Podcasts about radical welcome

Year C – 11th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 21 – August 24, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Isaiah 58:9b-14 Luke 13:10-17   Grace and peace to you from God, our Creator, who commands us to honor a liberating Sabbath. Amen. *** One of my colleagues shared a frustrating story this week… she has two small children who sit on the floor near the front of their sanctuary, and they quietly color while she leads worship. They aren't making any noise or hurting anyone. And the kids are actually paying attention… just like someone who knits a scarf during a meeting… they're just not paying attention in the same way that some of the adults think is appropriate. So those adults are giving her a hard time about it… and they've even suggested that maybe she should tell her kids to go color in the narthex or the nursery. These adults would rather there be no kids in worship… than to tolerate what they consider to be… the disrespectful behavior of coloring while hearing about God. …it's almost as if the leaders from the synagogue where Jesus was teaching are now members of my colleague's church… and they still don't get it. Now… I don't mean to throw shade over her people… because none of us are without fault. That's why we all need God's grace and mercy.   But what I hear in these texts today… from both Isaiah and the gospel, and from my colleague about her experience this past week… is that God's people have been struggling to follow God's commandments… for thousands of years. It's not a new problem… but that's not an excuse… because we are only hurting ourselves. How often have we given preference to rituals and traditions over radical hospitality and true welcome? How often have we opted for the appearance of righteousness instead of doing the work of true reflection, repentance, and change? …or opted for the appearance of clean and orderly city streets, sweeping away the problem… instead of addressing the system that created the problem? How often do we smooth over a wound or treat only the symptoms… instead of addressing the root cause of the illness? It's not a new problem… this failure to follow God's commandments… but we're only hurting ourselves because, as Isaiah tells us, our joy and delight in the Lord… our joy and delight in this life… is connected to following these commandments… and to truly follow… we need each other. And we know this… we know this deep in our core… that this is true. God knows who we are… and knows what we need for a full and flourishing life. It's already been given to us. But we're stubborn. I want to give you some context for our text from Isaiah… it takes place after those who had been exiled to Babylon were allowed to return home and begin rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. …so roughly 500 BCE If we had begun reading Isaiah 58 at verse 1, we would have heard that the people are frustrated because they have been fasting and crying out to God, but they feel God is ignoring them… Isaiah tells them that God is not ignoring them, but has, in fact, been paying very close attention… and is… not pleased. You see, they fast… while also committing injustice and abusing their workers, committing violence and causing harm to the poor and the oppressed. They give the appearance of humble worship on the sabbath… while looking only to their own interests. God… is not pleased… and declares… this is NOT the kind of fast I want! This is NOT how you honor the Sabbath! So… starting at Isaiah 58:6 [NET version], God declares… 6 This is the kind of fast I want:   I want you to remove the sinful chains, to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke, to set free the oppressed, and then to break every burdensome yoke. 7 I want you to share your food with the hungry and to provide homes for the homeless, oppressed people. When you see someone naked, clothe them! 8 Then your light will shine like the sunrise, your restoration will quickly arrive; your godly behavior will go before you, and the Lord's splendor will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call out, and the Lord will respond; you will cry out, and the Lord will reply, ‘Here I am.'  That… that is the kind of fast our Lord desires… that is how we honor the Sabbath… not only today, but on all days… Not by worshiping our rituals and traditions… or by declaring that our sanctuaries are no place for creativity and color… We honor the Sabbath by doing our best to love others as God loves them… by loving them and working for their liberation in precisely the way that God and Jesus and the Spirit have been telling us since the time of Moses. We don't honor the sabbath by rounding up the homeless and shipping them out to another place… we honor the sabbath by feeding and housing them… and freeing them from the burdensome yoke of poverty and oppression. That is Sabbath liberation! We don't honor the Sabbath by locking away everyone who breaks the law, no matter how minor the infraction. We honor the Sabbath by addressing the systems that drive someone to be desperate enough to commit crimes. That is Sabbath liberation! In Deuteronomy, we hear that we are to keep and honor the Sabbath… to keep it holy… for you once were slaves in Egypt, and the Lord God freed you. The Sabbath is made for liberation… from toil, from bondage, from hunger… not only for us… but for all. But how easily we forget… in our gospel, Jesus freed that poor woman from her infirmity that kept her bent over for 18 long years. Jesus freed her from the infirmity that Satan used to keep her bound up and isolated from her community… alone and ashamed. And the religious leaders have the audacity to be indignant… they don't get it… They cannot honor Sabbath liberation for themselves… while this woman, their neighbor, is still suffering under bondage. Our liberation… our true Sabbath liberation… is communal. And once we understand this… once we understand that, as Dr. Lilla Watson once said, “…your liberation is bound up with mine.” …only then does our true light shine… When we understand that our true Sabbath liberation is bound up with the liberation of the whole community… then … the Lord will guide us continually… Then… the Lord will provide for us even in parched places, and make our bones strong, and like a spring of water that never fails… When we understand that our true Sabbath liberation is communal… then we become repairers of broken walls… and restorers of livable streets. When we understand that our true Sabbath liberation is communal… Then our senses are awakened, and we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in and through all the ways that neighbors are working together to put the needs of the full community ahead of their own selfish desires. Communities will be rebuilt, and areas that have been impoverished and deserted will flourish. Neighbors will know and care for each other for generations. Many in our culture today would call this some kind of woke, socialist agenda… but this way of living is much bigger than that… this way of living was God's design for us from the beginning. When we do this… when we decide to trust the Lord, our God and really lean into what God desires for us… Then… our Sabbath liberation becomes a delight… and a joy. This is how God asks us to honor the Sabbath… by breaking the chains of oppression… and by not tolerating injustice. The results are the reward. But hear this, friends… the work of breaking the bonds of sin and injustice to bring about full and true Sabbath liberation… is ongoing work. God knows this… and we know it, too. And so, you must also observe Sabbath rest… a holy pause… a time to stop and reflect on all God has done, and dwell in the JOY of the Lord! You do not honor God by making your productivity an idol… or by forgetting that this work against injustice can only be accomplished together. You do not honor God by trying to do it all by yourself. The Lord, your God, commands you to take a holy pause… and notice that you, and those around you, are part of a community. So, as you rest from your labors, encourage others to rest, too. Make it possible for them to do so. Worship the Lord, your God, and give thanks for all God has done for you. And if it would help you to feel more relaxed and connected… you are more than welcome to sit up front here and color. Amen.     _______________________________________________________________________ Dr. Lilla Watson (b. 1940) is a Murri (Indigenous Australian) artist, activist, and educator from Queensland, Australia. Her full quote is, “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

