Bread and More Soup Kitchen continues to serve a free to-go meal every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:15.
We are an open and affirming member of the United Church of Christ and no matter who you are or where you are in life's journey, you are welcome here. Contact the Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Murray at 631-727-2621 for more information.
Church services are held at 10:00 am usually followed by a coffee hour. Please join us. All are welcome.
Sunday School: Please call our church office at 631-727-2621 if you would like your child to join. Sunday School is held during church services at 10:00. Sunday School will resume on Sept. 21, 2025 Rally Day!
Bible Study: We will begin our fall term on Friday, September 19th,
10:00-11:00 in the Fellowship Hall.
If you would like to join us on Zoom , please follow the link
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86897065711?
pwd=a0FZcDg5MnRqKz-JMQXRLVzIBTGZFQT09 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 850 1493 9172
Passcode: 7272621
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Service of Word and Sacrament
September 7, 2025✦ 10am
We open our hearts to the presence of God and worship together.
PRELUDE: Adagio George Muffat
*CHORAL INTROIT:
We are here this day to share God's love.
We have come with burdens and cares,
For within this place, we are bound as one
In this fellowship we share.
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Hear the choices God sets before us;
life and prosperity or death and adversity.
Many: O God, you have searched us and known us.
You know our thoughts and every move we make.
One: Listen to the ordinances of our God;.
love God and walk in the way God commands.
Many: O God, we will listen for your words.
We will seek to walk on the paths you intend.
One: Happy are those who delight in God’s law;
blessed are all who meditate on God’s Word.
ALL: Wonderful are all your works, O God.
We are your creation; we are in your hands.
*HYMN: Be Thou My Vision No. 451
https://youtu.be/Optrm7lF16s
WELCOME
PRAYER OF INVOCATION:
…Like a skilled potter, O God, you have shaped each one of us as a unique design. You know us better than we know ourselves. You value us more highly than we can imagine. You weep when we are marred or broken through our own misdeeds or the world’s cruelty. We gather now to assemble our prayers for one another and all the world’s people in a chorus of devotion. Hear us, gracious God. Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
PASSING OF THE PEACE
ANNOUNCEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS:
Rally Day: Please be sure to join us September 21st for our Rally Day which will see the return of the choir and the first day of the new Sunday School year.
Bible Study: We will begin our fall term on Friday, September 19th,
10:00-11:00 in the Fellowship Hall.
A TIME OF PRAYER:
❖ Pastoral Prayer
Creator of all, you continue to extend your loving arms to us and we are grateful. Although you ask of us devotion and obedience we seldom respond faithfully. Forgive us. Help us, dear Lord, to build the quality of life you intend for us and for all people. Show us how to become fully engaged as disciples of Jesus Christ. Help us to straighten out our priorities so we can witness faithfully to your will…
❖ Silent Prayer
❖ Lord's Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive
us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not
into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory, now and forever. Amen.
OFFERING & OFFERTORY ANTHEM:
Offertoire for Vox Humana Eugene Thayer
*DOXOLOGY AND BLESSING OF GIFTS:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, you heavenly host:
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
❖ Jeremiah 18:1-11 OT Page 679
❖ Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 Hymnal Page 715
❖ Philemon 1-21 NT Page 191
❖ Luke 14:25-33 NT Page 67
*GLORIA:
Glory to the Creator, the Christ, the Holy Spirit,
Three-in-one; as it was in the beginning
Is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Amen.
SERMON: “That’s a Bit Extreme”
Proof-texting the Bible is the practice of quoting scripture out of its original context to support a theological position, doctrine, or personal belief. Those who proof-text often ignore the original author's intent, historical setting, as well as the passage. There was a lot of it when the 13th amendment was argued, that is, with regard to slavery. Scripture was used by both sides. There was also a lot of it in the days of women’s suffrage, again used by both sides.
One thing that’s absolutely clear is that no God-fearing soul is using the words of Jesus we heard from the reading from Luke’s gospel: “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” It’s definitely not a verse to use for good church PR. I’m thinking if some knew enough of the Bible and had their way, there would be a big movement to strike the verse from our Bibles all together.
Yeah, Jesus. What we’re saying is that that’s a bit extreme.
