Ruth is bold, risk-taking, and intensely loyal, steadfast in loving kindness.

Reading selection: Joshua 2:1-21. For all of Rahab, read Joshua 2, 6:15-25.

Hymn not recorded/ included.

Genesis 38:13-19, 24-27 read. Read all of Gen. 38 for the full story.

Hymn lyrics written and sung by Kate Drefke. Set to the tune of "Rejoice, Rejoice Believers" and available upon request.

Hear the hymn referenced, You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd at https://youtu.be/4_63xC8cy5g

After the destruction of the Temple, Luke's writer uses Jesus to speak to the present/future fears of the people.

Because it's Election Day in two days, and I didn't explicitly work it into the sermon, and in case anyone reads this: VOTE! Vote for your neighbor's well-being. What do they need? Who will help? Who will hurt? Vote as if your neighbor's life depended on it.*

*Your neighbor's life really could depend on how you vote. Is there a proposal on your ballot to expand access to or coverage of mental health and/or medical care? Any equal rights measures? What are the candidates priorities? Even if you disagree with the choices someone might make, vote for compassion and mercy. US Senator Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock says, "A vote is a kind of prayer for the kind of world you want." [exact wording may be a touch off]

What are some of the changes, reformations, transformations, you have witnessed here? …

What are, or have been, some of your fears in times of uncertainty or transition? …

What are, or have been, your hopes in times of uncertainty or transition? …

Sing: The Church of Christ, in Every Age (ELW #729) https://youtu.be/Q35unipWCuI

There's a long quote from The Jewish Annotated New Testament citing several passages of scripture. They are:

The widow cried "avenge me!" The judge feared a black eye so did as the woman said. But what is justice- not vengeance- in the hard and impossible times?

How do you respond to God's activity in the world?