“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the link for the October 27, 2024 worship service: https://youtu.be/vs_6mrNUgM8
In our “Reformation Sunday” service, we journeyed through the past, explored the present, and envisioned the future. We encourage you to share our services with your friends and family! Our mission is to bring our services to your screens, and we’re committed to improving our audio and video quality. We also invite you to send us your constructive feedback or any audio files you’d like us to incorporate into the service at minister.tuc@mymts.net. Thank you for joining us, and may God bless you with a wonderful week ahead! 🙏.
November 3, 2024 worship is at 10:45 a.m.
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
Week: October 28, 2024
Twenty-fourth after Pentecost
Scriptures: Ruth 1:1–18; Mark 12:28–34
Ruth 1:1–18 tells the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth, highlighting themes of loyalty, commitment, and faithfulness.
In this passage, Naomi, a widow, decides to return to Bethlehem after a famine. She encourages her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to stay in Moab and remarry. Orpah eventually agrees and stays behind, but Ruth clings to Naomi, famously declaring, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”
This moment of devotion illustrates Ruth’s deep loyalty and her willingness to embrace a new life, even amidst uncertainty.
As you reflect on this scripture, consider the nature of commitment in your own life. What does it mean to stand by someone in challenging times? How does faith influence your relationships and decisions? Ruth’s bold choice offers a powerful reminder of the strength found in love and loyalty.
Mark 12:28–34 recounts a significant exchange between Jesus and a teacher of the law regarding the greatest commandment. Here’s a brief summary to ponder:
In this passage, the teacher asks Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus responds by quoting the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, emphasizing the importance of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. He then adds a second commandment from Leviticus 19:18, which calls for loving one’s neighbor as oneself.
The teacher acknowledges the wisdom in Jesus’ answer, affirming that these commandments are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus recognizes his understanding and tells him that he is not far from the kingdom of God.
As you reflect on this passage, consider the central themes of love for God and love for others. How can you incorporate these principles into your daily life? How do they guide your relationships and decisions?
Questions for reflection
- What does it truly mean to love our neighbors as ourselves in today’s world? How can we embody this love in our actions and words?
- How do we address and challenge racism within our communities and churches? In what ways can we become allies to those who are marginalized?
- During the pandemic, how did fear and uncertainty amplify existing prejudices, such as racism? What can we learn from this experience about empathy and understanding?
- How can the church better respond to issues of racism and discrimination within its walls? What role should faith play in advocating for social justice?
- What practical steps can we take to build relationships across cultural and racial divides? How can we actively listen to and learn from each other’s experiences?
- In what ways might we unconsciously perpetuate biases or fail to love our neighbors? How can we work towards recognizing and addressing these blind spots?
- What actions can we take in our daily lives to demonstrate love for our neighbors? How can small acts lead to greater change within our communities?
Let’s pray
Loving God
We come to you with hearts full of gratitude for the lessons in love and loyalty found in Your Word. As we reflect on the greatest commandment, may we love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help us to also love our neighbors as ourselves, just as Ruth loved Naomi.
Guide us in our relationships, instilling in us the same commitment and devotion that Ruth showed. Teach us to cling to one another in times of hardship and to embrace the call to support and uplift those around us.
May our actions reflect Your love, drawing us closer to Your kingdom. Thank you for Your presence in our lives and the strength You provide to live out these truths.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Trinity United Church 