Increase Our Faith

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you. ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ Luke 17:1-10

Creator you have planted faith within us

you understand our daily temptations

knowing we would stumble and slip

promising to steady our every step.

We remember today those brave souls

who gave their all so we might be free

yet we often forget their total sacrifice

forgetting to be daily humble and grateful.

Ye you promised we can move mountains

if our faith is but the size of a mustard seed

we know we are small and insignificant

yet you call us all to use what we have in faith.

Help us today to be warriors for your love

help us honor and serve where we are planted

increase our faith each and every day

so that your love might flourish once again. Amen.

Trinity Sunday

    

                                      Trinity Sunday 2021

The Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Isaiah 6:1-8 

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” 

Psalm 29

1 Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, * 

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; * 

worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 

3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; 

the God of glory thunders; * 

the LORD is upon the mighty waters. 

4 The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; * 

the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor. 

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; *

 the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon; 

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, * 

and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox. 

7 The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire; 

the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; * 

the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 

8 The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe *

 and strips the forests bare. 

9 And in the temple of the LORD * 

all are crying, "Glory!" 

10 The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; * 

the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore. 

11 The LORD shall give strength to his people; * 

the LORD shall give his people 

the blessing of peace. 

 The Epistle Romans 8:12-17 

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. 

The Gospel John 3:1-17 

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

A Litany for Trinity Sunday

Creator God who weaves us together

binding the broken and the weary

saving the ones the world discards

draw near to us and gather us together.

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one.

You show us how to find you in dark places

you lead us with your still small voice

we are bound together by your eternal love

yet we often pull away and go it alone.

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one.

Defiant and wandering, you seek us out

you teach us how we must depend on each other

you are one in three, diverse and yet intertwined

you show us how to love in all languages.

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one.

The world is full of violence and division

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one.

Our people are scattered and without direction

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one.

We are all your people, and we depend on you

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one.

As you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit dwell

Bind us together, Lord, and make us one. Amen.

One Flock, One Shepherd

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.” John 10:7-17

Creator you call us all your flock

created to hear and know you

to follow your voice homeward

and to know our place in the fold.

We often wander and are scattered

wolves lurk around the flock daily

we are drawn away by tastier grass

led astray by temporary affections.

Yet you are ever watching and tending

caring for us in our very obstinance

surrounding us with good pasture

and safe havens for our resting time.

Help us to hear your voice anew

let us come running when you call

give us eyes to see your love for all

and hearts to share your love with everyone. Amen.

Making Friends

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’ Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’ And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.” Luke 16:1-9

Loving Creator and source of wisdom

we try to shut out the world's horrors

and ache for a simpler calmer time

yet you call us to be in the world now.

We judge the world's cruelty as not ours

though we are truly a part of it all

we pretend we are above the chaos

yet we have caused great pain and hurt.

You told your disciples to be shrewd

to pay attention to the ways of this world

for we are call to witness and to understand

the foolishness in every part of history.

Help us to be wise in these times

make us rise to the challenges of the day

let us be your servants in all things

so your peace might break forth today. Amen.

Prodigal

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”‘ So he set off and went to his father. 

But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Creator you are are home and our source

and we are your prodigal daughters and sons

we wander far from the font of all love

and think we are better than your offspring.

You are a patient and loving shepherd

always seeking the stubborn wanderers

waiting for the return of the headstrong

aching for the safety of the oblivious.

You told disciples parables for understanding

they like us didn't take heed of them

often recalcitrant and daily contrary

yet you want only for our safe return.

Help us to be those who gratefully return

seeing our mistakes and asking forgiveness

help us  have compassion for the stumbling

and make us those who lead the lost back home. Amen.

Joy In Heaven

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ Luke 15:1-10

Creator God you love us all

aching for us in our sorrows

rejoicing with us in our progress

and being the source of all our joy.

The losses in our lives pile up

we ache for those who have left us

yet we trust in all your promises

that they have found their joy with you.

We often wander away in our pain

and leave the fold to seek the new

yet you wait with hope for our return

and call us close to your loving heart.

Make us those who daily return

carrying your love and joy with us

help us to stand with the sorrowing

and sing with those who have lost their voice. Amen.

Discipleship

Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. ‘Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure heap; they throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Luke 14:25-35

Great Creator you call us to follow

giving us the strength and faith we need

showering us with your goodness

and calling us as your beloved family.

