Orange Shirt Day

Jesus said, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’ “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:22-29

Loving Creator, you made each in your image

every generation, every people are yours

We are your beloved children held close

and your heart aches for all the lost and broken.

We should have been wise but we were ignorant

we tried to fix people we didn't even understand

we took away their babies and their children

and tried to make them be like us in your name.

You never try to fix yet only offering healing

you always are more ready to embrace and hold

we are arrogant and foolish enough to think

that we know better than our Creator, our God.

Help us to see your beauty in the other today

remake us into compassionate and kind people

let your truth and reconciliation flow over all

so that love might be our only work and mission. Amen.

Michaelmas

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ John 1:47-51

Wondrous God who protects and defends us

you have sent your angels and warriors

to care for the vulnerable and innocent

surrounding our world with your love.

We often do not see the present danger

and ignore the ones within ourselves

you know our hearts and our longing

protecting us too often from ourselves.

We live in times of pestilence and fear

disease and disinformation are destroying

neighbors distrust and judge neighbors

send your angels of protection to us.

We need you every hour, dear Lord

the world is growing cold and dark

yet you love us each beyond measure

and see us all in our every trembling need. Amen.

Simply Ask

Jesus said, “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul 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 bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:1-12

Loving Creator, you are always near

you know our needs and yet we hide

you seek us out and we run away

yet you are abundance and healing.

We spend too much time judging

looking for the faults in others

we waste our time getting ahead

and leave your blessings behind.

You told your followers to simply ask

to search for your blessings daily

to knock on the door for you will answer

yet we stumble and complain instead.

Lord, help us to be ready to ask for help

let us fall on our knees in every crisis

with each new dawn let us seek you

so we might be transformed by your love. Amen.

Consider the Lilies

Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, 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, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:25-34 

Gracious Creator, the world is full of beauty

your abundance is evident everywhere

in every living thing your love shows through

and you provide generously for our daily needs.

You told your followers not to worry at all

pointing to the birds of the air and the flowers

there is good medicine and kindness all around

yet they saw dark and danger in each day.

We hear you remind us not to worry today

yet we are surrounded by disease, global crisis

and we would cry out "it's different now!"

shutting our hearts to your ready abundance.

Help us to open our ears and our hearts

let us trust you for our needs every moment

make us your people who share and provide

so the world might see your love in these times. Amen.

Sunday, September 26th - Proper 21

The Collect

 O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The First Reading Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 

The king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me-- that is my petition-- and the lives of my people-- that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?” Esther said, “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated. Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor. 

Psalm 124 

1 If the LORD had not 

been on our side, * 

let Israel now say; 

2 If the LORD had not been on our side, * 

when enemies rose up against us; 

3 Then would they have 

swallowed us up alive * 

in their fierce anger toward us; 

4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us * 

and the torrent gone over us; 

5 Then would the raging waters * 

have gone right over us. 

6 Blessed be the LORD! * 

he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth. 

7 We have escaped like a bird 

from the snare of the fowler; * 

the snare is broken, and we have escaped. 

8 Our help is in the Name of the LORD, * 

the maker of heaven and earth. 

 The Epistle James 5:13-20 

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest. My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. 

The Gospel Mark 9:38-50 

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. “For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” 

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, tender shepherd of us all

you teach us to live our lives by giving

by offering our simple gifts to others

making the world whole cup by cup.

Lord, pour your love into everything we give.

There is much pain and sorrow in these times

loss and isolation blanket every community

many our angry and frustrated, lost and broken

in need of so little to repair their aching hearts.

Lord, pour your love into everything we give.

We often feel inadequate and lacking gifts

you have poured your spirit in our hearts

let us be generous in these selfish times

and let your healing and reconciliation flow.

Lord, pour your love into everything we give.

The world has grown cold and greedy

Lord, pour your love into everything we give.

Help us to cling to you and not out possessions.

Lord, pour your love into everything we give.

You are endlessly generous and all compassion

Lord, pour your love into everything we give.

Prayer

Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:7-15

Loving Creator, you show us the way

to live with honor and respect for all

to pray daily with humility and honesty

so that the circle of love is unbroken.

We often fail to learn your teachings

we busy ourselves with foolish errands

we buy and sell our time and our land

while you call us to be mindful always.

You taught your disciples a prayer

simple and strong, easy to remember

we repeat this prayer when in church

and forget to pray at the sun's rising.

Help us Lord to pray without ceasing

let our lives point others to prayer

may our lives be humble and hones

so that your circle of love is unbroken. Amen.

Piety

Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Gracious Creator, source of all goodness

help us to seek your face every morning

for you lift the night's  gloom and darkness

and set our feet on the way every day.

