Remembering Those who Have Gone Before Us by Jan LoGalbo

Unsplash Saad Chaudhry 

(Bell sounds to call everyone’s attention)

Leader 1:  Whether we know it or not, we transmit the presence of 

everyone we have ever known, as though by being in each other’s presence we exchange our cells, pass on some of our life force, and then go on carrying that other person in our body, not unlike springtime when certain plants in fields we walk through attach their seeds in the form of small burrs to our socks, our pants, our caps, as if to say “Go on, take us with you, carry us to root in another place.” This is how we survive long after we are dead. This is why it is important who we become, because we pass it on. (Natalie Goldberg)

Leader 2:  God of our ancestors, today we gather to our hearts all those who have influenced our lives with their love and goodness. Although they have passed on to the other side of this life, their lives continue to affect who we are and what we do. Like the sound of a bell resounding in the welcoming air, so has the goodness of these holy ones resonated in our lives. Thank you for these people and the bond we have with them.

Reader 1: Revelation 7:9-17

There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before God and the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb”

Reader 2:

All the angels were standing around the Mighty One as well as the elders and other living creatures. They fell down on their knees worshipping God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

Reader 3:

Then one of the elders ask me, “These in white robes-who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “You know! These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white, purified through their faith in God. They will never hunger or thirst again; neither the sun nor scorching wind will ever plague them, because the Lamb will shepherd them and will lead them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

(Pause for reflection during musical interlude) You may use an introduction to Blest Are They.

Response: Blest Are They vs.1-3 (YouTube.com)

Reader 4: The Fallen Limb, (Poem, author unknown)

A limb has fallen from the family tree. 

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song,

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest,

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. 

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin,

Until the day comes we’re together again.

(Pause for reflection during musical interlude) You may use an introduction to Saints And Beloved of God.

Leader 1: Let us listen now as each of us remembers a special person or persons, or group of people. Please take as much time as you wish to remember the person with a story, or relating qualities or skills that were significant to you. You may mention more than one person, or take more than one turn speaking. After each person speaks, we will pause for moment of silence.

Leader 2: Following the moment of silence our response after each person speaks will be the chorus of Saints and Beloved of God. (YouTube.com).

Let us begin. Source of all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit, Let us remember the ones who lived and loved deeply, who found their inner strength from you, Divine Beloved.

I remember ........

( Each Person in the circle takes time to talk, followed by a moment of silence, and the musical response.)

Concluding Prayer (All)

Sacred One, Giver and Sustainer of Life, 

Thank you for the holy ones whom we have known.

As they embrace you in the white-robed home of eternity

We give you thanks for them.

May our lives model their virtues.

May our hearts resonate with their goodness. Amen.

End with Blest Are They, vs. 4

Adapted from Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary, “Remembering Our Spiritual Ancestors” by J. LoGalbo

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community- On Line and On Point- Newsletter- for April 10, 2021

 

Catholic Women's Groups in Europe Protest Vatican's Gay Union Stance , So Should Catholics Around the World

https://this.kiji.is/7543313019430993https://this.kiji.is/75433130194309939292

The open letter is the latest sign of pushback from the German-speaking world against a document released last month by the Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which said Catholic clergy cannot bless same-sex unions because God “cannot bless sin.”

My Response; How can committed loving  sexual relationships be sinful?

The Vatican needs to abandon its medieval thinking and homophobic biases and allow clergy blessing of same sex unions. I agree that a renewal of sexual and relationship ethics should be at the top of their agenda. The Church's present policy is anti-Jesus, anti -LGBTQI because it fails to affirm God's love fully in its myriad expresses in human life. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, https://arcwp.org

“The church’s mission to be effective as a sign of salvation in the world means countering homophobia and standing up for gender equality, also on the basis of human sciences,” they wrote.

The organizations called for “a renewal of sexual and relationship ethics” in the Catholic Church and said there needs to be a “recognition of the everyday reality of people in same-sex relationships.”

Baptism of Chance Paul Reinheimer on April 12, 2021 in Sarasota, Florida at his Grandparents Home with Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

The baptism of Chance Paul Reinheimer took place in the home of his grandparents, Paul and Pearl Miller in Sarasota, Florida. 

Fred, Chance Paul's father held his son in his arms while Julia, his mother, poured the water over her son's head and anointed him with chrism oil as Bridget Mary Meehan prayed the baptismal ritual prayers. 

Catholic  theology teaches that the people of God, the Body of Christ have a right to celebrate sacraments, and that all the baptized are a priestly and prophetic people, not just the ordained.  See the movies, photos and ritual below.

Special thanks to Mary Theresa Streck for taking the photos and movies of the baptism. 

Baptism of Chance Paul Reinheimer, April 12, 2021, Sarasota, Florida Ceremony

BMM: From the first moment of our existence and all through our lives each of us is the beloved of God called to reflect the divine presence in our world. In Baptism we celebrate our sacred initiation into a community of faith that supports us on our spiritual journey.

BMM: (to the parents) Julia and Fred, what do you ask of this Christian Community?

Julia and Fred: We ask that our son Chance Paul be welcomed into the Christian community through the sacrament of Baptism.

BMM: By asking for Baptism within the Christian community, you are promising to teach Chance Paul to live justly, to love tenderly and to walk with integrity for all to see and celebrate. You are promising to teach him about his brother, Jesus and his message of love. Do you promise to do this to the best of your ability?

Julie and Fred: We do.

BMM: (to the godparents) Pearl and Paul, (standing in for Godparents Britany Mellott and Daniel Reinheimer Jr.) do you promise to help Julia and Fred as they teach Chance Paul about God, the Creator of All Life and about Jesus, our brother?

Godparents: We do.

BMM: In the name of Jesus, we choose you, Chance Paul , for baptism.
All: Thanks be to God. (Applause)

RITE OF BAPTISM
BMM: We are now going to baptize Chance Paul. We invite Chance Paul , parents and godparents to come forward to the baptismal font.

BMM : We now begin the baptismal ritual with a blessing of the water and the oil. After the resurrection, the disciples of Jesus celebrated baptism in water and the Spirit with those who answered Your call to holiness. From age to age, oil has been used to anoint the priests, prophets, leaders and visionaries.

BMM: (to all present - Please extend your hands in blessing the water and oil.) O Holy One, you call us to be co-creators of a world filled with blessing and abundance. As co-creators with you, we bless this water and oil as a symbol of your grace-filled presence in our lives. (pause)

Baptismal Promises: (Parents and godparents you are invited to light the Baptismal candle.)

BMM: In this part of the baptismal ritual, Julia and Fred make baptismal promises for Chance Paul. I invite everyone to renew their baptismal promises and respond “I do” to each of the following questions:

Do you promise to see what is good for your sisters and brothers everywhere, rejecting injustice and inequity, living with the freedom and responsibility of children of God? 

All: I do.

BMM: Do you promise to work for the realization of God’s vision of harmony and right relations among all peoples, rejecting the idols of money, property, color, sex and position? 

All: I do.

BMM: Do you promise to seek peace and live in peace in one human family, rejecting prejudice and half-heartedness in every form, and all barriers to unity? 

 All: I do.

BMM: Do you promise to cherish the universe, and this precious planet, working creatively to renew and safeguard the elemental sacraments of air, earth, water and fire? 

All: I do.

BMM: Do you believe in God, the Source of all life, in Jesus, our brother who loved and lived among us so that all might live with abundant fullness; in the Spirit who continues the work of forgiveness and reconciliation, birthing and blessing, challenge and hope, so that together we can continue the work of creation? 

All: I do.

Pouring of Water (as Godparents hold  Chance Paul over the baptismal font and as Julia and Fred pours water over  Chance Paul’s head)

BMM: We baptize you, Chance Paul
 In the name of God,  Father and Mother, Source of all life, in the name of God’s Son, Jesus, the Christ, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Anointing with Oil (as  Julia anoints Chance Paul’s forehead)
BMM: Chance Paul, you were conceived in love and welcomed to life with love. We anoint you with this oil in recognition that human love is sacred, that you are sacred.

