Sanctuary & Hillside Worship Series
"Extreme Makeover: Nehemiah Edition"
Nehemiah is known as the Jerusalem Rebuilder. He's an interesting character who, unlike the prophets, sees a problem and doesn't just talk the talk. Nehemiah walks the walk, and takes action to fix things! But, not before prayer, reflection, and confession. As he leads the rebuilding effort, Nehemiah faces great hardship and much pain, yet the people of Israel saw firsthand how God fulfilled God's promises spoken to Jeremiah during their exile.

If God calls all of us to participate in building beloved community; then God calls all of us to become antiracists. We will use this worship series as a guide for change - laying Nehemiah's spiritual practice alongside our study of racism through film, books, and art.
Sunday Worship - July 26 @ 10:30 am
"Consistent and Persistent"
God’s people dedicate the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem to the Lord with a giant and joyful celebration; however, the conclusion of Nehemiah is pretty anticlimactic given the setbacks and struggles that follow. As we seek to be agents of change and to build the kin-dom of God on this earth, struggles and setbacks will occur, even after progress both small and large.
The work of transformation, the effort to be antiracist, will be met with setbacks - personally and communally. But we trust in the work of God’s Spirit in us and hope for Jesus' promise of beloved community to strengthen and empower consistent and persistent effort that moves us toward justice and equity.
Prayer for This Sunday:
  Holy one, our hearts are troubled and our circumstances appear dark. Help us to remember how great is Your steadfast faithfulness and loving kindness. Along with Nehemiah, we are called to share Your promise of love and justice for all with the world. In the midst of this period of affliction, stressed by the impact of Covid19, hurt by the centuries long harm inflicted by the Virus of1619 we stand in hope upon the foundation of Your truth, love, and grace. Help us to change. Amen.
Sunday Online Schedule
9:45 - 10:15 am - Guided Meditation w/ Sarah D
10:15 am - Gathering Time (say hello and get settled in)
10:30 am - Family Worship (children, reflections, music, prayers)
11:30 am - Virtual Coffee Hour (small group conversation)
Announcements - Mission & Service
There Are Still a Few Spots Open in
"How to be Antiracist" Study Groups
If you haven't yet registered for a time, we still have a few spots open in the Wednesday night 5:30 pm and the Thursday morning 9 am groups. With nearly 60 people reading this examination of cultural and systematic racism, you can still sign up for a spot! Please click the link to learn more about the groups and the book study series!
Black Lives Matter Film Series
Virtual Screening and Discussion Circles on Zoom
Friday, July 31st @ 6:30 pm;
ABOUT THE FILM:

On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolders and builds until it explodes into violence.

Still essential 30 years later!

Crystal Chandler, leader of Mobilize Medford and documentary director, will be leading this discussion! Learn more about her experience and perspective as a black filmmaker.

Black History / Black Lives Matter
Book, Film, Podcast, TV Recommendations
Prayer, Meditation, and Reflection
Tuesday, July 28 | Friday, July 31
Drop-In Lunch On-Line @ 12 pm
Join Rev. Wendy for prayer, meditation and reflection - check on your heart and soul space!
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Everybody needs a little sanctuary.
especially now!
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Have a topic, prayer, or reflection to offer?
Contact Rev. Wendy
Micro pantries around the city are open and needed more than ever!
Please donate if you have the capacity during this time to help our neighbors!
Join Us Today, Friday, July 24 (4 to 6 pm);
Every Friday through the season.
First Come/First Served - Mask Required!
Through a generous donation and partnership with The Plough & Stars Project - Sanctuary's Micropantry Mission is able to offer farm fresh vegetables.

For any further information on the virus, events, or how we can still be Sanctuary for ourselves and others, please check out the website:
Sanctuary United Church of Christ  
458 High Street, Medford, MA 02155 • (781) 395–3360