Is the Sky Falling?

Good Morning and Welcome to Worship! Worship is often the first place that new people come into contact with this growing community of faith. And so, if you are joining us for the first time, I say to you what is said every Sunday: You are welcome here. Here is a place where all are welcome. For such is the love of God for God’s Very Good Creation.

Loving God, you save all who seek refuge in your wings. Grant that we who know your love may walk always in your light, take courage in your faithfulness, and rejoice in your astounding goodness to us. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

In peace, let us pray to God this day.

`For the nations of the world, wherever there is poverty, war, or oppression of human spirit, that all people may come to the realization that how we treat one another matters.

For the planet Earth, God’s gift to creation, that we repent of selfish or thoughtless exploitation and tend it with care so that all creatures may share justly in its bounty.

For the leaders of the nations, that they may work for the common good of all people and repent of arrogant nationalism.

For those who annoy us or seem to have it out for us, that we may learn to love them with regard to God’s compassion, forgiving wrongs and seeking reconciliation.

For those who are sick or in trouble, for the defenseless, the weak, and the poor, that they may find help in their time of need, and that the church may heed their cry.

Loving God, hear the prayers of your people for the sake of your world. With our prayers, accept the dedication of our lives that we may share your way of love with all whom we encounter. Amen.

Holy God, by your Spirit open your Word to us this day that we might hear your words of comfort amidst the discomfort around us. Amen.

³¹At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” ³²He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. ³³Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ ³⁴Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! ³⁵See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

What does it mean to say “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of love?” What does it mean to see Jesus in the world around us? How might your life more truly reflect the love of God for you and all of creation around us?

Loving God, into the darkness around us you have sent Jesus to reveal your way of love and your preferred way for this world to be. Use these gifts that we have brought this day to further extend your light and your love that ever more of your creation may be gathered under your wings. Amen.

O God, we have beheld your goodness to us. Accept the offering of the work of our hands and use us for the sake of your mission in the world and to all of creation. Amen.

The God of Reconciliation bless you, the grace of our great teacher Jesus guide you, and the power of the Holy Spirit encourage you this day and in the days ahead.