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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 || 18th Sunday After Pentecost Pastor Christy Wright We invite you to light a candle at 9:30 AM and join us in prayer ONLINE or over the PHONE this week. Audio worship is also available at (978) 990-5000, access code 719365#. Just dial in, enter the access code on your keypad, and you will hear the service begin with music. Scripture Reading Luke 14:1, 7-14 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, they may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your siblings or your relatives or your rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Sermon When I first fell in love with the merging of food and faith, I knew that I wanted my dad, who is a skilled carpenter, to build me a dining room table, a table where we would gather around great food, sharing beautiful memories. But since being appointed, I’ve realized that most parsonages are already furnished with a dining room table that best fits the space. It is often the one piece of furniture that is always left for the incoming pastor because dimensions of dining tables vary so widely. So while I’ve recognized that having my dad build a dining room table for me might not be realistic, he has blessed me with a coffee table in the meantime. This beautiful table has a top that was milled by the oldest water-powered sawmill in the Northeast where my dad volunteers, and it has quickly become the centerpiece of my living room. But what a joy it would be to build a table that would fit any space - and a table that would seat everyone. During this time of COVID, many of us have been unable to host events or gatherings or even something as simple as a birthday dinner; the space is either too small or our tables are too short. We are living in a time when we have to limit how many people we welcome to the table, and no matter how much we wish we could throw open our doors, this is the heartbreaking reality. But the good news is that this won’t be forever, and that there are other ways we can gather. In this morning’s scripture reading, we hear of Jesus joining the table of the Pharisees, a group of religious people among whom Jesus didn’t quite belong. As Jesus settled into his seat for the meal, he made some important observations about the space: firstly, that those who might consider themselves the most honorable guests were likely taking a seat that wasn’t theirs. And perhaps those who deserved to be seated beside the host were sitting instead in a less honorable place. Jesus reminds his tablemates that those who come to the table humble will find glory, and those who arrive arrogant will be put in their place. In Jesus’ second lesson, he teaches about a table that is long enough to seat all those who would normally be unable to host a dinner of their own. Jesus is referencing a table of abundance, of generous portions that feed those who are hungry and provides drink for the thirsty. This table is long enough that it doesn’t discriminate between seats of honor and seats of dishonor, and it bids everyone to come and partake in the feast. The table is so long that it envelops all the needs of the world in one place - the location of which is centered upon Jesus himself and his good news of resurrection. As Christians, we hold onto this good news because it is the hope of an upcoming feast, a bountiful and lavish gathering of all people where the space is more than big enough and the table long enough that it stretches as far as the eye can see. We are welcomed into this reality through the power of the Holy Spirit, which binds us together, no matter where we find ourselves. We are a global church with a global heart for Jesus, who calls us to welcome others to the table in Divine love. Throughout all cultures, bread is a common type of food that can be found across the world. The bread takes many forms: some are soft, warm, and flat unleavened breads; others are crisp and chewy risen loaves. Regardless of what bread looks like, it is a common denominator on our tables, and it is a nourishing and life-giving daily feast in which we can all partake. On this World Communion Sunday, we remember just how connected we are through the shared table of Jesus Christ, even in the midst of our current distance and circumstances. In our heritage, the Methodist movement began celebrating World Communion Sunday in 1936, between the two World Wars. Recognizing Communion’s significance in bringing about Jesus’ peace around a table of turmoil, we know that there is power in dining together in the sacred practice of the Lord’s Supper. Through this practice, we find our table to be long enough, and our grace through Jesus Christ deep enough. Thanks be to God that we are all forever welcomed, and may we seek to welcome others to this same table of love and grace. Amen. Love Feast: A Liturgy for When We Cannot Meet As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we invite you to join in a Love Feast. This week’s service is written by the Order of Saint Luke, entitled “A Liturgy for When We Cannot Meet.” Let us join together in worship. When circumstances and concern for the common good keep us from gathering to share the Eucharistic Feast