Call to Worship
Creator God, you formed the heavens and the earth and all that is by your Word and your Spirit.
You give us life and breath, and so we come to praise you.
Redeeming God, you came to us in Jesus and walk this journey of life with us.
You know us completely. Our hearts and lives lie open to your loving gaze.
Healing God, your presence is balm to our hurts and in your loving forgiveness we are set free.
We freely offer ourselves to you, and trust you, Holy Spirit, to guide and inspire us.
Candle Lighting
We light this candle to remind us that we come
From the corners of the world, from the confusion of life, from the loneliness of our hearts, so gather us, O God.
To feed our minds, to fire our imagination, to free our hearts,
So gather us, O Go
Songs of praise and worship
Offering and blessing
For all your gifts, O Lord, we bless you: Bless the Lord, my soul.
For the joy of communion with you and all creation: We bless your holy name.
For the pleasure of sharing in your grace and participating in your mission of mercy and restoration: We bless you, O Lord, as you breathe us into life and lead us into wholeness. Amen
Psalm 19
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Scripture Readings
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Gospel reading Luke 4:14-21
Reflection
Prayers of the People
Blessing
Now is the time to free your heart, to free the joy inside, and to awaken to the wonder of your life. Now is the time to let go of justifications, to free yourself of resentment and to know kindness and love are your heart’s true home.
So may the grace of God direct you along the road of life;
May the peace of Christ embrace you;
and the breath of Spirit bless you, restore you and keep you, always.
Amen