Yet we are often scared and reluctant

we fear losing the mediocre familiar

for the  soon to be wonderful unknown

so we cower in our comfortable darkness.

Yet you challenged your disciples then

to leave behind the safety of the harbor

setting out onto new seas and new places

knowing you would go there before them.

Help us to take up our cross daily

joyfully moving into the unknown

trusting that your love is deep and strong

carrying us to serve the world in your name. Amen.

Pentecost Sunday 2021

Pentecost Sunday 2021

The Collect 

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

 The First Lesson Acts 2:1-21 

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: `In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' " 

 The Psalm Psalm 104:25-35, 37 25 

O LORD, how manifold are your works! * 

in wisdom you have made them all; 

the earth is full of your creatures. 

26 Yonder is the great and wide sea 

with its living things too many to number, * 

creatures both small and great. 

27 There move the ships, 

and there is that Leviathan, * 

which you have made for the sport of it. 

28 All of them look to you * 

to give them their food in due season. 

29 You give it to them; they gather it; * 

you open your hand, and they

 are filled with good things. 

30 You hide your face, 

and they are terrified; * 

you take away their breath, 

and they die and return to their dust. 

31 You send forth your Spirit, 

and they are created; * 

and so you renew the face of the earth. 

32 May the glory of the LORD 

endure for ever; * 

may the LORD rejoice in all his works. 

33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; * 

he touches the mountains and they smoke. 

34 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; * 

I will praise my God while I have my being. 

35 May these words of mine please him; * 

I will rejoice in the LORD. 

37 Bless the LORD, O my soul. * 

Hallelujah! 

The New Testament Romans 8:22-27 

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

 The Gospel John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 

Jesus said to his disciples, ”When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

A Litany for Pentecost

Great Creator you breathe life into each

inspiring and calling us to draw close

filling us with the spirit of great hope

helping us to live into a new life.

Come, Holy Spirit, and set our hearts on fire.

We have been huddled in seclusion

we have hidden for fear and disease

but you have blown the doors open

and planted new hope in our hearts.

Come, Holy Spirit, and set our hearts on fire.

You have sought us out in our despair

you have given us strength to face the day

you have been with us in great crisis

now come and dwell with us in great power.

Come, Holy Spirit, and set our hearts on fire. 

There are many in need of compassion

pour out your spirit so that we might serve.

So much heartache and so much need

drench us so that we might carry your love.

Give us new songs after so much silence

saturate us with the power to praise you.

Make us your hands and heart here and now

Come, Holy Spirit, and set our hearts on fire.

Mary and Martha

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Loving Creator your breath is our peace

your heartbeat drums through us all

diverse tribes and peoples know you

and we seek your ways in every day.

There is so much striving in our times

so much worry and anxiety overflowing

yet you would have us quiet ourselves

listening to your still small voice.

Martha was the hard working sister

and Mary more distracted and fey

you invited them both to be still

and seek your voice in the morning.

Draw near to us precious Savior

help us to listen to your heart now

let us be those who are wise in silence

so we might hear the cries of your people. Amen.

Neighbors

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37

Creator God you have made us well

implanted in us love and compassion

raised us among people to teach us

your holy ways of love and mercy.

Too often we get distracted and busy

thinking our ways and goals are right

we can miss the suffering near us

sidestepping the needs of others.

You have created us for love alone

for compassion and kindness to all

you were tested by the wise and wealthy

yet you walked with the poor and broken.

Let us walk the road of your compassion

may we see every neighbor around us

strengthen us to act as you would have us

so your love might take root today. Amen,

Revealed to Infants

The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” Jesus said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Luke 10:17-24

Wondrous Creator of every generation

you give us elders to help us be strong

you give us family to teach us to live

and give us babies to teach us wisdom.

You many gifts are often lost to us

we are swept us in busy-ness and work

we toil without careful understanding

missing your touch in the small moments.

Your disciples rejoiced in miracles

were delighted in the power given

yet you would have us know humility

and sweet childlike comprehension.

Make us those who see simply

humble enough to see you works

childlike to witness great miracles

and strong enough to share your love. Amen.

Returning With Joy

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.’ The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ Luke 10:17-24

Creator you entrust with your creation

Giving us strength to carry your love

Making us humble so we can see you

In all the relatives we encounter. 

Our days begin as you bring light

Brother sun and sister moon aid us

We go out with your great blessing 

Returning home with hearts of joy.

