Seeing is hearing that which is hidden in plain sight,

Absorbing the reverberations of creation,

Perceiving the symphony of line and form; then going deeper

Than nicks and warts and embellishments,

Beyond distractions and wounds

To the true essence of the song.

Peel away layers manifest and layers buried within.

Behold Life, eyes and ears.

Express the Mystery, hands and hearts.

©January 24, 2012 Cynthia Langston Kirk

People: To the injustices in the world.   

Leader: Aiding us to see not only our gifts

People: But Holy Wisdom, our vital companion,

Leader: Empowering us with the bold courage of two midwives

People: That we may stand up for life and dignity and civility

Leader:  Let us worship God who we cannot define or contain,

People: God who continually invites us to go deeper and be more.

 PRAYER

Holy Mystery who has many names, protect, puzzle and prepare us as you did Moses. We complain and wonder when we do not experience you in ways we imagine; yet, all the while closing our eyes and ears to your life-changing manifestations. Set the bushes and stars on fire that we can see every instance of oppression and act as your loving disciples. We pray in the name of the One who gave everything to stand up for the disenfranchised, the doubters and the diseased. Amen.

©January 30, 2012 Cynthia Langston Kirk

Leader: God calls us away from that which is familiar and comfortable

People: To unmarked paths and unstable terrain.

Leader: We are showered with gifts

People: Yet, we often embrace the struggles more than the blessings.

Leader: God’s time is God’s time

People: Yet, we sometimes connive or cheat to get what we want, when we want it.

Leader: Come, let us learn from our ancestors who were often self-centered, scheming,

competitive folk

People: Whom God loved, repeatedly forgave and transformed.

 PRAYER

Loving One, teach us that family goes beyond the bond of blood and is more numerous than the inhabitants of any home.  Thank you for seeing potential in human frailty and remaining faithful to us even in the face of our betrayal. Show us that our ancient ancestors, not so different from any of us, can inspire and inform our journey today. Forgive our hurtful choices and show us how to accept fully your forgiveness.  We praise you, O God, knowing you yearn for wholeness and healing of your creation and offer us the compass of your wisdom and hope. In Christ and through Christ we pray. Amen.

©January 2012 Cynthia Langston Kirk

Leader: Out of darkness God brought

People:  And continues to bring light.

Leader: Out of chaos the Holy One brought

People:  And continues to bring the rhythm of order.

Leader: Out of what cannot be seen our Creator brought

People: And continues to bring the miracle that is life.

Leader: And God deemed creation good.

People: Alleluia! Yes, it is good!

 PRAYER

When we are still, O God, when we calm the busyness within ourselves, we marvel at all you have created – how it works, how it looks, and how we are blessed by its presence.  Remind us that we are caretakers of all that lives.  Empower us to bring our best thoughts, our most caring hearts, and our passionate energies to the stewardship of the world. With joy and gratitude for life we pray. Amen.

©January 2012 Cynthia Langston Kirk

To use this or any liturgy written by Cynthia Langston Kirk please include the copyright in your bulletin and/or on your screen. If you want to use the writing in any other way than one time worship use, please contact Cynthia at: cynthia@piecingstories.com.

 A year after the shooting spree that killed five beloved people, wounded several more and left us grieving and grasping for hope, the city of Tucson came together on Jan. 7th for times of commemorating, celebrating, and committing to life, health and community.  It began at sunrise at the TMC Labyrinth at Peppi’s House. The mother drum called us together, constantly beating the pulse of life and invitation. Singing bowls sang the dawn of a new day. Rev. Amy Barron-Gafford, TMC Hospice Chaplain, welcomed people bundled in coats and blankets and read the poem (see below) at intervals during the dancing. Men and women dressed in white with sashes of color danced hope, perserverance, beauty, gratitude, joy and the strength of community.  Those who gathered before the sun rose over the Rincons (including Pam Simon, Gabby’s staffer who was shot and her daughter Summer) entered the beat with egg shakers, shaking them to the pulse, double time, triple time or however the spirit led. Three speakers, including Ross Zimmermann (Gabe’s dad) and Ron Barber, one of Gabby’s staff members who was shot last January, gave voice to commemorate, celebrate and commit. Later, Sinde Rubiner, facilitator of the artists, led us in creating a symphony with colorful  boom whackers. Each section of people had a different color, a different rhythm to maintain, reminding us all of the mulititude of gifts we bring to our beloved community and one another.

May we remember that each day is a gift from the Holy One to be shared and treasured, to be lived with passion and purpose.

Embrace Life

Listen

As heart speaks to heart

Calling us to live fully

Calling us to the center:

The rich, fertile place   

Of reflection and renewal,

Of being filled with purpose and passion.

Come

Shed the hold of grief, anger, apathy

Pray gratitude each step of the journey

Remembering the ones who alter our souls in beautiful ways.

Receive

The fresh breath of hope

Wisdom’s guiding power

Voice and abilities unique to you

And the gift of community.

Commit 

Renewed energies to heal this hurting world.

Walk, run, share, pray, teach, advocate

Embrace the giving path.

 ©December 5, 2011  Cynthia Langston Kirk

For January 7, 2012 Beyond Event

Leader: In the first light of every dawn and the brightest star at night

People: Christ’s hope and joy shine brightly.

Leader: In aha moments of wonder and extravagant gifts offered unconditionally

People: Christ is made manifest to us.

