Upcoming Worship Series
Love One Another
Replacing ‘Othering’ with ‘Neighboring’
As we see the fall season approaching, we also notice that it’s a time of heightened stress in many ways… School is starting, which is exciting but also stressful. Elections are coming, which often leads to lots of heightened emotions. It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong and we may even begin to wonder what’s right. In many ways, we see people “othering” each other over so many kinds of differences, and we wonder how we can go forward. Let’s look at not only love as more than a feeling, but love as a decision in our heart and as action. Let’s come back to the greatest Commandment, to love one another.
Love One Another
September 6
Let us re-orient our hearts, minds and actions to loving one another… both the greatest commandment and the “new commandment” shared at the Last Supper. Jesus invited to the table those who would betray and deny him. This was as it had been through this entire ministry. Then he washed their feet, and commanded that we love one another. What does it mean to have a love that replaces “othering” with “neighboring”?
Show Us
September 12 & 13
After three years of the disciples being with Jesus and learning and watching and praying, they still are not sure. They request that Jesus “Show Us God.” Jesus assures them that what they have seen and heard from Jesus was seeing and hearing from God. Then he shares a shocking statement of trust in those who will carry on after he is gone: they will do works even greater works. Let us seek to ask and trust in Jesus to be his love-in-action.
Abide In Love
September 19 & 20
The kind of abiding love Jesus commands is not possible without abiding in the vine. Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” We cannot love fully without accepting that we are loved, that we are nurtured, by the Source. We also must prune those things that create barriers to relationship. Connection brings joy.
You Are My Friends
September 27
Jesus has demonstrated his love for the disciples in countless ways, including the washing of their feet. Jesus calls us friends; he is about to lay down his life for us, his friends. Let us let love lead the way as we receive Jesus’ friendship, and we share that friendship with others