✦Summary of the Sermon:
In July and August, we are inviting preachers to be guided and inspired by the lectionary readings.
Elizabeth's sermon, based on Ephesians 1:3-10, emphasizes God's blessings and spiritual gifts given to believers, underscoring that these blessings are unearned and part of God's plan for peace. It discusses the context of Ephesians and invites the congregation to see themselves as spiritually gifted and beloved children of God despite internal doubts and societal pressures about perfection.
Illustrating transformative love, the sermon shares the story of Paul, who changed from persecuting Christians to spreading the gospel after encountering Christ, and Jun, who found acceptance and love after struggling with his queerness. The message encourages recognizing oneself and others as beloved by God, fostering love, acceptance, and unity within the community. An exercise is suggested for congregants to affirm each other's beloved status, reinforcing this message.
✦About Today's Preacher:
Elizabeth Maupin, a late in life member in discernment in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, is a clergy widow with a deep appreciation for lay ministry.
She has a multicultural background, having spent most of her formative years in East Asia, plus a little time in West Africa as a young adult and among the Lakota people of South Dakota during her seminary years.
She is drawn to ecumenical and interfaith work, serving 14 years as coordinator for the Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition and currently as a board member of the Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council in east King County.
Having experienced brief bouts of homelessness, Elizabeth has been active in local efforts to address the needs of unhoused neighbors and to advocate for more affordable housing and is a member of the Washington Lived Experience Coalition, an advocacy and mutual support group composed of people who are currently or formerly unhoused.
Having been a lay midwife and emergency medical technician in earlier years, she now uses her health care and pastoral care background as a part time home care aide.
16 июл 2024