You taught your disciples how to pray

and how to be servants of the living God

you modeled for them a way of service

a life of humility and compassion.

Too often we seek rewards and honors

too often we are greedy for human praise

we wallow in pity so others will tend us

when the crisis is of our own making.

Lord, help us to live as your beloved

humble, honorable and steadfast

may our love for you be seen daily

as we love and lift up our neighbors. Amen.

Pray for Your Persecutors

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48

Wondrous Creator you gave us free will

and brought us each into our people

with unique languages and traditions

you gave us a place to call our home.

The greed and anger of some in power

regularly turns neighbors into refugees

wandering and subjected to cruel torture

you cry as we humans destroy one another.

You taught your disciples to pray always

for the broken and for their abusers

for the unkind and cruel as well as the saints

you know we are all capable of good and evil.

Help us Lord to pray this and every day

for our enemies, friends and the powerful

for do-gooders, downtrodden and tyrants

make us instruments of your loving peace today. Amen. 

Vows

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:27-37

Loving Creator you have placed us together

breathing life and constancy in every one

you call us to honor all responsibilities

and honestly commit to where we are called.

We often wander and make big promises

forgetting our people and going it alone

you will not stray but we often get lost

and think we don't need to seek your spirit.

You call us away from our selfish desires

turn us towards the ones you have given us

making reconciliation and forgiveness 

our primary work in this broken world.

Help us, Lord, to be ever faithful and true

let our lives reflect your love placed within

help us to nurture constancy in one another

so your loving truth might be witnessed among us. Amen.

Be Reconciled

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21-26

Great Creator, you gave us hearts to forgive

hands and voices to be raised in prayer

you call us to mend the broken circles

and promise you will be with us in our work.

We often foam with anger and in our trauma

governments and people wage war and destroy

yet we too have destroyed the bonds you made

tearing at the fabric of love with so much rage.

You reminded us to be reconciled with others

before we seek our your healing and renewal

yet we often want to be made whole again

when we have left broken bodies in our wake.

Help us to leave our gifts at the altar today

let us run with hope to those we have hurt

make us people who admit the wrongs we do

and offer love where we have planted only pain. Amen.

 

One Such Child

Orange Shirt Day is September 30

The Collect

 Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Old Testament Proverbs 31:10-31 

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. 

 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 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a 

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. 

The Gospel Mark 9:30-37 

Jesus and his disciples passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching

his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, you made every child good

you hung the stars to light their way at night

surrounded them with families and clans

calling us all to welcome every little one.

Help us, Lord, to make room for every child of God.

Your disciples didn't want to hear hard truths

we likewise would rather hide from horrors

yet in a world with so much beauty and potential

there is also great human greed and destruction.

Help us, Lord, to make room for every child of God.

You know us each by name and as beloved children

you love the fragile child in the old ones eyes

you see the vulnerable and the fearful everywhere

and you reach out your arms to embrace us all.

Help us, Lord, to make room for very child of God.

So many children have been abused and ignored

Help us Lord, to make room for every child of God.

So many are lost, abandoned and wandering

Help us, Lord, to make room for every child of God.

We are all your children, we are all aching for love

Help us, Lord, to make room for every child of God. Amen

Light of the World

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-16

Great Creator, you bring us light

we wonder as the sun sets in beauty

rejoice as the morning sun rises gently

and give you thanks for every new day.

Some days the tasks before us are routine

and some days we move reluctantly on

as what lies ahead is troubling and sad

a life full of great loss and loud mourning.

Yet you lived in the midst of human pain

and walked with the people loving everyone

you taught that even in our darkest hours

we can be your light of love for others.

Help us to be light where it is needed today

and help us not lose our flavor nor our hope

for you give us strength every morning

and wrap our sleeping in visions of hope. Amen.

Blessed

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10

Loving Creator, you are among the humble

you bless the meek and the mournful

the merciful and those that are pure in heart

calling them the children of the living God.

They came to you on the mountain side

seeking a blessing and some sign of hope

you knew their need and lifted them up

as you know our needs and lift us now.

We often stray seeking our own devices

quickly fail, cursing the darkness we create

yet you are among the fallen and broken

gathering up the pieces so none are lost.

Put us back together today for your sake

make us strong so that we might serve

help us to be  compassionate peacemakers 

and let your love shine through us today. Amen.

Walking by the Sea

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:18-25

Creator, you cover the earth with water

providing life and cleansing for all

beauty, mystery and intense power

all swept up in the rolling and crashing waves.

You called your first disciples from their nets

from their life of wind and waves and fishing

drawing them away from the salt and sand

to a life of misunderstood loving service.