Leader: As we journey long, and deep within, searching for God as God searches for us

People: Christ is revealed to us.

Leader: Let us worship the Bright Morning Star

People: Let us offer the gifts of our lives to Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

God of New Beginnings, open our hearts and minds to receive and give your love this year. Some of us come today with heavy hearts, yet hopeful. We thank you for the passion and lives of service of people who have gone before us.  Walk with us through anger and fear and lead us to places illuminated by your grace and covenant. Help us to become like those who traveled from afar to visit the Christ Child: strong and persistent on the journey, generous beyond measure and wise when threatened by power. In the name of the Prince who is Peace we pray. Amen.

January 3, 2012  Cynthia Langston Kirk

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Welcome to a time of wonder

People: And music that calls us home

Leader: Welcome to hear God’s words that inspire and challenge

People: And to reminders that we are offered holy hospitality -

Leader:  Hospitality that teaches us how to open our lives to others

People:  Leading us to fully live open minds, open hearts, open doors.

PRAYER

God of the Widow at Zarephath, God of Joseph the Forgiver, we stand in awe of people who showed hospitality in the midst of sacrifice and betrayal. Take us deep into the heart of hospitality. Help us to understand that the generosity the world needs often demands sacrifice on our part. Be with those who have never known a table blessed by laughter and welcome, who have seldom heard affirmations and who do not know your abiding love.  Remind us, O God, that we are to set many tables, to speak blessings often and to be your love in the world. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

 ©2011 Cynthia Langston Kirk

CALL TO WORSHIP

Soloist or Choir sing the refrain from Near to the Heart of God; then the leader begins the Call to Worship

Leader: There is a place of quiet refreshment

People: Near to the heart of God

Leader:  There is a place for each of us to bloom and grow

People: Within the body of Christ

Leader:  There is the place of deep forgiveness

People:  Offered from the heart of God

Leader : Because of this we can offer love

All Sing: Oh, Jesus, blessed redeemer sent from the heart of God

Hold us who wait before thee, near to the heart of God

PRAYER

We are many and we are different, Loving  God. We are fractured globally, nationally, within families and often within ourselves.  You created us with different strengths and varied gifts, not to compete and judge one another, but that together we may bring healing and reconciliation. Forgive the times we do not make others feel welcome.  Forgive us when we do not embrace your invitation fully for ourselves. Help us to love past differences. Lead us to understand there is a place for everyone, even ourselves. Awaken us to the body of Christ that we may be awestruck by the beauty and potential of everyone in ministry together.  Joyfully and gratefully we pray. Amen.

© 2011 Cynthia Langston Kirk  

 OR

Knowing Who We Are: Fitting In

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: We are God’s children
People: Who seek to see and love others as if they were our beloved
Leader: We are Christ’s followers
People: Who strive to scale mountains of challenge and controversy – together
Leader: We are the Spirit’s students
People: Who delight in traveling the healing rivers of compassion and inviting others on the journey

PRAYER
O God, we want to fit in – to be liked, respected, included. We want you to fit into what we’ve been taught and what we dared to imagine. Lead us beyond conformity and comfort to authentic discipleship. Broaden our view and love for your world and all people to an ever-expanding graciousness. And help us, Holy Mystery, know that even though you are as close as our next breath, you are beyond our intelligence and capture. We pray eager to be transformed by you. Amen

© 2011 Cynthia Langston Kirk

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: We gather today remembering

People: Susannah Wesley and her passion for education,

Leader:  John Wesley’s disciplined approach to spiritual formation

People: And his never-wavering commitment to social justice,

Leader: Charles Wesley’s gift for music

People: And the legacy of faith-forming hymns he left

Leader:  Brethren who became our brothers and sisters

People: Renaming us all as United

Leader: Today we remember our faithful heritage

People: And ask the Spirit to kindle a similar fire in our hearts.

 PRAYER

Tender God, you know the longing in hearts gathered here today. We ask that you touch that longing with your love and guidance. Nurture our commitment to social justice – to reaching out with tangible care to anyone in need. Help us take courageous stands against oppression of any form. Help us, O God, to not only leave a spiritual legacy, but also one of learning and the arts for, in doing so, spiritual lives will be enriched. Lead us, like John Wesley, to not be confined by church grounds or social class for the living out of our commitment to Christ. Receive our broken hearts, our joyful hearts, our sometimes fearful hearts and our hearts that pray for the world as we worship you with deep gratitude. Amen.

© 2011 Cynthia Langston Kirk

 Leader: Eternal One, ever creating always inviting

People: Take us to the green and thriving place

Leader: Redeeming Christ, Healing Teacher,

People: Forgive and mend this fractured world

Leader: Spirit of Fire who fills with passion and leads us even through the darkness

People: Inspire and empower us that we may love as the Samaritan called Good

Leader: Life-giving Mystery, we gather to sing your praises

People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

OPENING PRAYER

O God, this day is full of the promise of your presence and the blessing of being and becoming fully who you know we can be. You have seen leadership qualities in people whose knees were knocking.  You have seen the capacity to be faithful in those who betrayed you. Teach us how to live in community in which there is mutual shaping and truth-telling. Keep us mindful of the world’s struggles, but not paralyzed by them. Help us offer our gifts and your hope to creation’s brokenness.  We pray in the name of the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.  Amen.

©August 7, 2011 Cynthia Langston Kirk