tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31673049104221594072024-03-14T06:17:51.256-07:00Food for the journeyLiturgies for the celebration of Communion
(Use the search box, top left, to search scriptures)liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-80970327678663820312019-11-30T11:33:00.000-08:002019-11-30T11:39:51.871-08:00Staying awake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Matthew 24:42-44</i></b><br />
<b><i>Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>Invitation</b><br />
Christ’s table is for all who are weary<br />
Christ’s table is for all who feel unprepared<br />
Christ’s table is for all who are woke<br />
Christ’s table is for all who are ready<br />
Christ’s table is for all<br />
So come, you who feel overwhelmed<br />
Come, you who feel way behind<br />
Come, you who feel smug<br />
Come, all of you<br />
Christ invites us all to this table<br />
To find rest<br />
To find hope<br />
To find peace<br />
To find joy<br />
All wrapped up in the gift of Christ - for all today.<br />
<br />
<b>Narrative</b><br />
In Jesus, God was born among us<br />
Born into a particular time and place<br />
Sent to a special nation<br />
In Jesus God is born among us<br />
Born for every time and place<br />
Sent to every nation<br />
Jesus countered political unrest<br />
with a message of hope<br />
Jesus met violence and resistance<br />
with words and actions that spelled out Peace<br />
Jesus waded through expectations<br />
and showed the way to real life and relationship with God and one another<br />
People didn’t get him then<br />
We don’t get him now<br />
Yet, the night before he died, he gathered with his friends<br />
Friends who misunderstood<br />
Friends who misinterpreted his words<br />
Friends who would run away when the going got tough<br />
He gathered them around and fed them bread and wine, symbols of love in action<br />
And he asked them to do the same, in remembrance of him.<br />
Today we share this bread and wine set before us at Christ’s table here and we give God thanks.<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer of thanksgiving</b><br />
God we thank you today for gathering us around your table.<br />
You know we often don’t get you, we often misinterpret you and, when things get tough, we run away.<br />
Yet you invite us here and sit with us.<br />
You make us part of your kingdom.<br />
And you continue to reveal to us what it means to be your disciples today, in these times.<br />
In these times of political turmoil.<br />
In these times of violence and unrest.<br />
In these times when we will pin our hopes on almost anything that promises false hope.<br />
In these times, O Lord, you remind us that your kingdom is already here and you invite all who are weary, all who are hurting, all who are fearful, all who are running away, the displaced, the dispossessed, the refugee, victims of violence and war and earthquake and famine. Those forced to abandon all that they know and find no love in their neighbour.<br />
So God, as we share here, we bring with us all those who are overlooked or rejected, all who have been abandoned or exploited. We bring our neighbours and ask that you will show us how to be all<br />
that you created us to be, your children who love God and share our freedom and abundance with all who do not look like us as well as those who do.<br />
God, at this table, confront and challenge, comfort and cajole, convict and compel us to follow you into all the world sowing seeds of peace and joy and hope in this season and in every season.<br />
God send your Holy Spirit on us and upon these gifts we now share so that we may be filled and we may go and feed the world.<br />
<br />
<b>Fraction</b><br />
On the night before he died, Jesus took bread, he broke it and shared it saying- This is my body, broken for you<br />
Do this to remember me<br />
<br />
He took the cup, declaring a new relationship made possible with God, for all<br />
For all<br />
For all.<br />
<br />
We share with those gathered here, with those who have gone before and with those who have yet to find their way to Christ’s table.<br />
We do this to remember him.<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer after Communion</b><br />
Lord you have fed us crumbs of hope<br />
May we go and multiply your gifts bringing hope to the world.<br />
Lord you have given us a taste of new life<br />
May we go and quench the thirst of all those who long for justice<br />
As you came to bring light into the worlds darkness may we shine brightly with that light that darkness can not overcome and with love that cannot be snuffed out.<br />
May we be prepared to see your alternative kingdom come disrupting the world’s power and ushering in your peace and hope and joy in this place and this time for all your children throughout the world<br />
Starting here today.<br />
In Jesus name.<br />
Amen<br />
<b><br /></b>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-54122987899597837962019-11-21T00:15:00.002-08:002019-11-21T00:15:25.504-08:00Reign of Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'HelveticaNeue-BoldItalic'; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11.00pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Luke 23:33-43</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'HelveticaNeue-BoldItalic'; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11.00pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: 'HelveticaNeue-BoldItalic'; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11.00pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.4px;">
<span style="font-family: 'HelveticaNeue-BoldItalic'; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11.00pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Invitation</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">The crucified Christ invites us to dine with him</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">The reigning Christ invites us to take our place at this table</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">The forgiving Christ makes space for us here and now</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">So come</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Know yourself welcomed</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Know yourself included</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Know yourself forgiven</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Come and be fed by the one who gave all for us</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Come and remember him</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.4px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Narrative</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">The night before he died, Jesus gathered his friends around to celebrate Passover. As they ate together, they told stories by which they remembered the origins of their faith. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">They remembered how God had rescued the people from Egypt.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">They remembered how God led them through the wilderness.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">They remembered how God taught them how to be the people of God in a new land.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">They remembered how, in every place and time, God’s faithfulness accompanied them and enabled them to live in love and in hope</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And Jesus added a new story.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">A story of betrayal and denial.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">A story of love and death.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">A story of forgiveness and redemption.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And, knowing that around that table were those who would betray him, those who would deny him, those who would run away, still Jesus invited them into that new story of renewed relationship with God.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Jesus took bread, gave thanks and blessed it. He broke the bread and said: Take, eat, this is my body broken for you.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And he took a cup of wine, saying, This is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Do this to remember me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">We have gifts of bread and wine to share today.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Let’s first give thanks.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.1px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Prayer of Thanksgiving</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">God we thank you that you journey with people in every age.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">You journeyed with our mothers and fathers, our grandmothers and grandfathers.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">You journeyed with all who showed us faith and helped us to make it our own.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">You journeyed with those who worshipped here in the past, building a community of which we now call ourselves a part.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">God we thank you for your faithfulness, for your inclusion, for your unconditional love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And, as we gather at this table, where we know ourselves welcomed, we bring into this space that you make sacred all who feel abandoned today.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">All who feel excluded.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">All who feel unwelcome.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">All who feel unloved.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">In this place, O God, you - and we - make room for all.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">God and lover of all creation, we pray for your world where it is hurting and for all whom you created in your likeness.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">May we hold out light, love and justice wherever we go, the fruits of being known and loved by you.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">May we be empowered to empower others.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">May we be moved to make a difference in the world today, both near and far because of you O God, our hope and our Redeemer, reigning Christ.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And, as we feast on you here, may we share with these people, with this neighbourhood and with this community the many blessings that you heap on us, feeding us that we may feed others.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">God send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this bread and this wine, symbols of your undying love and goodness for the renewal of all creation.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Transform these gifts and transform we who receive, for the sake of the whole world.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Amen</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.1px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Fraction</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Gathered around an inclusive table, Jesus took bread, broke it and said:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Take, eat, this is my body broken for you.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Do this to remember me</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.1px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">After feeding minds and bodies, Jesus took the cup and said:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">This cup is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Drink this all of you in remembrance of me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.1px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">These are the gifts of God for the people of God.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13.1px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Prayer after Communion</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Christ who reigns over all, you have invited us, welcomed us, you have forgiven us, you have fed us.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">May we now go into the world, into our neighbourhood, into our community with the food of love that feeds all and excludes none.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">May we live alongside our neighbour, sharing the abundance you provide until all are fed, all are loved and all have a place to call home.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">May the food by which you have fed and blessed us feed and bless your whole creation as we are made one in your love.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">One Lord </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">One hope</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">One faith.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Amen.</span></div>
liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-56511185357525476342019-05-31T12:38:00.001-07:002019-05-31T12:38:26.918-07:00Ascension<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'HelveticaNeue-BoldItalic'; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11.00pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Acts 1:9-11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'HelveticaNeue-BoldItalic'; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11.00pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Invitation</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">The Risen Ascended Christ invites us to this table</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Come</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Find Jesus in the bread that is broken</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Find Jesus in the wine that is poured</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Find Jesus in each other</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">All are welcome</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Come and eat with the Risen Ascended Christ</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Narrative</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">In the days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples in different places, in different ways. As he had done throughout his ministry, he unpacked for them all that he taught.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">He explained the love of God in the darkness of death and in the light of the resurrection.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">He forgave their betrayal and denial.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And he commissioned them to go into all the world and make disciples.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">It is the Risen Ascended Christ who feeds us here today, who unpacks scripture for us and who send us into the world to be disciples today.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">So as Christ taught, we take bread, symbol of his broken body.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">We take wine, symbol of his blood poured out.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">We feast together, remembering him.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Let us give thanks</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Prayer of thanksgiving</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Lord Jesus, as you gathered your disciples around the table on the night before you died, you knew they did not understand.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">They did not understand your teaching.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">They did not understand this memorial you set before them.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And, even in the light of all that has happened and all the ways you continue to teach us, often we do not understand.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">But we thank you for the mystery of faith, that:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Christ has died</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Christ is risen</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Christ will come again.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Lord, in all our misunderstanding, help us to know that you are present with us.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Not just in this place but everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Not just in these people but in all people.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Not just in this meal but in every meal, be it at a table, on the street or in the dirt.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">And so we bring to this table all those we have encountered this week, friends and strangers, near and far, those we acknowledged and those we walked on by and those in whom we failed to see your face.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Forgive our blindness and keep on confronting us with your love that knows no bounds, that makes no distinction, your love that meets us here.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">As we remember you in bread and wine, may we remember that by your Ascension you commissioned us to reveal your presence in all the world.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts. May they become for us your body and your blood and may we become for you your risen presence in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Fraction</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Christ’s body is broken for the life of the world</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Christ’s blood is poured out for the healing of all.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">We do this to remember him.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;">Prayer after communion</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">As you have welcomed us to this table, may we go and be a welcome for others.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">As you have taught us again of your love, may we go and be love for others.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">As you have nourished our souls, may we go and be nourishment for others.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">As you breathe your peace into us, may we take your peace into all the world.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Risen, ascended Christ, keep on nudging us in our everyday with the demands of discipleship and keep on calling us to recognise you and honour you in all.</span></div>
