Purple Chalice Month
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church on this last Sunday in September. This, too, is our final Sunday of our Purple Chalice Month. We have attempted to put on our radar the importance of the unity of the body of Christ especially in this time of division in our country. We hope you have heard both challenge and inspiration as we have explored the passages and discerning how we each can help “maintain unity in the bond of peace.” We continue this theme today and hope you will feel warmed and welcomed in this online space. God’s grace and peace be with you! Welcome to worship!
Prelude -“Come, Thou Almighty King” [by F. de Giardini] - Sarah Park
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church
Good Morning!
We are a community seeking to have open minds, open hearts, and open arms. Greet with your neighbors…
Thank you for joining us here in the house and online. Welcome to everyone!
Scripture Reading - Proverbs 15:1-7
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises a parent’s instruction, but the one who heeds admonition is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.
*Welcoming Song - “Come and Find the Quiet Center” - #575, v. 1
1 Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
all the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.
*Call to Worship (based on James 1) - Linda Idoine
ONE: The world is hard. Our losses real. Our grief tangible. Our fear palpable.
ALL: Merciful God, quiet our rush to judgment.
ONE: The world is heavy. Our anxiety clawing. Our confusion large. Our responsibility tenuous
ALL: Vigilant God, slow our impulsive actions.
ONE: The world is mystery. Our faith rooting. Our hope kindling. Our love blossoming.
ALL: Loving God, quicken our desire to listen and help us understand your call.
~ written by Katherine Hawker
*Opening Hymn - “ O For a World” #683, v. 1-3
1 O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
2 O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
3 We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
Invitation to Generosity
Invitation - Linda Idoine
Offertory
Music: - “Abide with Me” - Jon Bozeka & Sarah Park
*Response #47 - “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Offering Prayer - Linda Idoine
Children’s Moment - Rev. Chad Delaney
- In God's Name
Dear God,
We thank You for the children in our church, community, and world. Each child is a unique and precious gift, filled with special talents. Bless them as they discover their gifts and use them to bring joy and love to others. Help them to work together in unity, celebrating each other's strengths and supporting one another. May they grow in kindness, compassion, and wisdom, always knowing they are loved and valued.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Chad Delaney
Adapted from a prayer by Vienna Cobb
God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace:
We thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food on our tables that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life.
We thank you for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that our eyes can see,
for the joy that our ears may hear, for the mysteries that we cannot behold yet fill the universe with wonder, for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of ourselves.
We thank you for setting us in communities: for families who nurture our becoming, for friends who love us by choice,
for companions at work, who share our burdens and daily tasks,
for strangers who welcome us into their presence,
for people from other countries and cultures who call us to grow in understanding, for children who lighten our moments with laughter and fun,
for those yet to be, who offer us hope for a better world.
We thank you for this day: for life and one more day to love,
for opportunity and one more day to work for justice and peace,
for neighbors and one more person to listen to and to love and be loved.
for your grace and one more experience of the power of the Holy Spirit,
for your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give us your redeeming grace.
For these, and all blessings, we give you thanks, eternal, loving God and lift our worries, our joys, our thanksgivings to you in silent prayer…
Unite us together in the prayer Jesus taught us…
Communion
Meditation - Ally Bozeka
Communion Hymn - “Eat This Bread” - #414 (2x)
Eat this bread, drink this cup
Come to me and never be hungry
Eat this bread, drink this cup
Trust in me and you will not thirst
Prayer - Katie Baird
Words of Institution - Katie Baird
Music: “I’ve Wandered Far Away From God” [by W. J. Kirkpatrick] - Sarah Park
Scripture - James 1:19-27
19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. 26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Sermon - “Listening Bridge”
Participants
- Ally Bozeka - Climate Change support
- Jon Bozeka - Climate Change skeptic
- Rick Painley - Annoyed friend in the background
Props:
- Comfy chairs
- Television and tv stand
- TV trays
- Remote controllers
- Snacks
(Characters are out on stage in comfy chairs with TV trays facing the congregation--do we still have an old TV in the storage room? They have a remote control in hand with a snack--and the script--on the TV tray. During their part they can be animated about their point of view, while the other person just sits quietly watching the TV. A friend is in the background, busy and a bit annoyed by the banter. Narrator is at the pulpit)
Pastor Chad:
It’s a typical evening across town, two houses, two televisions, one broadcast. Tonight’s news is all about climate change—a panel of experts discussing the pressing need for action, with images of melting ice caps, wildfires, and protests flashing across the screen. But the message is landing very differently in two homes just a few miles apart. Each has their own ideas and each has a friend to annoy.