in person, we gather to pray, separated in the body, yet one in the Spirit and one in Christ Jesus! Before beginning, gather a candle and matches (or a small lamp), a Bible, a piece of bread, and a small glass of water. CENTERING: Recognizing the presence of God God is with us. We are not alone. Christ is with us. The Risen One has met us, blessed and fed us on the road that leads us home. The community of the Holy Spirit is with us. We gather with the communion of the saints in light throughout history and with God’s people around the world. With siblings, absent in body but united in Spirit, we pray: Holy One, Trinity of grace and power, Maker and Mother, Beloved and Lover, Father and Friend: Thanks be to you, O God! You are ever the father who gives us bread, not stones. You are the mother who never forgets we’re her own. From the beginning of life to the closing of time, you are the One who is with us to the end. And so, with all who breathe on earth and all who sing in heaven, we praise your name and join Creation’s song: (said or sung or read silently) Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done in whom this world rejoices, The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore, for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore. Martin Rinkart, 1663, translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1858 WORD AND RESPONSE [Actions are indicated in italics] First reading: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Light the candle. Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. You are our Risen Lord in whom light has conquered darkness. Sit silently in the light, feeling the power and presence of the Risen Christ. Second reading: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Hold the Bible. Here in our hands is the story of God’s covenant of steadfast love with God’s people. We are assured of God’s presence with us at all times and places – even in the midst of fear and difficulty. Sit quietly and absorb the stories of God’s love and grace that can sustain you wherever you are. Third reading: On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38) Hold the glass of water in your hands. Without water, there can be no life. In creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the water and brought forth light. God brought John to the Jordan River to call us to repentance. We were nourished in the water of the womb. We were baptized by water and the Spirit into God’s family. Water reminds us of the gifts of creation that God has so abundantly given us, and of the love and grace we have all received. Drink the water slowly. Feel it flow into your body. Know that God’s love is flowing into your body and soul right now. Fourth reading: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) Take a piece of bread in your hands. Christ broke bread and fed the multitudes. Christ broke bread and formed a new covenant with his closest friends and with all who break bread in remembrance of him. Christ was made known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread. Bread reminds us that, just like individual grains of wheat are gathered together to make a single loaf, we who are scattered are one body in Christ. Break and eat the piece of bread that you are holding. Remember the times you have received bread in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Remember those who gathered with you. Remember the presence of Christ in that moment. Be assured that Christ is with you in every moment of your life. Sit silently and allow Christ’s love to surround you. PRAYER [Actions are indicated in italics] In the silence after every petition (marked by . . .), specific names or situations may be spoken aloud or held closely in the heart. Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, you speak to us words of life. Call forth in us rivers of living water, and feed our deepest hunger. In trying times, in times of loneliness or confusion, in times we feel most alone, remind us that we are never alone, for you are with us always. Hear us now, and pray for us in our weakness with sighs too deep for words, as we lift up: * Those whom we love – those present with us and those from whom we are separated . . . * The sick and the suffering . . . * Those who care for the sick, both medical caregivers and families who wait and watch with them . . . * Those who mourn the loss of loved ones, the loss of freedom, the loss of security, the loss of a livelihood, or the loss of a sense of order and control . . . * Those with more questions than answers, and all who long for your guiding light for their path . . . * The lonely, the isolated, and those who long for a loving touch . . . * Those whose remaining days on this earth are few, and for those walking in the valley of the shadow of death . . . * Those whom we too easily forget, and those whose needs are known only to you . . . God of compassion, hear our prayers; fill us with your grace, and inspire us to be instruments of mercy and hope, for we pray in Christ’s name. Amen. GOING FORTH When we are living, it is in Christ Jesus, and when we’re dying, it is in the Lord. Both in our living and in our dying, Somos del Senór, Somos del Senór (We belong to God, we belong to God.) In these