Extremism. Even though, apparently, a good consensus on the precise definition hasn’t been reached for it, we all know what it is. It’s the over-the-top, holy cow, views or actions on any issue. The extremist views have long divided us in religion and politics, in questions of acceptance and war. The extremist ceases to listen while stubbornly maintaining his point of view regardless of how wrong it is. And it seems we never have to look long or hard to find examples of it. The current debate on vaccines comes to mind.
Although it’s difficult, if not nearly impossible, to engage the extremist in logical conversation, we can check our proclivity to such. With most any complicated issue, there’s a sacred middle path where wisdom, discernment, and a faith stand strong. In a world where people seem so divided on so many issues of our day, the call to avoid extremes is as relevant as it’s always been. And Scripture has long taught us to avoid the far sides and wild swings and to work toward holy balance.
The metaphor of the potter has long been used for God. We understand that God made us and shapes us as the potter has the clay. There are two extremes with clay to avoid, one is that it’s too stiff, and the other is that it’s too soft. If it’s too rigid, it can’t be worked and if it’s too watery it can’t be shaped. Only the balance will work. It’s a great illustration.
The problem, of course, is that the lesson ultimately does suggest that God is going to get you if you don’t straighten up and fly right. Rather than presenting the potter as patient and kind, one who adjusts the clay as needed, the potter threatens to break down and destroy the unyielding hard clay. Such lessons have led people to view the Bible as presenting two Gods: the mean God of the Old Testament and the loving God of the New Testament. God here is like the parent of a young child who announces, “if you don’t behave, you’re going to get it.”
It losing the notion that God is always merciful and just, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast loved. There’s a balance that’s needed.
Paul’s letter to Philemon is basically the ancient version of “Let’s talk about this like adults.” Onesimus, a runaway slave, is sent back to Philemon “a beloved brother.” Paul, who could pull rank, instead writes with the finesse of a friend asking you to help them move on a Saturday—persuasive, but not pushy. He avoids the extremes of bossiness and apathy, choosing, instead, the middle path of gentle encouragement.
Philemon has a choice: to be the “strict parent” – the punishment for such a runaway was death -- or one who is willing even to give a runaway slave a new start. Paul hopes for a response that’s not extreme but knows the offense well. The letter shows us that healthy relationships thrive not at the outer limits, but somewhere in the messy middle, balancing mercy and justice.
Of course, the real extremes of the day are in Luke’s Gospel. There we have not only the hate talk, but also the cross-carrying, none of which is catchy advertisement for a fledgling religious movement that needs disciples.
Jesus is aware that on one extreme is the notion of charging ahead with wild enthusiasm, only to fizzle out in the face of challenge. The other is overthinking so long that life’s opportunities pass us by. Jesus calls us to passion with purpose, and even to a cross that’s neither a featherweight nor a crushing boulder. True discipleship means living in that balance—engaged, but not overwhelmed. Jesus doesn’t call us to lukewarm faith or overcaffeinated zeal. He asks for real commitment—a “yes” spoken with open eyes and a humble heart.
So what’s the middle path? It’s not being dull or indecisive. It’s being clay that’s just right, forgiveness that’s not gullible or grudging, discipleship that’s bold yet grounded. Jesus is the master of balance—holding together what feels impossible, weaving laughter and tears, justice and mercy, into a life worth living.
May we allow God to mold us, restore us, and send us into the world with wisdom, mercy, and an attitude that we got this together with God.
OUR ORDER OF COMMUNION
The Invitation and Time of Confession:
❖ Call to Confession
❖ Silent Confession
❖ Unison Prayer of Confession:
Awesome God, we confess that we have become slaves
to our own narrow self-interest. We pay more attention
to our possessions than to you. We try to hide from your
all-seeing eye, for we are guilty of devotion to false gods.
We are attracted to wicked advice and sinful pursuits
that direct our steps away from you. We act without
thinking or planning or consulting with you. O God,
show us the way to a better life. Amen.
❖ Words of Assurance
Thanksgiving:
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Pastor: Let us give thanks to God Most High.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Pastor: We give you thanks, God of majesty and mercy,
for calling forth the creation and raising us from dust
by the breath of your being.
We bless you for the beauty and bounty of the earth and for the vision of the day when sharing by all will mean scarcity for none.
We remember the covenant you made with your people Israel, and we give you thanks for all our ancestors in faith.
We rejoice that you call us to reconciliation with you and all people everywhere and that you remain faithful to your covenant even when we are faithless.
We rejoice that you call the entire human family to this table of sacrifice and victory.
