Showing Hospitality to Strangers: A Communion Liturgy

27 Tuesday Aug 2019

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aliens, Communion, Communion Liturgy, Hebrews 13, immigrant communion liturgy, Immigrants, Leviticus 19, Liturgy, Matthew 2, non-violent Communion, orphans, progressive Christianity, radical hospitality, refugee, refugees, strangers, widows

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This communion liturgy was written for a Sunday in which we were featuring the musical The Sound of Music. I was preaching on welcoming the stranger and caring for immigrants and refugees. Scriptures included that morning were of the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt as found in Matthew 2, Hebrews 13:2, and the Leviticus 19 text in which we are given the following command:

“When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

SERVICE OF COMMUNION

Invitation
One: God be with you,
Many: And also with you.
One: Open wide your hearts!
Many: We open them up to God.
One: Let us give thanks for this time and space,
Many: Giving praise to God for this meal we will share.

Prayer
One: We are surrounded by a world of hunger and hurt. We are surrounded by injustices, loneliness, illnesses, and hate. Yet through you, God, we know a different story.

Our sacred story tells us of many times when our ancestors dined with the Divine. When the Israelites left Egypt, they escaped with little resources. As refugees, they moved into the wilderness. In their exile, God rained sacred sustaining bread from heaven.

Our sacred story tells us of times when our ancestors dined with those who hungered. When Abraham was approached by three strangers, he offered them bread to rebuild their bodies and refresh their souls.

Our sacred story tells us that when sojourners listening to the teachings of Jesus became hungry, Jesus gathered loaves and fish, ultimately providing enough for all in attendance with twelve additional baskets to share.

Our sacred story tells us that on the night before Jesus died, as he and his friends gathered in a room, Jesus clenched a loaf of bread. He broke the loaf and said “do this in remembrance of me.” And after supper, as the night grew long, Jesus took a cup. As he blessed its contents, he exclaimed “Drink in remembrance of me.”

And our sacred story tells us that two of the disciples were on their way to Emmaus and came upon a stranger on the journey. In a spirit of hospitality, they invited him to stay. As their new friend broke the bread, they were able to see the Christ.

Our table extends beyond this time and space: to food pantries, to community meals, to dinners shared with home-bound friends, and to coffee shared with friends who grieve. When two or three are gathered, the Christ is present. As scriptures detail, in showing hospitality to strangers, we entertain the angels in our midst. As we have experienced, while sharing bread and cup, we have encountered angels among us.

May the Spirit of God encircle these gifts with love. May the Spirit of God bless these gifts and, in doing so, bless the connections between all here and all in our hearts. May the Spirit of God bless the widows and spouseless ones, children without parents and children from foreign lands, the last and first, the poor in spirit and the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness. May all of your children in each space on our earth feel your love and experience the winds of your righteousness. Amen.

Distribution of Elements

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

We celebrate our gratitude, Divine Companion. As this spiritual meal has nourished us, inspire us to feed our neighbors and journey with the lonely. Through our co-creation together, may we spread love throughout our world and extend your hospitality to people in need. Amen.

A Liturgy for Trinity Sunday

13 Thursday Jun 2019

Posted by mictori in Liturgy, Pop

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Liturgy, Liturgy for Trinity Sunday, progressive Christianity, Progressive Liturgies, Progressive Liturgy, Psalm 8, Trinity Sunday, Trinity Sunday C

CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 8)
One: God, how majestic is your name throughout this earth!
Many: From the farthest reaches of the planet to the spaces immediately in front of us.
One: Whether we call you Mother or Father, Companion or Lord-
Many: How majestic is your name throughout this earth!
One: Whether we see you as Spirit or Savior, Creator or Comforter-
Many: Your name is majestic throughout this earth!
One: How many ways there are to know you! How many ways to call you!
Many: How majestic is your Spirit throughout this earth!

INVOCATION (Unison)
Divine Whirl who moves about as three-in-one: we can’t fully comprehend your complete greatness. Our minds spin as we attempt to thoroughly understand the concept of Trinity, of how you work as Creator God, Christ, and Holy Spirit. Although our minds are finite, we still look towards you in our growing understanding of how you work, God. Inspire us in your movement so that we whirl in your love. Amen.

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION
One: Spinning, Whirling God, you pirouette as the Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. The three images dance in unison. Unfortunately, with our limited minds, we can only see you in one form. We then curb ourselves to how we experience you. We call you by only a few of your names. We limit our songs. We are drawn by few prayers. We make spiritual growth as easy on ourselves as possible.

