Liturgy

God, you are welcome in this place.

You have blessed us beyond measure 

by calling us out to be your people 

and to do the work of life together. 

May we welcome one another into your presence

and recognize what draws us together.

As we look around and see the body of Christ, 

many members but all one people; all living, 

breathing, laughing, crying, mourning 

and celebrating together. 

God, reveal your divine essence, 

the indistinguishable mixture 

of flesh and divine. 

May we hold loosely that which 

was never ours to begin with.

In your true light cast away the darkness 

of falsehood, and help us to become the 

people you are creating us to be with 

many voices and hands to do your work.

We give thanks and praise to our triune God,

Creator,

Savior, 

and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

(Naomi Jackson)

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the gospel of Matthew 9:10-13.

10 And as [Jesus] sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with Jesus and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

The Good News of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – Welcome 6.11.2023

Who among us feels least welcome?

Whose suffering might we relieve?

How is our story related to our calling?

Benediction

We know sometimes we are alone,

and sometimes we are in community.

Sometimes we are in shadow,

and sometimes we are surrounded by shelter.

Sometimes we feel like exiles––

in our land, in our languages, and in our bodies.

And sometimes we feel surrounded by welcome.

As we seek to be human together, 

may we share the things that do not fade:

generosity, truth-telling, silence, respect, and love.

And may the powers we share 

be for the good of all.

And we honour God, the source of this rich life.

And we honour each other, story-full and lovely.

Whether in our shadow or in our shelter,

may we live well, 

and fully,

with each other.

Amen.

(Pádraig Ó’Tuama)

[Photo by Birgith Roosipuu]