GATHERING MUSIC – “When There’s Trust In the Room”

CALL TO WORSHIP

Yajenlemla

Grace to you and peace
from God, our Creator,
the love at our beginning
and without end,
in our midst and with us

God is with us,
here we find new life

Let us give thanks
for the coming of God’s reign of justice and love.

Jesus Christ is good news for the poor,
release for the captives,
recovery of sight for the blind
and liberty for those who are oppressed.

PRAYER

Jesse Dicken

May God be with you
And also with you
Let us pray:

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus the Christ: Look with compassion on the human family and on your whole creation; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONG – “A Place at the Table”

words by Sheila Murray, music by Brian Mann

For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing
for everyone born, a star overhead,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!

SCRIPTURE – Mark 12:38-44

Felistas Mahachi

38 As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

MESSAGE – “The Widow’s Might”

Dr. J. Terry Todd

WINTER ITEMS PRESENTATION

Leah Wandera

HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Thanksgiving

Leader: God is with us!
People: We are with God!
Leader: Lift up your hearts!
People: We lift them to the Source.
Leader: Let us give thanks to our Creator God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Leader: We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready your creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; rock, fire, and every living thing.
You made us creators in your image and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, wandered far away, and used your gifts for evil. And yet, as a parent cares for their children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in your light and the fullness of your love.
So on this day we join with all the Earth and heavens in a chorus of praise that rings throughout eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we say:

Singing: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord…

Holy of Holies, remembering our oneness with all that exists and all that has life, it is a joyful thing to be in your presence with each other, with this land, and with all creation.

It is a miracle that we and this whole world are here, made by the Light of all lights, formed from stars that lived, died, and poured forth the elements – hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, iron, gold, and more. Born of the sea and walking on earth, we are miracles, shaped by the forces of life, kin with all beings.
This meal of abundance we are about to share is also a miracle – a gift of earth, water, wind, and fire, and of seeds buried in the earth and cracked open. This bread and this wine, with their many meanings, are gifts of life to the living.
Living among us, Jesus went alone upon the mountain to pray. He loved us, broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world into the heart of God — but we have not heeded his call to walk in love.

When the time came to complete the offering of his life upon the cross, Jesus was at supper with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, O God, broke it, offered it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, offered to heal you and the whole world. Whenever you eat it, remember this.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again he gave thanks to you, offered it to his friends, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new covenant– a promise of eternal love poured out for you and for all beings. Whenever you drink it, remember this.”

Now gathered at your table, remembering that we are one with you and with all creation, we offer to you from your own Earth these gifts of the land, this bread and wine, and our own bodies — our own living sacrifice.

Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ. Fill us with your Breath, O God, opening our eyes and renewing us in your love. Send your Spirit over this land and over the whole Earth, making everything a new creation.

In the fullness of time bring us, with this good Earth and with all your creatures from every people and tribe and faith and language and nation and species, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all light and life and love are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Now together we pray:
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Source of all that is and ever shall be,
Your name be sung with joy!
Your peace, your justice, your mercy come on earth. With the food we need for today, feed us.
For the hurt we cause, forgive us.
As we lose the way, restore us.
When we are overcome by evil, transform us,
For you are the way, and the truth, and the life, now and forever. Amen.
These are gifts of God for all the creatures of God. Remember that Christ came to renew us and the whole world. Feed on him in your hearts and bodies and minds that you may be made new and sent forth in love to heal the world.

SONG

BLESSING

Dr. Todd

SENDING FORTH SONG

Walk in the light, beautiful light,
come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.
Oh shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus is, Jesus is the light of the world;