Get Up, Get Dressed, and Go!

Scripture Readings for Sunday Sept. 6, 2020

Romans 13: 8-14; Matthew 18: 12-20

 Reflection:  There’s no avoiding it - conflict is a reality in nearly every aspect of life – be it at work, in relationships – even in the Church.  Can I get an amen? (Go ahead – it’s okay – there’s no sense in denying it!)  The key is not to pretend that conflict doesn’t exist – but to own it – and work through it openly, honestly, prayerfully, humbly…and most importantly, lovingly.

 Let’s talk about the kind of love it takes to work through our conflicts in a way that helps us grow stronger in faith while modelling for the world a different way of living – and loving.

 I look forward to our worship together this week, either at 9 AM in Taylor Hall or 11 AM in the Sanctuary.  Wherever 2 or 3 are gathered, there Jesus is in our midst!

 And a most blessed Labor Day* weekend to us all!

Peace,

Pastor Mark

 Office Hours for next week: T: 3-5; W: 1-3; F: 10-12.

 *Labor Day Prayer (author unknown)

 On this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, loving Father, we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labor—in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and in family living. We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name. We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere. May those who are now retired always remember that we still make a valuable contribution to our Church and our world by our prayers and deeds of charity. May our working and our resting all give praise to you until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed in your Kingdom as you live and reign Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

 Prayers and Questions for Reflection from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion Vol A-2:

 Has there been a time in your congregation’s life or in your own life when conflict or an offense caused breaks in relationship? How might this reading from Matthew have helped that situation? How does the commandment to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves inform our handling of disagreement and division?

 Household Prayer: Morning

Good morning, God.  Thank you for the invitation to live faithfully today, walking in your paths, loving my neighbor.  The day is new, unmarred by missteps or words misspoken, so I pause in this newness to remember your commandments and to delight in them. Help me to follow you all through this day. Keep my feet from stumbling or wandering down other trails so that I honor you and others in word and deed. In Christ I pray. Amen.

 Household Prayer: Evening

Loving God, as I have put on Christ in my words and deeds today, now let me rest in Christ’s light and presence as the evening comes.  Awake or asleep, you watch over me, and I am grateful you love me so.  I turn my whole heart to you in love, and my heart is full of love and care for my family and friends and for all those whom you have made my neighbor.  In the quiet hours of sleep, mend in me whatever is unresolved from the day now past, and wake me with the morning light, and with your grace yet again. Amen.