Announcements
Coler Walks
As we start to look to our move in October, we’re looking to start some mid-week meet up opportunities.
We will meet Wednesdays at 530 PM at the Hub downtown.
Also, we will have opportunities for Coler walks together. Please help us find consensus on the best day and time by filling out the Google Form here.
Song of Songs Live Filming with Nick Ogle
Our own Nicky T Ogle has been developing a teaching series on sexuality based in the Song of Songs and his research as a psychologist and sex therapist. If you've ever wondered whether there's a positive view of sexuality in Scripture, you're not alone! Nick has been working on this for years — I've read the first session, and it's excellent.
Here's where you come in: he's filming the series next week and would love a group to learn alongside him on camera. Fair warning, I'm told it gets a little PG-13 — but I think it could be liberating for many. Let's support Nick by finding time to sit in on his sessions, Sept 15–17. Sign up here!
At-Home Liturgy for Sunday Worship
Set aside 20–25 minutes. Move slowly. This can be done alone or with others.
Gathering
Good morning.
Today we step out of our busyness and make space to be with God. In your home, on a walk, with family or alone—give these moments to be present to God.
Whatever this week has been, you are invited to rest in the grace and peace of Jesus. Take a moment of quiet.
Opening Prayer (Collect)
Pray (aloud or silently):
Eternal God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; of Leah, Hannah, and Ruth.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
True and Living God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Have mercy and hear our prayer.
Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, it is now and will be forever. Amen. Hallelujah.
Confession and Assurance
Take a moment in silence.
Bring before God anything you’re carrying— fear, guilt, regret, or a lack of trust.
Pray:
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.
Take a breath. Receive this: In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven and loved.
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.
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 the bread we need.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Psalm Reading and Reflection
Read: Psalm 103 (We have a teaching available on our website or wherever you get podcasts). As you read, notice what stands out—a word, a phrase, or an image.
Take a few minutes in silence.
Then reflect:
• What part of “all that is within me” do I need to turn to God today?
• What of the “benefits” listen in v.2 do I most need to remember this morning?
Closing Prayer
Pray:
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Practice for the Week
Take a few moments to respond:
• Go for a walk to spend time in the quiet asking, “are there places in the corners of my interior life that need to bend the knee to God?”
• Maybe share with someone where you need help remembering God, or listen for an opportunity to help someone else.
Sending
As you go about your day, remember:
In Jesus, God is making all things new, dispelling all lies, and bringing all darkness into the light.
Receive his peace. Grace be with you.
Amen.