The Doctrine of Discovery, which justified the exploitation of natural resources and people in the name of Christ, devastated Indigenous cultures and the planet; what has been done in the name of Christ must now be undone in the name of Christ. A sermon by Rev. Brenda Loreman presented on October 10, 2021.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:10-12
Series: n/a

INVITATION (Sandy )

One of the joys of communion for me is in how we come together to rededicate ourselves to God and to each other. Another is knowing that all are welcome at this table. Jesus is our host. No one is turned away. So I invite you to gather something to eat and something to drink. And if you aren't already in gallery mode where you can see all the beautiful faces, I recommend you switch to that view by clicking the button in the upper right corner of your screen. And when we get to the words of institution, I invite you to raise your bread and cup as the communion elder does. As we gather together by the grace of our host, Jesus, this becomes our sacred space. It becomes sacred by our intention to rededicate our lives to be followers of our teacher. Our brother Jesus, as we partake of these gifts of sustenance and quench our thirst, we honor creator and creation as we bless and share this holy meal. We celebrate the fellowship of Jesus as we receive the fruits of the spirit. We celebrate the communion of all things and open ourselves to be in communion with all humanity. Let us lift our hearts in prayer.

PRAYER (Sandy )

Great healer, come into our lives. Walk with us as we journey through this amazing world. You have made. Guide us so we can heal, not just ourselves, but the damage we inflicted on our fellow travelers. Help us to be the caretakers we need to be to treasure and honor the spirit of love. Christ has taught us. Pour your light and love into these elements so that as we take them in, we will be enlightened and strengthened to be your heart and hands in this broken and thirsty world. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Brenda)

Friends, I share with you what has been shared with me. Every time he shared bread with the multitudes at supper in the shadow of execution at the table in a mass on Easter evening, on the beach, at breakfast, Jesus did this - He took the bread, He blessed it, He broke it, and he shared it with them as a gift, saying, This is for you. Let us do this in remembrance of Christ. Take and eat. And likewise, when Jesus shared the fruit of the vine, he took the cup and lifting it up and giving God thanks and praise, he blessed it and he shared this cup as the cup of the New Covenant, a sign and a symbol of God's grace poured out for all people. A gift for you. Let us drink this cup in remembrance of Christ. Take and drink.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Brenda)

Please join with me in giving God, thanks. Holy God, we give you thanks for Jesus Christ, the bread of life made known to us in the bread of this table may we who have received his presence at your table reflect his life in our words and our deeds that your reign of peace of justice and peace may come soon. Amen.