Liturgy

Creator God, giver of all things
We open our hearts and we open our hands.
We welcome your movement and relax into the current of your presence.

We have held on so tightly to the things that we can control.
With jaws clenched and balled fists, we have dug ourselves into defiance.
With embarrassment, we admit that have demanded justice for ourselves,
but ignored the fairness due to others.

We breathe in your presence, a reminder of your gentle Spirit.
As you have so freely given yourself to your people,
We release the bonds that we have held each other in.

God of Mercy, stand with us now.
Prince of Peace, we bow before you.
Wind of Life, sweep over all that we are.

We give ourselves now, to you
Father,
Son,
and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from a reading in Matthew 20:11-16.

11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the
landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us who have borne
the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’

13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing
you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual
daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go;
I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.

15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs
to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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 9.20.20 – Divine Generosity

How might we practice generosity in a way that’s more expansive and inclusive?

How does our value and desire for fairness impact our ability to receive and practice generosity?

Benediction

Disciples of Christ, hear this; You are a living spirit.
His walking word. See yourself in this light and be blessed!

For tomorrow is another day to live our truth
as living and generous hosts of the Great Unknown.

Oh gracious and loving God, teach us to trust our paths
and live these precious lives as trees that dance and delight
in the breeze, rooted in the generosity of our Creator.

We ask in your Holy Name,
in the breath of the Living Son,
and in the Holy Spirit, forever faithful.
Amen.

(Gabriella Charissa Cruz)

[Photo by Kate Zak @ Flickr]