Recommitment 2005

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.