days of anxiety and uncertainty, may we go forth in Christ’s name into all our interactions (digital or otherwise) as a people of hope. May we be for the world the body of Christ, broken and shared to be a blessing for all. May God bless us and keep us. May God’s face shine upon us and be gracious to us. May God look upon us with kindness and give us peace. Amen. ©2020 by The Order of Saint Luke Prepared by Beth Fender, OSL; Elizabeth Moore, OSL; and Dwight Vogel, OSL Permission granted for reproduction in print or on the web by including this permission statement And now, may the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever God may send you; may God guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm; may God bring you home rejoicing at the wonders God has shown you; may God bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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Stream Audio Worship AboveCovered under ONE LICENSE: #400013-P Come Together
Sunday, September 27, 2020 || 17th Sunday After Pentecost Pastor Christy Wright We invite you to light a candle at 9 AM and join us in prayer, IN-PERSON at Charmil Drive, ONLINE or over the PHONE this week. Audio worship is also available at (978) 990-5000, access code 719365#. Just dial in, enter the access code on your keypad, and you will hear the service begin with music. Scripture Reading Philippians 1:27-30; 2:1-13 Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I Paul come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For God has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well - since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you to will and to work for God’s good pleasure. Sermon I have many fond memories of seminary, though it was definitely simultaneously the most difficult and most beautiful time of my life. What I enjoyed most about seminary was the community it fostered, whether in the classroom as we grappled with difficult concepts or if it was around the table as we shared in pizza during a study session. But perhaps my favorite social outlet was through the seminary singers. We would provide music for weekly chapel services, and along with our rehearsals, my time with the choir was often the highlight of my week. I can remember one rehearsal in particular where we were goofing off, just waiting for everyone to arrive and get settled, and our choir director called us to order: “All right, everyone. Come together.” And just as soon as those words had left his mouth, we echoed back in one voice the Beatles classic, “Come together … right now. Over me.” Complete with the hiss of the cymbal hit and the bassline to follow. We even broke off into the verses and came back together around the chorus, until our choir director finally got us under control and focused us on our task at hand. What this moment taught me was more than the fact that we were all Beatles fans. It also taught me that when our minds work as one, we can be caught by surprise and amazed at the results of our synchronized thoughts. This morning’s scripture reading comes to us from Philippians where we hear of the Apostle Paul’s plea that the church would come together and be of one mind and spirit for the sake of the gospel. The church in Philippi was a church in constant conflict with the Roman empire of the day, and it’s something we can relate with in today’s political climate. Regardless of where we might find ourselves personally on the political spectrum, it is clear that this election season may be the most contentious to date, and we are looking at a long and difficult road ahead. We know that we, as a church, are not of one mind when it comes to the upcoming election. We also know that we are not of one mind about when and how to reopen the church building, and other issues surrounding this season of upheaval and change. So how are we to respond to such conflict? The Apostle Paul urges us to be of one mind, but we know that this is next to impossible. There’s an old Methodist joke that where two or three Methodists gather, there will be five or six different opinions. So what does it mean to be of one mind? We hear of Paul’s instruction to live a life worthy of Jesus’ calling, meaning that we find our identity first and foremost in Jesus Christ, not in our political party or institution. When we stake our claim as Christians first, we will find ourselves centered in God and located above the fray of never-ending news cycles and political drama. When we take Paul’s call to unity seriously, we will be motivated from a place of love recognizing that even in unity, diversity of views is desired and even needed. What we hold in common may not be our political affiliation, but rather our love of God and the faith we share in Jesus Christ, who called us to love our enemies, even when we differ in so many ways. Ultimately, what binds us together is not our striving to get along, not our listening skills, not even our conflict resolution sessions, but rather, it’s the Holy Spirit that resides within and among us in mysterious ways. Being of one mind is not a call to single-mindedness about the small details or big conflicts. Rather, being of one mind is a call to focus on what matters in the long run: love. Perhaps the