WORD for the Week for January 12, 2020
Third Sunday after Christmas
TENACIOUS SOLIDARITY

Beginning Sunday, January 5: A Sermon Series Exploring Social Justice & the Psalms

With whom do you have solidarity? How do we develop tenacious solidarity with others during this time of division, intolerance, and injustice?

In this series, we will explore what it means to stand in solidarity with one another and with God. We'll be studying the Psalms, and our LYFE Groups will be using a book by Walter Brueggermann called Finding Solidarity . Finding solidarity rooted in faith in a God who empowers us to love our neighbors will help us to build bridges.
COME AND WORSHIP
Sabbath Beginnings – Sacred Journey – Traditional Worship
WORD for Sabbath Beginnings 8am
Scripture Text: Ruth 2:2-23 (NRSV)

Worship Leader: Rev. Dwight Haberman

Holy Communion : Our U.S. borders are crowded with thousands of people--including children and immigrants--who have walked together for hundreds of miles. Talk about tenacious solidarity. Tenacious Solidarity is our overarching theme; this Sunday the specific topic is immigration. I was speaking recently with a man who immigrated to the U.S. a number of years ago; he spoke for himself and other immigrants who have immigrated to this country over the years. His comment was that it is very common for immigrants to find this country to be a very different country from the one they had expected--not exactly the land “flowing with milk and honey”--yet, I hope better than the country they left behind. I expect it is common for most everyone to hold filtered and distorted images of other countries, some good, some not so good. My concern is to ask about the values we live by. Do we live lives that are those we would want to find in countries to which we might immigrate? Do we have a tenacious solidarity in seeking to make our country one that nurtures us and welcomes those who come here wanting lives that are fulfilled? Do we “look out for number one,” or live lives that look out for “the common good”? For what are you willing to use your Tenacious Solidarity?
WORD for Sacred Journey 8:30am
Scripture Text: Ruth 2:1-23 (The MESSAGE)

The Story: Rev. Frenchye Magee

Reflection:   How to tackle the big issues has always been a part of forming God’s beloved community and this week, we look at one story from the Bible that could have been lifted from any modern newspaper. The story of Ruth puts the issue of immigration and the fragile nature of the immigrant’s life front and center for us. Where do we find our place as God’s people, called to welcome the stranger? Are we building bridges or barriers? There’s room for questions and traveling companions for the journey. All are welcome!
WORD for Traditional Worship 10am
World Communion Sunday
Scripture Text: Ruth 2:1-23 (NIV)

Preaching: Rev. Frenchye Magee

Sermon:  Sermon Title Here

Reflection: The story of Ruth has enough plot twists to rival any modern cinema blockbuster. A beautiful young widow, an embittered mother-in-law, a dangerous journey, and at the end—a love story that culminates in the birth of a cherished baby—one who will become part of the Israelite Messianic narrative! Underneath these details is another narrative that is also all to familiar in postmodern times: the precarious nature of life as an immigrant. This week, we spend time with this well-loved text as we ask questions of ourselves about the roiling issue of immigration. Can we learn to become a “round-table people?” Is there a way beyond contentious debate? More than problem-solving, can we be life-affirming? Where is the Spirit leading us to make an impact and find solidarity that allows others to see glimpses of hope in our time?

WORSHIP BULLETIN ARCHIVE

The Bible In Your Hands

You're invited to "dig deeper." Here are a handful of resources:

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church resources:
Worship Bulletins  | online archive of HAUMC worship bulletins
Sermon Recordings  | HAUMC Sacred Journey and Traditional Worship sermon recordings
Devotional Ministry  | HAUMC seasonal daily devotional ministry

Scripture exegesis and commentary resources:
Bible Gateway  | the Bible in hundreds of translations (NRSV, CEB, The Message, etc.)
BibleHub  | parse out the original Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT)
Enter the Bible  | historical/cultural context for each book of the Bible from Luther Seminary
Oxford Biblical Studies  | historical/cultural context for each book of the Bible from Oxford
Working Preacher  | read and listen to lectionary commentary from Luther Seminary faculty

Art and Music resources:
Art in the Christian Tradition  | The Jean and Alexander Heard Divinity Library at Vanderbilt
Hymnary  | a resource for both modern and traditional worship music and hymns
Sing for Joy  | a worship music and hymn resource from St. Olaf College
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WORD for the Week is a ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.