Religion & Spirituality
Title: Torn Apart, Brought Together You can find the video version of this service at Youtube link: https://youtu.be/uST0iLDAcgQ Wednesday morning I was in the TLLC Sanctuary preparing for Worship Where You Are. Since this Sunday is Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, my thoughts were focused on baptism and in particular of Mark’s description that Jesus saw the “heavens torn apart” during his baptism by John. I did not expect the flow of news that would come in the hours that followed as we saw the fabric of our nation straining; some might even say “torn apart”. To me though, it differed greatly from the tearing apart done by God in baptism, which is done out of love rather than anger and out of a desire to bring us together rather than separate. The tearing apart at the Capitol differed from the tearing apart done by Jesus in his ministry, which was done peacefully and non-violently. And so we pray for our country and its leaders: Gracious God, in this time when anxiety is infectious and anger runs rampant. Help us to tear apart the barriers of mistrust that divide us, end violent protests, and open doors of conversation between disparate groups. Grant us all peace and reassurance, healing and hope, strength and wisdom in the days ahead. We ask this through Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Worship Where You Are! Join us to Worship Where You Are this Sunday at 9AM & 11AM. The scriptures for this Baptism of Our Lord Sunday are Isaiah 64:1-5a, Acts 19:1-7, and Mark 1:4-11. As you gather at your home altar bring a bowl of water to represent baptism or a piece of fabric that you can tear to represent God tearing apart the heavens to reach us. As we celebrate Holy Communion, remember to bring your own bread and wine/juice to your home altar or you may pick up consecrated elements at the church on Saturday 10:00-11:30. We give thanks to this week’s WWYA Worship Leaders, Kelly Condon, Evan Kephart, and Beth Gonzalez, Production Crew, and Musicians.