We ARE Together

Words for Gathering on Sunday, November 8, 2020

Here we are again. A significant thing or two have changed in our world in the week since we last gathered for worship. And yet much remains the same.

We long to gather in person, 

To share a hug or handshake,

To raise our voices in harmony,

To feel the energy of our spirits co-mingling,

To laugh with joy,

To weep with compassion.

But here we are, resigned to reach out through the digital network,

Protecting one another,

Honoring health and well-being,

Trusting God’s grace

To keep us connected

In the midst of this unusual season.

We ARE together, 

Bound by the love of Jesus,

Compelled by our common commitment to each other

And our sisters and brothers in humanity.

We ARE together,

Nurtured by the Holy Spirit’s power,

Called to be present,

Free to celebrate who we are.

We ARE together,

Created to live in harmony,

Building new worlds in Christ’s name,

Transforming darkness into light.

We ARE together,

Extending God’s generosity

To ourselves,

To one another,

To the world.

We ARE together,

To worship and rejoice.

Please pray with me.

Bind our hearts, Lord Jesus, 

first to you, 

then to each other and 

ultimately to the world.

We are here to pray vigorously,

To worship earnestly.

Reveal yourself to us 

through common words,

Familiar melodies,

And simple prayers.

We welcome your guiding presence.

 

Amen.

(Written for worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, where we continue to meet remotely for the protection of our congregation and community. If these words are useful to your worshiping community, feel free to use them. If you do, I'd appreciate you providing attribution and letting me know.)