| Welcome to the wilderness! This week we embark on a four week celebration of Creation alongside the global church. Whether we are in the depths of the urban jungle or lost on the Appalachian trail – God promises to be with us in the wilderness and feed us along the way. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 16: 1-10; Matthew 4:1-4
| Another week full of identity questions – God reveals Godself in a burning bush and Jesus describes what the Messiah is here to do. In each story, God reminds us that God shows up in places of suffering and promises this will not be our full story. As Paul reminds us we are called to be patient in suffering, to celebrate with those who celebrate and weep with those who weep. In worship, we are renewed and fortified with all that we need so that we can show up in these challenging places too. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 3:1-15 ; Romans 12: 9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
| This week we blessed our backpacks and celebrated our vocations. God gives each of us unique gifts that are needed in the world. By showing up as our full selves, the spirit of God is also made visible. Just as Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom, we too, are asked to lift up and build upon this important foundation- feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, share what we have and rest in God’s beauty. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 138; Romans 12: 1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
| Today we are reminded nothing is permanent. Joseph is reconciled to his brothers in a powerful and surprising way. In our gospel story, a conversation with a desperate mother changes Jesus’ mind. In worship, we are reminded of the transforming power of forgiveness. Together as a community, we ask for forgiveness, we are offered forgiveness and challenged to do the same for those we are in relationship with. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Matthew 15:21-21
| In this week’s first reading, God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. At the table we are all welcomed and fed and we call to mind all who are hungry or poor in our world today. As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21: Mathew 14:13-21
| It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 139:1-12,23-24; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
| This Sunday is all about what makes a good harvest – rain, soil, sun, seeds and a little Holy Spirit. We remember God’s hand is working through and in all. We remember we are fed through this incredible journey of seeds to the plant to the harvest to the mill to the baker and then finally to our table. In such ordinary things, the sacred becomes visible. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 55: 10-13; Psalm 65: 9-13; Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
| Thirsty camels and an arranged marriage, a love song, an honest reflection from Paul and some musings from Jesus are our readings for this Sunday. But in the midst of it all we hear – “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
| In this week’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. As God first welcomes us through the waters of baptism and at the table, we too are invited into God’s work of being a merciful welcome to all we encounter. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Romans 6:12-23 ; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Matthew 10:40-42
| Hagar and Ishmael face rejection from Abraham and Sarah and yet God meets them in the wilderness and promises them safety and blessings. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God knows the life of every sparrow and even accounts for each hair on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration, division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from worship to witness to Christ in the world. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Matthew 10:24-39
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