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Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Recognised and welcomed
Jesus, ‘the Word made flesh’ (John 1:1), offers God’s welcome and love to all, and delights in all who welcome prophets, the righteous, and anyone who is moved to do any good action (Matthew 10:40-end).
Context and a sermon/interactive talk idea
For anyone who follows football, the welcome received by teams and their supporters at the World Cup matches has filled the news and been a delight. The Iranian football team, barred from practice in the USA, received a warm welcome in Mexico, and were most appreciative of the way they were received.
The fact that some individuals and teams were not welcomed has provoked outrage, and support for those who were not welcomed properly. Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee. FIFA officials clearly thought welcoming everyone who loved football was far more important than Trump’s political posturing.
We might almost add an additional verse to Jesus’ welcomes: Whoever welcomes a lover of football in the name of football will receive the reward of unity within The Beautiful Game's communities and beyond.
Questions for discussion
- In what ways has the men's football World Cup shown a true welcome to all kinds of people, and in what ways do you think it has fallen short?
- How do we ensure that this tournament is remembered for the good it brought not the tensions and division?
- How has welcoming Jesus into your life led you into a deeper relationship with God the Father?
- Are you confident that your worship community offers a true welcome to everyone? Are there ways you could improve or be more pro-active?
- How do you welcome newcomers into your place of work, school or neighbourhood?
Tom Ambrose is a priest in the parish of the Ascension, Cambridge
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This week, much of the UK has been dealing with a heatwave – high temperatures, both day and night that has made daily life challenging in lots of ways! Whether we’ve been at home, school, work or college, it has been a pleasure to find a cool fan, stand in an air-conditioned room or jump into a nice chilly swimming pool. We’ve all had to find our own ways to cool off!
Some of us might relate to Jesus talking in the gospel about the difference it makes to give a cup of cold water ‘to one of these little ones’. Maybe someone bought you an ice lolly this week, or let you borrow their hand-held fan? A little act of generosity we were really grateful for!
Hot weather (along with a poor night’s sleep!) can often make us impatient, irritable and less aware of what others need. So it’s good to be reminded that when we welcome someone, show kindness, do something thoughtful or look out for what someone else's needs, it makes the world of difference. Recognise and be reassured that Jesus is in the midst of us, even when we might feel like we’re melting…
Questions
- How has the hot weather made you feel this week?
- When has someone else shown you a welcome this week or been kind to you?
- In the hot weather, what are some of the gestures or acts of kindness we can do for others that reflect who Jesus is?
Gail shares her time between being associate vicar with two churches in North Hertfordshire and a consultant for all things family and intergenerational church related.
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