Non-violence: Culturing Peace In A Culture Of Violence - Jack Jezreel

Call To Worship: Doing Work Of Jesus In The World Today (based on Luke 4:18)

As followers of Jesus, our job is to bring the spirit of Christ’s message and to do the work of Jesus in the world today. In Luke 4:18, Jesus says that work is: “... [t]o proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoner, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free.”

It is up to us to be the good news of love and liberation.

So as we gather, may we learn to see the world through the eyes of God, who sees those who are suffering and oppressed as “blessed.” May we learn to listen for the call of “Your Kingdom come, on earth as in  heaven ..." which cries out all around us for God’s restoration, mercy, and healing here and now.

God, may your kingdom come as we give thanks and praise.

The Contemplative Stance Is The 3rd Way - Richard Rohr

Reflection and Renewal: God Never Gives Up On Us (based on Matthew 18:21-22)

Loving God, you never give up on us. Even though we fail, withhold love, and wound others - you love and forgive us. Even though we judge, withhold compassion, and neglect others - you love and forgive us.

In the same way, help us to forgive ourselves for when we’ve been less-than-loving to ourselves and to  others. Also help us to forgive others who have been less than loving to us.

May your all-encompassing love shine through in all that we do. Restore our souls as you make all things new again.

Amen.

Benediction: Renew Our Hearts And Minds (based on Ephesians 4:23)

Loving God, through the power of your Spirit, renew our hearts and minds ... so that we may give thanks for your life-giving presence, follow your guidance, and serve all of your creation in love.

Call To Worship: God's Grace Helps Us To Lean Into Life (based on Psalm 23:4)

God, even in our times of trouble - and even in times when we’ve brought trouble on ourselves - your grace helps us to stand and to lean into life instead of remaining stuck.

No matter what, you are always moving within and around us, still calling us back to meaningful  connection with you and your world, still reaching out to us through all of the grace-giving things that are conduits of your goodness. Even in our times of mournful silence may we find morsels of hope. Even in our times of sorrow, loneliness, pain, and anger; may we find even small sparks of joy.

We give thanks for the blessings that are your grace.