greatest thing to remember is that our ministry should be centered on this love, particularly when it is outward facing into the community. Our ministry should be centered on God, who calls us to, out of love, put others first, just as Jesus modeled in his own ministry. We are called to take care of “the least of these,” those who are silenced, those experiencing isolation, those who are in prison or sick, those who are hungry or thirsty, those who have been oppressed. Just as Jesus humbled himself in earthly service, Paul encourages us to do the same. And when our focus shifts to such work, we can’t help but come together for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of others. Our call, in this moment, is to come together. Despite the conflict that continues to pour from our TVs and flow from our newspapers, love is stronger. Love is bolder. And maybe this sounds incredibly unrealistic or idealistic, but our focus of love shouldn’t be underestimated, for when we center ourselves around God’s love, it will overflow in our lives and out into our community. Thanks be to God that though we are not all alike, we can all love alike through the power of the Holy Spirit, who calls us together as one Body of Christ. And may we be surprised when we realize just how unified we truly are, how beautiful our community becomes, and how amazed we are as we partake in God’s great love for all people. Amen. Hymn of Meditation: We Are One With You by Thomas Merton // O God, we are one with You. You have made us one with You. You have taught us that if we are open to one another, You dwell in us. Help us to preserve this openness and to fight for it with all our hearts. // Help us to realize that there can be no understanding where there is mutual rejection. O God, in accepting one another wholeheartedly, fully, completely, we accept You, and we thank You, and we adore You. // We love You with our whole being, because our being is Your being, our spirit is rooted in Your spirit. Fill us then with love, and let us be bound together with love as we go our diverse ways. // We know we are united in this one spirit which makes You present in the world, and which makes You witness to the ultimate reality that is love. Love has overcome. Love is victorious. // And now, may the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever God may send you; may God guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm; may God bring you home rejoicing at the wonders God has shown you; may God bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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Sunday, September 20, 2020 || 16th Sunday After Pentecost Rev. Megan Stowe We invite you to light a candle at 9 AM and join us in prayer, ONLINE or over the PHONE only this week Audio worship is also available at (978) 990-5000, access code 719365#. Just dial in, enter the access code on your keypad, and you will hear the service begin with music. Scripture Reading Exodus 16:2-15 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the LORD has heard the complaining that you utter against him - what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the LORD.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.’” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. The LORD spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness as a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.” Sermon - Rev. Megan Stowe, District Superintendent of Commonwealth West Legend has it that a man was lost in the desert, just dying for a drink of water. He stumbled upon an old shack--a ramshackle, windowless, roofless, weather beaten old shack. He looked about this place and found a little shade from the heat of the desert sun. As he glanced around, he saw a pump about fifteen feet away--an old, rusty water pump. He stumbled over to it, grabbed the handle, and began to pump up and down, up and down. Nothing came out. Disappointed, he staggered back. He noticed off to the side an old jug. He looked at it, wiped away the dirt and dust, and read a message that said, "You have to prime the pump with all the water in this jug, my friend. P.S.: Be sure you fill the jug again before you leave." He popped the cork out of the jug and sure enough, it was almost full of water! Suddenly, he was faced with a decision. If he drank the water, he could live. Ah, but if he poured all the water in the old rusty pump, maybe it would yield fresh, cool water from down deep in the well, all the water he wanted. He studied the possibility of both options. What should he do, pour it into the old pump and take a chance on fresh, cool water or drink what was in the old jug and ignore its message? Should he waste all the water on the hopes of those flimsy instructions written, no telling how long ago? Reluctantly he poured all the water into the pump. Then he grabbed the handle and began to pump, squeak, squeak, squeak. Still nothing came out! Squeak, squeak, squeak. A little bit began to dribble out, then a small stream, and finally it gushed! To his relief fresh, cool water poured out of the rusty pump. Eagerly, he filled the jug and drank from it. He filled it another time and once again drank it’s refreshing contents. Then he filled the jug for the next