WELCOME to Westminster Church Online!
We are glad that you are here this morning. We hope this time of worship nurtures
your faith enlivens your spirit and engages your mind as we celebrate God’s
love and healing for the world with the resurrection of Christ, our Risen Lord.
Before you begin, remember to download and print the 09.05.21 – Bulletin
Then grab your Bible, a cup of tea or coffee, and prepare your heart for worship.
If this is your first Sunday with us, welcome! We’re glad you choose to worship with us.
Please take a moment to fill out the online Friendship Form and let us know.
READ THE SERMON
SEASON OF PEACE | SEPTEMBER 5, 2021
Rev. Denise Clark-Jones
“Faith with Feet and Hands”
The relationship is the unifying thread in our four scripture passages for today. Proverbs 22 states that good name and favor are related to one’s reputation or character and convey the idea of being accepted by the community. Nothing is more valuable than good relationships. Good relationships are defined by equality, wherein no one in the community is left to be hungry or in any way afflicted. Psalm 125 celebrates the faithfuls’ trust in the Lord. It is the task of every believer to build their lives on their trust in the Lord and to pray for the righteous and for peace among the nations. The passage from James states that the Christian faith is against division and discrimination against people. Appearance or social status are not valid criteria before God and showing favoritism in a worshipping community is counter to their faith. Partiality breaks the commandment to love your neighbor. In our reading from Mark, Jesus uncharacteristically displays favoritism in the story of the Syrophoenician woman, who asks for healing for her daughter. Her trust in him, demonstrated by her persistence, broadens Jesus’ understanding of his mission. She provokes a new revelation in which Jesus realizes his mission includes non-Jews as well as Jews.
Let us know that you joined us by filling out the Friendship Form below.
Then share with us your favorite part of today’s online worship experience!
Whether that was something from the music or the message, we’d love to hear.
Visit our Facebook to let us know.
Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for,
as you always resist the proud who confide in their own
strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast
of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