The road ahead is never clear 

There are pitfalls and danger always

Yet you are our strength and guide

And we will always be brought back.

Help us to welcome every stranger 

To share everything and be kind always

Give us hearts full of compassion 

So that the world will flourish in your name. Amen.

Looking Forward

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ Luke 9:51-62

Creator God you move us forward

you plow the road ahead before us

preparing the places where we take root

and urging us on when we are stuck.

Shadows follow behind us as we go

we are tempted to linger and mourn

our youth, our losses and our successes

yet you urge us to step out in faith.

Like those who encountered Jesus

wanting follow and wanting safety

we are tenuous and anxious disciples

though you have promised to be with us.

Help us to face the future with joy

trusting that you go before us always

letting love and spirit guide our path

and your words the lantern in the night. Amen.

Seventh Sunday of Easter 2021

Seventh Sunday of Easter

The Collect

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. 

The First Lesson Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. 

Psalm 1 

1 Happy are they who have not walked 

in the counsel of the wicked, * 

nor lingered in the way of sinners, 

nor sat in the seats of the scornful! 

2 Their delight is in the law of the LORD, * 

and they meditate on his law day and night. 

3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, 

bearing fruit in due season, 

with leaves that do not wither; * 

everything they do shall prosper. 

4 It is not so with the wicked; * 

they are like chaff which the wind blows away. 

5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand 

upright when judgment comes, * 

nor the sinner in the council of the righteous. 

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, * 

but the way of the wicked is doomed. 

The Epistle 1 John 5:9-13 

If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 

The Gospel John 17:6-19 

Jesus prayed for his disciples, “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the
world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

O Loving Creator, source of all life

we count on you for every breath

you guide our steps in the sacred circle

and watch over us when we sleep.

Protect us, Lord, in the night and in the day.

The world was a dangerous place

when Jesus prayed for his disciples

and the world is a dangerous place now

for those who would daily walk in love.

Protect us, Lord, in the night and in the day.

We have been surrounded with violence

we are overwhelmed with loss and fear

yet we are never alone as you are with us

you watch over us all in every season.

Protect us, Lord, in the night and in the day.

We are reluctant to venture out these days

yet you call us to go into all the world.

You prayed for disciples then and now

Jesus help us to raise our prayers to you.

Creator you have promise to watch over us

tenderly care for us as your beloved children.

Help us to lean on you in everything

as Your love reaches beyond all boundaries.

Set us free from our fears and worries

so we might sing your praises in all seasons. Amen. 

Listen

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

Creator God of beauty and storms

you call us to listen in these times

for you have more to say to us

and we have so much to learn.

The harsh challenges have changed us

we ache for life the way it used to be

yet you call us to lean in and listen

to hear your love breathed into our world.

The disciples rarely understood Jesus

and we too rarely understand your presence

yet you draw close to empower us all

to be strengthened by your love.

Help us today to quiet down and listen

let us hear your voice in our heart beat

make us hear you on the wind and waves

so that we might share the love given. Amen

Ascension

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 

Loving and gracious Creator

you promise to be with us

giving us your strength here

and your presence forever.

We have doubted in our pain

we have not loved very well

yet in every generation you give

the power to love and to teach.

Your frightened disciples watched

as you left them on their own

yet you never abandoned them

and you never abandon us now.

Bless us in these times with strength

shower us with compassion to share

give us the patience to love this present

trusting you are with us in every breath. Amen

Oh, the Lilies

Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:22-31

Creator God, you clothe the world in beauty

your bright silent stars are night's radiance

your wet grasses in the morning meadows

and the lilies of the field sing your praises.

We often worry and fret about enough

yet you shower us with abundance

we often focus on our many losses

and you surround us with beauty anyway.

Your followers had you close at hand

yet they too fretted and worry without cause

worry kept them from seeing the capacity

and the eternal promise in their near presence.

Help us to raise up our heads and notice

you hands of love gently raising up new life

your sweet songs of promise of the winds

and your love enveloping each and every one. Amen.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: 

Father, hallowed be your name. 

Your kingdom come. 

Give us each day our daily bread.

 And forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves forgive 

everyone indebted to us. 

And do not bring us to the time of trial.” 

 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. 

 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:1-13

Loving Creator, you know all our needs

you are more ready to provide for us

than we are to recognize our need and ask

and you teach us to pray at all times.

We find ourselves without direction

in these times many doors seem locked

the entryways all seem dangerous

and it is not clear how we should move.

