L: My Sisters and brothers, Jesus humbled himself before God and humanity and in so doing showed us the way of love. Let us come close to our Lord and confess our sin, opening ourselves to the Spirit of truth.
P: Most merciful God, we your church confess that our own spirits have been a poor reflection of the Christ within us. So many times we have failed to love one another as Christ loved and continues to love us. Too often we let the darkness invade us, and fail to let the light and love of the Christ shine in and through us. We have faltered in our discipleship pledge, when we confess our faith with our lips and fail to acknowledge to others that Jesus is a very real and significant part of our lives. Reserving him for Sunday is like giving him a seventh of our lives, and placing him on the back burner. Forgive us, O Lord. By your Spirit make us faithful everyday in our joy and in every time of trial through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
L: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. But Jesus has brought us here this evening to give thanks and praise to the one who has given us life and breath, and to share this supper with us. God has never abandoned humanity, but has remained steadfast even when we turned away, always keeping covenant with us. Tonight the Beloved ONE of God calls us to give thanks for God’s mighty acts on behalf of his people. At this table of remembrance, Jesus offers the bread of life and the cup of redemption, calling us into a new covenant with God. Time after time we have not understood what God has done for us, and time after time the Holy One has interceded for us. Jesus dines tonight in the company of those who betrayed, deserted and denied him, and still he offers grace. In the name of Christ, you are forgiven!
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
He arrived at the Jordan and was baptized by John, who didn’t recognize him or speak to him. He appeared as if out of nowhere, with no family history to share, a stranger with an urgent message. “The time has arrived; the kingdom of God is upon you. Repent and believe in the gospel.” He didn’t say take your time and give it some thought, he said the time is now, turn now, and hear the good news. There is no better time than the present.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus, knowing that his end was near, kept faith with you and with his disciples, celebrating the Passover with all of them. Bless the gifts we offer this evening. We do not make this offering as atonement for sins. We are not trying to purchase your goodwill or favor. These are a pledge of commitment, as we embrace our covenant with you. We offer them gratefully, trusting that you will guide their purpose, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
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