Ally’s Thoughts:
Finally, they’re talking about this seriously. I can’t believe there are still people out there who don’t get it. All the science is right there! Look at the floods, the heatwaves… God gave us this planet to take care of, and we’re just destroying it. Psalm 24:1—"The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it." How can people not understand that climate change is a moral issue? And it’s not even about politics for me. It’s about doing the right thing. Loving God means loving and protecting this earth too? These deniers and conspiracy theorists are embarrassing themselves—it’s like Proverbs 12:1 says, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." They just don’t want to listen to reason or facts. What will it take for them to wake up?
Pastor Chad:
Meanwhile…across town, Bill is watching the same program, but his thoughts couldn’t be more different.
Jon’s Thoughts:
Oh, great, here we go again. More doomsday propaganda. They act like we’re supposed to drop everything to save the planet. But what about trusting God? Psalm 24:1—"The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it." Doesn’t that mean God knew what He was doing when He created this world? And these so-called experts—please. I’ve heard all this before. It’s just scare tactics. They think if they keep showing images of wildfires, they’ll convince everyone that the world is ending and give them more grant money for their research. They don’t really care and don’t consider how their policies will crush the economy. What a joke. It’s always the same old talking points, like they think humans can solve everything on their own. They’ve forgotten to rely on God’s wisdom, as it says in Proverbs 3:5—"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." What will it take for them to wake up?
Pastor Chad:
Lisa frustration is palpable. She’s poured herself into understanding the science, reading every article, watching every documentary, and absorbing countless expert opinions. Her heart genuinely aches for the planet—for the creatures whose habitats are disappearing, for the future generations who will inherit an unstable world. In her mind, it seems so obvious that caring for the earth aligns with her faith. And it's clear she feels unheard. She’s surrounded by people who she feels should understand— people of faith, just like her, who share her values, but who seem so disconnected from this issue. When she sees the news, she feels the weight of misunderstanding, not only from the wider world but from her own faith community.
Jon’s character, on the other hand, sees things differently. His skepticism about climate change isn’t just about the science. It’s about the creeping sense that this issue has been weaponized by those who don’t share his values. To him, it feels like an assault on the freedoms and ways of life that he holds dear. He’s heard talk of economic regulations, government interference, and societal changes that seem to him to contradict personal responsibility—the kind of responsibility he feels is central to a life of faith. Jon feels empowered by this call to steward the earth according to God’s wisdom, not human fear. The climate change conversation, as it’s been framed to him, seems to be driven by fear—by a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty.
And so, these good people, separated by miles but connected by the same faith, sit in their homes, each convinced that they are right, each baffled by the other side. They both draw from scripture, but they’ve built walls instead of bridges. Neither sees the bigger picture, the opportunity to learn from one another’s concerns.
In the book we’ve been discussing on Wednesday nights--The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, he tells us that when we are locked into our own moral frameworks, we often miss the complexity of others' motivations. We divide ourselves into camps, failing to appreciate that the other side’s values, though different, are often rooted in legitimate concerns—whether that’s care for the planet or loyalty to community and tradition.
But….the divisions keep deepening….
Ally’s Thoughts:
It drives me crazy! They’re turning a blind eye to the suffering that’s already happening. It's willful ignorance. Jesus taught us to love, to care for those in need, to reach out to the vulnerable. All they care about is convenience and money. How do you love your neighbor if you’re ignoring the world falling apart around you?
Jon’s Thoughts:
They’re so focused on the wrong things. When did we become so obsessed with the world that we forgot about the Kingdom of God? I just don’t get it. People are losing their faith over this, acting like humans are in control. It’s prideful, that’s what it is. The world’s going to end one day but it’s going to be on God’s terms, not because we didn’t drive enough electric cars.