In this deeply personal and heart-centered episode, Karen McMahon sits down with her longtime friend and pastor, Ray Longward, Lead Pastor at Experience Vineyard Church, for an open and vulnerable conversation about faith, healing, and leadership in life's hardest seasons. For the first time publicly, Karen shares the central role her Christian faith has played in her personal life and in founding Journey Beyond Divorce—“coming out” not just as a divorce coach and podcast host, but as a follower of Christ. Together, they explore the critical role of a spiritual foundation during major life crises such as divorce, loss, and personal transformation. They discuss shifting from religion to authentic relationship with God, the healing nature of a welcoming and emotionally intelligent church, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a divided world. Pastor Ray brings over a decade of ministry experience, leading a Bible-rooted community known for radical welcome, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to the wounded and marginalized. Whether you're spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this heartfelt dialogue offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for navigating life's darkest moments with grace, faith, and courage. The episode closes with a moving prayer for all listeners—an invitation to anchor yourself in the power of something greater than yourself and to discover how faith can guide you through even the most painful chapters of life. Connect with Ray: www.theexperiencevc.com https://www.instagram.com/theexperiencevc/?hl=en Resources Mentioned in this episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com

We are a people on mission. One of the most powerful yet overlooked ways to live this mission is through meals. In this series, we're learning how the table was central to Jesus' ministry and how it can be in ours.

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What happens when you completely disagree with someone's beliefs but still choose to show them human dignity? In this episode of Spiritually Hungry we talk to Matthew Stevenson, a Jewish student who invited Derek Black, once a rising leader in the white nationalist movement, to his weekly Shabbat dinners. Instead of debating or condemning Derek, Matthew offered connection—an approach that, over time, played a crucial role in Derek questioning and ultimately rejecting white nationalism. Tune in to hear how a simple act of compassion helped transform a life. Further Reading:Rising Out of Hatred by Eli Saslow

The Nativity story begins with a message of inclusivity, offering hope to those on the margins of society. From the shepherds—outcasts and societal outsiders—to the Magi, foreigners who journeyed far to worship the Christ child, the gospel reveals its universal reach. This episode highlights the radical nature of the Nativity: a story that welcomes the poor, the misunderstood, and the overlooked into the heart of God's plan. Both groups of visitors demonstrate faith, obedience, and worship, underscoring the inclusive and transformative nature of the gospel.Through the eyes of the shepherds and the Magi, we are reminded of Jesus' invitation to all who are weary and heavy-laden to find rest in Him. Join us as we explore the richness of God's grace extended to all humanity, regardless of status or origin.

