A time of compassion from a father towards two sons offers insight into the core calling of all believers - inclusivity. It's is God’s vision that all would be included in the family of God. We are to welcome everyone at the table of life and actively remove barriers that keep someone from experiencing God’s love and grace. Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

A time of confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities offers insight into the character of God. It is God’s intent for all to be welcome at the table in a shared search for wholeness. Together and with God’s help, we will find the missing pieces. Sources: A reading of Luke 15v1-10 from Eugene Peterson’s The Message, 1900. A reading from Jane McAlister Pope’s “Come to Church and Join the Dance,” from the Charlotte Observer, August 10, 2000. Adapted. Scripture: Luke 15: 1-7

A time of desperation leads the Psalmist to discover that God works through difficult situations to “weave new threads of love.” Our God, who is a “Weaver of Love,” invites us to join in the weaving, knitting together to co-create with God a more compassionate community. Sources: Reading from Susan S. Jorgensen & Susan S. Izard from Knitting into the Mystery, 65-66. Reading of Cathleen O’Meara Murtha’s “Prayer for Healing” from Knitting into the Mystery, 116. Adapted reading from Janet Bristow’s “Ariadne’s Blessing” from Knitting into the Mystery, 121. Reading from Pamela Cooper-White from “Shared Wisdom” from Pray for One Another (Weavings), 31. Reading from Evelyn Underhill from Essential Writings, 39. Scripture: Psalm 139

If we go to Starbucks or Burger King we expect to have it our way. The temptation is to bring the same “consumer” mentality to worship. The result is that the style of worship becomes more important than the substance of worship. Rev. Dwayne challenges the church to “step out in faith” with a renewed focus on worshipping God rather than worshipping worship. Sources: 1. Adapted readings from Robert Morris’ “The Radiant Silence: The Wonder of Ordinary Prayer” from Weavings XX:1; 12, 13.

We gather because we are a community of faith, e.g., the body of Christ. By gathering, we are able to connect to the power of our roots, i.e., the people of faith who have gone before us. We tap into this power by our willingness to rely on God through failures, disappointment, personal hardship or disaster. We gain access to God's strength, encouragement, and perseverance by learning from our cloud of witnesses and by trusting God to help us to complete our races. References: Gary Comstock, Gay Theology without Apology, p. 135, 137 Women's Bible Commentary, p. 458

What does a bedpan have to do with faith? What does doubt have to do with faith? Rev. Dwayne reflects on these questions to inspire us towards the lifetime adventure of “Living Without Walls.” Sources: 1. Adapted reading from Inyanla VanZant’s daily meditation, “Until Today (August 20 entry).” 2. Adapted reading from David Lose “The Faith Journey” on “30 Good Minutes” Program #5017, February 2, 2007. Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1-3

Rev. Dwayne takes a fresh look at Luke 11: 1-13, arguing that this scripture has been commonly misinterpreted to support “name it and claim it” theology and/or to support the view that God expects our persistence before God will answer our prayers. Rev. Dwayne contends that God is not behind the door, irritated by our knocking, but rather God joins us in the “knocking” and is “persevering” with us as we face difficult demands and circumstances. Sources: 1. Adapted reading from Joy Douglas Strome’s “Prayer Power” from Christian Century, July 10, 2007; 19. 2. Adapted reading from Linda and Dwight Vogel’s Syncopated Grace, 47. 3. Adapted reading from James Loney’s “Cell Group” from Christian Century, July 24, 2007; 22-23. Scripture: Luke 11: 1-13

The story of the Good Samaritan shows what it means to love neighbor. The story of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha shows what it means to love God. We see that the real “main course” is not what Martha is so frantically preparing in the kitchen. Rather the real “main course” is Jesus and Mary “attending” to each other in deep relationship. Sources: 1. Adapted reading of Luke 10: 38-42 from Eugene Peterson’s The Message. 2. Adapted reading from “Kitchen Relief” by Joy Douglas Strome, Christian Century, July 10, 2007. 3. Adapted reading from “His Name is Glenn” by Tina Foster Caldwell from Weavings, Volume XVIII, Number 5, September/October 2003; 36-38. Scripture: Luke 10: 38-42

In Luke 10, Jesus teaches that the essence of the Christian faith is to love God and love neighbor. The story of the Good Samaritan challenges our assumptions of what “neighboring” means and offers a challenge to confront hate crimes. Sources: 1. Adapted readings from Leonard Sweet, “What Is a Good Samaritan?” from Homiletics July 16, 1995. 2. Adapted reading from “Statement of Mr. David Ritcheson Hearing on H.R. 1592, the ‘Local law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007’ to the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Tuesday, April 17, 2007. Scripture: Luke 10: 25-37

With the screaming of talk radio and the mudslinging of politics, it is time for a restoration of civility through gentle strength. Gentleness is not weakness. In Galatians 6, Paul calls Christians to move beyond the angry and divisive rhetoric of fear-based religion to a restoration of love-based Christian maturity. Rev. Dwayne invites each individual to decide on a specific action that will help restore wholeness to the church, community, or world. Sources: Adapted readings from John S. Mogabgab’s “Gentleness” from Weavings, Volume XIX, Number 4, July/August 2004, 2-3, and an adapted reading from Kent Amos, “U1: Relaunch!” from Fast Company, July 2000, 128. Scripture: Galatians 6: 1-6; 16.