opening words - Rev. Candie Blankman, Rev. Dr. Steve Wright

Candie: We know that we live in a world that is full of both joy and pain, neither one negating the other, both existing side by side.

We know that often as individuals and in our communities and institutions we fall short of being all that we are called to be.

At times we do things that we should not, at other times we leave things undone.

We come here today acknowledging the ways that we fall short, but also knowing the goodness of our intentions.

Steve: But in the midst of this we are promised that God is a God who calls out to us, and who loves us, beckoning us toward life in all its fullness.

We trust that this God is a God who is not content to remain far off, but who enters our very lives, is present in, with and amongst us, encouraging us to share that love with one another.

Candie: For this is the good news of the gospel, that God’s love is for all people. 

Steve: And in that love we are sent out into the world to be agents of justice, healing, reconciliation and peace.