Liturgy of Lament – June 7th

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it;
if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26

We do not worship, live out faith, nor conduct ministry in a vacuum. Two weeks ago, I had a certain idea for how we would share our ZOOM Church time tomorrow. But as protests and events unfolded this week, as the collective voice of our city and nation grew louder, plans changed. It is because “one part suffers,” as Apostle Paul would say. We must respond.

Racist brutality hurts and kills people of color, fellow members of the body of Christ, and neighbors we are commanded to love in Christ. A broad conversation has opened up, in response to a clearer view of injustice and crime shaped by racism. To be with members of the body, to love and serve our neighbor faithfully, their suffering must be acknowledged and their burden must be shared by all of us. The Church can listen, learn, and take part as the Spirit leads. Faithful members have been doing this for a long time, but we are in a moment of broader awareness and opportunity.

Part of this means listening to both the cries of our neighbor, and to the voice of God. In the Psalms, Prophets, Gospels, and Epistles, we see, and hear Jesus, calling people to repent, to seek the Kingdom. We sense the Spirit gathering and equipping the church for service and action. And sacrifice.

Today, we will be together for a LITURGY OF LAMENT: readings and prayers giving voice to SORROW, ANGER, 
REPENTANCE and REDEMPTION.

LET’S DO THIS AGAIN

A brief followup to last week’s 
SERVE TOGETHER SUNDAY.

YOUNG CHURCH

  • Godly Play: Paul’s Discovery
  • Big Kids and Bigger Kids: Zoom meeting at 11:15 am

BEYOND SUNDAY

  • Council Communiqué – please read the email sent a few weeks ago
  • Small Groups meet via ZOOM on a regular basis; email office@emmausroad.net for info.
  • New Horizons Dinner – served every first Wednesday; email office@emmausroad.net for info.
  • Road Crew Happy Hour -Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 pm – ZOOM
  • Aurora Commons – Wonder what their wishlist is? See it here; view the most recent update here. See above for details on SERVE TOGETHER SUNDAY, May 31st.