Thursday, October 13, 2011

Dearest God,

How much of our life is hidden deep within the soul, yet to be revealed to the world? How much do we trust our secrets to be uncovered by others?

We answered these questions today, O God, as we began our 24th season of faith together. When I lit the Christ candle acknowledging your presence with us, we offered you to one another. As we ate of the bread and juice, we traversed time and space to sit at table with you. There we celebrated your life as we lifted up character qualities that have touched and inspired us throughout our lifetime. As we pointed to your many gifts, we spoke of cherished moments when those gifts had specifically transformed us by your grace. We remembered how life’s secrets were uncovered and heavenly mysteries unfolded. And then we began to share a celebration of each of our lives as we have allowed you to walk with us in the intersections of our life’s journey.

We had agreed to make Celebration of Life – Preparing our Memorial Services the topic of our retreat. We had talked many times before that we wanted to prepare our final witness together as each of the others would lead our service. It was for that reason that I wanted us to start with communion memorializing your death and following with a celebration of your life. As we began to share, it was evident that faith had led us.

Good and Glorious God,
Gracious Miracle Worker,
Almighty and Powerful Spirit,
everything good
in our lives
has come
from your hands.
To you
we owe
all we have.
Thank you
for the
countless blessings
you have given
our covenant group
and especially
faith that
blesses us
again and again.

Love, Andrea