Sunday, November 04, 2018

sermon, An Invitation to Grace, by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten, Maine, November 4, 2018



November 4, 2018
Stetson Memorial MC
Sermon Series
“A Table Invitation”
Inspired be Marcia McPhee
Come To the Table
Psalm 146
Ephesians 2:4-9 The Voice

“An Invitation of Grace”…
The Lord Be With you…
And also with you…
Let us pray…Prayer for the Spirits leading, and that God is through me or in-spite of me…

Listen to part of the letter that Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus…it is found in Ephesians Chapter 2 Verses 4-9. These are words not only to the church in Ephesus but to all churches that profess Jesus Christ… Read from the Voice Bible the scripture…

(Come to the table of grace; Come to the table of grace; This is God’s table it’s not yours or mine; Come to the table of grace…)

Good Morning. What comes to mind when I say “grace”? Give time to answer. Is grace a verb is it an action? Give time to answer. Could it also be a noun? Give time to answer. What do you think would happen if we offered the same grace God gives us to one another? Give time to answer. Can you imagine a world that was full of grace?


Grace:
noun
1.  elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action:
2.   a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment:
3.  favor or goodwill
Theology
1.  the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
2.  the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.
3.  a virtue or excellence of divine origin:
Idioms
1.  but for the grace of God , under less fortunate circumstances:
2.  by the grace of God , thankfully; fortunately:
3.  fall from grace ,
a.  Theology .to relapse into sin or disfavor.
b.  to lose favor; be discredited:
Grace…it’s not just a girl’s name…

A few weeks ago, we embarked on a journey together to try and understand what is apparent as well as what lies beneath the “Table of Grace.” We are searching for the gift that lies beneath the cloth of the table we are invited to celebrate. As I have said before, we all come from different places. It is my hope that as we gather around the Table we will have a better understanding of what lies beneath the cloth of the banquet Table. Perhaps as we begin to see what is woven into the cloth, our eyes and hearts will be open to the gift that we receive each time we come to the table of grace…

We have talked about the fact that as we celebrate communion…as we come to the table…it is a dress rehearsal for the banquet to come when we feast at the Heavenly Banquet one day.
We talked a little bit about who is invited, and we agree that all who call on the Name of Jesus. We have even confessed that it also includes our enemies and those who we deem to be unworthy…

Now there are 4 things that are beneath that beautiful table we celebrate as we rehearse for that Heavenly Banquet in our eternal home…
©     Love
©     Peace
©     Grace
And
©     Joy…
We admitted that Jesus’ acceptance was unconditional not conditional as the religious elite lived. We also came to realize that if we are going to follow Christ we need to go and do likewise.

We are not only offered love at the table, but we are offered peace. And it is the peace that no one can buy, steal or take from us. It is a gift from God as we trust in Him. It is within the peace we receive from God that we can offer the same peace…we can work together and be at peace with one another.

But there is also Grace at this table…I think this is my favorite thing offered at the table…without it…well…I don’t even wan to think about the without it…
God’s table is one of plenty! God decides how much to give and gives more than we can ever imagine; more grace than we expect. How do you think we are doing with sharing that grace with others? If God gives us more than we expect are we offering that same crazy grace to others or are we keeping it for ourselves and those like us? God, even gives more than we would give ourselves. In the face of such abundance, we are called to be generous as God is generous. So, what does that look like? Give time to answer.

So…grace, grace, grace…what is it with this grace? What does this grace from God look like and how does it work in my life…
©      Hebrews 4:16 The Voice (VOICE)
16 So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most.
©      James 4:6 The Voice (VOICE)
      You may think that the situation is hopeless, but God gives us more grace when we turn away from our own interests. That’s why Scripture says,
God opposes the proud,
    but He pours out grace on the humble
©      2 Corinthians 12:9 New Living Translation (NLT)
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
©      1 Peter 5:10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].
And these are Just a Few..

Beloved… We need to welcome each other at the table and show grace as well as accept the grace we are offered. Indeed, at God’s pot-luck of grace, even the last in line have more than enough to eat! We were once enemies of God and while we were sinners He offered us grace in and through His Son, Jesus Christ…we are no longer enemies but beloved sons and daughters…in and through Jesus Christ…
 Peter 1:2 New Living Translation (NLT)
May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.

