 Fruitland United Methodist Church September 20, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Down by the Riverside” a traditional African-American spiritual. Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Leader: We come to remember the wonderful works of God. People: We will tell the coming generations of God’s faithfulness. Leader: We come with different stories, experiences, and perspectives. People: Yet, we are one in Christ, called to love and serve together. Leader: Let us open our hearts and set our minds on Christ. People: May the mind of Christ shape the way we love, serve, and live. All: Let us worship God! *Passing of The Peace *Opening Hymn: “Wonderful Words of Life” UMH 600 Pastoral Prayer: Gracious God, you have gathered us as one people, even in all our differences. Quiet the voices that distract us and turn our hearts toward you. Give us the humility of Christ, teach us to love one another, and shape our lives so that others may see Jesus in us. Amen First Scripture :Psalm78:1-4,9-20,32B-38 Liturgist UMH 799 Time With Young Christians Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Liturgist *Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven...” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge As Christ gave himself in love, we are invited to live generously. Through our gifts, our service, and our lives, we participate in what God is doing in our community and in the world. Offertory: “Day by Day,” by Oscar Ahnfelt *Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: Pastor Jorge Generous God, receive these gifts and receive our lives. Use them to bring hope, compassion, healing, and love to our neighbors. May all that we give and all that we do reflect the mind of Christ. Amen. Second Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 1-13 Liturgist The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Hymn: “Jesu, Jesu” UMH 432 Sermon: WITH OUR MINDS SET ON CHRIST Rev. Jorge Rodgriguez Philippians 2:1–13; Psalm 78 Some time ago, I heard the story of a father who drove his young daughter to school every morning. It was one of those routines we do almost without thinking. They got up, had breakfast, found the backpack, rushed around because they were almost always running late, and got into the car. Just before the little girl opened the door to go into school, her father always said the same words: “Remember who you are.” At first, the girl did not really understand. “What do you mean, remember who I am? I know who I am!” But her father kept saying it every morning: “Remember who you are.” One day she finally asked him, “Dad, why do you always tell me that?” And he answered, “Because out there, there will be people who will try to tell you who you are. There will be people who will tell you how much you are worth. There will be people who will try to decide whether you are good enough. There will be moments when you will have to choose between following everyone else and doing what is right. So before you listen to all those voices, I want you to remember who you are.” I think all of us need to hear something like that every morning. Because from the moment we open our eyes, there are voices trying to occupy our minds: our phones, the news, our worries, the bills, family problems, work, the things someone said about us, and the things we wish we could say to someone else. And some mornings, before our feet even touch the floor, we are already arguing with somebody in our heads. That is why I love that old spiritual: “Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus.” What a different way to begin the day. Not with my mind focused on my problems. Not with my mind focused on the person who hurt me. Not with my mind focused on proving that I am right. Not with my mind focused on my fears. With my mind stayed on Jesus. And that is exactly what Paul is saying in Philippians. What is interesting is that Paul writes these words from prison. He is not sitting comfortably somewhere, drinking coffee and writing inspirational thoughts. He is imprisoned. His future is uncertain. And yet, in the middle of his own struggle, he is thinking about the church. He is thinking about the community. He is thinking about us. And he says: “Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” But we need to understand something. Paul is not saying, “Everybody has to think exactly the same way.” Thank God, because that would be impossible. We are different. We have different stories. We come from different families. We have different experiences. We see some things differently. And those differences do not necessarily destroy the church. Many times, they enrich it. Christian unity does not mean uniformity. Paul is talking about something much deeper. He is saying: Even when we think differently, we can love in the same way. Even when we have different opinions, we can walk toward the same Christ. Even when we do not agree about everything, we can decide that our relationship is more important than our need to win. Then Paul shows us the way: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” That is the heart of this passage. The question is not simply, “What do I think?” The question is, “Am I learning to think like Christ?” Paul tells us that the mind of Christ begins with something our culture does not always celebrate: humility. Christ had power, but he did not use his power to make himself greater. Christ had authority, but he did not use his authority to dominate. Christ could have demanded, but he chose to serve. Christ could have placed himself above everyone else, but instead, he came down. He