Sunday August 30, 2020
Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10:23AM
PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP: Sadly, the destructive acts and logic of state violence and white supremacy were on display once again this week. We will, of course, continue to pray for our country and for racial justice. But as followers of Jesus we must also witness to a different way, and our worship must make space to acknowledge the reality we inhabit. For our pre-service worship activity you are invited to watch this powerful song video titled "Rose Petals". It is a lament, it's a call to confession/repentance/action for the church, and it's a call to hope and to act for a better world. You can find the lyrics to the song here.
In his new book, Who Will Be a Witness, Dr. Drew Hart writes the following about the church and our witness as that Body. After you watch the video (above), reflect for a moment on these words:
"I am committed to the church. Yet something is terribly amiss. I refuse to accept that what typically passes for Christianity in America is the actual embodiment of the faith... The church's witness is not all doom and gloom, though. There are churches that embody God's justice, love, and deliverance for their neighbors. And encounters with actual communities that take Jesus seriously--those that love their neighbors, incorporate practices for redistributing wealth, and confront and speak truthfully to those who unjustly abuse power, as Jesus himself did--are simply breathtaking and inspiring. They offer living hope. An encounter with a community living our their baptismal identity as followers of Jesus, and opting out of power dynamics that exercise domination over others, can surprise those who witness what God is doing. Jesus desires to lead us into a better way of living with others, and when people actually live that out in community, their shared life is compelling and contagious." (25-26)
MEDITATION:
(The worship video was pre-recorded, as pastor Chris was away on vacation this week)
OFFERINGS
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING