Hope Enough for all of us

Rev. Harriette Cross First United Methodist Church of Wilmington December 7, 2025 Romans 15:4-23 2nd Sunday of Advent Hope Enough for all of Us Year A Prelude Greeting Lighting of the Advent Candle Call to Worship One: We’re waiting for One who is coming. Many: Why wait for someone when we don’t know how long to wait? One: We wait in anticipation, for the Coming One is filled with God’s Spirit. Many: A spirit of wisdom and understanding in a confusing world. One: A spirit of counsel and knowledge; Many: we stand on tip-toe, eager to welcome the One who is coming, ALL: for the whole earth will be brimming, knowing God as ALIVE with us. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer God, your servant John the Baptist cries out to us: “Repent; turn and be restored”. Can we hear? Will we respond? Holy God, open the ears of our souls to hear your word of salvation. Holy and Peace-Inspiring God, on this second Sunday of Advent, Open wide our hearts and our minds To see, feel, hear, and know the salvation of our God. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Amen. Song Come Thou Long Expected Jesus UMH 196 A Sermon for all Ages Children’s Sermon: “Overflowing With Hope” Supplies (optional but helpful): • A clear cup • A pitcher or bottle of water • One small LED candle or picture of a candle 1. Opening Question (Engage) Good morning, friends! Can you tell me—what season are we in at church right now? (Let them answer: Advent!) That’s right! Advent is the time when we get ready for Christmas—for the birth of Jesus! And during Advent, we talk about something very important called hope. Does anyone know what hope means? (Let a few children answer. Affirm all attempts.) Hope means trusting that something good is coming—even when we’re still waiting. 2. Candle of Hope (Hold up the candle or point to the Advent wreath.) This first Advent candle is called the Candle of Hope. It reminds us that God keeps promises, even when it takes a long time. The Bible tells us: “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.” That means God doesn’t just give us a little hope—God wants to fill us up with hope! 3. Object Lesson – The Overflowing Cup (Hold up the empty cup.) This cup is like our hearts sometimes. Sometimes our hearts feel: • Sad • Worried • Tired • Or even scared Now watch what happens when God gives us hope. (Slowly pour water into the cup until it overflows.) When God fills us with hope, love, joy, and peace—it doesn’t stop at the top! It overflows! And when hope overflows out of us, it helps: • Our friends • Our families • Our school • And even people we don’t know very well 4. Good News of Advent The best reason we have hope at Advent is this: Jesus is coming. God is keeping a big promise. A Savior is being born. The light is coming into the world! Responsive Reading Psalm 72 UMH 795 Prayer for Illumination “O come, thou Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightily: To us the path of knowledge show; … Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” (Presbyterian Outlook, Ginna Bairby) Scripture Romans 15:4-13 Sermon Hope Enough for all of Us Our Advent study this year is called for the common good. It is a study about spiritual gifts. Everyone is welcome to join our study. This week, we are all taking our test to see what our spiritual gifts are. Spiritual gifts are listed in Paul’s writings in Romans, Corinthians and Ephesians. We also had a chance to take a spiritual gifts test in the visioning session. When I took it, I scored the highest in healing, apostleship and teaching. Apostleship is the willingness to spread the gospel in different areas. But I was surprised because I also scored high in speaking in tongues and in interpreting tongues. Speaking in tongues is popular in some churches, not the united methodist church. The united methodist spiritual gifts study always emphasizes that if God sends a message in tongues that no one understands, that if it is from God that God will also send someone who clearly understands what is being said for the rest of the congregation. Some gifts go hand in hand. But when methodist use the term speaking in tongues, it is not talking about spiritual languages, but earthly languages. The ability to understand a diverse group of people, and to be able to speak in their listening. Another person who would have scored high in this gift, is Paul. Paul was clear that he was a Jew, but he was also clear that he was called to tell lands about the gift of Jesus. Paul’s mission was to go throughout different lands and to tell them about a savior who gave then love, peace, and acceptance. After many challenges, Paul was successful. Many people wanted to know more about this Jesus. They wanted to be a part of the Lord’s table. But he found that as more and more people came, there was no place at God’s table for them. Many Jewish communities were exclusive and not open to new people. So in Romans 15, Paul explains that Christ brings a hope, and a love and a peace which overcomes our boundaries. And unites our differences. It has the power to even bring together enemies in love. A Vietnam veteran recalls an experience he had on Christmas Eve in 1972. His squad was ambushed by the enemy, everyone was killed except him. Following a struggle and with great force he was captured. “I was thinking how much I did not want to spend Christmas, let alone the remaining six months of my tour of duty, in a POW camp,” he explains. They kept traveling through the night. When they finally stopped the Vietnamese lieutenant gave him food to eat. “Merry Christmas” he said in perfect English. His captor told him it would be an honor to celebrate Christmas with him. His name was Nugent. He explained that he had been educated in Canada and that his family had been killed. “Silent Night” was Nugent’s favorite Christmas Carol. The two men began singing it together. Early the next morning shots rang out. “Bullets were flying all around,” the American soldier recalls. Nugent was shot in the chest. He held him in his arms. “Thanking me for the Christmas songfest.” He started singing “Silent Night” knowing that it was Nugent’s favorite carol. “Nugent put his bloody hand to my lips, ‘the voice of angel, I go in peace.’ Thank you were his last words. At that moment I did not see an enemy, but a friend and a brother. Here was a man who started as an enemy, showed compassion, became a friend, died as a brother.”[2] God loves and cares for all people and we should do the same. The message of Advent is to continue to break down the barriers that divide people today. As modern-day disciples of Jesus we strive for harmony and unity. Instead of seeing only the obvious differences, Paul urged the believers to celebrate their unity in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans in a time when their world feels divided, uncertain, and anxious—sound familiar? And into that tension, he offers not criticism, not panic, but a promise: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas. It is about learning how to live as people who overflow with hope in a world starving for it. 1. Hope Is Learned Through the Story of God Paul begins by saying: “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope.” In other words, we learn hope by remembering what God has already done. Illustration – The Scrapbook of Faith Some families keep scrapbooks—birthdays, weddings, vacations, hard times, and good times. When someone feels discouraged, they flip through and remember: We survived that. We found joy here. We were loved then, and we are loved now. Scripture is the scrapbook of God’s faithfulness: • A slave people delivered from Egypt • A shepherd boy defeating a giant • A nation restored from exile • A Savior born in a barn Advent reminds us that hope is not wishful thinking—it is memory turned toward the future. If God has been faithful before, God will be faithful again. 3. Hope Is Meant to Be Shared in Unity Paul says: “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another… so that together you may with one voice glorify God.” Advent hope is not private. It is communal. Not “my hope,” but our hope. Paul speaks into a divided church of Jews and Gentiles and says, in essence: If Christ welcomed you, you must welcome one another. Illustration – The Choir Lesson A choir warming up sounds chaotic. Sopranos here, basses there, everyone finding their own note. But once the conductor lifts the hands and the song begins, something beautiful happens: Different voices form one sound. The church is God’s choir. • Different stories • Different struggles • Different personalities But one Savior. One hope. One mission. Advent invites us to sing together again. 4. Hope Reaches Beyond Our Boundaries Romans 15 reminds us again and again that God’s promise was always meant for the whole world: “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” Jesus did not come only for people who already knew how to be religious. He came for: • the outsider • the doubter • the overlooked • the weary • the sinner • the seeker Illustration – The Extra Chair Picture a family setting the table for a holiday meal. Plates are set, chairs are arranged—then someone notices one more place is added. “Who’s that for?” “Oh, just in case someone needs a seat.” That is the heart of Advent. God always sets out one more chair. 5. Hope Overflows When We Trust God’s Spirit Paul ends with this powerful blessing: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Notice the movement: 1. We believe 2. God fills 3. The Spirit makes it overflow Illustration – The Overflowing Cup You can fill a glass to the brim, but only when it overflows does it refresh the table around it. Advent hope is not just enough for you—it is meant to spill over into your workplace, your family, your friendships, your community. The world doesn’t need more opinions. It needs more people who overflow with steady, Spirit-born hope. We as Chrstians are called to Multiply The Welcome that we received from Christ. Paul tells us to welcome others the way Christ welcomes us In the Christmas story,There were shepherds seated on the hillside keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord came to them and the Glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with fear. The angel said, "Be not afraid for today I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." And there was with the angel a multiplication of voices singing Glory to God in the highest and peace among men with whom he is pleased. And the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to the place and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us." And they saw there our welcoming Christ: a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And they saw all these things as it had been told them. Then the shepherds returned to their flocks praising God for the things they had heard and seen. When Christ comes, we offer to him our humble welcome, and we can welcome him because he first welcomes us. It is he who provides welcoming grace. It is he, by his lack of reserve in welcoming us who are undeserving, who sets celestial voices singing ... And it is he who welcomes us and those we would be slow to welcome. It is our welcoming Christ who comes, welcoming a child, a leper, a thief, a shepherd, a king, and welcoming you, welcoming me. For Paul, the ultimate wonder of Christ, the deepest marvel of the coming of Jesus, was not the virgin birth, or angels in the skies, but the gracious, inclusion even of Gentiles into the promises of God to Israel. The glory of God, he says in today's scripture, is that God has welcomed you! The father has welcomed home the younger prodigal. The door has been opened at midnight to the beseeching outsider. Those who have entered the vineyard at the close of the day are