Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10 Lord God, we are gathered here to listen attentively to your word. Help us understand what we hear so that the joy of the Lord may be our strength. We bless you, Lord, our great God. Amen! Do you have joy in your life? There’s the joy of Pepsi (or used to be!) There’s a cologne called Joy There’s even a book called The Joy of Cooking (I don’t understand…) Here’s more: A radio station named NJOY A movie from a few years back titled Joyride A jump

Scripture: John 2:1-11 Hearing your word in community, we find ourselves feasting on the bounty of your house, & drinking from your river of pure joy. For you, God, are the spring of our lives. In the reading of Scripture, may we see your light. May you make our hearts right by your transforming power. Amen. (Inspired by a sermon by Karoline Lewis.) We know her as Mary. But J’s mother in the Gospel of John is not the Mary we thought we knew. She is never called Mary, o