Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025

Siblings in Christ we are gathered to ask God's blessing as we commit to the transformation of part of this building to become transitional housing for families to the glory of God. For now, we are still living in between. In between the past that we now let go and the future of what we anticipate what is to be.

Naming

The biblical concept of naming was rooted in the ancient world's understanding that a name expressed essence. Throughout the bible, naming people and places expressed hope for the future. Naming tells a story, the ones that represent values and beliefs. Isaiah is called and named by the one who created and formed him to be a prophet for God's people. John the Baptist is named by his mother to be a great messenger. Jesus is named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb to bring salvation to the world. Naming of place also finds significance in the scriptures.

Genesis 32: 28b-30

"You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed. Then Jacob asked, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. So jacob called the place Peniel saying, "for I have seen God face to face."

By your holy wisdom
all things have been made to reflect your glory.

For the space we have set aside,
we ask for your comfort as we grieve what was, give us vision and hope for what is to be.

By your holy wisdom
all things have been made to reflect your glory.

For those who will labor,
we ask your blessing to transform into a place of refuge and growth.

By your holy wisdom
all things have been made to reflect your glory.

For our partners Family Promise,
we commit to being good stewards of this newly designated sacred space and the ministry caring for our neighbor.