Liturgy

Vox friends, from both near and far,
welcome to this space and community.

Welcome to all your beginnings, middles, and ends –
within this year, within this week, within each new day.

Let us take a moment to acknowledge this space and time.

This morning, let us welcome a brilliant,
new understanding of God’s presence.
Let us welcome all the ways God will
show up during this time of transition.

May we welcome all our fears and suffering,
for God is with us in those places, too.

And may we hold sacred space
for what God has to give us,
today and all our days to follow.

In the name of God, our Creator,
Christ, our Redeemer,
And the Holy Spirit, our Breath of Life.
Amen.

(Gina Bastone-Trevino)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from a reading in Matthew 10:40-42.

40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me,
and whoever welcomes me welcomes
the one who sent me.

41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive
a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the
name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous;

42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones
in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

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.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 6.28.20 – Welcome

How might we be able to create brave space in our practice of welcoming others?

How is welcoming others inviting us into vulnerability?

Benediction

As we continue into this season,
carry with you the invitation
to be welcomed, welcoming.
May the rain that falls on you be your baptism.
May the salt of your tears be your strength.

May you welcome your joys and struggles
as you walk your holy and sacred path
in the Light of Love.

May you find presence and stillness
and the rest to simply be.

May you recognize the image you reflect,
and trust in its beauty and goodness to show
beauty and goodness to your community.

May you bask and breathe in the goodness of God,
the kindness of Jesus,
and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

(Sarah Berson)

Go in peace and live the church.
May you find safety and rest throughout the week.

[Photo by Gordon Hart @ Flickr]