Call to Celebration
God of new beginnings, you have been with us on our journey, individuals and as a congregation. Help us remember that you are with us now.
We celebrate your presence with us in the past and know you will be with us in the future.
All these years your Spirit has inspired us to imagine steps we must take to follow the path Jesus choose in spite of challenges and risks.
Once again we face an uncertain future, but know we are not alone and that we can reach out to You and one another.
Beloved Friend, you have gifted us with such love that draws us closer to each other and the world outside our walls.
We celebrate your closeness to us and are assured you will never forsake us.
Amen.
Offertory
Creator of all things new, we know that all we have is from you and we return but a part to you. Remind us to use our gifts in ways that bring you joy, further your kingdom in the world and share the love we have for you and each other. Amen.
Service April 3
Scripture Lesson
Genesis 9:8-17 NRSV
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.[a] 11 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.” 12 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: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 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. 16 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.” 17 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.”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Creator God, we sense you are waiting for us to “get it”, to know we cannot afford to be spectators or critics. We are called to be creators too. Yet we are often not prepared to take the risks, to jump in and get our hands dirty, to believe in ourselves or our dreams enough to make a difference. So we coast and become critical of others who dare to step up and imagine you have actually been talking with them. We confess we have a host of excuses for sitting on our hands, for not speaking up, for walking away from opportunities. Awaken us with your mercy. Amen.
Your services are always lovely!