There are people who tend to be on the fringes in church: the unhoused, those with mental illness, teens and kids, single people, those with dementia, and those with no family. But all of these folks are in the center of church life at St James the Less, Pimlico, in London. Today we'll speak with the rector, the Rev. Lis Goddard, about how this came about, and how it works.This is a conversation about radical hospitality. Maybe you've used that phrase; maybe your denomination does. What does that mean? The word "family" is key. Much about a healthy family is being able to share safe space. If baptismal water is truly thicker than blood, how does that require radical hospitality, maybe especially, with those who are vulnerable? And how can it also invite parishioners into a deeper, rather than more tenuous, sense of security?Today we'll be talking about open doors and open homes, as well as the boundaries and practical policies that make radical hospitality possible. We'll learn about Sabbath, how saying no is an invitation to mutual honor, and ways to equip volunteers for joyful service. The Rev. Lis Goddard has been Vicar of St James the Less, Pimlico (London), since September 2010. Other ministry roles have included university chaplain and Tutor for Ministerial Formation at Wycliffe Hall, and Assistant Minister at St Andrew's Church in North Oxford. She leads missions, mentoring, and spiritual direction initatives, and was the Chair of Awesome/The Junia Network, a network of ordained women evangelicals. She is now Cochair of the Church of England Evangelical Council and is co-author of The Gender Agenda, a book of charitable debate on women's ordination.When you get off at Pimlico station, be sure to mind the gap. And maybe become more aware of how we can help close the gaps between God's beloved people. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Give to support this podcast.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Such a good story. I used to think I knew what this story was about - that I had it all figured out. But this story has depth, and layers, and we can learn so much more from it than we maybe expect. The basic read is that we should all be like Philip and courageously tell people about the good news of Jesus so that unacceptable outsiders might be changed and become insiders. Hmm...does that interpretation sound familiar? Yeah, there's so much more going on in the story - more than just the eunuch's conversion. The narrative changes and turns and moves forward when someone asks a good question. Just before sabbatical, I talked about how important questions are - they're doorways that can open up lots of possibilities. This is another example. So we'll pay attention to the questions. So here's some context to the eunuch's story. He can't practice his Jewish faith on account of his eunuchness. Spell check is saying I made that word up. Who cares? Now we get to the questions... 1) "How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?" A doorway is open and on the other side is community, relationship, people, help. We all long for it, need it. So we'll talk a bit about that. 2) Is he talking about himself or someone else? The eunuch was struggling with some verses in Isaiah. So Philip connects it to Jesus. It's likely the eunuch saw himself in Jesus - someone who had been pushed aside and rejected. But resurrection, new life is possible through Jesus! 3) "What's preventing me from being baptized?" Yeah, lots of things. He's a queer black foreigner from Ethiopia. He's a eunuch. Don't you know your Hebrew scriptures, Philip? He doesn't belong. We have rules, man. But Philip says nothing. No religious test. He just baptizes him. So the eunuch isn't the only one converted that day; Philip was also converted. He recognizes that Jesus changes everything - that the resurrection changes everything. The Spirit is going to do what the Spirit is going to do - conquer isolation and fear and welcome any one the Spirit wants into the Kingdom of God. The eunuch and Philip were both transformed all because someone asked a good question. We're left with a question of our own. And it's not a question about how wide God's embrace is. It's not a question about who's in and who's out. The question for us is, will we participate with the wild Spirit of God in our day or not? Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 http://bible.com/events/49332573

Series: AllegianceSpeaker: Kale Courtright

Mark 9:30-37University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge is a faith community striving to think critically, live creatively, and love continually. Visit www.ubc-br.org or @UBCBR on Facebook for more information. Music by HookSounds

This segment is from a service that was streamed on August 4, 2024, led by Emma Farrell. The theme for August is Possibility. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website. To see a video of this complete service, click HERE. For information about how to join our Sunday morning live stream worship service on YouTube and our virtual community hour on Zoom after the live stream, please visit our website at http://www.unitytemple.org. Please note that the service is currently held at 10:00 a.m.

Visit us online at tablechurchdsm.org to learn more.

Visit us online at tablechurchdsm.org to learn more.

