”Hear, O Israel, the Lord is God.” This is the first line of the “Shema” the principle prayer of observant Jews all over the world. It’s also likely the first prayer that Jesus learned when he was a boy. “Shema” means “listen” or “hear” in Hebrew and implies paying attention, learning and obeying the laws of God. We frequently lean into our Jewish roots in order to understand the teachings of Jesus as part of our Christian faith, and for the next 8 months or so, UCC Missoula gets the extra blessing of leaning into our Jewish roots with Rabbi Mark Kula
Everything Changes
In our sermon series we are exploring how our brains were designed to be suspicious of change, and for good reason–homeostasis in good measure helps us thrive, protecting us from danger. But if we look closely at what the Creator set in motion, we find that change is the most constant part of life and necessary for animating our spirits as we find renewed purpose throughout life. Jesus advocated for changes that would keep us moving toward greater goodness! “Everything Changes” John 12:20-26 In our scripture this week Jesus asks us to let go of life “as it is” in order to create and multiply the love that is eternal. What feels like the chaos, or recklessness, of change is the breaking-open of possibility and the sprouting of new life. This is what it means to follow the change-maker Jesus and serve his purpose of more love in the world. -Pastor Courtney
No matter who your are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
We worship whenever we are together, but we gather formally for worship Sunday mornings at 10:00 am.
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