Moment of Oneness, May 17, 2023

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656

Opening Song:

In Christ Alone sung by Lauren Daigle 

https://youtu.be/7WS1JupSHKo

Opening Prayer:

We gather together as sisters and brothers of our Creator God – Holy Mystery – Source of Love and Life – Shaddai, the God Who has Breasts,

And in Jesus, the One who lived and loved, challenged and healed, suffered and died, rose, blessed and ascended

And in the Holy Spirit – Power from on High – Unifier – Sofia, Wisdom

Amen. 

Reading: A Bible Passage from The Message’s rendition of the Gospel Attributed to Luke, chapter 24: verses 44-53:

Then [Jesus] said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, made his exit, being carried up to heaven.

And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.

And the community affirms these words by saying:

ALL: Amen.

Pause for Reflection

A Psalm of Shared Mission and Ministry from WomanWord, a Feminist Lectionary and Psalter by Miriam Therese Winter

Choir 1: We praise You, Shaddai,

And we worship You 

With songs that sing of relationship,

With symbols that speak our experience

With sacraments that celebrate life.

Choir 2: We thank You, Shaddai,

For so many things:

Your promise when we are discouraged,

Your presence when we are lonely,

Your protection when we are attacked.

Choir 1: For You call us and lead us in mission

And strengthen us for ministry

Through the nurturing bonds of community

And the sustaining support of friends.

Choir 2: We are sisters in service,

Sisters and brothers in service,

Missionaries in Your service,

Wide open to all in need.

Choir 1: We thank You, Shaddai,

And we praise You,

For the challenges and the choices,

For all those who stand behind us,

For all who are there behind us,

For all who have gone before us,

To preach and prepare the way.

Choir 2: We thank You, Shaddai,

And we praise You,

Rejoicing in all 

That we see and hear

Of You and Your challenging word;

May we be of one mind in our mission,

Work side by side in ministry,

Walk hand in hand

Through our ups and downs

Until you come again.

ALL: We thank you, Shaddai, and we praise You!

We praise you, Shaddai, and we thank You!

Shower your blessings upon us

And on all who are touched by our lives.

Closing Song:

Imagine Jesus singing us with Never Alone by Lady A: https://youtu.be/U4yRsT_fPic