Light A Candle: a new liturgy for Lent

On this First Sunday of Lent St Matthew-in-the-City inaugurated a new liturgy fundamentally different from traditional liturgy. Glynn's sermon explains its radical nature and why it is time for a change. "There are some major differences between this liturgy and what you may have experienced in the past. Primarily this liturgy seeks commitment from you. It asks us to metaphorically ‘light a candle of hope’. It challenges us to do something – to act, to change – to plan, petition and protest - to dream, pray and work together to build a world of peace and justice for all. Most church liturgies involve praising God, asking forgiveness for our sins, creedal recitation, remembrance of the salvific actions of Jesus, and a petite post-Communion mention of service to others. These liturgies are lightweight in demanding too much of us. This new liturgy begins by acknowledging the reality of suffering and the belief that we can make a difference. God is pictured not as a benevolent supreme being who is hamstrung by our freewill, but as the sparks that ignite our commitment to making a difference." To view entire text and download the liturgy go to http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=804