December 13th Gathering

PRELUDE

Music by Andrew Prete

WELCOME

Welcome to The Pub Church! We are a church in a pub and the Spirit is with us. In this space you are free to move about, order drinks/food, doodle, and express your ideas openly!

We come together with diversity of thoughts, stories, talents, hopes and hurts. Our prayer is that in coming together with all our differences and with Spirit, we participate toward a new divine reality. This is sacred space.

OPENING PRAYER

From Process and Faith: Lectionary Commentary

Loving Goddes, open our hearts and minds to the truth made manifest in Jesus – That you are with us.

You are with us now, in this moment, flowing like a secret spring in our innermost being. May the simple beauty of the birth of Jesus summon us always to love what is most deeply human, and to see your love reflected in the humblest of lives. May the testimony of this incarnation summon us to cherish all life, and to see your goodness in the beauty of this Earth and one another.

TELLING OUR STORY

By Xochitl

PEACE – TOAST

Followed with music by Andrew

In this place we creatively express;

Some of us are focused, some are a mess!

We participate during the sermon

And people do connect, we are learnin’

Greet all with a handshake, toast or a wave

At all times feel free to yell, rant or rave

Fake not friends, we can arrive as we are.

Cheers! Here’s to sacred space in a bar!

CONVERSATIONAL SERMON

Queering Mary, Queering Christ

Luke 1:26-38; 45-55

In the sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy) the heavenly messenger Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. He entered and said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

But she was deeply disturbed by his words and wondered what the greeting could mean. The heavenly messenger said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary. You see, you have found favor with God. Listen to me: you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus…

• What are our initial thoughts as we hear this story today?
• What parts of the story stand out in a good way?
• What parts of the story trouble us?
• Is there a way to queer the story in a way that helps bring out the good news?

COMMUNION AND SHARING OF RESOURCES

Led by Xochitl

Followed by one small song :-)

FEEDBACK AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next week’s plan, December and January plans

BENEDICTION

From Process and Faith: Lectionary Commentary

Depart in peace, and take with you the certain knowledge that Goddess is always in the world. At this Christmastide let it be our delight to attend once more to the story told of one who was born on this Earth, who ministered to the poor, the rejected, and the brokenhearted, who died speaking truth to power, and whose death signified not the end, but a transformation awaiting all who commit our lives to the Divine vision for the well-being of this world.

Let us recall the original blessing imparted to us, that we are created in the image of God, and we are declared good. Let us ponder anew God’s promise to Noah and all creation to be present with us, no matter what unfolds.

Go forth in hope, in peace, in joy, and in love.