Amanda’s Burrning Heart

January 15, 2012 "THE CHAIN OF WITNESS"

2012-01-18T13:41:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everliving God, today we remember the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King whose dream of justice and fairness for all people has become a permanent part of our social and ethical landscape. We confess that we, your children, have not been eager to listen to the voices of your prophets, calling us to account. Help us to understand, oh Spirit of Wisdom, that if we allow fear and ignorance to be our teachers, we will never achieve peace in our time. Lead us by your sanctifying grace on the journey of discovery, which will lead us to fulfillment as individuals, and as a congregation. We pray for the courage to speak truth to power, to work to bring about the fulfillment of the dream of justice for all people as witnesses to, and messengers of your grace. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I wonder if you have thought that making a pledge was a step forward in your spiritual growth and maturity. I must confess that for a very long time, even as a pastor, I was terrible at making a giving commitment to the church I served. And, when I finally began to give, I wasn’t consistent. I am now. Someone asked me the other day how she should give to her church. A friend told her she had to tithe 10% of her earnings, but she didn’t think she could afford to give that amount. I said: You don’t have to start at the top, just start. Commit to giving an amount consistently and regularly so that your church can depend upon it and over time your giving will mature. Our generosity and, in some cases, our sacrificial giving, are, in themselves, statements of faith.

Tongue and Cheek Video

2012-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

January 8, 2011 "THE MOVING VOICE"

2012-01-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, today we remember and reflect on the meaning and significance of Jesus’ baptism. He gave himself over to the water of baptism, seeking to know your will for him. As he knelt in the water, he partook of the baptism of repentance and renewal offered by John the Baptist. We are left wondering why Jesus joined the multitudes in this soul cleansing immersion. We confess that we have not thought much about our baptism into the body. If we were infants when we were baptized, we can’t recall the event. Nevertheless, we can remember significant events in our spiritual journey, times when we were aware of your closeness, times when you revealed to us your love and abiding presence. We seek your pleasure, O God and accompany Jesus today. Speak to us as you spoke to our savior. Let your voice move in us as it moved upon the waters on the first day or creation. Re-create us today, gracious God. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I got a brand new catalogue in the mail the other day. All the after-Christmas-sale prices were marked in red along with 40% & 30% off flags in the pictures of the items. I have to ask, if you can sell the item for that price after Christmas, why not before? Maybe it’s the psychology of the word “sale” that promises to sell the item, not the actual sale price. I wonder what would happen if we put a sign out on the lawn announcing our “After Christmas Sale: Worship 1/2 off — this Sunday only”. Who knows someone might just decide to come shopping.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
God we ask your blessing upon these tithes and offerings. They are just one way by which we tell of our devotion to you. We pray that they will assist the wider church to work miracles in the lives of those we cannot see or touch, but who we know are in need throughout the world. Amen.

New Years Day January 1, 2012 "STRANGERS IN TOWN"

2012-01-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, we have arrived at the first day of the New year almost breathless, realizing that the frantically commercial Christmas, "daze" is over and it now time for us to move on. Wee might begin again or furn and focus our attention, once again, on the requirements of everyday. We are relieved in many ways. Yet, at the same time, we want to linger in the aura of goodwill that is th mark of Christmastime. Bless us, gracious God, with "Christmas hearts" able to carry the shining light of the Christ with them all year long. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Have you made a resolution for the New Year? I am asking you to resolve to support the church in 2012. Some of you may not know how to cultivate a giving habit. It's just like cultivating any new habit. If you resolve to walk 3 days a week, you have to start walking. If you resolve to quit smoking, you have to stop buying cigarettes. If you resolve to support this church, you have to determine an amount to give and give it--without fail. We have 261 members plus regular attendees and visitors. Our annual budget is $350,000, most of which goes to pay salaries. Only two individuals on our staff are full-time; the rest are part time. All have college degrees, Bachelors, Masters degrees and Doctorates, and years of experience, which is evident in the work we do. Our congregation is are growing and maturing everyday. Please, help us stay on course.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Most High God, bless these offerings from the work of our hands to yours. As we begin the new year, we will be resolute in our efforts to put you first in our lives. Keep us ever mindful that true blessing comes with the knowledge that we have done something worthwhile in the world for the sake of all people on earth and to give glory to your name. Receive these gifts and multiply them for good. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Christmas Morning December 25, 2011 " GREET THE MORROW"

