O God, may neither time or circumstance alter your call upon your church or upon our lives. We remember how you have walked with us through times of difficulty and despair. We remember how you have embraced us with redeeming and encouraging love. Today, we confess that we are facing challenging circumstances which we together cannot face without you. By your grace make us faithful to your call.  We offer ourselves to go gladly where you send us, even when the work is so difficult and unappealing that no one else will go. Just remind us that you are with us and that you provide all we need for the task before us. May your goodness abound as you love the world through us. We offer ourselves to you in the name of Jesus, the gift of your presence with us. Amen