In a time when so many are suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, we are invited to create room for more hope in the world as we learn to reallocate and multiply resources in ways that are just and right. A sermon by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer presented on November 28, 2021.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Series: The Inn

INVITATION (Brenda )

Well, as we prepare to celebrate communion, I hope that you, if you haven't already, that you'll gather something to eat and something to drink. And if you aren't already in gallery view, seeing an array of faces, I encourage you to switch to that so you can see one another. And when we get to the words of institution, I invite you to raise your bread and cup as Marc raises his bread and cup. If in the depths of your spirit, you are crying out to come along, expected Jesus. Know, that this table has been laid out for you. For those who sing born to set all people free and desire to be set free, the table of the Lord has a place for you. All those who longed to create a house for the holy, a home filled with hope are welcome here. If your heart aches to be released from fear, receive the bread of heaven and the cup of blessing, for this feast of communion is prepared for you. Come taste and see that the Lord is good.

PRAYER (Brenda)

Let us lift up our hearts in prayer. It is a good and joyful thing to give, thanks to you birthing God, creator of heaven and Earth. You formed us in our mother's womb. House of the Holy Growing in your image. Our hearts and lungs became a place of opening and welcoming doors for the spirit of life that you breathed into us. We have not always understood ourselves as sacred creation, a place for the dwelling of the holy inside of us. We have not always seen that in others. When we turn away from each other and from you, your love remains steadfast in the midst of a time of despair, oppression, division and fear, your gestation in the house of a holy womb through an unlikely midwife of salvific power brought Jesus the Christ into this world. Into the in of simple means came a life dedicated and anointed by the spirit, a common birth for common people. He healed the sick, fed the hungry and sat in houses at table with those who suffer and those who perpetuated suffering, laying bare complicity and compassion. Through his baptism, ministry, death and resurrection, You made a new covenant with us. To be midwives by water and the spirit birthing more hope, more peace, more joy, more love in this world. Making more room in this house at this table for all. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us. Gathered here and on these gifts of bread and the vine. Open our hearts in and through this sacred meal, stripping away any excuse or fearful hesitation so that we will open our doors to the world as the body of Christ redeemed by his love. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Mark )

Friends, as we gather around Christ's table here, I can't help but think of the circumstances that Jesus faced. We remember around this table every time Jesus fed the crowds, whether it was in his ministry, in the resurrection and especially on that last night when he was betrayed. And in those circumstances facing betrayal, arrest and execution. Jesus took the bread from the table and he blessed it, giving thanks to God. And I'm not sure that that whole part about giving thanks in the midst of those circumstances really echoed in me until today. So he took bread. He gave thanks to God, blessing that bread, and he broke it. And he gave it to them, inviting them to eat and to become the body of Christ. Take and eat. And in a similar manner at that meal, he took a cup from the table. That may have been the Elijah cup, the cup set aside for Elijah coming to announce the presence of the Messiah. Maybe he was inviting the disciples to be like Elijah and to announce the presence of the Messiah, and he gave thanks to God blessing that cup. And he shared with them, inviting them to drink. And to allow his life force to flow through them. Take and drink. Our Advent story tells us that the Christ child whose birth we anticipate will one day sit at tables with strangers and friends, building relationships filled with love and grace. We see this, as Jesus fed the multitude, turned water into wine, and ate with the dear ones in that upper room the night before his death. It was there that Jesus took the bread, blessed it and broke it. Remembering him through this broken bread, our eyes are open. Christ is with us. Take and eat. He then took a cut and blessed it. And in his blessing, he reminded them that when they sip from the fruit of the vine to drink in remembrance of him through this cup of blessing, our hearts are warmed. Christ is changing us. Take and drink.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Mark)

Please join me in giving God thanks. Great and glorious. God, we thank you for this feast of hope, which is a foretaste of your reign of justice and righteousness, may that day come soon. Give us courage to accept the costs and joys of discipleship that we may be your servants in service to the whole human family. Give us strength in the struggle for justice and peace that your kin-dom may come and your will may be done on this Earth. Amen.