Document
One Spirit: an invocation
We gather in the name of the Triune God +, who creates, redeems and sustains the Earth.
One Hope
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Many: We will not fear, though the earth should change.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Many: God will help the holy habitation when the morning dawns.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
Many: Behold the works of the Lord.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Many: Be still, and know that God is God. We will live Hope.
Scripture
The Holy Gospel according to John 15:1-5
Many: Glory to you, Lord.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Many: Praise to you, Christ.
Reflection by Martin Junge
One Body: an affirmation of baptism
In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges the faithful “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
Knit together by one Spirit into one body of Christ, we affirm our baptismal vocation with the words of this Symbol of faith.
Do you believe in God, our one hope?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and Earth,
Do you believe in Christ, in whom we are reconciled to one body?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended to he dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the one Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy, catholic church
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism, and guided by hope, to:
live among God’s faithful people;
hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper;
proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed;
serve all people following the example of Jesus; and
strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”
Many: We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
Intercessory prayers
Inspired with the Hope that calls us to reform and transform we pray for the world, the church and all those in need...
God of mercy, throughout history your goodness prevails, open the hearts of all people to discover the deep bond of community. Show us your goodness and mercy that endure forever.
Hear our prayer!
God of peace, bend that which is inflexible, the identity barriers that divide, the attachments that thwart reconciliation. Bring peace in this world, especially for Canada and the United States of America, with whom we pray this week in the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. Restore wholeness among us and show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God, our healer, come to our aid as COVID-19 continues to spread, heal those who are sick, protect families and friends from being infected. Support those in public health and medical services. Strengthen our resolve to eradicate all diseases, malaria, dengue, HIV & AIDS, and many others. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God of justice, hasten justice for those suffering under the power of evil and every form of oppression and greed. Give new life to all. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God, rock and fortress, protect refugees, those without homes or security, all the abandoned children. Help us always to defend human rights and dignity. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God creator, all creation groans in expectation, convert us from exploitation. Teach us to live in harmony with your creation. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
God of mercy, strengthen and protect those who are persecuted for faith in you and those of other faiths who suffer persecution. Give us the courage to profess our faith. Your mercy endures forever.
Hear our prayer!
God of life, heal painful memories, transform complacency and indifference, inspire and sustain our ecumenical journey from conflict to communion, all of us branches on the one vine, Jesus Christ. Show us your mercy!
Hear our prayer!
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom pray, trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Prayer
You are a God who forms and transforms. In Wisdom, you created the seas, the mountains and every living thing to live in harmony, and you called us to cultivate and to keep the balance and diversity, that life may be sustained. In baptism, we are reconciled in Christ, and sealed by your Spirit who nurtures us with Hope. Kindle in us the righteous anger to reform all that is unjust, and the courage to participate in your transforming work, as you renew the face of the Earth. We pray in the name of Christ. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Song Deus é Castelo Forte e Bom - Grupo Anima (EST Brazil)
Benediction
May the love of God,
the faith of Christ,
and the hope of the Holy Spirit,
guide us in peace.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. And let us share a sign of peace with one another.