Yet when they asked you taught them

a simple prayer that we still say today

and you told us to ask, seek and knock 

for you are the source of all good gifts.

Help us to ask simply like a child

and to seek constantly with endless hope

and make us ready to knock when fearful

for you have promised to answer always. Amen.

Who Do You Say?

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27

Gracious Creator you draw near to all

tenderly caring for all of your creation

loving the least as much as the most

the broken and weary are your beloved.

You did not choose disciples who were posh

instead you sought the workers and despised

the ones who got their hands dirty understood

that the love of God is a truly great treasure.

We are often weary, overwhelmed and tired

yet you will never despise or reject us

we may not acknowledge you in terror

yet you hold us close to your heart.

Help us to deny ourselves and follow you

let us be remolded daily for your service

may our lives reflect the love we have received

and the blessigns of being yours forever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021

The Collect

 O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The First Lesson Acts 10:44-48 

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. 

Psalm 98 

1 Sing to the LORD a new song, * 

for he has done marvelous things. 

2 With his right hand and his holy arm * 

has he won for himself the victory. 

3 The LORD has made known his victory; * 

his righteousness has he openly shown 

in the sight of the nations. 

4 He remembers his mercy and 

faithfulness to the house of Israel, * 

and all the ends of the earth have 

seen the victory of our God. 

5 Shout with joy to the LORD, 

all you lands; * 

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. 

6 Sing to the LORD with the harp, * 

with the harp and the voice of song. 

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn * 

shout with joy before the King, the LORD. 

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, * 

the lands and those who dwell therein.

 9 Let the rivers clap their hands, * 

and let the hills ring out with joy 

before the LORD, when he comes 

to judge the earth. 

10 In righteousness shall he 

judge the world * 

and the peoples with equity. 

The Second Lesson 1 John 5:1-6 

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. 

The Gospel John 15:9-17 

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you
keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

A Litany for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Creator God, source of all that is good

you shower us with rain and sunlight

making our gardens grow abundantly

and making our communities strong.

Lord, help us to love one another.

You were among us and are among us still

teaching us the way of love and justice

helping us to live your greatest command

which is to love one another as you love us.

Lord, help us to love one another.

We are often jealous and envious

we do not see the pain in our neighbors

yet you know their broken hearts

and love them in their greatest sorrows.

Lord, help us to love one another.

Our hearts are full to the brim with anxiety

and loving others will restore our joy.

We cannot always see the hope of tomorrow

and a simple kindness can change our world.

You offered your life that all may live

let us offer love to whomever we meet.

Help us to follow your commandment 

so that we might be your friends forever. Amen

Torment

Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As Jesus stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me”—for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. 

 Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. 

Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:26-39

Loving Creator who is the author of love

you anchor us in communities and families

caring for us in our most frightening times

yet we often neglect to seek your help.

We are tormented by our failures and sins

off balanced by the dangers around us

too often fearful when challenges arise

yet you never fail to relieve our tumult.

The one with many demons is among us

we are plagued by much loss and grief

we are often on the edge of the chasm

yet you came and healed the tormented ones.

Help us to seek you from our dark places

help us to pray for those whom we fear

may your presence be felt with their healing

and may we live with joy retored. Amen.

Calming the Storms

Jesus said, “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.” Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?” Luke 8:16-25

Great Creator of seas and skies

you breath is power, your heart the drum

when storms surround us and we fear

we cry to you to save us from death.

Balance was given from time's beginning

you taught us to pray with the rising sun

you taught us to care for every plant

and how to harvest only what we need.

Yet we have been rebellious and fearful

believing we know better than you

we find ourselves in the midst of storms

crying out again in fear for our lives.

Draw near, and calm our raging waves

help us to trust you for every good thing

let our faith be our mantel and our work

so all may know you calming love today. Amen.

Patient Endurace

Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” 

 Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that ‘looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.’ “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” Luke 8:1-15

Loving Creator, source of all good

you taught us how to plant and grow

three sisters supporting one another

with patience and good  honest hearts.

We live in a world of demanding speed

where patience and honesty are laughed at

 craving fast food and impatient with waiting

we miss the blessings of caring for small seeds.

Yet you have shown us over and over

the importance of caring for our mother earth

giving us deep roots and tender hearts

so that we might build up and feed others.

Help us to be tender and caring gardeners

bearing fruit with patience endurance

living our faith as a blessing and an honor

so you love might bear fruit in our time. Amen.