Loving our neighbor is one of Jesus' most important teachings. Why do the gospels seem to contradict this teaching? How might this apply in our lives today as individuals and in our relationships? A sermon by Joy Barnitz presented on February 13, 2022.
Scriptures: John 8:31-47
Series: The Difficult Words of Jesus

INVITATION (Sandy)

As we prepare to celebrate communion, please gather something to eat and something to drink. If you're online, I encourage you to switch the gallery view 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 Sandy raises her bread and cup to minimize the amount of time the people gathered in the sanctuary spend with their masks off. Please wait until both bread and cup have been blessed before eating and drinking. Today we come to the table as one community once more, sharing a sacred hybrid space, some in-person, some online, not constrained by geography or by walls. We bring our whole selves to this table, God's table. We bring our emptiness, our lonely, our aloneness, and our longing for belonging. We bring our griefs, our gratitude, our tears, our fears, and rur doubt. Come to a table with a global guest list. A table where our bodies are fed and our spirits are nourished by a sense of belonging, which is that most vital foods. All are welcome at this table. And no matter where you are on your life's journey, you are welcome here.

PRAYER (Sandy)

Now, just as you are now gathered to lift up our hearts and our minds and prayer the holy one here at this table of life, your spirit flows into the gifts of bread and cup. Your grace, your joy, your peace are here to fill our lives. With the blessings freely given to those made in your image. Walk with us, God of Heaven and earth. Be present in these elements as each takes them into our bodies. May we take you into our hearts. Come to us as we eat and drink and help us to remember. We are here to share your love. That by sharing all may have the gift of grace. Your love gifts Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Joy)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Joy)

Please join with me in giving God things gracious and loving God Thank you for feeding our hunger and relieving our thirst. Now send us into the world to do the work you have given us to do. To find the lost and lonely, to heal broken souls, to free prisoners, and help the blind see rent a strength to persevere in resisting evil and to proclaim with our hands and hearts the love we have in Jesus Christ. Amen