God loves us even when it all falls apart and doesn't go according to plan (including when we help make it fall apart). A sermon by Rev. Brenda Loreman presented on March 27, 2022.
Scriptures: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Series: Good Enough

INVITATION (Brenda)

As we prepare to celebrate communion, please gather something to eat and something to drink. If you are on Zoom and if you're gathered in the sanctuary, I hope that you've picked up a little communion kit out in the hallway as you came in You can grab one now if you didn't. And if you're gathered in Zoom and you haven't already switched to Gallery View, I suggest you do that so that you can see one another. When we get to the words of institution, I invite you to raise your bread and cup as Sandy raises her bread and cup. Friends, you are invited to this table not because you are perfect, but because you are wonderfully imperfect. And worthy of love and belonging just as you are. You don't have to prove anything or please anyone to be served at this table. The only thing you must strive for is a closer relationship with the one who is our host. The chair is pulled out and ready for you. The table is set and the party is just getting started.

PRAYER (Brenda)

Let us pray together: It is right and a good and joyful thing any time and anywhere to give thanks to you most Holy God. You created this world full of so much beauty and sorrow and called it good and called it enough. Although we feel lost at times you are ever present. We doubt, we resist, we turn away and rage insistent on our own power to pull us through, and yet sure that we are to blame, making life seem like a confusing paradox but you are patient. You are here to meet us and reside with us in strange and alienating times, always faithful. Always present. And through the life and Ministry of Jesus, we can imagine and live into a community where all who struggle are taken into loving arms, and those who struggle to love are invited into greater compassion. Pour out your holy spirit on those gathered here and on these gifts of fruit of the vine and fruit of the earth. Make them be for us, sustenance for our days, love for simple and ordinary lives, fuel for justice in this world by your spirit open us to each other, open us to the world Making us one in you through Christ in the power of your amazing grace. Amen

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Sandy)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Sandy)

Please join with me in giving God. Thanks. Loving and sustaining God, we lift our voices to you in gratitude for this communion feast. We arise from this table with nourished spirits we arise from this table in fellowship with one another. We arise from this table with your holy presence within us. Holy one, we thank you for this embodiment of your love. Amen.