West End United Methodist Church

The Grace of Uncertainty

Speakers:Rev. Dr. Carol Cavin-Dillon
Topics:Holy communion, Sunday service

We continue our trip through the Bible with today’s reading from Romans, the first of the letters of Paul.  Romans is a multi-layered and intricate letter.  Much of the first part of the letter is about God’s grace through which all are welcomed.  Then in chapter 12, Paul says, “Therefore” and begins to write about how this oneness in the body of Christ affects how we treat each other.  He describes it as a “living sacrifice” that prompts us to surrender ourselves to the grace of God daily.  Through this Paul says we are transformed and renewed.  He warns us not to be “conformed to this world,” which challenges our own certainty, the resistance to being open to having our minds changed.  World Communion Sunday is a recognition that we need God’s grace as do all others, and we are all invited to the table, to come with uncertainty and openness to being transformed.   (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)

References

  • Romans :12:1-18

Downloads

Early Service Bulletin (10/1/2023)

Late Service Bulletin (10/1/2023)

Audio

The Grace of Uncertainty (scripture, Children's Moment, communion meditation)