October 3, 2021

Lighting of the Christ Candle and Acknowledgement of Territory

As we light the Christ candle, reminding us that we gather in God's presence, we acknowledge that we do so on the unceded and traditional territory of the Secwepemc nation. We do this to show respect, to educate ourselves and one another and to combat past and present injustices. May our gathering in God's presence illuminate truth and make us agents of reconciliation everywhere we go.

Announcements

1. Kurios - welcome Steve & Kurios crew! - video intro!

2. Learning opportunities coming up - including the Webinars & Small Groups

3. Missions Committee - next 4 Sundays will be highlighting Impact Ministries

Pass things over to Ron for the Call to Worship

Communion

Table as a place where all four "movements" happen, too... God gets our attention, we find ourselves on holy ground, God sees us, we are sent out and accompanied!

World Communion Sunday - mindful that we always come to this table in a particular moment, place, context, etc. But also that we discover we are at a Table - and are being woven into a Story that spans centuries and continents.

The apostle Paul tells us of the institution of the Lord’s Supper:

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

And the Table Will Be Wide A Blessing for World Communion Sunday

And the table will be wide. And the welcome will be wide. And the arms will open wide to gather us in. And our hearts will open wide to receive.

And we will come as children who trust there is enough. And we will come unhindered and free. And our aching will be met with bread. And our sorrow will be met with wine.

And we will open our hands to the feast without shame. And we will turn toward each other without fear. And we will give up our appetite for despair. And we will taste and know of delight.

And we will become bread for a hungering world. And we will become drink for those who thirst. And the blessed will become the blessing. And everywhere will be the feast.

– Jan Richardson

Servers, please come.