became a servant. He gave himself. He loved. So having the mind of Christ means learning to say: I do not need to win every argument. I do not need to have the last word. I do not need everything to be done my way. I do not need to prove that I am more important than you. Because when Christ occupies my mind, my ego no longer needs to occupy the center. Imagine for a moment what would happen if we lived this way. Imagine our families, our marriages, our churches, our workplaces, our communities. Imagine a world where, before speaking, we asked: Does this look like Christ? Before responding: Does this look like Christ? Before judging someone: Does this look like Christ? Before using our power: Does this look like Christ? Maybe that is why we need to begin every morning saying: “Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus.” Because the mind of Christ changes the way we see other people. Where others see a stranger, Christ sees a neighbor. Where others see a burden, Christ sees a person. Where others see someone who does not belong, Christ opens the table. Where others build walls, Christ looks for paths toward reconciliation. Where the world asks, “What can I gain?” Christ asks, “Whom can I serve?” That is what it means to have the mind of Christ. It does not mean that we think the same about everything. It means that we love from the same place. It means that love has the final word over prejudice, that generosity has the final word over selfishness, that service has the final word over power, and that grace has the final word over condemnation. And here Psalm 78 reminds us of something beautiful. The psalmist says that we will tell the coming generations “the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” In other words, this way of living must be passed on. Our children, our grandchildren, the children of our church, the next generation—they are watching. Perhaps they will not remember all our sermons. Perhaps they will not remember all our meetings. Perhaps they will not remember all our decisions. But they will remember how we treated people. They will remember whether our church opened its doors or closed them. They will remember whether we showed compassion. They will remember whether we shared. They will remember whether we stood with the vulnerable. They will remember whether, when someone fell, we judged them or reached out a hand to lift them up. Because faith is not only taught with words. Faith is passed on through the way we live. And Paul ends this passage with extraordinary words: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” That means we are not alone, simply trying to turn ourselves into better people. God is working in us. When you want to forgive even though it still hurts, God is working. When you decide to listen instead of attacking, God is working. When you share with someone in need, God is working. When you welcome someone others reject, God is working. When you choose to serve instead of seeking recognition, God is working. Perhaps one day we will reach the point when we will no longer have to stop and ask, “What would Jesus do?” Because the answer will begin to rise naturally from within us: love, serve, forgive, share, listen, stand with the vulnerable, give hope. Not because someone forces us, but because the mind of Christ is becoming our way of life. So tomorrow morning, before the phone, before the news, before remembering the problem, before beginning that argument that still exists only in our head, perhaps we can stop for a few seconds, put our feet on the floor, take a breath, and say: “Lord, today I want to have your mind.” And then remember those words: “Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus.” Because when our minds are stayed on Christ, we may not all think alike, but we can love with the same love. We may not walk exactly the same way, but we can walk toward the same Kingdom. We may be different, but we can share the same purpose. And when that happens, the church becomes more than a place where we talk about Jesus. It becomes a community where people can see Jesus. Amen. “Let the same mind be in you that was in Jesus Christ.” –Phillippians 2:5 Prayer of Confession Pastor: Let us pray. People: Merciful God, we confess that too often our minds are fixed on ourselves, rather than on Christ. We want to be right. We want to have the last word. We hold tightly to our opinions, our pride, and our own way. Forgive us when we fail to listen, when we judge too quickly, when we place ourselves above others, and when we forget that Christ calls us to humility, compassion and service. Give us the mind of Christ. Teach us to love when it is difficult, to forgive when we have been hurt, to welcome those who feel rejected, and to serve without seeking recognition. May our lives reflect Jesus, so that others may see his love through us. Amen Assurance of Pardon Pastor: Hear the good news. God is at work within us, giving us both the desire and the strength to live according to God’s loving purpose. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and called again to walk in love. People: Thanks be to God. Amen. *Hymn of Response: “Give Thanks” TFWS 2036 Benediction: Go into this week with your mind on Jesus. When you disagree, choose love. When you have power, choose service. When someone is hurting, choose compassion. When you meet someone who feels they do not belong, make room at the table. And may the mind of Christ become more and more our way of living, so that the church may be more than a place where people hear about Jesus-- May we become a community where people can see Jesus. Go in the grace and peace of God. Amen. Song of Blessing: “We are Marching in the Light of God” TFWS 2235b Postlude: “To God be the Glory,” by William Doane Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]
