For Summer Worship

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the dog days of the summer,

we gather to worship, to have the fire of the Spirit lit in our souls.

In this season of growth, as the earth puts out food,

we gather to worship, to be fed and energized.

As followers of Christ, we greet each other with Christ's peace...

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Gracious God, you blow life's breath into our lungs.

We live in you, we live through you.

You call us to live lives marked by forgiveness, love, hope, compassion.

And we strive to do so.

But if we are honest,

sometimes our lives are marked by resentment, dis-interest, fear, self-centeredness

God of Grace,

when we get it right celebrate with us, when we miss the mark gently guide us back to the path of wisdom.

...time of silent prayer...

God is gracious and merciful. God celebrates our successes and mourns our mis-steps. God continues to call us back to the Way with forgiveness and grace and mercy.

Thanks be to God. Amen.