Presentation of  white garment (as Fred places white garment on Chance Paul)

BMM: Chance Paul, we present you with this stole. May it remind you that you carry in the depths of your being the Spirit of Life and Love itself.

Lighting Candle (as Pearl lights Chance Paul’s candle)

BMM: Chance Paul, may this candle remind you of Jesus, who opened peoples’ minds and hearts to see the “light” of God’s presence within them.

Presentation of Child to Community

BMM: It is with great joy that we welcome Chance Paul to the Christian Community!

All: Amen

Prove it! Second Sunday of Easter by Rev. Richard S. Vosko

We live in a time when the words “true” and “false” have divided many of us. What is a fact for some is a lie for others. In many instances, doubt replaces reason. Prove the 2020 election was not stolen. Prove the vaccine is effective and safe. Prove it will be sunny and warm tomorrow.

The same is true in religious discussions. Prove that God exists.

 Prove the world was not created in seven days. Prove that Jesus of Nazareth was raised from the dead. Prove there is eternal life.

The second testament authors worked hard to prove Jesus’ resurrection. Written after the fact, however, the texts contradict each other in terms of when and where Jesus physically appeared. They do not agree on how many followers experienced him physically after he died, either by touching or speaking with him.

In today’s gospel (John 20:19-31) Jesus appears to the disciples and instructs them to carry on his mission of reconciliation. Thomas was not there and did not believe that his colleagues saw the risen One. He wanted proof. As the episode goes, one week later, Jesus arrives again and Thomas touches him. In conversation Jesus adds, you have seen me, Thomas, but, “blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

There continues to be a fascination with post-resurrection stories enhanced by prose, poetry, music and art down through the ages. Even though no one was actually there to witness the resurrection, the stories about the empty tomb, the gardener, the angels, the women, the supper at Emmaus are narratives that evoke faith and imagination. 

We want to believe these stories. As Paul wrote “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” (1 Cor 15:14) Given this statement, it logically follows that there would be no Christian church unless the life of Jesus was stimulus enough to inspire his followers to organize themselves and carry on his mission and message.

Most Christians do not worry about the details of the resurrection. On the other hand, theologians and scripture scholars have been obsessed with whether or not proving the raising of Jesus from the dead matters in the real world. One of the most influential theologians of our time, Prof. Hans Küng, who died last week, questioned this doctrine and many others. 

Germane to this week’s biblical texts, Küng claimed, for example, one could believe in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life without believing in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He wrote, “the Easter stories, with their time-conditioned restraints in form and content, are meant to illustrate, make concrete and defend the reality of the new life of the risen Christ.” ¹ [1] This statement is something the disciples and Thomas would not have understood. They wanted desperately to believe and imagine what was to them an unbelievable and unimaginable event — Jesus raised from the dead.

Küng continued, “I can believe in the truth of Easter without having to accept as literally true each and every one of the Easter stories.” What really matters according to Küng is the “reality of God” acting then and now. The raising of Jesus then is not about a historical event. It is about an experience of transcending space and time, “a radical transformation into a wholly different, unparalleled, definitive state: eternal life,” wrote Küng.

Theologian Roger Haight adds this thought: “Jesus died into God’s continuous loving, creating, and life-sustaining embrace. Creation and resurrection are not apprehended and affirmed in the same way we perceive worldly events. Resurrection is not something that human beings know about, but an object of faith and hope.” ² [2] When practiced, these virtues create opportunities for our own transformations.

How then do we, as Easter people, prove our faith and hope now when so many life and death issues confront us? To whom or to what are we giving witness to? How do we give testimony about our experience of the risen Christ walking with us today? The first reading (Acts 4: 32-35) provides us with a model. “The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” Working for the common good, an end to all social disparities, is the mission. 

