10/12/2026
Today at Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ, Reverend Margaret Philip drew from Philippians 4:1–9 and Matthew 22:1–14 to remind us that faith is not only about finding joy—it is about helping create a world worth celebrating. As Kool & the Gang put it, “Celebrate good times, come on!” Even writing from prison, Paul called people to rejoice, stay grounded in God, and focus on what is true, just, loving, and worthy of praise. In a world that can feel divided and polarized, we are still called to choose compassion, challenge injustice, and become part of the healing.
Matthew’s wedding banquet reminds us that God’s invitation reaches farther than we sometimes expect. The guest list keeps expanding. The doors stay open. Everyone is invited to the table. Reverend Margaret encouraged us to hear these ancient stories with fresh ears, to question the systems around us, and to imagine the kind of world Jesus calls us to build. Maybe that is what it means to look around and see “what a wonderful world”—not because everything is perfect, but because love, beauty, possibility, and miracles are still all around us. The celebration is already happening. Come to the banquet.
Next Sunday at 11:00 AM, Pastor Bobbie Ramer will preach “So Who Is in Charge?” from Isaiah 45:1–7 and Matthew 22:15–22, with special musical guests Utah Baroque Ensemble. We’d love to have you with us!