Proper 28B/Ordinary 33B/Pentecost 26

		Proper 28B/Ordinary 33B/Pentecost 26 Sunday, November 14, 2021 FOR POETRY PEW CLICK HERE FOR A BEAD AND A PRAYER CLICK HERE A LITURGY FOR WORSHIP Use As Much Or As Little As You Choose
		In Preparation for Worship I seek your presence here, O God, not so much by entering your presence, but by inviting you to enter mine. Neither does this body belong to your servant but to your Holy-Indwelling-Spirit. —Slemmons, Timothy Matthew. When Heaven Stands Open, Year B. (altered) Centering In Preparation Gathered here, we sense the Sacred in this place. May we be awakened again to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient us, the beauty that informs us, the fellowship that sustains us, and the creativity that heightens and deepens our living, that we may give ourselves in honesty and openness to the larger life before us. This we would ask in the Only-Begotten, Beloved-One, your Anointed, the Christ. Amen. Call to Worship (from Psalm 105:1-5) O give thanks to God, call upon God’s name; Tell everyone what God has done for us. Sing to God, sing praises to God; Tell everyone of all God’s wonderful works. Glory in God’s holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice. Seek God’s presence continually; Remember all the wonderful works God has done. For God is good, and we come to worship God; We remember together, we pray together, and we tell God’s story together. Prayer For Worship Merciful God, you hear our cries and honor our tears. Stir in us such a passion during worship that we might vow to give you our best, for the glory of your name. Amen. —Long, Kim. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: 2. Prayer of Invocation In you, O God, we find refuge from our turbulent world. We work each day to bear witness to your justice through our ministries. While the journey towards true peace that lies ahead is long, our incremental steps continue to take us closer to that promised day. Renew in us the strength, faith, and courage we need to persevere so that the promised day will come when your will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. —https://www.ucc.org/worship-way Prayer For Illumination Loving God, we are here to pour out our hearts before you. Fill up our hearts with your word, that we might strengthen our faith and deepen our love for you. Amen. —Scifres, Mary; Beu, B. J. The Abingdon Worship Annual 2021. Reading From the Hebrew Scriptures—I Samuel 1. 4-20 When the time came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions to Peninnah and her children, and a double portion to Hannah, for he loved Hannah, even though God-Most-Holy made her childless. And because God-Most-Holy closed her womb, her rival constantly taunted her. As a result, she grew gravely depressed. This went on for years. Every year they made the pilgrimage to God-Most-Holy’s Tent of Meeting, her rival taunted her to tears and she refused to eat. Elkanah, her husband would ask, “Hannah, why do you cry, and why do you refuse to eat? To grieve? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Hannah rose after one such meal at Shiloh, and presented herself to God.  At the time, the priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the door of God-Most-Holy’s Tent of Meeting. Hannah, deeply distressed, wept greatly, vowing, “O God Omnipotent, look with pity on your handmaid. Don’t forsake me. Remember me. If you will give me a child, a male, I will dedicate him to you. For all the days of his life, he will neither drink wine nor liquor, and no razor will ever touch its head.” As she kept praying to God-Most-High, Eli noticed her lips. Hannah was praying silently—her lips moved but they made no sound. Seeing this, Eli decided she was drunk, and said to her, “How long will you continue remain in this drunken state? Sober up!” Hannah replied, “Oh no! It isn’t that! I am a woman with a broken heart! I have drunk neither wine nor liquor. But I have been pouring out my heart before God-Most-High. Don’t judge me as a terrible person. I am simply pouring out my feelings of grief and misery.” Eli said “Go in peace. And may the God of Israel grant you your wish.” Hannah replied, “You are most kind.” Then she left. Early the next morning they arose early and worshiped before God-Most-High and then returned to Ramah, their home. When Elkanah made love to Hannah, God-Most-Holy remembered her. She conceived, and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she had asked for him. