Today In Worship

Sunday, October 4, 2026
SERIES: Hope for Cynics
Liturgist: Rev. Dr. John Regan, Executive Minister
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
We Share Our Gifts
We Hear the Word Proclaimed‍ ‍CLICK HERE for today’s Scripture

Reflection
Listen long enough to the loudest voices, and it’s easy to believe the worst about people. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul challenges a community whose loyalties have hardened into divisions. We might recognize something of ourselves in their arguments. Whose voices are shaping how we see our neighbors? Are they helping us understand people more fully, or making us more certain of our suspicions?

Jamil Zaki, in his book Hope for Cynics, encourages “perspective getting”: asking people about their experiences and allowing their answers to reshape our assumptions. That takes time, especially when we’re convinced we already understand someone. Seeing each person as a child of God invites us to stay curious. There is always more to learn, more humanity to recognize, more room for love.

Things to try this week: Pay attention to the voices you trust. After reading a headline or scrolling your feed, ask, “What am I being encouraged to believe about people? What would help me know whether that’s true?”

Question an assumption. Think of someone you’ve been quick to judge. Ask yourself, “What have I assumed about this person without asking?” Let that question make room for a conversation.

We Gather At The Lord’s Table
Jesus didn’t put any rules around coming to the table, so neither do we. All are loved and embraced here and all are welcome at this table of Love. Our communion bread is gluten free. We come forward to the table to receive bread and cup at 9AM, we pass the bread and cup at 11AM. Please place your empty cup in the rack on the pew back. If you are worshipping from home, we invite you to find bread and juice or other elements to use as we share this feast.