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 Fruitland United Methodist Church September 20, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge & Leona W. Call to Worship Leader: Teach us, O God, to count our days. People: That we may gain a wise heart. Leader: Fill us with your steadfast love. People: That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Leader: Let your favor rest upon us. People: And prosper the work of our hands. Leader: Let us live our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. People: Together, let us worship God! *Passing of The Peace *Opening Hymn: “Lord I Lift Your Name On High” TFWS 2088 Pastoral Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of another day and for the life you have entrusted to us. Teach us to number our days with wisdom. Be near to those who are suffering, those who are afraid, those who are lonely, and those who have lost hope. Help us use the life you have given us to love, forgive, serve, welcome, and walk beside others. May our lives reflect your grace and your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. First Scripture Reading: Psalm 90:12-17 Liturgist Time With Young Christians Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Leona *Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven...” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Everything we have-our time, our abilities, our resources, and our very lives- is a gift from God. Our giving is not a payment for God’s grace. Grace cannot be purchased. We give because we have already received. Let us give with gratitude and use what God has placed in our hands to bring hope and love to others. Offertory: *Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: God of grace, receive these gifts and use them to bring hope, healing, welcome, and love to our community. Help us use all that you have given us for the good of others and for your kingdom. Amen. Second Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:21-30 Liturgist The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Hymn: “Lord You Have Come to the Lakeshore” UMH 344 Sermon: Have I Lived A Worthy Life? Rev. Jorge Rodgriguez Philippians 1:21–30 There is a scene at the end of a movie that I have never been able to forget. The movie is Saving Private Ryan. The story takes place during World War II. A mother has four sons serving in the armed forces. And then the news begins to arrive—the kind of news no mother should ever have to receive. One of her sons has died. Then another. And then another. Three sons killed in the war.But there is still one left. James Ryan. He is somewhere in Europe, in the middle of the war. And when military leaders discover what has happened, they make an extraordinary decision: Ryan must be found. He must be taken out of the battle. He must be sent home to his mother. They cannot allow this woman to lose her last remaining son.So they send a small group of soldiers under the command of Captain John Miller. The mission sounds simple: Find Ryan. Save him. Bring him home.But in war, nothing is simple. To save Ryan, these men have to cross enemy territory. They have to expose themselves to enemy fire. They have to fight. And along the way, some of them die. Finally, they find Ryan. But something unexpected happens. Ryan does not want to leave. He is defending a bridge with his fellow soldiers, and he feels that he cannot abandon them. They are his brothers now, too. So Captain Miller and his men stay, and they fight alongside them. The battle is terrible, and eventually Miller is mortally wounded.Ryan comes to him. The man who came to save him is dying in front of him. Miller looks at him, calls Ryan closer, and with only a few words says: “Earn this.” Make this worth it. And then the movie does something extraordinary. Suddenly, decades have passed. We no longer see the young soldier. Now we see an old man walking slowly through a military cemetery. It is Ryan. He has a wife. He has children. He has grandchildren. He has lived an entire lifetime. But it seems that through all those years, he has carried those words with him: “Earn this.” Finally, he comes to a grave—the grave of Captain Miller, the man who died so that he could live. Ryan looks at the grave. Then he looks at his wife and asks her a question that he has probably carried within himself his entire life: “Tell me I’ve led a good life. Tell me I’m a good man.” In other words: Tell me that the life I have lived has been worthy of what others did for me. And perhaps, just perhaps, that question can help us hear the words of Paul: “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Let us not forget where Paul is when he writes these words. Paul is in prison. He is not writing from the comfort of his home. He is not sitting behind a desk talking theoretically about suffering. He is imprisoned by the empire, and he does not know for certain what will happen to him. That is why he says, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” Paul is thinking about life. He is thinking about death. He is thinking about what remains to be done. And what is remarkable is that, at that moment, Paul is not thinking only about himself. He could say, “I have done enough. I have preached. I have traveled. I have planted churches. I have suffered. I have been beaten. I have been persecuted. Now I am going to worry only about myself.” No