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Present in a Broken World | Setting the Table pt. 4

The Call to Worship

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.

Brave Space by Micky Scott Bey Jones

Together we will create brave space

Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”

We exist in the real world

We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.

In this space

We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,

We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,

We call each other to more truth and love

We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.

We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know.

We will not be perfect.

This space will not be perfect.

It will not always be what we wish it to be

But

It will be our brave space together,

And, we will work on it side by side.

The Message

Conversation Series | Setting the Table

When thinking about setting a table, we each have our own vision of what this looks like; sometimes it’s a mother calling that dinner will be ready soon, maybe it’s a pint with a friend, or perhaps it’s a simple lone place setting with your favorite show. Whatever the case, there is usually a common factor: this table is closed and comfortable. Yet, when we look at Jesus in the gospel narratives, the table becomes a dynamic place of inclusion, celebration, and even confronting systems of injustice. Regardless of where we find ourselves, we create space, show up, and embrace the possibility of the moment. Our table becomes open and uncomfortable. In this conversation series, Setting the Table, we explore Jesus’ life around the table. BYOB

Message | Present in a Broken World

This week Carl and Glenn jump into a round table conversation about what it means to show up like Jesus in the world around us.

The Eucharist Litany (Reader portion written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table

The table of communion and relationship, where through the work of Christ and the power the Holy Spirit as we feast together on this single loaf and single cup, we are brought into union with the Triune God.

This is Christ's table

The table of shared human life, where no one is excluded and no one unwelcome, where unity is found in difference, where the other is embraced and seen.

This is Christ's table

The table of mystery, where this food nourishes more than just our physical hunger.

This is Christ's table

The table of thanksgiving and joy, where we lift up our lives in response to God's outrageous goodness.

This is Christ's table

The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

Come Holy Spirit and transform these gifts into the means of grace that we need in this moment.

The gifts of god for the people of God.

Run to Christ's table.

All: “We consume the broken body of Christ

becoming the broken body of Christ

present in a broken world.”

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as we walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

When Jesus accepts Levi's invitation to the table a mutual reconciliation takes place. How does being present and holding space with others help move us towards repentance and reconciliation? 

What changes when we let go of controlling a situation and enter into reciprocal relationships?

(Heart)

The Pharisees question why Jesus invested his time with “sinners” and shunned holy people. In what ways are we more like Scribes and Pharisees than Jesus?

(Hands)

How do we show up like Jesus at the tables where others invite us to share space? 

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in 1 John 4:11-21.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing down what emerges for you.

      (Head) What do I think about what I read?

      (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

      (Hands) What do I do to respond?

  • One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

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.