11/7/2017 0 Comments Call to Worship, OT 32AGather 'round, you elders,
you family leaders, you judges and officers. Gather 'round the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. Gather 'round the God who brought your ancestors up from the land of Egypt out of the house of slavery. It is decision-making time: Whom will you serve? Put away your desire for idols and give your heart to God wholly and completely. Worship with sincerity and abandon for God is holy.
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11/3/2017 0 Comments Prayers of the People, OT 31ALiving God,
We come before you this day, lifting those who need your healing touch, your comforting presence, your reassuring word. Hear our prayers, we pray, and make us agents of healing in your name. Lord, we are living in the both and tension. The river runs before us, and we are confronted with choices that are both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Longing for the fulfillment of your promises, Lord, we look to the future both with hope and with trepidation. For those who step out in faith with courage in the face of fear and hold your Word ever before us, ... for those who stand in the water with us and direct our attention to the miracles you perform in our midst, we give you thanks. Bless these who have answered the call to lead your people, and grant them continued wisdom and clarity as we seek to follow where you lead. For those who wander into the future, weary from the wilderness experience, and wary about what lies ahead, we seek your comfort and renewal. According to your faithfulness, O God, restore to them the joy of your redeeming grace. For those who stand rooted in place by deep-seated fear or doubt or grief, unable to take even a single step forward, we call upon your mercy. Gather your people together, we pray ... the strong in body, mind, and spirit ... those who long for the future you have promised with anticipation and hope ... that they might lift those who need to be carried until they have the strength to walk again. Hear also our prayers for those whom we name below ... those whose names are in our hearts and on our minds. In addition, hear our prayers for those whose names we do not know. Surround them with your steadfast love. Touch them with your infinite mercy. Fill them with a peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 11/1/2017 0 Comments Prayer of Confession, OT 31ACall to Confession
Take a river rock and hold it in your hand, or imagine it. Feel how smooth it is as a result of the water running over it and softening its edges. We come to the water this day figuratively but also theologically, remembering the waters of baptism that have softened our edges, and we seek God's cleansing mercies. Let us confess our sin together. Prayer of Confession Here we are, God, standing on the edge of the Promised Land and we are anxious and afraid. How will we survive in this new place? What deals do we need to make with the neighbors? What right do we have to this covenant? How can we possibly overcome this fear? What if we just stay where we are? What if we play it safe? Do you hear us, God? Do you? We are afraid. Forgive us, O God, and grant us courage to follow where you lead. Assurance of God's Grace Oh, thank God! God is so good! God's love never runs out. In the name of Jesus Christ we are forgiven! All you set free by God, tell the world! (Ps. 107:1-2) Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us also forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you. Please pass the peace of Christ to all whom you encounter this day ... |
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Julie participated in the 25th Seminar for Certified Zentangle(R) Teacher Training in June, 2019, trained by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. In addition to creating art as a personal spiritual practice, Julie also incorporates the Zentangle(R) method in Prayer Art Retreats in a variety of contexts, including church groups, friend gatherings, and at a local art gallery. Check out the Upcoming Events page for a calendar of events, or use the Contact Us page to inquire about scheduling an event with your group!
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