Hospitality Breeds Community

Picture by Belle Co

Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

**Please note this service is based on the format of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. Unless otherwise indicated, all prayers come from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW). Hymns and other prayers have been sourced to give appropriate credit.

**NRSV translation used for the readings, unless otherwise stated.

Introduction to the day

Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at Christ’s banquet table. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still.

Gathering Song – Gather Us In (ELW #532)

            Listen Here

Greeting

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray.

O God, you resist those who are proud and give grace to those who are humble. Give us the humility of your Son, that we may embody the generosity of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Readings

A reading from the Book of Jeremiah. (2:4-13)

Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord:
 What wrong did your ancestors find in me
  that they went far from me,
 and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?
 They did not say, “Where is the Lord
  who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
 who led us in the wilderness,
  in a land of deserts and pits,
 in a land of drought and deep darkness,
  in a land that no one passes through,
  where no one lives?”
 I brought you into a plentiful land
  to eat its fruits and its good things.
 But when you entered you defiled my land,
  and made my heritage an abomination.
 The priests did not say, “Where is the Lord?”
  Those who handle the law did not know me;
 the rulers transgressed against me;
  the prophets prophesied by Baal,
  and went after things that do not profit.

 Therefore once more I accuse you,
 says the Lord,
  and I accuse your children’s children.
 Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
  send to Kedar and examine with care;
  see if there has ever been such a thing.
 Has a nation changed its gods,
  even though they are no gods?
 But my people have changed their glory
  for something that does not profit.
 Be appalled, O heavens, at this,
  be shocked, be utterly desolate,
 says the Lord,
 for my people have committed two evils:
  they have forsaken me,
 the fountain of living water,
  and dug out cisterns for themselves,
 cracked cisterns
  that can hold no water. 

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 81:1, 10-16

                Listen Here

 Sing with joy to God our strength
  and raise a loud shout to the God of Jacob.
 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
  Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
 Yet my people did not hear my voice,
  and Israel would not obey me.
 So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their hearts,
  to follow their own devices.
 Oh, that my people would listen to me,
  that Israel would walk in my ways!
 I would quickly subdue their enemies
  and turn my hand against their foes.
 Those who hate the Lord would cringe in fear,
  and their punishment would last forever.
 But I would feed you with the finest wheat
  and satisfy you with honey from the rock.”

A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Hebrews (13:1-8, 15-16)

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence,
 “The Lord is my helper;
  I will not be afraid.
 What can anyone do to me?”
 Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

The Holy Gospel according to Luke. (14:1, 7-14)

Glory to you, O Lord.

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

May our eyes see, our ears hear, and your words be written on our hearts. Amen.

 

Community is an essential part of the human experience. We aren’t meant to be alone all the time. Connecting as part of a community is important to our mental well-being. Even the most introverted of persons needs some sort of human contact, some sort of human support system.

 

Being part of an engaging community gives us a sense of belonging. It enables us to share personal relatedness and support perpetual growth of each other, ourselves, and our environment.

 

A community can be anything from a physical place where geographically people connect, or via a virtual space such as social media groups or private community platforms.

 

Being part of a shared space, whether physical or virtual, gives people the chance to be inspired, solve problems, share humour, vent their frustrations and share their achievements.

 

Belonging to a group or community we can identify with helps us develop a stronger sense of personal and collective identity. It can also give a boost to our self-esteem and to our willingness to take on the world and make our dreams happen. But the importance of community goes beyond that.

 

Since we’re inherently sociable beings, feeling disconnected from others can deeply affect our self perception and emotional health.

 

According to an article on happiness.com, some studies have linked the emotional strain of loneliness caused by social isolation to physical illness, including sleep disorders, heart disease and a weakened immune system. A Public Health study done in Canada even ranked social isolation as a higher risk factor for premature death.

 

When people feel disconnected from their community, it is detrimental to their mental and physical health.

 

Over the last couple of years, when children have not been able to go to school, you could see the decline in their mental and physical health. Without interaction with their community, they turned in on themselves, forgot how to act around others, grieved the loss of being with friends and teachers…You could see the weight on their shoulders.

