Faith in Action: Recognizing the Gospel Everywhere

Welcome to LIVE News. Good morning and welcome to our discussion about the Broadway musical "God's Club," which is based on the gospel stories of Matthew, Luke, and Thomas.

Today, we have a special guest, Marissa, who will be sharing her thoughts later. We are grateful to be here together, whether in person or watching from home. Let us begin with a prayer.

Dear God, we thank you for this opportunity to come together and pray. We are grateful for the music that surrounds us and for your word that is proclaimed. We are weary from the struggles and hardships of life, but we thank you for this chance to rest in your presence. We lay our burdens before you and ask for your guidance. We pray for our own struggles, as well as the struggles of our friends, neighbors, community, nation, and world. Help us to focus on your goodness and grace amidst the challenges of life.

We now turn to the musical "God's Club," a playful and fun retelling of Jesus' story through parables. The show encourages us to notice the gospel message and the good news of Christ in unexpected places. One audience member shared how she felt loved and seen when she heard the song "You Are the Life of the World" and the cast members called her the life of the world. It reminded her that she is valued and loved.

As we reflect on the musical and its message, let us remember to start with gratitude, for all good gifts come from God. The book of James reminds us not to be misled. Every good and perfect gift is from above. Let us give thanks for the goodness in our lives and acknowledge that God is with us in our struggles.

James also emphasizes the importance of works that reflect our faith. It is not enough to simply speak kind words, but we must also take action to help those in need. If we start with gratitude and love, we can build a community that serves one another and loves one another. This is the essence of the kingdom of God.

In closing, let us continue to give thanks and offer ourselves to God. We have opportunities to serve in various capacities within our church community. Let us reflect on how we can give of ourselves and make a difference in the world. As we give our offerings, let us remember that our generosity helps to support the work of our church.

We conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for God's guidance and provision in our lives. Let us continue to listen to God's voice and respond with love and gratitude.