:
we know what peace looks like,
Light of the World.
When we hear you whisper
of fair play and justice;
when you fill our hands with grace
to be shared with others;
when you build our lives
on the foundation of Christ's peace and love:
we know what power looks like,
Spirit alive in us.
We know what you look like,
God in Community, Holy in One,
and so we pray as Jesus has taught us,
even as we yearn to be your image here on earth,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
God would teach us all we need to live in peace, to
love others, to walk the right paths. Let us confess
how foolish we are not to listen to such wisdom, as
we pray together, saying,
Unison Prayer of Confession
A friend hurts us,
we hurt back;
someone hits us,
we strike back;
a family member ridicules us,
we gossip about him or her.
That's how we have been taught to deal with those around us.
But now, God of mercy,
you call us to a different life:
the life of forgiving, not revenge;
the life of peace, not anger;
the life of love, not hate.
As you forgive us of all we have done,
may we walk in your new ways of living,
as we follow Jesus, our Savior, our Teacher.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
L: It begins with God and ends with God - that love
which can create, renew, restore. God loves you
and forgives you - now and forever.
P: As we listen to God's songs of mercy, we are
cradled in grace - now and forever. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
L: May the God of grace be with you!
P: And also with you!
L: You are God's holy people.
P: We lift our hearts, for the Lord our God is holy.
L: Children of God, dance for joy!
P: For God takes us by the hand to lead us into the kingdom.
Master Builder,
you mixed together your Word and Spirit,
pouring the foundation of creation,
driving the supports of grace and hope
deep into the rich soil of wonder,
clapping in delight as peace carpeted
the empty spaces, as the trees were framed
together for the walls, letting the sunlight
stream through your heart's windows.
Thse gifts of grace were for us,
but we turned our heads away,
so we could stare at sin and death.
Prophets came to remind us that we were yours,
but we mocked them crying, 'we can't hear you!'
we stuck out our fears, tripping them.
But rather than demanding
an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,
you sent the delight of your heart, your Child,
to speak to all your people.
So with those who find it easy to love neighbors,
and with those who struggle to love enemies,
we lift our praises to you:
P: Holy, holy, holy are you, Crafter of the stars.
All creation longs for your grace and peace.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes to judge us with justice.
Hosanna in the highest!
You alone are holy, Artisan of goodness and truth,
and blessed is your Word, Jesus Christ,
who calls us to new life.
When he could have clutched
the jacket of grace tight to himself,
he took it off, giving it to us,
handing us the mittens of mercy as well,
along with hope's overcoat and salvation's scarf.
When he could have wreaked vengeance
on all who rebelled against you, he set it aside,
taking up the cross, following death
into its cold emptiness, being laid on
the barren floor of the tomb,
loving us as if we were best friends,
and not enemies of the kingdom.
As we prepare for the feast of wonder,
as we remember all the Christ offers to us,
we speak of that mystery we call faith:
P: Refusing to disobey you, Christ died;
Laying the foundation of resurrection, Christ arose;
Teaching us we belong to you, Christ will come again.
Here, in this place we call holy,
in those moments we call sacred,
pour out your Spirit upon your Table
and your people gathered in this place.
You could have given us the scraps of your heart,
but you provide the finest bread which,
in its brokenness, restores us to life.
Having eaten of its fill,
we can go forth to serve the poor,
to welcome them as neighbor and friend.
The love which mixed the foundation of the world
overflows the cup which we are given to drink
washing away our pride, our stubbornness,
so we may remove the impediments
we have put in the path of those who seek you,
so we may whisper hope into the ears
of all deafened by the taunts of the world.
And when the foundations of the world crumble,
when time has faded into a distant memory,
you will gather us as your holy people,
sitting neighbor next to friend, old enemies
passing the bread and the cup next to one another,
all voices joining to sing your glory forever and ever,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman
3:10-11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48
Call to Worship
L: God would teach us to love, even the imperfect people,
P: so we can love others as we love ourselves.
L: God would teach us to deny ourselves,
even walking the extra mile with us,
P: so we can give ourselves to others
as generously as Christ has been given to us.
L: God would teach us new ways to journey through life,
P: so we can follow the footprints of the Word
all the way to the kingdom.
Prayer of the Day
When we see you sharing your hope
with the poor, the immigrant, the stranger;
when we watch you build a ramp
for those in wheelchairs;
when we experience your willingness
to help us in spite of our stubbornness;
when we hear your call to love
over our yearnings to hate:
we know what holiness looks like,
God of Creation.
