Shortened Great Thanksgiving Inspired by Acts 8:26-40

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right and a good and joyful thing. Therefore, Almighty God, with thankful hearts we praise you for the amazing love, grace, and forgiveness you gave to us through Jesus Christ. We thank you that you are every working to expand your Church.

We look towards that day when people from every corner of the Earth will flow toward your holy mountain. Where there is no East or West, where all are one in Christ Jesus.

And so we recount your story and remember the love that poured out from you - how your love has always been present and active in the world and manifest itself in Jesus, our Savior. How through the incarnation and resurrection, love became available to all.

And so we remember, on the night before he was betrayed and killed by the state, he was gathered together with his disciples at a table like this, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples and said:

"Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me."

When the supper was over, he took the cup, blessed it, gave it to his disciples and said:

"Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the New Covenant, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

God’s love is present at this table - God’s love offered to you, God’s love offered to me, God’s love offered to all. Unconditional, unending, ever-present, ever reaching love. And so we pray:

Holy, Loving God, pour out your Spirit on us gathered here,
And on these gifts of bread and juice.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ
That we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed and reconciling.

Through your Son Jesus Christ,
With the Holy Spirit in your holy church,
All honor and glory is yours, almighty God,
Now and forever, Amen.

Call to Worship inspired by Acts 8:26-40

L: Come, let us gather together!
P: I belong here.
L: Come, let us hear the story of Jesus!
P: This story is for me.
L: Come, let us recount his death and resurrection.
P: I am loved.
L: Come, let us live lives that share the joy of our Lord.
P: So that all may say: I belong. This is for me. I am loved.
All: Alleluia and Amen!

Call to Worship for Easter 3 Year B, Luke 36b-48

L: We are witnesses,
P: That the Messiah suffered and died and rose again on the third day.
L: We are witnesses,
P: to God’s love, poured out for us and for all.
L: We are witnesses,
P: sharing God’s love with all we meet.
L: We are witnesses,
P: to the hunger of our neighbors, the cries for justice in our streets.
L: We are witnesses.
P: Our lives and actions proclaim the goodness of our God.
L: Through our witness, may all experience the Risen Lord.
All: Alleluia! Amen!

Prayer for Baptism of the Lord Sunday following Attempted Coup

Siblings in Christ,

We have just responded to the word of God by reaffirming our baptisms and the vows we have made there within.

We would be remiss during this time of prayer to not reflect on how our baptismal vows, our calling as children of God, and recent world events coincide.

Bishop Easterling released a statement that was endorsed by The United Methodist Church Council of Bishops. I would like to read you part of his statement:

“It is tempting to call for peace, for order and unity. And while we do need to reclaim the peace, we can only do so while speaking the truth of today's horror. It is time to name our reality, to name the deep divisions and hatred being played out in the Senate chamber and throughout the People's House. It is another watershed moment; a time to raise our voices to heaven and take stock of who we, as Americans, have become.

This alarming occupation and violence at the U.S. Capitol are symptomatic of the vitriol and poison that now infects our culture. It disheartens. The rioters who climbed the steps and walls of the Capitol sought to overturn the law, a fair election, and justice, and claimed their motivation was to defend God and their freedoms. They waved banners emblazoned with the words, "Jesus Saves," but this is not what Emmanuel came to earth to embody. This is a perversion of the Gospel. This should drive all of us to our knees.”

As the Bishop said, this should drive us all to our knees. And so at this time, let us pray.

As we pray I will say, “God of our Baptism” and together we will respond, “Help us live as your children.”

Lord, today we do renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of our sin.

We name them now before you:
We renounce the pervasive power of sin: that which separates us from perfect love of God and neighbor: Lies, prejudice, envy, greed.
We reject that deep seated and pervasive and desperate desire for power that infects us all. A desire to keep power which breeds corruption and violence - of which we saw the deadly effects of yesterday.
We repent of all of this. We recognize that which is within us and we pray Lord, root it out. Wash us clean with your baptismal waters.

L: God of our Baptism,
P: Help us live as your children.