2012-01-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, on this day earth shall ring with the song your children sing to the Lord, Christ the King, born on earth to save us. He's the gift you gave us. The Christ child is you bright star, come to us, come for us, to shine in our hearts. He offers hope, not just for today, but with each new day, he is our chance to begin again. On this day, angels sing and with their song earth shall ring, praising Christ, heaven' King, born on earth to save us, peace and love he gave us. We hail his arrival and give thanks for the gift. We promise to treasure him always, keeping him close in our hearts. With him and in him we should never really be discouraged, because he promises to be our hope and our salvation now and forevermore. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
How many of you have been to the movies in the past month? How do you prepare for your entertainment? Do you take your own snacks? If not, do you bring enough money for admission and popcorn (ticket $7.50/person; snacks $12.00+)? It is likely, if you arrive at the theater without your wallet you won't get to see your movie. Now, how do you prepare for church? Do you check to see that you have your wallet? Do you check to see that there is more than a "couple of bucks" in it? You can, of course, get into church without your wallet, but it would be more honorable if you prepared to attend church in much the same way you prepare for a $30, $50, or $60 evening at the movies. The church requires your support -- not your tip-- whether you come twice a year or every Sunday.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God bless these gifts to your service and create in us hearts to serve. Empower us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, working for the transformation of the world -- engaging one heart, renewing one soul, helping one person at a time. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Christmas Eve December 24, 2011 "A GIFT WITH NO STRINGS"

2012-01-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, on this wondrous night we have made our way amid the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping and preparation, to this beautiful sanctuary. We have come to ponder your promise of peace and receive it, once more into our hearts. We confess our need to be reminded, each day why we decorate and celebrate all through the month of December. We confess, too, that we have a tendency to talk more about Santa Claus than we do about the birth of our savior, Jesus. Remind us that Santa does not make the season holy, Jesus does. Open our mouths to proclaim that Jesus is the centerpiece of the season. Transport us now, to that chilly stable. Let us, with Mary and Joseph, marvel at the newborn babe, who has come to us, to abide with us, our Emmanuel. Like the shepherds, we stand in humbled silence awed by the mysterious presence of the one the angels called messiah. As we look into your face of innocence, we can feel our hearts rejoice. Tonight, and for all our tomorrows, we give you thanks, dearest Lord, and gladly receive the wondrous gift you have given this night. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, giver of the greatest gift of all; bless these gifts to your service that, with the help of our hearts and our hands, they may transform the hearts and lives of the people we serve throughout the world. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.

WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME

2011-12-24T11:18:00.001-08:00

David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting from Thriving Churches on Vimeo.

TELLING IT YOUR WAY -- THE NATIVITY-- THE BIRTH OF JESUS

2011-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

When I did a study of the book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday by Mike Slaughter, I invited all of the participants to take the time to tell the story of the Nativity to someone, their grandchildren perhaps, using a Nativity set as a prop perhaps. This video is a sample of what those grandchildren might do themselves if you told them the story. Terrific. The kid's accents are New Zealand Accents. The story is universal. I love the Sheep!!!

December 11, 2011 "WHO'S GETTING THE MESSAGE?"

2011-12-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Our Creator, on this glorious Sabbath day, we come into your presence offering our thanks and praise. Warm our hearts to your presence as we seek to recognize your face in the faces of those around us. We confess a sense of distance from the message of the Advent season, perhaps because waiting has not been our strong suit. And, too, O Lord, we can get so caught up with the dizzying expectations of all-things-Christmas, that your true message for humankind gets lost in the shuffle. O God, while we are busy being here and being there, for this celebration or that benefit, or this concert, or that party, remind us to look up; to search for your promise in the stars, the promise of Emmanuel who will most certainly come to us. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
What is Good News to you? Is it that the Stock Market is booming? Is it news from your Doctor that your blood pressure is under control? Is it the news that your child was accepted to the college of his or her choice? The Good News to be heard, received, embraced and proclaimed throughout the world, is the true manna from heaven. It is not news that caters to your individual wishes, wants and needs, rather it is the Good News of Luxuriant Grace, Infinite Love, and boundless Hope promised, poured out and revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Now, Pass it on.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we offer with cheerful hearts. As we continue to ponder the meaning of the Advent Season, we pray that your message of salvation and purpose will be fully revealed to us. Our tithes and offerings are meant to honor you. But equally important are the gifts of our time, participation, prayer, service and witness. We will give the gift of time and presence, this season, to someone in need. We will do this to honor the coming of the Christ Child, in whose name we pray. Amen.

December 4, 2011 "WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?"

2011-12-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
To thee, now high Exalted One, we lift our voices in praise. Indeed, it is right and a good and joyful thing, to praise your Holy Name; for there is no one who has known the universe from its beginning, besides you. You are the first, the beginning, the starting spark of all that is; how can we not carry expressions of awe upon our faces? Yet, O Lord, you did more than create us; you loved us. Your willing compassion, mercy and forgiveness are neither, easy to bestow, nor, superficial in scope. We know, by the person and presence of Jesus Christ, that these qualities are real beyond our reckoning, real beyond our understanding, and real beyond our awareness. Wake us up, O God, when we doze off, spiritually; when we let our pride get in the way of fulfilling our commitment to you, and your commandment to love, as you have loved us. We are made glad by the cheerful moods folks share during the holiday season. Let gladness for your presence in our lives, cheer us all the days of our lives. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
This year’s, Neiman Marcus Fantasy Christmas gifts include: Dancing Fountains for your home, from the company called WET = $1,000,000; a Hacker-Craft Speedboat =$250,000; a Weekend for two at Stone Barns Farm in New York =$20,000; the Dream Folly Backyard Yurt = $75,000; the Tom Burr Table Tennis Table =$45,000 ( Is there a relatives discount?); the Johnny Walker Private Scotch Tasting = $5000.00; a trip to Europe with 9 friends for an International Flower Show tour = $420,000; the Assouline Custom Built Home Library = $125,000; and last, but not least, the Ferrari FF = $395,000. With your purchase of the Dancing Fountains, Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 to Water.org. If you want to donate to Water.org, please let the church be your middle man.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Most High God, bless these tithes and offerings to do the work of your hands. In this world of consumer distractions, we are working to put you first in our lives. Keep us ever mindful that true blessing comes, not from the accumulation of things or the “pursuit of fleeting joy,” but from the knowledge that we have done something worthwhile for the sake of the world in which we live. Receive these gifts in the name of the Christ. Amen.

November 27, 2011 "YET, O LORD....."

2011-11-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Loving God, Creator of the Universe, today, as we enter the Advent season, we lift up our prayer of hopeful anticipation. In the weeks that follow, we will be readying ourselves for the outpouring of your comfort and goodwill. We will be preparing our minds to embrace the wondrous things to come. We do this by remembering all that you have given to humanity since the dawn of time. You have forgiven us over and over again that we might learn how to forgive. You have rescued us that we might share your love and blessing with others. You have made covenant after covenant with us and promised to be faithful always, that we might live responsively in faith. We confess our failures in keeping covenant with you. In this season of new beginnings, we will focus our hearts and minds on doing that very thing. We shall turn our attention to you, seeking, anew, to discern your will and way for us. Speak to us of surrender and soul-searching; adjure us to make time for prayer and self-examination. Prayer is where you await us and where you promise comfort for our weary souls. We promise, in the name of the Christ, to meet you there each day. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
In his book Christmas is Not Your Birthday Mike Slaughter writes: “You are the evidence that God’s Messiah is present with us, when everything that is broken around you is being restored, when the oppressed are being set free and the Good News is preached to the poor.” The Black Friday madness of consumption started even earlier this year, with folks in a frenzy to shop, to buy, to get a deal at Midnight on Thanksgiving. I am pretty confident when I say: “No one was thinking about Jesus’ birthday, rather they were adding up their Santa credits. Let us be the evidence of the Messiah, not Santa.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we offer with cheerful hearts. As we enter this Advent Season, remind us that these weeks are meant to be a time of spiritual reflection, as well as anticipation. In these days of shopping and buying gifts for our families and loved ones, plant a seed of ever-remembrance that the birthday we are looking forward to celebrating is not ours. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

2011-11-26T13:54:00.001-08:00

November 20, 2011 "OUR GROWING SEASONS"

2011-11-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Great and glorious God, from whom all blessings flow, we are eager to give you thanks and praise on this Thanksgiving Sunday. We confess our shyness before you, realizing that everyday offers us an opportunity to focus our thankful thoughts upon your bountiful nature. May your most Holy Spirit capture and focus our thoughts, during this week, opening our eyes to the good. Make us mindful enough to embrace any and all of the opportunities, we will have, to be exemplars of true thankfulness. We pray for the safe passage of all those making a Thanksgiving pilgrimage, knowing they bring with them, your message of hope, and blessing, which is the light of Jesus Christ in their hearts. Pour out your comforting spirit on all whose hearts are in need of consolation this holiday season; in the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, please bless the gifts we set before you. Some of us have given out of our abundance and others have given what we can afford. You know what is in our hearts. Whether we are governed, in our giving, by a spirit of thankfulness, or obligation, we pray these gifts will breathe new life into our ministry and work. Let us not be peckish about little things, rather empower your church and each, of us here, to prove your gracious goodness to all the world. Amen.

November 13, 2011 "DON'T DIS THE GIFT"

2011-11-14T19:48:00.001-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, as we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving, we ask you to pour out your blessing upon all of us gathered here. Some of us have come to worship for curiosity’s sake and others because this is the very best way for us to start our week. Here is where we refresh our souls and connect with one another, touching the lives and hearts of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us understand, gracious Lord, that each time we offer a hand in greeting; each embrace given and word of comfort spoken is an investment made in humanity, on your behalf. Teach us to be courageous and a little daring, always for the Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, you entrusted your creation to our care, hoping and believing that we, your children — your heirs — would accept the responsibility; investing our time, our talents, and our hearts in protecting this fragile planet and all who dwell in it. We are reminded that our offering, for the work of Christ’s church, is a handing over and giving-back what is already yours. Multiply and bless them to give glory to your holy name. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.

November 9, 2011 "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL IS NO MORE"

2011-11-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Everyone,
A wise young woman explained, "don't ask, don't tell," in a most profound way yesterday. She said, in essence, that "don't ask, don't tell," wasn't created to protect those who were stigmatized, marginalized and told it was safest not to reveal who they really are; rather, it was created so that those who do the stigmatizing, can continue to hang on tight to their fears and prejudices and avoid confronting them. "Now that makes sense," I said.
In the first century those who made a decision to be Jesus' followers were stigmatized by all sorts of people. They were scorned by the ruling class of Gentiles and ostracized by the religious leadership in the synagogues many had called home all of their lives. These early Christians were confronted with that, don't ask, don't tell decision, as well. When they decided to follow Jesus, they, too, had to decide whether they would share their good news or keep it a secret. Keeping their membership in the Jesus cult a secret would keep them alive; revealing it could result in everything, from losing their family, to losing their life.
Luke's Jesus wrapped the great commandment up in the parable of the Good Samaritan, knowing that the people who were listening to the story were afraid of and prejudiced against the Samaritans. The Judeans and the Samaritans worshiped the same God, but they couldn't settle their dispute over the correct and proper place to worship their God. They accused each other of all sorts of bad behavior and were, for hundreds of years, accustomed to living next door to each other, with their prejudices, until Jesus lifted up the Samaritan as the paragon of mercy, the one who demonstrates truest meaning of the commandment to love one another.
During World War II, in Nazi occupied Europe, anyone who was Jewish was marked with a yellow star (homosexuals were marked with a pink triangle among other things)* to identify them as they were carted off to concentration camps and systematically tortured or exterminated. The, don't ask, don't tell, rule, in that setting, worked for very few.
In the 1960's here in the United States, pastors who supported the Civil Rights Movement, and preached their conscience, or marched their conscience, were fired from pulpits all over the country, including Southern California. They were confronted with a decision to speak or to remain silent. If they spoke out in favor of Civil Rights for ALL, they would be forcing those desperate to hang on to their fear and color prejudice, to confront those feelings or leave their church. Pastors, who spoke up, often jeopardized themselves, their careers and their families.
When I first came to Palm Springs I was invited to attend the Light Parade and loved it so much I hoped we might participate in it the following year as a way of making ourselves visible to our community. A few people got excited about the idea, but momentum waned and no flat-bed truck magically appeared for us to create our float. It costs money, time and effort to make a float and be in a parade. Being in the Light Parade would have been an opportunity for us to do exactly what we did last Sunday -- invite people to "Come and Experience God's "Yes!"' in a place that boasts Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors. It's been 5 years, with no parades.
When the Administrative Council supported the proposal for the church to participate in the Pride Parade, they offered no funding support, just their vote of "Yes." The flat-bed truck we were promised, never materialized, but those church members who were determined to reach out, in love, to the people of Palm Springs, did not give up, nor did they flag in their zeal or efforts. We would simply decorate and enter the church van as our float walking alongside it and in front of it with a banner. When the parade rules said: "no crepe paper flowers on the vehicle, because they are a fire hazard," the decision was made to try cellophane flowers in all different colors. For two Saturdays people gathered to create the flowers and on the third Saturday, the 5th of November, in the late afternoon, church members gathered to attach those 800 plus cellophane flowers to netting stretched over and around the van. When folks realized the windows of the church van were not going to open so the riders inside could wave to the crowd along the parade route, the riders decided to come along anyway. We were cheered all along the parade route with people saying things like: "I have to take a picture of this; my mother will never believe it."