given How do you make strangers feel welcome, by giving them a place to feel God’s hope. This sermon is a little late – we lit the hope candle last week. This week our focus in on peace. We never know what the right order of the candles. Paul’s last words in this lesson say 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hope, peace, love, joy they are all related. All the gifts that we are called to bring to a world lacking. Our actions of peace and love give the world hope Closing Prayer God of hope, fill us with joy and peace as we wait for your coming. Teach us patience. Unite us in love. Open our hearts to all your children. And by the power of your Spirit, make us people who overflow with hope— today, tomorrow, and until Christ comes again. Amen. Song Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH 203 Prayer Christ who is coming into the world, we give you thanks and praise for the goodness in our lives: For the beauty of your creation that sustains us — may we honor it. For the church that nourishes us and teaches discipleship — may we stay true to the gospel. For the leaders of the nations — may they govern with wisdom and compassion. For our own communities — may they be places of flourishing and delight, foretastes of the Peaceable Kingdom. Christ-beside-us, we pray for the places in your world where your children are suffering: For the sick in body, mind or spirit — may they know your healing hand. For those suffering under war, violence or unjust systems — may they know the comfort of your peace. For people experiencing hunger, poverty or homelessness — may they be nourished by human kindness. For those whose consciences are troubled — may they experience the transformation of repentance and taste the sweetness of grace. Christ, Love Incarnate, come to us again this Advent season, even as the pray the prayer you taught us, saying: “Our Father…”. (Presbyterian Outlook, Ginna Bairby) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Yes! Today is a day to prepare for the Coming One! Chapter 3 of Matthew’s Gospel leaps to the adult John the Baptist. When we hear this text, we may think, “What a strange duck!” (After all, he’s dressed in animal skin and forages for bugs to eat!) But John demands listeners repent (turn back!) because God’s Realm is coming near. John clearly declares we have work to do before Jesus comes, practicing ways to bear fruitworthy of repentance. This is one time for us to show with our actions what our hearts and minds have claimed. If we seek to be followers of Jesus, we help feed the hungry, care for the widow, visit the imprisoned… Our offering today provides each of us with one way to let our wallets help proclaim Good News. Have you spent money this week to prepare for gift-giving for your family and friends? Can you…will you spend an equal amount to (name one or two ways your congregation responds to hunger, imprisonment, or the needs of the poor)? How does that help YOU prepare to welcome Jesus once more? (Disciples of Christ, Center for Faith and Giving) Prayer of Thanksgiving Holy God, we so often get sidetracked from our intention to be faith-filled followers of Jesus. This time of the year makes that even more likely to happen. Please accept the gifts we’ve offered. Help us repent from our selfish ways and turn back to you. Push us to use these funds in ways that truly honor you. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Beyond these walls, the world needs peace. Go out taking with you the exquisite peace of Christ. Carry it boldly and spread it to all those you meet, knowing that God is within you, strengthening the light of the world. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Maria Mankin) Communion This is the time for Decembered mercies – a baby born (instead of the boots of the tramping warrior); a new light of peace (when all was thought to be forsaken); fresh furrows (for any who had quit their cultivation). This is the season for Decembered mercies – forgiveness for what was seen as unredeemed; the taste of fresh bread and new wine; a sprig of hope on a stump left for dead. (“December Mercies,” written by Dr. Robert Lee Hill to be published in All the Time in the World,forthcoming in February 2026. Published by Caroline Street Press.) All are welcome to share in this communion feast. May it be for ALL of us a Decembered mercy helping us become sprigs of hope on a stump left for dead. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction As God has welcomed us in these moments, let us go to embrace each person we meet. As Jesus has been our servant of hope and grace, let us go to serve the most vulnerable around us. As the Spirit of hope has filled us, let us go to empty ourselves of joy and peace for all. © Thom M. Shuman

Forgiveness and Beyond

September 17, 2023 Romans 14:1-12 Forgiveness and Beyond 16th Sunday After Pentecost Prelude Welcome Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 103) One: Bless the Holy One with our whole selves. Praise the Maker of our being! Many: Remember the mighty deeds and the good works of our God. One: The Sovereign One endows us with many gifts and equips us to do good work. Many: Remember the mighty deeds and the good works of our God. One: Holy Love entered the world without condemnation but with grace and forgiveness, mercy and compassion, redemption and restoration. Many: Hallelujah! We give thanks for the mighty deeds and the good works of our God! (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Invocation God who calls, it is you who gathers us together and forms us as a community. It is you who makes us uniquely individual and who designs us for companionship. Let us journey together this day in your presence reminded of our interdependence with one another. May we see your glory and be inspired to demonstrate your goodness and care through our lives. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Song. There is a Wideness in God’s Mercy. UMH 121 Children’s Sermon Romans 14:1-12 Choices Made in Peace By Lois Parker Edstrom Suggestions: Play tug-a-war if appropriate to your setting and situation. Teenagers playing tug of war Tug of war is a game that was first played hundred of years ago and it is still a sport enjoyed in many parts of the world. At one time a tug of war competition was part of the Olympic Games. It is a good game to play at a family reunion or other events where several people are gathered together. You need a long, strong rope. Then the people divide into two teams with the same number of people on each team. A line is marked on the ground and the purpose of the game is to pull the opposite team over that line. The two teams move back and forth as each team pulls in opposite directions. The team that causes the other team to step over the line is the winner. Playing tug of war reminds me of what it is like when two people argue. In an argument each person thinks they are right and they try to get the other person to come over to their side and agree with them. Arguments often happen when we are angry. Perhaps someone did or said something hurtful. The argument goes back and forth and, now and then, cruel things are said to one another. The Bible asks us this question: “…why do you judge your brother?” (14:10) and reminds us that “each one of us will give account of himself to God” (14:12). When you are angry it may be helpful to remember that we are all accountable to God. Instead of fretting about the actions of another person, we should try to make good choices for our own behavior. Choices made in love and peace honor God. Scripture quotations from the World English Bible Copyright 2013, Richard Niell Donovan Prayer for Transformation and New Life God of grace, we need your strength in our weakness. We confess that we can be judgmental and hyper-critical of our neighbors, family, and friends. We project our own shortcomings on others in order to deflect attention from our mistakes. We withhold and condition forgiveness, mercy, and grace from those who wrong us at the same time we seek it for the wrongs we have done. Even still, we struggle to forgive ourselves. You have shown us the better way. Help us to follow your path–receiving and extending forgiveness in a world in need of an infusion of grace for transformation. In your mercy, O God, hear our prayer, and let us forgive as you forgive. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Words of Grace Beloved, grace has always been part of God’s relationship with humanity. God does not want you condemned or held captive by unresolved anger leading to bitterness. Rather, Creator desires you to be released as both forgiven and forgiver so that all may live a life that is whole, free, and flourishing. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Passing the Peace Prayer for Illumination Open us, Eternal God, to you Word read and proclaimed. Help us not to turn from your truth or avoid your message. Help us to be receptive to the wisdom that you offer. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Teri McDowell Ott) Scripture Romans 14:1-12 Sermon Forgiveness and Beyond As we come to understand nutrition, our diets have evolved. As a matter of fact, we have lots of healthy choices for a diet. Is there a diet that is healthiest for us? Which diet brings us closer to God? Does God prefer meat eaters or vegetarians? Romans 14 starts out by saying that being a vegetarian is a weaker choice, and eating meat is a stronger choice. Really? Well when Paul talks about eating meat that has been blessed at the temple, he is not concerned about diets, but about how we like to judge the choices of one another and them separate ourselves accordingly. Sometimes it is hard for us to accept the choices of people that we do not understand. All summer, as we read through Matthew, Jesus has been preparing us for ministry to new people. Jesus led the disciples across the lake, out of their comfort zones to meet new people and to change their lives. What the disciples did not expect was the fact that the experience would change them just as much. As they got new people to take on their faith, they started to wonder if God puts us all under the same standard. Do you have to become a Jew before you become a Christian? With new people, came a whole new standard for the church. A new understanding of what grace really means. All throughout the history of our church, we have had to find a new standard of grace. Do we force new people to accept new rules? When we bring new people in, do we mold them into who we are, or do we let them be? If we are a culture where the women wear dresses to church, is it okay for young girls to come to church in shorts? And when they do come to church and don’t quite understand the rules, how do we treat them? With judgement or with grace? A certain pastor was visiting one of his parishioners, and as they were talking the conversation began to lag. The lady of the house, wanting to pick up the conversation, pointed out her window to her neighbor's back yard where the wash was hanging on the line. She said: "See that lady next door and the wash she hangs out, see how dirty it is, she never hangs out a clean wash." The pastor felt somewhat uncomfortable and tried to change the subject and quickly drew the visit to a close. As he was departing from the house the lady of the house walked out on the front porch with him and again the wash next door was clearly visible to both of them. They both realized at the same time that this wash was sparkling white, just as white as any wash could ever be. The truth began to dawn on them that it wasn't the neighbor's wash which was dirty, rather it was the window through which they had viewed the wash. (4) How clean are your windows? Where Do You Live? Which house do you live in? Judgment House or Grace and Mercy House? You and I have been challenged to deviate from the world, to be abnormal. We've received a prescription for holiness and we've put on Christ. And now we are called and challenged to live to the Lord. But we can't do it by ourselves and we sure can't do it in Judgment House. We can only do it in Grace and Mercy House. How clean are your windows? Where Do You Live? Our lesson for today – is how to give people grace and not judgement. It is about making sure that the church is a house of grace and not a house of judement. God’s grace not only welcomes new people with new ways, but it also reminds us to find joy in ourselves and what we do to serve God. Welcoming Grace In our experience "no vacancy" happens. We sometimes hear the words "no room," but we also hear a different voice. "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be open to you" (Matthew 7:7). Lewis Smedes writes: "Why do we call grace amazing? Grace is amazing because it works against the grain of common sense. Hard-nosed common sense will tell you that you are too wrong to meet the standards of a Holy God; pardoning grace tells you that it's all right in spite of so much in you that is wrong. Realistic common sense tells you that you are too weak, too harassed, too human to change for the better; grace gives you power to send you on the way to being a better person."2 We can welcome him because he first welcomed us. This past summer a group of radio control model airplane pilots had a public demonstration of their skills: flying aerial acrobatics hundreds of feet in the air, explaining the techniques of flying, and building the model planes. The highlight of the day was when the children in the crowd were invited to become "pilots." With an instructor by their side and with special dual controls, the children flew the planes high into the sky -- two mistakes high. This implied that there was little a child could do to place a plane in irretrievable danger (beyond an expert instructor's ability to recover) if it was high enough. And it was almost a perfect rule that day, until a child and an instructor crashed the club plane, the one which had been purchased by club members so that young people could learn the sport without incurring at first the expense of a plane. Club members didn't seem to mind much. After all this is what the club plane is for: to bring along another generation in the sport they love. Risking what you have to share your joy. A welcoming grace which creates free space, welcoming space for those who will come. Thus, welcoming grace is the hospitality of which Henri Nouwen speaks when he writes, "Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend...."3 And Paul instructs: Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you (15:7). So two travelers offered lodging to the stranger who had joined them on the road to Emmaus, and he made himself known to them as their Savior and Lord in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-35). When "No Vacancy" or "No Room" is converted into welcoming, hospitable grace, "fearful strangers can become guests revealing to their hosts the promise they are carrying with them." Welcoming grace diminishes the distinction between guest and host and allows sharing of gifts precious.4 I like that story because it turns the table on judgement and shows us that grace is possible to new people. When reaching out to people in some way we have to accept them for who they are and love them as God would love them. It is beyond love the person and hate the sin. But bringing out the God in them, and seeing God in a whole new way. Grace Chooses Love Storyteller Bill Harley tells a simple story about a children's T-ball game he witnessed a few years ago. On one of the T-ball teams was a young girl named Tracy. Tracy ran with a limp. She couldn't hit the ball to save her life. But everyone cheered for her anyway. Finally, in her team's last game, Tracy did the unthinkable. She hit the ball. Tracy's coach began hollering for her to run the bases. She landed on first base, only to be told to keep on running. She rounded second base, and the fans stood to their feet and cheered. With one voice, they were all urging Tracy to head home. But as she neared third base, Tracy noticed an old dog that had loped onto the field. It was sitting near the baseline between third plate and home. Moments away from her first home run, Tracy made a momentous decision. She knelt in the dirt and hugged the dog. Tracy never made it to home plate. But the fans cheered for her anyway. Tracy had made her priorities clear. Love was more important than winning. And the fans cheered for her anyway. That is Grace. Those fans were living a life of Grace before the entire world In Romans, Paul is telling us that we are all different. That being a disciple means learning to accept that everybody is different. We have to accept those differences in love. When we lead people to Christ, that we let grace lead the way. And that each of us in on our own faith journey, where we have to stand before God on our own. We judge ourselves and love others. In the matter of choice, we let others chose. In the matter of faith, we all come together. In practice we are many, in discipleship we are one. I love to use the words of Romans 14 a lot in ministry – every knee shall now every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Vegetarians and meat eaters can worship the same God and sit alongside one another. The Joy Will Be Our Own Frederick Buechner has often said that as much as anything, one of the things that finally made him turn his life over to God was something that the preacher George Buttrick said in a sermon one Sunday. Buttrick said that every time Jesus is crowned as Lord and King within someone's heart, this wonderful moment takes place amid "confessions, and tears, and great laughter." Buechner says that it was the joy of that last item, the "great laughter" that caused something within him to awaken and led him to want to have this holy hilarity in his own heart. Such holy mirth and deep delight should be true of everyone who receives the gift of grace. Barbara Brown Taylor imagines that in the parable, when the farmer improbably hands the one-hour pickers a whole day's wage, there must have been hoots of laughter and some "ain't we the lucky ones" good-natured back-slapping going on. But on that great and final day when Christ shall come again and bring us to himself, we should pray not only that we will indeed discover that the grace of Jesus is more than enough to get us into the kingdom. We should also pray thatwhenwe discover that eternally joyful fact, the great laughter and joyful back-slapping will be our very own. This is the last lesson that we will learn from Romans this year. Romans tells us all that we need to know about believing in Christ, about following Christ and about being together in Christian fellowship. The closer we get to following Christ, the more obvious is becomes that we are not the same. It is impossible for any of us to love together in harmony about anything – we can never agree about anything. We will never accept the same diet, or follow the same rules, or get anything done. Unless we honor the power of grace. It is God’s grace the brings us together as the church, it is God’s grace that holds us together. It is God’s grace that works in each of our lives that keeps us devoted to Christ. One day each of us will have to stand before God and give an account of our life and of our faith. Paul’s message to us – work on our faith, create a space where others are free to do the same. Each of us lives a life where we delight in God, so that God can delight in us. The holiness of laughter reminds me of a story about C. S. Lewis. A group of theologians and scholars approached the great Christian thinker and asked him, “What is the most important theological discovery you have ever made?” Lewis smiled and responded, “I exist to enjoy God’s enjoyment of me.” I came across a wonderful quote from Nadine Stair, an 85-year-old woman from the hill country of Kentucky: “If I had to live my life over again, I would dare to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would be sillier… I’ve been one of those persons who never went anyplace without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it over again, I’d travel lighter.” What would you say if you had to finish this sentence: “If I had to live my life over, I would ...”? Don’t wait to experience God’s joy in your life. Do it now! Learn to play again. Enjoy God’s enjoyment of you. Remember Paul’s words: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NRSV). Amen! CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lose the Cape: Cycle A sermons based on second lessons for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, by Charley Reeb The real question is not even what is a “guilty pleasure” or what is a “sacred pleasure.” The real test of discipleship is whether we use our lives, our hands, our heads and our heart “to bring God pleasure,” to “honor the Lord,” to “glorify God and enjoy God forever” (as the Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it). Does your life bring the God who is just pleasure? Does your life bring the God who is love pleasure? Does your life bring the God who created a world overflowing with “milk and honey” pleasure? Enjoying the tastes, colors, sights, smells, textures, sounds of all that caused the Creator to proclaim “it is good” — thatis what “honors” the Lord and “glorifies” God. Too many times we get sucked into piling up “pleasantries” instead of enjoying sacred pleasures. Every lesson that. Jesus teaches us in intended to give us a sense of hope to move forward You may know that the great comedian W.C. Fields died with money in hundreds of bank accounts which were never located. Wherever he went he opened a bank account. Often he used fictitious names and kept no records whatsoever of his deposits. At one point, Fields told a friend in confidence that he had over seven hundred accounts and knew exactly where they were. Unfortunately he died without telling anyone else the locations of those accounts or the name in which they were held. He had one account in Berlin that alone was said to have $50,000 in it. During the bombing of that city, however, all traces of that bank and the money were destroyed. Fields attributed this strange behavior of storing money in all these cities to a dream he had repeatedly in which he saw himself stranded in a strange city without money or friends. The dread which this dream produced in Fields’ heart caused him to open these strange, anonymous accounts in every city in which he played. (1) Still, we all want to belong to someone. If we feel we have no one to love us, no one who cares, no one to whom we belong, life becomes drab and meaningless. Mary Gordon, in her novel, Final Payments, introduces a character who represents humanity in microcosm in this need. Mrs Riesart is a patient in a nursing home where she receives generous, personal care, yet she is a deeply unhappy old woman. One of the other characters in the novel, Isabel, asks her why she is so unhappy. Mrs. Riesart replies, "I’m alone I’m old and I’m dying. There’s no one who loves me enough ... What I want is to be with someone who wants me. Wants me. Or else I want to die. I don’t seem to be dying fast enough." St. Paul speaks boldly from the pages of the New Testament to Mrs. Riesart and to all the rest of us lonely people to remind us that Christians belong first of all to Jesus Christ The key to joy within ourselves and within our community is when we find our life inside of Christ. Romans 14 says that we are never alone, our lives do not belong to us alone, we belong to Christ. When we live, we live in Christ and when we die we die in Christ. Romans 8 says that there is nothing that can separate us from Christ. Not even the judgement of another person. When I was at a craft fair yesterday, I saw a cute baby onesie that said I still live with my parents. That is true – when we are children, we belong to our parents, we are a part of a family unity that takes care of us. When we get older, we belong to our spouses – they are the ones to take care of us. When we get sick, it is the doctor who has the responsibility of taking care of us, when we die the funeral director has a legal responsibility to take care of us, and during the funeral – the pastor says a prayer and gives us back to God. In life and in death, there is someone who has the responsibility to care for us and to be with us. But all along the way, Jesus has been with us. Jesus cares for us, Jesus gives us strength Jesus gives us grace, and our hope is in Jesus. Jesus prepares a place for us in life and in death. As we stand here today – it is only through the grace of God that we stand together. Romans 14:13 says Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another, Instead make up your mind not to put any stumbling block in the way of a sister of brother. Amen. Song Freely, Freely UMH 389 Prayer Loving and merciful God, we come before you this day, fresh from a week in which we have been challenged. Some of the challenges have caused us worry and strife; other challenges bring to us clear directions for our lives. In all of this, you are with us bringing healing and peace for our lives. We offer to you names of those who are ill, who mourn, who feel lost and alienated, wondering if anyone cares about them. [Congregation may offer name of someone in the above categories for prayer]. Hear our prayers, O Lord. Bring your healing mercies to all these people we have named with our hearts and our voices. We also bring to you, loving God, names and situations of great joy and celebration, for you have been in our midst during these times as well as during the difficult times. [Congregation may offer name of someone in the above categories for prayer]. Hear our praises, O God. Bring your loving presence to all these people we have named with our hearts and our voices. For it is in confidence of your abiding love and mercy that we offer this prayer. AMEN. (United Methodist Worship Ways, Nancy Townley) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Invitation to Generosity Romans 14:7 tells us, “We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.” We are in covenant with God and joined in community with one another. Let us give of our resources as those who live for the good and well-being of all. Prayer of Thanksgiving Holy God, it would have been enough if you had just breathed into each one of us and given us life. It would have been enough if you had sent Jesus to show us the Way of Love. It would have been enough if you had poured blessings into our lives and challenged us to be a blessing. And yet…you continue to lead us into lives of gratitude and service. Thank you for this opportunity to share a portion of what we’ve received. Help us be spurred on to greater acts of giving and forgiving. AMEN. (Disciples of Christ, Center for Faith and Giving). Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Go in peace into God’s world to serve and help others. Go in confidence of God’s presence with you. Go into this world with messages of hope and reconciliation. Go in love. AMEN. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley) Community Time Benediction God does not abandon us. God’s love is steadfast. May this love inspire all our relationships as we leave this house of worship, knit together in God’s love, bound as a community of Christ, guided by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Teri McDowell Ott) Additional Illustrations Sacred Pleasures by Leonard Sweet – Romans 14:1-12 There is an old Hasidic tradition. You may have heard of it before. A large drop of honey is placed on the first page of the Torah the first time a Jewish child opens the Bible to read and study it. The child is instructed to lick the honey from the page, forever imprinting the young scholar with the memory-paste of pleasure, the conviction that the study of God’s “Word” is sweet. It is what we are calling a “sacred pleasure.” “Pleasure” in life is not something most of us immediately connect to the “sacred.” Instead the word “pleasure” is more typically coupled with another word, “guilty,” as in “guilty pleasure” or even “naughty pleasures.” It’s almost as if we think that to find some activity enjoyable, or pleasurable, means it must also be suspect. Here’s my proof: an extra rich, extra dense chocolate torte. What is it usually dubbed? “Chocolate decadence.” And of course there is the old standby favorite of “Devil’s food.” AOL just came out with a list they dubbed “Ten Guilty Pleasure Movies” — meaning movies you know you shouldn’t like, but you do anyway! (Maybe like “The Blob,” or some really weepy “chick flick,” or anything with Steven Segal). What are your “guilty pleasures?” Anyone? [This is a opening for you to get interactive here if you wish.] Let me tell you one of mine . . . . My “therapists” are named Bill and Gloria Gaither. Whenever I’m depressed, I take out from hiding one of their homecoming videos, and spend the next hour or so weeping my eyes out and cleansing my body of all those built-up toxins. Come on, now. I’m not alone here. I know some of you listen to Barry Manilow when no one else is listening. I even suspect that some of you actually like music that involves an accordion. You’d just never admit it to your kids or pewmates. For some of us, a day dug into a sandy beach, listening to the waves and scanning a stack of magazines, is our guilty pleasure. For others of us, it might be making way through an eight course, five-star meal with a two-inch-thick wine list. “Guilty Pleasures.” Why do we think we have to feel guilty about our pleasures? Are we secretly convinced that deep down God doesn’t want us to have a good time and enjoy life? Are we under the impression that our Creator couldn’t possibly take pleasure in watching us creatures savor all that creation has to offer us?... . Billy D. Strayhorn, Luxuriate In God's Grace First, read the scriptural promises. The message of hope is not really going to do us much good unless we read about it. I know that millions of Bibles are printed each year. You can find a Bible almost anywhere you go. But is the Bible read? Someone has said that if all the neglected Bibles were dusted simultaneously, we would have a record dust storm, and the sun would go into eclipse for a whole week. Perhaps the situation is not quite that bad; nonetheless, it is serious. You probably have heard about the test given to students in a prominent New England high school. Asked to give answers to simple factual questions about the Bible, among the replies were: Eve was created from an apple. Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers. Jezebel was Ahab's donkey. Jesus was baptized by Moses. The New Testament gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Johnny Appleseed is a folk hero in the American heartland. Born in 1774 he traveled through the frontier country planting apple trees. What is not as well-known is that he also was a great student of the Bible and further that he shared his enthusiasm for the Bible with others. As he went about his travels he often would be welcomed to stay the night in the home of a kindly settler. During his sojourn he was observant of the personal needs of the host family. Many of these people living on the harsh, bleak frontier were lonely, frustrated and worried. Before Johnny left the home in the morning he would rip out a page in his Bible and leave it with the family. Not any old page would do but one that he thought would fit the condition of this particular family, a passage that would exude hope. In this Advent season we can be certain that God's Word has a promise to suit our personal need. Let us make this scriptural hope our own. Let us believe that the light will shine again, spring will come again, the birds will sing again, and we will hope again. Paul's final words in the lectionary text consist of a prayer or a blessing: "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." All we can say is -- Amen! CSS Publishing Company, EMPOWERED BY THE LIGHT, by Richard Hasler Second, study the scriptural promises. It is not enough to read the Bible; we also must study it. Now, I know that the common complaint is that the Bible is too difficult to understand. But I have always liked the method of Bible study proposed by D. L. Moody, the Chicago businessman turned evangelist. He said that he studied the Bible the way he ate fish. When he came to a bone he did not throw away the whole fish. Instead, he put the bone aside and finished the rest of the fish. Even so, if he came across a difficult passage in the Bible, he did not cast away the whole Bible. He just put those verses aside for the moment and went on with his reading. Inevitably he discovered that the additional knowledge he gained could be used to go back and help explain the previously obscure passage. Third, memorize the scriptural promises. Read, study and also memorize the Bible. Why do I say that? You probably know someone like the person I met once during a hospital visit. Despite his serious illness he radiated calmness, a cheerful spirit and hope in the future. He told me his secret. He had memorized the 23rd Psalm, and each day in the morning and in the evening he repeated these words to himself. Although we have just noted that millions of Bibles are available, yet there are circumstances when we do not have ready access to the Bible. For example, in the middle of the night when we cannot sleep, when we are so sick that we cannot read, and at numerous other times the Bible itself may not be handy and we desperately need to hear God's Word. The words of scripture that we memorize will be invaluable to us in those critical moments, and further they will be with us a lifetime. Fourth, and last of all, incarnate the scriptural promises. Read, study, memorize and incarnate. In other words, let us put flesh on these words of hope, and live out in our daily existence what we say that we believe. Everyone wants to belong to someone. None of us want to go through life alone, with no one to love us, no one to care. We human beings are social creatures, made for fellowship with one another, intended to live in a community. Without someone with whom we can share our lives and our love, our hopes and our hurts, we are incomplete. God was aware of this from the very first moment of creation. "It is not good that the man should be alone," God mused after his creation of Adam. "I will make him a helper fit for him" (Genesis 2:18) - and he did! God made Eve, the first woman, and Adam knew that he would never he lonely again because Eve was "bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh." Adam knew that Eve was forever his, and Eve knew that Adam was forever hers, and they both knew they belonged to somebody. The problem, however, is that we human beings have forgotten to whom we belong first of all. When we are children, it is assumed that we belong to our parents. When people become adults, many assume that they belong first of all to their husbands or wives, or in these days of easy morality, to their live-in companions. A popular song of the seventies was entitled, "You Belong to Me," and its theme was that the object of the singer’s love belonged to him exclusively. Certainly this is not a But Paul also says we Christians belong to Jesus when we die. "None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord." Not only do we belong to Jesus first of all while we