Jesus Shows Way for Less Powerful

Excerpts from sermons to be delivered around Orange County on Sunday:

CREATING OPENINGS: “If Jesus is the way, it is because he subverts religious and authoritarian systems that dehumanize people. Such proclamation on our part is not about doctrinal certitude; our work is the modest process of creating openings and breathing spaces for those who do not live at the center of power, certitude, or privilege--people like the outcast Samaritan woman.”

--Rev. Stephen J. Mather, speaking at 10:30 a.m. services at First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim, 310 W. Broadway, Anaheim. (714) 535-2176.

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GOD OF GRACE: “According to the National Crime Survey, spouses or ex-spouses commit about two-thirds of all crimes by relatives against women. Was this ex-wife of five men (according to John 4) a battered woman? We don’t know. Was she an adulterer? Again, we don’t know--but Jesus did. Christ knew, and we know what He did with that knowledge: rather than shame or condemn her, He revealed himself as the God of grace, mercy and love.”

--Pastor Peter K. Muschinske, speaking at 9 a.m. services at Christ Lutheran Church of Orange, 2715 E. La Veta Avenue, Orange. (714) 532-3403.

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The Message highlights excerpts from sermons to be delivered in Orange County houses of worship in the coming week. Submissions should be delivered by noon each Thursday to Orange County religion editor Jack Robinson.