Liturgy

God, you are welcome in this place.
You have blessed us beyond measure
by calling us out to be your people
and to do the work of life together.

May we welcome one another into your presence
and recognize what draws us together.
As we look around and see the body of Christ,
many members but all one people; all living,
breathing, laughing, crying, mourning
and celebrating together.

God, reveal your divine essence,
the indistinguishable mixture
of flesh and divine.

May we hold loosely that which
was never ours to begin with.

In your true light cast away the darkness
of falsehood, and help us to become the
people you are creating us to be with
many voices and hands to do your work.

We give thanks and praise to our triune God,
Creator,
Savior,
and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

(Naomi Jackson)

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the book of Philippians 4:1-7

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand
firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of
the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these
women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with
Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Word 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 – Dreaming in League with God 10.08.2023

In a crisis, where do you tend to look for safety, control, or influence?

How might you seek a “loyal companion” to help facilitate an impasse in your life?

Is there a practice for right-sizedness you feel drawn to this week?

Benediction

May the God who embodies community
be with us as we seek to be a community.
May God bless our dreams,
and may God shatter our dreams.

May God help us to be real and to find
depth in weakness and brokenness.
May God help us to face and grow through
conflict rather than pretend by being nice.

May we look at each other through soft eyes
and truly respect each other as human beings.
May God help us let go of control
and the need to fix one another.

May God help us discover we are
needy in our own souls and give
attention to our own hearts.

Be with us this week as we go forth
in the name of our Creator God,
of our loving Savior,
and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
May you find community and belonging.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Tuân Nguyễn Minh]