Preacher: Kathy Maskell

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, 

because the Lord has anointed me 

to proclaim good news to the poor. 

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim freedom for the captives 

and release from darkness for the prisoners, 

2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor 

and the day of vengeance of our God, 

to comfort all who mourn, 

3   and provide for those who grieve in Zion— 

to bestow on them a crown of beauty 

instead of ashes, 

the oil of joy 

instead of mourning, 

and a garment of praise 

instead of a spirit of despair. 

They will be called oaks of righteousness, 

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendor. 

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins 

and restore the places long devastated; 

they will renew the ruined cities 

that have been devastated for generations.