Southern Ohio District Church of the Brethren

Reflections from our District Executive

Leader: A new day has begun.
People: Hope wins!
Leader: A fresh start is granted.
People: Faith wins!
Leader: Today you have the opportunity to do something new.
People: Hope wins!
Leader: Christ is entering your life in a new way.
People: Faith wins!
Leader: Come, let us worship God, who is inviting us into life in a new way, a way that transcends death, a way of hope and faith.
People: Love wins! Let us worship Christ, who overcame death to give us new life!

Prayer of Confession:
Ancient of Days, we confess that we forget to truly live our lives. We go from one task to the next, we get too busy to notice the world around us. We ignore the poor and the hungry and push away our families because there is too much to do. We are caught up in the ways of the world that call us to rush and work hard. Forgive us, God, for not taking time for You. Forgive us, God, for not making time for our relationships. Forgive us, God, for not seeing our brothers and sisters, for putting the ways of the world above Your ways of love and compassion. Call us into the New Life You have given us now, so that we may live into the promise of eternal life. In the name of Jesus, who calls us to The Way, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:
Whoever has Christ has life. We are called into the way of Christ, and no matter where we turn or fall away, we can always hear the voice of Christ calling us back. The promise of new life is always available. You are forgiven. You are loved. Come and follow Christ. Amen.

Written by Rev. Mindi, an ordained pastor in the American Baptist Church.

Blessings for the journey!

Dave Shetler

District Executive

Southern Ohio District Church of the Brethren