{"id":1296,"date":"2020-03-04T17:19:51","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T17:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.presbyterianmission.org\/weekly-offerings\/?p=1296"},"modified":"2020-03-19T15:28:12","modified_gmt":"2020-03-19T15:28:12","slug":"oghs-repairers-of-the-breach-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centernet.pcusa.org\/weekly-offerings\/2020\/03\/04\/oghs-repairers-of-the-breach-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"OGHS: Repairers of the Breach"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is God’s house<\/h4>\n

It is likely that some of us, when we were growing up, were told that there were certain ways to behave in the church building, because it is God\u2019s house. Maybe it was not to run, or to keep our voices quieted, or maybe we were taught to invite others in.<\/p>\n

In Isaiah 58, the author is addressing a people who have returned to Jerusalem,\u00a0 where the Temple\u2014God\u2019s house\u2014was in shambles. We imagine it a heartbreaking scene. And in that rubble, the prophet challenges the people, not to rebuild the building or to restore their religious rituals, but to care for the hungry, the weak and the vulnerable\u2014the prophet called the people to become the house of God. And right here, right now, we are the house of God, too. We are called to become, as Isaiah promised long ago, \u201crepairers of the breach, restorers of streets to live in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Together, we become the household of God. Through One Great Hour of Sharing, a special offering of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we extend shelter to those who have no place to stay, offer compassion to those who have pain\u2014be it physical,\u00a0 emotional or spiritual\u2014and we set a feast, with God, for those who lack access to enough food to eat.<\/p>\n

When the wind and water wipe homes away, or bombs destroy the dwellings of the innocent, or people lack safe and affordable housing, One Great Hour of Sharing extends a roof.<\/p>\n

When conflict and war cause famine, or the environment endangers the land of\u00a0 farmers, or those who work the fields are not paid enough to feed their families, One Great Hour of Sharing welcomes them to the table.<\/p>\n

When water becomes scarce, or when it must be accessed by walking long and dangerous distances, or when the pipes or sources become poisoned, One Great Hour of Sharing rushes in as a spring of life-giving water.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s house is a place where needs are met and the broken systems that cause those needs are addressed. Across this country and around the world, Presbyterians are responding to the call we hear in Isaiah. We are gathering together as God\u2019s people and becoming a household with the suffering and vulnerable. We are celebrating God\u2019s goodness and grace and giving to One Great Hour of Sharing.<\/p>\n

We are the house of God. Let us welcome those without a home into God\u2019s house. Let us invite those without enough to eat to God\u2019s table. Let us invite those who thirst to the spring of God\u2019s fountain. May we be called, as Isaiah said, \u201crepairers of the breach, restorers of streets to live in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Let us pray<\/h4>\n

Draw all people together, gracious God, and make us your house. Let our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing create a home and a wholeness for people in need,\u00a0 so that the whole human family will know your love. Amen.<\/p>\n

Join us<\/h4>\n

For more information and resources related to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, visit pcusa.org\/oghs<\/a>.
\nThis post is based on the minute for mission script which can be found on our website<\/a> as a script<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Please give generously to the Offering:<\/p>\n