COCU58A

COCU58A

Readings
Exodus 16:2-15
The Israelites complain that Moses has brought them out into the desert to die because they have no food. But God tells Moses to inform the people that God has heard their complaints and will send them food. Then, in the evening, quails fill the camp, and in the morning manna covers the ground.
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
A celebration of God’s action on behalf of the Israelites, remembering God’s provision of manna and quail in the wilderness.
Philippians 1:21-30
Paul reflects on how he is united with Christ whether he is alive or dead, but how he is convinced that he must remain in order to keep serving God’s people. Then he encourages them to continue to live in ways that reflect God’s reign, even when it results in suffering.
Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus tells a story about an employer who hires workers throughout the day, but pays them all the same at the end. When those who started at the beginning of the day complain, he challenges them, asking whether they resent his generosity to others. This story leads Jesus into his famous words about the first being last and the last first.
(Summary of Bible readings by John van de Laar, Sacredise)

Useful resources
Weekly Seeds resource: UCC weekly seeds; Kate Huey: Kate Huey
Textweek, http://www.textweek.com/yeara/propera20.htm
Thom Shuman: Thom Shuman

CBN The deadly consequences of unforgiveness (with video)

“In the morning there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that God has given you to eat”. Exodus 16.13-15
What gets you through the desert?
What gets you through?
What gets you through the chemo,
the healing from abuse, the bad marriage,
what gets you through
the job that tries to kill you,
the dark alley of the shadow of death,
the rotten places, the placeless places,
the evil you fear, the evil you’ve done,
your daily inadequacy,
what gets you through?
Some will call it courage or stamina,
luck or faith or reaching down deep.
But you know it’s not you, not yours.
It’s given. To you. For you.
From the Holy One.
The thread you follow,
the source you drink from,
the encouraging voice,
the Divine desire that you thrive,
the gift amid the desolation,
you fund it anywhere—
the usual, the impossible,
the unwelcome.
You learn to recognize it.
You learn to receive it.
For that grace that gets you through
you learn to say thank you.
You learn to count on it,
and be surprised,
every morning.
Every morning.
(Source: Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Unfolding Light)

Song of our hearts (Psalm 105:1–5)
We thank you, Breath of Life;
we call on your Holy Name
and sing of all you are.
Our voices rise in song,
our hearts sing praise, sing
thanks, sing wonder for you.
Your Holy Name gives us joy,
we seek you, you find us,
our hearts sing gladly!
We seek you, we draw
our strength from you,
from being in your Presence.
Remember, we remember,
your works, your wonders,
your wisdom: we remember!
We thank you, Breath of Life,
guide to generations past,
hope for our future.
We thank you, Breath of Life:
your works, your wonders,
your Presence – praise your Holy Name!
(Source: Sarah Agnew, Pray the Story)