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liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-1021180300430577552018-10-04T04:36:00.001-07:002018-10-04T04:36:28.085-07:00For the healing of the nations<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWA7iU9YGEUb-ffHpQ7voZtuvi5wtMFRvS_wKApClFG3amSlrnsLl4S7yWZkXxPnPH7JBnb6JpCrGNgRMKhoDgCD4GRE-DlqlBw14lX2mmu5bYQZRbPq5tPrJgWleQXi9tt25ANmGWJ4/s640/blogger-image-747803606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWA7iU9YGEUb-ffHpQ7voZtuvi5wtMFRvS_wKApClFG3amSlrnsLl4S7yWZkXxPnPH7JBnb6JpCrGNgRMKhoDgCD4GRE-DlqlBw14lX2mmu5bYQZRbPq5tPrJgWleQXi9tt25ANmGWJ4/s640/blogger-image-747803606.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Revelation 22:1-7</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>“See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The trees drip with gold,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a feast of early morning sunrises </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">stored up over a season,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">now seeping out in every leaf across the land: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a thanksgiving, healing for the nations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And wheat,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a butterscotch carpet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">caught in a dervish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of wind and rain and light </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">maturing into a feast of bread:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a thanksgiving, healing for the nations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And a table, ready</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">prepared for a banquet, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">not of harvest grain,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">but of the fruits of justice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">where all are fed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">from the harvest:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the healing of the nations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lord of the harvest welcomes us </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and bids us feast at this table </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">where love comes together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the healing of the nations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus noticed the things around him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ripe fields, fruit out of season, harvest potential </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He spoke of those things as he taught,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">meeting people along the road, on the shore, in the town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He used what he saw to turn our attention to God, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">present in all things,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- the Lord of times and seasons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">visible in everyday </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the night before he died, Jesus took bread, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">forged from grain from the ripe fields </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and wine, drawn from the fruit of the vine and, with these ordinary elements, he instituted this sacrament.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it and shared it among friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He said: This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus took wine, poured it out and passed it around</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He said: This is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eat this bread, drink this wine and remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so, today, we take common things that are special in God's eyes and, following Jesus' command, we share these to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God you walk among us still, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">noticing the ordinary, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">uplifting the lowly, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">investing all with significance and worth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You give us so much</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">for which to be thankful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You bestow great gifts of life, love and faith </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">more than we can imagine or believe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we embrace the abundance of your gifts,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we be courageous and generous,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">sharing and helping others through all you have given.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Help us to use your gifts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to sow the seeds of change and hope </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">wherever there is poverty, injustice, abuse, violence or racism.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Help us to use your gifts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to sow seeds of love and care </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">wherever there is hate, depression, loneliness, bereavement or sadness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Help us to use your gifts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to sow seeds of comfort and compassion </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">wherever there is anxiety, stress, illness, intolerance or pain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Help us to use your gifts to gather up the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">until all your children find roots </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">through which they can </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">grow and develop, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">encouraging one another</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">finding ways to be seeds of change and hope in this world today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your Spirit on these gifts that we use today </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and as we share bread and wine, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">as we remember you in this sacrament, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we be renewed in our love and commitment, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">your servants whose names are written on your forehead,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">whose ways are held in your light </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and may we find nourishment to allow us to continue on your path </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">for the healing of the nations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Taking bread)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the body of Christ, broken for you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Take, eat and know healing for the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Taking wine)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This cup symbolises the new relationship made possible with God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drink this, remember Christ, and be renewed in love and service</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after Communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In response to the generosity of God, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">let us respond to the work of the harvest </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us plant a word of peace,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a word that speaks truth into power and brings peace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us plant a word of justice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that will grow into a movement that will set people free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us plant a word of plenty for the hungry and the poor </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that will provide the feast that God ordains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us plant a word of compassion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a word that grows through every policy every rule</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">every law and always seeks to bring life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us plant a word of love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that offers a way of belonging and renewal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a place called home that carves for us a way </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-58789632602441511522017-06-02T14:06:00.001-07:002017-06-03T02:32:51.982-07:00Listening for other voices, sharing alternative truths<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<b><i>Acts 2:1-4</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Coming of the Holy Spirit</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b>Invitation</b></div>
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Come all of you who are weary of what life lays on you</div>
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Come and receive the gifts of God's Spirit</div>
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Come all of you whose faith has been diminished</div>
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Come and receive the gifts of God's Spirit</div>
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Come all of you who need a shot of transforming love today</div>
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God's Spirit meets us here at Christ's table in gifts of bread and wine</div>
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And all are invited to feast on the life changing gifts of God.</div>
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<b>Narrative</b></div>
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Throughout his ministry, our Lord Jesus, lifted up the weary, healed the sick, bound up the broken hearted and brought new life to all.</div>
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As he shared a last meal with his disciples, he spoke to them again of the meaning of death and resurrection so that, in the days to come, they might make sense of all that was happening.</div>
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He took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them, saying:</div>
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This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.</div>
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He also took the cup and said: This is the new realtionship with God, made possible because of my death. Drink it all of you in remembrance of me.</div>
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It was much later, long after the Spirit came, before the disciples understood Jesus' words of life.</div>
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And still, today, we struggle to understand all the gifts of God.</div>
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And yet, in obedience and faith, we do this to remember him.</div>
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<b>Prayer of thanksgiving</b></div>
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O God, in a world so full of alternative facts, help us to discern your truth.</div>
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In a world so full of bluster and noise, help us make out the clarity of your call.</div>
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We thank you for your gifts - gifts that, beyond all hope, have remained - your faithfulness, your love, your newness of life, your empowering Spirit.</div>
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As world powers attempt to divide and diminish, may we remain strong in your love, assured of what is right and just and reminded that your will for all people is good.</div>
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May we trust in your power to overcome evil, your love to drive out fear and your goodness to restore all creation by a just and equal sharing of all the earth's resources. And, believing, may we be prompted to act by the power of your Spirit working in us.</div>
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May we know those tongues of fire descending on our hearts and lives, empowering us not just to speak but also to listen and understand the voices of others in whom your Spirit rests.</div>
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And, as we gather at this table, may we bring with us all our brothers and sisters, the living and departed, the prosperous and the downtrodden, the powerful and the powerless, the seen and the invisible, may we hold space for them as we take our place at this the table of our Risen Lord.</div>
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Send your Holy Spirit on us and on those for whom we hold this space and upon these gifts of bread and wine, that all may be transformed. And, in sharing these everlasting gifts may we know afresh the outpouring of your Spirit causing mayhem in our carefully ordered lives, for the honour and glory of God, Parent, Christ and Holy Spirit.</div>
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Amen</div>
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<b>Fraction</b></div>
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<b>(Taking bread)</b></div>
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This is the body of Christ, broken for you to transform your brokenness into wholeness and healing.</div>
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Do this to remember him.</div>
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<b>(Taking the cup)</b></div>
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This is Christ's blood poured out for you that your sins might be forgiven and that you might be restored to oneness with the Triune God who holds all creation in love.</div>
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Do this to remember.</div>
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<b>Prayer after communion</b></div>
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God you have shared your life with us, may we share our lives with others.</div>
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As you have poured your Spirit upon us, may we be renewed from the inside out, may your love bubble up through us until we can no longer remain quiet in the face of hatred and indifference.</div>
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In the power of your Spirit may we go from here to change the world, to restore your kingdom here on earth, for the Glory of God.</div>
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Amen</div>
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liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-88926829721422023522017-03-11T12:14:00.001-08:002017-03-11T12:17:50.618-08:00God of second chances<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IzrraQkRtJCKlX5kkalRRCc2bGikQS2PTSkKhhnRlrnnQQYJZQUBGfIXPB_I2NW2njP8CSEE_zYMd7SYGXWgNO2dXfrpacZCDSJo4SQF_MD4brxT3aqpXhIQzw2BCLhwEHnzhZPSWIQ/s640/blogger-image-884075718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IzrraQkRtJCKlX5kkalRRCc2bGikQS2PTSkKhhnRlrnnQQYJZQUBGfIXPB_I2NW2njP8CSEE_zYMd7SYGXWgNO2dXfrpacZCDSJo4SQF_MD4brxT3aqpXhIQzw2BCLhwEHnzhZPSWIQ/s640/blogger-image-884075718.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Luke 13:1-9</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God calls us to turn around and gather at this table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The God of second chances invites us to find a place here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So come to this table where God offers a fresh start</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and where our God of infinite patience waits to turn our lives inside out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus shared so much with his disciples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stories, friendship, teaching, food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He constantly surprised them by confounding popular wisdom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He often turned things on their head</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, just when they thought they'd got it,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He would make them think again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sharing a traditional Passover meal with his disciples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the night before he died</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took bread, blessed it and said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body broken for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then, after supper, he took a cup of wine, saying</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This cup is the new relationship with God </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">made possible because of my death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so we remember Jesus today by sharing these gifts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us first give thanks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gathered here today, we give thanks to God for being a God of surprises</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A God who constantly challenges us to think again</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- to hold back from making harsh judgements.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A God who encourages us to see everything in a different light</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A God who is always prepared to give us another chance to turn around and find our way back to love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we take our place at this table, we find ourselves cheek by jowl with that great company of saints, the living and the dead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those in whose company we are at peace and those whose company makes us uneasy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those we expect to find here and those whose presence surprises us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We come, bringing with us all those who are left out, excluded, forgotten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we pray for all who suffer today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those fighting for survival in the midst of war</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those forced to flee their homes, their countries and their loved ones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray for those who fear strangers and are unable to welcome those who are different</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray that we, as people of the world, along with our leaders can work together for peace and justice and an equal sharing of the earth's resources.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Give us the will to make space for one another, to always expect and hope that things and people can change and to know that we are always held in your love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine and, as we do this to remember you, feed our resolve to change the world with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Taking bread)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ who calls us to turn around meets us here in bread, his body broken for the life of the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Taking the cup)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ who offers us a way back to God, meets us in this wine, symbol of a new relationship with God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God you have welcomed us to this table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You have offered us a way back and another chance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May our welcome here today make us more open to welcoming others</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And may all that you have taught us here spill over into our everyday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Knowing ourselves loved by you, may we love one another and be prepared to keep on turning around to follow the path you reveal until you are glorified here and everywhere, now and forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-79706174245735447042016-12-20T15:20:00.001-08:002016-12-21T00:23:56.051-08:00Born in us today<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrfNrWeV0zTqff7fh2aGKBg2njbViDIl1P_gD8j5FvIdE-8MCBR5WjgW4djfvTaczRMVFNgY-4JMykZICYRk3ZGLW81ZIEEUhperqfwdj_gg4UZ6FGUqusFwIC8uaQRqnj1bCy5u71L0/s640/blogger-image--945689727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrfNrWeV0zTqff7fh2aGKBg2njbViDIl1P_gD8j5FvIdE-8MCBR5WjgW4djfvTaczRMVFNgY-4JMykZICYRk3ZGLW81ZIEEUhperqfwdj_gg4UZ6FGUqusFwIC8uaQRqnj1bCy5u71L0/s640/blogger-image--945689727.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Luke 2:8-20</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Shepherds and the Angels</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>“Glory to God in the highest heaven,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come and see- </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The baby Jesus, now grown</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">invites you to be part of the story - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to share at this table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and to wonder at the gift of God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">born among us this day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus, promised by prophets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Longed for by the oppressed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dreaded by kings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Heralded by angels</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Born in a manger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sought out by shepherds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lived life among the poor and lowly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the outcasts and the strangers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He taught and preached and healed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and gathered friends around him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Around the table, at supper,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took bread and broke it, saying:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body broken for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took the cup and said: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the new relationship with God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">made possible because of my death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this when you are together to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so, today, even as we greet the baby God born for us,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in Bethlehem, house of bread - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">we take this bread and this cup,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">symbols of the love he has for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and we share to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God as we celebrate your birth today,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">as we remember that humble shepherds were among the first to greet you,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">we thank you for your life lived among the ordinary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see you, O God, in ordinary people and in the strangers and outcasts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see you in the poor and the homeless</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in the lonely and the oppressed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see you in the prisoners and in the refugees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see you in the persecuted and the downtrodden,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in every place where love is withheld </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For you are love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, as we gather at this table and share in this feast to which you invite us,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">we bring with us all those who are left out in the cold today,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">those who are excluded because they do not conform</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">those who have been too badly hurt to want to seek company</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and those who long to belong but don't know how.