Upper Room Liturgy - Thirty-Third Sunday, Ordinary Time (Yr B) - November 14, 2021 - Co-Presiders: Rosie Smead and Jim Marsh

Welcome & Theme  Jim

Opening Song:  Still, Small Voice - Words and Music by David Lohman © 2014

https://youtu.be/HUxjQUbm1kc

As we gather in this circle,

as we lift our hearts in prayer,

may we set aside distractions,

every worry, every care.

May our busy minds be silent,

finding peace amid the noise,

till the only thing remaining

is Your simple, still, small voice.

Liturgy of  Word

First Reading: The Story of Hope - Starr Chief Eagle   

                        https://blog.nativehope.org/starr-chief-eagle 

Starr Chief Eagle said, "If you go to the top of a mountain, you can see the horizon line — here is the balance between the earth and the sky. Here they meet. Point your finger to the horizon and follow it. You will go all the way around (there may be a few trees or buildings in the way) – turn 360 degrees, and you will make a hoop. And, who is inside the hoop? You are! The hoop follows you wherever you go — constantly reminding you of the balance that you live in — your everyday life. The hoop is a reminder to respect each other." That respect equals balance. All of creation works in harmony. 

According to Starr's father and teacher, Dallas Chief Eagle, "How well we take care of our own personal hoop, our spirit will determine how we dance with all those other hoops and spirits throughout our lifespan."

   We affirm these inspired words of Starr Chief Eagle, by saying: Amen!

                                          

Second Reading:  “Hope” by William M. Buchholz, M.D. in Chicken Soup for the Cancer Survivors Soul  

https://www.chickensoup.com/book-story/48505/hope

As I ate breakfast one morning, I overheard two oncologists conversing, one complained bitterly.  “You know, Bob, I just don’t understand it. We used the same drugs, the same schedule, the same dosage, and the same entry criteria. Yet I got a 22% response rate and you got a 74% response rate. That’s unheard of for metastatic cancer. How do you do it?” 

His colleague replied, “We’re both using Etoposide, Platinum, Oncovin, and Hydroxyurea. You tell your patients you’re giving them EPOH. I tell mine I’m giving them HOPE. As dismal as the statistics are, I emphasize that we have a chance.  

       We affirm these inspired words of Dr. Buchholz, by saying: Amen!

Gospel: A Reading from Mark [13: 24-33]  

Jesus said to his disciples:

But in those days, after that time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Promised One coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then the angels will be sent to gather the chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Promised One is near, right at the door. The truth is, before this generation has passed away, all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it—neither the angels of heaven, nor the Only Begotten—no one but Abba God. Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake!

These are the writings of the evangelist we call Mark, and our community affirms them by saying: Amen.

Homily Starter: Rosie followed by community sharing

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 Eucharist

Jim: As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to the table our prayers and intentions.  Please voice your intentions beginning with the words, “I bring to the table…..”   Dennis M will act as “gatekeeper” in monitoring those in UR and those on Zoom in speaking petitions in turn

Jim: O Holy One, you know our needs before we even speak. Yet, we must speak, if only to remind ourselves of our responsibility to care for the least among us. Strengthen our faith and enliven our hope to address the many needs of our sisters and brothers and care for our planet Earth. AMEN

Rosie: Please join in praying the Eucharistic prayer together

O Holy One, you are always with us. In the blessed abundance of creation, we gather to celebrate Your nourishing gift of life. May our hearts be open to You as You invite us to participate in the wise and wonderful work of co-creation.

May we be ever aware of Your Spirit within and among us as our world unfolds amid pain and beauty into the fullness of life.  

We are grateful for Your Spirit whose breath inspired the primal waters, calling into being the variety and abundance we see around us. Your Spirit sustains us and gives us hope in our every endeavor, inviting us to act in wisdom and in truth. 

And so in gratitude and joy, we lift our voices to proclaim a song of praise:

Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy    

https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ

HOLY ONE, may your presence here open our minds. May your Spirit among us help us to find, you are rising up now like a fountain of grace from the holy ground, here in this place, here in this place. 

Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty, the whole universe speaks of your glory 

from the holy ground here in this place, here in this place.

Jim:  As your people, we gather in the power of your Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we seek to live as wise and holy Spirit-filled people: courageous, prophetic, ever hopeful and hope-filled as we answer your call to serve one another.

[Please extend your hands in blessing]

We invoke Your Spirit upon the gifts of this Eucharistic table, bread of the grain and wine of the grape, that they may become gifts of wisdom, light and truth which remind us of our call to be the body of Christ to the world.

[Mary T & Joan in Upper Room space, stand at opposite ends of table]

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

      [lifting bread]

Phillis: When he returned to his place, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and offered it  to them saying: Take and eat; this is my very self. (pause)

          

[lifting cup]

Terri K:  Jesus then raised a cup of blessing, spoke the grace and offered the wine saying: Take and drink of the covenant made new again through my life in you. Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you. (pause)

Rosie: This is the bread of life and cup of blessing. May our eating and drinking strengthen our hope!

All:  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.

Communion Meditation: A Million Dreams (from The Greatest Showman) - One Voice Children's Choir 

https://youtu.be/v49-3Xp5fPg

Deven: Let us pray the prayer 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  

                                         (Miriam Therese Winter)

Rosie: Holy One, your transforming energy is ever present, moving within and working through us. With joyful hope, may our lives glorify you at this time and in all ways. Amen.

Blessing (extend hands in blessing)

May God bless us with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships; may we seek truth relentlessly and love boldly.

May God bless us with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people; may we work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless us with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish; may we comfort and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless us with enough hope to believe that we really CAN make a difference in this world.

May our living and loving be a blessing to all we meet in the days and week ahead. AMEN.

Closing Song:  Anthem - We are Called, We are Chosen (lyrics) - Tom Conry https://youtu.be/HP2gwC5TGFs

Refrain: We are called, we are chosen, We are Christ for one another, 

We are promised to tomorrow, while we are for him today. 

We are sign, we are wonder, We are sower, we are seed, 

We are harvest, we are hunger. We are question, we are creed.

Then where can we stand justified? In what can we believe? 

In no one else but Christ who suffered, nothing more than Christ who rose. 

Who was justice for the poor, Who was rage against the night, 

Who was hope for peaceful people, Who was light.   Ref

Then how are we to stand at all, this world of bended knee? 

In nothing more than barren shadows, No one else but Christ could save us. 

Who was justice for the poor, Who was rage against the night, 

Who was hope for peaceful people, Who was light.   Ref

Then shall we not stand empty at the altar of our dreams? 

When Christ promised us ourselves, Who mark time against tomorrow, 

Who are justice for the poor, Who are rage against the night, 

Who are hope for peaceful people, Who are light.   Ref

Moment of Oneness - November 10, 2021

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656

Opening Prayer 

Holy One, as we celebrate Veteran’s Day today, we honor this day, and we pray for those who have served our nation to protect and defend our freedom. We are remembering those whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day. We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way. And we pray for our leaders and our enemies that their hearts and minds turn to the work of justice and a harvest of peace. And we say, ‘Thank You”, for all who have served. 

A reading from Colossians 3:15-16 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and advise one another with all wisdom from the Spirit and with gratitude in your hearts. With love and blessings. 

Petitions 

Holy One, we give you thanks for all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of this nation. Let all Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen serve with honor, pride, and compassion. Today we lift our veterans in prayer and ask your blessings on all those who have given of themselves in times of peace and in times of war. 

Holy One, for those who have been injured in body or spirit, we ask for your healing. 

Holy One, give courage to those who are far from home, may they feel your presence and our support 

Holy One, grant courage and strength to families of those who are deployed. 

Holy One, guide us as we seek to help and support veterans who are returning home. 

Holy One, we ask that you wrap families who have lost loved ones due to war in your comforting arms and give them strength to meet the days ahead, remembering your Resurrection promise. 

We also ask, Holy One, that you give all leaders a hunger for peace. We pray for a time when there is no war. 

Closing Prayer: 

A Letter to Veterans

Dear Veterans,

Those of us who have not served

Will never fully understand

The sacrifices you have made

Both in times of peace and of war.

We will never fully understand

What you were required to do

Or how you were able to do it.

We will never fully understand

The depth of your scars.

But what we can offer you is this:

We see you.

And we send you Love

That is gentle, patient and healing.

With Blessings and Gratitude,

We ask that you remember you are loved.

Thank you.

Syndy Sweeney

Closing Song: 

America the Beautiful

Upper Room Liturgy: Embraced in God’s Gentle Wisdom - November 7, 2021 - Presiders: Lynn Kinlan and Dave DeBonis

Please join us between 9:30 and 9:55 am via Zoom
Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155 
phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 825 1215 9155

Welcome and Theme — Dave: Today we consider our call to serve those who are marginalized not only through our personal, individual acts of compassion and support but also by our willingness to call out the entrenched and biased systems that create marginalized groups. 

Opening Prayer — Lynn: We gather this morning aware of the beauty and joy that life offers, especially in the love of those who brighten our lives and the care and love of the Divine. May we also remember that whenever love and support turn into action, justice reigns, courage inspires, peace flows and all things become possible with God. Amen.