We come in remembrance and celebration of the gift of Jesus Christ, whom you sent, in the fullness of time, to be the good news.
Born of Mary, our sister in faith, Christ lived among us to reveal the mystery of your Word, to suffer and die on the cross for us, to be raised from death on the third day, and then to live in glory.
We bless you, gracious God, for the presence of your Holy Spirit in the church you have gathered. With your sons and daughters of faith in all places and times, we praise you with joy as we say together:
All: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts,
Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory,
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Words of Institution and Communal Proclamation:
Pastor: We remember that on the night of betrayal and desertion,
and on the eve of death, Jesus gathered the disciples for a shared meal of preparation.
Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying:
“This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, he took the cup after supper.
Again he gave God thanks and praise and said:
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as
often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
All: Christ’s death, O God we proclaim.
Christ’s resurrection we declare.
Christ’s coming, we await.
Glory be to you, O God.
Prayers of Consecration:
Pastor: Eternal God, we unite in this covenant of faith, recalling Christ’s suffering and death, rejoicing in Christ’s resurrection, and awaiting Christ’s return in victory. We spread your table with these gifts of the earth and of our labor. We present to you our very lives, committed to your service on behalf of all people. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon this bread and wine, upon our gifts, and upon us. Strengthen your universal church that it may be the champion of peace and justice in all the world. Restore the earth with your grace that is able to make all things new.
All: Be present with us as we share this meal,
and throughout all our lives, that we may know you as
the Holy One, who with Christ and the Holy Spirit,
lives forever. Amen.
Sharing the Bread and Cup:
Pastor: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is offered for us.
People: Therefore, let us keep the feast.
Pastor: The gifts of God for the people of God.
We celebrate the grace of God in our midst.
(Please wait until all have been served and we’ll ingest together)
Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving:
We give you thanks, Almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table through the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Continue to heal us, we pray, and strengthen our faith. Increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; we ask these things in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*HYMN: God of Grace and God of Glory No. 436
https://youtu.be/lpabk2796xI
*PASTORAL BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION:
May the light of God shine on us today.
May the light of God shine on us today.
May it show us where to travel,
Lead us back if we should stray,
May the light of God shine on us today.
POSTLUDE: Goldberg Variation 16 J.S. Bach
(please remain seated for the postlude)
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
A Service of the Word
August 24, 2025 ✦ 10am
OPENING WORDS:
We open our hearts to the presence of God and worship together.
PRELUDE: Preludes pour L’Ave Maris Stella (D major)
Cesar Franck
(Once the music begins we ask that you would please maintain respectful silence)
*CHORAL INTROIT:
We are here this day to share God's love;
We have come with burdens and cares,
For within this place, we are bound as one
In this fellowship, we share.
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Assemble before God, our rock and refuge.
Come together to listen for the voice of our Creator.
Many: The Word of God shakes the foundation of the earth.
We expect to be changed by God’s message to us.
One: God rescues us from cruelty and injustice.
In steadfast love, God delivers us from our enemies.
Many: We remember the rich heritage we have received.
We give thanks for God’s grace and mercy.
One: This is God’s holy day, a time to lay aside narrow interests.
How will we honor God in word and deed?
ALL: We will delight in the Word and works of our God.
We will join together in praise and good works.
HYMN: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise No. 1
WELCOME
PRAYER OF INVOCATION:
We are known by you, gracious God, better than we know ourselves. You have given us life and you have renewed our spirits. You have carried us to the heights and you have dwelled with us in life’s depths. You are our hope and our trust. Touch us here, for you are far beyond our reach. Dwell with us here to lift our aspirations and inspire confidence among us. Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
PASSING OF THE PEACE
ANNOUNCEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS
Back to School Supplies: It’s that time again. We are collecting back to school supplies to help the efforts of local pantries.
Beacon Light: Articles for our September/October issue are due by September 3rd.
A TIME OF PRAYER:
❖ Pastoral Prayer
Ruling God, whose will is broader than our best traditions and whose mercy runs deeper than our finest sympathies, speak your Word to set us free from attitudes that cripple, habits that are hurtful, and dispositions that divide. Enlist us as willing disciples so others may meet Jesus Christ through us…..
❖ Silent Prayer
❖ Lord's Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory,
now and forever. Amen.
