X

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

The personality of a church is shown through the way people interact, the care they have for one another, the nurturing fellowship, and the sweet fragrance of respect that permeates everything. Even the architecture, windows in every classroom, open spaces in the pastor’s study with an administrative office nearby, speaks to openness and honesty. The presence of two teachers in every classroom, the sign-in and sign-out sheets for parents with children in the nursery speak to accountability. These are neon signs that shout, “We care about you, we want you safe, we hide nothing here.” This is the kind of church people want to join because there is a promise of openness and honesty, a promise of boundaries and safety.

Bishop Peggy Johnson, “The Effects, Known and Unknown,” in Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust Within Faith Communities (Discipleship Resources, 2023)

Today’s Question

How would you describe your church’s personality? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
—Psalm 37:3 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, we recognize that all people are entrusted to our care. We respond to your will for us to watch over one another. Help us keep our eyes alert to dangers and keep our ears attentive to even silent cries for help. Use our community to be a place of safety for all. Amen. [prayer adapted from Safer Sanctuaries]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Now available in Spanish, Safer Sanctuaries is a trusted source of guidance for churches and other affiliated institutions as they work to reduce the risk of abuse in their communities. Learn more at SaferSanctuaries.org.

Lectionary Readings

  • Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
  • Psalm 19
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
  • Luke 4:14-21

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

4 Comments

  • Larry Eugene Dyer Posted January 23, 2025 6:25 am

    Outreaches I!!

    • Larry Eugene Dyer Posted January 23, 2025 10:35 am

      Outreaches I!! / Outtreaching/Missional

  • robert moeller Posted January 23, 2025 6:36 am

    I can’t find the one word that describes the personality of CCUMC. that’s not a skill I have.. There are positives and and issues. I’d like to think we are making progress. Thank You, Lord, for being ever present.

    • Larry Eugene Dyer Posted January 23, 2025 10:39 am

      Robert, All churches have issues, resolving them with Grace is our calling !!!

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *