From Rev. Talitha –
This week we are diving into a most important Bible passage, from Matthew 25, where Jesus makes an important promise: whatsoever you do to the least of these my siblings, you do to me. I know this is an extra-sacred passage to many MPCers who hold fast to this challenge in our work — especially our charity and social justice work. This week I will address it in light of race and racism. This is part one of a three-part sermon series I will be preaching over my next three sermons (not consecutive, as I usually preach about once a month) exploring the challenging passages of Matthew 25. I do this in light of our national church’s vision and invitation to address important issues using these passages as part of the Matthew 25 initiative, which you can read more about here. https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25/
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View January 31st Celebration online
- Marcia plays a prelude, “A Charge to Keep I Have”, arr. George Brandon
- The prelude, from Marcia, is Toccata in G Major by William Hieronymous Pachelbel
- Ben will welcome us, and
- Layla Saleem will do the Call to Celebration
- Our opening hymn is “God of Compassion, In Mercy Befriend Us” (lyrics below and will be on the screen)
- the Prayer for Peace is read by Lin Gentry
- Douglas Brookes reads Matthew 25:31-46
- I (Talitha) will preach
- Kim gives us a special musical treat with the 23rd Psalm as arranged by Bobby McFerrin
- Ben will lead us in prayer
- The closing hymn is “Jesus, Be with Us’, a newly composed hymn for Matthew 25 churches (lyrics will be on the screen; sheet music link available below)
- And I will send us on our way with a few announcements and invitations. See below for some links.
Here are links to two anti-racism programs offered by the Presbytery of San Francisco:
CrossRoads Training, an 18-month commitment the Presbytery has made, begins this process with webinars on Wednesdays at 3 PM. Though the whole process is geared toward Presbytery participants, the opening webinars are absolutely open to everyone. Those of us who participated in the first week found it inspiring and mind-blowing, and we encourage you to sign up and join us in future weeks. https://www.presbyteryofsf.org/cross-roads/
Book Study on “What Lies Between Us: Fostering First Steps Toward Racial Healing,” is a 10-session participatory book study starting Wednesday, February 10th at 4 PM (alternating Wednesdays with the CrossRoads program). This is led by the Rev. Kamal Hassan, from Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church. We highly recommend you join in!
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.