live as Christians, but we also belong to him first of all when we die as Christians. This sort of statement sounds strange to many people because the prevailing opinion today is that when we die, we belong first to the attending physician and then to the undertaker. When a person dies, nothing can be done until the attending physician pronounces that person officially dead. Even when that is accomplished, the physician must sign a release before anything else can be done. It is as though the dead person belongs to the doctor. Then the undertaker takes charge and the dead person belongs to him. It is the undertaker who prepares the body for burial and who makes all of the arrangements. Only when the dead person is lowered into the ground is the minister allowed to give the body back to him to whom the person belonged all of the time. The minister intones, "Forasmuch as the spirit of the departed hath returned to God who gave it, we therefore commit his (her) body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ..." - and at last, the dead person is formally given back to God to whom he (she) belonged first of all. Years ago there was a Jules Feiffer strip that went something like this: A man is speaking into the telephone and you hear only his side of the conversation. "Yes, mother, I've had a hard day. Gladys has been most difficult ” I know I ought to be more firm, but it is hard. Well, you know how she is. Yes, I remember you warned me. I remember you told me she was a vile creature who would make my life miserable, and you begged me not to marry her. You were perfectly right. You want to talk to her? All right." He looks up from the telephone and calls to his wife in the next room, "Gla Comedian Danny Kaye frequently entertains at the Palladium in London where he draws standing-room-only crowds. On free afternoons, he loves to roam around the city or take in matinees. On one such afternoon, he took in a play that was being received with the reserve we've come to associate with the British. As the play was letting out, Danny overheard the play being discussed by three British army officers who were standing stiffly to one side: "Ghastly," said one. "Beastly," agreed the second. The third was tight-lipped. He didn't say a word. One of the vocal ones turned to him. "And what was your opinion, Colonel?" he asked. The Colonel explained that he had come on a pass. "Hardly cricket to speak out under the circumstances," he added. "But if you gentlemen will excuse me . . ." and with that he strode to the box office a few feet away and bought a ticket. He was back in a moment with a ticket. "A stinker, gentlemen," he said tersely, "a stinker." (6) I like that third man's approach. Until he bought a ticket he felt he was in no position to criticize. When you are tempted to complain about what kind of parent someone else is, first ask whether you are entirely the kind of parent you ought to be. Before criticizing someone else's character, ask if you have arrived at perfection yourself. If we put our criticism to that test, most of us will be mute. For we, too, are sinners saved by grace. Do you know all the facts? Have you earned the right to pass judgement? There is a little story that actually comes from the Islamic religion that sums up the biblical attitude toward the very human tendency to pass judgement on others. There was an old man who earned his living by selling all sorts of odds and ends. It seemed as if the man had no judgment because people would frequently pay him in bad coins, and he would accept them without a word of protest; or people would claim they had paid him when they hadn't, and he accepted their word for it. When it was time for him to die, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Oh, Allah! I have accepted many bad coins from people, but never once did I judge them in my heart. I just assumed that they were not aware of what they did. I am a bad coin too. Please do not judge me." And a Voice was heard that said, "How is it possible to judge someone who has not judged others?" (7) Do you know all the facts? Have you earned the right to judge others? Only One has earned the right to judge others. He did it on a cross 2,000 years ago. And the amazing thing is that he was the most tolerant, loving, accepting man who ever lived Our natural human tendency is to homogenize our surroundings and our acquaintances so that they are virtually indistinguishable from ourselves. But this is not a healthy environment for a body of Christ. In order to remain fit, we've got to stretch and grow, reaching out to and welcoming all God's children home to Christ even those we dislike and find distasteful. While walking along a street with one of his disciples, a sage met his rival. The sage politely greeted his rival, but the man arrogantly disregarded the greeting. The sage's young disciple was furious, condemning the ostentatious behavior of the rival sage. Waiting for a while, the sage asked his disciple a question: "Are you angry at a person with an ugly face?" "No," replied his disciple. "Then, why are you angry at a person with an ugly heart?" the sage calmly reasoned. (AndrewSunghoPark, et al., "Epiphany 6: Anger," Korean Family Devotions [Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1994], 31. Where is Christ calling you to go right now to spread the gospel? Where is the "anywhere goes" in your walk with Christ? In the irreverent comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which is a send up of the King Arthur tales, there is a scene where one of the knights, Sir Bedevere is confronted by a group of villagers. It seems they have gripped one of the local women and claim she is a witch. It's very obvious that her long crooked nose is fake and has been tied on and she's been dressed up to look like a witch. Sir Bedevere questions the evidence and the people confess that they made it all up. But they still want to burn the woman as a witch. You know, we may not judge people as witches anymore, but we do judge them by everything else under the sun. We judge people by their clothing, jobs, friends, the kind of car they drive, the music they listen to, their hair style, their family and even where they live. We love jumping to conclusions, don't we? Sometimes that's ALL the exercise some of us get. That's what normal people do, right? But don't forget, we're not the normal people. We're the abnormal people. We've given our lives to Christ. And through Christ, we're called to live by different standards. God calls us to love each other and treat each other the same, no matter what. (1) The movie Coach Carter, starring Samuel L. Jackson, is based on a true story of a basketball Coach who locked his players out of the gym and the game until they focused on their schoolwork. But in the process taught them how to play, how to succeed and how to be champions on the court and in life. There's one scene where, after quitting the team, Timo Cruz wants back on, but the price to rejoin the team is impossible to pay. Coach Carter requires him to do 2500 push-ups 1000 suicide sprints within a week. Committed, Cruz hits the deck and begins. The week is over, and Coach Carter goes to Cruz to give him the assessment of his work. Carter tells him, "I'm impressed with what you've done, but you've come up short. You owe me 80 suicides and 500 push-ups. Please leave my gym." Cruz is crushed. He's worked hard every day to try to complete the impossible task, but he failed. Coach Carter turns to his team and says he'll see them tomorrow. As the coach turns to leave the gym, one of the players says, "I'll do push-ups for him. You said we're a team. When one person struggles, we all struggle. One player triumphs, we all triumph, right?" He goes to the floor with Cruz and begins doing push-ups. A moment later, another teammate says, "I'll do some. I'll run suicides too." And then, one by one, every player but one has begun to do push-ups or run for Cruz. And even though he is weary beyond belief, Cruz continues to participate along with his teammates. And finally, the last player chooses to join in as well, saying, "I'll do some..." While Carter is encouraged by their attitude, he doesn't let them off the hook. He tells his assistant coach to, "Keep countin'. Call me when it's done." But as he leaves, you know he's proud of the boys. And you know they finally get what being a team is all about. That scene teaches us a couple of things. One, like Timo Cruz, the task of standing accountable and blameless before God is impossible. There is no way we can be perfect and not sin in a fallen world. We can give it our best shot, but we will always come up short and alone. But the Good News is that we don't have to do it alone. Christ Jesus stepped into the scene and said, "I'll take his burden of sin. I'll take her burden of sin. When they triumph, we all triumph." Or as the apostle Paul writes The great writer, Pirandello once told a story about a man filled with so much dread that it drove him mad. When he fell in love with the woman of his dreams, he pretended that he did not care about her. He was afraid that if he gave in to his feelings of love for her he would lose her. He kept up this display of disinterest so long that he nearly did lose her. When he did finally ask her to marry him and she accepted, he nearly went crazy planning the honeymoon. He told everyone that they would be going to Florence and Venice. Instead he took his bride to Naples--in the opposite direction. This way he felt he could trick the misery he knew would be awaiting him in Florence and Venice. That was the only way he could enjoy the honeymoon in Naples. (2) There are some people who live with such a feeling of dread and doom about their lives that they dismiss the possibility of joy. Even when life is being good to them, they just know that it cannot last. Somewhere--sometime--somehow--something out there is going to happen to them that will wreck their best-laid plans--that will frustrate their fondest dreams--that will crush everything they hold dear. H.G. Wells once wrote a story titled “In the Days of the Comet.” Well’s story is a somewhat typical science fiction fantasy. A mysterious green vapor of unknown origin descends from the clouds and covers the earth. The vapor has the immediate effect of putting all the earth’s people into a deep sleep for three days. When they finally awake, something amazing has happened. Their inner nature is radically transformed. Petty quarreling comes to an end. Instead of seeking fame, power and wealth the people of the world seek to serve one another. Love, kindness and generosity become more important than greed or success. In short, the perfect society emerges--a society in which the dignity of every human being is honored. (3) The God of Hope. You and I are free to choose the attitude with which we confront life. We can believe that there is a five per cent chance of today and tomorrow or we can believe the Good News of Christmas that God is alive and well and at work in our world bringing in a kingdom of love and justice and freedom. We can face the future with fear and foreboding, or we can trust in the God who has sustained us through the years and has promised us that He will never forget us nor forsake us regardless of our situation. We can choose to live in continued darkness, or we can step out into the light of hope and triumph and eternal victory. We can live for ourselves alone, or we can make the world a better place to live for all persons. Doesn’t the Good News of Advent and Christmas change your attitude about life? Doesn’t it make you anticipate that sometime--somewhere--somehow--something good, not evil, is out there waiting to happen in your life? That is the kind of change that takes place when the Christ Child is born anew in our hearts.