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Psalmody—Psalm 16 O God, keep me safe—you are my refuge! I said to God-Most-High, “You are my God; there is nothing good for me apart from you.” The holy people of my land are wonderful! My greatest pleasure is to be with them. But those who rush after other gods will bring many troubles upon themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; I won’t even speak the names of their gods. You, God-Most-High, are all that I have, you are my food and drink. My life is safe in your hands. Within the boundaries you set for me there are nothing but pleasant places! What a delightful inheritance I have! I praise God-Most-High, who guides me; even at night my heart teaches me. I’m always aware of your presence; you are right by my side, and nothing can shake me. My heart is happy and my tongue sings for joy; I feel completely safe with you, because you won’t abandon me to the Grave; you won’t let your loved one see decay. You show me the path to Life; your presence fills me with joy, and by your side I find enduring pleasure. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. (OR) Psalmody—Psalm 113 Alleluia! You faithful of God-Most-High, give praise, praise the Name of God-Most-High! Blessed be the Name of God-Most-High, from now and for all times! From the rising of the sun to its setting, praised be the Name of God-Most-High! You are high over all nations, God-Most-High! Your glory transcends the heavens! Who is like you, God-Most-High, our God? Enthroned so high, you need to stoop to see the sky and the earth! You raise the poor from the dust, and lift the needy from the dung heap to give them a place at the table with rulers, with the leaders of your people. You give the childless couple a home filled with the joy of many children. Alleluia! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. (altered) Reading From the Epistles—Hebrews 10. 11-18 Every other priest performs services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever. Then Christ sat down at the right hand of God, and now waits there until God puts all enemies in their rightful place. With one sacrifice then, Jesus has made perfect forever those who are being sanctified. The Holy Spirit also attests to this, first saying, “‘This is the Covenant I will make with them when those days arrive,’ says our God: ‘I will put my laws into their hearts and write them on their minds.’” Then she adds, “I will never again remember their sins or offenses.” So when sins and evil deeds have been forgiven, an offering to take away sins is no longer needed. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Reading From the Gospels—Mark 13. 1-10 As Jesus was leaving the Temple, one of the disciples commented in passing, “Look, Teacher! What huge stones these are! What wonderful buildings!” Jesus replied, “See these great buildings? Not a single stone will be left on another. Everything will be torn down.” As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives facing the Temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What will be the sign that all this is about to take place? Jesus began by saying, “Be on your guard that no one deceives you Many will come in my name saying, ‘I am the One,’ and they will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of war, do not be alarmed. Things like this must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and empire against empire; there will be earthquakes throughout the world and famines—yet this is only the beginning of the labor pains. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Prayer of Brokenness/Confession Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, we confess to You that we have believed in the myth of scarcity. We have denied Your abundance and have hoarded what we have. We have believed in the myth that we must make sure we have enough before we can help others. We have failed to trust in You and what You have provided for us. We have forgotten the ways of Jesus, who taught us to serve one another, to share what we have with others, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Teach us again, O God, so that we might learn, so that we might let Your wisdom take root in our hearts and minds. May we follow the ways of Jesus, and truly love our neighbors by meeting their needs, and trust that You know our needs and will fulfill them. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. —Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell (http://rev-o-lution.org/, altered) (OR) Confessing Our Shortcomings In this world of plenty, O God, we have chosen to live lives of poverty: We have hoarded our blessings, and have kept more than our share of abundance causing others to know the hard reality of need and want . . . Please, forgive us, Gracious God. We have failed to care adequately for the world's abundant resources, bringing scarcity and pain to our planet . . . Please, forgive us, Gracious God. We have denied the goodness that we enjoy, and have forgotten how to be grateful, making ourselves miserable and hurting others . . . Please, forgive us, Gracious God. Remind us, O God, of all the good things that we have received; Remind us how to enjoy the blessings we experience; Remind us that giving is a source of pleasure and plenty; Remind us that there is enough to go around. And teach us to follow Jesus in the ways of love, self-giving and compassion; Even as You have forgiven us in your On.y-Begotten, and Beloved-One, the Anointed, the Christ. