last weekend we had our annual grace weekend – a chance to hang out together and reflect on where we are headed, new inspirations, challenges and so on. we spent quite a bit of time talking about how newcomers find it coming in to grace, and how scary the process of joining any new group can be. but the overall focus was a reflection after two years on how our ethos has been and how it has affected our common life. our ethos is captured in four words – create | particpate | engage | risk. i have been amazed at how it has reshaped and challenged us. others who have researched spiritual communities suggests that emphasisng the ethos as opposed to the practises of a community is a good way to develop a rhythm that has a life about it rather than something that can too quickly become legalistic. anyway, all that is by way of saying that dean wrote a confession that went with the ethos that i thought was wonderful. it won’t mean a lot if this isn’t your ethos but i think it’s a good example of why creating liturgy is important for a community because it articulates something out of the life of that community to and before god. this goes well with the doors liturgy.

When our thoughtless criticism stifles the creativity of others,
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy

When we keep a tight hold on power and deny others the chance to participate.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

When we prefer the safety of our holy huddle to the wideness of God’s world.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

When we decline to take risks for fear that we might fail.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

But when we praise the gifts of others,
share the power that we are given,
engage with communities beyond the boundaries of our comfort,
and risk everything we have for the sake of others,
then, God rejoices in us.

Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent,
Have mercy upon us,
pardon and deliver us from all our sins,
confirm and strengthen us is all goodness,
and keep us in life eternal,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

time to begin worship tricks series 3 then – and this is number 1. i haven’t created a file/icon/link yet but will get round to it at some point no doubt…