Opening Song: Standing on Their Shoulders 

       https://youtu.be/elh77GtHWPU

LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading — A Reading from the speeches of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela  

With true structural change there would be far less need for charity; without it the very best charitable efforts will never be enough. (MLK). A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act. 

One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. (NM)

These are the inspired words of heroic Christian activists Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela and the community affirms them by saying, Amen.

A Reading from the Gospel of Mark  (12:38 – 44) 

In his teaching, Jesus said, “Beware of the religious scholars who like to walk about in long robs, b greeted obsequiously in the market squares and take front seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. These are the ones who swallow the property of widowsand offer lengthy prayers for the sake of appearance. 

Jesus sat down opposite the collection box and watched people putting money in it, and many of the rick put in a great deal. A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. 

Then Jesus called out to the disciples, “The truth is, this woman has put in more than all who have contributed; for they have put money in from their surplus, but she has put in everything she possessed from the little she had — all she had to live on”

These are the inspired words of the gospel writer known as Mark and we affirm them by saying, Amen.

(Pause to consider readings)

Homily Starter — Dave

When I first read today’s gospel some themes emerged: be generous but not showy in our generosity. Give quietly and with no hopes of recognition.  Give not from your abundance but from your poverty.  If, for example, time is what we lack, maybe that is the very thing that we can offer to others. Maybe we are called to dig deeply and give from those things that are most precious to us.  Certainly, these themes are important but even after much thought and research I continued to feel that I was missing something.

I expressed my concern to Lynn at our first planning meeting and she shared with me an article by D Mark Davis entitled “Pretentious Pretenders Pressuring Penurious Pensioners.”  Davis’ article provided what I believe to be the deeper and more useful interpretation of the gospel and the more urgent message for each of us. 

Davis points out that, unlike the Old Testament, where wealth symbolized blessings and poverty symbolized curses, in the New Testament wealth is associated with exploitation and poverty is associated with being exploited.   Suddenly, the gospel takes on a very different meaning and tone for us.  

Note Jesus’s words that certain religious scholars “swallow the property of widows” while at the same time trying to impress people with their long prayers.  It was customary at that time that widows who, like most of the population, were illiterate, relied on scribes to help them manage the very limited income they had. Sadly, it was also common that scribes cheated these women, who often ended up losing their homes.
 

Interpretations of this gospel have often focused on how moved Jesus was by the widow’s generosity. But Others have suggested that Jesus was, also saddened or even angered by the injustice it represented. Davis suggests that the widow is participating in a system that consistently oppresses her and does it in the name of false piety. Although it is clear that the widow is demonstrating generosity, she is, at the same time, contributing to a system that exploits her and others like her. Davis notes the tragic nature of this dilemma and suggests that the widow may not have much of a choice. 

The unfair status quo of the first century remains with us. How do we respond? The first reading, from two heroes of justice, calls us to the same revolutionary love of the poor and marginalized that Jesus displayed as he went out of his way to provoke the powers that be, to question their false piety and their long-held traditions. He was a fierce champion of justice who provided the way for a better future for all. 

Jody Tishmack, in another article “Inequality, Poverty and Injustice: A Problem of Too Much and Not Enough,” takes us back to being a child and playing the game Monopoly.  She notes that the playing field is equal with everyone starting with the same amount of money, the same rolls of the dice, the same set of rules.  She then asks us to consider how we might feel if one person had 100 times more money than others? If one person had several dice rolls each turn and always got the “Get Out of Jail Free” card.  She suggests that we would not even want to play. 

The poor and the marginalized are among us and they continue to participate despite their lack of access to good schools and better health care. They continue to participate in jobs where they are under-appreciated and with stagnant wages. They continue to participate in a system where even in a pandemic the wealthy add to their fortune as others wait in food lines.

Today’s readings call us to oppose the structures and traditions that delay justice. They remind us that that kindness and generosity along the road are not enough when the road itself needs to be redirected, expanded and paved anew.  We can bring about change by standing firmly with those who are viewed as the least among us and working to take down all structures of oppression.

As always, we welcome your insights regarding the readings and the theme for today. 

Statement of Faith —  Judy

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

Lynn:   As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to the table our prayers and intentions.  Please voice your intentions beginning with the words, “I bring to the table…..” 

 

Lynn: We pray for these and all unspoken intentions in our hearts. Amen. 

 

Dave: Let us pray our Eucharistic prayer with open hearts and hands:

 

Holy One, we yearn to be close to you and to live in the embrace of your gentle wisdom. Your divine grace leads us away from our anxieties, fears and distractions and toward all that is blessed and joyous so that we might live in the Spirit and serve the cause of justice. 

