MARY LEE TALBOT
Staff Writer
The Friday morning communion worship service was held at 9:15 a.m. in the Hall of Philosophy. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, senior pastor of Chautauqua, presided. The Rev. Susan Hayward, minister of Justice and Formation at Creekside UCC in South Minneapolis, Minnesota, gave the homily. The scripture reading was Matthew 22: 34–40.
In this time of dismembering our common culture, the importance of collective remembering is important. “We remember Jesus, his teachings and his path. When he was asked what the greatest commandment is, he said to love God and added a second: to love your neighbor,” said Hayward.
She continued, “If you can’t remember all the law and the prophets, there is good news. Jesus gave us the CliffsNotes version: Love God, love neighbor.”
In the midst of the Metro Surge crisis in Minneapolis in the winter of 2026, people were looking for a moral and democratic response. “What guided me and our congregants was this great commandment. How does Jesus call us to respond? Love God, love neighbor. That was our life raft and still is today.”
She urged the congregation to hold fast to this commandment and repeat it as often as necessary. “Say in the face of fear mongering to protect everyone’s humanity. These forces are mighty but they are not almighty. Testify to the greatness of this commandment. Love God, love neighbor.”
Sutton presided and served as celebrant for the communion service. The Rev. Laura Sova Hoglund read the scripture. The Rev. Bill Hoglund led the morning prayers. The Motet Choir sang “O Sacred Feast” by Healey Willan and Buryl Red’s “In Remembrance.” Owen Reyda, organ scholar, conducted the Motet Choir for “O Sacred Feast.” Sonya Subbayya Sutton, interim director of Sacred Music, played Prelude from English Suite No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach for the prelude and Gigue from English Suite No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach for the postlude. Chaplains from the denominational houses and volunteers from the congregation served communion. Support for this week’s chaplaincy and preaching was provided by The Edmund E. Robb-Walter C. Shaw Fund and The John William Tyrrell Endowment for Religion.
