Swimming to the Other Side
Seekers Church
A Christian Community
In the Tradition of the Church of the Saviour
Summer 2005
Swimming to the Other Side
CIRCLE TIME
ENTRANCE
REFLECTION
As swimmers dare
to lie face to the sky
and water bears them,
as hawks rest upon air
and air sustains them,
so would I learn to attain
freefall, and float
into Creator Spirit's deep embrace,
knowing no effort earns
that all-surrounding grace.
Denise Levertov, "The Avowal," in Oblique Prayers
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Come breathless to the Holy One
that you may take in the breath of life.
People: We share the Breath of Life.
Our spirits soar with the hawk.
Leader: Bring your life to the Holy One
that you may be carried upon the living waters.
People: We drink from the Living Water.
Our bodies float in the sea of life.
All: Creator Spirit, in your presence
we feel your breath and drink your water
as we raise our voices in prayer
in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ.
INVOCATION
HYMN
WORD FOR THE CHILDREN
SILENCE
RESPONSIVE READING
Leader: Creator Spirit, You hold us always
in the deep embrace of your love.
People: We are surrounded by grace.
Leader: Your ways are greater than our small understanding.
All: We live secure in your grace alone.
SILENCE
PRAYERS
CONFESSION
Leader: Battered by waves, the wind against us
And far from shore…
Voice 1: We cling to the familiar, the safety of our boat.
Voice 2: We cry out in fear, for we forget to trust you.
All: Hear our cry.
INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE
Leader: Jesus spoke to them:
"Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid."
Step into the water, for your faith will hold you up.
PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY
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
GOSPEL
SERMON
SILENT REFLECTION
OFFERING
The first Sunday of each month we switch to a Communion Liturgy here.
SHARED REFLECTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HYMN
BENEDICTION
Leader: Float on the deep embrace of our Creator.
Head out from the safety of shore,
into the current of this turbulent life,
knowing that the mystery of God
holds more truth than you will ever fully understand.
Go in peace, to love and serve God
by loving and serving others.
All: Amen.