traveler. He filled it to the top, popped the cork back on, and added this little note: "Believe me, it really works. You have to give it all away before you can get anything back." That is the essence of genuine faith! It is not a risk, but it is a challenge to human reasoning. Faith will call on us to do the unthinkable so that we might receive the impossible! This Hebrew Bible text that was read this morning highlights the challenges of the Israelites after they were freed from slavery and then pursued through the Red Sea by the Egyptian army. They spent some time at an oasis, resting before they started the most challenging part of their journey, walking through the wilderness where there were not appropriate resources. Just prior to this text, the Israelites complained that they didn’t have clean water to drink and God provided that for them. Today, we encounter the Israelites concerned once again that they don’t have the food they need to survive. This encounter between Moses and God reminds us that we serve a God of abundance rather than a God of scarcity. The Israelites, however, could only see that they had no food. They misremembered how they were treated just two months prior when they were slaves in Egypt. Back when they were slaves, they had food to eat. They seemed to forget that they were forced to work long hard hours, experienced physical abuse and earned no income. Now they had left Pharaoh’s job site and were wandering in the wilderness where it was questionable if there would be water and food to sustain them for their journey. Plus, there were wild animals who might think that a freed Israelite slave would make a decent lunch. So, the people murmured. They murmured amongst themselves, they murmured to Moses and Aaron and they murmured to God. And you know what, God heard their murmurs. The word in Hebrew that is translated in our Bible as complained is more appropriately translated as murmured. They weren’t whining, per se. God heard their murmurs of “are we there yet? I am hungry, I am tired, I am thirsty.” God not only heard their cries but responded in kind with a promise to rain down bread from heaven in the morning and quail in the evening. However, there was a catch, they were being tested. One could not horde excess food. What wasn’t eaten by bedtime would disintegrate into worm food and smell rancid. Each day, God would provide more food. The people had to trust that God would continue to provide. They needed to be dependent upon God, and not on themselves. On the sixth day, they needed to gather up enough food for two days because the seventh day of the week was the Sabbath. The Hebrew word Sabbath “means ‘cease, desist, stop, pause or rest.’” God knew that the wandering Israelites would need a break from work and their journey and so God would offer them the gift of the Sabbath along with an abundance of bread from heaven and quail. When I read this text this year, what struck me was that this ties back to God creating the heavens and the earth. There were six days of work collecting food, and then one day to cease and rest. This event takes place before Moses has arrived at Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, but God is foreshadowing here about the importance of Sabbath practices. I remember in seminary talking about what possible scientific explanation there might be for the bread from heaven and the quail. There are indeed flocks of quail that have migratory patterns over the Sinai Peninsula, but they wouldn’t be present every day to feed the Israelites. Likewise, the suggestion of the bread from heaven being a biproduct of an insect ingesting plant sap or insects shedding their exoskeletons. Even the ancient Israelites did not know what the bread from heaven was because the word we call manna is a question Man hu in Hebrew. Man hu translates to what is it? Whatever it was, there definitely was a miracle having enough of it to feed the Israelites daily for forty years throughout their wanderings until they arrived at the Promised Land. Let’s go back to the Sabbath practice. Lynne Baab who wrote a book on the Sabbath says it is “a weekly day of rest and worship. A day to cease from working and rest in God’s care of us. A day to stop the things that occupy our workdays and participate in activities that nurture peace, relationships, celebration and thankfulness. The purpose of the sabbath is to clear away the distraction of our lives so we can rest in God and experience God’s grace in a new way.” When one truly celebrates the Sabbath, they become more grounded and more prepared to take on the tasks the remaining six days in a week. This Sabbath rest is important and makes us more sharp and ready to tackle the next big task. We need time to recharge our physical, emotional and spiritual batteries. If we don’t, we find ourselves tired, hangry, sick, and exhausted. As we participate in the Sabbath, we experience rest and rejuvenation. Marva Dawn, who wrote another book on the Sabbath suggests, “The Sabbath gives us emotional rest by offering us a different place to stand in our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with the world.” We stop having to be in control. We feel able to leave things to God and trust in God’s timing. God can