On June 2, Pastor Katy preaches on Luke 15:17-24.

17 “But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.”

This Sunday we will wrap up our series on forgiveness. On the first Sunday of the series you were invited to pick up a rock as you came forward for communion and live with it for a few weeks. We’ve wrestled with the burdens we carry as we’ve looked at the need to forgive ourselves, the challenge of forgiving others, and the humbling need to ask for forgiveness. All three are essential, but none is possible without the loving forgiveness of our creator. Just as we learn many behaviors (both bad and good) by watching and copying our earthly parents, we learn forgiveness because we experience it firsthand from our heavenly parent. As we celebrate Holy Communion and once again experience the holy forgiveness of Jesus Christ, you are invited to leave your rock at the altar, and with it leave your burdens in the arms of a loving savior.