The fruit of God’s Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control. Who are the prophets and ancestors in your life who embody these qualities? Consider what non-human beings are characterized by these traits as well. On the wooden star provided to you, write down the ancestor, prophet, or non-human creation that comes to mind. Tell the person next to you about what you wrote

We pause to pay attention to our surroundings and acknowledge God as Creator. 

God invites us to experience and bear witness to the belovedness of all creation. Within the intertwined community of this watershed and landscape are creatures and creation of a wildly imaginative and mysterious God. 

We acknowledge the history of this place.

We bear witness to that which is deep in the soil, the history of this place and the people that inhabited it. We honor and recognize the Catawba and Sugaree peoples. We also recognize that many enslaved and indentured peoples were forced to dedicate their labor to the construction of what is now Charlotte, NC. To these peoples and their descendants, we acknowledge their indelible mark on the space in which we gather. 

We proclaim the reason why this all matters to us and what we hope to do about it. We yearn to know and share in the mystery of God’s unending love. In recognizing that this land is colonized indigenous territory that has been crafted through slave and indentured labor, it is our collective responsibility to critically interrogate the histories of these events, and to honor, protect, and sustain this land. 

We remember the reason why we are here. Through acknowledgement, confession, and repair, we take responsibility for embodying God’s holy peace. This is why we are gathered, to actively participate in and embody God’s restorative healing and unending love.

Using the sticks, let us make rhythm together.

Place the dirt in your hand. Note how the dirt sinks into the lines on our hands. Our origin story says we are made from dust and dirt. God breathed life into the dirt and created humankind in God’s image.

The leaves russle with the wind and fall in autumn season. Imagine each leaf has something important and good to say to the City of Charlotte. What would we hear them saying if the leaves cried out?

Isaiah 40:6-11 

pg 296 in the lectionary

Isaiah 43:1-7 

pg 300 in the lectionary

Isaiah 52:7-10 

pg 310 in the lectionary

Isaiah 61:1-4; 8-10 

pg 313 in the lectionary

Malachi 3:1-7 

pg 337 in the lectionary

We’ll walk in the light, the beautiful light. Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright. Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the light of the world.

Guide my feet, while I run this race. (3x) 

For I don’t want to run this race in vain. 

Hold my hand, while I run this race. (3x) 

For I don’t want to run this race in vain.

Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ‘round, 

Turn me round, turn me ‘round. 

Ain’t gonna let nobody, turn me ‘round. 

I’m gonna keep on a walkin’, keep on a talkin’, 

Marching up to freedom land. 

Ain’t gonna let racism turn me ‘round 

Ain’t gonna let no poverty 

Ain’t gonna let no war economy 

Ain’t gonna let no President 

Ain’t gonna let no Congress

We who believe in freedom cannot rest We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.

Which side are you on my people which side are you on We’re on the freedom side Ella Baker was a freedom fighter She taught us how to fight Now we’re gonna fight all day and night Until we get it right Martin King was a freedom fighter Peggy Terry was a freedom fighter Dolores Huerta was a freedom fighter Hank Adams was a freedom fighter.

At this table, God’s provisions are not scarce but overflowing, enough for all who hunger and thirst. Together with saints before us, we receive the wisdom of God’s promise made flesh.

God’s love is the feast, God’s wisdom the bread, God’s promise the cup. At this table, all are welcome to receive, rejoice, and be renewed.

God created this bread and cup, gifts from the earth and from the labor of many hands. At this table, God’s promise of love is made visible and shared with all.

Here at Christ’s table, we find provision for our wandering hearts and weary bodies. The Spirit calls us into the long tradition of faith, joining ancestors who trusted in God’s abundance.

This table stretches across time and place, uniting us with generations who have sought God’s wisdom and way. Here God provides, and we are fed for witness in the world.

Tradtional Words of Institution from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in 1529:

On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, And gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, And gave it for all to drink, Saying: This is the cup of the new covenant poured out for your sake, Do this for the remembrance of me.