make a way out of no way. When we truly experience Sabbath rest, when we stop trying to control every aspect of our lives, God replenishes us, offers us a new perspective and gives us the strength to go on for the next six days. We all need a chance to slow down, to quit thinking that the world will stop if we aren’t there doing. We need a chance to rest in God. How are we putting our trust in God? How are we letting God be in control of our lives? Especially amid a pandemic, the lessons of Sabbath are magnified. Dawn continues, “Sabbath keeping is not just negative ceasing…[but] our embracing of Sabbath values. In making this choice we embrace time instead of space and giving instead of requiring.” When the Israelites embrace the Sabbath, they were being freed from all the cultural expectations that kept them in bondage. The same goes for us, even today. Rather than restrictions, Sabbath practices offer us freedom. When we embrace the Sabbath, we give of our time, our treasure and our talents. We chose between being “Stewards rather than possessors.” If we truly embrace Sabbath living, then we feel free to offer some of our time, talent and treasure to those who need it most. But it is important that it remains our personal goals not a mandate from God. This is not a required tax, but us giving out of the great abundance God has blessed us with. I know money is always tight in a church, more so now during a pandemic when we cannot gather together and pass the plate each Sunday. It is easy to focus on scarcity and to murmur like the Israelites. But I wonder if we share our concerns to God in prayer, if we will discover that God does indeed hear us and that we are blessed with more abundance than we thought was possible. Let us pass God’s test, by living into the time-honored Sabbath practices of ceasing, of rest, of embracing, and of feasting. Amen. Would you join me in prayer? Let us breathe deeply, knowing we can rest in God. We can trust in God. Thanks be to God. Amen. Hymn: Christian People, Raise Your Song UMH 636 (to the Tune of Hosanna, Loud Hosanna, 278) Christian people, raise loud your song, chase away all grieving. Sing your joy and be made so strong, our Lord’s life receiving. Nature’s great gifts of wheat and vine, now are set before us; As we offer the bread and wine, Christ comes to restore us. And now, may the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever God may send you; may God guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm; may God bring you home rejoicing at the wonders God has shown you; may God bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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Stream Audio Worship AboveCovered under ONE LICENSE: #400013-P Re-Creation: Breathe
Sunday, September 13, 2020 || 15th Sunday After Pentecost Pastor Christy Wright We invite you to light a candle at 9 AM and join us in prayer, IN-PERSON at Charmil Drive or AUDIO online or over the phone. Audio worship is available at (978) 990-5000, access code 719365#. Just dial in, enter the access code on your keypad, and you will hear the service begin with music. Scripture Reading Psalm 103:1-8 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all God’s benefits - who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. God made known the Way to Moses, God’s acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. John 20:19-22 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Sermon Many of you know that I started a new second job recently. The job involves driving a large 12-foot refrigerated box truck to pick up excess food from grocery stores and other vendors that would otherwise be thrown out and dropping deliveries off at food pantries and shelters. When I was first learning how to drive the truck, I realized that, particularly as I was backing into loading docks, I would hold my breath as I concentrated on making sure I didn’t hit anything (or anyone) and that I was pulling in straight. As soon as I felt the light bump to tell me that I was on target, I would exhale long and hard, relieved that I had made it. Last Friday, my coworker who was training me was feeling ill and needed to stop the route early. He said that I was doing really well and should be able to handle the rest of the route by myself. I thought, “Okay. I’ve got this. I think.” Luckily, my supervisor drove out to meet me on the route so I wouldn’t be alone. I had peace knowing that if anything went wrong, I had someone to back me up. But throughout the rest of the day, I don’t think I was able to breathe until I pulled back into the depot where we keep the truck parked, turned off the ignition, and jumped down from the cab. I had done it. I made it. And I didn’t set anything on fire in the process! I could breathe again. This morning’s Gospel tells us of the disciples’ collective experience as they tried to process what life would be like without Jesus in their midst. The Messiah had just been killed, and they were afraid, hiding in their meeting space, uncertain of the future or how God was calling them to action in this moment. Many of us have probably experienced the fear and pain of losing a loved one who acted as a cornerstone in our lives. It’s hard to breathe, difficult to function