Together we hold a place where each can find voice as they long to reflect the Christ for our time.

Leader: The presence of God is surely in this place.
People: The presence of God is everywhere.

In the beginning was the Word …
It all started with an act of divine self-expression.
and the Word was with God …
It all comes from the center of God.

The celebration of Easter is the acknowledgement of the power of the divine spirit working through us to transform the most negative of situations. Let us commit ourselves to overcoming hate with love.

For those who promote human rights in countries controlled by military dictatorships, risking their lives every day
All: Blessed are those who are persecuted for their struggle for justice: the kingdom of heaven is theirs

One: Hear the voices, small voices, loud voices, voices of the oppressed, voices of the powerful.

Leader: Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ.
People: We celebrate the birth of Jesus, who showed us how to express God by letting the Christ within be our guide.

Leader: It is a night of anticipation, a night of waiting.
People: We wait, as Mary and Joseph waited for the birth of their son.

Soulful music that combines elements of folk, blues, jazz, and gospel. Lyrics are spiritual yet progressive, philosophical yet earthy, and realistic yet hopeful. The topics include: enjoying the sacredness of daily life, finding hope in difficult times, …

Leader: In this Advent season, we honor a time in history when people anticipated the birth of a child.
People: The child grew to be a man who gave hope to his people.

When one comes in a never-uttered name
God wins the glory for all that is done:
It’s in hoping for what cannot be claimed
That every inch of justice is won.

Peace is not an absence of conflict and violence. It is a set of relationships based on justice, participation and a recognition of our mutual humanity and inter-dependence.

Group reading…a commitment to live as compassionate beings.