Liturgy

We live among so many
distractions, even good ones.
We often don’t notice you.

Gracious God, extend us your quiet
and your stillness, so that we have
space to find you.

We are quick to rely only on ourselves,
To be consumed by our worries and our
problems. We often ignore you.

Compassionate God, grant us your peace.
Take our burdens and make them light.

Give us true rest on this Sabbath day,
that we may find calm in the midst of our
anxiety and joy in the midst of our pain.

We pray in the name
of God the Creator,
of Christ the Redeemer,
and of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.

(Gina Bastone-Trevino)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from a reading in Matthew 11:25-30.

25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent
and have revealed them to infants;

26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been
handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except
the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone
to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

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 7.5.20 – True Lightness

Where am I being invited to release my assumptions and receive new eyes?

What truth, if any, offers me rest and ease now?

Benediction

Lift up your eyes to receive the benediction.

Leave this morning with less than you had.
Walk away a little easier.
Breathe a little deeper.
Carry yourself a little lighter.

Know that what is left is supposed
to be there. Christ carries it as well.
And what has been left, is left. Let it go.

Open your eyes to the new moment you are in.
You do not walk it alone, but in the company
of the One who knows and loves you.

Be renewed in the name of
God the Source,
Christ the Redeemer,
and the Holy Spirit, our Breath of life.
Amen.

(Naomi Jackson)

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

[Photo by Kate Zak @ Flickr]