The Work of the People

Some odd 2,000 years ago, an interreligious and radically diverse group of social changers gathered together following the life and ministry of a Jewish reformer and planted the seeds for a theology that would eventually overturn the unjust social order of the Roman empire, one of the most powerful that has ever existed. Their gatherings came to be known in Greek as “Litourgia” which literally means “the work of the people.” Their time together was not always easy or natural. Every step of the way there was division, disagreement, judgement, and at times oppression and fighting. In the midst of these difficulties, however, was a foundational belief that by setting aside their individual identities and uniting as one body that openly shared their lives and experiences, they could create a reality that was much more pure and true than the reality that the empire had created for them. They were slave and free, Greek and Jewish, male and female, yet they were all united under the life and message of Jesus. This group would come to eventually be known as the Christians and the church that was born of their public service or “Liturgy” came to represent the continuing of Jesus’ mission on earth. The theology born of this movement advocated for unity in the face of division, love and compassion in the face of hate, understanding in the face of difference, and courage in the face of fear. 

Tonight at 6:00, as part of the new Wednesday Nite Live weekly experience, we are gathering to affirm the power of this practice and embrace the ways in which it can bless our community in this modern world that we live in. Times have certainly changed, but the challenge of finding love and unity in a world so full of division and strife remains. It is our faith that by gathering together in a worship setting that affirms unity in diversity, we can represent a reality that is pure and true in the face of a society that promotes separation and infighting. What we are doing is very ancient, yet embraces the reality of today. Tonight we are blessed with music from Kevin Garman, a reading by Ann Henderson, hymns led by Rev. Linda Marshall on the piano, and a message from 1 Corinthians by myself. Please come join us, open up your hearts with us as we gather together as one body to bear witness to the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Let this Liturgy, this work of the people, create a new reality built on connection rather than separation. May we be of one heart, though we may not always be of one mind.  

In Christ,
Tom Owens

Pastoral Assistant

Tom will facilitate a weekly lay-led worship experience from 6:00–6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary as part of Wednesday Nite Live. If you are interested in participating, contact Tom at towens@trinityumc.org.