Welcome to Our Gathering of EChurch@Wartburg

Columbia Bridge (link)

Here Is Our Order of Worship

A Prayer for Labor Day link

On this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, loving Father,
we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labor
—in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and in family living. 

We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work;
may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name. 

We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere. 

May those of us who are now retired always remember
that we still make a valuable contribution to our Church and our world by our prayers and deeds of charity. 

May our working and our resting all give praise to you
until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed in your Kingdom as you live and reign
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

A Prayer of Confession link

Holy God,
we come to confession realizing that we are often aware of the big sins in our lives,
but we ignore the sins we think are small. 
We ask Your forgiveness for times when we have been
apathetic, indifferent, impatient, judgmental, dismissive, entitled, and mean. 
We pray for the ways we have been blinded by our possessions,
blinded by our anger, and blinded by our loyalty to self instead of to You. 
Forgive us and remind us that we are called to a different way of life. 
We know that being Your disciples involves dying to ourselves so that we can live for You. 
In the shadow of Your grace we pray.
Amen.

Scripture Reading:  Luke 8:16-21 (NASB Bible Gateway)

Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”

And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."

A Prayer For Victims of Abuse link

Almighty God & Everlasting Lord,

You are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
We pray this week for those who have been abused within our churches and the wider communities across our nation.

Have compassion upon all who have suffered the injustice, humiliation and pain of abuse
– sexual, physical, emotional, spiritual and all other forms of sinful conduct.

In the midst of their distressing circumstances, give them courage to speak.
May your perfect love drive out fear and anxiety.
In your mercy, create opportunities for these men, women and children to share their pain,
reveal their struggles and expose the hurtful actions of others.

Give grace, sensitivity and wisdom to all who will minister to the victims and survivors of abuse.
Strengthen those who have been abused and their careers with the certainty of your love for them.
In all things, we ask that your name be glorified and that we – your people – do justice, love kindness and walk humbly before you.

We humbly plead these things in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
who died and rose and now sits at your right hand in glory.
Amen.

Ephesians. 3:17-19 link

(May) Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the saints
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Amen