a community creating for the relentless return of Sunday
O God of light and joy,
we praise you for the gift of your dear Son,
the promised one who comes to establish true peace.
In response to this wondrous gift to us,
we offer these gifts to you.
Receive the offerings we present,
so they might be a blessing to all who are in need.
We commit ourselves to joyful service in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
One: Look forward in faith, for God’s word will light the path.
All: God’s promise is trustworthy and true!
One: Look forward in hope, for God is always doing a new thing.
All: God’s steadfast love will lead the way.
One: Look forward in faith, for God’s glory will shine in the darkness.
All: God’s grace is alive, and draws us onward.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL.
Your light shines in the darkness, O God, and we confess that sometimes we prefer to hide under cover of darkness, where we are free to participate in injustice, to hurt others and ourselves, to do whatever it takes to get ahead, to operate only in our comfort zone without challenge. We forget that your light of true freedom will shine, calling us to a more excellent way. We forget that the promise of a child is a promise for the future—that there is more beyond us, beyond our desires, beyond our brokenness, beyond our understanding. Forgive our short-sightedness. Forgive our hardened hearts. Forgive our complicity in systems that hurt and abuse your earth, your people, your church, your world. Shine your light again this day, that we may see and follow your path.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, The Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
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