even on the most basic of levels. And yet, Jesus encountered the disciples in the midst of the unknown, meeting them where they were in their quarantined surroundings, even though the door was locked. He blessed them by comforting them with peace, but it’s clear they didn’t get the message the first time. So Jesus repeated himself, saying, “Peace be with you.” What an incredible phrase: Peace be with you. What sort of thoughts or feelings do you experience when hearing Peace be with you? It’s almost as though everything else falls away, that we can find our center again, that we will not be shaken, even when the world around us is chaotic. In this moment with the disciples, Jesus gave the disciples free access to the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of the unknown and uncertain. Jesus invited the disciples to breathe in deep this reality of peace and the foundation of love even when the disciples didn’t know how to react or move forward past Jesus’ death. And Jesus relayed God’s plan for them: just as Jesus was sent out into the world to declare the good news of the kingdom of God, so too the disciples were sent. But they weren’t sent alone - they were sent with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit is our guide too, our guide of Love and Light that is always with us, even when God seems far. When we take a moment to breathe, even in the midst of difficult situations, we will find that the Divine is always right there with us, whispering the words, Peace be with you. So as you walk through life, regardless of what you’re going through, may you find Jesus waiting for you there, hand extended and offering peace beyond understanding. May you hear God’s call to go out into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, unafraid of the uncertainty but certain of the Holy Spirit’s presence. And may you breathe in deep the peace that Jesus offers, knowing that we are always enveloped in love. Amen. Breath Prayer In times of uncertainty and anxiety, when we are at a loss for words, sometimes the best we can do is stop and breathe. Breath prayers are an opportunity for us to be in touch with God and ourselves as we still our minds and slow down. This simple exercise can be done anywhere at any time, and all you need is a simple phrase or word on which to focus. Here are some examples:
And now, may the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever God may send you; may God guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm; may God bring you home rejoicing at the wonders God has shown you; may God bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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Stream Audio Worship AboveCovered under ONE LICENSE: #400013-P Re-Creation: Recreation as Re-Creation
Sunday, September 6, 2020 || 14th Sunday After Pentecost Pastor Christy Wright We invite you to light a candle at 9 AM and join us in prayer, ONLINE or over the PHONE only this week Audio worship is also available at (978) 990-5000, access code 719365#. Just dial in, enter the access code on your keypad, and you will hear the service begin with music. Scripture Reading The Infancy Gospel of Thomas 1:1-2:5 I, Thomas the Israelite, tell unto you, even all the brethren that are of the Gentiles, to make known unto you the works of the childhood of our Lord Jesus Christ and his mighty deeds, even all that he did when he was born in our land: whereof the beginning is thus: This little child Jesus when he was five years old was playing at the ford of a brook: and he gathered together the waters that flowed there into pools and made them straightaway clean, and commanded them by his word alone. And having made soft clay, he fashioned thereof twelve sparrows. And it was the Sabbath when he did these things. And there were also many other little children playing with him. And a certain Jew, when he saw what Jesus did, playing upon the Sabbath day, departed straightaway and told his father Joseph: “Lo, thy child is at the brook, and he hath taken clay and fashioned twelve little birds, and hath polluted the Sabbath day.” And when Joseph came to the place and saw, he cried out to Jesus, saying, “Wherefore doest thou these things on the Sabbath, which is not lawful to do?” But Jesus clapped his hands together and cried out to the sparrows and said to them, “Go!” And the sparrows took their flight and went away chirping. And when the Jews saw it they were amazed, and departed and told their chief men that which they had seen Jesus do. Sermon I stumbled upon this story of Jesus while I was in college. In my Western Heritage class, we were required to read extra-canonical scripture passages, pieces of writing that weren’t ultimately included in the published copies of the Bible that now line our pews. I think one of the reasons I’m so captivated by this piece is that we hear very little about Jesus’ childhood. Aside from a few stories here or there, Jesus’ childhood is largely absent from our conception of the Gospels. As an innately curious person, I find great joy in exploring the uncommon and unknown. But perhaps the main reason I love this passage is because Jesus’ rule-breaking tendencies are rooted even as far back as his childhood. Can I be honest with