Co-Creating with the Land | This Land pt. 3

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Blessing of the Land*

God of the Universe,
you made the heavens and the earth,
so we do not call our home merely “planet earth.”
We call it your creation, a divine mystery,
a gift from your most blessed hand.
The world itself is your miracle.
Bread and vegetables from earth are thus also from heaven.
Help us to see in our daily bread your presence.

Upon this [land]
may your stars rain down their blessed dust.
May you send rain and sunshine upon our garden and us.
Grant us the humility to touch the humus,
that we might become more human,
that we might mend our rift from your creation,
that we might then know the sacredness of the gift of life,
that we might truly experience life from your hand.
For you planted humanity in a garden
and began our resurrection in a garden.
Our blessed memory and hope lie in a garden.

*Claiborne, Shane; Wilson-Hartgrove, Jonathan; Okoro, Enuma. Common Prayer Pocket Edition (pp. 561-562). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | This Land

In this conversation series, This Land, we will explore Land as a character in the Bible and the ways that the Land speaks and guides us as a witness to God and justice.

Message | Co-Creating with the Land

Our inherited categories of land and culture are often seen as natural and drawn out of an objective view of our world. This Week, Glenn will help us trace the way the Bible constructs a view of land, which allows it to become a guide for us.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What changes when we create space for the land to critique our actions? What does that critique look like for you?

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

Saying that we construct and the Bible constructs a way of living means it wasn’t just revealed from heaven; it was built up from the ground. What did you feel when you heard spirituality framed as construction? Was it experienced as a promise or a threat?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

Examine your relationship to land and name the sources from which you inherited this view.

Do you want to keep or change this view?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• When did I find myself connected to the land today?

• What story informed the way I experienced the land?

• How did this story/experience connect me to or distance me from the land?

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Genesis 4:1-16. 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

God of the Oppressed Land | This Land pt. 2

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Blessing of the Land*

God of the Universe,
you made the heavens and the earth,
so we do not call our home merely “planet earth.”
We call it your creation, a divine mystery,
a gift from your most blessed hand.
The world itself is your miracle.
Bread and vegetables from earth are thus also from heaven.
Help us to see in our daily bread your presence.

Upon this [land]
may your stars rain down their blessed dust.
May you send rain and sunshine upon our garden and us.
Grant us the humility to touch the humus,
that we might become more human,
that we might mend our rift from your creation,
that we might then know the sacredness of the gift of life,
that we might truly experience life from your hand.
For you planted humanity in a garden
and began our resurrection in a garden.
Our blessed memory and hope lie in a garden.

*Claiborne, Shane; Wilson-Hartgrove, Jonathan; Okoro, Enuma. Common Prayer Pocket Edition (pp. 561-562). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | This Land

In this conversation series, This Land, we will explore Land as a character in the Bible and the ways that the Land speaks and guides us as a witness to God and justice.

Message | God of the Oppressed Land

This week, Carl invites us to explore what the Land teaches us about justice and reciprocity through Revelation 11:18.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What changes for you if we see creation care as a primary tenet of salvation and eschatology (putting things to rights)?

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

Revelation 11:18 has a few theological trigger words; how did you notice yourself responding to those words (mind and body)?

The word wrath carries a lot of theological baggage for many people. How have you understood the word wrath in the past? How did you respond to a more expansive understanding of the word wrath?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

How can you become more aware of how you actively or passively participate in the oppression of the Land, and what is one thing you can do to actively care for it?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• What did I do today to actively care for creation?

• What did I do today that was actively or passively part of destroying the earth?

• What can I do tomorrow to be more aware of how I am treating creation?

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Genesis 4:1-16. 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

A Desperate Longing | This Land pt. 1

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• we include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Blessing of the Land*

God of the Universe,
you made the heavens and the earth,
so we do not call our home merely “planet earth.”
We call it your creation, a divine mystery,
a gift from your most blessed hand.
The world itself is your miracle.
Bread and vegetables from earth are thus also from heaven.
Help us to see in our daily bread your presence.

Upon this [land]
may your stars rain down their blessed dust.
May you send rain and sunshine upon our garden and us.
Grant us the humility to touch the humus,
that we might become more human,
that we might mend our rift from your creation,
that we might then know the sacredness of the gift of life,
that we might truly experience life from your hand.
For you planted humanity in a garden
and began our resurrection in a garden.
Our blessed memory and hope lie in a garden.