one could blame him. But Paul looks at his life and says: I can still serve. I can still encourage. I can still walk alongside others. I can still strengthen someone. I can still help build community. For Paul, the question is not simply, “How much longer can I live?” The question is, “What am I going to live for with the time I still have?” And those are completely different questions. Perhaps we should ask ourselves that question too. Not only: How many years do I have left? But: What am I going to do with the years I have left? Not only: How much do I have? But: What am I going to do with what I have? Not only: What have I accomplished? But: Whom have I helped to stand again? Then Paul says: “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” We could hear those words in the wrong way. We might think Paul is saying, “Earn God’s love. Prove that you deserve the cross. Prove that you are good enough.” But that is not the gospel. Here the story of Ryan and our Christian story take different paths. Ryan hears: “Earn this.” But Jesus never looks at us from the cross and says: “Earn this.” Because we could not. We could never repay the cross. We could never purchase grace. We could never earn the love of God. Grace is grace precisely because it cannot be earned. Jesus does not say, “Prove that you deserve my love.” Jesus says: “I love you.” Christ loved us first. So we do not live in a worthy manner in order to receive grace. We live in a worthy manner because we have already received grace. And that difference changes everything. The Christian question is not: How can I repay God? The question is: What am I going to do with the life God has given me? What am I going to do with this grace? What am I going to do with this love? What am I going to do with another morning, another opportunity, another person God places in my path? Paul continues: “Standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” A life worthy of the gospel is not simply an individually good life. It is a life shared with others. Paul speaks about being together, walking together, serving together, striving together. Perhaps that is another powerful image from the movie. Ryan did not survive alone. Someone went looking for him. Someone crossed dangerous territory for him. Someone was willing to go where he was. And perhaps that is also a beautiful image of the church. The church is not simply a place where we wait for people to come to us. The church is a community that goes out looking. Looking for the one who is alone, the one who is afraid, the one who is wounded, the one who has lost hope, the immigrant who feels they do not belong, the poor person who feels invisible, the person who believes that God has forgotten them. And when we find them, we do not first ask: “Do they deserve it?” Because God never asked that question about us. We simply say: “Your life has value. We will walk with you.” When Paul says, “live in a manner worthy,” he uses a word connected to public and civic life: politeuesthe—live as citizens. That means our faith does not end when worship ends. Our faith walks out through those doors. Our faith enters our homes. It enters our workplaces. It enters our relationships. It enters our community. And it also enters the way we participate in society. I am not talking about political parties. I am not talking about candidates. I am talking about the gospel. Because if we follow Jesus, that must affect the way we see the poor, the stranger, the vulnerable, the person who thinks differently from us, the person who is afraid, and the person who has no power. If our faith never changes the way we treat people, if it never changes our priorities, if it never changes the way we use our voice, our money, our power, and our time, then we have to ask ourselves: Is the gospel really transforming our lives? At the end of Saving Private Ryan, an old man stands before a grave. His family is behind him. An entire lifetime has passed. And that man asks a question: “Tell me I’ve led a good life.” Perhaps someday we too will look back. And we will see the years, the opportunities, the people, the mistakes, the times we loved, the times we could have loved and did not, the people who helped us, and the people God placed in our path. And perhaps the question will not be: “Did I live a life good enough to deserve God’s love?” No. Because grace was never something we could earn.....The question will be different: What did I do with the grace I received? Did I love? Did I forgive? Did I serve? Did I share? Did I defend the vulnerable? Did I walk with the one who was alone? Did I draw near to the person everyone else avoided? Did I build bridges? Did I help someone discover that their life had value too? Because in the end, brothers and sisters, perhaps a life worthy of the gospel is not necessarily an extraordinary life. Perhaps it is simply a life in which someone can say: Because you lived, I was not alone. Because you lived, someone had food. Because you lived, someone was welcomed. Because you lived, someone found forgiveness. Because you lived, someone recovered hope. Because you lived, someone was able to see a little bit of Jesus. Captain Miller looked at Ryan and said: “Earn this.” Paul tells us something different: “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Do not earn grace. Live it. Do not try to repay the love of God. Share it. Do not waste your life wondering whether you are worthy enough. Use your life to show someone else that they too are loved by God. And perhaps when we reach the end of the road, we will not need to ask: “Was I good enough?” Perhaps