The world around us points us towards the divine. Creation itself in the Bible is said to testify to the reality of God. Humanity is said to be created in the image of God. Thus, every encounter we have with others holds within it the possibility to reveal God present. All of this defines reality as sacramental, meaning, reality itself points us towards the God who is beyond us, with us, and within us. In this new conversation series, “Sacramental Reality,” we will explore different rhythms that help us experience and see this.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story

SOAP Reflection | Rauna May

Message | The Sacrament of Presence

This week we explore the Sacrament of Presence through the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes and then being rejected by them found in John 6. The story shows us that sometimes we experience Jesus’ presence as hospitality, something that invites us to follow. Sometimes we experience Jesus’ presence as hostility, something that drives us away. And sometimes we sit in that tension knowing that the promise of Jesus’ presence is all that we have.

Formational Learning:

As we explored the Sacrament of Presence, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

What is the difference between experiencing presence as hospitality and experiencing presence as hostility?

(Heart)

How have you experienced Jesus' presence in community? What amplified the experience, and what hindered it?

One of the primary ways that we experience the presence of Jesus today is through the body of Christ, the community of followers of Jesus known as the Church. How have you experienced the presence of Jesus as hospitality? How have you experienced the presence of Jesus as hostility?

(Hands)

How can we practice the Sacrament (extra grace) of Presence within our community and the world around us?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.