All: Break down the confines in which we place you. Encourage us to move beyond our comfort zones. Help us to know you from a variety of angles, and nudge us to listen to others’ stories of you. May our spirits of understanding grow as we see you from different perspectives. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE
One: God knows that stepping outside of our comfort zones and seeing the world from different views is difficult on us. When we stay in safe spiritual spaces, God still loves us. The God who dances in our world will continue to call us new spaces, sharing grace with us in our moments of hesitation. Amen!

All: Amen!

CALL TO OFFERING
One: The Spirit is calling us to use our time. The Christ is beckoning us to use our talents. God is desiring us to use our treasures to construct God’s kin-dom. Let us celebrate all of creation and each of the ways God appears to us as we share in this time of offering.

DEDICATION PRAYER
How majestic is the name of the Christ – the one who asks us to love through our gifts. How majestic is the name of the Holy Spirit – the one who energizes us to share our time and talents. How majestic is the name of our God – our source of blessings. May we use our gifts as a way to strengthen our world and build the kin-dom of God. Amen.

BENEDICTION
One: The Divine is spinning, whirling around you.
Taste the sweetness from their fruits.
Feel the winds from her movement.
Hear the joy from his song.
Through the Holy Spirit, may we go forth in strength.
Through the Christ, may we go forth in love.
Through God, may we go forth in peace.
Three-in-one. One-in-three.
Moving to bring forth love, justice, and mercy in our world.
Amen.

A Liturgy for Pentecost

06 Thursday Jun 2019

Posted by mictori in Holidays, Liturgy, Pop

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Acts 2, Liturgy, Pentecost, Pentecost Sunday, progressive Christianity, worship

INVITATION TO HOLY SPACE
Dream – God said. It’s time for you to dream in ways you never have before.

It’s time for you to open up your soul to the expanding nature of my Spirit.
It’s time for you to share this joy with the people surrounding you
It’s time for you to look deeply within you
Around you
In front of you
For the ways in which I am talking.

Dream – God said. In this space you will dream in ways you never have before.
It’s time for you to reconfigure the box you’ve put me in.
It’s time for you to knock down the barriers that you’ve placed between you and your neighbors.
It’s time for you to delight in the ways we are church
And the ways we connect with our friend, foe, and stranger.

Be amazed.
Be perplexed.
Get excited.

CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 104)
One: God rides on the wings of the wind.
Many: And God makes the winds messengers.
One: God makes fire and flame ministers
Many: As we seek the delivery of God’s visions.
One: May God’s glory endure forever.
Many: May our songs be praise-filled to God, for I rejoice in the Spirit’s offerings.

INVOCATION
Holy Winds who supply our souls with hope, we enter Pentecost with spirits of anticipation. As the rush of your gales infuse us with visions, may we continue to keep ourselves open to possibilities. As the flames ignite our once-cold souls with warm dreams, may we keep ourselves focused on your presence in our lives. Amen.

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION
God of the Open Doors, we have tried to cram you into small boxes. We have repeatedly told ourselves that your dreams won’t become a reality. We have devoted our time to obstructing doors and locking windows when your Spirit tries to deliver its visions. Clear doubt from our minds. Call us from our locked rooms where we hide behind couches of fear and drapes of doubt. May the hope and boldness of Pentecost become our new way of living. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE
One: God’s Spirit ushers grace into our lives. As the Spirit’s hope endures forever, may the fires of possibility ignite our souls. The Spirit will transform our minds as she refills our spirits. May we see new ways of living and loving as we dream the Spirit’s dream. Amen!

Many: Amen! Thanks be to God!

CALL TO OFFERING
One: The Spirit’s winds are always nudging us to new ways of giving. How is God’s Spirit asking us to contribute to our community today? As we reflect on our offerings of time and talent, we come together to offer God our praise through the giving of our treasures.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
This is the time for us to dream together, Spirit of Visions. This is the time for our joy of giving and our imaginations to run wild with hope. With thanksgiving, we celebrate the gifts contributed today as we commit to dream with you, Holy Spirit. Amen.

BENEDICTION
One: The Holy Winds of Imagination will lead from behind as we enter our Pentecost journey. The Holy Christ will lead from ahead, beckoning us to live in love. Our Holy God will lead from beside us, reminding us always we are never alone. Get excited – friends! For this is the time for us to dream in ways we never have before! Amen!

