The Readings
We believe God speaks to us through the Scriptures. Each reading concludes with “This is the Word of the Lord” and the congregation responds “Thanks be to God”, recognizing God’s Word is a gift to be received with gratitude. The Gospel passage is read in the center of the room to represent that Christ has come among us through the Incarnation. As the Gospel passage is introduced we pray that God’s Word “would always be on our minds, upon our lips, and deep within our hearts.” As we pray these words we make the symbol of the cross over our foreheads, lips, and hearts to physically reinforce what we are praying.
The Sermon
The sermon is an explanation and application of God’s Word for God’s people. Through inspired preaching, God encourages, comforts, corrects, and transforms our lives to make us more like Christ.
The Creed
Through the Apostles’ or Nicene Creed, we affirm together the foundational truths of the Christian faith. Though churches differ in how they practice and express their faith, the Creed reflects our union with all Christ followers around the world and throughout the history of the Church.
The Prayers of the People
During the prayers, all are invited to sit, stand, or kneel as we pray for the global Church, the nation, the world, all those who suffer, and the specific needs and concerns of our local community. Throughout the prayer, the congregation responds in unity with “Hear our prayer”. Finally, the leader invites all those who are gathered to pray in their own words, either silently or out loud.
Confession of Sin
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The corporate confession of sin gives us space to reflect upon our need for God’s mercy and grace amidst our sinfulness. At the end of the confession, the priest assures us that our sins have been forgiven because Jesus has already taken the consequence of our sins upon the cross. The confession of sin and assurance of pardon remind us of our daily need to re-hear the Gospel truth that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
The Peace
Before we come to the Table to celebrate the Eucharist together, we reaffirm that we are at peace with one another. We affirm that God, through Christ, has brought us together as a community.