Pastors all over the world are well aware that church members who are unhappy, or who choose not to confront fears and prejudices harbored since childhood, will often speak with their feet; this is to say they will find a reason to leave the place that is making them feel uncomfortable, or slighted, or unappreciated. If they cannot ignore the challenge to let go of their prejudice, to open their minds, first, and then, their hearts, they will leave. If we attend church because we have always attended church, or because it is the right and proper thing to do, we are missing the point of church membership and participation. Church is where we go to figure out how to love our neighbor as ourselves, because it is difficult and we need all the help and encouragement we can get to do it. Perhaps your feet have given a great deal of thought to the direction they are taking or have already taken, but our feet aren't the part of our body that ought to do the thinking. You may not be aware of it, but your feet are saying much more than "I am no longer comfortable, or happy here." Aren't your feet also saying: "I am not willing to listen to you, because nothing you say will ever make me change my mind." Aren't your feet also saying: "Because she welcomes and embraces people I don't think ought to be embraced, she can no longer be a pastor to me." Aren't those pesky feet also saying: "Because my fellow church members -- who felt like family to me, once -- welcome and reach out to people who make me uncomfortable, I can no longer worship God in their company." Aren't they also saying: "Because I think members of my church made a spectacle of themselves in the pride parade, I can no longer be associated with them."
Don't let your feet do the talking for you; you're better than that. Don't ask, don't tell, is no more. That means we can be about asking and telling. The US military has made a statement to the world that they are willing to confront their fears and prejudices, to learn what they must, in order to create harmony in the ranks and be strong. I hate to say it, but the church might just learn something from the military. Food for thought.

Blessings,

Rev. Amanda

*"All prisoners of the camps wore marks of various colors and shapes, which allowed guards and camp functionaries to identify them by category. The uniforms of those sentenced as homosexuals bore, various identifying marks, including a large black dot and a large "175" drawn on the back of the jacket. Later a pink triangular patch (rosa Winkel) appeared."

November 6, 2011 "ALL SAINTS DAY"