The kind and selfless acts of so many during the pandemic are proof that the majority of people in this country and elsewhere in the world are not filled with hate but love of humanity. Countless persons, whether inspired by the Easter story or some other value system, have joined forces to rescue those among us who are experiencing suffering and death in one form or another. Theologian Ilia Delio wrote: “Easter is the sacrament of a new consciousness, a new awareness of belonging to God, creation and of one another.”

Now, all we have to do is prove it by the way we live.

________

¹ Küng, Hans. Eternal Life:Life After Death as a Medical, Philosophical, and Theological Problem. Trans. Edward Quinn (NY: Doubleday, 1984) 102-03.

² Haight, Roger. Christian Spirituality for Seekers: Reflections on The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola. (NY: Orbis 2012) 246.

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Liturgy, Second Sunday of Easter, April 10, 2021, Presiders: Elena Garcia, ARCWP & Jim Marsh, ARCWP ,Music Minister Linda Lee Miller, Readers: Cheryl & Jim Brandi

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85108095506?pwd=Y3IyS0xkaWZ1WGRUOXlZMm5qcE1Fdz09         

Zoom link for video- 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
ID 851- 0809-5506
Passcode 1066

Welcome (Elena)

We warmly welcome you to our Inclusive Catholic Community of Mary Mother of Jesus based in Sarasota, FL. During this time of pandemic, we have become a community without walls or boundaries, thanks to the technology of Zoom. While everyone will be “muted” for most of the liturgy, we invite you to pray the parts designated “All” and to sing out loud. We ask our readers to “unmute” for their reading and then “remute” again after finishing; the same goes for anyone wishing to pray a “Voice” part. Please have some bread and wine or juice on your table.

Theme (Jim)

Last week we celebrated Easter with the resounding proclamation: “He is risen, alleluia!” As we gather today, might we ask ourselves whether the “resurrection” has made a difference in our lives? Have our lives changed? Is our world any different? Perhaps, we can gain some insight from our readings today that urge each of us to “unlock our doors, leave our houses, believe and go forth!” So, let us begin our prayer in song!

Image credit: Faysal Elahi – own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Wikimedia Commons

Opening Song:  Glory to God  by Marty Haugen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5xsdVs8HmM&list=RDR5xsdVs8HmM&start_radio=1

Refrain: Glory to God in the highest,

Glory to God in the highest,

Glory to God in the highest,

And peace to God’s people on earth!

We sing praises to you, 

God of life, God of wonder,

Hearts filled with joy, 

let our voices be thunder. Ref

Sing to Jesus, the Christ,

Word of life to the nations,

Raised up in glory

As our hope of salvation. Ref

In the Spirit we come

For the feast and the stories,

Speaking of God

In the pain and the glory. Ref (2x)Liturgy of Word

First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35

The community of believers was of one mind and one heart. 

None of them claimed anything as their own; everything was held in common.  

The apostles continued to testify with great power to the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, and they were all given great respect; nor was anyone needy among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them and give the money to the apostles. It was then distributed to any members who might be in need.

These are the inspired words of Luke, and we respond by saying: AMEN!

Psalm Response: Psalm 118 [Nan C Merrill]

Response(all): O Beloved, we give You thanks!

Let every nation proclaim, “Your steadfast Love endures forever.”

Let all the people cry, “Your steadfast Love endures forever.”

Let those who reverence You sing, “Your steadfast Love endures forever.”  Response

When all my fears surrounded me, I acknowledged your Presence within me!

When they surrounded me on every side, I gave thanks for your Companioning Presence!

Though they arose like an army, You stood firm beside me.  Response

Harken to songs of victory, to the music of my soul. You have walked with me into the light!

I shall live in peace and give witness to Your saving grace. 

You opened to me the gates of truth and justice. This is the door to Life!  Response

The stone which the builders rejected has become the foundation of our lives.

This is Your work; it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day which You have made; let us rejoice and be glad! Response

Alleluia Alle, Alle, Alleluia -Linda Lee Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5UGWcS6Ws

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-27, 30

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were locked in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Temple authorities. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Having said this, he showed them the marks of crucifixion.