Tradtional Words of Institution from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in 1529:

On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, And gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, And gave it for all to drink, Saying: This is the cup of the new covenant poured out for your sake, Do this for the remembrance of me.

Tradtional Words of Institution from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in 1529:

On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, And gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, And gave it for all to drink, Saying: This is the cup of the new covenant poured out for your sake, Do this for the remembrance of me.

Tradtional Words of Institution from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in 1529:

On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, And gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, And gave it for all to drink, Saying: This is the cup of the new covenant poured out for your sake, Do this for the remembrance of me.

Tradtional Words of Institution from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in 1529:

On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, And gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, And gave it for all to drink, Saying: This is the cup of the new covenant poured out for your sake, Do this for the remembrance of me.

God bless to us our bread. Give bread to those who are hungry and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread.

God bless to us our bread. Give bread to those who are hungry and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread.

God bless to us our bread. Give bread to those who are hungry and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread.

God bless to us our bread. Give bread to those who are hungry and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread.

God bless to us our bread. Give bread to those who are hungry and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread.

Lead me, guide me, along the way. For, if you lead me I shall not stray. O, let me walk each day with Thee. Lead me, O God, lead me.

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you. 

The flame and the flood 

will not consume you. 

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, 

I have called you by name, you are mine. 

For I am Almighty God, 

For I am Almighty God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 

I am your God.

This is the moment, put down what you’re holding. 

Everything is changing. 

Listen to the wind. 

And when you hear it, you don’t have to fear it. 

Now’s the time for healing. 

Everything we love.

I am not afraid I am not afraid I will die for liberation 

Cause I know why I was made 

I will stand for liberation.

I will march for liberation. 

I will sing for liberation.

Hold on, just a little while longer 

Hold on, just a little while longer 

Hold on, just a little while longer 

Everything, gonna be alright 

Sing on, just a little while longer 

Pray on, just a little while longer 

March on, just a little while longer

The fruit of God’s Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control. Who are the prophets and ancestors in your life who embody these qualities? Consider what non-human beings are characterized by these traits as well. Take another 3 mintues to silently consider the saints in your life. What other words would you use to characterize the human and non-human saints in your life. Get into groups of three to share.

Take a few deep breaths. Picture yourself on a path. Draw the shape of the path: curvy, bumpy, forks in the road, straight, blocked? Who are the ancestors, prophets, or guides—human or non-human that walk with you? How does their witness guide you?

The Spirit’s fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control—are like a compass. Which of these is most needed for your wayfinding now? Spend 3 mintutes reflecting and then share with someone.

Wayfinding often brings us to crossroads. Recall a moment when you had to choose a direction. What helped you discern? How might those practices serve our community now? Create a wayfinding sign to help others learn from your experience. See examples below.

Name the forces—internal or external—that pull you away from justice, compassion, or peace. Use the playdough to sculpt what this is like for you. Pause to reflect. Now, imagine how God’s wisdom equips you to resist and reorient. Reshape your clay to represent a reoriented self.

2 Thessalonians 2:13- 17 

pg 297 in the lectionary

Psalm 36:5-10 

pg 300 in the lectionary

1 Peter 1:10-12 

pg 311 in the lectionary

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 

pg 314 in the lectionary

Psalm 84:1-12 

pg 337 in the lectionary

Blessed are the poor,

Blessed are the hungry,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are those who mourn, 

Blessed are the merciful, 

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness and justice,

For peace in a world of war.

for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced.

for our city leaders and decision makers.

for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction.

for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy.

for children and young people, their future and their flourishing.

for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen.

for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma.

for wisdom in the public square.

for courage to embody our faith in action.

Blessed are the poor,

Blessed are the hungry,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are those who mourn, 

Blessed are the merciful, 

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness and justice,

For peace in a world of war.

for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced.

for our city leaders and decision makers.

for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction.

for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy.

for children and young people, their future and their flourishing.

for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen.

for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma.

for wisdom in the public square.

for courage to embody our faith in action.

