Call To Worship: Transforming Relationship with God and Each Other (based on Romans 12:1-2)

We have gathered together to connect with God, who calls us away from the broken patterns and mindsets which we have sometimes gotten used to living within. In their place, we are invited into transformative relationship with God and with one another. So let's give thanks for this extraordinary, boundless, and life-giving grace.

Benediction: We Are Everyday Grace To Each Other (based on 1 Peter 4:10)

As we go now, may we look at God’s world with God's eyes. May we continue to seek out all of the everyday grace available to us through each other. May Christ's example of sacrificial and inclusive love be our guide. May God's Spirit help us to surrender our ego and pride so that we can join in the work of bringing out the best in everyone and everything.

Reimagining Confession as Noticing - Winston Charles in Shalem

The contemplative tradition brings an alternative, transformative experience of confession; reimagining confession as an integral part of our journey into wholeness.

Confession has all too often been understood within a dynamic of payment due, penance to be done, and conditional forgiveness.

The contemplative tradition brings an alternative, transformative experience of confession; reimagining confession as an integral part of our journey into wholeness. Key to confession as part of the journey of spiritual transformation is noticing. 

Sometimes that happens by being hit over the head with a ton of bricks.

But more often, it happens by noticing in the stillness how once again we have acted out of those old inadequate behavioral patterns; ones that are more interested in feeding the little, needy ego than in re-forming the ego into a strong and healthy center, marked by compassion and courage, integral to the spiritual heart.

This concept of confession is not reserved solely for the confessional booth or Sunday’s general confession or any other specific time.  Rather, it is always present as we live through our days. With clear and courageous eyes, we notice how we fall short and where we are called to go—an ongoing examen that leads us forward.

The full article is available here

Benediction: The Gifts of God the Trinity In A New Year (based on 2 Timothy 1:9-10)

May God be our source of hope and peace in this new year. May we follow Jesus into new and abundant life. May we grow in awareness of God's indwelling Spirit, which surrounds us with everyday grace and goodness in God's world.

Call To Worship: May We Be Open To Goodness (based on Genesis 1:31)

As we gather today, may we have hearts that are open to the beauty of God's hope and goodness. May our minds be open to the vast expanse of God's love. May we always be on the lookout for all of the grace which surrounds us in the universe which God created and called "good." As we seek to follow God's path, may every part of our lives be worship.