Many: Amen!

A Pentecost Communion Liturgy on this site can be found here.

Protect the Environment: A Liturgy for the “Be The Church Series”

23 Thursday May 2019

Posted by mictori in Be the Church, Liturgy, Pop

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Be the Church, Creation, Genesis 1, Liturgy, progressive Christianity, Protect the Environment, Psalm 65, Series, UCC, United Church of Christ

astronomy-galaxy-landscape-2055740 (1)

Call to Worship
One: Whether we live near mountains or in the plains-
Many: We are one in Christ.

One: Whether our winters are balmy or our summers are cool-
Many: We are one in Christ.

One: Whether we live on the East Coast, West Coast or somewhere in the middle-
Many: We are one in Christ.

One: Whether we live in urban dwellings, nestled in the suburbs or surrounded by a rural landscape-
Many: We are one in Christ.

One: In a spirit of unity, caring for one another-
Many: We are one in Christ.

Invocation
God of Creation, Divine Painter of Countrysides, we stand in awe of your handiwork. From the bold geysers out West to rich red deserts of the south, your work creates a sense of wonder within each of us. From the delicate snows of the north to the playful autumn foliage out east, your designs enliven us. As we celebrate your creation today, we remember all of the times we experienced your presence in nature. We rejoice knowing that your hands made this spectacular earth and everything within it. Amen.

Prayer of Reconciliation
One: Sometimes, we forget that this earth is completely yours. Sometimes, we neglect to remember that these lands were made by you for all humans. Sometimes, we think we know better and believe we are entitled without remembering whose hands made this creation.
Many: For the times we neglected to remember you when rejoicing at creation-
For the times we neglected to care for creation when given the opportunities-
For the times we neglected to remember that you formed each human in your own image-
Forgive us God. Help us to remember whose hands made the soil, the foliage, the birds, the snakes and each and every person on this planet. Amen.

Assurance of Grace
One: The cascades of God’s grace falls upon us always. We stand in the flow of God’s mercy no matter where we abide. May we rejoice that this grace pours upon us.

Scripture Readings: Genesis 1:1-31 & Psalm 65

Invitation to Offering
One: We are always connected to all of creation. Through the call of God’s Spirit, we are asked to care for the work of God’s hands. We care for this work through our time, talent and treasures. Let us offer our treasures in this time and space.

Prayer of Dedication
Through our financial treasures we can Be the Church. Through these gifts we can care for your entire creation. May your wisdom carry us as we use these gifts to strengthen your kin-dom. May the winds of your Spirit propel us to use our gifts of time and talent to build a heaven-like earth. Amen.

Benediction
One: As we look upon each tree, each flower, each bird, each bee and each human, let us see our God reflected in creation. As we look upon God’s world, let us share the love of Christ. And as we love one another, may your Spirit give us the strength we need to care for each and every piece of creation.
All: Amen.

*****

Worship service Be the Church: Protect the Environment written by Rev. Michelle L. Torigian

(c) 2016 Rev. Michelle L. Torigian. Free to use with attribution.

A Liturgy for Easter 6C – Waiting for Healing

22 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by mictori in Liturgy, Pop

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Easter, Easter 6C, Healing, John 5, Liturgy, progressive Christianity, Social Justice

CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 67)

One: May God bless each one of us.
Many: May God bless our siblings across the world.
One: May God’s face shine upon us.
Many: May God’s face shine upon each of our neighbors of other races and religions.
One: May God’s way be known across this earth.
Many: May all nations experience God’s mercy and love.
One: Let all nations be glad and sing for joy.
Many: Let all the peoples know you and sing your praises.

INVOCATION

God of Steadfast Radiance, as creation took form across the universe, your light bid all living beings a greeting of wellness. Crossing time and space, your illumination has alleviated the pain of shadows. Through your luminosity, we see the value of each of our worldwide siblings. Continue to shine your light upon this earth so that we see the needs of our neighbors. May your moonglow and sunshine allow us to see your image in your children across our planet. Amen.

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION

One: In the haste of our days, we rush to meet our needs. In the process of our living, we occasionally will step in front of people. On difficult days, we will even spiritually step over or on our neighbors.