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we find space to be inclusive, to be open to others, without judgement,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">even and especially when we are unsure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we err on the side of generosity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">for you are a generous God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">whose arms embrace and welcome all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You made your dwelling among us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May your living alongside us change the way we live.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And as we share in these your symbols of love, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">send your Spirit on us and on this bread and wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that as we carefully unwrap your gifts </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">we may be filled and changed by the wonder of love born anew in us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is bread, torn and offered to you - a symbol of Christ's love today</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is wine, poured out for you - a sign of the lavish gift of God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By these signs, remember God born for us - light and life for the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after Communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, present in the manger, journey with us through life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pierce through the glitter and the tinsel and bring us back to the starkness of your love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">born for us today, present with us always.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, with these symbols of God with us may we fill our world with light and with love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For Christ is born and lives in us, today and always.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-66957676121874404082016-12-02T11:53:00.001-08:002016-12-02T12:22:48.313-08:00Dreams and visions<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgN4s0Kw_9rXEbssFYs4mN-G1ceirqvEwSbT1kMLDS7OiwnKstRMqsnlKpjhCh1L9qwjSL6FuQFWzMMhuHatVM1UWLoSsKWN1QV7hB99zhipDEFFc9CmfvjU4yRjikyu9bhlHf9hIMNE/s640/blogger-image-1928103936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgN4s0Kw_9rXEbssFYs4mN-G1ceirqvEwSbT1kMLDS7OiwnKstRMqsnlKpjhCh1L9qwjSL6FuQFWzMMhuHatVM1UWLoSsKWN1QV7hB99zhipDEFFc9CmfvjU4yRjikyu9bhlHf9hIMNE/s640/blogger-image-1928103936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Joel 2:12-13, 28-29</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Yet even now, says the Lord,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>return to me with all your heart,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>rend your hearts and not your clothing.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Return to the Lord, your God,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>for he is gracious and merciful,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and relents from punishing.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>God’s Spirit Poured Out</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Then afterward</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>your old men shall dream dreams,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and your young men shall see visions.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Even on the male and female slaves,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>in those days, I will pour out my spirit.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come to this table all you who dream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and you who plan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You who have visions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and you who like cold, hard facts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come to this table where God invites you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to know grace and mercy and love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">served up in bread and wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God came in Jesus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to reveal the signs all around</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of a different way of living</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A way in which we each honour one another</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A way in which we love each other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A way in which we make space for the other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus used ordinary things around him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to show us the way of love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The night he was betrayed,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He gathered his daiciples around him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and shared supper with them</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">teaching them, even in that last meal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">lessons in love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it, saying,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body, broken for you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took wine and passed it around his disciples,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">a new relationship with God made possible</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And said: Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> we follow Jesus' example here today, let us first give thanks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgivng</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God we thank you that, in Jesus, you showed us</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">that the kingdom of heaven is near</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">His birth, his life and death, his rising to life</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">brings hope - not for some distant world of justice and peace</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">but for our ability, with God's grace, to know the world we long for</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">the world you long to see for all your people, here and now.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And so as we take these ordinary gifts of bread and wine</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">that you make special</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">may we know that you take our gifts too</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and use them to make a difference in our world.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So, this Advent, we offer you our hands and our feet</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">our voices and our intellects</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">our everyday work and pursuits</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">asking you to transform all that we offer</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">in the work of your kingdom</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">that transforms the world around.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Give us insight and inkling, resolve and direction</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">to see your kingdom come</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">bringing life and light in every darkness</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and joy and peace in every corner of the world.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Send your Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">that as we share communion with God and with one another</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">we may know love born anew in us</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and peace that passes all understanding.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Fraction</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This bread is a symbol of the life of the kingdom</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Take, eat and live out incarnation</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This wine is a symbol of the possibility of relationship</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">with God and our neighbour</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Drink it resolving to repair division</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We do this to remember Jesus</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer after communion</b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God you have fed us with the bread of life</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">May we go and enhance life for others</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">You have allowed us to drink of the wine of the new kingdom</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">May we herald in that kingdom in this place today</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And, in every encounter we have in the world</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">may we live out God with us today and always.</font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-23587611657130642232016-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:002016-11-28T00:01:58.301-08:00Confounding conspiracy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<b><i>Daniel 6:6-28</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So the presidents and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions. Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Daniel in the Lions’ Den</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. The conspirators came and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human, within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”</i></b></div>
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<b><i>When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” A stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no food was brought to him, and sleep fled from him.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Daniel Saved from the Lions</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Then, at break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?” Daniel then said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. The king gave a command, and those who had accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. Before they reached the bottom of the den the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language throughout the whole world: “May you have abundant prosperity!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:</i></b></div>
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<b><i>For he is the living God,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>enduring forever.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>His kingdom shall never be destroyed,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and his dominion has no end.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>He delivers and rescues,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>for he has saved Daniel</i></b></div>
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<b><i>from the power of the lions.”</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b>Invitation</b></div>
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Plotters, conspirers, those who thrive on the misfortune of others</div>
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Come to this table</div>
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The faithful, the gentle, all who feel put upon or used</div>
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Come to this table</div>
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Bystanders, onlookers, those who observe but don't get involved</div>
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Come to this table</div>
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Christ who took on flesh, who encountered all of these</div>
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invites you to eat at this table</div>
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to be fed the living bread</div>
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and to be changed from the inside out.</div>
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<b>Narrative</b></div>
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Foretold by prophets all through the ages</div>
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Longed for by the oppressed down through the years</div>
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Looked for in the stars</div>
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Sought in the palace</div>
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The living God took on flesh</div>
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and dwelt among a people unprepared</div>
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to be confronted with the word of life.</div>
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The Son of God walked among prophets</div>
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confronted the authorities</div>
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sat down with the outcasts</div>
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ate with sinners.</div>
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And, the night before he died,</div>
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He taught his friends about life and death</div>
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and gave them a sign by which to remember him:</div>
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He took bread, gave thanks and shared it among them saying:</div>
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This is my body, broken for you</div>
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Do this in memory of me.</div>
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He took the cup and, sharing, said</div>
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This cup makes possible a new relationship with God</div>
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Drink this and remember me.</div>
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And so we, the righteous, the sinners, the outcasts, the prophets,</div>
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do as our Lord Jesus commanded.</div>
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We take bread and wine and, with God's blessing, share in this sacramental meal.</div>
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<b>Prayer of thanksgiving</b></div>
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God as you look upon us now</div>
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seeing into our hearts</div>
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As you look upon us </div>
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missing no one and nothing</div>
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As you look upon us in love</div>
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remind us that none of us are beyond your redemption</div>
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or out of the reach of your saving grace.</div>
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You welcome all to your table</div>
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The sinners, the outcasts, the persecutors, the oppressors,</div>
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the spiteful, the meddlers, the do-gooders, the conspirators,</div>
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alongside the faithful, the perplexed, the hurt and the downtrodden.</div>
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You welcome all.</div>
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And you feed us with the bread of life.</div>
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You welcome us to your table</div>
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with love and forgiveness and with comfort and understanding</div>
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and your unconditional acceptance </div>
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of us just as we are</div>
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thaws our hearts</div>
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heals our hurts</div>
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and changes our lives.</div>
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Send down your Spirit on these gifts before us</div>
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So, that as we taste your goodness here</div>
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we may make space</div>
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at our tables </div>
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and in our lives</div>
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for all those forgotten or rejected</div>
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by society today</div>
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and be moved to share</div>
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all you have given us</div>
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for the sake of your kingdom.</div>
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Come, Lord Jesus, Come.</div>
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<b>Fraction</b> </div>
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(Taking bread)</div>
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Here is your Lord, approaching you with arms outstretched in welcome</div>
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His body broken for you</div>
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(Taking wine)</div>
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Here is your Lord, offering you a new relationship with God</div>
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Love poured out for you</div>
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Do this to remember him</div>
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<b>Prayer after Communion</b></div>
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Lord we have feasted on your goodness</div>
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Take us now into the world</div>
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filled with your love</div>
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inspired by your giving</div>
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ready to share all that we have received from you.</div>
