August 28th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Open Table
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.”
[Reading above - Luke 14: 1, 7-14]
A rigid class system has dominated much of human social history. Privilege and entitlement were given to the few with aristocratic birth or to those who managed in one way or another to possess much of the wealth and influence. Remnants of class distinction find their way into our own place and time. Jesus challenges the class system and offers an alternative—life with God as our Leader. Jesus teaches that God values humility, choosing to elevate those who have been left at the bottom of the social ladder. Jesus encourages us to welcome guests to our table whether or not they can repay our generosity.
Questions for Reflection:
We are often blind to the entitlement and privilege we receive. Can you identify ways you have been favored over others?
Who comes to mind when we think of someone who is distinguished or honored?
Who do we consider humble? Where do the humble and the honored fit in the hierarchy of our church and our community?
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com