Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:40-41
Message: Miracle Healings
Blessings and grace to you all!
One gospel trend that cannot be denied is that Jesus healed sick people and made them well. These miracles, also referred to as “signs,” are included in the shorter-than-you-might-imagine list of proven, historical notes on the life of Jesus. As progressive Christians, however, it can be hard for us to digest the faith-founded idea that one’s physical or mental health could be so instantly made well with a touch. With this in mind, commentaries encourage us to consider, not how this could have historically happened (accepting the miracle that is inherent in divinity), but what meaning we can seek from the miracle of healing by faith in the power of Love.
This Sunday we’ll consider some of what we’ve seen in the way of love healing AND times when love was present and abundant yet, still, the demons won. And we’ll wonder how we might hold our faith, including all of these experiences, knowing that the world, so sick and broken, needs our faith now more than ever.
Peace,
Cheryl
This week UPA prays for…
…Ellen and her family on the passing of her mom.
….Steven Ross, brother of Don Ross who is hospitalized
…The City of Newton, teachers/staff, families of NPS students, the school committee and Mayor Fuller that all recognize the dire situation for both NPS faculty and staff AND families and students, and find humility towards negotiations and seeking common ground.
Music
Prelude: “Resonet in laudibus” 14th c. German carol
Anthem: “Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us” William Rowan
Meditation: “Harmonies of the Spheres” Chihiro Asano Sung by Chihiro Asano, mezzo soprano
Postlude: “Ecce novum gaudium” 16th c. Swedish carol
Live Stream Information
We are making improvements to our sanctuary sound system and encourage you to worship with us in person. If you are not able to worship with us we continue to stream our services via Facebook and Zoom. If you experience any trouble go to our Facebook page for more information. Please share these links with your friends. Bear in mind that we cannot share the Zoom links publicly (to keep from being Zoom bombed), so please share it person to person rather than posting it on Facebook/Twitter, or other public social media. It’s fine to share the Facebook link broadly and publicly. For Zoom login please reach out to Pastor Cheryl at cheryl@newtonchurch.org.
Zoom Link: UPA Sunday Morning Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81334929545?pwd=S1lsRlRmSnlkTUE0cHRlWWQwWUJndz09
Facebook Livestream Link: https://www.facebook.com/upanewtonma/live