God – we gather in your presence.
Father – we long for more of you.
Jesus – we place you at the center.
Holy Spirit – come and fill our time together.
Help us to be fully present here,
to your word, to one another,
and to the world you love.
Amen.

GOOD TO ME

I cry out
For your hand of mercy to heal me
I am weak
I need your love to free me

Oh Lord, my Rock
My strength in weakness
Come rescue me, oh Lord

You are my hope
Your promise never fails me
And my desire
Is to follow You forever

For You are good
For You are good
For You are good
For You are good

Nothing is impossible for you

TRADING MY SORROWS

I’m trading my sorrows I’m trading my shame
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sickness I’m trading my pain
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord

We say
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Amen

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

Join Anderson by standing and reciting alongside.

The text of lectionary passage for you to read aloud as you remain standing.

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well–since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Take some time to listen to the Spirit and respond in prayer, however you feel led.

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As you go,
May the peace of Christ go with you,
Wherever he may send you,
May he guide you through the wilderness,
Protect you through the storms,
May he bring you home rejoicing,
At the wonders he has shown you,
May he bring you home rejoicing,
Once again into our doors.