How much more profound is the way Christ throws off all respectability in order to save us who are lost and despairing.

Today we hear the good news of a God who seeks us out and finds us in our lostness.

But here’s the thing: Because Jesus wants our full attention, he also invites us to bring our full selves – the best and the not-so-great.

At God’s banquet table, there is a place for all and enough for all. That’s Jesus’s point.

Audio sermon from the 11th Sunday after Pentecost with guest preacher Rev. Paul Pfeffer

Audio sermon from the 10th Sunday after Pentecost with guest preacher Rev. Rebecca Gordon

God calls us to be the church – in all of what that means.

We know that we need God, but here’s the extra amazing part: God needs us too. God cannot and will not give us up.

God will never stop loving us, even if it doesn’t make any sense.

God’s no is an interruption to the status quo – whether it’s a welcome interruption or not.

When we are fed up, God feeds us.

God seems to have a knack for working with and through outsiders.

This is a love letter for you who have never had to wonder if you belong and for you who question it every single day.

God meets where we’re at – and doesn’t leave us there.

God cannot be explained. God has to be experienced.

The Holy Spirit isn’t done with us because there is still good news to share.

And then – just like that….he’s gone – taken up into heaven in a cloud. Instead of our hearts burning within us they are once again broken.

Rise, beloved. Christ has freed our hearts from fear. God’s own Spirit, the Advocate, brightly hovers and goes with us.

Our Lamb has conquered all evil and injustice. Our Lamb has conquered death and destruction. Our Lamb has conquered oppression and hatred.

“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”