our prayer can simply be: Lord, you gave me this life. You gave me your grace. You gave me your love. I hope I used them well. “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Amen. Affirmation: Leader: We have received a grace we could never earn. People: We will live that grace. Leader: We have received a love we could never repay. People: We will share that love. Leader: God has given us life. People: We will use our lives to serve, welcome, forgive, and love. All: With God’s help, we will live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. *Closing Hymn: “Here I Am, Lord” UMH 593 Blessing: Go into the world with gratitude for the life God has given you. Do not spend your life trying to earn grace. Live it. Do not try to repay the love of God. Share it. Walk beside the lonely. Welcome the stranger. Stand with the vulnerable. Love generously. Serve faithfully. And as the psalmist prayed: “Teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” May we use those days well. And when we look back upon the life God has given us, may our prayer be: Lord, you gave me this life. You gave me your grace. You gave me your love. I hope I used them well. Go in the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Song of Blessing: “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” TFWS 2026 Postlude: Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church September 13, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “El Shaddai” by Michael Card & John Thompson Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge & Jay W. Call to Worship Jay W. Leader: God makes a way where there seems to be no way. People: God leads us from fear into freedom. Leader: God meets us with mercy greater than our failures. People: And calls us to share that mercy with others. Leader: We come as people who have received grace. People: Teach us to live with grace, to forgive, and to seek peace. All: Let us worship God together! *Passing of The Peace Jay W. *Opening Hymn: “Let’s Sing Unto The Lord” UMH 149 Pastoral Prayer: God of mercy, you know our hearts and our relationships. You know where there is hurt, anger, division, and disappointment. Give us courage to seek reconciliation, wisdom to establish healthy boundaries and grace to forgive. Be with those who are suffering, those carrying heavy burdens, and those longing for freedom and hope. Teach us not only to receive your grace, but to share it. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray Amen. First Reading: Exodus 14:19-31 Liturgist Reader: The Word of God for the people of God People: Thanks be to God. Time With Young Christians Pastor Jorge Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Jay W. *Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven...” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge God has given to us with generosity and grace. As we bring our gifts today, may our generosity become part of God’s work of mercy, hope, and restoration in our community and in the world. Offertory: “Wade in the Water” African American Spiritual *Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: God of grace, receive these gifts and use them to bring hope, healing, and mercy to others. May our giving reflect the generosity we have received from you. In Christ’s name. Amen. Hymn: “Grace Alone” TFWS 2162 Second Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 Liturgist Sermon: When Forgiveness No Longer Works Rev. Jorge Rodgriguez Matthew 18:21–35 Last Sunday we talked about conversations. Those conversations we have over and over again... but only in our heads. While we are driving. While we are trying to sleep. While we are doing something else. We think about what we are going to say. We prepare our arguments. We defend our position. And, interestingly enough... in those imaginary conversations... we almost always win. But Jesus told us: Go. Talk to the person. Listen. Seek reconciliation. Do not just talk about the person. Talk with the person. Do everything you can to restore the relationship. And apparently Peter was listening. Because when Jesus finishes speaking, Peter steps forward. And I can almost imagine him feeling pretty good about himself. “Lord, how many times do I have to forgive someone who sins against me? As many as seven times?” Seven times! Peter probably thought he was being extraordinarily generous. Maybe he expected Jesus to say: “Peter, calm down. Don't overdo it. Four times is enough.” But Jesus does not slow him down. Jesus accelerates. “Seven? No. Seventy-seven times.” Or, depending on the translation: seventy times seven. But Jesus is not giving Peter a math problem. He is not saying: “Peter, get yourself a notebook.” One. Two. Three. Seventy-six. Seventy-seven... That's it! No more grace! No. Jesus is saying: Stop counting. Because forgiveness is not bookkeeping. Grace does not keep accounts. Mercy does not save receipts. Jesus is saying: Begin with forgiveness. Lead with grace. And that sounds beautiful... until we have to live it. Because grace is wonderful when we receive it. Mercy is beautiful when we need it. Forgiveness is wonderful when we are the ones who need to be forgiven. But when someone hurts us... when someone disappoints us... when someone talks about us... when someone makes the same mistake again... then grace becomes much more complicated. And we begin to wonder: Does this really still work? I heard a story about a pastor who preached on the Sermon on the Mount. After worship, a church member came up to him, visibly upset. “Pastor, where did you get all that progressive nonsense?” The pastor looked at him calmly and said: “From Jesus.” And the man responded: “Well, that doesn't work anymore!” Think about that. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” That doesn't work anymore. “Blessed are the meek.” That doesn't work anymore. “Love your enemies.” That doesn't work anymore. “Forgive seventy-seven times.” That doesn't work anymore. And maybe that is one of the hardest questions the church needs to ask today: Do we still believe that the way of Jesus works? Or have we decided that Jesus works very well... on Sunday morning... inside the church... while we are singing... while we are praying... but not on Monday morning? Jesus answers Peter by telling a story. There was a man who owed ten thousand talents. An absurd amount of money. One talent could represent roughly twenty years of a worker's wages. So we are talking about something like... two hundred thousand years of work. Two hundred thousand years! That is not simply a debt. That is an impossibility. He could work his entire life. His children could work their entire lives. His grandchildren could work their entire lives. Generation... after generation... after generation...and the debt would still be there. But the man falls to his knees and says: “Have patience with me... and I will pay you everything.” Really? How? How much patience do you need? Two hundred thousand years? And then something extraordinary happens. The master looks at the man. He sees his desperation. He sees a debt that he knows this man will never be able to pay.And he has compassion. He does not give him another twenty years. He does not refinance the debt. He does not lower the interest rate. He does not put him on a new payment plan. He forgives it. All of it. The debt disappears. Imagine that man walking out of the room. Imagine how he could finally breathe. Imagine walking away after discovering that the burden you could never remove from your shoulders... is no longer there. You would expect him to walk differently. To see people differently. To treat people differently. You would expect... grace received to become grace given. But then he meets another man. And this man owes him one hundred denarii. That is not an insignificant amount. It represents about one hundred days of work. It is a real debt. And I want to stop here. Because this matters. Jesus is not saying that our wounds do not matter. Pain matters. Injustice matters. What people do to us matters. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. Forgiveness does not mean returning to an abusive relationship. Forgiveness does not mean allowing someone to continue hurting us. Sometimes we need boundaries. Sometimes we need distance. Sometimes safety must come before restoration. But this man has just received unimaginable mercy. So we expect him to look at his fellow servant and say: “I know what that feels like.” “I owed something too.” “I was desperate too.” “I needed mercy too.” But he doesn't. He grabs him. And says: “Pay me what you owe me!” And when the man cannot pay... he throws him into prison. And there is the tragedy of this story: He received grace... but he did not allow grace to transform him. He wanted mercy for himself... and justice for everybody else. He wanted God to close his account... while he kept everybody else's account open. And here... the parable stops talking only about that man. And it begins talking about us. Because we can do exactly the same thing. We love singing about grace. We love preaching about grace. We love receiving grace. But when it comes to other people... we become accountants. We remember what they said. We remember what they did. We remember when they did it. We remember how many times they did it. And sometimes... we even charge interest. Jesus says: Stop counting. Because the Kingdom of God cannot be built by people who receive grace... but refuse to give it. And maybe our world says: Forgiveness doesn't work anymore. Mercy doesn't work anymore. Peacemaking doesn't work anymore. Loving your enemy doesn't work anymore. The way of Jesus doesn't work anymore. But then we have to decide something. Are we going to change the gospel to accommodate the world? Or are we going to allow the gospel to change the way we live in the world? Because if the gospel no longer works in our world... maybe the gospel is not what needs to change. Maybe the world needs to change. And maybe... we need to change first. Because this is not only about our personal disagreements. It is about the kind of community we are building. What do we do with people carrying debts that seem impossible? What do we do with families trapped in poverty generation after generation? What do we do with people pushed to the margins because of their accent... the color of their skin... their country of origin... or simply because they do not have enough? Do we simply say: “I'll pray for you”? Or do we allow compassion... to move our feet too? Jesus calls us to build a different kind of community. A community where dignity matters more than status. Where people matter more than systems. Where mercy is not considered weakness. Where forgiveness is not considered foolishness. And where we still believe... that reconciliation is possible. Last Sunday Jesus taught us how to begin the difficult conversation. Today Peter asks: “And how long do we keep trying?” And Jesus answers: Longer than you expected. More times than you counted. With more grace than seems reasonable. Not because the hurt doesn't matter. Not because justice doesn't matter. Not because boundaries don't matter. But because... grace has already found us. We are that servant walking