Lighting of the Christ Candle (Responsive)

As we light this Christ candle,
Let us open ourselves to becoming more whole - of living more fully; of giving and forgiving more freely; of understanding more completely the meaning of our lives here on earth. May the light of Christ guide us this coming week.

Call to Worship (Responsive)

Gather us in, the broken hearted and the joyful.
Gather us in, the weak and the strong. Gather us in, the fearful and the brave.
Gather us in, the young and the old. Gather us in, to sing of God's works.
Gather us in, to praise Jesus Christ. Gather us in, to worship and wonder.
Gather us in, to know of God's love.

Come and Find the Quiet Centre

Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.

Prayer of Approach (Unison)

O God, we are gathered here under the shelter of your wings, nurtured by your love and encouraged, then, to fly by faith on the wind of your spirit. You have spoken to us, saying: "They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles." Teach us how to wait that we may learn how to fly. May this nest we call "family" be built with sturdy materials. Don't let us forget that this nest was not created as a fortress behind which to hide, but as a perch from which to take off. Strengthen us with the assurance that we do not fly alone. This we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen

Prayer of Confession (Unison)

How can we look at this world and not sing of your praises, O God? The beauty and majesty of the world is overpowering! Yet, we have a tendency to take all that you do for us for granted. We treat the world with callous indifference, using its resources carelessly and with little regard to the future. We insist on war as solutions for problems rather than peaceful striving. We turn our backs on people in need, the weak and downtrodden go unnoticed in our midst. We always believe that someone else will care for those in need. How foolish we are, O God! How ignorant we have become! You have given to us all that we need. You have blessed us with the witness of Jesus Christ who came so that we might learn how you would have us live, in honor and peace. Forgive us. Heal our hearts and spirits. Make us fully aware of all our blessings and our responsibilities. Give us again a spirit of joy in serving you. Help us be agents of peace and hope to others. For we offer this prayer in Jesus' name, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon (Unison)

Jesus has come to heal our spirits and our souls. The demons of arrogance, indifference and apathy are being cast out. New life is offered to you in Jesus Christ. Rejoice! Be Glad! For God's love is poured out to you this day. Amen

What can I do? What can I bring? What can I say? What can I sing?
I'll sing with joy. I'll say a prayer. I'll bring my love. I'll do my share.