Commitment to Community
Week 4
While the world values independence and often leads to isolation, followers of Jesus are called into a life of deep belonging and shared community. By staying connected and practicing courageous vulnerability, we allow God’s love to shape us, bringing restoration, wholeness, and healing.
Learn more about practicing the liturgy.
Leader prays. Group Prays.
-
Let us share in the joys and sorrows of one another's life.
What has been the highlight of your week?
What has been the low of your week? -
Let’s prepare our hearts in worship.
Christ’s Church has assembled.
We are one body, with Christ as our head.
What kind of body is this?
The Body of Christ, brought together not by human flesh, but by the sovereign Lord.
And who does he call us to be?
A people who look not to their own interests, but to the interests of others. Those who proclaim the goodness of their Lord.
Come, let us worship as one united body. -
We will take a moment in quiet to reflect on our actions this past week. Then, together, we will confess and be reminded that we are the forgiven community.
Most merciful God,
We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart; We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.
Amen. -
Let us hear the word of the Lord from the Psalms.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
–Psalm 133 (NIV) -
Let us affirm our faith with the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, he rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the global Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen. -
An introduction to community.
We live in a world that idolizes independence and thus frequently falls victim to isolation. However, followers of Jesus are invited into a different way. We are called to a shared life marked by deep belonging. Dallas Willard had this to say on community: “[Community is] God’s ultimate purpose for history. [Thus the Church is] the creation of an all-inclusive, loving community with God as its sustainer.” This means we do not merely tolerate one another; rather, we allow the community of God to form us. Even in seasons of conflict or disappointment, staying connected matures our love and reflects the very heart of God. As we enact courageous vulnerability within such a community, restoration, wholeness, and healing occur.
In this final week of the practice, we reflect on our own commitment to community.
-
Let us open the scriptures and learn the story of Christ.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
–Galatians 6:1-10 (NIV) -
Let’s take a moment to talk through what we have heard, reflecting on what it is saying to us.
What can we learn about this week's practice through this passage
What would be the primary challenges or temptations you face in staying rooted in community?
-
Let us consider how to follow Jesus in our everyday lives.
Take inventory of your weekly priorities, and identify one practical change you could make to be more present in this community.
-
At this time, if you have a prayer request, we’ll hear those and conclude with the Lord’s prayer. What would you like to lift up in prayer?
As our Savior taught us, so we pray;
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen. -
Let us confess the Mystery of our Faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again. -
May we go from this place prepared to reveal the Kingdom of Jesus, together.
Living God, draw us deeper into your love;
Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;
Holy Spirit, make us heralds of good news.
Stir us, strengthen us,
teach and inspire us to live your love
with generosity and joy, imagination and courage;
for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus,
Amen. -