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) Prayer Of Intercession God, in your mercy you hear our cries and know the hidden desires of our hearts. You answer prayer. We come to you, gracious God, praying for ourselves and our community. We pray for the witness of the church, that we might live the gospel. We pray for the global community, that we might learn from each other and live in peace. We pray for the needs in our local community for we know that you, O God, are our provider. We pray for those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; make us agents of your healing power. We remember those who have died; help us to comfort those who grieve. We lift up to you the silent prayers we hold in our hearts and minds. We ask all these things for the glory and honor of your name, through your Only-Begotten and Beloved-One, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. —Long, Kim. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: 2. (altered) (OR) Prayer Of Intercession Following the example of Hannah, let us pour out our souls as an offering to the Lord, praying, “My heart exults in you, O God; for you hear the prayer of your faithful ones.” Holy One, you have placed your law in our hearts; you remember our sins no more; you have washed us clean with the pure waters of baptism: may we provoke one another to love and good deeds. Silence R My heart exults in you, O God; For you hear the prayer of your faithful ones. Holy One, you raise the poor from the dust; you make the hungry fat with spoil: give us faith to trust in your faithfulness; give us faith to trust you with our possessions, our loved ones, and our lives. Silence R My heart exults in you, O God; For you hear the prayer of your faithful ones. Holy One, centuries of war and famine have exhausted the planet and the people. Change our hearts; renew our planet; give us peace. Silence R My heart exults in you, O God; For you hear the prayer of your faithful ones. Holy One, you break the bows of the mighty and you strengthen the feeble. You weigh the actions of the arrogant and you strengthen those in positions of authority: guide all who govern and hold authority in our land, especially our local leaders. Silence R My heart exults in you, O God; For you hear the prayer of your faithful ones. Holy One, you lift up the needy: hear the prayers of the troubled and the anxious— comfort especially those who long to bear children but cannot. Silence R My heart exults in you, O God; For you hear the prayer of your faithful ones. Holy One, you are the God of life: may we embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Redeemer, your Only-Begotten and Beloved-One. Silence R My heart exults in you, O God; For you hear the prayer of your faithful ones. Amen. —Williamson, Jeremiah D.. Praying the Scriptures: Litanies for Sunday Worship. (altered) (OR) Prayer of Intercession Eternal God, we know that as we bow and pray there are some days when our faces are filled with worry. Sometimes our lives are full of stress and trouble. And always they are filled with wondering what tomorrow might bring.  We thank you that we are in the good company of the disciples who were also filled with concerns and wondered about tomorrow. They wished for signs that tomorrow would be alright. They wanted to know what would happen and when. We have not outgrown that need. Tomorrow brings anxiety for all of us. We ask in times when we are fearful that you would help us to be more trusting. We ask in times of crisis that you would help us to be courageous and resilient and know that you will see us through. We ask in times of setbacks that you would give us a renewed vision of what is possible if we put our creativity to full use. We ask in times of discouragement or depression that you will give us the hope necessary to go forward. We ask in times of inner chaos and confusion that you will give us enough power to be victorious over any uncertainty or inner quivering. O God, in whose time are all times and all endings, be our assurance and bring us your peace. In the bleakness known to every generation may we be undaunted in expressing the power and hope of the gospel for our time. In the bleakness known to every generation may we not long for signs and a certainty which will always elude us. In the bleakness known to every generation may we not expend our energy in anxiousness. Give to us the ability to trust you into the ages of all ages. Amen. —Richard Einerson (http://www.richardeinerson.com/, altered) Prayer Of Commitment In a world where violence seems to rule, we commit, O God, to small random acts of peace making. Where people are oppressed because they look, act, speak, think or love differently we will affirm their freedom. Where people are exploited because they lack the strength or resources to refuse, we will seek to create alternatives. Where people are controlled through threat and fear, we will offer safety and hope. Where people believe their violence and power give them the right and ability to act as they please we will call them to account. Wherever violence is done to another, through physical force, manipulation of truth, or the subtle workings of power, we will opt out, we will speak out, and we will stand out in opposition, through small, random acts of peace making. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) Proclaiming Our Faith Our God has created an abundant universe, Giving life to all, and graciously preserving all. We believe and trust in God. Our Saviour has made a way to abundant life, Giving His life for all, and compassionately inviting all to share in His Kin-Dom. We believe and trust in God. Our Comforter is poured out as the abundant Spirit, Bringing power and gifts to all, and leading all to fullness of life. We believe and trust in God, Three in One; Generous and Loving, Faithful and Eternal. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) Dismissal With Blessing May Almighty God bless you in kindness and pour out saving wisdom upon you. May Almighty God always with the teachings of the faith and make you persevere in holy deeds. May Almighty God turn your steps toward following in Jesus' way and show you the path of charity and peace. And may the blessing of almighty God, Blessed and Holy Trinity, One God world without end, descend upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) Sending Forth The free gift of God's love has been offered to us again today; We receive it with thanks, and through our kindness we will share it with others. The mercy and compassion of God has come to us again today; We fill our hearts in joy, and through our compassion we will share it with others. The diversity in God's inclusion has embraced us again today; We delight in it with gratitude, and through our generosity we will share it with others. Go in peace and thanksgiving, Live and work so that God's goodness may be recognized, And God may be praised. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered)
		POETRY PEW POETRY Hannah's Song —1 Samuel 2. 1-10 Then Hannah prayed: My heart delights in God-Most-High, to God-Most-High I lift my horn high. I gloat over my foes, I rejoice in your deliverance! There is no one holier than you. No one is holier than God-Most-High; there is no Rock like God-Most-High. All bragging must cease. Boastful arrogance must come to an end. For God-Most-High is all-knowing, and weighs all mortal deeds. The bows of warriors are broken, while those who stumble gain renewed strength. Those who had their fill now sell themselves for crusts of bread while those who were hungry are satisfied. Childless women bear seven children while mothers of many are forsaken. It is God-Most-High who deals out both life and death; it is God-Most-High who casts down to Sheol, and raises up again. It is God-Most-High who makes both the poor and the wealthy. It is God-Most-High who both humbles and exalts. God-Most-High lifts the weak from the refuse dump and raises the poor from the cesspool, to place them among the mighty and promotes them to seats of honor. The foundations of the earth belong to God-Most-High, and God-Most-High sets the world upon them. God-Most-High lights the ways of the just and delivers the evildoer to darkness. It is not by strength that the just prevail: it is God-Most-High who shatters foes. The Most High thunders against them in the skies; God-Most-High judges the ends of the earth. Now God-Most-High will endow the ruler with strength and exalt the head of the anointed one.” —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Hannah's Prayer Hannah could never know some day Her prayer would be the model for Another prayer w ho magnified The Lord, rejoicing in whom she bore. Faith of our mothers, fathers, too, Teach us God's love makes all things new. But Hannah knew how Elkanah Forsook her not, nor cast aside, And as a spendthrift, even more. On Hannah, lavished love with pride. Faith of our mothers, fathers, too, Teach us God's love makes all things new. Letting loose doubt that God provides, Pouring out faith set Hannah free, By love and prayer her wish bore fruit, And what she asked for, came to be. Faith of our mothers, fathers, too, Teach us God's love makes all things new. "There is no Holy One like our God," Thus Hannah prayed, exulting that day; Girding the feeble and thwarting the proud, Love for the world will find a way! Faith of our mothers, fathers, too, Teach us God's love makes all things new. —Scott L. Barton
