What to Say - Sermon Opening Script

Good morning. It's wonderful to have you all here today. Before we begin, let us take a moment to be present. [Pause.] This week, I want to talk about something we all experience but rarely speak about openly: [theme — e.g. doubt, forgiveness, fear, hope, gratitude]. In [Book] chapter [X], verse [Y], we read: "[Scripture passage]." I've been sitting with this passage all week. And what struck me — what I couldn't let go of — was this: [specific insight about the passage]. We live in a world that often tells us [common but incomplete message]. And yet, what this scripture reminds us is something far more important: [the counter-message — what the passage really says]. Over the next few minutes, I want to explore three things together. First: [point 1]. Second: [point 2]. And third: [point 3]. Let us pray before we begin.