Call to Worship The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people.   Love and peace come together, justice and peace join hands. How good and how lovely it is to live together in unity. If the Lord’s disciples keep silent these stones would shout aloud. Lord, open our lips and our mouths shall proclaim your praise! From Uniting in Worship 2

Prayer of Invocation

Prayer of Confession O God whose very name is Love, we confess before you that we have not always been a people of love. In our brokenness we have been selfish and self-centred, expand our hearts to include even those we would call enemy. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

In our brokenness we have not loved ourselves as you have created us In our brokenness we have not loved ourselves as you have created us. Rather, we have tried to alter our bodies and our personalities to appear popular. Expand our thinking and remind us that our true identity is found in your love. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

In our brokenness we have not loved you with our whole hearts; we have given priority to much lesser things like accumulation, wealth and status. Expand our lives and help us to find our home in you. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. From Words for Worship (April 29, 2018). Used by permission, MediaCom Education Inc.

Words of Assurance Now hear these words of assurance: God loves us so much and God’s love is perfected in us. When we are open, God’s love can change our hearts, minds and lives. Know the healing of God and that God loves us even in our brokenness. We are loved and made whole! Thanks be to God! From Words for Worship (April 29, 2018). Used by permission, MediaCom Education Inc.

Prayers of the People With confidence and trust let us pray to the Lord, saying: Lord, have mercy. For the one holy catholic and apostolic Church throughout the world, we pray to you, Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the mission of the church, that in faithful witness it may preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, Lord. Lord, have mercy. For those preparing for baptism or confirmation, and for their teachers, elders, and Christian friends,

For peace in the world, that a spirit of respect and reconciliation may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, Lord, Lord, have mercy. For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, Lord.

For all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, Lord For all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, Lord. Lord, have mercy. For grace to amend our lives and to further the reign of God, From Uniting in Worship 1

Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.   For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the way ahead

Commissioning and Benediction

Your Grace & Your Hope Abundant grace hope that can free offering life injustice see all this in Christ making love’s way shining in darkness light of new day

  Let your justice roll down like a river Let your righteousness flow like a stream As disciples of Christ We carry your light O, your grace and your hope are our song God, your grace and your hope are our song

Hope liberates God’s life in us Together we stand ‘gainst all that’s unjust Our life is Christ Dies, rises again Love reconciles, Restores and befriends

  Let your justice roll down like a river Let your righteousness flow like a stream As disciples of Christ We carry your light O, your grace and your hope are our song God, your grace and your hope are our song © 2018, David MacGregor, CCLI.

Toward a Horizon of Hope