Written by Jane M. Gardner, presiding evangelist
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, he who formed you: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Praise
God of History and Hope,
We are grateful for the paths that have brought us to this moment. Thank you for your grace and the blessings we have experienced in this Restoration movement. We treasure the witness of our forebearers – “apostles, prophets, martyrs, and saints” [Evan A. Fry, CCS 628]. We have sensed your presence with the church during cherished times in our heritage and expressions of Spirit and holiness. We have truly been blessed with “the Spirit of God like a fire burning” [W.W. Phelps, CCS 384]. We are aware of the millions of disciples whose names are known only to you, who have served as conduit for the mission of Jesus Christ. We are especially thankful for those whose generosity of time, talents, treasure, and testimony allowed us to share our sacred story and welcome visitors into our historic sites. Bless these connections from our history and extend our sense of sacred community beyond the present, to include those who are now hungering and thirsting for the Gospel message.
Confession
God of Holy Community,
You know Community of Christ better than we know ourselves. When experiencing change, we bring our anxiety and fear and lay them before you. We confess that we need your help with a deeper vision. It is too easy to depend upon ourselves, without considering the Spirit’s voice. Please forgive us. “We confess our sin before you, confess our lack of love. Will you bring to life our vision, our sense of awe, our faith?” [Eric L. Selden, CCS 209]. Heal us, restore us, make us one.
Proclamation
Sustainer and Giver of All,
We have a heartfelt desire to continue our great heritage of faith, so that many may come to know the power of your love. In our uncertainty, help our sense of loss at what was, to not disrupt the potential of new relationships and opportunities. For some there will be discomfort, for others, a sense of rightness and alignment. Help us to trust in the discernment of your will for this time. Your “love assures us through the unknown” [Barbara and Richard Howard, CCS 96]. At this threshold, remind us of those things that have stirred within us as precious gifts and blessings granted to those who have sought Holy Ground with you and each other. May we continue to become people of the Temple, unified in purpose and mission, and connected and grounded in love.
Commitment
God of the Everlasting Journey,
We affirm that you are our “shadow by day, and our pillar by night, our King, our Companion, our All!” [W.W. Phelps, CCS 388]. Help us recognize the abundant gifts that enable us to share as freely and generously as our ancestors did so long ago. Give us eyes and ears attuned and aware of where the Spirit leads. We pray for an endowment of the Holy Spirit to companion us as we move into the days ahead. May we become those who live the Peace of Jesus Christ, in all its personal, interpersonal, community, and global dimensions, for the sake of your world.
In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.