November 23, 2025: Be Still
Psalm 46

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

Chaotic. The country feels chaotic. Our lives sometimes seem chaotic too. There is noise everywhere-from the endless scroll on social media and the 24/7 newscycle to the constant pressure to be productive and the inner roar of worry and anxiety. We are all overwhelmed by the sound of "doing."

We are about to enter the most chaotic time of the year. This Sunday marks the end of the liturgical year in the church calendar, with what some churches call Reign of Christ Sunday. Later this week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, followed bythe full-on rush of holiday shopping. The church year begins again next Sunday with the first Sunday of Advent. There will be programs and celebrations, dinners with family and friends, parties, and worship services that we will plan. We will feel like we barely have enough time to breathe until mid Januaryl

However, one verse in this Psalm, verse 10, encourages us to do just that: breathe. Be still. Recognize that God is the refuge and strength of our lives, even when everything around us seems out of control.

This Sunday, we will have a lot going on, so I want us to breathe and be still.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.