The disciples were filled with joy when they saw Jesus, who said to them again, “Peace be with you. As Abba God sent me, so I’m sending you.” After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.”

It happened that one of the Twelve, Thomas—nicknamed Didymus, or “Twin”—was absent when Jesus came. The other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen Jesus!”  Thomas’ answer was, “I’ll never believe it without putting my finger in the nail marks and my hand into the spear wound.” 

St. Albans Psalter, ca. 1130

On the eighth day (a week later), the disciples were once more in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and stood before them, saying, “Peace be with you.” Then, to Thomas, Jesus said, “Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Don’t persist in your unbelief, but believe!” 

Jesus performed many other signs as well—signs not recorded here—in the presence of the disciples. 

These are the inspired words of John, and we respond by saying: AMEN! 

Shared Homily: Jim

Homily Starter – 2 Easter 04/10/2021

Locked doors ………… believe ………….. go forth.

Our Gospel story today picks up where we left off on Easter morning. In fact, it’s still the same day when Mary Magdala went to the tomb with the other women and found it empty. We are told Mary lingered in the garden, becomes the first to experience the “Risen Jesus” and then tells her sisters and brothers, “I have seen the Teacher.”

 

It’s now the evening of that same day and this unnamed / unnumbered group of disciples are gathered. No doubt they have heard the good news from the women: “He is risen!” But where are they? They are behind locked doors. And where are they a week later ….. still behind locked doors. Has the resurrection event changed their lives? It certainly doesn’t appear so at this juncture.

Friends, do you remember a year ago when we were all behind locked doors, “sheltering in place” because of the devastating virus we call COVID-19? Are we still in the same place? Perhaps the locked doors is a metaphor for all that “locks us in” – whatever that may be.

Then somehow mysteriously or mystically, Jesus appears to them. They recognize him by the marks of crucifixion—the wounds of suffering and death. Jesus greets them with Shalom, breathes on them (a Pentecost experience?), and says: go forth. The Greek word used by this Gospel writer is ‘apostolos’ which means one who is sent. This unnamed group which no doubt included women and men are all deemed apostles.  

And then there’s the character of Thomas who is told “to believe.” Thomas reminds us that faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive, but often go hand-in-hand. The Greek word for doubt is ‘skeptikos’ which simply means to inquire, to ask. Doubt is often part of the faith journey. Let me give a contemporary example. There was a woman in her 30s who had a spiritual or mystical experience that God was calling her to do something new, something bold, even scary. She did venture out from her safe place, and for the next fifty years did amazing things. But all the while, she doubted, wrestled and sometimes even questioned the existence of God. Many Christian mystics and writers call this experience the “dark night of the soul.” Though bothered by this, she continued doing simple things with great love. You and I know her as Mother Teresa. Do you suppose her community called her “doubting Teresa?”

So you and I are in “good company!” We receive faith and come to believe through community (our parents, friends, the church). But faith is not an assent to credal doctrines but a way of knowing, seeing and living our experience of the “Risen One” who is in our midst.

The reading from Acts is a post Pentecost experience of the growing Jesus movement. It describes the ideal community—one united in mind and heart and purpose … a community where no one is excluded or in need. Their faith and actions express God’s love, justice, and mercy.

There’s a difference between fact and story. Facts inform while stories often touch our hearts. Resurrection is a story! It’s not a one-time event. Indeed, it’s the ongoing process of all creation. And you and I are continually evolving as ‘resurrected people’ through the circumstances of our daily lives, even in the midst of doubt and fear. 

So unlock those doors, get out, feel the ‘breathe of God’ and continue to do good works in the local community. You, too, are apostles and evangelists! I’m reminded of the words of my ‘spiritual father’—Francis of Assisi, who would encourage his fellow companions to “preach the Gospel always; when necessary, use words.”

What did you hear; how did these readings speak to you?

