“Come to the Table: The Table of Grace”
Philippians 1: 21-30
God’s table is one of plenty—where grace is found in abundance! More grace than we can ever imagine; more grace than we expect. God even gives more than we would give ourselves. In the face of such abundance, we are called to be generous as God is generous. Indeed, at God’s pot-luck of grace, even the last in line have more than enough to eat!
We welcome each other at the table even when we disagree. Coming to tables of peacemaking is hard work. We have to let go of judgements and be willing to listen openly and fully. Responsibility for our actions and forgiveness are both on the menu at God’s table and we are called to sit down and find merciful ways to deal with one another despite our differences. The last few years have strained many of our relationships…how is God calling us to be peacemakers now?
Jesus often confounded those for whom acceptance was conditional —those who required specific laws be followed “or else.” The litmus test for Jesus was simply love. He chose time and again to seek out the intention of someone’s heart — to gather together and engage in conversation as a way of moving toward right relationship. What happens when we seek to “do no wrong” to our neighbor, moving beyond boundaries into reciprocal understanding?
You are invited to “Come to the Table.”
Jesus’ lesson at the last supper was clear: the meal of the kin-dom of God is for ALL. Friends, strangers and enemies, saints and sinners, joyful and grieving…
We’re reminded and invited to do as Jesus did by not being “overcome with evil but overcoming evil with good.” It’s a real challenge which requires that we follow God’s way in offering a good meal at God’s table for all of God’s guests. How can you invite others to this table of Hospitality?
You are invited to “Come to the Table.”
At the Movies: Encanto
Matthew 11:28-30
Faith is all about trusting God and living in God’s grace. And yet, we often feel the need to earn that grace by trying to live perfectly. Perfection is an impossible standard by which to measure our lives, one another, or our faith. God does not expect perfection from us.
But what do we do when we feel drawn to perfectionism? What is that feeling trying to answer in our lives and how does God respond?
On Sunday, July 16 we welcomed guest preacher, Rev. Julianna Whitson, and her message, Listening into Being.
On Sunday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. we welcomed guest preacher, Rev. Lisa Setty and her message, Telling Our Story.
