Love Knows No Borders Liturgy

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We have been strangers,
All: And God welcomed us!
One: We have been grieved,
All: And God comforted us.
One: We have been separated,
All: And God united us.
One: God’s love knows no borders! Let us worship our God of love. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER
One: Holy God, over and over, in the stories of our faith, we read of those who had to flee their homes— Abraham, Ruth, Moses, and even Jesus. Your love always went with them. Over and over, in the stories of our faith, we are challenged to welcome the stranger and to see your face in them. Your love always goes with us. Remind us in this time of worship that your love never stops at a wall or a border crossing. Your love calls us to connection and community because love knows no borders. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God of Welcome, you created us to love and you commanded us to love. Yet, somehow, we keep trying to get out of it. We look for excuses not to love. We look for people who don’t “qualify” for an extravagant welcome. Forgive us and renew us, connecting us to your deep truth that all are loved and all are welcome. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE
One: People of God, hear the good news! Love knows no borders! Nothing can stop God’s love from reaching you. Be at peace, and extend God’s love to others. Amen.

OFFERTORY PRAYER
All: God of love, we are grateful that you always give us sanctuary for our weary hearts. Use these gifts to extend sanctuary to all who need, especially immigrants and refugees who carry your love with them. Bless them and us in your great circle of hospitality. Amen.

BENEDICTION
One: May the God of the traveler, go also with you. May Christ the Sustainer, strengthen you for the journey. May the Spirit of Transformation, open your heart to welcome all you meet along the way. Amen.

Written by Rev. Amber Henry Neuroth