Liturgy

During this first Sunday of Lent, our community entered into a liturgy that reminded us of what this season is about and offered us the opportunity to respond through the practice of singing.

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On the shortest day, or “longest night”, of the year, our local and long-distance community joined together on Zoom for a guided time of reflection, song and prayer as we held space for grief and longing, in a season often marked by joy and celebration. This liturgy was also pre-recorded for those that couldn’t join us and for those that want to revisit it throughout the year.

You can find the digital liturgy guide in our website library.

On Sunday, August 31st our community took some intentional time to pray for the start of the school year.  This is a two-fold community prayer that begins with praying over students of every age and stage as they begin their studies.  It concludes with an intentional prayer over all educators, administrators and other support staff within the education system as they enter into a new year of teaching, leading and supporting.

Here at South Bend City Church, we take our cue from Scripture which calls us as a community to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. As we gathered on Father’s Day, we took time to acknowledge the spectrum of experience in the room when it comes to this day and for all that’s going on in the world around us.

The breath prayer prompts and closing prayer were written by or based on the writings of Cole Arthur Riley and can be found on her Instagram, @blackliturgies. The song Lean Back is by Amanda Cook and can be found here.

Here at South Bend City Church, we take our cue from Scripture which calls us as a community to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. As we gathered on Mother’s Day, we took time to acknowledge the spectrum of experience in the room and to remind us that God reveals Godself to us as Mother.

The breath prayer prompts and closing prayer were written by Cole Arthur Riley and can be found on her Instagram, @blackliturgies. The song I Am is by Jill Phillips and can be found here.

This weekend in our gatherings, we took some time to reflect on the lament of Psalm 130 and the laments in our community. As a community that holds tension, we balance the hope some of us have while honoring the pain and journeys of others. Whether you’re near or far, we hope this time offers a chance for you to breathe, lament, and be held by this community.

Follow along with the transcript below.

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