Liturgy

Jesus walked in the Light of Love,
when there was darkness,
when there was pain.
Jesus loved the sinner,
and showed us that the lost can always be found.

So we wonder, can’t it be both?
When we wake up tired, can’t we still get up?
When we’re scared, can’t we still walk toward the challenge?

When we’re angry, can’t we still love?
When we’re joyful, can’t we still be sad?

We gather this morning to explore the “both,”
the duality of our nature, our experiences,
the messages of love in both the light and the darkness.

God, open our hearts to hear your word.
Jesus, clear our eyes to see your way.
Holy Spirit, give us courage to face it all.

In the name of the Triune God,
Holy Three in One,
Amen.

(Sarah Berson)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the reading of 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29.

26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters:
not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;
God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

28 God chose what is low and despised in the world,
things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are,
29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
The Good News of Christ. Praise be to you, O Christ!

The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 2.09.20 – Delivered

What would it look like for us to step away from the dualistic thinking that says we are either holy or sinful and instead simply acknowledge that sometimes we are just human and that’s more than alright?

Is it possible that the hidden, vulnerable or even shame-filled part of your life or story might just be the exact portal through which God wants to be delivered into this world?

Benediction

Go now from here, looking at those around
you as reminders of your own salvation.

In faithfulness, treat everyone you meet with kindness,
as though they had something to teach you about yourself.

Welcome these lessons, as best you can,
with open hands, receptive to the work
God is doing in your heart.

Give us kindness toward ourselves and others,
rest when we’re overwhelmed,
and joy when we need it.

Let us go, praising the name
of our God,
of the Christ,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

(Sarah Berson)

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Gordon Hart @ Flickr]