The Practice of Keeping Time

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Scriptures:

• Sermon Summary

  Summary: In the fourth sermon of our series Sacred Practice, Scott looks at the Christian practice of timekeeping, our liturgical calendar, and the sacred practice of observing stories.

  The Why: Scott invites us to consider time as more than chronology, but as something sacred. He reminds us that the Christian calendar is not just a tradition but a rhythm that helps us notice God's presence in the world. By marking seasons like Advent, Lent, and Easter, we shape our lives around Christ’s story and allow that story to shape us in return.

  Tradition & Adaptation: Drawing from both Jewish roots and early Christian practice, Scott reminds us that the liturgical calendar grew from local creativity, not rigid command. It’s an ongoing conversation across history that we’re invited to join with freedom and faithfulness. Commons continues these practices, by lighting candles at Christmas or observing Lenten prayers of confession.

  Everyday: Scott helps us to pay attention to the sacred in the seemingly mundane. Christ-like living isn’t confined to high holy days, it’s cultivated in daily meals, quiet reflection, shared burdens, and acts of kindness. In Ordinary Time, we can pay attention to the “nowness” of our lives by slowing down and observing.

  Endings and Beginnings: Scott reflects on how the Christian calendar helps us process life’s changes with grace. Whether we’re navigating loss, starting something new, or simply watching the seasons shift, we are not alone. The promise of faith is not that we keep time perfectly—but that somehow, mysteriously, time keeps us.

• Discussion Guide

  Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.

  Summer Discussion Guide 2025

  If your group is meeting this summer and wants to talk about the sermons, here are a few questions that you could use to engage with our teaching.

  • What specific part of the message resonated with you the most? Why do you think that particular part, or idea, or story caught your attention?

  • Did the sermon speak into a particular struggle or question in your life or your faith journey right now?

  • What did the message challenge or encourage you personally? And what do you think the application could be for our church community? Was there anything that could strengthen or stretch us as a church?

  How did the exposition of the scriptures used in the sermon provide you with a new perspective of deeper understanding?

  It is good to remember that the conversation experience in the group is shaped by the personal stories of those who participate in it and how willing the people are to be open and vulnerable in the group.
  
  So if you’re leading the discussion, feel free to model and encourage person-centred and story-centred sharing by reflecting on how some parts of the sermon resonate with you personally.

  Additionally, what contributes to a more authentic group discussion is when people can share not about the abstract and theoretical applications, but one or two practical things they are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion.

  So, you can end your time together with this question:

  • What is one thing you are taking away from either the sermon or the discussion we’ve just had?

• Service Songs & Prayers

  CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 17

  MUSIC Curated by Kevin Borst
  Elevation Worship - God Is Not Against Me
  John Mark McMillian - Heart's Delight
  Phil Wickham - Creator
  Bethel Music - Goodness Of God
  
  PRAYER FOR STUDENTS
  Introduction by Alexandra Chubachi

  God of wide open joy,
  Another summer comes to a close and we are thankful for the seasonality of life. Thank you that you are a God who builds in creativity, play and rest.
  May we take something of the past season with us: Maybe it is the reminder to take a quiet morning before looking at the to-do list. Maybe it’s the feeling of laughing with a good friend that you want to lean into. Maybe it’s a seasonal walk with God, in a labyrinth or around the block.
  
  And now, in this time of transition, God offers a breath.
  
  God, be with us here.
  For those going back to school for another year of learning, or maybe for the first time, bless your mind! May you be ready to soak it all in: the fresh routine, the knowledge, the friendships.
  
  For those going back to school to teach, bless your heart! May you be energetic, resourceful and open. The way you guide and uplift the next generation is a gift.
  
  For those sending your own children off to school, bless your spirit. May you find the rest you need and find peace through all the feelings.
  
  As we all enter another season together, may we find a little openness, a little calm, a little excitement. May we find joy in all that God has created. May we find a safe place under her wings.
  Amen
  
  SERIES BUMPER
  Sacred Practice