Forgiveness Sets You Free — breaking the chains of resentment, we rise into freedom, peace, and new beginnings.

Peace is not only the absence of violence, but the active presence of compassion, justice, and love.

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost – Worship Service – September 21, 2025

Bulletin-09-21-2025
Scriptures: Ephesians 4:32; Genesis 50:20 (International Day of Peace focus)

Today Holy Covenant observed the International Day of Peace, lifting up our UCC witness as a Just Peace Church. In place of Pastor Chris, members of our church family—Lloyd Spencer, Kristin Andes, and Diane Neese—offered a shared homily on forgiveness, compassion, and the call to be peace-makers in a chaotic world.

What is a homily? From the Greek homilia (“conversation”), a homily is a shorter, meditative reflection that connects scripture to lived experience. Unlike a formal sermon, it is often conversational in tone and can be offered by clergy or laity. Its purpose is not to explain every doctrine, but to spark insight, invite prayer, and encourage faithful action.

Our lay preachers reflected on Ephesians 4:32 and Genesis 50:20, reminding us that peace begins within but is never meant to stay there. Real peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the presence of compassion, justice, and love lived out in community. They reminded us that forgiveness is not weakness but strength: the courage to release resentment and to stand firm in love.

They challenged us to be shrewd and intentional in how we plan for peace, to use our gifts and skills in service of others, and to nurture compassion—especially with youth, neighbors, and those most vulnerable. Peace is love in action. Love is the only power strong enough to transform division into healing and fear into freedom. The homily closed with a charge: go into the world as bearers of peace, showing and sharing the love of Jesus in tangible, everyday ways.

📖🙏 Order of Worship Highlights:

• Prelude: “Amazing Grace” – arr. J. Curnow
• Song: “Imagine” – John Lennon
• Scripture: Ephesians 4:32; Genesis 50:20
• Homily: Lloyd Spencer • Kristin Andes • Diane Neese
• Communal Songs: “More Love to You, O Christ” | “Jesus Calls Us, o’er the Tumult” | “Song of Hope”
• Postlude: “Ubi Caritas” – Gregorian chant

“Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.” — Ephesians 4:32