OFFERING & OFFERTORY: Adagio from Voluntary VI John Stanley
*DOXOLOGY AND BLESSING OF GIFTS:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, you heavenly host:
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
❖ Isaiah 58:9b-14 OT Page 648
❖ Psalm 103:1-8 Hymnal Page 688
❖ Hebrews 12:18-29 NT Page 200
❖ Luke 13:10-17 NT Page 66
SERMON: “Opt for the Spiritually Healthier”
Especially the older we get, I find we talk a lot about health. Physical health, that is. It’s usually preceded by something like, “Oh my aching [back, neck, hip, knee, foot]… you can fill in the blank. These days, there is also some, not much, but some, talk about mental health: anxiety, depression or PTSD and the like. That, however, is rarer. The really rare duck is any talk of spiritual health. To my hearing, pretty much NO ONE speaks of spiritual health. I’m not even sure most folk would know how such a conversation would go.
My favorite line, a query really, with regard to spiritual health is, “How is it with your soul?” It makes people pause a bit and even contemplate that which is seldomly considered. “My soul?... Hmm, I guess it’s okay.”
To consider life of the soul is unquestionably deep. It dives into that which might mar, injure or damage the soul. And what kind of stuff is that? To begin with, the common definition of sin that I use is, “that which wages war against the soul.” With that, we can enter into some understanding of what may cause damage, as well as that which strengthens, edifies the soul in the war against it.
When naming what constitutes sin, most will likely start with the 10 Commandments and the various, “Thou shall nots…”. That is, no killing, no lying, no stealing, no coveting and the like. Most of us, I think, have pretty much got those things covered. But we know that sin, that which wages war against our souls, goes farther than that.
The lesson from Isaiah this morning hits on some of the other issues. The prophet counsels that blessings come, that better spiritual health comes, if five other behaviors are added to the list of Moses’ ten. The first I find particularly interesting as it makes one contemplate what exactly is being targeted: it reads, “If you remove the yoke from among you.” What is the yoke, the burden among us? Literally, of course, a yoke is a device of wood placed across the necks of two oxen, or other draft animals, so they can pull a plow or cart together. However, we know that it’s not the literal sense that the prophet has in mind. The figurative meaning is that which burdens or oppresses. It’s a fine edict against slavery, of course, but it’s more than that. We’re to consider what is it that burdens us and others. In Isaiah’s time and in Jesus’ day, the strict observance of the law of Moses, specifically with regard to the Sabbath was a principle burden. This is the burden that Jesus teaches about in our gospel lesson of healing on the Sabbath.
Luke 13 tells of Jesus healing a woman bent over for eighteen years, on the Sabbath, revealing that true Sabbath observance is not about rigid rules but liberating love. To opt for the spiritually healthier is to follow Jesus in restoring dignity and freedom, even when it challenges tradition.
Then comes one that makes me chuckle a bit, it’s “the pointing of the finger.” When we envision such, we get the picture of the old school marm who’s got the mean finger of reprimand out. But it’s also more than that. It’s a warning about judgmentalism, about judging others. Jesus, of course, will revisit that one too. In Matthew 5 we get: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” And Jesus even expands the teaching with the metaphor of a "speck in your brother's eye" verses a "plank in your own eye" to highlight the hypocrisy of criticizing others' flaws while ignoring your own greater ones.
Next is the speaking of evil, which is easy enough at face value, but if we dive deeper we need to consider what, exactly, that is. It the gossip and the slander that demeans.
Beyond the negatives, of things to be avoided for better spiritual health, comes the positive: “If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted.” It’s in helping others who most need help that allows our “light [to] rise in the darkness and our gloom be like the noonday.”
And lastly, Isaiah notes, as does the 10 Commandments, the importance of the Sabbath day, specifically to refrain from “pursuing your own interests on my holy day.” I think for many that one can be as hard today as it was back then.
God, in love, grants us the dignity of choice. From the words of Moses to the teachings of Jesus, Scripture is filled with stories of those who chose—and the consequences of those choices.
In our time, the options may present themselves differently, but the heart of the matter remains. Amidst distractions and temptations, we are called to opt for what nourishes our souls and uplifts others. Hebrews beckons us to “see to it that no one misses the grace of God,” to live as citizens of the unshakable kingdom, shaped by God’s mercy and justice. Some practical advice is to:
When we opt for the spiritually healthier, our lives reflect the promises of Isaiah: “You shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail.” We taste the joy and freedom of God’s unshakable kingdom, our relationships deepen, and our purpose grows clear. Our choices testify to the reality of God’s redeeming love in this world.
