Time of Sharing

In response to several requests from the congregation, we are posting the worship elements from yesterday's service that spoke to the troubling events of this past week:

INVITATION TO SHARING

Scripture tells us, that that Christ is the light of the world, and that "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it."  Again I say, "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it."        

And it’s true. Look closer at this week, and you will see the light that shines in the darkness was not, and could not be overcome.  Look closer, and you will see for each of the two bombers, there were countless first responders, citizens and medical workers running towards the finish line at the Boston Marathon to help.  Look closer, and you will see that for each of our neighbors in West who were lost, there were countless Texans coming together to donate blood, donate funds, and wrap their neighbors in a blanket of God’s love.  Look closer, and you will see for that one terrorist in Mississippi, there are countless responsible citizens continuing to write peaceful letters of action to their congressmen and women, standing up for their beliefs.  Look closer, and you will see amid this week's lake of tears, a sea of Americans of all faiths, all creeds, all colors, and all ages saying, “this is not who we are.”

Indeed, "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."

So this week, in honor of that light, we will take a special offering.  You may come forward to the plates, and in addition to your tithe this week, we will stand up as that light in the world by bringing a special love offering for our neighbors in West and for their recovery.  Then you will be given a candle, and you can take that candle and stand around the edges of the sanctuary in one big circle.  And as you hold up your candle, know that you carry the light of the world, and you will not be overcome.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Jesus Christ, Light of the World, and Prince of Peace: blanket this hurting country in your love, and drive out the darkness that lurks among us with your bright light of peace.  We pray especially this week for the families of all who have lost loved ones to senseless violence or to incomprehensible disaster.  Bring them comfort, strength, and peace.  We pray for the perpetrators, and all those who walk in the grips darkness, that their oppressive hate and plans of violence might be driven out by the light of your love.  And we pray for our country, that we might find meaning and healing despite all the confusion.  We dedicate our offering today to these prayers, to peace, and we lift them up, along with these our candles, as a testimony to the light which was not, cannot, and shall not be overcome.  Amen.