When you refuse to speak harshly
to those who judge you;
when you wipe away the tears
of those who would hurt you;
when you choose to respond nonviolently
to those who would crucify you:
we know what peace looks like,
Light of the World.
When we hear you whisper
of fair play and justice;
when you fill our hands with grace
to be shared with others;
when you build our lives
on the foundation of Christ's peace and love:
we know what power looks like,
Spirit alive in us.
We know what you look like,
God in Community, Holy in One,
and so we pray as Jesus has taught us,
even as we yearn to be your image here on earth,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
God would teach us all we need to live in peace, to
love others, to walk the right paths. Let us confess
how foolish we are not to listen to such wisdom, as
we pray together, saying,
Unison Prayer of Confession
A friend hurts us,
we hurt back;
someone hits us,
we strike back;
a family member ridicules us,
we gossip about him or her.
That's how we have been taught to deal with those around us.
But now, God of mercy,
you call us to a different life:
the life of forgiving, not revenge;
the life of peace, not anger;
the life of love, not hate.
As you forgive us of all we have done,
may we walk in your new ways of living,
as we follow Jesus, our Savior, our Teacher.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
L: It begins with God and ends with God - that love
which can create, renew, restore. God loves you
and forgives you - now and forever.
P: As we listen to God's songs of mercy, we are
cradled in grace - now and forever. Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
L: May the God of grace be with you!
P: And also with you!
L: You are God's holy people.
P: We lift our hearts, for the Lord our God is holy.
L: Children of God, dance for joy!
P: For God takes us by the hand to lead us into the kingdom.
Master Builder,
you mixed together your Word and Spirit,
pouring the foundation of creation,
driving the supports of grace and hope
deep into the rich soil of wonder,
clapping in delight as peace carpeted
the empty spaces, as the trees were framed
together for the walls, letting the sunlight
stream through your heart's windows.
Thse gifts of grace were for us,
but we turned our heads away,
so we could stare at sin and death.
Prophets came to remind us that we were yours,
but we mocked them crying, 'we can't hear you!'
we stuck out our fears, tripping them.
But rather than demanding
an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,
you sent the delight of your heart, your Child,
to speak to all your people.
So with those who find it easy to love neighbors,
and with those who struggle to love enemies,
we lift our praises to you:
P: Holy, holy, holy are you, Crafter of the stars.
All creation longs for your grace and peace.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes to judge us with justice.
Hosanna in the highest!
You alone are holy, Artisan of goodness and truth,
and blessed is your Word, Jesus Christ,
who calls us to new life.
When he could have clutched
the jacket of grace tight to himself,
he took it off, giving it to us,
handing us the mittens of mercy as well,
along with hope's overcoat and salvation's scarf.
When he could have wreaked vengeance
on all who rebelled against you, he set it aside,
taking up the cross, following death
into its cold emptiness, being laid on
the barren floor of the tomb,
loving us as if we were best friends,
and not enemies of the kingdom.
As we prepare for the feast of wonder,
as we remember all the Christ offers to us,
we speak of that mystery we call faith:
P: Refusing to disobey you, Christ died;
Laying the foundation of resurrection, Christ arose;
Teaching us we belong to you, Christ will come again.
Here, in this place we call holy,
in those moments we call sacred,
pour out your Spirit upon your Table
and your people gathered in this place.
You could have given us the scraps of your heart,
but you provide the finest bread which,
in its brokenness, restores us to life.
Having eaten of its fill,
we can go forth to serve the poor,
to welcome them as neighbor and friend.
The love which mixed the foundation of the world
overflows the cup which we are given to drink
washing away our pride, our stubbornness,
so we may remove the impediments
we have put in the path of those who seek you,
so we may whisper hope into the ears
of all deafened by the taunts of the world.
And when the foundations of the world crumble,
when time has faded into a distant memory,
you will gather us as your holy people,
sitting neighbor next to friend, old enemies
passing the bread and the cup next to one another,
all voices joining to sing your glory forever and ever,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman
Monday, February 07, 2011
6th Sunday in OrdinaryTime/Epiphany - A
Texts: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1st Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37
Call to Worship
L: You could have stayed in bed,
you could be eating breakfast out.
