FABRIC

Here we seek to grow.

Here we seek to be courageous allies.

Here we seek to be open and affirming.

Here we seek to honor each other’s story.

Here we seek to welcome each other’s mistakes.

Today it is my joy to share with you that it was officially announced last week at Annual Conference that Pastor Tanya and I will remain with you for another year! For that, I say, “Thanks be to God and Bishop Bridgeforth!”

There are churches without buildings and pews, but none without a congregation.

There are churches without music and preaching, but none without a congregation.

There are churches without pastors and staff, but none without a congregation.

Today we resume our use of the Letter to the Ephesians as a framework as we engage the question: “What is church?” Today we weave new members into our fabric, and we receive our annual special offering for Peace and Justice – to repair and restore the fabric of peace and justice in our world.

Threshold Song God Is Here UMH 660

God is here! As we your people

meet to offer praise and prayer,

may we find in fuller measure

what it is in Christ we share.

Here, as in the world around us,

all our varied skills and arts

wait the coming of the Spirit

into open minds and hearts.

Weekly Scripture – Revelation 21:1–5, 22:1-5 & Ephesians 4:1-16