Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10
What would our ancestors—and what do we—mean when we say that “a little child shall lead us” into radical visions of peace? It may be that we need to return to curiosity and wonder of that age to find our common good.

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Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5
In a time of wars, and rumors of wars, Isaiah tells of a time when weapons will be remade into tools of life and life giving. If we would seek the same, how do we warm the forge of hope?

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Scripture: John 6:25-35
The 5000 whom Jesus fed are looking for him. They are sure that he has made for them a sign of God’s presence in the abundance of bread… but maybe? Maybe he has made a sign in a community of 5000 in which there is enough for all to be fed. How can we, too, be this sign of abundance and God’s care?

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Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25

The prophet Isaiah tells of a new coming new creation in which the hurts, conflicts, and grief of the world are no more. Interestingly, the prophetic word hinges on forgetting when so much of the people’s relationship with God is a call to remembering. These words land tenderly for those who are holding memory for others. How does memory (and forgetting) shape our experiences of great pain, but also of great love?

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Scripture: Luke 20:27-38
Confronted by a question about resurrection to a life that feels anything but freeing, Jesus reminds us that resurrection is liberation… and encouragement to live for that freedom in this life.

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Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-23
As we give thanks for the saints of our community—and of our lives—we reflect on the inheritance we receive through Christ… and the ways God, and others, pass on light and love through the generations.

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Scripture: Joel 2:23-32
The prophet Joel speaks a word of transformation and hope. After a swarm of locusts consumes the past, present, and future labors of the people… God promises to plant a new beginning: visions and dreams for the people… past, present, and future. How can we, in all our generations and ages, participate in that vision?

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Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Jesus and the early church pass on encouragement to persist… in prayer, in calling for justice, and in responding to those calls for justice. How does the practice of prayer, even—or even especially—the prayers that we do not immediately sense an answer to shape us for the in-breaking of God’s spirit in our lives, and in our world?

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Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Community can often spring up in times of challenge… so Jesus finds 10 lepers who have found a place of belonging. Yet, when they are healed, division springs up again. How can we live into—and offer thanks and praise to God for—communal health that can last in times that are bad… and good?

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Scripture: Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20

The Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola of the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ, joins us to reflect on the many names in which we call for God, and the many ways God calls us each by name in ministry and beloved community.

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