Statement of Faith led by Jack Duffy & Ann Cooke

Do you believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery beyond all definition and rational understanding, the heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or that ever will exist?  

All: Yes, we believe!

Do you believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word, bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion, bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's prophets, mystics, and saints?     

All: Yes, we believe!

Do you believe that We are called to follow Jesus as a vehicle of divine love, a source of wisdom and truth, and an instrument of peace in the world?  All: Yes, we believe!  

Do you believe in the Spirit of the Holy One, the life that is our innermost life, the breath moving in our being, the depth living in each of us? All: Yes, we believe!

Do you believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now, stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, and hands to make it happen? All: Yes, we believe!

This is the faith of twenty-first century followers of Jesus and we proudly profess it. Amen.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Elena: As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to our tables the many cares and concerns surrounding our world this day: 

We pray for all women and men who are spiritual leaders of faith communities 

throughout the world, may they guide and inspire all to “do justice and love 

tenderly.”

We pray for civil leaders and all those who hold public positions of leadership, 

may they exercise authority wisely, seeking harmony, peace and an end to 

divisions and war.

We pray for refugees and exiles throughout the world who seek a safe place to call 

home, may we open our hearts and homeland to these sisters and brothers who are 

neighbor.

And for what else should we pray…… (please feel free to voice your concerns)

O Holy One, you know our needs before we even speak. Yet, we must speak, if only to remind ourselves of our responsibility to care for the least among us. With your grace, may we act justly and love tenderly in addressing the needs of our world, and may we walk humbly on this Earth all the days of our lives. AMEN

Jim: Please join in praying the Eucharistic prayer together. (Written by Jay Murnane)  

Voice 1:  God beyond our words, 

we gather to give thanks and open our awareness to the goodness of all of creation. You invite us to co-create with you and we remember our responsibility to serve.

We open this circle to the memory of all of the joyful troubadours and faithful servants who have gone before us. Joined with all that is alive, we lift up our lives and sing:

“Here In This Place” by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ 

Holy One, may your presence here open our minds 

may your Spirit among us help us to find you are rising up now 

like a fountain of grace from the holy ground 

here in this place, here in this place. 

Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty 

the whole universe speaks of your glory 

from the holy ground here in this place, here in this place.

[Extending your hands, we pray…]

Voice 2:   We invoke your Spirit upon the gifts of our eucharistic table, bread of the grain and wine of the grape, that they may become the presence of Jesus and that we remember our call to be the body of Christ to our world.

   We thank you for Jesus, simple servant, lifting up the lowly, revealing you as God-With-Us, and revealing us as one with you and all of creation.

On the night before he died, Jesus gathered for the Seder supper with the people closest to him. Like the least of household servants, he washed their feet, so that they would re-member him.

Elena: When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the Passover bread, spoke the

blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying: 

Take this bread and eat it;

This is my very self. (pause) 

Jesus then raised a cup of blessing, spoke the grace saying: 

Take and drink of the covenant 

Made new again through my life in you. 

Whenever you remember me like this, 

I am among you.  (pause)

Jim: By sharing this bread and cup, we commit to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace.

Voice 3: We are willing to do everything Jesus did, 

to re-create the living presence of a love that does justice, 

of a compassion that heals and liberates, of a joy that generates hope, 

of a light that illuminates and confronts the darkness of injustice and inequity.

So, we trust you to continue to share with us your own spirit, the spirit that animated Jesus, for it is through his life and teaching, all honor and glory is yours, O Holy One, forever and ever. Amen.

Elena: Let us sing the prayer of Jesus  (Creator of All - monks of Weston Priory)

Creator of all, 

You are with us.

Holy is your name.

May Your kin-dom come, 

Your will be done by all who share the work of your creation.

Give us bread for the world’s hunger and forgiveness in your mercy

As we forgive those who are in debt to us

For You are compassion, justice and love

For evermore. Amen, amen, amen!

Jim: This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. 

Through it we are nourished and we nourish each other.