Receiving God

July 2, 2023 Matthew 10:40-42 5th Sunday of Pentecost Receiving God Year A Prelude Welcome Call to Worship (inspired by Matthew 10:40-42) One: Welcome to all gathered, and on line, as we come to worship God. Many: With our words and our actions, we extend greetings to all. One: Prophets, Righteous, old and young, this is the place to find your reward. Many: We’ve come to offer our gifts, and give thanks for all God is doing. One: Even a cup of cold water is appreciated! Many: So we lift our voices and sing our praise! (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer Ever-present God, we’ve come to praise your name, and to honor you with our time, our talent and our treasure. Help us steady our hearts, and focus our minds on your presence among us. Accept our intentions to worship you alone, for you’ve given us power through your Spirit. We receive what you offer, and give you our thanks, through Jesus Christ, whose life, death & resurrection we celebrate! AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Song America the Beautiful UMH 696 Children’s Sermon This week we will celebrate Independence Day! That is our country's birthday. This morning I have the American Flag. This is the flag of the United States of America. As you know, our flag is red, white, and blue. Have you ever stopped to think what those colors mean? Red: Red stands for courage. Many men and women have had the courage to stand up and fight for our country. They have defended our country against our enemies and many have died in the service of our country. White: White stands for purity. Purity means to do what is right. We hope and pray that our country will always stand for what is right. Blue: Blue stands for justice. When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we end with the words: "With liberty and justice for all." That means that in our country, everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. The colors red, white, and blue remind me of our country, but those colors also remind me of Jesus. Red reminds me of Jesus' blood that was shed when he died on the cross for my sin. That is very important, because the Bible says, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). White reminds me that when I give my heart to Jesus, he washes me and I become as "white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). The Bible says, "you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 6:10). Blue reminds me of God's faithfulness. The Bible tells us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and make us clean" (1 John 1:9). God is faithful to keep His promises. Red, white, and blue. Yes, I am reminded of our great country, but more importantly, I am reminded of our great Savior, Jesus. You know, even in our nation’s history, we see a lot of mixed message welcomes. For example, do you recognize this? (Hold up picture of the Statue of Liberty) It’s called the Statue of Liberty. It stands in the harbor outside New York, right by a place called Ellis Island. The statue is a symbol of freedom, and it even has a poem on it welcoming people who are tired and yearn to be free. It was the first thing that immigrants saw when they moved to the United States from other countries. But they would pass through this processing place called Ellis Island, where they were screened, and sometimes sent back home, if they didn’t have good health, or plans, or enough money. Even if they made it through, these immigrants were often treated poorly by other people. Sometimes Americans refused to give them jobs or food or a place to stay. I wish that were ancient history, but it still happens. (Hold up recent picture of immigration processing center, protest at a wall, or other immigration-related news). Some people do not want to welcome others who aren’t like them. Unfortunately, this can even happen in churches. We might say we welcome everyone, but if people look a certain way, they might be treated negatively or feel cast out. This is not what Jesus wanted. To be sure, we need to make sure that we stay safe. We can’t just throw open the doors of our houses to anyone who might walk in and do something evil. We do want to wear masks and make sure we’re feeling healthy for the sake of other people. And we need to monitor the situation of our country and population. Father, we thank You for those who fought for our freedom. We thank You even more for Jesus, who gave us freedom from death and freedom from sin. Help us to live in that freedom by doing what is right and not giving in to our temptations to do wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. (Ministry to Children – Kristin Schmidt) Prayer of Reflection and Transformation Holy Prophet, Divine Warmth, Creating a home for strangers and friends can often take extra effort. From the extra cleaning to food preparations, we spend extra time, talents, and treasures to care for your children. Sometimes, we often do not feel as if we have the energy to go the extra distance – to ensure the drinks are cold and our homes are cozy. Give us an extra boost in our bodies, minds, and souls to be the welcome team in your Realm. May we embrace divine hospitality as we care for the ones struggling the most, the ones caring for your creation, and the ones speaking prophetically for you. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigan) Words of Grace and Love God continues to welcome us into the Divine Realm even when we walk past its doorway. God’s magnificent grace will refresh our hearts, inspiring us to return again. Amen. (United Church of Christ, Michelle Torigan) Scripture Matthew 10:40-42 Sermon Receiving God Usually for the 4th of July I always talk about freedom in Christ – but today I want to talk about discipleship – what does it cost us to citizens of heaven. No, the 4th is not a Christian holiday – Christianity and the building of our nation go hand in hand. Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics." – George Washington’s Farewell Address to Nation Our legal system is based on the ten commandments, the United Methodist church is structured just like the US government, and the values of our nation are based on God. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." "Under God" and the Pledge of Allegiance The words "under God were taken from Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, "…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth…" and were added to the Pledge of Allegiance on June 14, 1954 by a joint resolution of Congress, 243 (Public Law 83-396). (The Pledge was initially adopted by the 79th Congress on December 28, 1945, as Public Law 287.) On June 14, 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the pledge: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." President Eisenhower gave his support to the Congressional Act, which added the phrase, "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance, saying: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war." President Eisenhower then stood on the steps of the Capitol Building and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time with the phrase, "one nation under God." From America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, William J. Federer, Fame Publishing. In light of the presence of God in the principles of our nation, service to the greater good and a willingness to sacrifice are important. This dedication to the greater good is shared by our founding fathers and the disciples of christ. Both of these groups were so committed that they were willing to sacrifice. Sermon Opener – Never Underestimate the Power of a Cold Cup of Water - Matthew 10:40-42 Now I would like to stop the world for just one minute and ask you to think back. Think back with me to the first century. Think about those 50 years after Jesus’ death and what it must been like for Jesus’ disciples. Before the last one died their efforts had brought 500,000 men, women, and children into the ranks of the church. But what they had to suffer in order to accomplish this task is seldom discussed. We like the outcome of their discipleship but we don’t want to hear the cost of discipleship. So for the record here is the cost: History tells us… 1. John died of extreme old age exiled to the island of Patmos. 2. Judas Iscariot, after betraying his Lord, hanged himself. 3. Peter was crucified; head downward, during the persecution of Nero. 4. Andrew died on a cross at Patrae, a Grecian Colony. 5. James, the younger, son of Alphaeus, was thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, and then beaten to death with a club. 6. Bartholomew was flayed alive in Albanapolis, Armenia. 7. James, the elder son of Zebedee, was beheaded at Jerusalem. 8. Thomas, the doubter, was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel, in the East Indies. 9. Philip was hanged against a pillar at Heropolis. 10. Thaddeus was shot to death with arrows. 11. Simon died on a cross in Persia (what we now call Iran.) 12. Matthew was first stoned and then beheaded. What sacrifices! And I ask you why? Why did they choose to die this way? Why desert your father and mother, your wife and child, and your home? Why put up with the constant humiliation, and hunger, and persecution, and defeat town after town after town? I’ll tell you why, because, in the words of Apostle Paul, they were held captive by the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is Paul’s way of saying they were slaves to Christ… Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson's home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion. Today is an opportunity to honor both groups of all men. But all of us have a chance to fulfill their legacy. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is a teacher – he gives 2 major teachings. First – the sermon on the mount is for the people. Chapters 9 and 10 are the second lesson, giving specifically to the disciples. Apparently, Jesus is preparing them for a mission. We don’t know what the mission is, and we never hear in Matthew if they completed the mission. Mark and Luke speak of the mission, but they don’t go into detail like Matthew does. Jesus tells all of us who are still sent on this mission – to take up your cross and follow me. Trying to help people is not easy, and most of the time the people who you re trying to help are going to destroy you. And yet you still serve. When buddhist monks are sent to help the community they are given a begging bowl. – they knock on doors and eat what people are willing to put in the bowl. When Jesus sends out his disciples, he tells them to take nothing for the journey. To depend totally on the kindness of others. If they show kindness to stay and serve them, if they don’t shake the dust off of your feet and to keep stepping. Relying of the kindness of strangers – that is the meaning of the word hospitality. Hospitality is a latin word that literally means turning strangers into friends. The foundation of our faith – our mission has always been to turn strangers into friends. Jesus mission for us is to care for people, to provide for everyone’s basic needs and to welcome them into the circle. Jesus says that when we welcome strangers – that we are welcoming him, when we welcome him we are welcoming God Hospitality is not only the foundation of our faith, it is our connection to God. We all know that the business of hospitality is much more dangerous today then it was in Jesus’ day. We are close to the anniversary of the shooting of church members who invited a stranger to their bible study. That is one of many attacks on houses of worship in recent years. And yet, Jesus still calls us to be in the mission of hospitality. Whoever Welcomes You, Welcomes Me Recently I was sent this story. The author said, I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70’s with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him. He was well respected, honest, a man of good character. He acted much like a Christian would act, but he never came to church or professed Christ. After I got to know him well and we had talked about a wide range of subjects I asked him if he had ever been to a church service. He hesitated. Then with a twisted grimace told me of an experience he had as a boy. He was raised in a large family. His parents survived the depression but they struggled to provide food and clothing for the family. When he was around ten years old a friend invited him to go to church with his family. He went – the Sunday School class was great. The songs were fun to sing and the stories, oh the great Bible stories, were exciting to hear. He had never heard anyone read from the Bible before. As class ended the teacher pulled him aside and said, “Son, please don’t come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God’s house.” He looked down at his old hand me down overalls that were certainly worn and tattered. He thought about that for a moment and said softly, “No ma’am I won’t ever.” Then he looked at me, the author wrote and said, “And you know what… I never did.” It was clear that he was done with that conversation. The author reflected, I am sure that the Sunday School teacher meant well and in fact was representing the feeling of the majority of the folks in that church. But what if, what if she had put her arms around the dirty little boy in the ragged overalls and said, “Son, I am thrilled that you came this morning and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus because he loves you so much.” Moreover what if she would have talked with her pastor or her friends in the church and mobilized a full blown outreach effort to help this family make ends meet. What if that church would have thought, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Or whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple will receive a great reward (v. 40 & 42) The story ended like this: Yes I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday and I cried as I looked at the immaculately dressed old gentleman lying there in his casket. He was looking his best. But all I could think of were those words of an impressionable little ten-year-old boy echoing in my mind, “No ma’am I won’t ever.” David Wiggs, Who Needs a Welcome? The kindness that we show to others really makes a difference. How we treat others has a lasting impressions. Jesus sends us out into the world to serve and to be served. Take nothing for your journey, rely on the kindness of others. Three times in two sentences Jesus says that when we give and receive kindness that we will receive a reward. As Christians we are always both the giver and the receiver of hospitality. We should always be welcoming and welcomeable. Sometimes our reward big and something the truly affects us, and sometimes our reward is spiritual. But our hospitality never goes unnoticed by God. Simple Caring For several weeks, Mrs. Sherman's first-grade class had waited for the field trip to the observatory. Notices had been sent home with instructions about the bus, lunch, and times of departure and return. To the students, waiting for the field trip was like waiting for Christmas. Finally, the day arrived. We grabbed our lunches and coats and lined up for the bus. In the back of the room, one boy began to cry because he had forgotten to bring a lunch and would have to stay behind with another teacher. In a few minutes, the other children had contributed extra sandwiches, fruit, desserts, and drinks until the boy had a feast for his lunch. With new tears, this time tears of gratitude, he grabbed his coat, lined up, and climbed onto the bus. We had given him a "cup of cold water." Acts of service are not always dramatic or earth-shattering. Simple caring is all that is needed. Discipleship means being alert for opportunities to care, to demonstrate God's loving-kindness, and to teach others to do the same. Gene Blair Our hospitality opens the door to healing in the lives of others. I know that I have used this quote before, but I think that it is a fitting end today. French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" Alexis de Tocqueville. As disciples of Christ, let us continue to show hospitality to others. Amen. Song This is My Song UMH 437 Independence Day Prayer We pause as a people to lift up our prayers of thanksgiving, intercession, lamentation and petition. We ask you to accept the prayers we make that serve your will and fulfill the vision you have for our world. As we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on this Independence Day, we pray for peoples and countries struggling under oppressive regimes, abusive systems of power and coercive means of control. We pray for our nation’s leaders who seek creative ways to address complex problems. We pray for the safety and well-being of our military personnel, especially those serving in harm’s way. We pray for those who are traveling this weekend, that they might be responsible and safe. We pray for those in our nation still waiting to be freed from hunger, poverty and the ravages of injustice. We prayer for those whom we hold in our heart. Fill all people with your Holy Spirit that we might bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. United as a family of faith and as the Body of Christ we lift these prayers up to you, God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Finally, hear us pray the prayer Christ taught us Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Stewardship Moment For many communities, this is prime vacation time! Summer, school’s out, weather is warm, and the earth is in full bloom. And still, we’ve come together on this Lord’s Day morning, to offer our thanksgiving to the Giver of Life. Here’s the challenge: What can we give to the one who has created all that is? The Psalmist cried out in lament, and then declared I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, (who) has dealt bountifully with me. Today, trusting in God’s steadfast love, we invite you to share your financial gifts, your prayers of thanksgiving and your voices, as we receive our morning offering. (Invite the congregation to walk forward, as those with monetary gifts lay envelopes, checks and/or cash in an offering tray while the congregation sings CH#379 “Accept, O God, the Gifts We Bring”) Prayer of Thanksgiving Ever-giving God, thank you for the many ways you continue to encourage and challenge us. May your life flow abundantly through us! Please receive this offering. Use it, and use us, to free up the good gifts of life for others. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Invitation to Communion (reflecting on Romans 6:23) Over years of life, many of us have had reason to ask “what will my wages be?” or “What will I be paid?” Paul, writing to the Romans, sets out a clear description: “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It is THAT free gift which we celebrate each time we come to this table. Here we touch and taste the gift we’ve been given, as we eat bread and drink a sip of juice. These emblems symbolize for each of us the gift of LIFE in Christ Jesus, our Lord. No need to worry about being underpaid, or unpaid. Jesus Christ is the strong foundation on which our lives can stand, secure. So come, share in this meal of remembrance and thanksgiving. God is making a WAY for each and for all to step into eternal life which is ours here and now. Communion And Passing of the Peace Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook May God keep you safe May your bellies be full May your thirst be quenched May your hearts be blessed With knowing you are loved And may you share that love With all who come your way Amen. From Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the Ends of the World, ed. Cláudio Carvalhaes Joys and Concerns Benediction Do not ever be afraid to welcome others. Bring your welcoming, accepting spirit to all those whom you meet. May God go with you on your journey this week and all of your days. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Nancy Townley)

The House where God lives

Rev. Harriette Cross First United Methodist Church of Wilmington July 18, 2021 Ephesians 2:11-22 8th Sunday after Pentecost Year B Opening Song Welcome Call to Worship (from Ephesians 2) One: We gather, eager to worship the God who brings us together. Many: We once were strangers to God’s covenant. One: Remember: once we had no hope. Many: Yet now, in Christ, we’re brought together. One: Here, there’s no room for rancor or hostility. Many: Here, we join with the whole household of God! All: Let us worship the Lord, our God! Song It is Well with my soul UMH 377 Stewardship Moment In countless surveys, we are asked “how many people live in your household?” For most of us, that’s a pretty easy question to answer. We’d find it difficult, however, to come up with a number if someone asked “how many members are in the household of God?” Yet that’s the way we’re described by the author of Ephesians. Since Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, all believers are no longer “strangers and aliens”, but are members of God’s household. And, as such, we have certain privileges and certain responsibilities. (use this, or tell your own: While I wouldn’t want this to happen, I’m confident if I were driving out of state and my car broke down, I could call on a minister or elder in that place to ask for a recommendation of a mechanic or repair shop.) Just as each of us contribute for our home, so we recognize the expectation we will contribute here. Our morning offering is one place where ALL can participate. Whether you brought a check, will give on-line, or will dip into your wallet, you live into your identity as part of God’s household when you offer back a portion of your finances. If your giving were posted on the screen (or in the bulletin) week by week, how would those numbers indicate your identity as a member of God’s household? Let us receive our morning tithes, gifts and offerings. Prayer of Thanksgiving Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, with cords that cannot be broken, for you have brought us all near in Jesus Christ. Now, receive these gifts as our offering of resources, talents and treasure, to build up your household. Use them, and use us, to continue breaking down dividing walls of hostility. In the Spirit, we pray, AMEN Scripture Ephesians 2:11-22 Ephesians 2:11-22 Common English Bible The reconciliation of God’s people 11 So remember that once you were Gentiles by physical descent, who were called “uncircumcised” by Jews who are physically circumcised. 12 At that time you were without Christ. You were aliens rather than citizens of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of God’s promise. In this world you had no hope and no God. 13 But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. 15 He canceled the detailed rules of the Law so that he could create one new person out of the two groups, making peace. 16 He reconciled them both as one body to God by the cross, which ended the hostility to God. 17 When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away from God and to those who were near. 18 We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit. 19 So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. 20 As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. Sermon The House where God lives You know I was particularly encouraged by annual conference yesterday. As I told Debbie, the lay leader to annual conference, a virtual conferencing event only mimics the real thing of the whole conference getting together under one roof to worship and to make decisions. But I left yesterday much more hopeful than usual. The Bishop from the Indiana annual conference, Julius Trimble gave the Bible study. Bishop Trimble and I served a common appointment. My first Church in North Chicago. The church invited him to come back for a homecoming to be the preacher, so we have been friends since. He gave a message on what seemed to be the theme of the conference – Jesus is a waymaker. The conference site is down, so I couldn’t review his message. But basically he talked about how Jesus throughout the life of the church, opens doors that we weren’t expecting. Makes difficult situations more doable. Basically, Jesus is the source of all of our faith, and the bible demonstrates that fact time and again. That is the theme of our scripture today. Jesus is the source of our faith Jesus is the reason of our faith. That is actually the theme of our scripture today. The book of Ephesians explains to communities that Jesus is the source of everything in our faith. Jesus is a waymaker and so much more. I actually was also encouraged by the sermon of our current bishop, Bishop John Hopkins. The theme of his message was unity, power and mission. Once again all things that Jesus us for us. He talked about how the conference has some challenges ahead. But I was impressed, because I was left feeling hopeful. That all churches have some work to do ahead. He talked about the financial difficulties of the church not being able to pay our apportionment to the national church. Most conference pay at least 85% of their apportionment, the northern Illinois conference only paid 69% - and that we have to have a plan to pay more. He talked about how across the conference morale is low between churches an clergy, which results in decreased giving. His message – to remember our unity, power and mission lie in Jesus Christ. The writer of Ephesians gives that same message. Who we are as a church lies in Jesus Christ. In chapter two he says that not only is jesus a way maker – Jesus is also a wall breaker. Have you heard about the young man who was an All-American football player in college? He went on to play professional football for a few years and then came back to his alma mater as an assistant coach. One of his main responsibilities in his new job would be to go out and scout and recruit players for his college team. Before he made his first recruiting trip, he went in to visit with the head coach, the same coach for whom he had played when he was there in college some years before. The head coach was a crusty old veteran. He had held that position as head coach for many years, was widely known and highly respected all across the country. The new young coach said to him, “Coach, I’m about to head out on my first recruiting trip, but before I go I want to be sure that we are on the same page. Tell me, Coach, what kind of player do you want me to recruit?” The crusty old head coach leaned back in his chair. He looked the young coach straight in the eyes and said: “Son, I’ve been at this job a long time and over the years I have noticed that there are several different kinds of players. For example,” he said, “you will find some players who get knocked down and they stay down. That’s not the kind we want!” And he said, “You will find some players who get knocked down and they will get right back up and get knocked down again and then they stay down. That’s not the kind we want!” And then the old coach said, “But you will also find some other players who get knocked down and knocked down and knocked down, and every time they get knocked down, they get right back up!” At this point, the young coach got excited and he said, “Now, that’s the kind of player we want, isn’t it, Coach?” “No!” said the old head coach. “We want the one doing all that knocking down!!” That’s what we need on our church team: Players who will do some