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liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-11735757534377092182016-09-02T08:56:00.001-07:002016-09-02T08:56:13.602-07:00God chooses you (Deuteronomy 30; Luke 14)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7erVQl97vVbGO4OvA_0cyVN7B8VWpXacRQJWCloIRscZOyEtxk4FRY6emv5P3DyoFKCwr6DxUQlGYRBqUA1Ui2lmcXY4z9wlA1ndRWp3LMUCzEsta0fXHwhHkFwQyC5ETP0_8ivelyUw/s640/blogger-image--1672747894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7erVQl97vVbGO4OvA_0cyVN7B8VWpXacRQJWCloIRscZOyEtxk4FRY6emv5P3DyoFKCwr6DxUQlGYRBqUA1Ui2lmcXY4z9wlA1ndRWp3LMUCzEsta0fXHwhHkFwQyC5ETP0_8ivelyUw/s640/blogger-image--1672747894.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Deuteronomy 30:15-20</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Luke 14:25-33</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Cost of Discipleship</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the table of our Lord Jesus Christ who chooses you to dine with him in this place today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Choosing you, he invites you to find, at this table, strength to carry your cross.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So come all who are hesitant and dithering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come you who are sure and committed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Choose Christ who has chosen you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Choose life, symbolised here in bread and wine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus constantly laid before his friends, choices:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The choice to remain or to follow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The choice to listen or to ignore</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The choice to be blind or to see</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The choice to be sick or to be whole</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The choice of life or of death.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">His disciples chose life - they followed, they listened, they saw, they were made whole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And even though they often faltered or dithered or forgot, Jesus didn't give up or let up - he kept on holding out forgiveness and newness of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so, the night before he died, he gathered his friends around a meal, spoke to them again of the cross and invited them to remember him by choosing to share in this feast together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He shared bread, symbol of his body, broken for the life of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He shared the cup, symbol of a new relationship with God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This table bears those symbols today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before we share, let us give thanks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God we thank you that you never impose yourself on us but gently, persistently invite us into relationship with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You invite us to choose life over death, to take up our cross and follow Christ.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we choose life for the sake of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God we pray for our world in all its pain and suffering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray for all those who, every day, are forced to make hard choices or for whom there is no choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those forced from home and family by war, by oppression, by danger, by evil or natural disaster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Show us how to restore the voices of those who are silenced along with the freedom to choose for those who find themselves between a rock and a hard place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May your cross symbolise the way of suffering carved out in love that transforms pain and renews life. May we always be willing to bear another's burden, to lift up the suffering and to know the blessing of travelling together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray for refugees, for migrants, for all seeking a place to call home. May we choose to open our hearts to make room, to share the road and to know ourselves taught by those whose learning is wrought through pain and hardship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we choose life for the sake of the church.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God we thank you for all those who have gone before us on the journey of faith. Those on whose shoulders we now stand. Those who surround us as we share this feast. May we always make space for others around your table, where there is love enough for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Give your church boldness and wisdom to proclaim the God who invites all people to choose life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we choose life for our sake and the sake of the communities in which we live.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we go about our everyday lives give us courage to serve and to be served.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be with those whom we know who grieve, who have lost the joy of living. Help us to put ourselves aside and sit with them until we are ready to continue the journey together with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, choosing God, as we come to this table today, may our choice witness to the hope we have in you. Send you Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and of wine that they may become life for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Feed us here with strength to take up our cross and follow you every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>(Taking bread)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Christ's body broken for the life of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>(Taking the cup)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This cup symbolises Christ's shed blood reminding us of forgiveness and newness of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By these we remember Christ who took up the cross and offered life to us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God who has fed us and confronted us again with our oneness with all the world, strengthen us to take up our cross and follow you, gathering up along the way all those who falter and fall, all those who dither, those who are blind or sick and want to be whole. We who have choices, everyday may we choose life with you, life in all its fullness for the sake of the world and the kingdom of God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-43786528822170370442016-03-25T03:39:00.001-07:002016-03-25T03:44:30.844-07:00Unfinished (Mark 16:1-8)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBWrEv8Zw5AhY_o1sFDaefaczj-4SoL3UYc0UwJlhnujGOIG97MDX20El-8L1FmXtzUZMjzbSU9wCEyRx5Mg7IWbkjo0nVbUEiT3wwyYGajyUSuaFgvG-WctW_JwTQp3t1jBvirA1WD8/s640/blogger-image-583965680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBWrEv8Zw5AhY_o1sFDaefaczj-4SoL3UYc0UwJlhnujGOIG97MDX20El-8L1FmXtzUZMjzbSU9wCEyRx5Mg7IWbkjo0nVbUEiT3wwyYGajyUSuaFgvG-WctW_JwTQp3t1jBvirA1WD8/s640/blogger-image-583965680.jpg"></a></div>Mark 16:1-8</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Resurrection of Jesus</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jesus has gone from the tomb.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At this table, we celebrate resurrection in company with the women who went to anoint his body.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amazed, terrified, stunned into silence, here we release their story: Jesus is risen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jesus is risen and feasts with us here as we remember him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a place at this table for you who are frightened.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a place at this table for you who are weary.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a place at this table you who have no voice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a place at this table for you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Take your place and meet the risen Christ.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our Maundy Thursday services retold the institution of this sacrament: How Jesus, the night he was betrayed, gathered friends around him to share the Passover meal and, after supper, took bread, broke it, blessed it and shared it with them saying:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He also took the cup, saying: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This cup is the new relationship made possible because of my death. Drink this in remembrance of me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jesus instituted this remembrance before he was betrayed, denied, abandoned by his friends and killed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We celebrate because he rose again, demonstrating that God's love is greater than evil and God's grace brings forgiveness for all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God, here in this sacrament, instituted by Jesus before his death, we celebrate all that confounds death and the evil that stalks our world. We celebrate love, forgiveness and grace.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We celebrate good news that cannot be hushed up, stories that overcome terror.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We celebrate Jesus - his birth, his life, his death and resurrection. We celebrate all that he taught and all that he modelled in his living and dying.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we look in despair at the evil that continues to stalk our world, may we be hopeful, audaciously hopeful that love continues to have the last word and that there will always be good news stories to be told in every time of darkness and hopelessness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God we pray for victims of terror, for those who mourn, for those who are homeless, for those forced to flee for their lives. Give us compassion and the willingness to meet others in generosity of spirit, sharing all that we have and being open to receive all that others bring to our lives, sharing our common humanity as children whom God calls beloved.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At this table, O God, as we greet Jesus, risen and going on ahead of us, may we be anxious not only to remember him but to follow him into all the world.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Send your Spirit on us and on this bread and this wine, that as we share this feast we may also share Christ's breath of life and of peace with which to bless our homes, our communities and our world today.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The body of Christ, broken for you, that you may remember him</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The blood of Christ poured out for you that you may know a new relationship with God.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">These gifts of God, given for the life of the world.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Risen Lord Jesus, here you have fed us with life and with hope. May we not remain silent or afraid, but take these gifts into your broken world, knowing that death does not have the last word, that evil is not stronger than love, that your forgiveness and grace is sufficient to heal and transform every darkness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So may your life bring hope and healing for the nations and peace against the odds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></div><div><br></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-12518267574144613412016-02-21T21:41:00.001-08:002016-02-21T22:39:25.855-08:00All about love<div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCZGldNUjimNrU6jLeyP7k1aQqE1lg5JxFuFlLNYZqH2wHmfVwlxm6NX5N66-Rf1heOegrztPhYxg3X-r4IPiUgQIb0veF9t1BmloOqYnGGE5AaQHhhykLf2Nhan0m3nnh2c7ue2AjAM/s640/blogger-image-1479807311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCZGldNUjimNrU6jLeyP7k1aQqE1lg5JxFuFlLNYZqH2wHmfVwlxm6NX5N66-Rf1heOegrztPhYxg3X-r4IPiUgQIb0veF9t1BmloOqYnGGE5AaQHhhykLf2Nhan0m3nnh2c7ue2AjAM/s640/blogger-image-1479807311.jpg"></a></div>Mark 12:28-44</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The First Commandment</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Question about David’s Son</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David?</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared,</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>‘The Lord said to my Lord,</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>“Sit at my right hand,</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus Denounces the Scribes</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Widow’s Offering</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”</i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Invitation</b></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Come, dine.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Jesus invites all to this table.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The rich and the poor.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The proud and the humble.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">All who live in abundance.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">All who live in scarcity.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Jesus calls us, who are not far from the kingdom</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">to share at this table where there is love and nourishment for all.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Come, dine at the table of our Lord.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Narrative</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As Jesus made his way to Jerusalem, he taught his disciples about life and death, about suffering and triumph, about loving God and loving each other. He asked and answered questions and did all that he could to prepare those he loved for what lay ahead.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And, on their last night together, the night on which he was betrayed, he gathered his disciples around a table, shared supper with them, and instituted this memorial, the sacrament that we share in memory of him.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, saying: This is my body, broken for you. Take, eat, to remember me.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">After supper, he took the cup saying: This cup is the cup of salvation, making possible the forgiveness of sin and a new relationship with God. Drink this to remember me.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Here we have symbols of Christ's body broken for us and Christ's blood poured out for us.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Let us give thanks to God.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and all your strength. And love your neighbour as yourself."</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Jesus, Son of God who is love, as we gather round your table to follow your instruction to remember you in bread and wine, may we be called back to remember all the other things you taught us:</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">To love God and one another.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">To share what we have.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">To live humbly, at peace with one another.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As we approach your table we confess that we have failed to heed your teaching here in this community and we have failed our brothers and sisters throughout the world.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So, before we share these holy symbols of love that you prepare for us, we bring to you our prayers of confession and our prayers for those we have not loved as you love.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Lord forgive us for all those times we have tuned out the evening news programmes or skimmed over the newspapers because we have become hardened to stories of war and conflict, to suffering and distress.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We are familiar with stories of hunger and homelessness, unmoved by images of desolation, accepting of tented cities housing refugees and resigned to places of beauty being raised to rubble.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">God forgive us that we can so easily dismiss injustice, inequality and racism, that we can so easily distance ourselves from brothers and sisters in Christ who look to us for help.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Break our hearts as yours is broken for all your children who suffer today.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Show us, who live in comfort, that the needs we see around the world meet us on our doorsteps too.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And, as our hearts are broken, may we respond with love and compassion, giving of ourselves as you gave.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Send your Spirit now on this bread and this cup. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As we break this bread, may we remember your broken body and our broken world.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As we share the cup, may we remember your blood poured out for us along with the bloodshed throughout our world today.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And, in our remembering, may we be broken and poured out to serve the world in which we live, the world, near and far, that you call us to love and to serve.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">For then we will truly remember you.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Fraction</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This is the body of Christ broken for you and for all humankind.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Take, eat and remember in love.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This is the cup of salvation, Christ's blood shed that we might know a new relationship with God.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Drink this to remember the promise.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer after communion</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Lord Jesus we have remembered you at your table, sharing in your broken body and blood shed for us. May these symbols of everlasting love shatter and inspire us so that we cannot be the same but are moved to share your love until it hurts with all your children throughout the world.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Nourished by your gifts to us, may we see clearly how and where you want us to serve you in the world and, in the strength of your love may we truly love one another by serving one another in the name of the One who created us, who redeems us and who sends us out into all the world.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Amen</font></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-76288280046278625912015-11-25T04:53:00.001-08:002015-11-26T15:41:02.992-08:00Re-discovering Advent<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKoTepcR11aLRKiUPu1SvsjtITzF-uGaHdMGbddEWz8zmzeMFooj0sko3dX04gmQRSLMc8UPdak1gRwJhaq2Qnj01SGUj6rTREpq01xs7F-afPUOqLLyhKpjTB03lv6TUuKhAsZRSpn4/s640/blogger-image-400625120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKoTepcR11aLRKiUPu1SvsjtITzF-uGaHdMGbddEWz8zmzeMFooj0sko3dX04gmQRSLMc8UPdak1gRwJhaq2Qnj01SGUj6rTREpq01xs7F-afPUOqLLyhKpjTB03lv6TUuKhAsZRSpn4/s640/blogger-image-400625120.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 Kings 22:1-10; 23:1-3</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Josiah Reigns over Judah</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, the secretary, to the house of the Lord, saying, “Go up to the high priest Hilkiah, and have him count the entire sum of the money that has been brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the threshold have collected from the people; let it be given into the hand of the workers who have the oversight of the house of the Lord; let them give it to the workers who are at the house of the Lord, repairing the house, that is, to the carpenters, to the builders, to the masons; and let them use it to buy timber and quarried stone to repair the house. But no accounting shall be asked from them for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly.”</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” When Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, he read it. Then Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workers who have oversight of the house of the Lord.” Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “The priest Hilkiah has given me a book.” Shaphan then read it aloud to the king.</i></b></div></div><div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 Kings 23:1-3</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Josiah’s Reformation</i></b></div><div><b><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then the king directed that all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem should be gathered to him. The king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him went all the people of Judah, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, the prophets, and all the people, both small and great; he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord, keeping his commandments, his decrees, and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. All the people joined in the covenant.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div></div><div><b>Invitation</b></div><div>Come to this table to begin a journey of rediscovery today</div><div>At this table, rediscover Gods word made flesh</div><div>At this table, rediscover God's light rekindled</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At this table, rediscover God's welcome for you</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Come, rediscover God's love made real in bread and wine</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Narrative</b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To a world hoping and longing, God sent the Christ child to bring light</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That light became a refugee, forced to seek grace and safety from strangers</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That light survived to teach and heal, to tell stories and share wisdom</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That light, the Son of God, gathered around him friends to whom he entrusted</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the light of the gospel, friends who sometimes let the light burn brightly and who sometimes let it dwindle, friends in whom he never stopped believing</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And so we gather around this table today, as Jesus did the night he was betrayed.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We gather to share bread, symbol of Christ's body broken for us.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We gather to share the cup, symbol of Christ's blood poured out for us that we might know salvation.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We gather, friends of Jesus today.