Liturgy to go along with sermon on Ephesians 2:11-22

Call to Worship
One: Are you weary from your labors?
ALL: Here you will find rest.
One: Are you divided from family and friends?
ALL: Here you will find peace.
One: Are you spent from your efforts to bring God's kingdom?
ALL: Here you will find strength.
One: Are you looking for a shepherd to watch over you?
ALL: Here you will find the one who makes us whole.

Call to Confession:
God yearns to live in us, to make us new, and to free us for the expansive pastures of grace. Come, let us offer our confession to God, making room for God in our hearts that we may dwell more closely with the Shepherd.

(Theologically problematic typo in the slide projection.  The typo said that God yearns, "to free us from the expansive pastures of grace," which is...just soooooooo not so.  Volunteer media team...le sigh.)

Confession:
Shepherding God, we need your Spirit to guide us; we need your peace to help us set aside the things that divide us. Forgive us when we cling to our grievances, and dismiss our adversaries as strangers and aliens unworthy of your love. You seek to heal our vision, that we may see all people as members of your household. Forgive us when we refuse to be built into a spiritual temple with Christ as the cornerstone, especially when it means opening our hearts to those who have wronged us. Heal the hardness of our hearts, that we may embrace your shepherding love. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:
One: Hear the good news. The shepherd seeks every lost sheep and returns them safely to the fold. Christ is our shepherd; he tears down dividing walls and establishes new dwellings built of his peace and pardon. In the name of Christ you are forgiven.
ALL: In the name of Christ you are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.

One: Now, as a people reconciled to God and to one another, please greet one another with the Peace of Christ.

Offering Prayer of Dedication (unison):
Triune God, you are three and yet one. You call us to unity and peace despite our difference. We offer these our gifts to you, knowing that we have received far more than we could ever give. Bless this our offering, make us into your dwelling, and unite our work with yours, so that your kingdom of peace may reign over all the earth. Amen.

Hymns:
Opening Hymn: Sing Out, Earth and Skies -- Marty Haugen
Hymn of Confession: UMH #579 Lord God, Your Love Has Called Us Here
Prayer Hymn: UMH #138 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Hymn of Response: UMH #729 O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines (to the tune of CANDLER, UMH #386)