September 13, 2020

1 Corinthians 12:4-31

Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman

Over the last 6 months, we have been reminded that the church is not a building. The church is a body, the body of Jesus Christ. With our different points of view, our different gifts and talents, our different life experiences, we are Christ’s hands and feet, eyes and ears, heart and mind.

The church is a body, and as with all living things, bodies have two choices – to stay in one place, be stagnant and in time die, or to be on the move, growing, and being made new.

From the very beginning, God’s people have always been on the move, always physically, emotionally, and spiritually journeying forward. Christianity has and always will be a Way, a faith movement, a journey. And we are pilgrims on that journey, seeking God and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ with every step we take.

Our fall worship series, Pilgrims on a Journey, will be filled with stories of people of faith as they journeyed to find God, as they journeyed with God.

This morning, we begin with an actual journey. Are you familiar with the American folk song “Going on a Bear Hunt”? This message goes something like that. I invite you to join me in the chorus and some of the hand motions.

And despite what Chris Amorosino said last week, I cannot see you. No one else can see you so why not? Why not take this journey with me?

We’re going on a journey

Where God leads us

Faithful, Trusting, Open

Oh no, we ran out of map!

What are we going to do?

Can’t go backwards. Can’t stay still.

I guess we need to trust God and just keep swimming.

Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.

We’re going on a journey

Where God leads us

Faithful, Trusting, Open

Oh no! These aren’t the right supplies for this journey!

What are we going to do?

Can’t go backwards. Can’t stay still.

I guess we need keep our eyes open for what God will provide.

We’re going on a journey

Where God leads us

Faithful, Trusting, Open

Oh no! We are supposed to do what?

We don’t know how to do that.

We’ve never done it that way before!

What are we going to do?

Can’t go backwards. Can’t stay still.

I guess we will all need to learn a new dance.

We’re going on a journey

Where God leads us

Faithful, Trusting, Open

There are a lot of new things we are going to need for this journey.

And there might be other things we need to let go of.

However, we are pilgrims on a journey.

We will travel this journey together.

And we know

that when you journey where God leads you,

God is always there.