May the Spirit guide us in choosing well, in seeking justice, mercy, and healing. May your soul prosper, and may you walk in joy and reverence with the One who restores, redeems, and welcomes us into perfect communion.
*HYMN: For the Healing of the Nations No. 576
https://youtu.be/9oQxkziD-28
*BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION:
May the light of God shine on us today.
May the light of God shine on us today.
May it show us where to travel.
Lead us back if we should stray.
May the light of God shine on us today.
POSTLUDE: Air Jean-Baptiste de Bousset
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
A Service of the Word
August 17, 2025 ✦ 10am
OPENING WORDS:
We open our hearts to the presence of God and worship together.
PRELUDE: Petit Offertoire CFF 38 Cesar Franck
(Once the music begins we ask that you would please maintain respectful silence)
*CHORAL INTROIT:
We are here this day to share God's love;
We have come with burdens and cares,
For within this place, we are bound as one
In this fellowship, we share.
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Return, beloved of God, to the fold.
God welcomes you to this hour of prayer.
Many: God calls us by name and awaits our coming.
God summons us out of hiding.
One: God is like a shepherd, caring for her flocks.
God is like a gardener, carefully tending his vines.
Many: Surely God has provided richly for us.
Our lives are sustained by God’s good gifts.
One: Worship the one who longs for our coming.
Sing praise to the one who expects our faithfulness.
ALL: We call on God, who gives us life.
May God’s face shine on us to save us.
HYMN: O My Soul, Bless Your Creator No. 13
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_i8ZrjmFlSo?feature=share
WELCOME
PRAYER OF INVOCATION:
…Surrounded by a rich heritage of faith, we seek to know you, God, in this time of worship. Thankful for our spiritual ancestors, we return to our roots to find our true identity. We lay aside all that weighs us down and fills us with doubts so we can give attention to your call and your message. Meet us here, we pray. Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
ANNOUNCEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS:
Ladies Fellowship: The Ladies Fellowship gathering is this Thursday, August 21st, at 5:30 pm. It will be at the Village Idiot on Indian Island. Please notify Marion at mjumainsail@aol.com or text 631-702-3448 if you plan to attend. We have a surprise friend who will be joining us!
A TIME OF PRAYER:
❖ Pastoral Prayer:
…God of abundant grace, whose judgment is a part of your love for humankind, bring fire among us that we may be united in faithfulness rather than divided by competing interpretations of your Word and our present times. Make us not so much predictors of the future as practitioners of faithfulness in this present moment….
❖ Silent Prayer
❖ Lord's Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory,
now and forever. Amen.
OFFERING & OFFERTORY: Elevation en La CFF 93 Cesar Franck
*DOXOLOGY AND BLESSING OF GIFTS:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, you heavenly host:
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
❖ Jeremiah 5:1-7 OT Page 594
❖ Psalm 80 Hymnal Page 672
❖ Hebrews 11:29-31, 39-12:2 NT Page 199
❖ Luke 12:49-56 NT Page 65
SERMON: “Our God in Times of Trouble”
The readings, at least at first “hearing” are… well, yes, troubling.
Trouble. Are you, are we in living in times of trouble? Fortunately, for us the answer is only “yes” for some, but not for all. If we were Ukrainian, living here or there, the answer would be yes. And it’s certainly a yes for those of Gaza, and even for those of uncertain legal status living nearby. For most of us, it depends on our political read, or our personal journeying, such as with health issues, housing, money, relationship or work issues.
Yet seasons of turmoil and uncertainty come upon us all. And as a student of the Bible, I’m well aware that such has been the case for a very long time. It’s, of course, considerably true for those in Bible times. Not only was there no running water, electricity or supermarkets, but there was also no internet. *smile* But well beyond that, there were serious territorial issues, warfare, the odd giant or lion, and even deep religious divides.
Any troubled soul will, as many before us, seek meaning and hope in the wisdom of our age and those of stories and teachings handed down through our ancestors. Today, we even get a bit of help from the prophet Isaiah, the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, and the profound truths of faith found in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Taken carefully together, they offer all, regardless of age or era, a powerful vision of God’s presence and purpose in times of trouble.
