Upper Room Saturday Liturgy, October 17, 2026 - Presider: Denise Hackert-Stoner

Zoom:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155
phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-865

Welcome to our liturgy this evening.  Each one of you brings a gift to this table that only you can offer.  I am so grateful for your presence.

Opening Prayer:  Holy One, give us the wisdom to love truth, to recognize lies, and to stand up to hypocrisy.  Amen.

Opening Song:  By the Stream by Christopher Grundy 

https://youtu.be/bKL3RvAEc9w

First Reading: From “Just Listen,” by Sarah Dessen

"So you're always honest," I said.
"Aren't you?"

"No," I told him. "I'm not."

"Well, that's good to know, I guess."

"I'm not saying I'm a liar," I told him. He raised his eyebrows. "That's not how I meant it, anyways."

"How'd you mean it, then?"

"I just...I don't always say what I feel."

"Why not?"

"Because the truth sometimes hurts," I said.

"Yeah," he said. "So do lies, though.

These are the words of Sarah Dessen, and we affirm them with Amen.

Second Reading: A reading from the Letter to the Ephesians 4:15-16 (adapted by Denise)

God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. Christ keeps us in step with each other. The very breath and blood of Christ flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

These are the words of the Apostle Paul.  We respond with Amen.

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia by Christopher Walker

https://youtu.be/o1rc7ojQtJU

Gospel:  A reading from the writer we know as Luke (12:1-3)

At that time:
So many people were crowding together 
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.

These are the words of the writer we know as Luke.  We affirm these words with Amen.

Homily Starter

Once again, Jesus is mad at the Pharisees, those strict adherents to ritual and law who so often seem to challenge him and get under his skin.  In Luke chapter 11, which just precedes tonight’s gospel, Jesus has an argument with a Pharisee about ritual hand washing.  They don’t get him, and he has no patience with them, especially with the hypocrisy he perceives in them.  He compares their lack of forthrightness to leaven, a little of which can raise a whole loaf.  Likewise, a little bit of hypocrisy can turn any honest endeavor, be it religious, political, or even a simple friendship, into a sham, a cheap imitation of what it could be.  

I think we are witnesses to how the terrible leaven of hypocrisy has made a mockery of some of our most cherished institutions.  Our churches proclaim, “All are welcome,” while often excluding some people sitting in the pews from fully participating in Eucharist.  Our government throws around words like “great,” “healthy,” and “peace,” while eroding the nation’s reputation for greatness, promoting ideas that make us less healthy, and starting wars.  We are living the results of hypocrisy.

The mess we are in didn’t start in the highest levels of governments or religions.  The leaven starts small.  It starts with individuals, like the two young people discussing honest relationships in our first reading.  Then in our second reading, Paul reminds the Ephesians that as grown-ups with the Spirit of Christ running through their blood and in their very breath, they know the truth and are expected to tell it.  The fact that he is reminding them of this fact tells me that perhaps they have not been living up to that expectation.  Honesty is hard, and its light shines on everything, even the parts we would rather keep hidden.  Hypocrisy is not only a corporate problem.  

But I have hope, and I do agree with the assessment of Jesus, that truth has a way of rising to the top, and hypocrisy is too weak a structure to hold up under the light of that truth.  I do believe that things said in darkness will come out in that bright light, that secret whispers will be shouted from the housetops (or in very large headline fonts), and that secrets cannot be hidden forever.  

Furthermore, I think that we, the people, are the prophets who, by continuing to poke holes in the puffed-up loaf of lies, will expose that bright light of truth.  

Statement of Faith 

 
We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery 
beyond all definition and rational understanding, 
the heart of all that has ever existed, 
that exists now, or that ever will exist. 

We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word, 
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion, 
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's 
prophets, mystics, and saints. 
 
We believe that We are called to follow Jesus 
as a vehicle of divine love, 
a source of wisdom and truth, 
and an instrument of peace in the world. 
 
We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One, 
the life that is our innermost life, 
the breath moving in our being, 
the depth living in each of us. 
 
We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now, 
stretched out all around us for those 
with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, 
and hands to make it happen. 

 

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Prayers of the Community

As we prepare for this sacred meal, we bring to this table our prayers for the community. 

Prayers for the community.

We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen.

 

Eucharistic Prayer written by Jay Murnane

Please join in praying the Eucharistic prayer together.  

Blessed are you, Holy One, source of all creation. Through your goodness you made this world and called us to be Your co-creators. We give thanks for the diversity and beauty of life around us and within us. 

We open our awareness to the goodness of all of creation and we remember our responsibility to serve. You invite us to build the earth into a community of love rooted in justice. You placed confidence in us, for you made us and you know that we are good.  

In joy and in thanksgiving we join with all the faithful servants who have gone before us and we sing:

Holy, Holy, Holy by Peter Mayer, video my Denise Hackert-Stoner

https://youtu.be/A4kiEGVb3E8

We thank you for Jesus, simple servant, lifting up the lowly, revealing you as God-With-Us, and revealing us as one with you and all of creation.

