Church of Our Saviour » liturgy

COS Prays: The Lord’s Prayer, from New Zealand

web — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:45:40 +0000

On some Sundays after Easter we used the beautiful New Zealand version of the Lord’s Prayer. You might want to have it for your personal use this summer.

Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth! In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever.
Amen.

For All of Us

Administrator — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:36:05 +0000

The services of the Easter Triduum were beautiful this year as the community gathered for quiet prayer, thoughtful contemplation, and joyful celebration. Beginning on the evening of Holy Thursday, our seminarian, Joyce Scheyer, preached, we washed one another’s feet and we remembered the first Eucharist. Good Friday was the moment to not look away from suffering—to stay and bear witness. The Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening took us from darkness to light. We began as always in the garden, where the new fire was lit. To the muffled drum we processed into the sanctuary, following the light. Enveloped by candlelight and incense we shared the drama as Mary Denton and Rob Hart beautifully sang the Exultet, reminding us that “This is the night…” We listened, we sang, we prayed, and the drumbeat led us deeper in, then out and up. As the light grew and the resurrection continued, Lily reminded us that Life makes noise that we feel as much as hear. From the first noise that we feel—the beat of our mother’s heart—to the sound of a stone rolled away—we know we are never alone. The noise we hear on Easter is the sound of God’s faithfulness and love, patience and promise. It is the sound of the resurrection—the heartbeat of God. Amidst dancing branches and fresh spring flowers, Easter morning brought a festive celebration (with trumpet and trombone), of a resurrection that is for all of us. We all begin now a new life, a transformation. The celebration continued in the hall over an especially delicious coffee hour spread. Life (aka noise), was in full evidence as Kate Schell presided over the high-energy Easter Egg Hunt and deals were made regarding the consumption of chocolate and other high-sugar items.

Holy Week Schedule 2009

Administrator — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:59:35 +0000

Our Palm Sunday service (April 5, 10 AM) features Chester the Donkey and a bagpiper! Our Good Friday service is at 8 PM on April 10. On April 11 at 8 PM is the Great Vigil. And on Easter Sunday we will hold two Sunday services, one at 9 AM and one at 11 AM. Join us in between, at 10:30, for a festive Easter coffee hour. After the second service, at 12:30, all children are welcome to join in an Easter egg hunt!

Give Me Time for My Tears

web — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:36:56 +0000

‘Tis the season to be jolly but not everyone is. The gear up of music, shopping and decorating for Christmas often reminds people of what they have lost or never had. In the first week of Advent a special service of prayer and guided meditation was held at COS. Our seminarian, Dr. Joyce Scheyer, helped prepare the service and presided. It was an invitation to those who were entering the Christmas season hurting in some way to listen to themselves and one another.

The hymns, prayers and readings offered words of consolation. A candle lighting ritual provided an opportunity to be welcoming and patient with our feelings. In her reflection, Lily reminded us that Advent is a time to prepare for change and change begins when something else ends. When something ends there is a tough neutral zone to go through before new beginnings begin. Advent is an invitation to the neutral zone where we wait for what’s next. We may feel sad, lost, disappointed, or like a failure, but we wait anyway. In Advent faith is waiting.

To See This Day

web — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:39:15 +0000

On the Sunday before the inauguration of Barack Obama, COS celebrated a special liturgy remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. We heard about promises “a long, long time coming.” Readings from Dr. King’s speeches were interspersed with the scripture set for the day, providing a moving counterpoint between traditional and contemporary sacred texts. Thanks to Rose Udics for suggesting the readings.

Following the gospel, Lily invited everyone present to speak from their hearts as they reflected on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. in light of the current historic moment, the inauguration of the first African-American president.

Stories of inspiration and encouragement were shared as people spoke about the significance of Obama’s achievement for themselves personally. Others remembered words of faith and hope spoken to them by others who shared the dream. Turning points and memories were recalled that are given new meaning in this historic moment.

It was a powerful, moving service. As we prayed that “our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light” we were all grateful to live to see this day.