AMEN
==================

November 4, 2018
Fifth service in series
“The Table Invitation”
Week 5
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Psalm 146
Ephesians 2:4-9 (The Voice)
and sermon: “An Invitation to Grace…”
video

text

by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
8AM Live
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message

by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
November 4, 2018
&
edited November 3, 2018
It really is simple – v4
(editing version 2)
edited November 2, 2018
wear love – v2
November 2, 2018
wear love
Colossians 3:12-17
edited November 1, 2018
our broken pieces – v2
edited October 31, 2018
feed your enemy – v2
edited October 31, 2018
feed your enemy
October 31, 2018
feed your enemies
October 31, 2018
let go of their throats
October 31, 2018
our enemies are invited
October 31, 2018
our broken pieces
October 31, 2018
as we have been blessed
edited October 31, 2018
sharing their pain with us – v4
edited October 31, 2018
why do we judge them – v4
October 31, 2018
a table of peace
edited October 31, 2018
It really is simple – v3
edited October 31, 2018
broken together – v2
October 31, 2018
broken together
October 30, 2018
If we are to love
October 30, 2018
we must love - 2
edited October 30, 2018
we must forgive – 3- v3
(edited to post on Twitter)
edited October 30, 2018
we must forgive – 3 – v2
edited October 30, 2018
multiply love – v2
edited October 30, 2018
multiply love
edited October 30, 2018
multiplying love – v2
October 30, 2018
multiplying love
edited October 29, 2018
Infinite Grace – v2
October 29, 2018
Infinite Grace
October 29, 2018
we must forgive - 3
edited October 29, 2018
breathe in peace – v2
October 29, 2018
breathe in peace
October 29, 2018
listen to Christ’s words
October 29, 2018
peace to give peace
October 29, 2018
forgiveness must fill our hearts
October 29, 2018
peace through Christ
October 29, 2018
offer God’s love - 2
October 29, 2018
what God offered
October 29, 2018
people fail
edited October 28, 2018
None of us are perfect
edited October 28, 2018
It really is simple – v2
October 28, 2018
It really is simple
October 28, 2018
we must forgive - 2
October 27, 2018
an invitation to peace - 2
October 28, 2018
Fourth service in series
“The Table Invitation”
Week 4
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Psalm 34:1-8
Matthew 18:21-22 (The Voice)
Romans 12:16-21 (The Voice)
John 14:27 (Amplified Bible)
and sermon: “An Invitation to Peace…”
video
text
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
8AM Live
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 28, 2018
&
edited October 20, 2018
Christ did not come for the righteous – v2
edited October 20, 2018
Charitable, forgiving, unworldly – v2
October 20, 2018
a love abundant
edited October 20, 2018
tolerant – v2
October 20, 2018
tolerant
October 19, 2018
Charitable, forgiving, unworldly
edited October 18, 2018
the stones fell – v4
edited October 18, 2018
the stones fell – v3
edited October 18, 2018
we think we are better – v2
edited October 18, 2018
taste love
edited October 18, 2018
their stones fell
edited October 17, 2018
the stones fell – v2
October 17, 2018
an invitation to love
edited October 17, 2018
love is caring – v2
October 17, 2018
we think we are better
October 17, 2018
we remember His love
October 17, 2018
the stones fell
October 17, 2018
tasting love
October 17, 2018
woven in the fabric
October 17, 2018
love is caring
October 17, 2018
singing come
edited October 16, 2018
Christ came to rescue, to heal
October 16, 2018
Christ came to rescue
edited October 16, 2018
Christ did not come for the righteous
edited October 16, 2018
Christ came for the prostitutes, for the beggars
edited October 15, 2018
Christ came for the sluts, the bastards
October 15, 2018
Christ came for the addicts
edited October 15, 2018
Christ came for the damned – v2
shortened to fit on Twitter
October 15, 2018
Christ came for the damned
edited October 15, 2018
woe to the gatekeepers – v2
shortened to fit on Twitter
October 15, 2018
woe to the gatekeepers
10/15/18
8AM Live
by Pastor Ruth Foss
&
edited October 15, 2018
Christ stayed on the cross – v3
edited October 15, 2018
Christ stayed on our cross
edited October 15, 2018
Christ stayed on the cross – v2
October 15, 2018
Christ stayed on the cross
October 15, 2018
Christ let the nails hold him
October 15, 2018
without expectations
October 15, 2018
love all the time
October 14, 2018
Third service in series
“The Table Invitation”
Week 3
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Psalm 90:12-17
Romans 13:8-10
and sermon: “An Invitation to Love…”
video
text
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
8AM Live
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 14, 2018
&
October 13, 2018
God loves us - 4
edited October 13, 2018
a meal, a mystery – v3
edited October 13, 2018
we are fed of His meal – v2
