But I also love the name: “Rooted.” I love that while innovation and creative thinking are part of how we build church now, “Rooted” makes us think about this incredible base that we’re building on. We have 2000 years of Christian ministry, of God working with and through the church in many different times and settings, and through many changes.
More importantly, “Rooted” also reminds us of the fact that it’s not about us: this is all about our triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The work is not about us and our growth—it’s about God, and the hope that what we do allows others to see God more clearly, or even to meet God for the first time. We can’t always predict how that will happen, but we do know and trust that our showing up matters, that God is at work and blesses our efforts, even if we don’t always see the outcome ourselves.
I invite you to lean into that trust, to step aside from anxiety, and to move with faith into whatever work God is calling you to do today: to worship, to donate warm winter clothing for children, to feed hungry people, to visit an isolated friend, to study the incredible gift that is the Bible. We can walk together as people of faith, on this sometimes oh-so-difficult journey of human life, trusting that God is with us.
This weekend I won’t be with you in the service, although my family will. I invite you to give a warm welcome to Robb Montgomery, certified Lay Speaker, who will bring his own perspective to the service, thereby enriching our own.
Becky
Prayer
We give praise to you, O God,
for you are awesome and amazing.
We remember your deeds and faithfulness—
deeds that have brought us to this day,
faithfulness that has helped us weather
life’s storms.
We have gone through fire and water,
and stand before you today
in gratitude and praise.
How awesome are your deeds, O God! Amen.[1]
[1] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/not-ashamed/eighteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/eighteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-c-liturgical-resources