Worship Guide 9/20/2020

Worship Gathering in the Midst
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 20, 2020)
Scripture Reading: Exodus 15:22-25, 27; 16:1-15

Sunday’s sermon reflection could be titled, “The One With the Complaining Israelites.”
And they have a lot to complain about! They’re dying of thirst, they’re dying of hunger, they’re exhausted from traveling in the desert, they’re filled with uncertainties, doubts, and fears, and they’re not too keen on their leaders.

Sound familiar? Any time two or more are gathered together, there is bound to be some complaining. Differences of opinion. Expressions of doubts.
“I don’t know if this is right.” “I don’t know where we’re going!” “Are we going in the right direction?” “This isn’t what I bargained for.” “This is not what I was expecting!”
“Why are we going there?” “Why are you doing that?”

But, what if we changed it around? “I’m going to trust that this is the right thing to do.”
“I’m going to trust that the path will reveal itself, and that this journey we’re on together is what matters right now.” “I’m going to trust that this is the right direction.”
“This is the Way. Walk in it.” “This may not be what I was envisioning or expecting, but I’m going to embrace it and go with the flow!”
It’s a difficult thing to do, to trust. Yet, God provided for the Israelites, even in the midst of their griping and grumbling.

On Sunday, we’ll be exploring with the Israelites what it means to exercise trust as a community. I look forward to seeing you in our Worship Gathering!

~ With Peace, Grace, and Love in the Time of Coronavirus,
   Rev. Stacy