The storms on our seas overwhelm us

we are drawn away from the center of our lives

to the shaken and stormy edges to serve

even in the gales you are there with us.

Calm us Lord and prepare us for service

plan you hope and love in our trembling hearts

help us to leave behind that which has bound us

and turn to you so that we might follow too. Amen.

God So Loved

Jesus said, “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.” John 3:11-17

Loving Creator you made us in diversity

blessing us with unique culture and lands

planting us deeply in the sacred places

calling us each by name and loving us all.

We have been divided from each other

thinking each of our ways are the best 

crushing those who we call strangers

not seeing our relations all around us.

Yet you loved us so much you sent Jesus

to a world broken by greed and poverty

to a world that still is so very broken

so that we might know and share love.

Let us be remade in the original image

marked only by fellowship and community

may are days be full of caring for others

a life full of renewed hope and possibility. Amen.

Tempted and Tried

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Matthew 4:1-11

Marvelous Creator, source of all life

you bring to harvests the seeds once sown

you grow us with wisdom and strength

your power and love are awesome and complete.

We humans ache for power and control

thinking we can do better than our elders

believing we understand the power given

we often abuse the ones we say we love.

You went on a holy quest to understand

to be tempted and tried, teased with power

yet you found that true power is in sacrifice

true love is when we give ourselves away.

Loving God, put your power in our hearts

make us those always ready to sacrifice

help us know true power in giving up

and true love in offering ourselves for others. Amen.

Sunday, September 12th, Proper 19

The Collect 

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

 Old Testament Jeremiah 23:1-6 

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD. The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.” 

 Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; * 

I shall not be in want. 

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *

 and leads me beside still waters. 

3 He revives my soul *

 and guides me along right pathways 

for his Name's sake. 

4 Though I walk through the valley 

of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * 

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me. 

5 You spread a table before me in the presence

 of those who trouble me; 

* you have anointed my head with oil, 

and my cup is running over. 

6 Surely your goodness and mercy 

shall follow me all the days of my life, * 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

The Epistle Ephesians 2:11-22 

Remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision” —a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

The Gospel Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

A Sunday Litany

Wondrous Creator who visited shepherds

you seek out the isolated and the weary

you provide the stars to guide us at night

and spread the tree branches for our shade.

Loving Shepherd, be our strength and guide.

We daily wander far  away like lost sheep

letting our bellies and greed lead the way

we weep and cry and wring out hands

our foolishness has brought us to this place.

Loving Shepherd, be our strength and guide.

The world we ache to see is out of our grasp

we are arrogant and fearful, stubborn and weak

we are swayed and distracted by fools and fashion

you wait patiently as we wander in all directions.

Loving Shepherd, be our strength and guide.

In these days when terror seems to reign supreme

Loving Savior, be our strength and guide.

In our hearts, where brokenness and shame reside

Loving Savior, be our strength and guide.

Your pasture awaits and you call us all home

Loving Savior, be our strength and guide. Amen.

20 Years On

A Prayer for the 20th Anniversary

 Loving Creator, your gather us in your arms

 comforting us and soothing the memories 

calling us to compassion and understanding

 to continued healing and more resilience. 

 We were broken then and are broken now

 then by such loss, trauma and terror 

we distrusted strangers and neighbors 

 as we likewise fear those with disease. 

We have sought to blame and punish

to crucify those who would cause us pain

yet we are often unwilling to look inward

to our own unkind and destructive behaviors.

 You are present, Lord, in our deepest sorrows,

 cradling us and rocking us with deep love 

hold us now until we are strong enough 

to carry your love to this broken world. Amen.

Crying in the Wilderness

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:1-12

Great Creator, you send us prophets

who still today call out in the wilderness

holy men and women who walk your ways

and who are here to remind us of your love.

We find ourselves stranded in the wilderness

yet we do not listen to their sacred words

the cry out for us to turn and seek you

to open our hearts to all nations and people.

The world is broken asunder by war

aching on the anniversaries of terrorism

voices call to us from the earth's four corners

to turn from selfishness and to your path.

Help us to shift our feet to the holy road

let love and compassion guide our every step

may we listen to the voices of reason and love

so that we might draw all to your loving arms. Amen.

Going to Nazareth

Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazarean.” Matthew

 2:13-23

Loving Creator who leads us all

from war torn places to safe valleys

from places of trauma to foreign safety

you lead us all back home as well.

The Christ child was carried to foreign lands

as the rulers anger struck and killed so many

his parents met with the challenges and barriers 

and yet you lead them to safety and safely home.

