Call To Worship: "We" by God (based on Matthew 18:20)

Drawn by God’s presence,
we gather together

Opened by God’s love,
we share together

Inspired by God’s spirit,
we raise our voices together

Empowered by God’s grace,
we give thanks together

Christian Reformed Church Reaffirms Response To Refugees

The Christian Reformed Church is remembering, reaffirming, and reinvigorating our response to refugees as a denomination. The denomination has welcomed refugees for decades. To remember this rich history, here are some stories of Christian Reformed churches and individuals across the United States and Canada who have opened their hearts and homes to those fleeing from war and persecution.

Check out these beginning stories of welcome!

How Trump Makes A Spectacle Of Religion - Evangelical American Chris Curia

Trump's religion world tour displayed prominently his tendencies to jump to conclusions about long-lasting issues he does not and cannot fully understand in order to appease his fan base - right wing American evangelicals.

As an evangelical Christian American, I am left confused by my president’s behavior, rhetoric, and religious convictions. I get the feeling that my religion is being used to further an agenda rather than as a foundation for the formation of impactful and sustainable policy.

The full article is available here

Benediction: Let's Serve All That God Created and Called "Good" (based on Genesis 1:31)

As we go out now into our parts of God’s world ... let's listen for God’s voice within and around us, let's serve all that God created, called “good,” and loves, and let’s remember that God's Kingdom is always at work, making all things new again in everything that surrounds us.

This GOP Christianity (or “What Wouldn’t Jesus Do?”) - John Pavlovitz

The seemingly elemental question of 'What Would Jesus Do?' is one the professed religious folks running this country right now and those applauding them from pulpits and pews, would be wise to resurrect.

In nearly every small and large decision, and in every piece of legislation, they are providing a remarkably vivid illustration of exactly what Jesus would not do.

The full article is available here

Kallistos Ware: Make Us Progressively More Aware Of Mystery

Responsive Call to Worship: We Have Come Seeking (based on Psalm 34:8)

Reader: God of peace, we have come seeking.
All: Your life-giving spirit is nourishment for our souls.

Reader: We have come seeking meaning, connection, and togetherness.
All: Help us to be open and to lean into your presence,
which is always moving within and around us.

Reader: You are good. Your care and compassion know no end.
All: For this amazing gift, we have come to give thanks together.

Reflection and Renewal: We Should Focus On Giving, Not Getting (based on Luke 12:48)

 
God, you’ve told us that the more that we dedicate our lives to love - and to giving that love away - the more that we are growing towards grace.

But we have to admit that we often struggle to live out that kind of generous love. Sometimes we simply get absorbed in our little corner of your world and lose sight of the bigger picture.

 And sometimes we avoid living out that kind of sacrificial love because - to us - it seems like your kingdom has terrible arithmetic, God. You tell us to "follow a way of living in which giving is the priority," but we’ve absorbed the message that says that the wisest course of action in life is to "get." We're told to look out for #1, that what we acquire - or do not possess which others do - defines our value, and that we should see our fellow beings as competitors through a lens of scarcity and fear.

We often get it wrong, so we come asking for grace and mercy. Give us eyes to see where we've let priorities other than yours guide us. Give us wisdom to listen - not to the clashing gongs and clanging cymbals of greed, fear, and cynicism - but instead to the still, small voice of your love's life-giving wisdom.

Amen.

Responsive Call To Worship: Take Up Our Cross and Follow (based on Matthew 16:24)

Reader: Loving God, you call us to turn away from our own selfish interests,
to take up our cross, and to follow you.
All: To find our lives, may we live them in service of your mission.

Reader: As we come before you this morning given us open hearts and open hands.
All: Make us eager to hear your voice and seek your guidance.

Reader: Open our minds to your ever-present spirit that is always moving within and around us
All: Open our spirits to your nudging and open our lives to your love.