Lord, truly help us to accept the freedom and power you give us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.
May we start by naming them for what they are: white supremacy, racism, xenophobia, bigotry, violence.
There is much evil. And there is much confusing evil and good. Our world can get us all turned around thinking up is down and down is up. Help us center ourselves on you, Lord. Give us the freedom to see clearly that which is good: You and loving our neighbor and that which is Evil: violence, power struggles, war. Empower us to resist. Empower us to repent. Empower us to recognize when we need to turn around, and return to you.

L: God of our Baptism,
P: Help us live as your children.

Lord, may we place our whole lives in your grace. May our actions and our words reflect your goodness. May we bring glory to you in all we do and profess. Through us may all the people, people of all ages, nations, and races, know the love and goodness of Christ.

L: God of our Baptism,
P: Help us live as your children.

God, you are good. May we ever thank you for all you’ve given us and for the gift of baptism: that you adopt us as children and if children then heirs together with Christ. We lift up our thanksgivings before you, awash in the waters of baptism.

L: God of our Baptism,
P: Help us live as your children.

Redeemer, you know our hearts. Break them open for what breaks your heart. May we be instruments of your love and peace. It is with open hearts and open hands that we hand over to you in prayer those whom we love; those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit; those who are dying, the mourning, the dead. Be with all in need of your grace and mercy.

L: God of our Baptism,
P: Help us live as your children.

We are your children, you, our good and faithful parent who hears our prayers. And so now, let us pray with the confidence of children of God, the prayer that Jesus taught us.

Our Father...

"Soon." Christmas Eve Sermon, 2020

Christmas Eve Sermon, 2020

Luke 2:1-20

“Soon.”

Preached Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Vermilion Grace United Methodist Church via FB Live

As members of my congregation know, I have just barely returned from maternity leave. I gave birth to my first child, Agnes, on September 11. I knew when I was pregnant that I would be returning to work, the church, just before Christmas. And within the first week of my leave, as I reflected on my experience in labor, I actually wrote this sermon - not yet on paper, but in my head, knowing that I would be sharing these thoughts on Christmas Eve. So a content warning, I will be referencing childbirth and labor but only in the literal sense for the introduction of my sermon. 

See, during my labor and the days and weeks that followed I could only pray one word prayers. Christian writer Anne Lammott says that there are really only three types of prayers and they can be summed up in one word each: Help, Thanks, and Wow. And I have found this to be infinitely true.

Lately I have been praying a lot of help prayers. In fact every night I pray a "help" prayer. The prayer is just one word over and over "sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep." And since I'm talking to God I do throw in a couple of pleases. "Please Lord, let us all just sleep. Sleep sleep sleep sleep please."

But there have also been plenty of wows and plenty of thanks.

So much can be said with a wow or a thank you.

Deep appreciation for one's body and what it's been through. Gratitude for community that surrounds you with love. Appreciation for the beauty of nature, whether that be in a newborn's face or the fresh fallen snow.

But the one word prayer that I want to focus on this evening is the prayer "Soon."

Soon. Soon. Soon.

When I was in the throes of labor this is all I could think. All I could pray, in my head or outloud.

Soon. Soon. Soon.

As the pain of birth and labor intensified. I prayed soon. Soon. Soon.

I could only think the word "soon." But there was so much intensity of emotion and thought behind it.

Let this pain be over soon.

Let me meet my baby soon.

Let all be well and healthy SOON.

Soon. Soon. Soon.

The Christian tradition of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas where we prepare for Christ's birth, are rife with labor metaphors and not just because of Mary's pregnancy.

I wonder if Mary prayed the one word prayer of soon:

Let this long journey on camel be over soon.

Let us find a place to stay soon.

Let this child come soon.

Let God do this new thing through me soon.

Soon. Soon. Soon.

Advent is, in a way, us praying a one word pray over and over to God: Soon. Soon. Soon.

Let Christmas be here soon.

Let these dark nights and short days end soon.

Let the world be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love soon.

May we experience Christ's presence with us soon.

Soon. Soon. Soon.

In Advent we wait.

We wait for the celebration of Christ's birth. An event that happened in the past.

We wait for Christmas morning, for gifts and laughter and joy.

