This month, we remember…that 400 years ago, enslaved Africans were sold and forced onto boats to land here and work here without pay or basic human rights; on what would become the United States.
We struggle still, to become “United” and to overcome divisions that threaten to separate us. Divisions that were created in this de-humanizing of our brothers and sisters still exist. Working to end bigotry and hatred and the undervaluation of human life and labor is an ongoing battle.
What can we do to overcome? What can we do to build everyone up? What can we do to love our fellow human? Keep working towards the goal. It doesn’t end because we’re not as barbaric as we were hundreds of years ago. The barbs exist in our words and in our actions. Love others, be wise and do good on the earth, for all. Each day.
This Sunday, September 1, the topic of Guest Minister, Rev. Kit Billings’ Service is “Overcoming Divisiveness“.
Hospitality time begins at 10:30 am, Worship Service at 11:00 am.
We meet at the Glendale New Church: 845 Congress Ave, Glendale, OH.
Each one of us has a gift to share with this world. Each of us has light within us. Find it in yourself. Find it in others. Let your divine light show.
The end of the day is a good time to check in with yourself and see how it all went. One question you can ask is how were you helpful or useful. Little things count, because they sure add up to brighten your sunset. They can add up to make a better day for others, too! Did you save an insect? Did you plant a tree? Did you smile at a stranger? Did you love yourself? Pat yourself on the back and do it again tomorrow. With love.
Today, Sunday,July 7, our local guest minister,Rev. Dr. Sherrie Connellywill share her message,“Servants of God’s Peace,”with you. Come to Glendale to receive it!
We light the first candle to honor the good and truth to be found in all spiritual traditions, including our own.
We light the second candle to honor the earth and all of life as the creation of the Divine, the one Lord and God of us all.
We light the third candle to honor and support the variety of individual paths which, together, make our one spiritual community.
We light the fourth candle to honor and provide an open and safe space for all who seek greater understanding and a life of deepening spirituality.
Scripture Readings: The Lord our teacher
“Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.”
Psalm 25:6 & 7 (NRSV)
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)
(Jesus describing the father’s embrace of the prodigal son)
“So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion: he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”
Luke 15: 20 (NRSV)
Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg: The Lord extending love and teaching through His creation
“The universe is something to which God could extend His love and in which He could put His love into action and so find rest. We read that after God had created heaven and earth He rested; and that He made the Sabbath day for that reason.”
True Christianity 46
“Spiritual warmth and spiritual light flow into and affect not only angels but also us, precisely to the extent that we become receptive. Our receptivity develops in proportion to our love for the Lord and our love for our neighbor.”
Divine Love and Wisdom 5
“All the things that have been created reflect the human in some respect. There is evidence for this in every detail of the animal kingdom, in every detail of the plant kingdom, and in every detail of the mineral kingdom.”
Divine Love and Wisdom 61
Setting the Table
Kris the Dog Trainer – in training. Teaching the dog to come.
Open sharing of experiences, thoughts and feelings:
What makes you feel weary?
What is it like to experience rest for your soul?
Why do you think that it was important that Jesus described himself as “gentle and humble in heart?”
Have you ever met anyone who was very much alive and also very much at rest?
Can there be rest in action?
Have you sensed moments where you were receptive to the Lord’s teaching?
What was that like?
What kind of tangible effect might our love for our neighbor have on our spiritual, mental and physical heath and, subsequently, on the health of our local communities and the world at large?
Music: Please Come by Nicole Nordeman
Oh, the days when I drew lines around my faith.
To keep you out; to keep me in; to keep it safe.
Oh, the sense of my own self-entitlement.
To say who’s wrong; or won’t belong; or cannot stay.
‘Cause somebody, somewhere, decided we’d be better off divided.
And somehow despite the damage done –
He says “Come.”
There is room enough for all of us.
Please come; and the arms are open wide enough.
Please come; and our parts are never greater than the sum.
This is the heart of the One
who stands before an open door and bids us “Come.”
Oh, the times when I have failed to recognize how many chairs are
gathered there around the feast.
To break the bread and break those boundaries that have kept us
from our only common ground.
The invitation to sit down if we will come.
Come, from the best of humanity. Come from the depths of depravity.
Come now and see how we need every bead on this same string.
Come…
Prayer Requests
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
“Heaven is not located on high, but where the good of love is, and this resides within a person, wherever he or she might be.” -Emanuel Swedenborg
Finding where the good of love is this Sunday, at the New Church of Montgomery in Glendale. 10:30 Hospitality; 11:00 Service with Guest Minister, Rev. Jenn Tafel
New Church of Montgomery, in Glendale 