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In some here, Chrsit's light shines brightly, in some it is but a spark</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Still, Christ believes in each of us.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So as you share this feast, may the light of Christ be rekindled in you.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Let us give thanks to God</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">God we thank you that you never stop believing in us.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">And you entrust us with your light.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">In gratitude, deep gratitude, may we take the light you offer us here into every corner of our world.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Into the darkness of food insecurity</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Into the darkness of homelessness</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Into the darkness of poverty</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Into the darkness of the refugee camps</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Into the darkness of radicalisation</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Into the darkness of terrorism</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">God, wherever your light is needed today, may your people, to whom you have entrusted it, be torch bearers, gently rekindling sparks that have been extinguished, fanning into flame love that has been broken and hope that has been crushed.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">May we recall and celebrate the light of your love for the world.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">May we bring to this feast all who dwell in darkness praying for the healing touch of your light.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Send your Spirit now upon us and upon this bread and wine that we use.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">May we who share this feast proclaim your love and shine your light in all the world today.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Go before us, our light and our salvation.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Fraction</b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">This is the body of Christ broken for you to bring light into all the world</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">This is the blood of Christ poured out for you bringing healing in the darkness.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">We do this to remember the light.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">God as you have offered us in this feast your light and your love, may we be strengthened for the journey and carry others with us into the glorious light of your love that lasts forever.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Amen</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-16785101169657658312015-09-04T23:24:00.001-07:002015-09-05T11:03:11.297-07:00With all the saints<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPHXqQAtwO9EmyP2v6slSod8RyQXJsj_mo5LR8kLrT_XazJWKrpY2Lbrflo9C0062qpWaQwJ35EHD2PZDU2LF6MoW2hP08IbZ7wxhaZjMY0IVmb9t4nuCFZ3LLxDwvY3Wk_dl4JJbfRY/s640/blogger-image--1534213843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPHXqQAtwO9EmyP2v6slSod8RyQXJsj_mo5LR8kLrT_XazJWKrpY2Lbrflo9C0062qpWaQwJ35EHD2PZDU2LF6MoW2hP08IbZ7wxhaZjMY0IVmb9t4nuCFZ3LLxDwvY3Wk_dl4JJbfRY/s640/blogger-image--1534213843.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Hebrews 11:1-16, 12:1,2</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Meaning of Faith</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Faith of Abraham</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By faith you are invited to come on a journey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A journey that takes you into God's story</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Into the heart of that long line of saints whose stories we have shared in this place</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By faith, the risen Lord Jesus invites you to gather around this table and to share in this feast </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that is part of the story of faith and of hope and of love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come, be a part of this story today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Listen again to the story of this sacrament.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our Lord Jesus, the night he was betrayed, gathered around him those disciples with whom he had shared his journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He sat at table with friends, those with whom he fished, those with whom he had taught, those he'd called from their nets to be about God's business.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As they shared supper, they recalled stories of their life together and they began to write a new story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After supper, Jesus took bread. He blessed it and broke it and offered it to them, saying: This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took the cup and told them: This is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death. Drink this cup and remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today, this bread and this cup become part of the story of faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We share them to remember the life and death of our Lord and the new relationship we have with God because Christ makes us part of the story of faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So let us give thanks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God we thank you for the stories of faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those written long ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those still being written today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We thank you that you place us firmly in that story, with that long line of saints, of the past, the present and the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You invite us to co-author with you the next part of the story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we thank you for this table and for this sacrament by which you remind us of your love and your invitation to go on a journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A journey that is unpredictable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A journey that takes us places we might never have imagined.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A journey that takes us to the heart of God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we respond to your gracious invitation, we bring with us all those who journey today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those whose journeys have become more about survival than about living.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those whose journeys have become flights of desperation rather than gentle meandering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At this table, we embrace, in this story of faith, refugees throughout the world whose stories have touched and horrified us with their tales of desperation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray for parents desperate enough to take their children into precarious waters because that is safer than staying on land.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray for families desperate enough to risk their lives by hiding in confined spaces, hoping to be transported to safety.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We pray for all those desperate enough to risk harm and scorn and rejection and even death to seek a better way of life for themselves and their family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God may their desperation be our inspiration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we be inspired to care.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we be inspired to take action, to do what we can to make a difference.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And may we be inspired to pray without ceasing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your Spirit upon this bread and wine today that it may become for us a means of discovering your grace anew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we share today the bread of life and the cup of salvation may we be inspired to intervene as you did, to reach into and change the stories that are being woven all around us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To intervene with compassion and even with sacrifice to ensure that your saints today reach out and help one another on the journey that you continue to make with us and all your children.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A journey of faith that knows no borders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A story of love that knows no limits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God make us, your people gathered at this table today, part of that story that changes lives, changes governments, changes nations and changes the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The grace and love of God is present today in this bread, broken for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Take, eat and remember.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A new relationship with God is offered today in this cup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drink deep and be inspired to compassion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God in bringing us to this table, you have fed us with love and compassion and confronted us with the story of your children today, a story played out In so many ways through the ages,a story that won't be changed unless we step up and make a difference.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so, with the food of your love barely digested in us, may we call on your strength to do what is right, what is just, what is loving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we step out in faith to write with you a new story in which all your people share in the resources that you have given, inspired by desperation to love and compassion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make each of us a part of that new story of faith and life that is your will for all people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the glory of God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-78381166858146883652015-05-31T06:24:00.001-07:002015-06-06T16:44:00.934-07:00Bless the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpjyRIsA3ElBQV0ySOr9rt1RQ6HObAsSpDSCNtbB9SlC_qqLiOq5OVfOZN7ntwOwJw5sT-40CrErx10TUfdoYyMvfeCOAi7MEuy9bkCd1Ut-MBLrU6oT8r_z1-61daO8OpJefOv3Bc7w/s640/blogger-image-1829409850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpjyRIsA3ElBQV0ySOr9rt1RQ6HObAsSpDSCNtbB9SlC_qqLiOq5OVfOZN7ntwOwJw5sT-40CrErx10TUfdoYyMvfeCOAi7MEuy9bkCd1Ut-MBLrU6oT8r_z1-61daO8OpJefOv3Bc7w/s640/blogger-image-1829409850.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Psalm 113</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>God the Helper of the Needy</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Praise the Lord!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Praise, O servants of the Lord;</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>praise the name of the Lord.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Blessed be the name of the Lord</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>from this time on and forevermore.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>From the rising of the sun to its setting</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>the name of the Lord is to be praised.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Lord is high above all nations,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and his glory above the heavens.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Who is like the Lord our God,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>who is seated on high,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>who looks far down</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>on the heavens and the earth?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>He raises the poor from the dust,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>and lifts the needy from the ash heap,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>to make them sit with princes,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>with the princes of his people.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>He gives the barren woman a home,</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>making her the joyous mother of children.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Praise the Lord!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Christ's table where all are welcome</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those who are full of praise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those who are full of woe </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those for whom life brings joy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those for whom life brings challenge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whoever you are </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whatever you face</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ meets you here offering love and grace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come to Christ's table knowing Christ welcomes you here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ walked with friends and strangers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">along dusty roads and rocky shores</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">on beaches and hillsides</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At bedsides and gravesides</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He taught and healed, laughed and cried</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lifted people up or got down beside them</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, on the night he was betrayed,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">he gathered some of those friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">around a table in an upper room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He washed their feet and taught them to serve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He fed their minds and bodies and taught them to share.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took bread, blessed it and broke it, and told them:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body broken for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then he took a cup and told them:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This cup symbolises a new beginning with God </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">made possible because of my death. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so we take this bread and this cup </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and we give thanks to God for these symbols of grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us pray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, like the Psalmist we praise you today</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">because you accept us just as we are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rejoicing and the grieving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those who are content and those who are restless</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those who find life easy, those who find life hard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You know us and love us and hold out your arms in welcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so we come, some with faltering steps, some at a run </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">some in our own time, some dragged along by others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We come and find you waiting on us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we bask in your welcome we bring with us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">all who need to be fed today</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those hungry for love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those hungry for knowledge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those hungry for justice, those hungry for peace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those hungry for shelter, those hungry for status</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those hungry for stability, those hungry for family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At your table there is room for all and enough for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those of this world- and the next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so we thank you that you call us sons and daughters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You lift us from the places we have been and open up for us new horizons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your Spirit on these symbols that we use here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May our hearts and minds be open wide in wonder that such love and grace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And mercy and forgiveness is crammed into a sip of wine and a cube of bread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And as we share together may we know at your table </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">there is room for us and room for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And may we bless your name forevermore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this bread, we know Christ's body broken for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We share the feast together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this cup we know a new relationship with God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after Communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God we have been fed at this table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been nourished and encouraged</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been cradled in caring a<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">nd lifted in love</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Help us now to go into all the world sharing the gifts we have been given</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">until all your world is fed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Knowing your grace in simple things, may we simply live to hand on your love</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">as you have handed it to us.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">May we carry your very self in us so that all may see you</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> the God of the Universe making your home with us</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Bless the Lord O my soul.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-50859261669895798222015-05-06T00:59:00.001-07:002015-05-06T01:35:24.739-07:00On a journey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy3nEWUTRm2hJ6o8lSQtDj9XYU227jDJDLZLK6XDi0KmSplDAOleFxg-ly20SqoMpquKX_tlXERBDuyZeimp5MsRTGzpSsK_S9rzgJnPEk80emNkIkQvMtR1aZDk7kziemflX4F9oplI/s640/blogger-image-719905624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy3nEWUTRm2hJ6o8lSQtDj9XYU227jDJDLZLK6XDi0KmSplDAOleFxg-ly20SqoMpquKX_tlXERBDuyZeimp5MsRTGzpSsK_S9rzgJnPEk80emNkIkQvMtR1aZDk7kziemflX4F9oplI/s640/blogger-image-719905624.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopes and dreams for the journey</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">A Communion Liturgy written for a RevGals event in Scotland</span></div>
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<b>Prayer</b></div>
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God of familiar paths and new discoveries</div>
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We greet you here</div>
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God of ancient texts and fresh insight</div>
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We open our hearts</div>
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God embraced by some, rejected by others</div>
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We make room for you this day</div>
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As you make room for us.</div>
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Remove all that would keep us from recognising you as we worship you here</div>
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In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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<b><i>Luke 24:28-35</i></b></div>
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<b><i>As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAm2I6tGkM6NajNndH77OgPi6AIF7fc-BD8h1VZm1L6PBczaWk3XRYru8nxJjoM1u-a_xAbkIzZVEl0oGPbSZngKKffa-EiQk3Nbp2JnAF9TRohP5cQYHHoTxHmQZjArJIVc8w3TWRks/s1600/blogger-image-2140589387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAm2I6tGkM6NajNndH77OgPi6AIF7fc-BD8h1VZm1L6PBczaWk3XRYru8nxJjoM1u-a_xAbkIzZVEl0oGPbSZngKKffa-EiQk3Nbp2JnAF9TRohP5cQYHHoTxHmQZjArJIVc8w3TWRks/s1600/blogger-image-2140589387.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Two women walked the road</i></div>
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<i>And as they walked</i><br />
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<i>they talked - </i></div>
