O Lord, Sovereign God, Redeemer, Holy One,
we come to your sanctuary carrying burdens that feel
too great to bear.
Our hearts have been broken by the careless words
of those who lash out from unfathomable pain
at any and all who are in their path.
Help us to heal one another
in ways that are honest and respectful and kind.
Be present, we pray,
with all who are struggling
to stand firm in the faith,
to do what is right,
in the face of vitriol and hatred.
Grant courage, Lord, 
to bear the storms that threaten to overtake us.
Help us to trust in your presence.
Open our eyes to your image in your children
everywhere.
Make us covenant-carriers, God,
that we might dance with joy
from our churches,
into our streets,
and all the way home,
singing your praises in gratitude 
for your steadfast love and faithfulness.
​Amen.

All who are wondering ...
pondering ...
meditating ...
on what it means to abide in God's temple,
make yourself at home
in the shelter of God's unconditional love.
All who are seeking
to dwell in the comfort of God's protection,
accept God's hospitality
extended in grace.
With joy and thanksgiving
for God's welcome,
​let us worship God.

Are you feeling fearful
or alone?
Are you in need of a refuge
or shelter from the storm?
Do you feel hunted
or surrounded by enemies?
God's GOT you. 
Come and worship, friends.
THIS is a place of GRACE. 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSZrsZWKXfo_gJ8X1o9c2Qdwby_nV65fZ

Call to Confession

My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me continually,
    “Where is your God?”  (Psalm 42:3) 
Let us bow before God in contrition and seek God's mercy.

Prayer of Confession

Darkness encompasses us, Eternal One.
We feast on tears. 
Indeed, we are a source of trouble to our neighbors,
while our enemies laugh behind our backs.
This darkness is not womb darkness:
darkness that nurtures and fosters growth.
This darkness is oppressive and angry,
and it spreads like a cancer,
causing pain and anguish 
wherever it goes.
Turn the light of your face upon us, O God,
and rescue us!
Breathe new life into us
in this season of waiting.
Give us the courage to hope 
in quantities that will overflow
and spread throughout the world like wildfire. 
May all our interactions reflect your image to others.

Assurance of God's Grace

Jesus said, " Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and does not come under judgment but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24) Hear the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us also forgive one another.
The peace of Christ be with you.
Please extend the peace of Christ to all whom you encounter this week. 

Those who weep in sadness and grief
are as welcome in God's presence
as those who shout for joy.
Those who are encompassed by darkness
will know the nurture it gives
as it breathes new life into their beings.
Those who are persecuted and crucified
for their adherance to God's law of love
will be restored.
Come and worship the God of hosts!

Gather together, you people of God!
Gather, you leaders of the people!
Bring to God your hopes and dreams.
Bring to God your earnest devotion.
Let us worship God!