At-Home Liturgy for Sunday Worship

Set aside 15–25 minutes. Move slowly. This can be done alone or with others.

You may follow this word-for-word or let it guide your time.

Gathering

Good morning—or whenever you’re finding this.

Today we step out of the usual rush and make space to be with God—right where we are.
In your home, on a walk, with family or alone—this time is a gift.

Whatever this week has been, you are invited to rest in the grace and peace of Jesus.

If you’re able, light a candle.
Let the flame remind you that the Spirit of God is present with you now.

Take a moment of quiet.

Opening Prayer (Collect)

Pray (aloud or silently):

Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen.

For Mother’s Day

We want to acknowledge that this day carries a varied set of emotions for a lot of people, especially for women. We see you. Read the following reflection from Amy Young with the confidence that you are seen among us:

The Wide Spectrum of Mothering by Amy Young

To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you

To those who lost a child this year–we mourn with you.

To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stain–we appreciate you.

To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you.

To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment—we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.

To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms–we need you.

To those who have warm and close relationships with your children–we celebrate with you.

To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children–we sit with you.

To those who lost their mothers this year–we grieve with you.

To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother–we acknowledge your experience.

To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood–we are better for having you in our midst.

To those who have aborted children–we remember them and you on this day.

To those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children–we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be.

To those who stepparent–we walk with you on these complex paths.

To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren, yet that dream is not to be–we grieve with you.

To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year–we grieve and rejoice with you.

To those who placed children up for adoption–we commend you for your selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart.

And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising–we anticipate with you.

This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.

Song of Praise

Sing or listen to a song that expresses gratitude and trust.

You can use a playlist from our YouTube page, or choose any song that helps you turn your attention to God.

Praying for the World

Pray:

O Lord, give us a vision for who we are and why we are here. Give us the quiet hearts we need to accept your loving words. In a world full of noise and pride, remind us that you are still at work.

Give us hope that, out of your great loving, you make good things, you redeem broken things, and you are making all things new. Amen.

Pray the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Scripture Reading and Reflection

Read: Acts 17:22-31

(You may also listen to the teaching on our website if you’d like.)

As you read, notice what stands out—a word, a phrase, or an image.

Take a few minutes in silence.

Then reflect:

·      What do you notice?

·      What do you wonder?

·      Why was Paul troubled by all he saw in Athens?

Closing Prayer

Pray:

Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty, and restore all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ.We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace, to the glory of your name.

Lord, help us to be present today— not held by the past, not anxious about what is to come.

Give us grace to trust you, and to receive your peace.

Guide us, sustain us, and teach us to walk with you.

Amen.

Practice for the Week

Look at yourself in a mirror:

·      Name any fears or doubts you’re carrying. Offer them to Jesus.

·      Pray, “I come from the heart and mind of God. I am made to love well and create good things. Thanks be to God.”

If you’re with others, share one or two thoughts aloud.

Sending

As you go about your day, remember:

Jesus shows us God’s love; Jesus shows us how to respond.

Hear his affirming voice. Do your best to follow his example.
And carry it with you into the week.

Peace be with you.