“The table has been set. The banquet is ready! God prepared a feast for us, a feast of abundant love. Our cups overflow with bountiful grace. This celebration with God will restore our souls and comfort us. Today, let us feast upon the words of Christ; for they will guide and direct our way.”

—Psalm 23, 2 Nephi 14:4, adapted

Today’s Message: Jami Smith

Jami Smith shared a beautiful message today by drawing us into the parable of the wedding banquet found in Matthew 22:1-14. She reflected on the perspective of each character in the parable, asking the congregation which one/s they related to.

She reminded us that we have all been invited to the banquet. Have we accepted? Are we at the table, but not really partaking in the feast? It isn’t enough just to accept the invitation and sit at the table. There’s more to do and God is calling each of us.

Look to Colossians 3:12-14 for instruction on how we act when we put on the robe that God has offered to us. Take a look at the scripture to see how we are to be as a disciple.

Colossians 3:12-14New International Version (NIV)

¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

“O Giver of Life, too often we complain of not having enough. We fail to trust your care for us. When you call us to your banquet, we turn aside and make excuses, rejecting your invitation. Or we come to the banquet unprepared to feast with you.

Shape us to respond to your invitation. Prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to be present and focus our attention on the joyful banquet you have prepared. We are grateful for your generosity and, through this offering, we demonstrate one way we answer your call. Thank you for inviting us to the banquet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

— Prayer of Gratitude

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-6Ffy_RH14

Prayer for Peace
“Loving Parent, The light of this candle symbolizes today our hopes and dreams for our children. We ask you, God, to help us be peacemakers, so they may be able to live in a world where the lion and lamb can be led by them without violence or conflict. May you be the light for their steps. We ask now for these words to become something more—a dream of peace for our children. Help us move from words to being, from being to doing, so that your vision of shalom can become a reality in their lifetimes. This is our prayer for peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”