Resistance

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.

Our Special offering this Sunday affirms the sacredness of Indigenous people, their languages, cultures, and gifts to the church and the world. Offerings on this Special Sunday support vital ministries and churches in Native American communities and allows the UMC to partner with existing native ministries to develop new programs on behalf of Native Americans. Half of the funds remain in each local Annual Conference to focus on local native ministries.

On this second Sunday of Eastertide, we continue our theme of Resurrection Stories. In 12-step recovery programs, the first step is admitting powerlessness over anything that threatens to destroy our connection to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to others. This week, we consider the variety of ways addiction occurs in our lives. We will celebrate the Good News that we can refocus our lives onto things that lead us to life and connection to the Holy.

Rise up in us and we will rise

From death into a newfound life:

From bondage freed, from harm released,

From illness healed, as one in peace.

When all is lost our hearts are warmed,

Our hope restored, our lives transformed.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Weekly Scripture – Psalm 13 & Luke 4:1-13 & 9:39-43