You are going to die, so live now. Live this life now, as it is. A sermon by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer presented on April 3, 2022.
Scriptures: John 12:1-8
Series: Good Enough

INVITATION (Joy)

As we prepare to celebrate communion, please gather something to eat and something to drink. And when we get to the boards of institution please wait until both bread and club have been blessed before eating and drinking. Today we come to God's table as one community gathering once more in shared hybrid space, some in the sanctuary in our building, and some in the online sanctuary of this community. We share a sacred space not constrained by geography or by walls. We bring our whole self to this table. Our emptiness or aloneness. Our longing for belonging. Our tears and doubts. Our fears that we are not good enough. Come. Take your place at a table with a global guest list. All are welcome at God's table. And no matter where you are on your life's journey, you are welcome here, now, just as you are.

PRAYER (Joy)

Let us lift up our hearts, minds and bodies in prayer. Holy stillness, breath and sauce of our lives. We feel the power of your presence with us in this sacred space, responding to your extravagant welcome. We bring you our hearts. As Mary brought the costly perfume Here at this table, we place our hearts into your care. Help us to remember that even in these dark times, you are with us always. And especially when we feel most isolated, lonely, alone. Help us to remember that we are good enough, just as we are divine comforter. Abide with us. Hold us tenderly in your loving embrace. Fill us with gratitude. For your presence with us. For this life you have given to each of us. Bless the peace of our common cup. And the pieces of our broken bread. Holy one. Bless the food we've prepared for this shared table. Food for our individual journey and for our journey together in community as our bodies are fed, our spirits nourished by the sense of belonging, which is the most vital foods. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Jeff)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Jeff)

Please join with me in giving God things 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.