South Stormont Pastoral Charge

In today’s first reading, Paul does not say that he has already arrived at the goal. He says, “Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal.” Paul did not deny his past or what he had accomplished. But he no longer saw these things as proof that his life was complete. He was still on the way, and he was not afraid of that. Paul reminds us that Christian faith is not about proving that we are perfect. It is about humility. It is about being willing to admit that we still have more to learn and more room to grow. Our worth does not depend on being perfect. Humility gives us the courage to keep learning and growing. Paul also shows that Christian faith is not about speed. It is about direction. Christians are people who move toward Christ. But it is important to remember that we move toward Christ with Christ. Paul says, “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” This is not a journey we make alone. Christ is already with us. Christ...

  # Gathering Hymn For the Beauty of the Earth (#226 VU) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: From many places and many stories, we gather as one people in Christ.   All: We come to share in God’s welcome and grace. One: Around the world, people of faith gather at Christ’s table today.   All: One table, many communities, held together in love. One: Here there is room for every voice, every story, and every hope. All: Here we receive the bread of life and the cup of blessing. One: Come, let us worship God, who draws us together in peace. All: With the church around the world, we worship with joy and thanksgiving. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn Come, O fount of Every Blessing (#559 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) Gracious God, you gather people from many places, cultures, identities, and ways of life, and welcome us to one table. Yet we confess that we do not always live with the openness, care, and compa...