I'm either going to talk about gathering around the table as a political metaphor or how we're called to give thanks IN all circumstances (but not FOR all circumstances). Or maybe both. A sermon by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer presented on November 21, 2021.
Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18
Series:

INVITATION (Mark)

Good morning, everyone. As we prepare to celebrate communion, please gather something to eat and drink. If you're gathered in Zoom and are not already in the gallery view, I encourage you to switch so that you can see each other. And when we get to the words of institution, I invite you to raise your bread and cup as Pastor Jeff raises his bread and cup. As we center ourselves for this sacrament, we know that this place setting before you represents the Lord's table, which is always defined by love. We will love one another by not sharing the same bread. We love one another by not sharing the same cup. We love one another by wearing masks and keeping our distance, even though we long to hold hands, hug and sing together. This invitation to join in the sacrament is made to everyone, young or old, members or even first-time visitors. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Christabel. Everyone is welcome to partake. There are no exceptions.

PRAYER (Mark)

Now, let us lift up our hearts in prayer. Jesus, you meet us where we are at, you know, our spiritual journey, though we are not in our sanctuary, we sense your presence as we are seated in our homes. Lord, as we take this bread, we remember that you are the bread of life. You feed our souls. You nourish our hearts. Your cup of peas fills us as we go into the world. We ask your blessings on these elements that through this meal, we may continue to love and serve each other and our neighbors. May we continue to be a faithful, hopeful and loving community. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (Jeff)

Friends, as we gather around Christ's table here, I can't help but think of the circumstances that Jesus faced. We remember around this table every time Jesus fed the crowds, whether it was in his ministry, in the resurrection and especially on that last night when he was betrayed. And in those circumstances facing betrayal, arrest and execution. Jesus took the bread from the table and he blessed it, giving thanks to God. And I'm not sure that that whole part about giving thanks in the midst of those circumstances really echoed in me until today. So he took bread. He gave thanks to God, blessing that bread, and he broke it. And he gave it to them, inviting them to eat and to become the body of Christ. Take and eat. And in a similar manner at that meal, he took a cup from the table. That may have been the Elijah cup, the cup set aside for Elijah coming to announce the presence of the Messiah. Maybe he was inviting the disciples to be like Elijah and to announce the presence of the Messiah, and he gave thanks to God blessing that cup. And he shared with them, inviting them to drink. And to allow his life force to flow through them. Take and drink.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Jeff)

Please join me in giving God, thanks. Thank you for welcoming us to your table as we are. No questions asked. Thank you for allowing us to taste the blessings of your grace in the simple elements of bread and cup. Help us, day by day, to build each other up in love, to welcome strangers and to serve you and our neighbors in our daily life. Amen.