As we continue through our Loving Our Neighbours Campaign, we are coming to the Sunday where we look at the work that we are called to participate in around the world with our global partners through the Mission & Service fund.

In the Psalm we are looking at today, we see the many ways in which God cares for the people of creation. We often celebrate the power of that love and how it moves in and through us. Mostly though, God’s love is best seen in the caring acts between God’s children. The Holy Spirit moved, and we are thus moved to love and serve one another.

In particular I want us to focus on the verse that begins, “The Lord watches over the strangers;” Through the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada, we – from right here in Fredericton – help to serve our brothers and sisters right around the world.

Allow the words of this Psalm to flow over you, in and through you. Let the words find a place in your heart, and let the love that God has for creation be reflected in the love that you have for those around us, familiar and strange, near and far.

Let us pray

Psalm 146:5-9

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

You, O God, are the watcher of the world. You see triumphs and trials alike, you see those who struggle and strive as well as those who live in comfort. Call to us. Help us to be your hands and feet in this world, serving where and when we can. Remind us that the world is not so big that your hands of care cannot reach those in need; that there is no darkness so deep that your light cannot penetrate, when we reflect your love. In the name of Christ, we live, serve, and pray. AMEN

Blessings,
Rev. Richard