Sermons

January 21, 2024 — Third Sunday after Epiphany Meredith Alspach The Rev. Annamarie Groenenboom The Rev. Chrissy Westbury The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer

Anthem Chariot! Traditional African American spirituals arr. by Phillip Kern Gonna ride up in the chariot early in the morning, And I hope I join the band. O Lord, have mercy on me.Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home I look over Jordan and what do I see A band of angels coming after me Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home.

Prayer of Confession God, when you called each of us into being, you delighted in your works. You gifted us with differences that illuminate the breadth of beauty, wisdom, and practices of love in your creation. In whatever ways we still struggle to accept and celebrate our own unique offerings, free us from narrow thinking that confines, constrains, or condemns your good work in us. Help us to desire you, Lord. Help us to yearn for your presence. Pour your baptismal waters over us again. Nourish and heal us so that we may joyfully serve you.

Prayer of Confession From Feasting on the Word Merciful God, we confess that we have not lived as your faithful children. We have kept silent in the midst of prejudice and hatred. We have been idle in the face of violence and injustice. We have not been a light to the nations, and our lives have not revealed your glory. Forgive us, gracious God. Repair the ugliness of our sin and restore in us your beautiful grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.