Annie Dupree Preaching at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church 4 February 2024 Mark 6.1-13 To find out more about Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, check out our website www.bloomsbury.org.uk

Connections Ministry is self-described as 'scrappy'. They were born out of a growing need for shelter for the unhomed population of Mankato. Today, Executive Director, Erica Koser and Director of Development, Liz Paul are our guests. They share the history of the shelter as well as future visions for expansion. This episode highlights what many in the community call a 'hidden problem'. Tune in to find out how you can get involved in their mission to help neighbors. Connections Ministry

The service was led by Bishop John and by Frank with Iain, the reflection from Iain, and including the licensing of our associate priest Jo.

Second in our 'Welcome' series

As the Gospel grew the early church had to welcome many different people. The Bible tells us they devoted themselves to each other. As a church do we truly welcome like this?

Isaiah 56:1-8 shares God's message of not only tolerance but radical welcome for the ultimate Others of the biblical world: eunuchs. How did Isaiah 56's author come to understand Divine affirmation for this denigrated group, when Deuteronomy 23's author had offered only rejection? And why does this scripture resonate deeply with many transgender persons of faith today? Click here for an episode transcript. For my Isaiah 56 translations notes, click here. For other thoughts and resources on Isaiah 56 and biblical eunuchs, scroll down to "Better Than Sons or Daughters" on this webpage. Talking Points: (0:00) Message from a listener — Rowan brings news of London Pride, finds blessing in their daily work (4:28) Introducing my sermon on Isaiah 56:3-8; reading the scripture passage (7:30) My personal story — realizing my church's promise of unconditional welcome was conditional, after all; finding solace in God's good news for eunuchs and foreigners in Isaiah 56 (11:53) Eunuchs as the "Ultimate Other"; differences from and resonances with today's transgender community (16:28) Historical context — how Judah's traumatic exile moved rejection of eunuchs from the political to the personal (19:55 to end) The challenge to faith communities today — to live into Isaiah 56's radical welcome, we must ensure trans folk are not merely tolerated, but fully belong ____ This show's theme song is "Aetherium" by Leah Horn. This episode also makes use of "Green-Fields" and "Arrival" by Scott Holmes via Free Creative Commons (CC-A-NC) License. Find the songs at scottholmesmusic.com.

We wrap up our Part of the Family series by looking at our culture of welcome and what it means for us to reflect the welcome that we have already received in and through Jesus.

 *Radical is a term that gets thrown around a lot lately. When I was a kid the term Radical meant something different. Radical had become a term that had synonyms like, awesome, fly, or dope. Which are generally considered affirmations of positivity in relationship to something, for example: That blouse is radical. But I am aware of the original meaning of this term, which involves revolutionary change. This Sunday I'd like to explore the cross section of being welcoming and a radical 

Morning Communion Service 10 Sept.'23

A Movement of Radical WelcomeActs 9:3-19, 26-31 • Geoff Bradford

Salt House is so proud to be an affirming church that practices Radical Welcome. This core practice has been part of Salt House from the beginning, and has been especially important as we find ourselves leading the way on queer affirming ministry in the Eastside. But where does it come from? Why is it so important? What does Jesus (and Demons) have to do with it? Join us Sunday to find out!

I started this episode off with a question: what would change in our world/community if everyone felt cared for and nourished? I heard another podcast talking about this idea of radical self care and why we view self care as a privilege rather than a right. I couldn't stop thinking about it and what our world would look like if everyone was fully nourished. We would have greater access to skill sharing, resources, better food + pay equality, increase in community activities + involvement, better mental/physical/emotional health, and a deeper understanding of each other. How do you think we can better nourish our communities? When we are cared for, we're more likely to show up for those around us.

Sermon by Rev. David Hollis For Week 4 of our Sermon Series: "What in the Word?" Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:1-15 (NRSV)

Join Pastor Susan Thiessen as she continues the series: Church Reimagined. She will explore themes from Luke 5:27-32. Join us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vbchurch.ca/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/varsitybiblechurch/ And, participate in Sermon's Plus, on our website: https://www.vbchurch.ca/sermons

We practice the radical welcome of Jesus who crosses boundaries. We practice the radical welcome of Jesus who breaks down walls. We practice the radical welcome of Jesus who proclaims there are no insiders or outsiders. We practice the radical welcome of Jesus who turns the world upside down. Everyone is welcome in God's kingdom. And everyone is welcome at St. Martin's.

We practice the radical welcome of Jesus who turns the world upside down. Everyone is welcome in God's kingdom. And everyone is welcome at St. Martin's. As Jesus continues on his journey to Jerusalem, he leaves behind him individuals, households, villages, and a whole world that will never be the same. Because they have glimpsed a new vision of God's radical welcome.