He lived among us to show us who we are and challenged us to know you. He taught us the strength of compassionate love.  

Please extend your hands in blessing.

We are grateful for your Spirit at our Eucharistic Table and for this bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world. 

On the night before he died, Jesus gathered for supper with the people closest to him. Like the least of household servants, he washed their feet, so that they would re-member him.

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying: 

Take and eat, this is my very self.

 (pause) 

 

Then he took the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:

Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this,

I am among you.

(pause)

 What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives.  As we share communion, we become Communion both love’s nourishment and love’s challenge.

Please receive Communion with the words, “Let Truth Prevail.”

Communion Meditation/Song:  I Won’t Back Down, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers https://youtu.be/ACIEJGBa6To?si=Bafv3V0E8QkEXmHx

Prayer after communion

Holy One, we are willing to do everything Jesus did, to re-create the living presence of a love that does justice, of a compassion that heals and liberates, of a joy that generates hope, of a light that illumines people and confronts the darkness of every injustice and inequity.

We trust you to continue to share with us your own spirit, the spirit that animated Jesus, for it is through his life and teaching, all honor and glory is yours, O Holy One, forever and ever.  Amen.

 

Prayer of Jesus

Let us pray as Jesus taught us: 

Holy One, you are within, around and among us.  
We celebrate your many names. 
Your wisdom come; your will be done, 
unfolding from the depths within us. 
Each day you give us all that we need. 
You remind us of our limits and we let go. 
You support us in our power, and we act with courage. 
For you are the dwelling place within us, 
the empowerment around us, 
and the celebration among us,  
now and forever, Amen.  

Adapted by Miriam Therese Winter 

BLESSING

Please raise your hands in Blessing:  

May we live in hope, which is born of truth.  May we live in love, which thrives in truth.  May we walk in the light, which is truth.  Amen.

Closing Song:  Dance Then Wherever You May Be

https://youtu.be/L6R6_Qz6_dU

Upper Room Sunday Liturgy, October 18, 2026 - Presiders: Dennis McDonald (Zoom), Suzanne O’Connor (in-room)

Zoom:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155
phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-865

Peace Prayer

Welcome: Our task today is to ponder how we respond to the question presented to Jesus in today’s Gospel. Where do our loyalties lay in the mixed-up world of religion and government? As we see a movement to bring a false Christianity more and more into the political and social life of our country, what is our response? 

Opening Prayer

Holy Mystery, be present with us this day as we ponder the words brought to us in our readings. Encourage us to listen deeply to those who share their wisdom, and to go forth proclaiming justice and peace for those in our community who are in need of our voices. Amen. 

Opening Song: Every Step of the Way by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/Wj0cHXzAGTI?si=ekn8j-8X_B6EzqyF 

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Reading 1: A reading from the first letter to the Thessalonians (1:1-5b)

From Paul, Silas And Timothy, To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to Amma God and Jesus the Christ: May grace and peace be yours. We always thank God for all of you and remember you in our prayers. We call to mind before our God and Creator how you are proving your faith by your actions, laboring in love, and showing constancy of hope in Jesus the Christ. We know, sisters and brothers beloved of God, that you have been chosen. Our preaching of the Gospel was not a mere matter of words. It was done in the power of the Holy Spirit and with complete conviction.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia written by Josh Blakley

https://youtu.be/CnWAjWvArto?si=jhIBHblxqAm2ZmTB

Gospel: A reading from the Gospel named for Matthew (Mt. 22:15-21)

Then the Pharisees went off and began to plot how they might trap Jesus by his speech. They sent their disciples to Jesus, accompanied by sympathizers of Herod, who said, “Teacher, we know you’re honest and teach God’s way sincerely. You court no one’s favor and don’t act out of respect for important people. Give us your opinion, then, in this case. Is it lawful to pay tax to the Roman emperor, or not?” Jesus recognized their bad faith and said to them, “Why are you trying to trick me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin which is used to pay the tax.” When they handed Jesus a small Roman coin, Jesus asked them, “Whose head is this, and whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. At that, Jesus said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were astonished and went away.

Reading 3: A reading from the works of Bishop John Shelby Spong

Jesus said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and render to God what is God’s.” His words suggested that the distinction was clear, that there were no gray areas. That is not the situation today in the United States, where religion has experienced a rebirth of zeal, and seeks to force a particular worldview on the people of this nation. I think the taxes I pay to my government are still the best bargain in my budget. Yes, of course, I am aware that not all of our tax dollars are spent wisely, however, I still believe that the freedom this country provides is worth everything I pay in taxes. If that is what “Render to Caesar” means, then I am prepared to do so and joyfully. There is, however, much more to this admonition than just that. I also believe it is my duty as a Christian to bear a public witness against policies that “Caesar” adopts when these policies violate all that I consider holy. In the Judeo-Christian tradition that is traditionally the role of the prophet. Prophecy has nothing to do with predicting the future; it has everything to do with speaking uncomfortable truth inside the citadels of political power. We owe the “Caesars” in every generation a call to truth when truth is violated; a call to responsibility when incompetence is displayed and a call to morality when evil is rampant. The time has come for us to “Render to Caesar” what is appropriate, what is due to Caesar. The prophetic word of judgment must again be heard in the public arena. The prophets of our day must rise up and speak the ‘Word of God’ to our Caesar. 

