“The poor will be with you always” is frequently used to justify the inevitability of inequality and to provide religious sanction for the dispossession of the majority for the benefit of the few. Actually, this is a strong biblical mandate to end poverty. A sermon by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer presented on February 6, 2022.
Scriptures: Matthew 26:6-13
Series: The Difficult Words of Jesus

INVITATION (Mark)

Rounds as we prepare to celebrate communion, those of you who are on Zoom, I encourage you to gather something to eat and drink. And if you are not already in gallery view where we can see an array of people, I recommend you switch to gallery view by clicking the button in the upper right hand corner of the Zoom screen. And when Pastor Branda leads us in the words of institution, I invite you to raise your bread and cap as Pastor Brenda raises her Brandon Cup. Here at the Niall's Discovery Church, we are reminded. That one and we reminded another that Jesus welcomes everyone at this table. There are no exceptions. No one is turned away. If you seek God's presence, come and eat. If you are hungry for this spiritual food, come and eat. If you feel unworthy, come and eat. This table is offered for all of us and that each one might experience God's abundant love. And unconditional love. There is room for everyone.

PRAYER (Mark)

Please be with me in a moment of prayer. We give you thanks so God, for your grace and love that embraces all people and all nations. We thank you that you sent Jesus our teacher to us who showed us the way to new life in a love that gathers all of our diversity together in one body of Christ. Bless this meal that we shared together today as as this broken bread was once scattered rain in a field. And then, when gathered, became one loaf. So maybe we'd be brought together to make something wonderful. As this cup of the New Covenant was poured out that all might share in the signs of new life, so may our lives be poured out and compassion for our brothers and sisters everywhere. Or it is in this way of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Brenda)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Brenda)

Please join with me in giving God thinks. Almighty God, we give you thanks for the gift of our Saviors presence in the simplicity and splendor of this holy meal, unite us with all who are fed by Christ's life and grace that we may faithfully proclaim the good news of your love and that your universal church may be a rainbow of hope in an uncertain world. Amen.