edited October 12, 2018
remembering that which we did not experience – v2
October 12, 2018
remembering that which we did not experience
edited October 12, 2018
an invitation to come – v3
edited October 12, 2018
an invitation to come – v2
October 11, 2018
an invitation to come
edited October 11, 2018
each time we come – v2
edited/merged October 11, 2018
an invitation, a prayer – v2
edited October 11, 2018
a meal, a mystery – v2
October 11, 2018
an invitation, a prayer
October 11, 2018
a meal, a mystery
October 11, 2018
Communion, the Lord’s Supper
October 11, 2018
each time we come
October 10, 2018
everyone you hate
October 10, 2018
every one you judge
October 10, 2018
every one you hate
edited October 10, 2018
they too are family – v2
October 9, 2018
they too are family
October 9, 2018
the failed disciples
October 9, 2018
Christ ate with his enemies
edited/ merged October 9, 2018
Christ ate with Judas – v2
October 9, 2018
those who hid, who ran away
October 9, 2018
Christ celebrated with Peter
October 9, 2018
Christ ate with Judas
edited October 8, 2018
waiting to come forward – v2
edited October 8, 2018
drenched in Christ’s blood
October 8, 2018
when I eat of the bread
October 8, 2018
waiting to come forward
October 8, 2018
we are drenched in His blood
October 8, 2018
we taste sacrifice
edited October 8, 2018
we taste grace – v2
October 8, 2018
we taste grace
October 8, 2018
we taste love
October 8, 2018
we are fed of His meal
October 8, 2018
bread and juice
October 8, 2018
Jesus makes us worthy
October 8, 2018
the table is set - 2
October 8, 2018
You’re invited
edited October 8, 2018
to commune with my enemy – v2
October 8, 2018
the unworthy worthy
October 8, 2018
no one would come
October 7, 2018
to commune with my enemy
edited/new name October 7, 2018
we come to Christ’s table broken
October 7, 2018
we come broken
October 7, 2018
we come broken
October 7, 2018
the same table
October 6, 2018
Christ calls to us
October 7, 2018
World Communion Sunday
Second service in series
“The Table Invitation”
bulletin cover photo
“The table is set and you’re invited”
Week 2
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Psalm 8
Romans 12:9-21
and sermon: “The Unworthy Worthy…”
video
text
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
8AM Live
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 7, 2018
&
October 8, 2018
an image of the Kingdom
October 8, 2018
renew us, Lord
10/7/18
“Renew!”
The Reverend Doctor Douglas Ruffle
Associate Executive Director
New Path Starts (Path 1)
Discipleship Ministries
The United Methodist Church
Northern Maine District Resource Day
for Aroostook Cluster
&
edited October 6, 2018
I am evil but invited – v3
edited October 6, 2018
I am evil but invited – v2
October 6, 2018
I am evil but invited
edited October 6, 2018
An invitation to all – v2
October 6, 2018
the smell on my hands
October 6, 2018
the taste of the vine
edited October 6, 2018
as we receive the bread – v2
October 6, 2018
as we receive the bread
edited October 6, 2018
we are called - 3 – v3
October 5, 2018
we are fed at the table
edited October 5, 2018
we are called – 3 – v2
edited October 4, 2018
flawed and broken – v3
edited October 4, 2018
flawed and broken – v2
October 3, 2018
flawed and broken
edited October 3, 2018
none of us is perfect - 2
edited October 3, 2018
we all come with baggage
October 3, 2018
we come with baggage
October 3, 2018
come to be fed
October 2, 2018
we come to the table
edited October 2, 2018
the invitation – v3
adding third stanza
edited October 2, 2018
the invitation – v2
adding second stanza
October 1, 2018
the invitation
October 1, 2018
all of us in communion
October 1, 2018
fed in the spirit
October 1, 2018
nourished
October 1, 2018
we are called - 3
October 1, 2018
we are invited
October 1, 2018
we are invited to the table
October 1, 2018
as we gather around the table
September 30, 2018
a foretaste of heaven
video note taking while on a walk up Finch Hill
so I wouldn’t forget it tonight
September 30, 2018
a rehearsal dinner
September 30, 2018
at the head of the table
September 30, 2018
the gift we receive
September 29, 2018
An invitation to all
September 30, 2018
First service in series
“The Table Invitation”
bulletin cover photo
Week 1
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Psalm 124
Revelations 19:1-10
and sermon: “This Is Your Invitation…”
video
text
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
8AM Live
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 30, 2018
&
edited September 19, 2018
communion – 2 – v3
edited September 18, 2018
communion – 2 – v2
edited partially on 9/15/18 adding final stanza
September 18, 2018
communion - 2
written 9/15/18
in anticipation of upcoming series on communion

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 48,000 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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