Call to Worship

We gather in the beautiful space
To worship an amazing God.
Surrounded by art and craft made by hands like ours
To give praise to the source of all our gifts
We are blessed to have this space to call our church home.
We are more blessed to be disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us worship in this place, giving praise to God
We will worship in joy and in truth. Amen.

Derek Weber, Discipleship Ministries, April 2022

Praying that we may be ready

(based on Matthew 24:1-14, Mark 13:1-13, Luke 21:5-19)

When the skies grow dark and buildings fall, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When deceivers come and the nations rise in anger, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When famines begin,
and when the earth shakes to bring the future to birth, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When we take our stand to witness to your truth,
when our people are arrested and betrayed, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When the sun is darkened and the moon fails to give us light,
and when the stars fall from the sky, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When you come in your great power and glory with your angels from heaven:
Then, Lord,
gather us from the four winds—
from the ends of the earth,
to be with you for ever and ever. Amen.

Written by Michael Perry. Posted on the Jubilate Hymns website. http://www.jubilate.co.uk. Reposted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/11/advent-prayer-that-we-may-be-ready.html.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we come before you this day as those who are often afraid to confess all the many ways in which we have disappointed and betrayed You. You have given us continual opportunities to serve and love others, but we have withdrawn into lives of selfishness and greed. We have turned our backs on others in need. We have denied the gifts you have given us. Where can we turn now that we have run from you? Your voice calls to us to come home, to come to you unafraid, to receive forgiveness and healing. Open our hearts this day to receive these magnificent blessings. Help us understand the many ways in which you love us, and help us share that love with all those whom we meet. For we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Words of Assurance

Even though we have turned away from God, yet God is faithful to us. We are beloved of God and recipients of God’s love and blessings. Rejoice, children of God! For God’s mercies are ever before us. AMEN.

Nancy Townley, Ministry Matters, https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/4389/worship-connection-november-17-2019.

Benediction

(Isaiah 65, Luke 21)

Go forth into a world that needs new visions.
Bring the message of hope and love,
of justice and peace, to all you meet.
Live the dream. Make it reality.
Celebrate endings and new beginnings,
challenges and promises.
Live the new creation. Amen.

Joanne Carlson Brown, Ministry Matters, https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/4387/worship-elements-november-17-2019.