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<i>of death and resurrection</i></div>
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<i>of hope and promise</i></div>
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<i>of faith and discernment</i></div>
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<i>of love and discipleship</i></div>
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<i>Sharing a vocation</i></div>
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<i>that is costly and demanding</i></div>
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<i>Sifting through the detritus</i></div>
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<i>for the jewels that are buried.</i></div>
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<i>And between them</i></div>
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<i>was the risen Christ</i></div>
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<i>listening and encouraging</i></div>
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<i>consoling and affirming</i></div>
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<i>making his presence known</i></div>
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<i>in the breaking of the bread of life</i></div>
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<i>- the sharing of stories</i></div>
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<i>of joys and disappointments</i></div>
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<i>of comfort and longings</i></div>
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<i>Souls laid bare</i></div>
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<i>not seeking answers</i></div>
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<i>or solutions</i></div>
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<i>not even congratulations</i></div>
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<i>or commiserations</i></div>
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<i>But simply the sacred gift</i></div>
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<i>Of listening</i></div>
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<i>in which the work of healing is begun.</i></div>
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(This week has been a week of revelations, of companionship, of listening and of healing and now, as we share Communion together, let's hear Christ's invitation to us.)</div>
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<b>Invitation</b></div>
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We come from North and South, from East and West.</div>
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Christ invites us to sit at table, one with each other and with God.</div>
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<b>Narrative</b></div>
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Christ walks alongside us opening our eyes to the things of the Spirit</div>
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Inviting us to enter into a deeper relationship, a new understanding, changing us one step at a time.</div>
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On the night he was betrayed, Jesus shared super with his disciples, one who would betray him, one who would deny him and the others who would run away.</div>
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Knowing all that - Jesus invited them into a new relationship made possible because of his death.</div>
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Today in the midst of our pilgrimage, Christ invites us to do the same.</div>
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To break bread and to share the cup in memory of him.</div>
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Let us give thanks;</div>
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<b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div>
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Walking and talking</div>
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Going ahead</div>
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Hanging back</div>
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Jesus meets us on the road</div>
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The road that is strewn with pebbles</div>
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The road that is full of pot holes</div>
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At times with strident steps</div>
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At times with faltering shuffle</div>
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Sometimes matching our pace</div>
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Sometimes slowing us down or moving us on</div>
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God we thank you for this time away from our daily routine</div>
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Sharing with strangers, now friends</div>
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We thank you for all the evidence of your presence as we have travelled</div>
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Breadcrumbs dropped along the way</div>
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For expectations met or exceeded</div>
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For hopes kindled or fulfilled</div>
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For challenges laid down or taken up</div>
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We bring to you those we have met on the way this week</div>
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Those physically present</div>
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Those we have carried in our hearts and minds</div>
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And those whose stories we have heard and shared</div>
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We thank you for causing our hearts to burn within us</div>
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as you have revealed to us new insight</div>
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as you have unlocked mystery</div>
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and upset our certainty,</div>
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uprooting, changing, bending and breaking</div>
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And now as we break bread together with you in our midst</div>
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send your Holy Spirit on these your gifts</div>
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May we be nourished and inspired to continue our pilgrimage</div>
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In the name of Christ our beginning and our ending</div>
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Amen</div>
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<b>Sharing Peace</b></div>
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Gods peace is here, not to make us content, but to make us restless to find our way home.</div>
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Let us share the peace together.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmbgVKi3DZp9_3hs4otdHSyXKzWinvNCRK3NnnSJWpyhNTQucrfDPc1nX4egkAhVW8W5FiakaFyNSXBQRf1165W8LJrMRXPAd0UuGTrHGBHadq64Jqv1CfDpcZ2jnXqxJ47NTveN8J-c/s640/blogger-image--711771002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmbgVKi3DZp9_3hs4otdHSyXKzWinvNCRK3NnnSJWpyhNTQucrfDPc1nX4egkAhVW8W5FiakaFyNSXBQRf1165W8LJrMRXPAd0UuGTrHGBHadq64Jqv1CfDpcZ2jnXqxJ47NTveN8J-c/s640/blogger-image--711771002.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RevGals Pheeto</td></tr>
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liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-49298628449585830072015-04-01T14:19:00.001-07:002015-04-02T04:45:05.660-07:00Maundy Thursday: Matthew<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77an1zJe2vWtFy4_f47u3kZujSSafnCYPpDeQ9y37MqpRFaSEkBIHltAHSAlQWbJaEcqqD59ftJsYwTbSaRSMHuvxNgvwsyk9meZ2zomCFf131cKuibx5LyfUcAdu3RZ-krMsxW-K1oE/s640/blogger-image-309850873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77an1zJe2vWtFy4_f47u3kZujSSafnCYPpDeQ9y37MqpRFaSEkBIHltAHSAlQWbJaEcqqD59ftJsYwTbSaRSMHuvxNgvwsyk9meZ2zomCFf131cKuibx5LyfUcAdu3RZ-krMsxW-K1oE/s640/blogger-image-309850873.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Thursday</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">*On this day our Lord went again to Jerusalem. In the evening in the Upper Room, he washed the feet of the disciples, and instituted the blessed sacrament of his Body and Blood. He spoke the words of comfort and peace, gave the promise of the Holy Spirit and made the great intercession. In the Garden of Gethsemane he endured his agony. Betrayed by Judas and arrested by his enemies, he was taken to prison and to judgement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>(*Church of Scotland Prayers for the Christian Year 1935)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we gather on this holy night</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we follow Jesus and his disciples to the upper room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">where they shared the Passover meal,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we take our place at the table, hanging on Jesus' every word,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and celebrate the feast in memory of him,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">then follow him to the garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">where he was betrayed and arrested,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we see ourselves in all the antics of the disciples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some who stay in the background</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some who step up to defend Jesus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some who are betrayers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some who would deny him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some who get scared and run away</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But all who nonetheless are welcomed by Jesus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">who knows us and loves us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And in sharing this sacrament here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we know God's love and forgiveness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">reaching out to us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and drawing us close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This night and always</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The Preparation of the Passover Matthew 26:1-5,14-16</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Matthew 26:1-5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hymn - Ride on, ride on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The Institution of the Lord’s Supper</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Matthew 26:26-30</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Institution of the Lord’s Supper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We gather round this table tonight, much like the disciples did, with Jesus in our midst. Jesus calls us friends and invites us to share in his body broken for us and his blood poured out for us in love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord, here is bread and wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here are your disciples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">gathered around your table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we partake of this food</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that you make holy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we do so</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">fully aware</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that we are capable </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of betraying you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">just as Judas did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your Spirit upon these your gifts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and as we share in communion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">with you and each other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and with all the saints</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">crowding around this sanctuary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">jostling for a place</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we know your healing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and your forgiveness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in every part of our lives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May your selfless giving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">teach us how to give and forgive</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">for the healing of the nations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hymn - Twas on that night</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The body of Christ broken for us.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The blood of Christ poured out in love.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Sharing of Communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Music</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Matthew 26:36-46</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hymn - Praise to the holiest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Matthew 26:47-56</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hymn - We turn to God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Not over</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We know it's not over</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But for now we go and wait</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">on the authorities</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">doing their worst</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Offloading the responsibility </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and blame</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As they achieve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">their inevitable outcomes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All the while knowing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We would have done the same...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Stripping of the Sanctuary</b></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-80915605238582753782015-03-08T12:17:00.001-07:002015-04-01T09:51:08.216-07:00Earth Shattering<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm9fnWTzZJfPl_i2E6lMwxlqOdVcfeaAQlEp3xKimyqnyxsGnmK-Hmme0wZpMitUTM5IKTq-idQNN4zAkbdCy7E_9GrMbRySLl11mn3WEvvKX2HLDBuyQKqCKKxQdKp3v-7vJKmzBi3M/s640/blogger-image-1284075729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm9fnWTzZJfPl_i2E6lMwxlqOdVcfeaAQlEp3xKimyqnyxsGnmK-Hmme0wZpMitUTM5IKTq-idQNN4zAkbdCy7E_9GrMbRySLl11mn3WEvvKX2HLDBuyQKqCKKxQdKp3v-7vJKmzBi3M/s640/blogger-image-1284075729.jpg"></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Matthew 28:1-10</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Resurrection of Jesus</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”</i></b></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do not be afraid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The darkness is overcome</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do not be afraid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The betrayer does not have the last word</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do not be afraid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Death is defeated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the light of the new dawn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Risen Christ invites you to this table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">where we feast on the love of God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This do in remembrance of me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus, who astounded the women who came to the tomb early in the morning with his risen presence, gathered his friends around him the night before his death. His disciples were there, some who would flee, some who would betray, some who would deny. And the women were there,who would look on and weep as Jesus was tried, convicted and crucified.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He shared the Passover meal with these friends who had journeyed with him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He spoke to them of his impending betrayal, suffering and death, though they did not understand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After supper, he took bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it, saying: Do this in remembrance of me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then he took the cup and gave it to them saying: this cup is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death. Drink it all of you to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We who live in the light of the Resurrection give thanks for Jesus' willingness to die for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we do this to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Risen Christ, you emerge from the earthquake proclaiming : Do not be afraid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Surrounded by angels, you roll away the stone from all the tombs that imprison today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tombs of fear, of despair, of hopelessness, of lovelessness. Tombs of hurt and emptiness, of betrayal and death.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You roll back those stones and you sit on them calling your children to emerge from the darkness into your glorious light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Not only do you call us out - but you commission us - to go and tell the good news.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we remember you here, as we celebrate your resurrection and feast on your love, may we be freed from fear and filled with urgency to share the good news.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In all that rocks the life of others, may we be willing to stand with you in the midst, bringing hope, light, love and life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Risen Christ, send your Spirit on this bread and wine today, that as we remember your death and share this resurrection food, we may be rudely awakened to your disturbing presence and be shaken out of our complacency by the power of your love here in this place today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ, whose body was broken for us </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">meets us on this day of Resurrection </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to take our fear away</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christ whose blood was poured out for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">meets us on this day of Resurrection</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">commissioning us to share the Good News</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Out of the earthquake that rolled the stone away</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">see the Risen Christ emerge for you </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after Communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have feasted on the love of God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have celebrated that death is overcome</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and that darkness gives way to light</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we go into the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To share the earth-shattering good news</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that Christ is risen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He is risen indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alleluia! Amen.</div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-1298636393368606292015-02-23T07:10:00.001-08:002015-02-23T09:27:55.035-08:00Come early, come late<div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwPblENfR8F4UcovsAlIhhb-Oge-rI8VxnB3EkqRQSZH1s8xFBBTFPqjRy5TCThNtTIShd2UMBpoz-xmtNTUGN-2PWZOoRALRo84OgMe2sfGNICj0Qfh3IY8sIZi_s_7_vjuSt3s3TbE/s640/blogger-image-1704849186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwPblENfR8F4UcovsAlIhhb-Oge-rI8VxnB3EkqRQSZH1s8xFBBTFPqjRy5TCThNtTIShd2UMBpoz-xmtNTUGN-2PWZOoRALRo84OgMe2sfGNICj0Qfh3IY8sIZi_s_7_vjuSt3s3TbE/s640/blogger-image-1704849186.jpg"></a></div>Matthew 20:1-16</i></b></div><div><b><i>The Laborers in the Vineyard</i></b></div><div><b><i>“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b>Invitation</b></div><div>This table is spread</div><div>For the old and the young</div><div>For the long-timers and the new-comers</div><div>For those who feel at home and those who are just settling in</div><div>It is the table of our Lord</div><div>Where grace is extended to all</div><div>So come and join the feast</div><div>You for whom this is new</div><div>And you who do this often</div><div>Here, know the grace of God</div><div>embraces you.</div><div>Feel welcome, valued and affirmed</div><div>As God meets us here in bread and in wine.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Narrative</b></div><div>Jesus gathered friends around him</div><div>To teach, to heal, </div><div>to live, to love, to laugh</div><div>Over meals they shared stories and created memories together.