2011-11-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, Loving Creator, we are glad today to give thanks for the saints who touched our lives with theirs. They were our parents, our partners, our siblings, our children, our pastors, our mentors and our friends. Even though our hearts are sorrowing after them, we are grateful to be able to remember and embrace their goodness. These beloved ones honed the gifts you bestowed upon them offering them, to us and to others, without reservation. These saints inspired us, taught us, challenged us, and encouraged us all the while they were in our company. They showed us by example how to lead, how to serve, how to love and how to live fully in the time they were allowed on earth. We learned, from them, how to honor one another, to be diligent in our efforts and to persevere in doing good, no matter the circumstances of our life. We were blessed by their presence and give you thanks and praise. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Remember the Chock full o' Nuts coffee jingle?: "Chock full o' Nuts is that heavenly coffee, heavenly coffee, heavenly coffee”... The original jingle went: “better coffee Rockefeller’s money can’t buy,” but when Nelson Rockefeller heard it, he sued the company. They changed the words to: “better coffee a millionaire’s money can’t buy.” In the mid 2000’s the company changed the jingle again to: “better coffee a billionaire’s money can’t buy.” I guess it’s true what they say, that money just can’t buy what it used to.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Kindly and Wondrous Lord, bless the gifts we offer on this day of All Saints. We are indebted to you for so much and pray that these gifts will enable Christ’s Church to carry on great work to the glory of your name, even in these lean times. Let us not be discouraged as we reach out to the many in the name of the Christ. Amen.

October 30, 2011 "HOW TO BE NEIGHBORLY 101"

2011-11-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, we give you thanks for this glorious day and the opportunity to connect with our friends and neighbors who have been apart from us in time and geography. We confess that we equate the word neighbor with those whose faces are familiar to us. Keep us ever mindful that the one whose face is unfamiliar to us is not a stranger, but, rather a neighbor whom we have not met yet, or had the opportunity to get to know. Teach us the ways of gentleness and gratitude. Give us the capacity to listen to our sixth sense when it calls to us. Help us understand when someone’s face, or name finds its way into our thoughts, you have put it there for a reason. Help us be the light of the Christ to brighten the lives of those who are surrounded by darkness. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the “much” that we have and offer our hearts and dollars to bring comfort, and hope to our brothers and sisters who are in need throughout the world. Pour out your Spirit of abundance and good measure upon these gifts. May they empower us to “do Jesus” in the world. It is in his name, we pray. Amen.

October 23, 2011 "N IS FOR NOBILITY"

2011-10-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Gracious Creator and Lord, Redeemer of all people, we step from the world outside, into this sanctuary with the hope and intention of renewing our spirits. We confess that it takes considerable effort to tune-in our hearts and focus our minds; to let go of the trifles and minor details that seem to demand our constant attention. Yes, Lord, we confess, it is the minutia that threatens to block, and clog the flow of your best, and most creative inspiration. Help us center ourselves and concentrate on your presence with us. Teach us to trust you. Teach us to hear you; to listen to your voice, even as we hear the voices and opinions of others all around us. You have promised to be ever-present, helping us find solutions to problems, opening our eyes to what we can do, and be as a faith community. Remind us, in every circumstance of life, that we are your “YES” partners. It is this partnership of believing in all good things, which will transform us, and the world. Bless our work, in the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord, we are reminded each and every day how precious life is. When we experience the new birth of a child, or pray feverishly for healing in ourselves or a beloved one, or when we mourn a life ended; we are most assuredly humbled. Our community of faith helps us celebrate, shores up our most desperate prayers, and seeks to comfort our grieving. The church is our faith community center. We pray that these offerings, with your blessing, mighty God, will keep us vital for many years to come. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.

October 16, 2011 "OUTDOING IS GOOD"

2011-10-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, you have created each of us, and you have endowed us with the essence of self that makes each of us who we are. Though we profess a common belief in Jesus, we are not identical. We confess that we do not always see eye to eye, because our experiences and backgrounds are different. Even folks who were brought up in the same household often have different points of view and different outlooks on life. Do not let us be hobbled by inflexibility or held in check by fear. Remind us, dearest Lord, that we share and bear the name of the Christ. That name offers us the strength of spirit needed to weather the changes that take place in our everyday lives, in our relationships and in the world around us. Nothing in the universe is static or immovable and neither are we. Bless us in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Remember the idiom: “Keeping up with the Joneses.” *** Anyone who was not comparing him or herself with their neighbor, trying to equal or excel their prosperous image and lifestyle, was not committed to staying current— in the mainstream— on the up-escalator as it were. In today’s slang “jones” has morphed into a verb, meaning to desire or crave just about anything from drugs to things. I guess, when you think about it, jonesing, then, and now, isn’t so different. Let us cultivate a desire for the things of God.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious and challenging God, you are the giver of all gifts. All good things have come from you. Help us always to be generous to a fault, living out the call to outdo one another as followers of your Christ. Bless these offerings and multiply them to do your work and will. In the name of the Christ we pray.

