Susan I. Spieth

“Worship is a verb. It should be active, engaging and it should ask me for something—an offering, an affirmation of faith, a response, my singing, my heart, my mind—anything that challenges me toward more faith, more love, more grace.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches

“The sermon followed and it had to be the best sermon I’ve heard in a long time. It was probably less than ten minutes long, but he packed a punch. The Gospel lesson from Luke 7:1, 7-14, tells when Jesus went to a Pharisee’s house for a sabbath meal. When he noticed the guests jockeying for the best seat, Jesus admonished them, saying they should choose the lowest seat. By choosing the lowest, Jesus said, the Host may elevate and honor us. But if we choose the highest place, the Host may replace us with someone more worthy, and we will be shamed or embarrassed at the very least. This pastor artfully elaborated and articulated on this message. Then, toward the end of his sermon, he took the meaning one step further. He said that the lowest place of all is death. And every one of us, without exception, will one day sit at the lowest seat of death. The pastor said this scripture reminds us that in that day, when we sit in the seat of death, our Host will say to us, “Friend, what are you doing down there? Come on up here and sit next to me.” I can tell you that his interpretation had a deeply moving effect on the congregation, myself included.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches