Courage of Commitment
A Christian Community
In the Tradition of the Church of the Saviour
Recommitment 2005
Courage of Commitment
CIRCLE TIME
ENTRANCE
REFLECTION
We understand the Christian Church as the gathering of those who are committed to Christ and to one another in the living of a common life. We are to be pioneers, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, and prophets – representatives of the new humanity. The proclamation of the gospel is … for all who … know that Christ is on the march. The world may be fearful and anxious and weary, but we are not weighted by the world. We are following One who has unfathomable resources and One who makes them available to us and who says, "You must set new norms for life so that people can see what life can be. This is your task. Your primary vocation is to enter into covenant relationships with others who have also met this Christ – to be that new society into which others can be drawn."
Call to Committment, Elizabeth O'Connor pg.23
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In the presence of our Creator
who called the universe into being,
we stand in awe.
People: In the presence of our Beloved
who stirs within us
and calls our hearts to thirst for love,
we stand in need.
All: In your presence, Divine Mystery,
we come to worship,
open to truth and love and healing.
INVOCATION
HYMN
WORD FOR THE CHILDREN
SILENCE
RESPONSIVE READING
Leader: There is danger in commitment.
People: As the Body of Christ,
we are called to see the whole of life,
both the shadows and the light.
Leader: There is danger in commitment.
People: As the Body of Christ,
we are called to respond joyfully
to the sorrows of the world.
Leader: There is danger in commitment.
All: As the Body of Christ,
we are called to proclaim
the grace and love of God.
SILENCE
PRAYERS
CONFESSION
Leader: Eternal Light, your children come before you
in need of forgiveness and comfort.
Voice 1: Our best selves too often dissolve
in anger, pride, and fear when challenged.
Voice 2: Our behavior distances us from you
and those we love.
Leader: How lonely we are in our trespasses.
Voice 1: We are not looking for a way back,
but a way to a different place.
Voice 2: We cry out in our effort to escape the rutted road,
to follow in Christ's footsteps.
All: Shed your light on us, God, and give us courage
as we stumble on the path you set before us.
INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE
Leader: The message in Christ's
death and resurrection is hope.
God is with us and in us
and will not forsake us.
CONTINUING PRAYERS
JESUS PRAYER
All: Eternal One, Father and Mother of us all,
Holy is your name.
Let justice and mercy fill all Creation
and let us recognize
that every thought and thing belongs to you.
Feed us with the bread we need for today.
Forgive our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Stand with us in trial and temptation.
Free us from the grip of all that is evil.
For you alone are creating our universe,
now and forever.
Amen.
HYMN
THE WORD
FIRST LESSON
SILENCE
EPISTLE
SILENCE
GOSPEL
SERMON
SILENT REFLECTION
OFFERING
The first Sunday of each month we switch to a Communion Liturgy here.
SHARED REFLECTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HYMN
BENEDICTION
Leader: Christ is on the march: take courage.
Though we are few, God's people are not alone.
Embrace your commitment to Christ
so others can see what life can be.
And may the mysterious peace of God
be our Good News to share.
All: Amen.