October 9, 2011 "DIFFERING GIFTS ARE STILL GIFTS"

2011-10-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, you are the energy of all things. You are the impetus that moves electrons and neutrons, the very essence of all matter. You are not only the source of our breath, but the very nature of the energy that moves us through time and space. You have imbued each and every human being with a sense of what we are good at. You have bestowed upon each of us the ability to see and understand the things we do well, the things that give us a sense of purpose, all that impassions our souls. You, O God, know our innermost hopes and dreams. You are a witness to our moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. Help us live each day in such a way that, at the end of the day, we will know we have used our gifts to the fullest. Let us fall asleep, knowing that today we have served someone, even if it was simply by bestowing a smile, offering a kind word, or drying a tear. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Simplicity: We hear lots of people say: “Why does everything have to be so complicated.” Maybe it’s because we can’t remember what is and isn’t necessary in our daily life. Some of the synonyms for simplicity are: ease, straightforwardness, effortlessness, plainness, minimalism, unfussiness (that’s my favorite) and cleanness. Many people are talking about simplifying their lives in order to make ends meet. I am sure we are all astounded at just how much work is involved in simplifying. Please keep the church at the top of your priority list.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Loving God, bless these simple expressions of our love and devotion to you and to your church. We honor you with these pledges and tithes believing that the work of the church is fruitful and worthwhile in this complicated world. Keep us hopeful in our pursuit of the kingdom, that we may bear fruit worthy of it always. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

October 2, 2011 "BUT IT'S NOT YOURS"

2011-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER (Adapted from a meditation by Larry J. Peacock)
Gracious God when we just slowly walk away, turn the page and switch off the heart call us back to you. A world of pain is near to us, compassionate God, but we admit to keeping a safe distance. We live in a perpetual state of hurry and a numbing tiredness that keeps the blinders up and the heart protected. We confess that excuses are easily shaped. We can always find a more pressing project. Yet the Gospel calls to us; its message echoes in our being — to feed the hungry and care for the poor. And we know that you have called us. There is no one but us whom you have chosen to be the reflection of your Christ in the world. Strengthen our will and our hands that we may take up the common tasks of love, embracing all who are your concern. Amen.

September 25, 2011 "APPROACHING THE UNAPPROACHABLE"

2011-10-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God we ponder and repeat what the psalmist wrote all those years ago, believing his words to be eternally true. “Oh Lord you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You know all my ways.” You know us to the very depths of our soul, for it was you who formed our inward parts. You know what we are going to say, before the words leave our lips. Help us to listen to our hearts, to be aware of everything and everyone around us. Teach us to connect with your guiding, calming, presence, when chaos reigns and solutions to problems seem to be in short supply. Let us capture your vision and embrace it. Lead us along the path of patience. Help us build spiritual endurance in spontaneous and purposeful moments of prayer. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
When I worked as a recruiter for the Peace Corps a common saying among those people I worked with was: “The right hand has no idea what the left hand is doing.” You’d think the hands could write notes to each other, or use sign language to keep the channels of communication open. Whichever hand you depend on to make the offering to the church, I hope your other hand encourages it to be generous.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts. They come from the labor of our hands. They are brought before you by trusted hands and are offered humbly and prayerfully to do your work and will. May these offerings bring help, relief and comfort to those in need. May they be a powerful blessing to our work as the body of your Christ in the world. Amen.

2011-09-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2011 "WHAT WOMEN WANT" United Methodist Women Riverside District Meeting

2011-09-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

WHAT WOMEN WANT

In the year 2000 Mel Gibson made a movie with Helen Hunt entitled "What Women Want." It was a story of romance and the reversal of traditional roles. It was also a story about a man who could, because of a fluke accident, hear everything that women were thinking and therefore could know the wants and anticipate their needs. Of course at first he used this unusual gift for all the wrong purposes.
The title “What Women Want however is well suited to this meeting of United Methodist Women.
For it was What women want, which was behind the birth in 1869 of the Methodist Woman's Foreign Mission Society, which later morphed into United Methodist Women -- UMW has been, since 1973, defined officially as the Women's mission organization of the United Methodist Church.

