Because every translation of the biblical text is also an interpretation, we must read carefully and prayerfully to discern its meaning for our lives. A sermon by Rev. Brenda Loreman presented on October 17, 2021.
Scriptures: Psalm 119:97-105
Series: n/a

INVITATION (Brenda )

Well, as we prepare to celebrate communion, please gather something to eat and something to drink. And if you are not already in gallery mode, seeing an array of faces, I encourage you to switch to that by using the view option box at the top of your screen so that we can all see each other, ,nd when we get to the words of institution, I invite you to raise your bread and cup as Liz raises her bread and cup. So I guess it was a rhetorical question, but Matthew says in in his gospel that Jesus asked, who among you, if your child asked for bread, would give a stone? We come to this table asking for bread. We come to this table asking to be fed, to be nourished in body and soul, so that we may be about seeking, above all else, the kindom of God. And at this table, we get a taste of justice. At this table, we get a taste of grace and hope. At this table, we ingest God's limitless love, a love that frees us from fear and judgment. So my siblings come to this feast, not because you must, but because you may come not to prove some point of faith, but to deepen your relationship with God made known to us in Jesus of Nazareth come to the table where all are welcomed and none are turned away for truly, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. Let us pray together.

PRAYER (Liz )

Loving God, we want to give you thanks, we have scripture to wrestle with, and no, we have to be careful in interpreting it. We give thanks that Jesus said he came to fulfill the scripture and not destroy it. We give you thanks that Jesus also said that you are here and now, not just way out there. Thank you that we have different beliefs and know that we are still loved. May this simple act of sharing in this communion together bring us closer to each other, no matter our different interpretations of scripture. Loving God, even though we are physically in separate places we give you. Thanks for the meal that makes us all one. Jesus did this with the multitudes and with his closest followers, his apostles. The night he would be betrayed, he used what was on hand a few fish and a few loaves of bread and bread and wine because Jesus did this. We can still do this whenever or however we need to remember him. We share these elements with love and gratitude that we are all welcome to partake. We give thanks that we can share these gifts of God for the people of God. Amen

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Liz)

We once again remember that on the night, Jesus would be betrayed in the upper room after the meal, he took the bread and cup and changed them into something new to help his apostles and us when we feel overwhelmed with all we feel we still need to do. Jesus told them As often as you share this bread and do so in remembrance of me. He took the bread, blessed it and broke it and gave it to them, saying Take and eat. This is the bread of life. Take and eat. In like manner, he took the cup, left it, poured it out and gave it to them, saying this is a new covenant, which is for all. Take and drink.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Brenda)

Please join with me in giving God thanks. Thank you, loving God, that we can eat and drink in the hope that one day none will know hurt or hunger or hopelessness. Thank you for the opportunity to be fed and to feed, to receive your good news and to be bearer bearers of your good news for all people.