Our world is filled with divisions and traumas

greed and anger have obscured our journey

we need directions and signs to lead us on

you have always been a star and sign for all.

Help us today to call on you when we are lost

let us trust that the way is set before us now

help us to envision a new day dawning upon us

and help us to lead others to safety and home. Amen.

Following A Star

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12

Great Creator you guide us still

 our ancestors followed the stars

though we rely on modern inventions

you lead us on our way even now.

The wise men from the east came

because a star signaled greatness

they came to see and to witness

your love born into the world.

We are so caught up in gadgets

that we fail to see your miracles

so focused within and on screens

that we fail to look up to the stars.

Help us Lord today to follow you

make us look up and see your face

may we put aside our distractions

and focus on the world you truly love. Amen.

Terror and Amazement

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

Wondrous Creator you bring us new life

in every season and generation we see

your loving heart in the world around us

bringing new hope from tired bones.

Humanity crucified your gift to all

and we keep trying to ruin your gifts

yet time and time again you seek us

planting seeds of love and hope here.

We often forget you are working 

when death is destroying our faith

you are renewing and reinvigorating

even in the dark and broken places.

Help us to be the bearers of good news

let us spread hope where it has died

let us be beacons of light in darkness

and hands in the freedom of others. Amen.

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid. Mark 15:40-47 

O Creator of the stars of night

who fashioned the beauty we see

who breathes life in to each of us

bend down today to mend us all.

We have wandered far from your way

the path of compassion and truth

has been replaced with self and greed

and we have destroyed your gifts.

You were willing to live like us

and suffer such abuse and death

so we might know you love living

in the hearts of all people everywhere.

Help us Lord today to see your face

to witness your agony and suffering

in the people we meet on these streets

and help us to have hearts of love alone. Amen.

Sunday, September 5th -Proper 18

The Collect 

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 Old Testament Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all. Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail. Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them. 

Psalm 125  

1 Those who trust in the LORD 

are like Mount Zion, * 

which cannot be moved, 

but stands fast for ever. 

2 The hills stand about Jerusalem; * 

so does the LORD stand round about his people, 

from this time forth for evermore. 

3 The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway

 over the land allotted to the just, * 

so that the just shall not 

put their hands to evil. 

4 Show your goodness, O LORD, 

to those who are good * 

and to those who are true of heart. 

5 As for those who turn aside to crooked ways, 

the LORD will lead them away with the evildoers; * 

but peace be upon Israel. 

 

The Epistle James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17 

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.[ For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 

The Gospel Mark 7:24-37 

Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know

he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

A Litany for the First Sunday in September 2021

Loving Creator you sent your Son into our world

to heal and to draw everyone to your embrace

you send brother sun and sister moon for our bodies

and breathe your spirit for the welfare of our hearts.

Help us, Lord, to call on you in our every challenge.

A deaf man was brought by friends to you for healing

and you touched him and gave him back his voice.

A foreign woman used her voice for her child

and you honored her request with great joy.

Help is, Lord, to call on you in every challenge.

We have faced destruction and great loss this week

there are fires, earthquakes and wars on our globe.

We seek to find someone to blame and cry in anger

yet you call us, in our pain, to seek your face.

Help us, Lord, to call on you in every challenge.

In Haiti and Afghanistan people are torn asunder

Help us, Lord, to respond to the needs of others.

Across our land fires and storms destroy lives

Help us, Lord, to respond to the needs of others.

Help us to use our voices on behalf of the voiceless

Help us, Lord, to call on you in every challenge.

Creator, you love and mend all you have created

Help us, Lord, to call on you in every challenge. Amen.

Mocking

Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. Mark 15:22-32

Loving Creator who walks with us still

your touch is found in every season

your imprint is on every human being

and you ache for all of this creation.

They mocked you publicly as you suffered

we mock you still with our inattention

our lack of compassion mocks your suffering

and we are there in the crowd with the arrogant.

You did not reply to their childish ways

nor curse them or their children in your pain

instead you called out and you prayed

while we stand idly by and enjoy the drama.

Dear Savoir, change our hearts this day

make us feel the suffering and pain

let us reach out to the tortured and the mocked

making space for them and for our redemption. Amen.

Carrying the Cross

Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Mark 15:12-21

O great and loving Creator of all

you made us in these fragile bodies

knew us in our mothers' wombs

and breathe beside us every day.

The world is often cruel to you

and to the one's who follow you

for people do not understand at all

the love you planted in each heart.

They mocked you and beat you

tried to destroy the world's Savior

torturing, hoping you would lash out

expecting to win by sheer violence.

Help us to carry the cross each day

make love our beginning and end

turn us from pride to humility

so your love might conquer us all. Amen.