April 3, 2026
Greeting
The shadow of this solemn Friday
rests over us
as we gather once again
to remember and enter into
this sacred moment
in the story of our salvation.
Penitential Prayer
For the ways we have failed ourselves—
in body, in mind, in spirit—
Lord, show us Your mercy.
For the ways we have failed others—
those we love,
and those we choose not to see—
Lord, show us Your mercy.
For the ways we, as a community,
have fallen short of justice and compassion,
Lord, show us Your mercy.
For these sins,
and for all the ways we turn away,
Lord, show us Your mercy.
Blessing
Go in peace,
for Christ humbled Himself for our sake
and was obedient even unto death.
Go in hope,
for the Father has raised Him up
and given Him the Name above all names.
Go in faith,
for at His Name every knee shall bow
and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord.
April 5, 2026
Greeting
He came proclaiming love.
He lived embodying love.
He died revealing love.
He rose, and love was victorious.
If that love is to continue in the world,
it must be lived through us.
Penitential Prayer
Easter is the celebration of the power of resurrection—
the power of new life at work within us.
The Spirit of Christ is alive among us and within us.
But are we open to that life?
Do we truly rejoice in it?
For the times we fail to live as Easter people—
for the times we forget to rejoice,
to hope, and to trust—
Lord, forgive us.
Blessing
Go forth in joy.
And may the truest sign of Easter in your life
be found in what you share with others—
that through your care and compassion,
someone else may discover new life.
April 12, 2026
Greeting
Though we have not touched His wounded hands,
we belong to the company of those who believe.
Though we have not placed our hands at His side,
we live within the presence of the Risen Christ.
Blessed are we,
for though we have not seen,
we have come to believe.
Penitential Prayer
Father, we live in a time of uncertainty and noise.
The world moves quickly,
and clarity often feels out of reach.
We long for simplicity.
We long for renewal.
We long for deeper faith.
Yet too often we remain passive—
hesitant to act,
slow to respond,
uncertain in our witness.
We confess our indifference,
our hesitation,
our neglect.
Renew us, O Lord,
that we may live with purpose
and bear witness to Your healing presence in the world.
Blessing
Do not be afraid of the darkness,
for the Lord walks with you.
Do not remain in confusion,
for the Spirit brings clarity and peace.
Go forward in confidence,
for the light of the Risen Christ
will guide your way.
April 19, 2026
Greeting
We have come into the house of the Lord.
Let every voice rise in praise.
Let every heart be lifted in gratitude.
We gather in this place
as a people seeking peace,
and a life shaped by God’s presence.
Penitential Prayer
Today we take an honest look at ourselves.
We acknowledge our tendency toward self-interest,
and ask to grow in generosity.
We acknowledge our biases,
and ask to grow in openness.
We acknowledge our lack of compassion,
and ask to grow in understanding.
We acknowledge our excesses,
and ask for the strength to live with balance.
We acknowledge our self-centeredness,
and ask to become more attentive to others.
Through Your mercy, O Lord,
cleanse and renew us.
Blessing
As we return to our homes, our work, and our daily lives,
may we carry with us the spirit of Christ.
Let us practice forgiveness.
Let us show care.
Let us share generously
the grace we have received.
April 26, 2026
Greeting
“Come,” says the Good Shepherd.
“Come and find life.”
Come for rest.
Come for renewal.
Come for healing.
Come for peace.
Come, and be made whole.
Penitential Prayer
Father, too often we notice only what is dramatic
and overlook the quiet gifts of Your creation.
We pass by the beauty of the natural world—
the rhythm of the seasons,
the song of birds,
the changing sky.
We overlook simple joy—
the laughter of a child,
the comfort of friendship,
the steady presence of Your grace.
Forgive us for our lack of attention.
Open our eyes again
to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us,
and to the goodness that comes from You.
Blessing
Follow the Good Shepherd.
Listen for His voice.
Walk in His way.
Trust in His care.
And go forward with hope and joy.
