April 25

The second gathering at the new space. More reflection on our poverty this week. It took awhile to get the confession finished; but focusing on the broken, poor, captive language of Isaiah 61 ended up working well.

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

Confession

God,

We are the broken.

We practice looking whole,
often deceiving those around us,
but resentful that you are not deceived.

We are the poor.

We accumulate wealth for ourselves
but wreak destruction on the earth
as the collateral damage of our pursuits.

We are the captives.

We allow our fear to build walls
protecting ourselves from our neighbors
rather than embracing them in love.

Thank you that Jesus came
to heal the broken,
bring good news to the poor,
and free the captives.

Forgive us,
and give us hope
for ourselves and for the world.

Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!

The Lord has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.

The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”

At that time I will deal
with all who oppressed you.
I will rescue the lame;
I will gather the exiles.
I will give them praise and honor
in every land where they have suffered shame.

At that time I will gather you;
at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honor and praise
among all the peoples of the earth
when I restore your fortunes
before your very eyes,”
says the Lord.

Came To My Rescue

Communion: Of Psalm 51 (Sojourn Music)

Closing: All Of My Days