October 13, 2024 - Audio

Prelude

Welcome

*Call to Worship

Reader 1: I glimpse you from afar, and I’m suspicious.

Reader 2: I cannot understand you, and it makes me afraid.

Reader 1: What if we are too different?

Reader 2: What if you don’t care about me?

Reader 1: I cannot imagine we have anything to share.

Reader 2: I’m not sure I am willing to open myself to a conversation.

Leader: Wait.

People: Breathe.

Leader: Let the anxiety take a break for just a moment.

People: Breathe again.

Leader: We are not alone.

People: Christ is with us.

Leader: Let us take a deep breath together [take a breath]…

The rhythm of our breath and heartbeat is the same.

Our desire for life and love is the same.

Our desire for a peace in which we flourish is the same.

Let this moment permeate our souls,

and let us pass the peace of Christ between us.

This peace is meant for all people.

Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.

People: And also with you.

*Opening Hymn “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” #121 *Opening Prayer

The act of simply coming together is “revolutionary,” which in its earliest form meant “finding a course around a central point.” We gather around the Light of Christ as the center and guiding light of our lives. This becomes our point of reference for our relationships and our love in the world. This is our “kindness revolution.” Let us pray:

God of Mercy,

we ask you to come mighty close,

for we are a divided world,

and we are not sure of our footing in this moment.

Steady us, and invite us

to “do unto others” in ways that build up

your kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Center That Holds,

and in the power of the Spirit That Transforms. Amen.

Affirmation of Faith: A Modern Affirmation #885

Gloria Patri

Children's Chat

Music Ministry and Offertory

Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude

Scripture Luke 6: 31-36

Series: Do Unto Others

Sermon: “Blue and Red Make Purple: Kindness”

Joys/Concerns

Hymn “For the Healing of the Nations” #428

Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn "Victory in Jesus" #370

Action Steps & Benediction

Postlude