knocking down Players who will knock down not other people, but walls! Players who will knock down walls of hostility! Players who will knock down walls that divide and estrange… walls that separate or alienate. We in the church are called to knock down walls of hate and hostility and to build bridges of love and reconciliation. That is what this powerful passage in Ephesians 2 is all about. It is one of the greatest statements in all of the Bible. Listen to this: “For (Christ Jesus) he is our peace, who has made us both one, and had broken down the dividing walls of hostility.” [[The following may be added for a longer sermon—or skip down to the two brackets below to shorten: There is a gospel song that has these words: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus There is something about that name.” Indeed there is. The name “Jesus” of course means “Savior” or “The Lord’s helper,” but also notice (don’t miss this now)… that the name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua.” And we remember, of course, who Joshua was… he was the one who caused “the walls to come tumbling down!” Remember how the spiritual sings it: “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho… And the walls come a-tumblin’ down.” So Jesus is well named, because He also is a wall-breaker. He breaks down the dividing walls of hostility. This passage in Ephesians 2 can be better understood when we see it against the backdrop of the physical make-up of the Temple in the time of Jesus. The Temple was a parable in stone, exposing the prejudices… the walls that existed in society during Bible times; walls that included a few privileged people, but excluded and shut out most. As you moved through the Temple toward the High Altar (the Holy of Holies), there was a series of walls designed to hold people back from God. The first wall held back foreigners…people of other races and nations. They could go inside the Temple but only to this first wall. The point of Ephesians is that sometimes the walls that need to be knocked down are in our own understanding of life. All of us naturally build walls of exclusion for other people – not because we are mean, but because we are human – we want to be safe, we want to be comfortable, we want to make sure that we understand what it going on, so we tend to limit ourselves and our environment. But the point of the church is to be a place were we come together not just in what we agree and understand, but also in what we don’t. It is the place where all people have a seat at the table, where all people are welcome. Jesus is a wall breaker because he makes sure that we are open. In order to do that, Jesus breaks down walls, but Jesus is also the glue to hold us together. One of the major themes of the book of ephesians is the household of God. The church is the house that God built. Not just the walls around us, but also the people in the church. Each of us come from a family -and every family has some organizing principle. Usually there is someone who kind of calls us together, and even though we may not like each other, or we may not agree with one another- when that person calls us together we come and participate. For the church that person is Jesus Christ. Christ is the meeting place for a divided family of all people. And it is our unity that gets rid of the walls of hostility that sometimes keep us apart otherwise. One of my favorite stories of what the church should be comes from a television documentary about a kindergarten teacher, she was concerned because on the playground groups of kids would get together and if someone new came along and want to play – the would say no you cant play with us. So she made a rule that no group could shut out anyone. If someone came and wanted to play with your group, you automatically let them in. at first the kindergarteners were stunned by the new rule. They were upset, but it started to catch on. Eventually the kindergarteners in her class passed it on to all of the other classes as they grew older. But that first year it was hard. The did not want to change. But all of them remembered a time when they were excluded from a game and decided to try it. And it worked. Many years later- the kids still played that game wherever they went in life. and they practiced it whereever they went. That is what jesus calls us to do in the church. We learn about us and them very early in life, but we are called to unlearn everything we knew and to be different. Different in the name of Christ. Years ago, beloved actor Dick Van Dyke wrote a little book titled Faith, Hope, and Hilarity. In it he told about a Sunday School teacher who asked her class, “What do you think about when you see the church doors open to everyone who wants to worship God here?” An African-American student answered, “It’s like walking into the heart of God.” (6) Both sad and happy experiences have been shared with my brothers and sisters of Christ Church. Welcome to the family." As we remember who Jesus is and who Jesus calls us to be in the ritual of baptism Baby …..As you come to this holy table, I bid you welcome to this family reunion! THIRD AND FINALLY, THERE IS VENGEANCE. Vengeance… the angry, bitter spirit that will not forgive, that nurses its wrath to keep it warm, that broods and festers and looks for a chance to get ‘em back… what a dividing wall of hostility that is! There was a sign in a business window that read like this: “To err is human. To forgive is not our policy.” Some people live by that policy and it is so sad. Vengeance is a dividing wall and a spiritual poison. Think about it like this. If you put a plastic covering over a plant, the rain and sun can’t get to it and the plant will wither and wilt and ultimately die. Vengeance is like that plastic covering. We can’t be spiritually healthy until that plastic covering is removed. Let me ask you something: Has someone hurt you? Do you feel estranged or alienated or crossways with anybody? Do you have bitterness in your heart toward any other person? If so, go fix that! Don’t wait around any more. Don’t put it off any longer. For your sake, for their sake, for God’s sake – go fix it! Ask God to go with you… and with his help… go set it right, go break down that dividing wall of hostility! Harry Emerson Fosdick once said, “Christianity is like beautiful music. It doesn’t require defense or explanation. It requires rendition.” If we want to serve Christ, if we want to do his work, if we want to live in his spirit, then our calling is to join forces with him in knocking sown the dividing walls of pride and prejudice and vengeance, and in building bridges of love and forgiveness. Writer Frederick Buechner was driving in Manhattan. He saw a building covered with graffiti. Scratched in the middle of that graffiti was the familiar phrase, “Jesus Saves!” Buechner was embarrassed. It offended him. It made him angry. But the more he thought of it, Buechner said, the more he realized what bothered him the most was the whole point of the gospel: having to admit he needed saving, and that some guy named “Jesus” was the only one who could do it . . . (6) It does make us uncomfortable talking about our need for Christ. This is more the language of the tent evangelist hitting the sawdust trail calling people to give their hearts to Jesus. But without the tent and without the sawdust, I need to say to you, we do need Jesus. We will never be reconciled to one another until first we are reconciled to God. In an article in the Yale Alumni magazine, Professor Robert Sternberg points out that IQs are rising worldwide, as much as three points per decade on average. “We’re getting smarter,” he says in the article, “but that doesn’t mean we’re becoming better people.” Unfortunately a rise in IQs is not linked to a rise in our capacity to love one another. In the 20th century alone, between 100 million and 160 million civilians lost their lives in massacres of some kind. That’s an average of more than 3,000 innocent deaths per day, and the pace has not slackened in the 21st century. Statistically speaking, the fact is the world is full of hate. Sternberg argues, “No problem facing us today is of more importance.” (7) With the advent of global terrorism hanging over us, no problem is of greater importance. But how shall we be reconciled to one another without first being reconciled to God? And how are we reconciled with God? St. Paul says it is by the cross of Jesus Christ. [I understand] there is an amazing video clip on You Tube by an evangelist named Louie Giglio. Some of our young people might want to look it up online. Go to Google and simply type in laminin l-a-m-i-n-i-n. What is laminin? Here is the scientific explanation: “Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.” Did you get that? In plain language, laminins are what hold us together . . . literally. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what hold one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. For the peacemakers there is one reward and one title. God calls the peacemakers his own children. And that is their reward. Peacemakers seldom have statues and tributes and parades in their honor. The reward is being called God's child. To be called a child of God means we bear God's very nature. The nature of God, as we know that through Jesus, is love, forgiveness and reconciliation. It is our God who is the creator of this peace. When the great Swiss theologian Karl Barth visited the United Nations, he said, "The international organization could be an earthly parable of the heavenly kingdom, but real peace will not be made here although it might seem as an approach. Peace will be made by God himself." To go out making peace we go out bearing the nature of God and living as members of God's kingdom. While war may seem to be the most terrible reality, for the children of God, the kingdom of God is the ultimate reality. Ebbie Smith tells the story about his two sons, one born into their family and the other adopted. They were about the same age, and in the same grade in school. They were introducing themselves in the first grade. One said, "He and I are brothers. One of us is adopted, but I can't remember which one." In order to fully appreciate how connected we are, we need two things: a class or other small group and a ministry task. If you don't have either of these, I give you permission to use one of the offering envelopes as a note. Write your name and phone number on it, and this message: I need a small group, or I need a ministry task. Then as you leave today, give it to an usher or a pastor. We can help you feel more connected, more a part of the Body of Christ. My immediate invitation to you today is to savor the joy of being connected to Christ and all these other wonderfully diverse children of God. Feel the unity! Rejoice in the fact that you have a family that will stand with you in good times and bad. When we were preparing to move to Memphis, we received many gracious letters of welcome from you. I can never adequately thank you for giving us the benefit of the doubt, for reaching out and welcoming people you knew so little about. One of those letters came from a lady I have grown to love. With her permission I read it to you: "Dear Bill, as you probably already know, Christ Church is a praying, loving, and caring church. It stands as a beacon of spiritual growth not only for us, its members, but for the entire city as well. During the six years since I became a member, I lost my beloved husband of fifty-four years and a precious grandson, age 25, in a tragic automobile accident. The love and concern shown me during this tragic period was completely overwhelming. We are still in the season of Pentecost, and this is a story of Pentecost. At Babel, everyone stood divided by their single focused arrogance, their selfishness, their desire to be independent from God, to be incommunicado from God, to be out of relationship with God, to be “as” God. But at Pentecost….. people of all races, tongues, cultures spoke with one another and understood one another. The lines of communication –and relationship—were opened and enabled, and new relationships were forged that day –with Jesus …and with each other! Now listen, the scripture doesn’t say, they all became alike! It doesn’t say, they all melded into a Stepford Disciple, who talks the same, walks the same, thinks the same, worships the same, or even likes the same music! Gasp! It doesn’t even say, they liked each other! But they understood each other, they communicated with each other, and they found a common Creator in the breath of the Holy Spirit! Prayer of the Day God of aliens and strangers: make the doors of this church wide enough so that all find a welcome, a home, a haven, a heart. Christ of the near and those who are far off: make our hearts wide enough so that all might find a place in this household of faith. Welcoming Spirit of saints and sinners: open our arms wide enough so that all - the guest, the neighbor, the child, the widow, the politician, the homeless, the brother, the sister - may be embraced by your love and grace. God in Community, Holy in One, open your arms wide enough to enfold us in your heart, as we pray as Jesus has taught us, saying, (The Lord's Prayer) Song Just a Closer Walk with Thee TFWS 2158 Announcements Benediction Now go, to greet stranger and dear friend equally. We will share God’s steadfast love as we seek to live in faithfulness. Now go, to share Christ’s compassion with everyone. We will tear down dividing walls and build bridges of hope. Now go, to live as one as the Spirit gathers you with others. We will build communities that welcome all, especially the outsiders. Children’s Sermon Additional Illustrations