How do we find hope for our future when we're feeling exiled? A sermon by Pastor Jeff interviews Bridget & Ken Lucey-Cose presented on October 24, 2021.
Scriptures: Psalm 137
Series: A Future With Hope

INVITATION (Brenda )

As we prepare to celebrate communion, I encourage you to gather something to eat and drink. And if you have not done so already. And if you're not already in gallery view where we can see each other, I recommend that you switch to that view by clicking the button in the upper right hand corner of your screen and select Gallery View. Another suggestion to participate is when we get to the words of institution you're invited to raise your bread and cup as Marc raises the income. Friends were reminded that this place setting off bread and cup is not our table, but the Lord's table and everyone is welcome, including those who get up every morning trying to follow Jesus, as well as those who fall asleep remembering how they didn't. It includes those who get up every morning. It includes Jesus welcomes those who know what this meal is about, as well as those who struggle with the mystery. Jesus welcomes those whose faith overflows the edges of their hearts, as well as those whose faith runs on empty. And Jesus welcomes those who have found their way home, as well as those who are in exile. So common neighbor and stranger come brother and sister and sibling in Christ, come old and young for all of you are God's beloved and all are welcome to this feast. There are no exceptions. Let us lift up our hearts in prayer.

PRAYER (Brenda )

When the time came, God of the ages you opened up, chaos and creation sprang forth. All the parts arranged to work together, but you were not finished and you shaped us in your imaginative likeness so that we could be filled with your spirit when we thought we knew better than you. Running after death's false wisdom, you sent your perfect hope to us in the birth of Jesus. one in holiness with you. Joyful God, your child set aside glory to become one of us. When we had hung our souls on the branches of loss, he handed them back to us teaching us the ageless harmonies of Grace. When the world led us into exile, he came to restore us and lead us home to your kingdom of Grace. Now is the time when your people are gathered together at your feast, so pour out your spirit upon the gifts of the bread in the cup. And on all our siblings in Christ, strengthened by the bread of life. May we be anointed to carry your hopes and dreams, to all in despair, to let loose all imprisoned by fear and oppression and bring the exiled home? Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Mark)

On the night that Jesus was arrested, he shared the Passover meal with his disciples in that upper room. There was more significance in that gathering than just the meal. Jesus gave simple instructions that we follow each time we celebrate communion. After the supper, Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it, he broke it and shared his saying, this is my body which is given for you, eat this as a way of remembering me. Let us do this in remembrance of Christ. Take and eat. And Jesus took a cup of wine and blessed to share the cup as a sign of a new covenant, a symbol of God's grace poured out for all people. A gift for everyone. Let us drink this cup in remembrance of Christ, take and drink.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Mark)

Please join with me in giving God thanks. Almighty God, we give you thanks for the gifts of our Savior's presence in the simplicity and splendor of this holy male. Unite us with all who are fed by Christ's life and grace that we may faithfully proclaim the good news of your love and your universal church may be a rainbow of hope in an uncertain world. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Amen.