you? I’ve never been one to follow the rules to the letter of the law. There’s something really exciting about breaking rules. Well, let me clarify: there’s something kind of thrilling about mindfully breaking rules that are put in place simply for the sake of maintaining power and hierarchy. And there’s also great opportunity for creativity and ingenuity in knowing the rules, but trying something different. As an example, one of my best friends and I were on the yearbook staff in high school, and we would spend hours in the yearbook room, putting together layouts, emailing back and forth with our publisher, and sometimes, just goofing off. My friend was known for his incredible computer mastery; he built computers as a hobby. While I was working on the senior section of the yearbook, unbeknownst to me, he was working on something else altogether: understanding how email servers work. With his innate skill for technology, he somehow managed to break through the school’s security measures, printed out a full list of each teacher’s email passwords, and dropped it on the principal’s desk, stating that the school might want to look into securing their servers. Well, as you might imagine, he was suspended for a couple of days, and we were no longer allowed to work in the yearbook room unsupervised, but his actions illuminated a reality that had always been present. This wasn’t a malicious attack; this was a benign attempt to inform those in power that there were flaws in the system. Fast forward past college and graduate school, and his current career in cyber security continues to help hundreds of organizations and the United States government protect their assets as well as us as citizens. Who says breaking the rules is always a bad thing? In this morning’s scripture reading, we hear of a young Jesus playing at the shore, and his skill as the Divine Human is already evident, as he commands the water to flow and form crisp and clear pools for his friends to play in. He forms twelve sparrows out of the mud, and upon being seen by someone, he is immediately reported as breaking the Sabbath because he was not only playing with what was perceived as dirty, but also he was “working” by creating clay birds. When confronted by his father, who angrily insisted that Jesus follow the rules, Jesus responded by clapping his hands, and the clay birds miraculously flew away. Through his defiance, Jesus brought to the forefront the definition of Sabbath and why we are called to expand our understanding of the Sacred. In ancient Jewish culture, it was understood that the Sabbath was to be kept undefiled and clean, and that no work ought to be done on the Holy Day, the day God set apart for rest. But Jesus questioned both cleanliness and work: we know through the Gospels that Jesus regularly dined and communed with those deemed untouchable, and he regularly challenged Sabbath norms. For Jesus, Sabbath transcends the idea of closing banks for the day, Sunday morning worship services, and afternoon naps. In this morning’s passage, we are called to see Sabbath as a time of re-creation - creating again as God created us - as well as recreation - Godly play. We have explored spiritual practices over the past couple of weeks, and this morning’s practice provides us with an opportunity to create a new meditative experience as well as enjoy a playful and uncommon way to worship: through the labyrinth. In our discovery of new spiritual practices, may we experience the riches of the Sabbath through the example of the child Jesus at the shore, creating new life from clay. May we grow into the re-creation of our hearts each time we encounter our Creator God, who through the Holy Spirit makes us new each day. And may we take joy in the recreation of our lives, playfully meeting with the Divine in beautiful and mysterious ways. Amen. Spiritual Practice: Labyrinth What you see in the image above is not a maze, for a maze is filled with deadends and sharp lines. Instead, the labyrinth offers a centering exercise where the way into the circle is also the way out. These ancient beautiful shapes were initially meant to be walked in a full-scale model set in the stone of a cathedral or in grassy walkways outside a church’s doors, as an opportunity for meditation and contemplation. On a smaller scale, finger labyrinths offer the same practice of calming and centering focus. You are invited to trace your finger through the path of the labyrinth, while listening to music or meditating on a piece of scripture or a word or phrase that you find life-giving. You’ll notice that both the entrance and exit of the labyrinth are the same point - at the bottom. This means that, unlike a maze, you cannot get lost, but will always either be headed toward the center or toward the outer edges. God can be found in either place, and in all places. Let us join now in a time of meditation as you trace your labyrinth. And now, may the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever God may send you; may God guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm; may God bring you home rejoicing at the wonders God has shown you; may God bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors. |
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