In Jeremy's sermon on the theme of relating, he discusses the significance of family and relationships, especially as experienced during the summer. Jeremy reflects on his recent family visit to Ontario, and the love and support from his upbringing. Jeremy explores the biblical connections to family, reflected in 2 Timothy and the relationship between Jesus and his brother James. Jeremy highlights how family ties can shape our faith and theology. The encouragement is to embrace the extended family of faith and recognize the impact of shared experiences on our spiritual journeys.

Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.

Summer Discussion Guide 2024

If your group is meeting this summer and wants to talk about the sermons, here are a few questions that you could use to engage with our teaching.

- What specific part of the message resonated with you the most? Why do you think that particular part, or idea, or story caught your attention?

- Did the sermon speak into a particular struggle or question in your life or your faith journey right now?

- What did the message challenge or encourage you personally?
And what do you think the application could be for our church community? Was there anything that could strengthen or stretch us as a church?

- How did the exposition of the scriptures used in the sermon provide you with a new perspective of deeper understanding?

It is good to remember that the conversation experience in the group is shaped by the personal stories of those who participate in it and how willing the people are to be open and vulnerable in the group.

So if you’re leading the discussion, feel free to model and encourage person-centred and story-centred sharing by reflecting on how some parts of the sermon resonate with you personally.

Additionally, what contributes to a more authentic group discussion is when people can share not about the abstract and theoretical applications but one or two practical things they are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion.

So, you can end your time together with this question:

- What is one thing you are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion we’ve just had?

Prayer from the sermon:

God of warmth, and sun, and growth, and rain,
God who is with us in the celebration of sun on skin,
But also in the tears of homes scorched by flames
We trust that you are present to each of us in every moment
Smiling as we laugh
And grieving as we struggle to understand the way forward

Even as we celebrate your gifts in our lives
the ways we relate to each other this summer,
We also ask your mercy on those who have lost homes, and businesses, those who are still unsure of what tomorrow holds.
We pray that you would inspire neighbours with compassion
And our leaders with movement to help
Both now in the midst of crisis
But also in the planning and the strategy to prevent future chaos.
May your strange peace be felt by all
And may it move us to be more kind and generous people where we can.

As we reflect on the way we relate
Might it begin with those closest to us
But expand to our neighbours,
And inevitably to our fellow citizens,
And those who share your image embedded in the human story all across this globe.
May your good gifts move us to goodness toward each other.

In the strong name of the risen Christ we pray, Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 29

MUSIC Curated by Nathan Funk
Phil Wickham - Battle Belongs
Christian Stanfill - In Christ Alone
Brandon Lake - Gratitude
Hillsong Worship - King of Kings

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Written by Yelena Pakhomova

Confession is a form of awakening.
When the prophets in the Hebrew Bible called people to repentance, it was a call for a soul-searching honesty that could restore hearts and nations.

Confession is also a form of spiritual healing. It reminds us of how interconnected all of life is and how what is done or left undone impacts not just us but our relationships.

In confession, we heal.
We profess our reliance on mercy that triumphs over judgment.

And we commit ourselves once again to the renewal of all things.

Our prayer of confession today has three parts. At the end of each part, I invite you to say the Jesus Prayer with me. It goes like this: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. The words will be on the screen for you.

Let us pray:

Jesus, you said - come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Here today, we confess that we are restless people.

Even in the season that offers us ample opportunities to rest,

We get caught up in our worries,

We force rhythms upon ourselves that do not work for us,

We forget that taking a break is a part of being human.

So, for the times when we do not listen to our hearts and our bodies,

We ask: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, you said - let the children come to me,

Embracing in those children everyone who is vulnerable, unnoticed and pushed aside.

Here today, we confess that we are people divided against ourselves.

We struggle to offer hospitality that embraces differences,

We prefer the comfort of our opinion to the inconvenience of really understanding the other,

We are rattled when our power and privilege get decentered.

So, for the times when our actions go against our convictions,

We ask, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, you said - come follow me, I am the light of the world.

Here today, we confess that we often stumble in the darkness.

We forget that the world is vast, and beautiful and suffering.

That creation is where and how you make your home with us.

And that you want us to follow you
into all the beauty and suffering of the world

as healers and light-bearers,

as reconcilers and peace-makers,

So, for all the times when we turn away from what pains your heart,

We ask, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.

And now receive this affirmation:

May God, whose love for you never fails,

Strengthen you in all goodness

and give you hope to begin again.

Amen

Relate

Summary

Discussion

Prayer

Liturgy

Outside In

Repair