Ally’s Thoughts:
How can people be so blind to what’s happening? They ignore Jesus’ teachings.
Jon’s Thoughts:
How can people be so blind to what’s happening? They just don’t trust God.
Chad:
Both are waiting for the other side to come around. Both are certain they have the answers. Both stay in their own little ideological bubble as many of us do. Yet they both have some amount of wisdom to offer to the conversation. What would happen if they actually talked to one another? Actually listened to each other? Would we learn something? Would it be conceivable to both take care of the environment, love and trust God, and improve the economy? With our powers combined!
Ally’s character, in her strong sense of righteousness, has closed her off from hearing the concerns and fears of others. She’s stopped listening, even as she wonders why no one listens to her. Jon’s character never really questioned whether the fear others have might also be genuine concern for the vulnerable—those already suffering from environmental harm. He’s rejected their worry without fully hearing the heart behind it. Their characters, despite their shared faith, have allowed their convictions to become walls, not bridges. Certainly they could actually learn something from each other if they gave it a chance. They may not agree, but at least understand each other better.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and convictions when it comes to religion and politics. It is more than OK to be passionate and to confront injustices. Jesus ruffled the feathers of many people in power because his teachings made a deep impact in the public sphere. What we believe, what we do, and yes, how we vote matters. AND…an act of love and faith is to really listen to and love one another.
Jesus prayed for our unity. We are calling for Unity as part of our faith and life as a church. And…we are wise to remember that calling for UNITY can sometimes be used for unjust reasons as well. During the civil rights movement many white people were calling for Unity, using it only as an avoidance of confronting the real issue of racism and hatred. Unity for the sake of preserving the status quo is one thing, Unity for the sake of community transformation and doing God’s will on earth as it is in heaven is another.
James offers a hard word for those in the church of the 1st century and those of the 21st. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19)." The 1st century Christian world was not without its arguments and divisions and problems. But they didn’t have 24 hour news networks built to shake-up and stir the strong emotions of the people. Didn’t have social media echo chambers. But they did have deep perplexity about what was going on in the minds and hearts of others.
The truth is, so many of us (including me) have become slow to listen and quick to judge, convinced that we hold the moral high ground. In our rush to defend our beliefs, we demonize one another and forget that we are all human beings trying to figure it out. James 1:26 is particularly clear: "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."
In today’s polarized culture, it's all too easy to speak from a place of self-righteousness, convinced that our viewpoint is the only right one. But James warns us to be slow to anger, to listen deeply, and to act with humility. To see each other’s concerns as valid, and to listen with the intention of understanding, not just responding. To build a listening bridge. This is something we can work on within ourselves, our homes, our families, our community. If we don’t…….who will? It is then that we can live out the Word of God in truth, it is then that we can begin to build the unity that Christ calls us to. May it be so.
*Closing Hymn - “Called as Partners in Christ's Service” - #453, vs. 1-2
1 Called as partners in Christ's service, called to ministries of grace,
we respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing side by side and friend with friend,
equal partners in our caring to fulfill God's chosen end.
2 Christ's example, Christ's inspiring, Christ's clear call to work and worth,
let us follow never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer poorer, all God's people young and old,
blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.
Benediction - Rev. Chad Delaney
- United in Christ, we are called to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.
- Blessed with music with Jon and Sarah
- Thank you to Rick, Ally, and Jon for our presentation
- Sunday Chats
- Wednesday studies
- The Sanctuary will be open for prayer between 6-7pm…
~ by Nathan Nettleton
Go out, and be doers of the Word.
Cleanse your hearts of all pollution,
be quick to listen and learn,
welcome the Word that God implants in you,
and bring it to birth in acts of righteousness and compassion.
And may God pour grace upon you and bless you forever;
May Christ Jesus reveal to you the truth of God’s ways;
and may the Holy Spirit fill your life with passion and love.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Let us face one another and sing!
Benediction Response - “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” #433, v. 1
1 Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Postlude - “Heralds of Light, Speed Away” [by J. E. Jones] - Sarah Park