All: What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives; as we share 

communion, we become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s

challenge. Eat and drink

Communion Meditation: Until All are Fed by Bryan McFarland

https://youtu.be/zkxLcekmF8c 

How long will we sing?

How long will we pray?

How long will we write and send?

How long will we bring?

How long will we stay?

How long will we make amends? 

Chorus 

Until all are fed we cry out!

Until all on earth have bread.

Like the One who loves us each & everyone

We serve until all are fed.

How long will we talk?

How long will we prod?

How long must we fret and hoard?

How long will we walk

to tear down this façade?

How long, how long, O Lord?  Chorus

How can we stand by 

and fail to be aghast?

How long til we do what’s right?

How could we stand by 

and choose a lesser fast?

How long til we see the light?  Chorus

On the green, green grass

They gathered long ago

to hear what the master said.

What they had they shared-

Some fishes and some loaves

They served until all were fed.  Chorus    

Voice 4: Closing Prayer of Thanksgiving  [1 John 5:1]

We believe that Jesus is the Christ, begotten by God. We, too, are God’s begotten and beloved.   

May our time together strengthen our belief and increase our hope for the day when we can “unlock our doors.” On that day, may we leave our places of safe refuge and gather with sisters and brothers everywhere in creation, rejoicing in song and dance. May our faith-filled living transform our world. In this way, we praise You, O Giver of all good gifts. Alleluia!

Blessing  

Presiders:  Let us extend our hands and bless one another with these words:

All: May you continue to see and recognize the Risen One in your midst.

May you hear the voice of the Teacher and be an apostle of good news like Mary of Magdala. May the Holy One bless you with enough foolishness to dispel any doubt that you can comfort, heal and transform our world by living genuinely, and loving extravagantly, even wastefully. Go forth—be a blessing! AMEN.

Closing Song: Anthem by Tom Conry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP2gwC5TGFs 

Refrain

We are called, we are chosen, 

We are Christ for one another,

we are promised to tomorrow, 

While we are for him today.

We are sign, we are wonder, 

We are sower, we are seed,

We are harvest, we are hunger. 

We are question, we are creed.

Then where can we stand justified? 

In what can we believe?

In no one else but Christ who suffered, 

Nothing more than Christ who rose

Who was justice for the poor, 

Who was rage against the night,

Who was hope for peaceful people,

Who was light. Ref

Then how are we to stand at all, 

this world of bended knee?

In nothing more than barren shadows, 

No one else but Christ could save us.

Who was justice for the poor, Who

was rage against the night,

Who was hope for peaceful people,

Who was light. Ref

Then shall we not stand empty 

at the altar of our dreams?

When Christ promised us ourselves,

Who mark time against tomorrow,

Who are justice for the poor, 

Who are rage against the night,

Who are hope for peaceful people,

Who are light. Ref by 22Kartika – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mark your calendars for new Spiritual Enrichment Course

from People's Catholic Seminary on  A New New Testament  beginning on April 19th. Register now:

Did you ever wonder if there is more to the Jesus story than you know? Discover ancient texts that provide a fuller understanding of his life and message. This course can be taken for spiritual enrichment for individuals and faith sharing groups. 

Cohort begins April 19 at 4pm EDT, 

Independent Study ongoing

PCS 505: New New Testament

https://pcseminary.teachable.com/p/pcs-505-a-new-new-testament-exploring-sacred-texts 

This course provides new perspectives on the legacy of Jesus in the earliest Christian communities that include a fresh mixture of the traditional New Testament Gospels alongside a treasure chest of ancient texts that were lost for centuries and now have been discovered and translated: The Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Thomas, the Acts of Paul and Thecla, the Prayer of Thanksgiving, and The Thunder: Perfect Mind. They reveal a fuller portrait of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus that broaden intellectual understanding and spiritual growth.

Special thanks to our MMOJ IT Team : Peg Bowen,  Patricia MacMillan and Bridget Mary Meehan

Please send MMOJ donations to:

St Andrew United Church of Christ

6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL  34238