June 12, 2022 - First Sunday after PentecostScripture: Luke 9:1-8Sermon: Radical WelcomeMoment for Mission: Vacation Bible SchoolView the full worship service on YouTube sermon_2022-06-12.mp3File Size: 17574 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

Mike talks about the seemingly contradictory idea of Radical Welcome with the phrase grace and truth, and how the phrase grace and truth really doesnt say what it means. Jesus shows us a different definition. Connect with us at https://www.newgroundchurch.org

Rev. Rachel Reinink joins us to walk through the story of Hagar and how it informs on the breadth of what Radical Welcome encompasses. Connect with us at https://www.newgroundchurch.org

Guest Rev. Andrea Deward joins us as she walks through how we need to truly see others where theyre at.

odels this for the church.

Mary and Wyatt kick off Season 2 with the usual spate of unhinged silliness and their very first guest, Andrew Sackett-Taylor. Andrew (he/him) works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Transhealth Northampton, a healthcare start-up serving trans, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals across the lifespan. Trans- and queer-identified himself, it's been his longstanding dream to serve the community through compassionate, affirming, patient-centered care. Mary, Wyatt, and Andrew chat about everything from the pure pleasure of dancing in one's driveway to the importance of connection and authenticity in trans-affirming psychiatric care. Andrew talks about his own experiences with neurodivergency and psychiatric care and how he offers radical kindness, vulnerability, and compassion in his own practice. Also on the agenda: A spirited round of Gay or Straight, an important conversation about Halloween candy, and poems by Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver, and Charlie Petch. Learn more about Transhealth Northampton here:www.transhealth.org@ourtranshealth on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

We've called a new pastor and have high hopes for what this leader will bring to our community and our mission in the world. Now the question is: How can we prepare as a church for this next season? How might God be renewing us as a welcoming people? The post Radical Welcome appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.

We've called a new pastor and have high hopes for what this leader will bring to our community and our mission in the world. Now the question is: How can we prepare as a church for this next season? How might God be renewing us as a welcoming people? The post Radical Welcome appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.

Friday

Paul welcomed all he met, and all who came to him, “with boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). We, too, have an opportunity to live into bold welcome here in our church – and beyond.

We must consistently build Christian relationships and welcome each other as Christ welcomed us. WE must welcome the Other as we were welcomed. We must offer a radical welcome! Scripture Reading Romans 15:1-13 (Inclusive Bible) Note: This translation is not online. ASV is offered as a substitute. Hymn: How Can I Say (VT 388) Text and Song: V. Michael McKay Sermon Transcript Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org

March 21, 2021  -  Rev. Diane McGehee - "God's New Covenant of Radical Welcome and Grace"Support the show (http://beringchurch.org/give/)

A key characteristic of Jesus was His ability to welcome those whom society deemed as the outsider. In a time where there seems to be an increase in polarizing thoughts, ideals and actions, Matt explores the idea of how we can model Jesus’ radical welcome in our lives.

REFLECTION QUOTES “The deeper we grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become – the more we realize that everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble and joyful thanksgiving. Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude causes us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the kingdom of God's beloved Son.” ~Brennan Manning (1934-2013) American author, former priest, and public speaker “The man who wishes to exempt himself from providing for his neighbors should face himself and declare that he no longer wishes to be a man, for as long as we are human creatures we must contemplate as in a mirror our face in those who are poor, despised, exhausted, who groan under their burdens.” ~John Calvin (1509-1564), influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation “The hard and necessary work of reconciliation, peacemaking, relational perseverance, and loving the unlovely is not something we generally gravitate to on our own or when we are creating a personal, custom-made spiritual experience. We need the inconvenient and costly demands of congregational living to shape that kind of love.” “Sometimes it takes having differences, not understanding one another, and even being a little bit irritated by and bored with one another, to remind us that the church is a family and not a club. At its best, this family dynamic of the local church functions as God's fertile soil for growing us beyond mere tolerance toward true expressions of love and unity.” ~Scott Sauls, contemporary author and pastor “For leaders of the ancient church, hospitality was a significant context for transcending boundaries and working through respect and recognition. Christian hospitality was to be remedial, counteracting the social stratification of the larger society by providing a modest and equal welcome to everyone.” ~Christine D. Pohl, contemporary author and professor of social ethics SERMON PASSAGE Selections from the Gospel of Mark (NIV) Mark 2 13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 7 31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 12 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”

Sermon by Rev. John Elford, Senior Pastor, University United Methodist Church, Austin, TX