 

Now, my two kids, they are going into new schools this year. It is very likely that neither of them will have friends going to the same school as them. And for the first time, neither of them is looking forward to school starting. Anxiety is high as they realize their community support is gone. They are scared that they won’t be accepted by their new communities.

 

When people feel disconnected from their faith community, it is detrimental to their spiritual health.

 

We, as a church, have a unique role in that we are a community that has history, that is multigenerational, that has no entrance requirements, and that (in theory) has an open-door policy, meaning everyone is allowed in.

 

The church is the epitome of community. Or, at least, it could be.

 

In Paul’s epistles, one of the themes that is worked over and over again is that of incorporation into the Body of Christ. People who are isolated, separate, and alone are called into the life of a new community.

 

Paul describes that reality in his letter to the Galatians by saying that for those who are clothed in Christ there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. It’s a beautiful picture!

 

But in life, we know that those distinctions do exist! We know that in the church of Galatia they most certainly existed. Why else would Paul have written this, if there were not struggles related to the status of Jew, Greek, slave, free, male and female?

 

Those distinctions also exist within our church. Not literally Jew and Greek. But most certainly the “in” and the “not so in.”

 

Perhaps not slave and free. But certainly, those with power and those without power.

 

And who would deny that there are distinctions between male and female, gay and straight, rich or poor, indigenous and non-indigenous. Those distinctions most certainly exist and testify to the measure to which we fall short of the standard of what Paul says it means to be clothed with Christ.

 

Our seating plans are not aligned to those of the kingdom as described in today’s Gospel lesson. We have a lot of work to do.

 

As we come out of this pandemic, we are witness to the decline in attendance. People have gotten out of the habit of coming to church, enjoying being able to either watch in their pyjamas, coffee in hand, or watching a recording at a time that is more convenient than 10am on Sunday.

 

That said, some churches are experiencing a surge of new people coming in the doors of the physical building. These folks are looking for church and its community; they are wanting the kind of connection that has been missing during the past two years.

 

So how to ensure that these new people are welcomed into our community? While still honouring those who have been here a long time?

 

According to Jesus, it’s all about hospitality.

 

During my postulancy (a training period while working to become an Anglican priest), I spent a year visiting various churches around the city. My goal was to quietly sneak in, observe worship and preaching, take notes of what I liked and didn’t like about it all, and quietly sneak back out again.

 

What I found interesting was the rarity at which I was approached. I was a stranger to these churches. I wasn’t a face seen in the pews each week. And yet, it was a rare occasion when someone greeted me.

 

I was quite surprised, but perhaps I was spoiled by coming from a parish whose greeters knew every parishioner and when someone new arrived, they were given a handshake and asked what brought them there, and then directed as to how to follow along with the bulletin during worship.

 

The church can be a great source of community, a community of mutual love. This mutual love is the foundation of doing good and sharing what you have.

 

This mutual love is the foundation of being in relationship with God, and with each other.

 

Our ministry of community stems from worship and fellowship.

 

So, on a Sunday morning, know who the strangers in your building are. Greet them, make them feel welcome. Show them how to read the bulletin – never assume someone “knows how to worship”, for lack of a better phrase.

 

As leaders in our church, we are tasked with making the space inclusive and welcoming – in words and in actions. It is not our job to gate keep or to guard the pews.

 

We do not get to decide who is allowed to be part of the community and who is to be kept outside.

 

Christ’s table is open to everyone. Our job to is make more room at the table, and to ensure that we are making room for all, not a select few.

 

Hospitality breeds community. Community creates relationship, fellowship, and growth. But the main goal of our hospitality can’t be to earn a high rate of return. We aren’t creating community in order to get something in return.

 

We are creating a loving community in order to follow in the loving footsteps of Jesus Christ.

 

Making room for the stranger may upset the balance of the church, but opening the doors of the church is not meant to be a threatening situation.

 

Making room for the stranger reaffirms the humanity of all persons. Our humanity is not based upon the ability to walk upright on two legs, or on our intelligence quotient, or on our capacity for knowledge.

 

What it means to be human is shaped by our understanding of the importance of the community and the affirmation that we are all created in the image of God. Each of us springs forth from the imagination of God regardless of who we are.

 

Hospitality. Community. Relationship. Mutual love.

 

In Hebrews, Paul reminds us of what a Christian community was meant to be: a community which expressed and shared love and in that context praised God, because God is a God who reaches out in love and compassion.

So don’t turn the stranger away. Instead, bring them home.

Amen.

Hymn of the Day – Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834)

            Listen Here

Apostles’ Creed

Let us declare the faith of our baptism as we say together the Apostles’ creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in prayer.

silence

For the church and its leaders, we pray. Uphold all deacons, pastors, and bishops who serve and teach your people. We pray for the National Lutheran Bishop Susan Johnson, the Anglican Primate Linda Nicholls, the Interim Indigenous Archbishop Sidney Black, the MNO Synod Bishop Jason Zinko, the Diocese of Rupert’s Land Bishop Geoff Woodcroft, and all clergy and lay leaders within the IRSM. Awaken in your church a spirit of invitation that reaches ever outward.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For the well-being of creation and its inhabitants, we pray. Stir in us reverent awe for the beauty of the natural world, for oceans and lakes, rivers and streams, forests and deserts.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For the nations and peoples of the world, we pray. Sustain the efforts of those who pursue justice and equity for all. Defend and accompany all immigrants and refugees and all who are persecuted for their ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, we pray. Be present with those who live in isolation or fear, especially those who are incarcerated or detained. Comfort all who are sick or grieving.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For this congregation and its ministries, we pray. Prepare children, teachers, and youth ministry directors for a new year of learning. Embolden our witness to invite others to the table.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For all the saints who confessed God’s name, especially Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, and Moses the Black, we give thanks. May we cling to the promise of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom.

Amen.

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Offering Hymn – Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (ELW #836)

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Offering Prayer

Let us pray.

God of abundance, you have set before us a plentiful harvest. As we feast on your goodness, strengthen us to labor in your field, and equip us to bear fruit for the good of all, in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Dialogue

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Preface

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,

through our Savior Jesus Christ;

who on this day overcame death and the grave,

and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.

And so, with all the choirs of angels,

with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, Holy, Holy

            Listen Here

Thanksgiving at the Table

Holy God,

our Maker, Redeemer, and Healer,

in the harmonious world of your creation,

the plants and animals,

the seas and stars

were whole and well in your praise.

When sin had scarred the world,

you sent your Son to heal our ills

and to form us again into one.

In the night in which he was betrayed,

our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Remembering, therefore,

his acts of healing,

his body given up,

and his victory over death,

we await that day when all the peoples of the earth

will come to the river to enjoy the tree of life.

Send your Spirit upon us and this meal:

as grains scattered on the hillside become one bread,

so let your Church be gathered from the ends of the earth,

that all may be fed with the Bread of life, your Son.

Through him all glory and honor is yours,

Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,

in your holy Church,

both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

Invitation to Communion

This is the table of Christ. It is made ready for those who love him, and for those who want to love him more. Come, whether you have much faith or little, have tried to follow, or are afraid that you have failed. Come. Because it is Christ's will that those who want to meet him, might meet him here.

In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy.

Come to the banquet.

Sharing of the Eucharist

Table Blessing

The body and blood of our Lord

Jesus Christ strengthen you

and keep you in his grace.

Amen.

Prayer After Communion

As we have feasted around the table, let us pray.

Life-giving God, through this meal you have bandaged our wounds and fed us with your mercy. Now send us forth to live for others, both friend and stranger, that all may come to know your love. This we pray in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Blessing

The God of peace,

Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,

bless you, comfort you,

and show you the path of life

this day and always.

Amen.

Sending Song – Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing (ELW #545)

            Listen Here

Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve your neighbor.

Thanks be to God.