Call to Confession:
Leader: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Therefore, let us confess our sin to God and one another:
Prayer of Confession:
People: God of mercy and grace, we confess that we grow weary in welcoming all people. Sometimes we are not even kind to those closest to us. Our hospitality is too often reserved for when it is convenient or rewarding for us. We know you call us to a wider welcome, but we struggle just the same. Please mold our hearts to yours. Help us to be your wide welcome of love with those so dear to us, and with those whose names we may never know. Free us to welcome all.
Assurance of Pardon:
Leader: Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
People to leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Leader and people: Glory to God. Amen.