And Advent isn't just about Christ's birth, it's about his return. So we wait. We wait for that day where Emmanuel, God With Us, will truly come and dwell among us again, bringing the Kingdom of God to fruition here on Earth.

Our Advent prayers are:

Soon - remind us of the wonder and love of God.

Soon - let us once again experience the magic of Christmas day.

Soon - come into our lives and world once again, Jesus. Redeem us. Redeem all of creation. Make us whole.

Soon. Soon. Soon.

All the earth is crying out in the labor pains of Christmas, awaiting Jesus's second coming. This Christmas, may we recognize the twangs of pain for what they are.

Where there is violence and war may we hear all of creation crying out - bring us peace, Lord! Soon!

Where there is disease may we hear all of creation crying out - bring us healing, bring us hope - Soon, Lord, soon!

Where there is pollution and devastation, eroded coastlines, failed crops - may we hear all the earth crying out - Soon, Lord! Make us whole!

Where there is oppression. Where there is hunger. Where there is isolation. Wherever there are pains in this world may we begin to hear them as all of creation crying out to God: Soon! Soon! Soon!

Soon! End our pain. Soon! Give birth to a new thing. Soon! Let God's Kingdom reign.

Christmas is a reminder that the day of "soon" has already come - God was born into this world in the form of a newborn baby. God is with us. We are never alone.

Christmas is a reminder that soon can come right now. What new thing is God doing in you this Christmas? Where is God calling you to birth peace, hope, joy, and love into this world, this Christmas?

And Christmas is a reminder that soon is yet to come. And we set our eyes on that day. That the final soon has not yet arrived but God promised that it would. That the work that God begun through Jesus will be completed. That one day, God will descend to us again. That one day God will redeem all creation, birthing a new heaven and a new earth where all will be at perfect peace and perfect love. A Kingdom that will know no end, no death, no tears. A Kingdom that will be filled with the power of the resurrection of Easter and the wonder and love of Christmas Day.

And so this Christmas, with all of creation, we pray: Soon. Soon. Soon.

Amen.

Christmas Confession (Based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

Christmas Confession (Based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

Forgive us, Lord, for when we get so caught up in the darkness that we forget to look at the light.
Forgive us for all the time we spend in the valley:
Fighting amongst ourselves
Focusing on worldly success
Just going day to day without rest, praise, or pray.
Forgive us for when we fail to ease the burden of our neighbors. Forgive us still for when we add to it.
Forgive us Lord. Help us repent. Turn our hearts toward you and our eyes towards the sky.
May we see light shining in the darkness. May you increase our joy. May you rescue the oppressed. May you empower all to live into the light and joy of Christmas.
Until that day when there is endless peace and Christ reigns with justice and righteousness, guide our steps ever toward Bethlehem that we may be filled with wonder and love at the sight of Christ the newborn King.
Amen.

L: Hear the Good News! Christ came into this world, God incarnate, in flesh, while we were yet sinners, This proves God’s love towards us. In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
P: In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
All: Glory to God. Amen.

Christmas Eve Advent Wreath/Candle Lighting Liturgy

Christmas Eve Advent Wreath/Candle Lighting Liturgy

L: Through the darkest nights of the year we have prayed:
P: Come, Lord Jesus.
L: In a world where all can seem lost, we have looked toward this night for hope.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, Bringer of Hope.

*lights candle of hope*

L: Our eyes and ears are bombarded with war, violence, disruption, but at the manger there is peace.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace.

*lights candle of peace*

L: In what is sold as a season of merriment, we know that hardship and grief abound. May we not lose sight of our joy in you.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, Child of Joy.

*lights candle of joy*

L: Our hearts ache to reach out and touch each other, for kindness to spread like warmth, we long for the fundamental need of all humanity: to love and be loved.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, Lover of our Souls.

*lights candle of love*

L: Too long we have walked in the darkness...but on Christmas, 2000 years ago and Christmas today, tonight, a Light has entered the world and the darkness cannot overcome it.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

*lights Christ candle*

L: Christmas is here. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are here!
P: Jesus is here, Bethlehem's matchless child!
L: Christmas is here! All the world rejoices!
All: Christmas is here! Let us worship Christ the King!