*Claiborne, Shane; Wilson-Hartgrove, Jonathan; Okoro, Enuma. Common Prayer Pocket Edition (pp. 561-562). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | This Land

In this conversation series, This Land, we will explore Land as a character in the Bible and the ways that the Land speaks and guides us as a witness to God and justice.

Message | A Desperate Longing

This week, Carl will be opening the series with a conversation that takes a few snapshots from the biblical text in order to help tell the story of Land. 

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What changes when we see the Land as a teacher?

What does the Land teach us about our sacred vocation to care for it as children of God?

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

How have you been taught to see the Land and creation? In what ways have you participated in the land's oppression, and in what ways have you worked for the land's liberation? 

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

What is one way that you can try to connect with the Land and creation this week? 

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• When did I find myself connected to the land today?

• When did I feel disconnected from the land today? What was happening that caused the feeling of disconnection?

• What can I do to intentionally be present to the land tomorrow?

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Psalm 19. 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?

• Ash Wednesday officially starts off the Lenten season. This year, we will partner with Coast Hills Community Church to explore and hold space for Ash Wednesday. We will be meeting in-person Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 7:30pm at Coast Hills. We will also be holding space online on Zoom (our Sunday Liturgy link) for those who cannot make it in person. The address is: 

  #108 - 17828 65A Ave 

  Surrey, BC 

  V3S 1Z3

• 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

Reconcile | The Violence of Waiting Revisited

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity meaning, we include because we have been included. We love because we have been loved. We invite because we have been invited. We are a community that welcomes diversity through open tables, open conversations, and open arms. Becoming a big tent creates space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

• We are a community cultivating Brave Space.

• We are a community that is Reduced to Love.

• We are a community that is Reimagining Faith together.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail | An Abridged Litany

Reader: I am not afraid of the word "tension."…
there is a type of constructive nonviolent tension that is necessary for growth…
the kind of tension in society that will help men to rise from the dark depths of prejudice
and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.  

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Reader: Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.
The urge for freedom will eventually come (as we begin) moving with a sense of cosmic urgency toward the promised land of racial justice 

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Reader: I gradually gained a bit of satisfaction from being considered an extremist.
Was not Jesus an extremist in love?
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you."
Was not Amos an extremist for justice?
"Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Reader: So the question is not whether we will be extremist,
but what kind of extremists we will be.
Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love?
Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice,
or will we be extremists for the cause of justice? 

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

The Message

Conversation Series | The Violence of Waiting

Martin Luther King Jr was one of America's preeminent theologians. We often miss hearing MLK's deep drive towards justice amongst the many quotes popularized on social media posts. In this series, we will explore MLK's Letter from a Birmingham Jail together to listen for the prophetic echoes of Amos.

Message | Reconcile

This week Megan will lead us in a conversation about reconciliation. We are continuing to explore Marthin Luther King Jr’s famous letter from a Birmingham Jail. What is reconciliation? What does it look like when enacted?

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

How do we imagine reconciliation from unjust systems while living in them? What does this look like?

How does the sacred and secular divide limit or hinder the church’s calling as against reconciliation?

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

When have you witnessed deconstruction as an act of reconciliation? What did it look like?

Where have you experienced performative reconciliation, and what would change it into an authentic expression of reconciliation?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

This week we will look to the Examen as our Hands response.

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• Where did I see the need for reconciliation today?

• Where did I see reconciliation take place today?

• What do I need to reconcile today?

• How did I participate in the act of reconciliation today?

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Isaiah 24:1-13. 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

The Challenge of Michal | The Great Cloud of Ancestors pt. 4

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity meaning, we include because we have been included. We love because we have been loved. We invite because we have been invited. We are a community that welcomes diversity through open tables, open conversations, and open arms. Becoming a big tent creates space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

• We are a community cultivating Brave Space.

• We are a community that is Reduced to Love.

• We are a community that is Reimagining Faith together.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

The Table by Heather Beamish

I'm trying
I'm trying to let the love be
Louder than all this hate
But it's hard to stand tall
When with their words they emasculate
They denigrate
They try to negate
My place at Your table
My place in this pew
My place in the front-lines
Doing ministry for You
They say,
Well, I'm told to hate the sin and love the sinner"
But with their actions
They cheapen their words and make them thinner
They say,
"Go back into the closet and lose the key,"
With each careless slur
Throwing further judgment on me
But I say to them
It's not your table
You don't have the right to block my way
It's not your table
You can't keep me out, just because I'm gay
It's not your table
You won't have the final say because
It's.
Not.
Your.
Table.

