Call to Confession: 

Each Sunday, we take a moment to confess and repent alongside one another. It’s a way we regularly take seriously our sin and lay it before God. Let’s prepare our hearts by hearing these words from Philippians 2:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Prayer of Confession: 

Merciful God, how often do we believe the lie that we are only responsible for ourselves? We choose to turn away from the burdens of others because it is too messy or inconvenient. We often find ourselves gossiping or judging rather than offering a hand to help. We would rather give when it is easy rather than be generous with our time or talents. Forgive us Lord.

Jesus, help us to take seriously your commandment to love one another as you have loved us. Help us to recognize the freedom we have in you and feel freed up to share amongst each other well. Give us the kind of humility that counts others as more significant than ourselves. Holy Spirit, mold our hearts into Christ’s likeness. May our relationships reflect who you are and the people you have called us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: 

In the scriptures we find assurances of our forgiveness and encouragement in our walk.  So hear these words from 2 Timothy 1 and rest in their truth for us:

He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel… Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.