Liturgy

With open arms you welcome all who call on your name—
who acknowledge you as Lord, and look to you in faith.
No one stands outside the circle of your mercy and love.

We come to offer you our worship—
to give thanks that you are our God,
and that we are your people, called,
chosen, and loved beyond measure.

In your endless love for humanity,
remind us there is always room for mercy
and grace, within ourselves and for our world
no matter how dark it may seem.

Through the presence of your Holy Spirit
open our eyes to see you here;
open our minds to receive your truth,
and our mouths to speak and sing your praise.

We praise the name
of our God, the Creator,
of the Son, our Savior
and of the Holy Spirit, our Guide.
Amen.

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the Gospel of Matthew 15:21-18.

21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.”

24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.

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 – Expanding the Table 8.20.2023

How are you invited to decolonize your view of Christ and your faith?

How might you offer a unique voice and story in our collective work of advocacy?

What does a nonviolent response look like for you in response to someone else’s violence?

Benediction

Consider now why you are here today.
Consider now why you are here.
It’s ok if you still aren’t sure.
Being present is enough.

Let us take a breath.

May we go out from this place with a renewed intention.
Be renewed in your commitments to love those closest to you.
Be renewed in your intention to understand those furthest from you.

Be renewed in your belief that you are held in the hand of God.
Be renewed in your faith, in goodness, in hard work, and in honesty.

We pray in the name
of our God,
of our Savior,
and of the Holy Spirit,
amen.

[Photo by Mitchell Luo ]