 

Each of us is divinely created in Your image. We are precious to you and to each other because of who we are. We are beloved and blessed in your unconditional love, quite apart from how we act or fail to act. We resolve to look upon all our sisters and brothers as precious and deserving so harmony and peace may replace division and conflict. 

Thankful for Jesus who treated all of Creation with respect and abundant love, we resolve to follow his example to be a light in the darkness. We recognize Your loving Presence here with us today and always, and we sing:

Here in this Place   https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ

Lynn: O Compassionate One, there are times when we feel scarcity and emptiness even though we know You love us more than our human imagination can grasp. May we have the presence of mind to live in Your love. We strive to see You reflected in every person we meet. Guide us in sharing our gifts as well as in being open hearted to accept help from others.  

We thank you for Jesus, who knew what it was like to be an outsider in occupied and foreign lands. May his presence prompt us to bring gospel kindness and understanding to disputes among nations, citizens and neighbors and within families. 

 Please extend your hands in blessing.

We call upon your Spirit that is present in us at this Eucharistic table. We are grateful for the bread and wine that remind us of our call to be the light of Christ to the world. 

Presiders stand at the table

On the night before he faced betrayal and death, Jesus shared supper with his friends.  He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly with them, he bent down and washed their feet. 

 

Zoom community members and Lynn lift the plate:  

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)  

Zoom community members and Dave lift the cup     

Dave: 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 will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge. Let us share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace.

Please offer communion with the words “You are a disciple of justice”

Holy One, your transforming grace inspires us to follow our consciences and bring comfort to wherever people are in need.  We pray for wisdom, patience and persistence to make a difference in our world. We resolve to love as Jesus loved, to discern the better angels of our nature with hearts open to your Spirit. Amen. 

  

  Lynn — 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 

Communion Song: What Shall I Give by Sara Thomsen

https://sarathomsen.com/track/1917665/what-shall-i-give

Prayer after Communion — Dave

Loving Source of our being, you call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice. Guide us to see how and when structural obstacles and stubborn customs prevent equal opportunity for our sisters and brothers. We choose to live justly, love tenderly, and walk with integrity in Your Presence. 

Closing Blessing

Lynn — Please extend your hands in blessing and join in one voice:

May God bless us with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships

So that we may live deep in our hearts.

And may God bless us with enough foolishness

To believe that we can make a difference in the world,

So that we can do what others claim cannot be done;

To bring justice and kindness to children and marginalized peoples.

Amen.

Closing Song— We are the World Together at Home Edition 2020

https://youtu.be/EIUAdeAEgvU

Moment of Oneness - November 2, 2021

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656

 

Acknowledging Our Gratitude for Blessings Received.

Leader: God, Come to my assistance.

Participants: Holy One, Make haste to help me.

Glory and Joy be to Peace and Love and Grace. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Prayer of Jesus. (Miriam Therese Winter)

Oh 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 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.

Reading: A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Psalm 80, (From Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill)

--Reader 1-- Eternal Listener, give heed to your people,

You, who are our Guide and our Light!

You, who dwell amidst the angels, shine forth into the hearts of all nations!

Enliven your people with compassion that peace and justice might flourish.

Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

--Reader 2-- Gentle Teacher, help us to turn to You in prayer, fasting from negative thoughts.

In your steadfast Love, You weep with our tears, tears that rise from fear, doubt and illusion.

You uphold us when we feel the sting of pride, when anxiety threatens to paralyze us.

Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

--Reader 1-- You companion us through the wilderness, through the shadows created by fear. You plant your Seed into each heart. You uproot the weeds of our sin, You cultivate the soil of our goodness. 

Truly, in You, we become like a tiny acorn, holding the secret of a mighty oak. You nourish us with the food of Love, with streams of Living Water.

 Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

--Reader 2-- Be our strength as we break down walls that separate and divide. Let not fear pluck away the gifts we would share. Roll away the stones that become obstacles to growth, to producing a bountiful harvest.

--Reader 1-- Receive our gratitude, O Heart of all hearts. Look upon us and see what Love can do; rejoice in the new birth that You create! +Be glad where your Seed has found fertile soil. How much more the return of one healthy plant than ten thousand useless weeds!

--Reader 2-- May those who have borne the fruit of love radiate your Spirit into the world!

May we always walk and co-create with You;

Receive the gratitude of our heats, as we share in the Great Plan!

Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

Let us have a moment of quiet as we remember our intentions and those who need our prayers.

As we prepare for our Quiet time in Darkness and Dream, May we remember with gratitude the beauty of Being Alive, the Blessing of Holy Presence, and the Gifts Given to us Freely. Knowing that we are supported and Loved, May we enter into our time of Rest with Contentment and Peace. AMEN.

https://youtu.be/hJCWrBdDd88