These are the words of Bishop John Shelby Spong and we affirm them with, Amen. 

Shared Homily

Statement of Faith

We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery
beyond all definition and rational understanding,
the heart of all that has ever existed,
that exists now, or that ever will exist.

We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word,
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion,
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's
prophets, mystics, and saints.

 We believe that We are called to follow Jesus
as a vehicle of divine love,
a source of wisdom and truth,
and an instrument of peace in the world.

We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One,
the life that is our innermost life,
the breath moving in our being,
the depth living in each of us.

We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now,
stretched out all around us for those
with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,
and hands to make it happen.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Prayers of the Community

Presider:  As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware of our call to serve, and just as Jesus is anointed, so is each of us. We bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns beginning with the words, I bring to the table.

Intentions read

Presider: We bring these and all deeply held blessings, cares, and concerns to the table of friendship and peace. 

Eucharistic Prayer (Eucharistic prayer taken from the work of Diarmuid O’Murchu and Jay Murnane)

Presider: Please join in saying the Eucharistic Prayer

O Holy One, we stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history – a time when humanity must choose its future. 

As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future holds both peril and great promise.

May we recognize that, in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms, we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. 

United with our vast universe, with our Mother-Planet and her people everywhere, with one another and You, Holy One, our spirits dance and sing this song of praise: 

Holy, Holy, Holy: Here in this Place by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ

We give grateful thanks for those who came before us, for all those who gave from their hearts, who gave from their lives, that there might be a better world, a safer world, a kinder world, we pray for peace in their name. 

And for the children, that they may live, that they may have children of their own and that it will go on - this great blossoming that is meant to go on and on – we pray for peace, in their name. 

And for all peoples of this earth who have no voice in this,

For the animals that have no voice in this,

For the plants, the trees, the flowers that have no voice in this,

For all who share this earth with us, we pray for peace in their name.

We thank you for our brother, Jesus. He showed us so simply, so tenderly, how the world is in our hands. He had nothing in this world but your love, companions on the journey, and his very self. Together, that was more than enough, and that remains our clarity in the midst of confusion: the miracle of healing, new hope, nurturance, nourishment, liberation, and life.

Presider: Please extend your hands in blessing. 

Your Spirit is upon the gifts of this Eucharistic table, bread of the grain and wine of the grape. They are gifts of wisdom, light and truth which remind us of our call to be the body of Christ to the world.

On the night before he faced his own death and for the sake of living fully, Jesus sat at the Seder supper with his companions and friends.  He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly within them, he bent down and washed their feet.

All lift their plate and pray the following:

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the Passover bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread, and offered it to them saying:

Take and eat, the bread of life for all who hunger for justice and peace.

 

 (pause)  

Lift the cup as community prays the following:

Then he took the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:

Take and drink the Cup of Compassion for a broken world.

Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you. 

(pause and drink)

What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives; as we share communion, we will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge.  

Please receive the bread and cup with the words, I am/You are the face of the Divine. 

Communion Song :  Who Will Speak by Marty Haugen

https://youtu.be/kKvAe7FxId8?si=u-T0ka1ERmb7oxIw 

Post-Communion Prayer

Presider: Loving Source of All, we have looked for others to save us and to save our world. Yet, we are called, and consecrated and sent into the world to establish justice and show the blessed fulfillment that comes with simplicity and the giving of ourselves in love.  We will make new our commitment to the harmony of the original vision of creation. 

We will open up wide all that has been closed about us, and our small circles. Like Jesus, in all openness, we will be filled with your own Spirit and renew the face of the earth.

For it is through learning to live as he lived,

And why he lived,

And for whom he lived,

That we awaken to your Spirit within,

Moving us to worship you truly,

O Holy One,

At this time and all time and in all ways.

And we say yes to You!

Prayer of Jesus

Let us pray together the prayer of Jesus:

O Holy One, who is within, around and among us,

We celebrate your many names.

Your Wisdom come.

Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us,

Each day you give us all we need;

You remind us of our limits, and we let go.

You support us in our power, and we act with courage.

For you are the dwelling place within us, 

the empowerment around us,

and the celebration among us, now and forever.  Amen  

(adapted by Miriam Therese Winter)   

BLESSING

Presider: Let us pray together our blessing:

Let us venture forth from this Upper Room filled with courage and compassion, willing to speak truth as prophets of our day, that all may have life and live it more abundantly. Amen

Closing Song: Go Make a Difference by Steve Agrisano

https://youtu.be/Q2vYFN1YNIk?si=N1jvDGuX7KgFw2Ye