Week of 11/27/2016

O This Night is Dark
1 Cor 15; Psalm 126; Isaiah 2; Amos 9; Isaiah 65

O this night is dark indeed
While we’re waiting for the light.
For the nations to be judged
And the powers to be put to shame.
O Lord, spare your poor, save our souls
From our violence, oppression, fear, and anxiety.

Although I am weeping
Lord help me keep sowing
Seeds for the day when your peace
Will arise with the dawn
When the bombs we are dropping
And the guns that keep firing
Melt in the face of the just,
When Your kingdom comes.

Now I sow in tears,
That one day I might reap with joy
When the mountains drip with wine
And we beat, beat, beat our swords
Into plowshares.

—Tom Wuest

Providing Safe Space, 11/18/2016

Good and gracious God, Who loves and delights in all people, we stand in awe before You, knowing that the spark of life within each person on earth is the spark of your divine life.

Differences among cultures and races are multicolored manifestations of Your Light.

May our hearts and minds be open to celebrate similarities and differences among our sisters and brothers.

We place our hopes for racial harmony in our committed action and in Your Presence in our Neighbor.

May all peoples live in Peace.
AMEN.

Week of 11/13/2016

Creator of heaven and earth, you enable us to rejoice even in times of sadness, loss, and discouragement. Through your creative presence, transforming old ways into new possibility, you fill our hearts with joy, calling us to share in the promise of your unfolding love. Amen.

Standing at Standing Rock, 11/3/2016

Creator, You loved creation into being. Your goodness is present in the land and waters, in the creatures and peoples You created. You call us to be in right relation with all living things. Be present today, and every day, where people stand in peaceful defense of your creation. We recognize Your presence in Standing Rock, with Indigenous peoples who are protecting the waters. May we also be present in spirit and in truth. We recognize Your presence in our own country where Indigenous peoples also stand peaceably in defense of land and waters. May we be present in witness and solidarity. We recognize and repent for the violence that has marked relations with Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. We claim your challenge of truth and justice, and your promise of healing and reconciliation. In Your mercy, help us move forward in a good and just way. Amen.