In the beginning there was the Word;

the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God.

The Word was present to God from the beginning.

Through the Word all things came into being,

and apart from the Word nothing came into being.

In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light—

a Light that shines in the darkness,

a Light that the darkness has never overtaken.

And the Word became flesh

and stayed for a little while among us;

we saw the Word’s glory—

the favor and position a parent gives an only child—

filled with grace,

filled with truth.

For the Spirit of Wisdom in scripture, among us, within us,

thanks be to God.

- John 1:5, 14 (The Inclusive Bible)

Hear and trust the good news:

by grace our sins are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

“To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements, or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.” ― Henri J.M. Nouwen

You know us, God:

you understand who we are.

Sometimes we hurt others;

sometimes we hurt ourselves.

So, we bring our own hurt

asking for your healing;

and we bring the hurt we have caused others

asking for forgiveness.

- from Iona Abbey Worship Book

28 After that I will pour out my spirit upon everyone;

your children will prophesy,

your elders will dream dreams,

and your youth will see visions.

29 In those days, I will also pour out my

spirit on all your servants.

- Joel 2:26-29

Neither this world nor your life is so broken

that God cannot restore it to wholeness.

In the name of Jesus, our sins are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

` from Touch Holiness

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Come, and be knit back together,

Come, and remember your place in the web of being,

Come and trust the words of Jesus:

I have come so that you may have life,

and have it abundantly!

Come, let us worship together!

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!