Blessed are the poor,

Blessed are the hungry,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are those who mourn, 

Blessed are the merciful, 

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness and justice,

For peace in a world of war.

for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced.

for our city leaders and decision makers.

for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction.

for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy.

for children and young people, their future and their flourishing.

for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen.

for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma.

for wisdom in the public square.

for courage to embody our faith in action.

Blessed are the poor,

Blessed are the hungry,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are those who mourn, 

Blessed are the merciful, 

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness and justice,

For peace in a world of war.

for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced.

for our city leaders and decision makers.

for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction.

for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy.

for children and young people, their future and their flourishing.

for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen.

for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma.

for wisdom in the public square.

for courage to embody our faith in action.

Blessed are the poor,

Blessed are the hungry,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are those who mourn, 

Blessed are the merciful, 

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness and justice,

For peace in a world of war.

for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced.

for our city leaders and decision makers.

for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction.

for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy.

for children and young people, their future and their flourishing.

for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen.

for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma.

for wisdom in the public square.

for courage to embody our faith in action.

Let us create signs and banners representing our prayers: 

• peace in a world of war. Imagine a banner that calls for ceasefire, justice, and reconciliation. What words or images rise up? 

• for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced. Create a sign that names their dignity and demands care. 

• for our city leaders and decision makers. Design a banner with the wisdom you believe they most need to hear. 

• for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction. What cry for the earth belongs on a protest sign? 

• for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy. Imagine a bold message that declares the truth of beloved community. 

• for children and young people, their future and their flourishing. Create a banner that names what every child deserves. 

• for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen. What words of justice, wages, or dignity would you paint on a sign? 

• for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma. Create a sign of solidarity that could be carried at a vigil. 

• for wisdom in the public square. What words do we need to lift high to guide us toward justice and peace? 

• for courage to embody our faith in action. Make a banner that declares what love looks like in public.

Let us create signs and banners representing our prayers: 

• peace in a world of war. Imagine a banner that calls for ceasefire, justice, and reconciliation. What words or images rise up? 

• for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced. Create a sign that names their dignity and demands care. 

• for our city leaders and decision makers. Design a banner with the wisdom you believe they most need to hear. 

• for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction. What cry for the earth belongs on a protest sign? 

• for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy. Imagine a bold message that declares the truth of beloved community. 

• for children and young people, their future and their flourishing. Create a banner that names what every child deserves. 

• for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen. What words of justice, wages, or dignity would you paint on a sign? 

• for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma. Create a sign of solidarity that could be carried at a vigil. 

• for wisdom in the public square. What words do we need to lift high to guide us toward justice and peace? 

• for courage to embody our faith in action. Make a banner that declares what love looks like in public.

Let us create signs and banners representing our prayers: 

• peace in a world of war. Imagine a banner that calls for ceasefire, justice, and reconciliation. What words or images rise up? 

• for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced. Create a sign that names their dignity and demands care. 

• for our city leaders and decision makers. Design a banner with the wisdom you believe they most need to hear. 

• for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction. What cry for the earth belongs on a protest sign? 

• for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy. Imagine a bold message that declares the truth of beloved community. 

• for children and young people, their future and their flourishing. Create a banner that names what every child deserves. 

• for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen. What words of justice, wages, or dignity would you paint on a sign? 

• for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma. Create a sign of solidarity that could be carried at a vigil. 

• for wisdom in the public square. What words do we need to lift high to guide us toward justice and peace? 

• for courage to embody our faith in action. Make a banner that declares what love looks like in public.

Let us create signs and banners representing our prayers: 

• peace in a world of war. Imagine a banner that calls for ceasefire, justice, and reconciliation. What words or images rise up? 

• for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced. Create a sign that names their dignity and demands care. 