P: We have chosen to be in this place,
feasting on God's words.
L: You could give a cold shoulder to your neighbors,
you could warm yourself in front of the fire.
P: We have chosen to see God with more
than just a sliver of our hearts.
L: You could be chasing after the world's idols,
you could be listening to television's talking heads.
P: We have chosen to serve the One
who blesses us with life.
Prayer of the Day
Mothering God,
you nurse us with the milk
of blessing and joy,
so we may grow in faith
to feast on grace and hope.
You plow the fields of our hearts,
planting the seeds of love,
so we may be your people.
We hold fast to you,
God of Choices.
You provide the road may
for our journey, so we will not
wander down blame's alleys.
When we choose sides
by our quarreling and cliques,
you reconcile us to each other
with your words which are true.
We hold fast to you,
Jesus of Reconciliation.
Blessed with the fresh breeze
of your presence and power,
we will continue to follow you,
trusting that you will lead us
into making the right choices
as the disciples of Jesus.
We hold fast to you,
Transforming Spirit.
God in Community, Holy in One,
we hold fast to you, even as we pray,
as Jesus has taught us, saying,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Following God is not like flipping a coin,
and choosing sides. It is intentional; it is
difficult; it is risky. That is why we know all
the ways we have failed in our discipleship
and need to come to God. We choose to
confess, so we might embrace the forgiveness
God offers to us. Please join me, praying,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Invited to walk in your footsteps, Wanderer
of the Universe, we turn away to play hopscotch
on the sidewalks of seduction. Given the chance
to watch you work wonders of grace and renewal,
we fixate on the idols of success and power. When
you want to tell us stories of healing and reconciliation,
we decline to hear your gentle voice.
Have mercy on us, God of Blessings, and help us
to choose to hold fast to your hand; to walk your
streets of wholeness and hope; to follow our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ, into the life you intend for us.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
L: God's forgiveness dwells in our hearts; Christ's love
fills us; the Spirit's peace guides our steps.
P: Our feet are set on the journey. Waling in faith and
hope with our God, we will be servants to the world.
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
L: May the God of life be with you!
P: And also with you!
L: People of God, come to the Table of blessing.
P: We seek God's grace whole-heartedly.
L: Draw near to the word of wonder and hope, children of God.
P: We praise God with our lips, serving others with our hearts.
You set before us those first days, Faithful God,
the goodness, the beauty,
the wonder, the mysteries of creation,
blessing beyond compare,
all given in hope and love to us.
Created to be with you, invited to walk with you,
our hearts turned away from yours,
being led astray by sin's desires,
bowing down at the altar of death.
You sent the prophets to us,
setting before us blessings,
challenging us to choose life.
But we would not listen to them,
but let lust continue to clog our hearts.
So you sent your Beloved to us,
letting your words be your Word,
your Servant of salvation for all.
We join our voices this day with all
who have faced the choices before us,
seeking your heart and singing your praise:
P: Holy, holy, holy, God of the blameless way.
All salvation holds fast to your Word.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes to reconcile us to you and others.
Hosanna in the highest!
Our eyes are fixed on you, Holiness of the ages,
as we follow Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Teacher.
Setting aside his place with you and the Spirit,
he became flesh, fully human like us,
so we might grow in your faith.
Seeing the broken pieces of our lives
scattered at our feet around us,
he came to putt us back together,
making us one with you.
Knowing we were not ready
to look sin square in the eye,
he chose death on the cross,
so we might be blessed
with your life forever.
As we remember how Jesus remained faithful,
as we seek to walk in his blameless ways,
we tell of that mystery of faith:
P: Christ has died, seeking God whole-heartedly;
Christ has risen, God's Word being kept for us;
Christ will return, so we might not be put to shame.
Here in this place, with your people,
you set before us the blessings
of the Cup and of the Bread,
pouring out your Spirit
on your children and your feast.
As we eat the brokenness which makes us whole,
we will choose to follow your ways,
into the streets of the world
to bring justice and hope to all
who have been put to shame.
As we drink from the cup of life,
we will choose to be servants,
working together to bring reconciliation,
and peace to all shattered by violence.
And when you choose to bring time to a close,
when you choose to gather us around you,
we will join our sisters and brothers
from every time, and from every place,
who will forever sing your praises with upright hearts,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman
Call to Worship
L: You could have stayed in bed,
you could be eating breakfast out.
