Service Recap; August 21

Jeremiah, the prophet who wept. By Rembrandt.

Caleb preached on Sunday. He refreshed us on the mission and presence of Jeremiah with God's people when God's people were in a bad place. Jeremiah was the weeping prophet. Jeremiah wept over injustice. Jeremiah wept over a lack of repentance. Jeremiah wept over a people that turned away from the God of Israel and worshipped idols. Jeremiah wept when people claimed to be religious while ignoring the poor. Caleb reminded us that one vocation of the church today is to weep for all of the things that Jeremiah wept for. He gave the example of Arloa Sutter, founder and executive director of Breakthrough Urban Ministries, our community service partner. He reminded us that Breakthrough, now a multi-million dollar mission to East Garfield Park, began with the tears of Arloa and a few faithful people, as they set up cots for the homeless in the gym of First Evangelical Free Church in Andersonville. They wept and then they acted. 

What stood out to me from Caleb's homily is the reminder that the church needs no guidance from the Democratic party, the Republicans, the think tanks in Washington, or the schools of public policy in order to determine our mission. We are to weep in the face of the ravages of sin and evil; and then we are to act, and especially for those who have no voice and no hope without someone coming alongside them. We are to weep over our own self-righteousness and disobedience. May God's spirit grant us a more faithful presence in this world and the will to act. 

Prayers

God please hear the crys of the innocents in Syria and other war torn parts of the world. Please pour out your Holy Spirit so that violence will cease to consume the lives of so many. Please make your church faithful to work within every avenue we have available to us to foster the things that make for peace. 

We pray for children and families in our city. We ask you to provide wisdom and resources to all who work so hard to provide a good life in a city where it can be challenging to bring up children. 

We pray for all those in our church and our world who struggle with depression and anxiety. We pray that your loving presence would provide comfort and lift spirits. We pray that you would help all those struggling to find the support networks and treatments that can help them live well and enjoy life. 

We thank you, Lord, for the gifts and talents you give each of us.  We have all been blessed to do unique things in this world and each one brings glory to you.  May we always seek you for the ways we can use our gifts and may the world know you more because of the work of our hands.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Announcements

• Men's Meetup is at Sheffield's this week. All gentlemen are welcome to join! We'll be there starting around 7:00.
• There is a play date scheduled this Thursday at Adams Park. If you are home with kiddos during the day Thursday, join other parents for some hang out time! 10:00-12:00. Hope to see you there!
• If anyone has any area rugs that they'd be willing to donate to church, send a photo to caleb@gracechicago.com.