The scripture reading and message are from our annual unity service where we worship with the two other congregations that share our building. We each speak in different languages, but come together in love and let God's Spirit do the translating.

At the end of the last super Jesus says a prayer on our behalf, those of us who believe through the disciple's words. Jesus prays that we may be one. Let us take heart 2,000 years later that Jesus' prayer will undergird, surround, fill and inspire us wherever we are led to come together.

Living in Christian community, we must remember how we are all connected even as we differ. For example, calling forth people's gifts allows them to offer God their time and talents, while giving up our own power and territory evens the workload. We work for unity not uniformity. It is only by living Christ's love that we can realize the promise of unity amidst diversity. Let us plant the seeds of love today, and allow God to work the miracle that will heal the divide.

Consider, in what ways are you free and not free? Simply, (and it isn't simple) our freedom is not ours alone, but is based on other people. It takes real discernment to know when you are giving up your freedom or taking someone else's away. Looking to this week's scripture, Paul isn't worried about offending someone's sensibilities. Paul warns us from causing someone to fall away from the faith, which is tricky when looking at what divides us today. Paul's bottom line is at the very heart of Brethren ideals, that all our actions should glorify God and our neighbor's good. So our decisions have to reach across the divide without sacrificing someone else's faith, being careful to uphold justice in a way that honors those with whom we disagree. It takes great care to focus on love.

Imagine looking through a cross-shaped window everyday as a reminder that we now have the opportunity to live a different way, seeing beyond culture's divisions and values. Paul says, I planted, other apostles watered and God gives growth. Our faith unites us and strengthens us across divides. Whether planters or waters, let us trust God to grow our seeds, instead of worrying about what those seeds can grow for us.

Jesus raising Lazarus in John 11 is a story that shows a very human Jesus, even as he performs a very divine miracle. Recognizing the power of God seen in Jesus, we want it in our own human lives. We

In John 9, Jesus heals a blind man on the Sabbath and the Pharisees don't see the prophecies being fulfilled before their eyes. What do we see?

Jesus invites us to imagine and devise extra measures of neighbor love that include our enemies. Turning to the expected and rational reactions of self-protection, the invitation is foolishness and appears to be collaboration with evil. Jesus' instructions are actually profound resistance. Turning force into a choice is a refusal to accept the rules of dominion through acts of generosity. What would it look like to not participate in our enemies' aggression? What would it look like to drop food and medicine instead of bombs? The Jesus way is non-cooperation with harm in all its forms by choosing to give, just as God first gave to us.

As it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived,what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9

In this week's scripture, Moses gives his final pep talk, that we already have the tools we need to succeed. He repeats the word "today," urging us to make the choice now to act in faithful obedience. We won't be perfect, but we can ask God to initiate the change in us that makes obedience possible. And if we fall short, we can look forward and continue to give our best effort. The reality of living and giving our lives to Jesus isn't glorious or easy, but when we plant and water the seeds, God will make them grow!