The worship of God is the work of the people. A sermon by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer presented on May 29, 2022.
Scriptures: Acts 16:16-39 Psalm 122
Series: Looking Back; Stepping Forward

INVITATION (Brenda)

As we prepare to celebrate communion, if you're on Zoom, please gather something to eat and drink, if you haven't done that already. And if you are on Zoom, I invite you to get into Gallery View so you can see one another. And if you are worshiping here in the sanctuary, hopefully you've picked up a little communion kit from the hallway. You can do that now, if you if you haven't, and I invite you all to raise your bread and cup as I raise as Liz and I raise our bread and cut together. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the joyful feast of the people of God. It's by partaking in this sacrament, we can taste and see the Easter hope that God meant for one and all we believe in this church that we've come to this table not because we must, but because we may. We come not to make a statement but to receive a presence. We come not to avoid the cross, but to proclaim of victory over suffering and death. As we gather around this table, we recall the many times that Jesus ate with people of all walks of life. We're reminded that all are welcome at this table. We recall the miracles of Jesus feeding the multitudes and we find renewed hope and commitment to work for a day when everyone is fed and no one leaves the table hungry. So no matter who you are, no matter where you came from this morning, no matter what you bring with you, you are welcome here at this table and in this community.

PRAYER (Brenda)

Let us pray together. You stood among chaos, ever watchful God, and called forth creation in all its beauty, rooting oak trees in the rich loam of your word, watering seeds with the spirit's showers, using goodness to pave the paths through the garden of hope and grace designed for those you shaped in your image, in Your Holiness tender God, we find life and in that blessing named Jesus, we find our friend Jesus came to show us how to walk the right paths, to do the right things, to be people of righteousness. And justice is here at this table where the spirit is poured out upon the gifts of the bread in the cup that we know of. Your love and grace made whole by the brokenness of the bread. We would go to bring words of hope to all who have been told that they are worthless to strengthen or weakened by grief and loss watered by the goodness of the Cup. We would offer compassion to everyone who has been hurt. We would carry hope to all those whose hearts are emptied by despair until that day when we are gathered with our siblings around your table where no one hungers or thirsts, amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Liz)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Liz)

As we have been drawn to this table and to you, O Lord, make us aware not so much of what weâ€™ve given as of all we have received and so have yet to share. Send us forth in power and gladness and with great courage to live out in the world what we pray and profess, that in sharing, we may do justice, make peace, and grow in love. Amen.