All: Forgive us, Divine Radiance. May your mercy shine so brightly on our world that we can clearly see our neighbors’ needs. May your glow of kindness remind us to ensure all people have a place in line. May your righteousness move us to safeguard others’ essentials. Encourage us to step aside to allow our marginalized neighbors to have their greater needs met before ours. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

One: God’s Radiance will shower us with mercy and call us to new paths of care. May the steadfast love of God give us the courage to create God’s realm here on earth. Amen! Alleluia!

All: Amen! Alleluia! Thanks be to God!

CALL TO OFFERING

One: The Divine Radiance of God rains upon us. As we flourish, may we never forget to care for creation, your children, and the church. We take this time to reflect and to share from our gifts.

DEDICATION PRAYER

Loving God, Divine Gleam, as your light reaches this earth, may this brightness allow us to see the ways we are called to care. Let our light shine before others so that our world is encouraged to foster your children across this globe. Amen.

BENEDICTION

One: Beloved Siblings in Christ,

Let us open our windows to the light of God

Let us open our doors to the Christ in our midst,

And let us open our hearts to the Spirit who compels us to share God’s love with our world.

Amen! Alleluia!

All: Amen! Alleluia!

*****

A Liturgy and Blessing for Church Vocations Sunday

22 Friday Feb 2019

Posted by mictori in Church Life, Epiphany Liturgy/Prayers, Liturgy, Pop

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blessing of church staff, Church, church vocations, church vocations Sunday, Liturgy, progressive Christianity, United Church of Christ

CALL TO WORSHIP

One: God calls us here – no matter who we are.

Many: Knowing we are messy and magnificent, God calls us here.

One: God summons us to boldly serve our world.

Many: God cultivates our gifts to nurture creation.

One: God sanctifies our voices as we uphold justice.

Many: God warms our souls as we foster kindness.

One: May strength be the foundation of our growing souls.

Many: May courage be the base of our strengthening hearts.

One: For such a time is this, we are here.

Many: For such a time as this we worship and serve our Creator.

INVOCATION

Divine Nourisher of Gifts, you paint a photo of the ideal world. In our messiness and our magnificence, you call us to co-create your realm. May we see ourselves as you see us. May we respond to your call in our lives with a joyous “Amen!” May we encourage our neighbors in their pursuits to embrace their most authentic lives. Amen.

CALL TO RECONCILIATION

One: Have we nurtured the call of our neighbors? Have we encouraged their gifts? Have there been times when we’ve crushed dreams rather than lifted spirits?

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION

One: Gracious Nurturer, Holy Spirit, in the highlights of our lives, we’ve seen your presence. In the shadow-filled valleys, we’ve neglected your call. Self-fulfilling prophecy has melted our hopes. Negative remarks have washed away others’ dreams.

Many: May collaboration become our road and encouragement our compass. Let us work together to nudge our neighbors to live into your call. Let us shed negativity from our own voices and the voices of others to create room for fulfilled visions. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

One: Loving God, our Gracious Nurturer, will continue to hope with us throughout our entire lives – – and beyond! God will infuse joy in our journeys and mercy in our discernment. Let us tap into God’s grace, and let us extend this grace to others.

All: Amen! Thanks be to God!

CALL TO OFFERING

One: Spirit of God, Gracious Nurturer, throughout our lives, you have tended to our talents. You have celebrated the times they have flourished and showered your mercy when we needed to attend to our gifts. In this time and space, let us reflect on the ways we have cultivated our talents together, God. In this space and time, let us give as we can with the hope that our contributions will expand our world.

DEDICATION PRAYER

Gracious Nurturer, for the gifts in our hands, we give our gratitude. For the gifts in our hearts, we sing with joy. For the gifts in our souls, we share with our world. Loving God, may our co-nurturing strengthen our communities and encourage our neighbors to share their talents with the world. Amen.

BENEDICTION

Let us exit this space with hope.

Let us move into the world with joy.

May the God who shares visions,

the Christ who dreams,

and the Spirit who sustains our souls

nurture our sense of call today and always. Amen!

All: Amen!

Optional LITANY OF BLESSINGS FOR PEOPLE IN CHURCH VOCATIONS

One: Spirit of God who stirs our souls and inspires us to build a just and peace-filled world:

With gratitude we celebrate our siblings in faith who dedicate their time, talents, and treasures in the church. With appreciation and joy, we pray for them this day and bless the work of their hands and hearts.

One: For those who are sensing a nudge by God’s Spirit to enter ministry: may they attend to the seeds in their souls to see what God may be cultivating.