An Inclusive Invitation, Confession, and Pardon

Invitation

Christ is radically hospitable and it is in this spirit of hospitality that we are invited to Christ’s table. 
May those who earnestly seek reconciliation with God, and seek to find peace with all who are around them, be made welcome here as we confess to one another our sins.

Confession

Living, Saving, and Loving God, we confess that we have sinned against you in speech, intent, and action; we manage, in creative ways, to blind ourselves to your love for us, and others. 

As a community, we have deliberately cast out and ostracized our brothers and sisters—or been complicit in their persecution with our apathy. 

We knowingly and unknowingly participate in  unjust systems, choose to measure our own goodness to models that are not Christ, and have watched as others have been persecuted while we do nothing in response. 
We have not lived up to your call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger or visit the imprisoned. 
We have not always loved our neighbor as ourselves. 
We have found easy paths to self-hatred. 
We repeatedly fail to glorify You.

We confess that we are truly sorry and humbly seek repentance. 
For the sake of your Son, the anointed Christ, Jesus, we plea for your forgiveness that we may delight in your creation with ALL of your children—our siblings—and walk together towards the incarnation of Your kingdom. 
It is in the glory of Your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that we pray. Amen



Words of Assurance

Know this: Jesus Christ loves you beyond all understanding.

Jesus Christ loves you beyond all understanding.

Jesus Christ knows all of us. He has been tempted as we have been tempted. He is in constant, eternal anticipation of our reciprocal love. Because of this, find peace that in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.


In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God! Amen.

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