Welcome to Worship
Confession and Forgiveness:
P: Gathered in the name of the Risen Christ and in the amazing grace of God, we dare to confess our pain, our brokenness and our sin to our Creator and to one another.
C: We confess before you and our sisters and brothers that we have been unworthy servants. We have misused and abused the creation. We have wounded one another by divisions and self-centeredness. We have often failed to take decisive action against poverty, racism, violence, hunger, homelessness, abuse and the manifestations of evil in our world. In all this, we have fallen short as disciples of Jesus Christ. Forgive us, God, and teach us to forgive one another.
P: In the power and grace of Easter, and in the flowing waters of baptism, God has raised us to new life in Christ and has brought forth in us a new creation. We are forgiven. We are renewed. We are called and sent to be the body of Christ to the world.
C: Amen.
Prayer of the Day:
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray.
God and Creator of all humankind, your son Jesus Christ prayed that your church might be one even as you our God are one. May you renew our minds and rekindle your love in our hearts, so that by the power of the Spirit, we might find the Oneness that you intend for us. In the name of Jesus Christ, the risen One, Amen.
Reading and Sermon:
Today's reading is from John 17:1-11
Sermon: Pastor Butler
Please enjoy this special music featured today with permission from Steve Beckham.
Prayers of Intercession:
P: United as one people in the one Triune God, we enter into the divine presence on behalf of the world, the nations, the people of God and all who are in need.
In a world divided by sectarianism and tribalism, we live in the promise that we are all one. Heal this fractured world. Help us to see our shared humanity in those who differ from us by race, gender, age or creed, those who hold different opinions from ours, and those who might see us as enemies. Bring creation together into your arms of grace and break into our present reality with the harmony of your Spirit.
In a world thrown into chaos by disease, financial crisis, isolation and anger, we turn to you for healing and hope. Grand wisdom to those who must make difficult decisions. Help leaders to hold your people in their hearts.
We remember especially those in this congregation and community who are in any danger or distress. We pray for those who grieve, for those who shed silent tears, for all who find themselves in despair. Break through the locked doors of isolation to embrace your children in all their needs. We pray that we might be a church unified in love, mercy and grace.
In all these things we raise our petitions to you trusting in your promises. You are one true God, the Lord of resurrection and life. Hear our prayers and come quickly. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Holy Communion:
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.