THEMATIC BACKGROUND from: Reconciliation Day
The cross of Christ, which draws us all here today, is a sign of
reconciliation.

The cross is God's way of reaching out to us - and making things
right.  It was and is God's way of showing us forgiveness, of
giving us a new beginning, a beginning from which we can go on and
heal the wounds in our hearts and in the hearts of others.

God's "Reconciliation Day" is the day we call Good Friday, the day
on which Jesus called out from the cross - Forgive them Father -
they know not what they  do."

My friends - the good news is  that the Father has forgiven you -
That is what the cross is all about.
He has reached out to you.
That is what Jesus laid down his life for.

 
CREATIVE CLOSING
Are you ready to say “Yes” to God, to forgive and be forgiven,
To be reconciled to God?

In your heart right now respond to what God has done for you. I am going to
be quiet for a moment so that you can respond to God’s offer of
reconciliation through Jesus and the cross of Jesus. If you are ready to say
“Yes” to God from your heart then do so in this moment of silence. Just
accept God’s gracious offer by saying “Yes” in your own way.

(Minute silence –pray silently for the Holy Spirit to move on hearts - then
continue with closing words of Reconciliation Day)

Let us rejoice, my friends, 
for what God has given us through Jesus Christ our Lord,
- rejoice in the new life 
which his death bestows upon those who desire it,
- rejoice that he who was treated as a stranger and a criminal in our midst,
receives us as his family,
- rejoice that he came and accepted death, even death on a cross,
so that we might be reconciled to God - and to one another. (etc)


copyright - George Hartwell, 2002 
            Rev. Richard J. Fairchild - Spirit Networks, 2002 - 2006
            please acknowledge the appropriate author if citing these resources.