P: We have chosen to be in this place,
feasting on God's words.
L: You could give a cold shoulder to your neighbors,
you could warm yourself in front of the fire.
P: We have chosen to see God with more
than just a sliver of our hearts.
L: You could be chasing after the world's idols,
you could be listening to television's talking heads.
P: We have chosen to serve the One
who blesses us with life.
Prayer of the Day
Mothering God,
you nurse us with the milk
of blessing and joy,
so we may grow in faith
to feast on grace and hope.
You plow the fields of our hearts,
planting the seeds of love,
so we may be your people.
We hold fast to you,
God of Choices.
You provide the road may
for our journey, so we will not
wander down blame's alleys.
When we choose sides
by our quarreling and cliques,
you reconcile us to each other
with your words which are true.
We hold fast to you,
Jesus of Reconciliation.
Blessed with the fresh breeze
of your presence and power,
we will continue to follow you,
trusting that you will lead us
into making the right choices
as the disciples of Jesus.
We hold fast to you,
Transforming Spirit.
God in Community, Holy in One,
we hold fast to you, even as we pray,
as Jesus has taught us, saying,
Our Father . . .
Call to Reconciliation
Following God is not like flipping a coin,
and choosing sides. It is intentional; it is
difficult; it is risky. That is why we know all
the ways we have failed in our discipleship
and need to come to God. We choose to
confess, so we might embrace the forgiveness
God offers to us. Please join me, praying,
Unison Prayer of Confession
Invited to walk in your footsteps, Wanderer
of the Universe, we turn away to play hopscotch
on the sidewalks of seduction. Given the chance
to watch you work wonders of grace and renewal,
we fixate on the idols of success and power. When
you want to tell us stories of healing and reconciliation,
we decline to hear your gentle voice.
Have mercy on us, God of Blessings, and help us
to choose to hold fast to your hand; to walk your
streets of wholeness and hope; to follow our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ, into the life you intend for us.
Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
L: God's forgiveness dwells in our hearts; Christ's love
fills us; the Spirit's peace guides our steps.
P: Our feet are set on the journey. Waling in faith and
hope with our God, we will be servants to the world.
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
L: May the God of life be with you!
P: And also with you!
L: People of God, come to the Table of blessing.
P: We seek God's grace whole-heartedly.
L: Draw near to the word of wonder and hope, children of God.
P: We praise God with our lips, serving others with our hearts.
You set before us those first days, Faithful God,
the goodness, the beauty,
the wonder, the mysteries of creation,
blessing beyond compare,
all given in hope and love to us.
Created to be with you, invited to walk with you,
our hearts turned away from yours,
being led astray by sin's desires,
bowing down at the altar of death.
You sent the prophets to us,
setting before us blessings,
challenging us to choose life.
But we would not listen to them,
but let lust continue to clog our hearts.
So you sent your Beloved to us,
letting your words be your Word,
your Servant of salvation for all.
We join our voices this day with all
who have faced the choices before us,
seeking your heart and singing your praise:
P: Holy, holy, holy, God of the blameless way.
All salvation holds fast to your Word.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes to reconcile us to you and others.
Hosanna in the highest!
Our eyes are fixed on you, Holiness of the ages,
as we follow Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Teacher.
Setting aside his place with you and the Spirit,
he became flesh, fully human like us,
so we might grow in your faith.
Seeing the broken pieces of our lives
scattered at our feet around us,
he came to putt us back together,
making us one with you.
Knowing we were not ready
to look sin square in the eye,
he chose death on the cross,
so we might be blessed
with your life forever.
As we remember how Jesus remained faithful,
as we seek to walk in his blameless ways,
we tell of that mystery of faith:
P: Christ has died, seeking God whole-heartedly;
Christ has risen, God's Word being kept for us;
Christ will return, so we might not be put to shame.
Here in this place, with your people,
you set before us the blessings
of the Cup and of the Bread,
pouring out your Spirit
on your children and your feast.
As we eat the brokenness which makes us whole,
we will choose to follow your ways,
into the streets of the world
to bring justice and hope to all
who have been put to shame.
As we drink from the cup of life,
we will choose to be servants,
working together to bring reconciliation,
and peace to all shattered by violence.
And when you choose to bring time to a close,
when you choose to gather us around you,
we will join our sisters and brothers
from every time, and from every place,
who will forever sing your praises with upright hearts,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.
(c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman
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