</div><div>And the night he was betrayed, sharing supper with his friends,</div><div>Jesus took bread,</div><div>He broke it, blessed it and shared it</div><div>And said: Do this to remember me</div><div>As he passed around the cup after supper</div><div>He said: This cup tells of a new relationship made possible with God</div><div>Drink this to remember me.</div><div>Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup</div><div>you remember my dying for you.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div>God we bring you our thanks today for memories</div><div>Memories created with loved ones now lost</div><div>Memories created new every day with those with whom we now share life</div><div>You are a God who never forgets</div><div>A God who loves us - not because of who we have been</div><div>Or because of our potential</div><div>But because of who we are now</div><div>Your beloved children</div><div>You welcome us to this table</div><div>Those of us for whom this is a familiar ritual</div><div>And those of us for whom it is new</div><div>You welcome us</div><div>And you give every moment new significance</div><div>Finding ourselves known and loved and welcomed at your table</div><div>we bring with us today</div><div>those who feel rejected</div><div>those who have never known a place set for them <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">at any table</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and those whose memories of table</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">are too far in the past to remember</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">or so traumatic that they have tried to forget.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We bring those who feel their value is only in what they can bring</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">who have never known themselves valued for who they are.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As we meet your generosity here</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">we pray for those who withhold from others</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">what is rightfully theirs.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">For all those we exclude or overlook in our everyday.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">May our experience of sharing at your table today</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">transform us in the way we make room for others</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and in the way that we recreate memories</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">that honour your love shown for us here in the symbols of bread and wine</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">your body broken for us, your love poured out.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So send your Spirit on this bread and wine that we share, </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">May we be fed, nourished, held and changed.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">May our horizons be expanded</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">our certainties challenged</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and our memories made new</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">as we meet you in this feast.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Amen</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Fraction</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Jesus, the night he was betrayed, took bread, blessed it broke it and shared it.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We do this to remember him.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">After supper, he took the cup, symbol of a new start with God. Sharing it, he said:</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Do this to remember me.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We meet Jesus here and celebrate the generosity of God. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Break this bread. Drink this cup. Make room for others.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Know God's welcome healing you today.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>Prayer after communion</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">At your table O God we find welcome.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">At your table we find healing.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">At your table we find grace enough to spill over into our daily lives.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Filled with your spirit may we go from here to practice generosity</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">creating a new reality for those who expect only rejection</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">making room for those who have known only exclusion</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And so may we usher in your new kingdom </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">where the last shall be first </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">and the first shall be last.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Amen</font></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-14469099568319447202014-09-06T10:13:00.001-07:002014-09-07T12:17:46.956-07:00God in the midst of conflict<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZmLwxNo3fUE77ITzkXTtqf-hFU3tohTkXtjrczPcuIfkjexUwkzjOTEwQhl1n7_OMRG7ENzu_rYeJ30BfhG61g7CKIRIXP_W-YOoFucYnZnOWx1JQKIJeqHX3n_z1VjJmZettx3sFAA/s640/blogger-image-71717021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZmLwxNo3fUE77ITzkXTtqf-hFU3tohTkXtjrczPcuIfkjexUwkzjOTEwQhl1n7_OMRG7ENzu_rYeJ30BfhG61g7CKIRIXP_W-YOoFucYnZnOWx1JQKIJeqHX3n_z1VjJmZettx3sFAA/s640/blogger-image-71717021.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Matthew 18:15-20</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Reproving Another Who Sins</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where two or three are gathered, God is in the midst</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God,in our midst, invites us to this table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A table where we are welcomed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With our conflict</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With our differences</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With all that makes us less than we might be</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God invites us not because of our potential</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But because we are loved and made welcome now</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus often dined with those whom others rejected.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He gathered up an odd assortment of friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the night he was betrayed, he gathered those friends around him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and set up a memorial by which we would remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He didn't ask them to settle their differences before they dined with him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He didn't ask them to swear undying loyalty, knowing that one would deny him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and one would betray him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He encompassed them all - and us, when he took bread and shared, saying:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body, broken for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And as he shared the cup, saying,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This cup symbolises a new relationship made possible because of my death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So now we come, knowing ourselves accepted by the one who died in love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Denial, betrayal, violence death.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All of these you met and conquered with the power of love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God give us faith today that there are ways to resolve conflict</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that do not involve violence but that demand sacrifice from us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make us willing to sacrifice pride on the altar of tolerance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make us willing to sacrifice wealth on the altar of sharing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make us willing to sacrifice security on the altar of inclusion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make us willing to sacrifice supremacy on the altar of peace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The road you call us to travel is not easy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But you have walked the way before us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And you join us on the journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We celebrate all those with whom you travelled</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Andrew, Philip, James and John, Peter and Judas too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As well as the saints who have graced this place with us and before us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we gather at your table now, may we be conscious</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of all of these present with us, sharing in this great feast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that unites heaven and earth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we take our place at the table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">knowing ourselves loved, forgiven and blest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Risen, Lord Jesus, we dine with you now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your spirit on these gifts of bread and wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and upon us as we share.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May these gifts by which we remember you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">fill us with the courage to make sacrifices</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to bring about peace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the peace that only you can give</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the name of Christ, Prince of Peace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lord Jesus gathered around the table friends, supporters and doubters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He broke bread and said: Take, eat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took the cup,offering it around to symbolise the possibility of a new beginning with God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">made possible because of Christ's death, saying</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drink this all of you to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We, friends, supporters and doubters share these gifts to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord you have met us on the path where we are</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and fed us with holy food</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now take us to where you want us to be</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Law breakers, peace makers, world changers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For sake of your kingdom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen. </div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-43232506734883592822014-09-06T03:58:00.001-07:002014-09-06T23:19:38.704-07:00Covenant God<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ncR116WKwOl8k7MINl00cO0p-RXIu0_-reRz0j-uVt8B0a8L-wwBYuy2RhIzxlxywZG2H3Pl6bPVh5k-RL9hSHPs2vF98uWLwlAkw0hXK8L2HODgUJg4VmD5pcxj9hKrvW_qSh0-4qE/s640/blogger-image-1485767345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ncR116WKwOl8k7MINl00cO0p-RXIu0_-reRz0j-uVt8B0a8L-wwBYuy2RhIzxlxywZG2H3Pl6bPVh5k-RL9hSHPs2vF98uWLwlAkw0hXK8L2HODgUJg4VmD5pcxj9hKrvW_qSh0-4qE/s640/blogger-image-1485767345.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Genesis 9:11-17</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come to this table all who seek peace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come to this table all who seek love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come to this table all who seek relationship</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The God of peace, love and relationship</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">waits to serve you here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God who created the world lives in relationship with creation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God created humankind to enjoy fellowship with God and with each other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All through history, God has found ways to demonstrate love </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In creation, through the prophets, and, by sending Jesus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rituals and memorials help us to recall history and to celebrate love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The night before he died, Jesus gathered his friends around him </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to speak again of love and to set up this memorial in which we remember him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took bread, symbol of everyday life and sustenance </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Symbol of Christ's body broken to sustain us in life and love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took wine, symbol of thirst quenching celebration</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Symbol of Christ's blood poured out for us that we might enjoy life to the full</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so, continuing the covenant he makes with us, we take these symbols </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and consecrate them to use in this memorial.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God you set your bow in the sky, a symbol of your never ending love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> You made a covenant with Noah, with Abraham, with Joseph, with Moses, with prophets,priests and kings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And now you make a covenant with us, gathered here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You are our God and we are your people, swept up in the continuum of your everlasting love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We praise you for every sign of your love we see around us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the beauty of creation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the clouds and the rainbows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the people around us every day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we remember in this place, all those who made your covenant known to us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those who lived out your promises and showed us your love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those who join us today as we share in this feast that is celebrated in Heaven and on earth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Living God, true to their memory, may we take every opportunity to hand on your love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In our homes, in our communities, in our nation and throughout the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Show us how to live in covenant with you by exploiting every opportunity </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">with which you present us to demonstrate your love in action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we care for one another - when that is easy and when it is hard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we serve one another- when that comes naturally and when it takes effort</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we speak out against injustice and seek peace in all things, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">especially when speaking up or seeking peace costs us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, you held nothing back and never gave up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So may we follow your example, persistently loving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">never giving up hope until all the world knows your incredible love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May that love unfreeze our cold hearts, loosen our clenched fists</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and release our energy to serve you in love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">beginning right here, right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God, send your Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine and upon us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we share here may we be filled and energised to serve you in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May this spiritual food sustain us to walk with you wherever you may lead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the name of Christ who walked the way of the cross for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus, the night he was betrayed, gathered his friends around, took bread and said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body broken for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took a cup, passed it around with these words:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This cup is the NEW covenant, a new relationship with God, made possible because of my death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drink this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We eat this bread and drink this cup in a new covenant with God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord Jesus, we have recalled the new covenant you made with us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have recalled your life, your love and your death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been filled by your promise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So may we step out in faith, in hope and in love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to bring your peace into all the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beginning here, beginning now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the name of God who keeps covenant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen </div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-71070867167155754192014-05-31T15:29:00.001-07:002014-05-31T15:29:07.737-07:00Ascended Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYImojCKDWLBjlerQxNgzKdQ7Si4EV5eU0PPePLS82Jv8cz5vWBGFhTKGwFhgIqSEmYUpydcbENAt84UPFoNjnZTBNw-T4TAEHLCTLiBDn1uZ6hr51j9J1gZiaSRvF6JqrxqA7h0xPvys/s640/blogger-image--1596029682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYImojCKDWLBjlerQxNgzKdQ7Si4EV5eU0PPePLS82Jv8cz5vWBGFhTKGwFhgIqSEmYUpydcbENAt84UPFoNjnZTBNw-T4TAEHLCTLiBDn1uZ6hr51j9J1gZiaSRvF6JqrxqA7h0xPvys/s640/blogger-image--1596029682.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>John 17:1-11</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Jesus Prays for His Disciples</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i> After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i> “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The risen, ascended Jesus who prays for you invites you to this table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The risen, ascended Jesus, who came to show us the father invites you to feast on the bread of life</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The risen, ascended Jesus who sends the Holy Spirit, invites you to drink the cup of salvation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So come, out of politeness, out of longing,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Out of plenty, out of need,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Out of sadness, out of celebration</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To be nourished by this food and sustained by the prayers of the saints of the past, the present and the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Come - the risen, ascended Jesus, calls you to meet him here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before he died, Jesus spent lots of time teaching his disciples about his death and resurrection, about his ascension into glory and about the sending of the Holy Spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He shared meals with them, told stories and prayed with them and for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the night he was betrayed, he gathered around the table with them and gave them a memorial in bread and wine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so we share the story of this meal and we share a prayer of thanksgiving before we eat this bread and drink this wine in memory of him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God we thank you for your promise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that you will not leave us orphaned</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We thank you for your promise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that you will send us the helper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Holy Spirit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">who gives us power</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to be your body in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We thank you for allowing us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to listen in to the prayer you prayed for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That we might be one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That we might continue your work in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we be emboldened by the prayers of your people</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we take time, in prayer to discern your will</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and to continue God's mission in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As Jesus prayed for the world, so do we.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where economies depend on war</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we find ways to finance peace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where greed and self promotion have the upper hand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we model humble sharing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where your children are homeless and rejected</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we be inclusive and loving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord, may the community that we model</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">illustrate the kingdom you desire for all your people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A kingdom where all are welcome and all are fed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so, at this your table, may all find their place,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">children of the risen, ascended Jesus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord you know those whom we hold in our hearts and in our thoughts today</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those whose names we know and those we don't</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All who need our prayer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We bring them with us to this place and to your table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Send your Spirit upon this bread and wine,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">symbols of your body broken for us and your blood shed for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we share with one another here may we hold space</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">for all your children to come and be nourished</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">by the one who prays for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And as we receive again your sacrament of grace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">open our hearts to receive from you and from others</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the gifts that you pray for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we be one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Around the table, with his friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus took bread and said;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Take, eat, this is my body broken for you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took the cup, saying</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the new relationship with God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">made possible because of my death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drink it all of you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember Jesus who prays for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord we have been welcomed and nourished at your table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been commissioned to take your love into all the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So with all the saints, in heaven and on earth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">who share in this feast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we continue God's mission in the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and pray for others as you pray for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we be one as you and the Father are one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in the unity of the Spirit, here and everywhere</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now and forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen.</div><div><br></div></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-49790714662104194752014-04-15T20:25:00.001-07:002014-04-16T01:31:04.550-07:00Not seeing is believing<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGpvplTSj7jvYXqZPlVx5i_czkSDg72ksAGYkdKADaL46RvxTRv2G4wm2n5MD2TNrie5hC3DVxEIBE9IHz9cE7xxJEN7N7O9XKPwSK5xbiHRnmLWKezXEAOFxwZECTMw0h-G94_mL24w/s640/blogger-image--1278227858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGpvplTSj7jvYXqZPlVx5i_czkSDg72ksAGYkdKADaL46RvxTRv2G4wm2n5MD2TNrie5hC3DVxEIBE9IHz9cE7xxJEN7N7O9XKPwSK5xbiHRnmLWKezXEAOFxwZECTMw0h-G94_mL24w/s640/blogger-image--1278227858.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>John 20:1-18</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Resurrection of Jesus</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i> Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i> But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. ’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Invitation</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On this resurrection morning, fresh from the garden,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus bids us, Come dine with him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On this resurrection morning, though we are still unsure of who he is,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus bids us, Come dine with him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On this resurrection morning, though we know how easily we falter in our faith</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus bids us, Come dine with him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So gather round this table assured of a welcome by the Risen Lord Jesus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Make space for others as Christ makes space for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Narrative</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <b><i>While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i> When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.(Mt 26:26-30)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus, knowing that he was about to be betrayed and handed over to the authorities, shared a meal with his disciples. And, before they headed into the approaching storm, before they all scattered and deserted him, he gave them this memorial which would bring them back together and speak to them of forgiveness and union with God and with each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These symbols before us today speak to us of forgiveness and communion with God and with each other and, on this Easter Day, they speak to us too of the wonder of Resurrection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let us give thanks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Risen Lord Jesus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that night in the upper room with your disciples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">as you looked around the table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You knew who would betray you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You knew who would desert you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You knew who would be too weary to watch for you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yet you looked at each of your friends with love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and gave them, and us, this sacrament</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that speaks of your love for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">just as we are - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In our weakness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In our failings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In our weariness</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still we are loved</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still you hold out for us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">food that unites us with you and with each other</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">food that restores our souls and nourishes our spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we share this feast today</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we know the depth of healing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the depth of loving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the depth of restoration</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that is possible in the new life you offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we know your healing on us and on the world we serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May we know your love flooding our souls with warmth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and overflowing into the communities we serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And may we know our faith restored</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in the potential of your resurrection</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to make a difference in our lives</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and in the lives of all your children throughout the world,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">those who live in fear,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">those who live without hope</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">those who live without love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we feel your resurrection stir our souls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in this place today, surrounded by your Spirit </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and the spirits of all those saints </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">who have gone before us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">may we be renewed in purpose</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">taking the power and the energy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of your love into all the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">knowing that, still your love changes everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God breathe your resurrection Spirit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">into this bread and this wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that as we share in this place</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">we may know your risen power</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">infusing all that we do and share together,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">enabling us to go and breathe new life into the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fraction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jesus, looking into the eyes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of those he knew would fail him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">took bread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He broke it and said:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my body, broken for you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do this to remember me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He took the cup, already tainted by betrayal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and spoke of forgiveness </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and of drinking the cup in the new kingdom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and said: Drink from it all of you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In this bread and wine our risen Lord offers us new life today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do this to remember him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>See the risen Lord striding toward you today</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>holding out life in all it's fulness.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Prayer after communion</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord Jesus we have feasted on the bread of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have quenched our thirst with the wine of your new kingdom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In your risen power you have united us with all our loved ones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in heaven and on earth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May that sense of communion strengthen and renew us,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">bring us hope and even joy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">so that in all our hurts and sorrows in days to come</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">we may remember that you risen Lord overcame death</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and have prepared for us,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">your everlasting kingdom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">be glory here and everywhere, now and forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Amen</div></div><br></div>liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-84124278233872718952014-03-02T09:23:00.001-08:002014-03-02T09:23:58.438-08:00Choose life<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/02/763.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/02/s_763.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><i><b>Deuteronomy 30:15-20<br />See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.<br /></b></i><br /><br /><b>Invitation</b><br />The living God journeys with us<br />through all the twists and turns of life<br />offering us food for the journey<br />Here at this table we are invited to choose life<br />So come and be nourished<br />Come and rediscover love<br />Come and find the path God wants you to take<br />The God of life meets us here<br /><br /><b>Narrative</b><br />Jesus journeyed with his disciples<br />leading them on paths they would never have imagined<br />He taught them as they travelled<br />about love and relationships and hospitality.<br />And he set up a memorial meal with them <br />taking bread and breaking it<br />taking wine and sharing it<br />symbols of how far he would go<br />to offer life in all its fullness.<br />And so we take bread and wine today<br />and as we share them<br />we remember that the way Christ offered life to us<br />was by giving his life for the world.<br />Let us pray<br /><br /><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b><br />God you know how fickle your people are<br />You know that we quickly forget all that you have done for us<br />how easily we grumble and become discouraged.<br />Yet still you gave your Son to show us that your promise is true<br />that you love the world and all that you created.<br />So even when we forget you, you wait patiently so that we can easily find you again.<br />When we turn away you lovingly turn us back to the light of your love.<br />As we journey through life you dog our steps, sometimes gently nudging,<br />sometimes prodding and sometimes dragging us forward.<br />You know the best ways, the ways that lead to life.<br />And, when our spirits flag, you carry us through until we find our feet again.<br />As we journey to your table today, may we meet you here<br />holding out food for our pilgrimage<br />food that sustains and strengthens<br />and brings us life.<br />God we remember all who have journeyed with us.<br />Those who have trodden a path for us.<br />Those who have shown us how to travel.<br />And we pray that we may take our place in that line of pilgrims<br />leading others on a journey to fulfilment in you.<br />May we light another's path,sharing the light we receive from you.<br />Help us too, to scoop up those we find by the wayside.<br />The lost and the lonely, the weary and downtrodden,the proud and the anguished<br />who see no way back and no way forward.<br />May we offer a helping hand, a cup of water,a feast of love<br />so that all may find the strength to choose life<br />and follow the way that you map out.<br />The way that leads to the kingdom of peace and promise and justice for all your people.<br />As we feast on your body and blood this day may we know ourselves strengthened<br />With the food of love - with more than enough to share<br />For the sake of your kingdom<br /><br /><b>Fraction</b><br />This is the body of Christ broken for you<br />Feast on him and find strength for the journey<br /><br />This is the blood of Christ shed for you<br />Be drenched in love as you drink it.<br /><br />Christ's gifts to us, sustenance for life.<br /><br /><b>Prayer after communion</b><br />God as you ask us to love you, to walk in your ways<br />and to keep your commands, we thank you that you nourish and sustain us<br />and keep on showing us a new way for a new day.<br />And so may this feast of your love this day lead us on<br />revealing the way that you want us to travel<br />equipping and assuring us that you walk right beside us.<br />So may we be fuelled to take risks, to try new things, knowing your safety net of love<br />waits to catch us and sets us straight once more to join you on the journey.<br />God of life, we choose you.<br />Amen<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3167304910422159407.post-36469998502593899842014-03-01T11:55:00.001-08:002014-03-01T12:12:30.370-08:00Technicolour Feast<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/03/01/779.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/03/01/s_779.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><i><b>Matthew 17:1-9<br />The Transfiguration<br /> Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.<br /> As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”<br /></b></i><br /><br /><b>Invitation</b><br />It is good for us to be here.<br />Not to build tents.<br />Not to capture the moment.<br />But to meet Christ who transforms us by his brightness<br />So draw near to this table<br />You are welcomed by a dazzling God<br />who makes room for all to feast.<br /><br /><b>Narrative</b><br />On the mountain top and on the plain<br />Jesus feasted with the people who gathered round<br />At kitchen tables or in front rooms<br />He made every meal a feast <br />And the night before he was betrayed<br />He gathered his disciples round <br />and as he ate and drank<br />He set up this meal by which we remember him<br />So, gathered round this table,<br />let us make room for others<br />to share with all the saints,,past and present<br />To do as Jesus did<br />And let us give thanks<br /><br /><b>Prayer of Thanksgiving</b><br />God who transforms a simple meal into a feast for saints<br />we gather round, shuffling along, making room for others,<br />conscious that we are part of something much bigger.<br />As we take our place at your table<br />we give you thanks that you take common things, bread and wine<br />and transform them into the body and blood of Jesus<br />whom you sent to show us your love.<br />At this table, Lord, we are conscious of spaces where folk are missing.<br />Those who are ill, those who cannot leave their homes or loved,ones, those who have lost their way here and those who have gone from our sight and who now dine with you.<br />May we know a bond with all your people in heaven and on earth.<br />As we taste the riches of your blessed sacrifice and know the power of your transforming love<br />may we make room in the sanctuary of our hearts for all those at whose tables Jesus sat and those whose lives he transformed.<br /> The poor, the outcasts, the homeless, the judged and rejected, those who lived on the edge, those who did not conform, the bereaved, the lonely, the depressed, the anxious and those whose social status brought isolation.<br />Transforming God, as we share in communion here, may we be dazzled by your brightness and by the power of your love to make a difference, even when we have lost hope.<br />So feed us and nourish us with love and joy and hope so that the light of your love transforms the darkest corners of our hearts and lives and the world in which we live.<br />May your Spirit descend upon this bread and wine, transforming it, transforming us.<br />In the name of God whose love and transforming power knows no bounds.<br />Amen<br /><br /><b>Fraction</b><br />Christ, transfigured on the mountain top<br />descends to share everyday food<br />Take, eat, this is Christ's body broken for you.<br /><br />This cup is the promise of a new relationship with God<br />Drink this to remember Christ died for you.<br /><br />Transforming gifts from a transforming God<br /><br /><b>Prayer after communion</b><br />God, here we have handled holy things.<br />So change us from within.<br />May we bask in your glowing appearance and be moved<br />to go and transform our world, our church and our community<br />with the power of your love that makes every encounter special<br />and full of potential.<br />And God, help us never to settle for the ordinary but to expect to see<br />all of life in dazzling technicolour<br />For the joy of the kingdom<br />Amen. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<i></i><br /><br />liz crumlishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17261486774607168533noreply@blogger.com0