• for our city leaders and decision makers. Design a banner with the wisdom you believe they most need to hear. 

• for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction. What cry for the earth belongs on a protest sign? 

• for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy. Imagine a bold message that declares the truth of beloved community. 

• for children and young people, their future and their flourishing. Create a banner that names what every child deserves. 

• for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen. What words of justice, wages, or dignity would you paint on a sign? 

• for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma. Create a sign of solidarity that could be carried at a vigil. 

• for wisdom in the public square. What words do we need to lift high to guide us toward justice and peace? 

• for courage to embody our faith in action. Make a banner that declares what love looks like in public.

Let us create signs and banners representing our prayers: 

• peace in a world of war. Imagine a banner that calls for ceasefire, justice, and reconciliation. What words or images rise up? 

• for those on the margins—unhoused, incarcerated, displaced. Create a sign that names their dignity and demands care. 

• for our city leaders and decision makers. Design a banner with the wisdom you believe they most need to hear. 

• for creation and all who suffer from environmental destruction. What cry for the earth belongs on a protest sign? 

• for racial justice and the dismantling of white supremacy. Imagine a bold message that declares the truth of beloved community. 

• for children and young people, their future and their flourishing. Create a banner that names what every child deserves. 

• for workers—those underpaid, exploited, or unseen. What words of justice, wages, or dignity would you paint on a sign? 

• for those who grieve, suffer illness, or live with trauma. Create a sign of solidarity that could be carried at a vigil. 

• for wisdom in the public square. What words do we need to lift high to guide us toward justice and peace? 

• for courage to embody our faith in action. Make a banner that declares what love looks like in public.

O gracious Light, 

pure brightness of the ever living Mother in heaven, 

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! 

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, 

and our eyes behold the evening light, 

we sing your praises, O God: Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. 

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, 

O Child of God, O Giver of life, your glory fills the whole world. 

Sung in Unison: 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise God all creatures here below. 

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts. 

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O God; 

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; 

for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May the Creator bless us and keep us from all harm; 

and may God lead us to eternal life. Amen.

O gracious Light, 

pure brightness of the ever living Mother in heaven, 

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! 

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, 

and our eyes behold the evening light, 

we sing your praises, O God: Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. 

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, 

O Child of God, O Giver of life, your glory fills the whole world. 

Sung in Unison: 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise God all creatures here below. 

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts. 

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O God; 

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; 

for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May the Creator bless us and keep us from all harm; 

and may God lead us to eternal life. Amen.

O gracious Light, 

pure brightness of the ever living Mother in heaven, 

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! 

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, 

and our eyes behold the evening light, 

we sing your praises, O God: Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. 

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, 

O Child of God, O Giver of life, your glory fills the whole world. 

Sung in Unison: 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise God all creatures here below. 

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts. 

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O God; 

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; 

for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May the Creator bless us and keep us from all harm; 

and may God lead us to eternal life. Amen.

O gracious Light, 

pure brightness of the ever living Mother in heaven, 

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! 

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, 

and our eyes behold the evening light, 

we sing your praises, O God: Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. 

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, 

O Child of God, O Giver of life, your glory fills the whole world. 

Sung in Unison: 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise God all creatures here below. 

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts. 

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O God; 

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; 

for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May the Creator bless us and keep us from all harm; 

and may God lead us to eternal life. Amen.

O gracious Light, 

pure brightness of the ever living Mother in heaven, 

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! 

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, 

and our eyes behold the evening light, 

we sing your praises, O God: Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. 

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, 

O Child of God, O Giver of life, your glory fills the whole world. 

Sung in Unison: 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise God all creatures here below. 

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts. 

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O God; 

and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; 

for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May the Creator bless us and keep us from all harm; 

and may God lead us to eternal life. Amen.

May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

WOO!

May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

WOO!

May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

WOO!

May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

WOO!

May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

WOO!