Welcome

This is the Lord’s house. The Lord is here to welcome all who have come. Let us join in the spirit of love and peace for all who worship the Creator of us all.

Preparation for Worship

Lord, quiet the distractions within us and around us as we gather in Your presence. Open our hearts to Your Word, fill our minds with Your truth and lead us to worship You with sincerity and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Ventures

Give thanks for Jesus’ parables — simple, illustrative stories that reveal God’s word, demonstrate how to be a faithful disciple, and explain what it means to love and serve our neighbors in need. Ask God to be gracious, forgiving and patient, especially when we are puzzled, doubtful, defensive and full of questions.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In the reading from Ezekiel the people claim the ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers repentance and new life. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.

A Quote From Fr. Richard Rohr

You are created in the image of God from the very beginning. This is the basis for God’s justice: Since everyone is made in the image of God, then we need to recognize, honor, and respect the image of God in everyone.
No exceptions.