After I've taken the time To vent and feel
And I've allowed the defences
Of my heart to unsteel In stillness and reflection
I find Your peace
Allowing me to let go of the control And just cease
Cease striving
And defending
And trying to prove that I belong
Cease performing
And cowering
And dancing along to their song
Because Your invitation
Has been extended to me
All along
For you prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely Your goodness and mercy
Will follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever!

The Message

Conversation Series | The Great Cloud of Ancestors

A Great Cloud of Ancestors | Learning from the Stories We Never Hear." We will be using Hebrews 12:1 as a lens for reading other stories in the Bible that can help us learn from those who don't usually get the spotlight. 

Message | The Challenge of Michal

This week, Glenn helps us explore our ancestor Michal, who was a strong, intelligent, and powerful woman. Yet, she was used as a pawn in the games of men seeking power. What happens when she had enough and speaks truth to power?

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

There are two different stories told in the Bible about Michal: Samuel and Chronicles. How does reading 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles against each other affect the way you approach scripture?

Some commentaries ask, “should we believe Michal?” Why do you think we have so much trouble trusting her perspective?

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

When Michal speaks up, the next generation of scribes silenced her. How have you seen divergent voices treated? What did it teach you about speaking out?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

What habits can we practice or checks can we put in place to make sure we stand with Michal before editing the story to defend David?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• Where did I hear a divergent voice today?

• Did I trust them or try to find a weakness in them?

• Where was I a divergent voice today?

• Was I trusted or dismissed?

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be the book of Philemon. 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?

• Our next Mental Health Check-in will be Wednesday, February 1, at 7pm (pacific time). It will be an opportunity to talk and explore wholeness and grounding together. We will use the same link as The Sunday Liturgy

• Every week we put out a newsletter that has community updates, reflections from the community, and all sorts of other things that will help you stay connected with FōS. If you do not already receive it in your inbox please sign up with this link, https://mailchi.mp/2b6239ca32e4/sign-up-for-fs-newsletter

• 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

The Risk of Inclusion | The Great Cloud of Ancestors pt. 3

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity meaning, we include because we have been included. We love because we have been loved. We invite because we have been invited. We are a community that welcomes diversity through open tables, open conversations, and open arms. Becoming a big tent creates space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

• We are a community cultivating Brave Space.

• We are a community that is Reduced to Love.

• We are a community that is Reimagining Faith together.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

The Table by Heather Beamish

I'm trying
I'm trying to let the love be
Louder than all this hate
But it's hard to stand tall
When with their words they emasculate
They denigrate
They try to negate
My place at Your table
My place in this pew
My place in the front-lines
Doing ministry for You
They say,
Well, I'm told to hate the sin and love the sinner"
But with their actions
They cheapen their words and make them thinner
They say,
"Go back into the closet and lose the key,"
With each careless slur
Throwing further judgment on me
But I say to them
It's not your table
You don't have the right to block my way
It's not your table
You can't keep me out, just because I'm gay
It's not your table
You won't have the final say because
It's.
Not.
Your.
Table.

After I've taken the time To vent and feel
And I've allowed the defences
Of my heart to unsteel In stillness and reflection
I find Your peace
Allowing me to let go of the control And just cease
Cease striving
And defending
And trying to prove that I belong
Cease performing
And cowering
And dancing along to their song
Because Your invitation
Has been extended to me
All along
For you prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely Your goodness and mercy
Will follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever!

The Message

Conversation Series | The Great Cloud of Ancestors

A Great Cloud of Ancestors | Learning from the Stories We Never Hear." We will be using Hebrews 12:1 as a lens for reading other stories in the Bible that can help us learn from those who don't usually get the spotlight. 

Message | The Risk of Inclusion

This week, Carl helps us explore our ancestor Barnabas in a conversation about inclusion, encouragement, and the courage it takes for both.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What changes when we see inclusion as a central tenant of our faith instead of something we may or may not do? Why do you think that it is so hard to include others?

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

Has there been a time when you were excluded? What did that feel like? Tell us about a time when you were included. What did that feel like?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

Most of us have been tempted to exclude others, and all of us do things, intentional or unintentional, that make others feel excluded or at least marginalized. So what is one thing you can do to help create an inclusive space for everyone?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• What is something that made me feel included today? 

• What is something that made me feel unincluded for you today? 

• When did I include others today? 

• When did I exclude others today?

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be 1 Samuel 14:49, 18:17-29, 19:11-17, 25:44, 2 Samuel 3:12-16, 6:16, 6:20-23 (it looks long, but is only 28 verses). 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?

• Our next Mental Health Check-in will be Wednesday, February 1, at 7pm (pacific time). It will be an opportunity to talk and explore wholeness and grounding together. We will use the same link as The Sunday Liturgy

• Every week we put out a newsletter that has community updates, reflections from the community, and all sorts of other things that will help you stay connected with FōS. If you do not already receive it in your inbox please sign up with this link, https://mailchi.mp/2b6239ca32e4/sign-up-for-fs-newsletter

• 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

The Gift of Shame & Solidarity | The Great Cloud of Ancestors pt. 2

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity meaning, we include because we have been included. We love because we have been loved. We invite because we have been invited. We are a community that welcomes diversity through open tables, open conversations, and open arms. Becoming a big tent creates space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

• We are a community cultivating Brave Space.

• We are a community that is Reduced to Love.

• We are a community that is Reimagining Faith together.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

The Table by Heather Beamish

I'm trying
I'm trying to let the love be
Louder than all this hate
But it's hard to stand tall
When with their words they emasculate
They denigrate
They try to negate
My place at Your table
My place in this pew
My place in the front-lines
Doing ministry for You
They say,
Well, I'm told to hate the sin and love the sinner"
But with their actions
They cheapen their words and make them thinner
They say,
"Go back into the closet and lose the key,"
With each careless slur
Throwing further judgment on me
But I say to them
It's not your table
You don't have the right to block my way
It's not your table
You can't keep me out, just because I'm gay
It's not your table
You won't have the final say because
It's.
Not.
Your.
Table.

After I've taken the time To vent and feel
And I've allowed the defences
Of my heart to unsteel In stillness and reflection
I find Your peace
Allowing me to let go of the control And just cease
Cease striving
And defending
And trying to prove that I belong
Cease performing
And cowering
And dancing along to their song
Because Your invitation
Has been extended to me
All along
For you prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely Your goodness and mercy
Will follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever!

The Message

Conversation Series | The Great Cloud of Ancestors

A Great Cloud of Ancestors | Learning from the Stories We Never Hear." We will be using Hebrews 12:1 as a lens for reading other stories in the Bible that can help us learn from those who don't usually get the spotlight. 

Message | The Gift of Shame & Solidarity

This week, Glenn will be leading us in a conversation about bearing witness to how our ancestors lead us through troubling texts and stories. 

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

The story of Jephthah turns from victory to shame with the inclusion of the last line where the women stand together to help shame the chieftains who scapegoat women. The Scribes sat close to power but by their inclusion of the women’s protest enabled their actions to confront power structures for three thousand years. How does seeing the scribes as subversive affect how you hear troubling passages in the Bible? How does actively highlighting feminine voices affect how you interact with the Bible?  

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

The daughter of Jephthah is nameless, yet her sisters standing with her keeps her story alive. Have you ever experienced your sisters or allies standing with you? Were you shocked by who became an ally, and what did it teach you?

If you were the ally, what did you learn about your friend’s experience from standing with them?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

How can we become like the scribes and create space to tell subversive stories as a central part of FōS? 

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• What is something that made me feel hopeful today? 

• What is something that diminished hope for you today? 

• What is something that causes you to have hope for  tomorrow? 

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Acts 9:26-28, 15:36-41. 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?

• Our next Mental Health Check-in will be Wednesday, February 1, at 7pm (pacific time). It will be an opportunity to talk and explore wholeness and grounding together.

• 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

Building on the Legacy of Our Ancestors | The Great Cloud of Ancestors pt. 1

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

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 Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

The Table by Heather Beamish

I'm trying
I'm trying to let the love be
Louder than all this hate
But it's hard to stand tall
When with their words they emasculate
They denigrate
They try to negate
My place at Your table
My place in this pew
My place in the front-lines
Doing ministry for You
They say,
Well, I'm told to hate the sin and love the sinner"
But with their actions
They cheapen their words and make them thinner
They say,
"Go back into the closet and lose the key,"
With each careless slur
Throwing further judgment on me
But I say to them
It's not your table
You don't have the right to block my way
It's not your table
You can't keep me out, just because I'm gay
It's not your table
You won't have the final say because
It's.
Not.
Your.
Table.

After I've taken the time To vent and feel
And I've allowed the defences
Of my heart to unsteel In stillness and reflection
I find Your peace
Allowing me to let go of the control And just cease
Cease striving
And defending
And trying to prove that I belong
Cease performing
And cowering
And dancing along to their song
Because Your invitation
Has been extended to me
All along
For you prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil
My cup overflows
Surely Your goodness and mercy
Will follow me all the days of my life And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever!

The Message

Conversation Series | The Great Cloud of Ancestors

A Great Cloud of Ancestors | Learning from the Stories We Never Hear." We will be using Hebrews 12:1 as a lens for reading other stories in the Bible that can help us learn from those who don't usually get the spotlight. 

Message | Building on the Legacy of Our Ancestors

This week, Carl explores the story of Shiphrah and Puah, and how their legacy as our ancestors has rippled down through the biblical narrative.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good but they are not all useful for this specific time.

Brave Space Ideals for the Conversation

1. Controversy with civility

2. Own your intentions and your impact

3. Challenge by choice (allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share)

4. Respect

5. No Attacks

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What changes when we believe that we are not just building on the foundation of our ancestors but that we, too, are ancestors continuing the foundation for those who will come after us? 

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

Were ancestors a vital part of your tradition? If yes, tell us what that looked like and how it shaped you. If not, what do you think you missed out on by not having ancestors as a vital part of your tradition? 

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

How can we as a community live into the legacy of Shiphrah and Puah and be good ancestors? 

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• What is something that made me feel hopeful today? 

• What is something that diminished hope for you today? 

• What is something that causes you to have hope for  tomorrow? 

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Judges 11:29-40. 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?

• We held our monthly Mental Health Check-in this past Wednesday. What a great way to start the new year together. Thank you, Sam, for holding that space and for everyone who was there to make it a meaningful experience for all.

  Our next Mental Health Check-in will be Wednesday, February 1, at 7pm (pacific time). It will be an opportunity to talk and explore wholeness and grounding together.

• 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 they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

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

Happy New Year!

This week our Sunday Liturgy will not be meeting online, but you can utilize these conversation notes to walk through a liturgy by yourself, with family, or friends.

The Call to Worship

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Jesus’ Prayer of Arrival (Revelation 22:17)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”

And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”

And let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Amen.

Scripture Reading

Revelation 22:1-5.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were 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.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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:

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

Reader: 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.

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• What is something that made me feel hopeful today? 

• What is something that diminished hope for you today? 

• What is something that causes you to have hope for  tomorrow? 

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Hebrews 11:39-12:3. 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?

• Our monthly Mental Health Check-in resumes this Wednesday, January 4th, at 7pm (pacific time). The holiday season can be hectic, but this will be an opportunity to talk and explore wholeness and grounding together.

• This Sunday, January 8th, 2023, we will be holding our first Sunday Liturgy of the year. In addition, we will be starting a new conversation series called, A Great Cloud of Ancestors | Learning from the Stories We Never Hear. Looking forward to getting everyone back together. 

• 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 they may send you;

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

may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;

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

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

A Christmas Liturgy

This week our Sunday Liturgy will not be meeting online, but you can utilize these conversation notes to walk through a liturgy by yourself, with family, or friends.

The Call to Worship

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Jesus’ Prayer of Arrival (Revelation 22:17)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”

And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”

And let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Amen.

Scripture Reading

 Luke 2

Song | O Come O Come Emmanuel | Monivoi Vataiki & Andy Park

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were 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.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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.

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: This is Christ's table

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

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: 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:

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

Reader: 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.

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• What is something from this Christmas season that made you feel blessed today? 

• What is something from this Christmas season that was hard for you today? 

• How can you bless someone tomorrow? 

Announcements 

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week’s reading will be Revelation 22:1-5. 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?

• A reminder that We will pause until January 8th, 2023. We want to ensure that we allow space for gathering with family and friends. We will continue our other weekly rhythms like Slow-Cooker Spirituality and the Examen. So, definitely keep an eye out for that. 

  A reminder that we will resume our monthly Mental Health Check-in on Wednesday, January 4th, at 7pm (pacific time). The holiday season can be hectic, but this will be an opportunity to just talk and explore wholeness and grounding together.

• 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 they may send you;

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

may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;

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

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