Isaiah’s song of the vineyard paints a picture of God’s devoted care. “Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard,” the prophet begins. God, the careful planter, tended the vineyard with love, expecting good fruit. Yet, despite every advantage, the vineyard yielded only wild grapes. This image challenges us to reflect: in our own lives and communities, how do we respond to God's nurturing? When trouble comes, do we bear the fruit of faithfulness, justice, and compassion, or do we turn aside to lesser things? Conversely, in times of plenty and ease, do we set God aside, build idols of our own, and then only return to God when the going gets tough?
Isaiah’s lament is not only a warning, but an invitation. In moments of difficulty, God does not abandon the vineyard; instead, God calls us to recognize where we have strayed. The invitation then comes to return to the source of our being and to consider anew what God would have us do, how we might bear the good fruits of faith and righteousness. Trouble can awaken us to our need for renewal, for honest assessment, for deeper trust in God’s guidance and grace.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus declares, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” These are words of urgency and transformation. Christ’s presence in the world is not merely to comfort, but to refine and renew. The fire of God’s love and truth may unsettle us, dividing even households, but it is not a fire of destruction—it is a fire that purifies, that brings clarity, and that compels change.
When storms of life assail us, we may long for peace without challenge. Yet, Jesus calls us to discern the times, to see beyond the surface, and to allow God’s Spirit to ignite in us a passion for rightful living, with justice, mercy, and truth. In times of trouble, we are invited not only to seek refuge in God, but to participate in God’s work of transformation—within ourselves and in the wider world.
Regardless of current situation, we do well to consider what sustains us as we journey through life, on garden paths or in deep forests of uncertainty. The author of Hebrews reminds us: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11 recounts the stories of those who lived by faith—Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and many more—who embarked on journeys without knowing their destination, trusting in God’s promises even when fulfillment seemed distant.
These ancestors faced hardship, exile, and longing, yet they pressed onward, “seeking a homeland,” a better country that God had prepared for them. In their stories, we see that faith is not the absence of trouble or the certainty of every step, but the willingness to trust in God’s goodness and guidance, even in the midst of life’s storms. Their perseverance is a witness to us, encouraging us to trust that God is at work in ways we may not yet see.
Together, Isaiah’s lament, Jesus’ fire, and the example of faith in Hebrews urge us to examine our lives, to turn toward God, and to embrace both the comfort and the challenge that faith brings. God remains steadfast—tender in loving care, unwavering in justice, and bold in calling us to growth and renewal. In every difficulty, God walks with us, tending us like a beloved vineyard, refining us like gold in the fire, and leading us as pilgrims toward a promise yet unseen. Let us trust that, in good times or in times of trouble, God both shelters and shapes, calling forth from us the fruits of a living faith
Stay close to God for God is near. And consider well how in times of blessing you can even lend a hand to those in need, even through the simple act of providing an ear to those suffering as even they lament and seek wisdom. Trouble may come to us all, but so does the unending stream of God’s care. It’s often just a prayer and a conversation away.
*HYMN: Dear God, Embracing Humankind No. 502
https://youtu.be/_AzxkmDvSgc
*BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION:
May the light of God shine on us today.
May the light of God shine on us today.
May it show us where to travel.
Lead us back if we should stray.
May the light of God shine on us today.
POSTLUDE: BMV 556 J.S. Bach
We're biblical, traditional, yet progressive.
We honor and take pride in our
Congregational roots.
We covenant with one another and with God,
as revealed
in Jesus Christ through the illumination of
the Holy Spirit.
We endeavor to walk humbly with God and
strive for justice and peace.
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.
Isaiah 56.7
We are an open and affirming congregation in which all persons regardless of race, ethnic background, economic status, gender, age, or personal ability, are equally affirmed into membership, leadership and employment
and joyfully welcomed.
Our church office is open for phone calls at 631-727-2621. Pastor Sean will return your calls. Our secretary is in the office Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Our church office is open for phone calls at 631-727-2621. Pastor Sean will return your calls. Our secretary is in the office Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Worship on Sundays at 10:00am.
No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey, you are welcome here.
103 1st Street, Riverhead, New York 11901, United States
Today | Closed |
Our church office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am-12:00. Church services are held on Sunday at 10:00am, and coffee hour in the fellowship hall following the worship service. Sunday School will be held at 10:00 am. (To run concurrent with our worship service)
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