Wisdom and Folly for the Week of the 2016 Election

I have never been so relieved not to be preaching on a Sunday in my entire career. Maybe that will change by the end of the week and I'll be aching to proclaim some Good News into the world, in which case, my blog post might be a sermon (so fair warning).

 This is adapted from the Call to Worship I used for the contemplative service this morning at the Regional Theological Education Consortium of the United Church of Christ gathering in Oberlin, Ohio. We have been studying the texts for Epiphany season, which raise up the ideas of folly and wisdom. We aren't gifted with knowledge of the future; perhaps the voice of the people has actually spoken wisdom even though it sounds like folly to so many of us in this moment. If it is folly, we still have wise voices to call us to reflection and change in the years ahead. So here is my offering; feel free to use and adapt but please give credit as noted below.

 Peace. Grace. Hope. And most of all, Love.
A Call to Worship for the Sunday After the 2016 Election

The world has changed this week.
IT IS NOT THE CHANGE MANY OF US EXPECTED.
MANY OF US FEAR THAT IT IS FOLLY.
The world has changed this week.
IT IS THE CHANGE MANY OF US HOPED TO SEE.
MANY OF US REJOICE THAT IT IS WISE.
We have come to worship as followers of a faith 
that calls us to great folly knowing this greater wisdom:
THAT THE ONE WE WORSHIP HAS NOT CHANGED. 
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IS GREAT.
God is still God. Christ is still Christ. The Holy Spirit is still the Holy Spirit.
GOD IS STILL LOVE.
CHRIST IS STILL RISEN.
THE HOLY SPIRIT STILL INSPIRES.
God is still the God of all creation, the God of all people, and the God of our hearts and minds.
THANKS BE TO GOD, CHRIST, AND HOLY SPIRIT!

LET US WORSHIP IN UNITY, ONE WITH ANOTHER.

Written by Rev. Dr. Ruth E. Shaver, United Church of Christ (c) 2016
Used with permission for worship services, November 11-14, 2016
OR
Adapted with permission for worship services, November 11-14, 2016

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