out of the room. We are the ones who have received a mercy we could never purchase. So maybe the wrong question is: “Lord, how many times do I have to forgive?” Maybe the question is: “What kind of person am I becoming because God has forgiven me?” Church... the world may say: Forgiveness doesn't work anymore. Mercy doesn't work anymore. The way of Jesus doesn't work anymore. But our response is not to abandon the gospel. Our calling is to live it. Again. And again. And again. Seventy-seven times. Seventy times seven. Until one day... we finally stop counting. Because we have not been called to keep score. We have been called to lead with grace. And maybe... just maybe... when a church begins to live that way... the world begins to discover that the way of Jesus still works. Amen. Affirmation: Jorge R. Leader: We believe that grace still works. People: We will lead with grace Leader: We believe that mercy is not weakness. People: We will practice mercy. Leader: We believe that forgiveness can break the cycle of anger and resentment. People: We will stop keeping score. Leader: We believe that the way of Jesus still works. All: And with God’s help, we will live it. Amen. *Closing Hymn: “Freely, Freely” UMH 389 Blessing: Go into the world as people who have received grace. When the world tells you that forgiveness no longer works, live forgiveness. When the world tells you that mercy is weakness, show mercy. When reconciliation seems impossible, keep walking in the way of Jesus. Do not keep score. Do not count. Lead with grace. And may the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you today and always. Amen. Song Of Blessing: “ Go Now in Peace” UMH #665 Postlude: “Make me a Channel of your Peace” Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church September 6, 2026 Holy Communion Sunday *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Letha E. & Pastor Jorge Call to Worship- Based on Psalm Leader: Come, people of God, for Christ calls us together. People: We come seeking grace, healing, and peace. Leader: When relationships are broken, God calls us toward reconciliation People: When forgiveness is difficult, God gives us grace. Leader: We come to worship the God who restores and makes all things new. All: Let us worship God! *Passing of The Peace Letha E. *Opening Hymn: “Song of Hope” TFWS 2186 Pastoral Prayer: God of grace, you know our joys, our pain, and the relationships that need healing. Give us courage to speak with love, humility to listen, and grace to forgive. We pray for those facing conflict, loneliness, or broken relationships. Make us instruments of your peace and companions to those who need us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. First Reading: Romans 13:8-14 (Pew Bible pg.1765) Letha E. Time With Young Christians/Blessing Of The Backpacks Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Letha E. *Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven...” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: *Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: God of grace, receive these gifts and use them to bring healing where there is brokenness, hope where there is despair, and peace where there is conflict. Amen. Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:15-22 (Pew Bible 1527) Letha E. Hymn: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” TFWS 2171 Sermon: BEFORE WE COME TO THE TABLE Rev. Jorge Rodgriguez Matthew 18:15–22 There are conversations we rehearse many times... but never actually have. We have them in our minds. While we are driving. While we are lying in bed trying to sleep. While we are doing something else. We imagine what we would say. We explain our side. We defend ourselves. We remember what happened. And, interestingly enough, in those imaginary conversations... we almost always win. But then we see the person... and sometimes we say nothing. Or instead of talking with the person, we begin talking about the person. And that is where conflict can begin to grow. Now, I want to be very careful this morning. I am not preaching this sermon because I think you need to hear it. Maybe I am preaching it because I need to hear it. And perhaps we all know someone who needs to hear this word. We have friends. Neighbors. Coworkers. People in our families. People we love who are going through difficult situations. A marriage under great pressure. A disagreement between parents and children. Brothers or sisters who are no longer speaking to each other. Problems at work. A friendship that has been broken. Sometimes we sit with these people and listen to their stories, and we wish we knew what to say. We want to help. We want to fix things. But sometimes we simply do not know how. And perhaps this morning Jesus gives us something we can carry with us. Not a magic formula that will make every conflict disappear. But a different way to walk through conflict. Jesus says: “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” Notice what Jesus does not say. He does not say: “Tell everyone what happened.” He does not say: “Find five people who agree with you.” He does not say: “Make sure everyone knows that you are right.” Jesus simply says: Go. Talk to the person. Listen. Speak honestly. That takes courage. Because sometimes it is easier to build a wall than to build a bridge. It is easier to walk away. It is easier to find someone who will tell us: “You are right.” But Jesus is not primarily interested in helping us win arguments. Jesus wants us to restore relationships. That is why the text says: “If they listen to you, you have regained that one.” You have not won an argument. You have regained a brother. You have regained a sister. You have restored a relationship. Of course, reconciliation does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It does not mean accepting abuse. It does not mean remaining in dangerous situations. Sometimes love requires boundaries. Sometimes healing requires distance. But even then, Jesus teaches us that hatred does not have to have the final word. And perhaps this is exactly what we can offer to those people we know who are struggling right now. Not: “This is how you can win.” Not: “This is how you can prove that the other person is wrong.” But perhaps: “Let me walk with you.” “Let me pray with you.” “Let us see if there is still a bridge we can build.” Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone who is going through conflict is not an answer. It is a companion. Someone who reminds them: You do not have to go through this alone. Then Peter asks Jesus: “Lord, how often should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?” And Jesus answers: “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” In other words: Stop counting. Because forgiveness is not a mathematical formula. Forgiveness is a way of living. It is learning, little by little, to live in what we might call: a context of reconciliation. A place where grace is always possible. Where another conversation is possible. Where another attempt is possible. Where perhaps another bridge can still be built. And perhaps that is exactly why this Gospel comes to us before we come to the Table. Because look at this Table. We do not come because we have everything figured out. We do not come because all our relationships are perfect. We do not come because we have never hurt anyone. And we certainly do not come because we have always known how to forgive. We come because we need grace. And perhaps today we can bring someone with us to the Table. Not physically. But in our hearts. Think for a moment about someone you know who is struggling. Someone facing conflict in their family. Someone having difficulties at work. Someone whose marriage is going through a difficult time. Someone who has lost a friendship. Someone who simply does not know what the next step should be. Bring that person with you in prayer. And perhaps you can say: “Lord, show me how I can help.” “Show me how I can listen.” “Show me how I can be an instrument of reconciliation.” Because sometimes God answers someone’s prayer... by sending a person willing to walk beside them. And then we come to the Table. Remembering that the one who was hurt needs grace. The one who caused the hurt needs grace. The one who is trying to forgive needs grace. The one who cannot forgive yet needs grace. And the one who is trying to help... needs grace too. And perhaps that is me. Perhaps that is you. Perhaps that is all of us. Because Christ’s Table is not a reward for those who have learned to live perfectly together. It is the place where imperfect people receive the grace they need... to try again. Another conversation. Another attempt. Another bridge. Another act of forgiveness. Another possibility for reconciliation. So today, before we come to the Table, let us remember: We may not be able to resolve every conflict. We may not be able to repair every relationship. We may not have the right words for every friend who comes to us hurting. But we can walk beside them. We can listen. We can pray. We can point toward another way of living. The way of Jesus. The way that does not ask: “How can I defeat the other person?” But instead asks: “Is there still a way to regain my brother? Is there still a way to regain my sister?” And then we come together to this Table. Trusting not simply in our ability to make reconciliation possible, but trusting in the One who calls us, who walks with us, who forgives us, and who continues building bridges when we thought there was no way across. Christ is here. Grace is here. And there is still a place at the Table. Amen. Prayer of Confession: Leader: Merciful God, we confess that we have not always loved you with our whole heart. We have not always loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have sometimes held onto anger, avoided difficult conversations, and struggled to forgive. People: Forgive us, Lord. Heal our hearts and teach us the way of reconciliation. Leader: Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. This proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. All: Glory to God. Amen. Invitation: Jorge R. Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent oftheir sin, and who seek to live in peace with one another. We come not because we are perfect. We come because we need grace. The Great Thanksgiving Insert Letha E. The Lord’s Prayer Jorge R. *Sharing The Bread And Cup Letha E. *Hymn: “One Bread One Body” UMH 620 Prayer After Communion: Gracious God, thank you for meeting us at this Table. Having received your grace, send us into the world to listen, to forgive, to build bridges, and to walk beside those who are hurting. Make us instruments of your reconciliation and peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Closing Hymn: “We are Marching in The Light of God” TFWS 2335 Blessing: Go into the world as people of grace. Where there is conflict, be instruments of peace. Where there is brokenness, build bridges. Where someone is hurting, walk beside them. And when forgiveness is difficult, remember the grace you have received at this Table. Christ goes with you. Grace goes with you. Go in peace. Amen. Postlude: Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected] |