		A BEAD AND A PRAYER CROSS Centering In Preparation Gathered here, we sense the Sacred in this place. May we be awakened again to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient us, the beauty that informs us, the fellowship that sustains us, and the creativity that heightens and deepens our living, that we may give ourselves in honesty and openness to the larger life before us. This we would ask in the Only-Begotten, Beloved-One, your Anointed, the Christ. Amen. INVITATORY Call to Worship (from Psalm 105:1-5) O give thanks to God, call upon God’s name; Tell everyone what God has done for us. Sing to God, sing praises to God; Tell everyone of all God’s wonderful works. Glory in God’s holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice. Seek God’s presence continually; Remember all the wonderful works God has done. For God is good, and we come to worship God; We remember together, we pray together, and we tell God’s story together. CRUCIFORM Prayer of Invocation In you, O God, we find refuge from our turbulent world. We work each day to bear witness to your justice through our ministries. While the journey towards true peace that lies ahead is long, our incremental steps continue to take us closer to that promised day. Renew in us the strength, faith, and courage we need to persevere so that the promised day will come when your will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. —https://www.ucc.org/worship-way WEEK I Reading From the Hebrew Scriptures—I Samuel 1. 4-20 ◊ When the time came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions to Peninnah and her children, and a double portion to Hannah, for he loved Hannah, even though God-Most-Holy made her childless. ◊ And because God-Most-Holy closed her womb, her rival constantly taunted her. As a result, she grew gravely depressed. This went on for years. Every year they made the pilgrimage to God-Most-Holy’s Tent of Meeting, her rival taunted her to tears and she refused to eat. ◊ Elkanah, her husband would ask, “Hannah, why do you cry, and why do you refuse to eat? To grieve? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Hannah rose after one such meal at Shiloh, and presented herself to God. ◊ At the time, the priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the door of God-Most-Holy’s Tent of Meeting. Hannah, deeply distressed, wept greatly, vowing, “O God Omnipotent, look with pity on your handmaid. Don’t forsake me. Remember me. If you will give me a child, a male, I will dedicate him to you. For all the days of his life, he will neither drink wine nor liquor, and no razor will ever touch its head.” ◊ As she kept praying to God-Most-High, Eli noticed her lips. Hannah was praying silently—her lips moved but they made no sound. Seeing this, Eli decided she was drunk, and said to her, “How long will you continue remain in this drunken state? Sober up!” ◊ Hannah replied, “Oh no! It isn’t that! I am a woman with a broken heart! I have drunk neither wine nor liquor. But I have been pouring out my heart before God-Most-High. Don’t judge me as a terrible person. I am simply pouring out my feelings of grief and misery.” Eli said “Go in peace. And may the God of Israel grant you your wish.” Hannah replied, “You are most kind.” Then she left. ◊ Early the next morning they arose early and worshiped before God-Most-High and then returned to Ramah, their home. When Elkanah made love to Hannah, God-Most-Holy remembered her. She conceived, and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she had asked for him. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. CRUCIFORM Prayer of Brokenness/Confession Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, we confess to You that we have believed in the myth of scarcity. We have denied Your abundance and have hoarded what we have. We have believed in the myth that we must make sure we have enough before we can help others. We have failed to trust in You and what You have provided for us. We have forgotten the ways of Jesus, who taught us to serve one another, to share what we have with others, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Teach us again, O God, so that we might learn, so that we might let Your wisdom take root in our hearts and minds. May we follow the ways of Christ, and truly love our neighbors by meeting their needs, and trust that You know our needs and will fulfill them. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. —Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell (http://rev-o-lution.org/) WEEK II Psalmody—Psalm 113 ◊ Alleluia! You faithful of God-Most-High, give praise, praise the Name of God-Most-High! ◊ Blessed be the Name of God-Most-High, from now and for all times! From the rising of the sun to its setting, praised be the Name of God-Most-High! ◊ You are high over all nations, God-Most-High! Your glory transcends the heavens! ◊ Who is like you, God-Most-High, our God? ◊ Enthroned so high, you need to stoop to see the sky and the earth! ◊ You raise the poor from the dust, and lift the needy from the dung heap to give them a place at the table with rulers, with the leaders of your people. ◊ You give the childless couple a home filled with the joy of many children. Alleluia! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. (altered) CRUCIFORM Prayer Of Intercession God, in your mercy you hear our cries and know the hidden desires of our hearts. You answer prayer. We come to you, gracious God, praying for ourselves and our community. We pray for the witness of the church, that we might live the gospel. We pray for the global community, that we might learn from each other and live in peace. We pray for the needs in our local community for we know that you, O God, are our provider. We pray for those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; make us agents of your healing power. We remember those who have died; help us to comfort those who grieve. We lift up to you the silent prayers we hold in our hearts and minds. We ask all these things for the glory and honor of your name, through your Only-Begotten and Beloved-One, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. —Long, Kim. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: 2. (altered) WEEK III Reading From the Epistles—Hebrews 10. 11-18 ◊ Every other priest performs services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. ◊ Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever. Then Christ sat down at the right hand of God, and now waits there until God puts all enemies in their rightful place. ◊ With one sacrifice then, Jesus has made perfect forever those who are being sanctified. ◊ The Holy Spirit also attests to this, first saying, ◊ “‘This is the Covenant I will make with them when those days arrive,’ says our God: ‘I will put my laws into their hearts and write them on their minds.’” ◊ Then she adds, “I will never again remember their sins or offenses.” ◊ So when sins and evil deeds have been forgiven, an offering to take away sins is no longer needed. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. CRUCIFORM In a world where violence seems to rule, we commit, O God, to small random acts of peace making. Where people are oppressed because they look, act, speak, think or love differently we will affirm their freedom. Where people are exploited because they lack the strength or resources to refuse, we will seek to create alternatives. Where people are controlled through threat and fear, we will offer safety and hope. Where people believe their violence and power give them the right and ability to act as they please we will call them to account. Wherever violence is done to another, through physical force, manipulation of truth, or the subtle workings of power, we will opt out, we will speak out, and we will stand out in opposition, through small, random acts of peace making. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) WEEK IV Reading From the Gospels—Mark 13. 1-10 ◊ As Jesus was leaving the Temple, one of the disciples commented in passing, “Look, Teacher! What huge stones these are! What wonderful buildings!” ◊ Jesus replied, “See these great buildings? Not a single stone will be left on another. Everything will be torn down.” ◊ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives facing the Temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What will be the sign that all this is about to take place? ◊ Jesus began by saying, “Be on your guard that no one deceives you ◊ Many will come in my name saying, ‘I am the One,’ and they will deceive many. ◊ When you hear of wars and rumors of war, do not be alarmed. Things like this must happen, but the end is still to come. ◊ Nation will rise against nation and empire against empire; there will be earthquakes throughout the world and famines—yet this is only the beginning of the labor pains. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. CRUCIFORM Proclaiming Our Faith Our God has created an abundant universe, Giving life to all, and graciously preserving all. We believe and trust in God. Our Saviour has made a way to abundant life, Giving His life for all, and compassionately inviting all to share in His Kin-Dom. We believe and trust in God. Our Comforter is poured out as the abundant Spirit, Bringing power and gifts to all, and leading all to fullness of life. We believe and trust in God, Three in One; Generous and Loving, Faithful and Eternal. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) INVITATORY Dismissal With Blessing May Almighty God bless you in kindness and pour out saving wisdom upon you. May Almighty God always with the teachings of the faith and make you persevere in holy deeds. May Almighty God turn your steps toward following in Jesus' way and show you the path of charity and peace. And may the blessing of almighty God, Blessed and Holy Trinity, One God world without end, descend upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered) CROSS Sending Forth The free gift of God's love has been offered to us again today; We receive it with thanks, and through our kindness we will share it with others. The mercy and compassion of God has come to us again today; We fill our hearts in joy, and through our compassion we will share it with others. The diversity in God's inclusion has embraced us again today; We delight in it with gratitude, and through our generosity we will share it with others. Go in peace and thanksgiving, Live and work so that God's goodness may be recognized, And God may be praised. Amen. —John van de Laa (sacredise.com, altered)