The History of UMW is an adventurous and generous history of response to need. It is a story of women advocating for women who could not advocate for themselves. In a time in our history when women --even in the United States-- had few rights and were considered the property of their husbands, 6 women united and took a stand for women, not themselves, but women they would never meet or know. They may not have thought it at the time, but they initiated a justice movement when they responded to the pleas of two missionary wives on furlough from their work in India. AS the 6 Bostonian Women listened to Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Parker speak about the plight and desperate need of their sisters abroad, they immediately responded with their empathetic and compassionate hearts, not to mention their highly organized, creative and committed spirits. They stepped out of their own somewhat provincial existences and put their hearts, hands and resources to work helping women thousands of miles away in India. They did not see an insurmountable problem set before them; they saw a project that needed to be undertaken immediately. Women in India were dying because they could not receive medical care –they could not be examined, that is by a male doctor. Well, if women in India couldn't receive medical attention when they needed it, because they could not be examined by a male doctor, then the obvious solution was not to change the archaic, sexist, inequitable and unjust thinking of that society, but to provide the women of India with a woman doctor. And, on top of that, since the women of India were not offered an education, provide them with an equal opportunity to become educated so that they could become doctors themselves. Inspired, empathetic and practical, that is the work of women in mission. Those 6 women got together and wrote a constitution, recruited members and organized themselves into the Methodist Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. They raised the funds necessary to send two single women to India -- an educator and a physician -- who would bring not only help and relief, but life opportunities to women whom these Bostonian ladies would quite likely never see. There were few medical schools in the America that allowed women to matriculate, but in the middle of the century a few visionaries had recognized the need for women physicians. Dr. Clara Swain, a Methodist and a graduate of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, established in 1850, took on the incredible challenge to be the first woman missionary doctor in India. She gave her whole life to that work. Isabella Thoburn was the educator who took on the mission and started her school in Lucknow, India with 6 girls. What is now Isabella Thoburn College is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year in November.
Today there exists in the city of Lucknow the University of Lucknow which grew out of the Canning College, King George's Medical College and the Isabella Thoburn College which was is known as the very first women's college in all of Asia.
Women in Mission grew with purpose and news of need in other parts of the world. By 1875 Mission work supported by women had expanded to Africa always in response to need. The need was not focused on a necessity to convert heathens to Christianity, but to care for their physical beings and needs so they could rejoice in the goodness of God, whatever name they gave to that deity.
The motivations that inspire women in mission throughout history are many and varied, but they have always been powered by an overarching desire for equanimity and justice, a heart jarring sense of compassion for others, the determination to see right prevail, and a response to need. With all of these personal and collective motives it was their faith in God and the hopeful, responsive nature of their work that brought their hopes and dreams to fruition. This is the legacy of UMW today.
Two incredible biblical women come to mind today. You have all heard their stories before, but it is important for us to remember today that it was their need to be a part of the world, not to be trampled by it that motivated them to reach out and connect with the Son of God.
These women had a need and a want. The woman with the hemorrhage whose story is told in Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5: 25-34 and Luke 8: 43-48 took power from Jesus.
The Syrophoenician Woman, the woman who was a foreigner and a gentile whose story is told in Matthew 15:21- 28 and Mark 7: 24-30 changed how Jesus related to Gentiles.
Both were courageous women who stepped beyond their fear and their isolation to reach out to opportunity, to recovery, to restoration and healing. They mustered the courage to truly connect with and partner with a compassionate God in order to bring healing to themselves and to another.
What women want is what God requires: To do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. Women also want adventure.
Those 6 women in Boston were not seeking adventure when they sat to listen to the two missionary wives who came to tea. But they responded to the story with their hearts and were drawn into an adventure.
Women in Mission today still need to be adventure seekers.
Heart Adventures powered by Empathy
Foreign and Domestic Mission Adventures that require Hands on Outreach and caring.
Learning Adventures: tapping into what is happening in the world around us fuels creativity and inspires the Who, Where, What and Why -- Work.
Justice Adventures: it is the Pursuit of Justice for all the world that is part and parcel of the commandment to love one another even as I have loved you.
I have heard your leaders say, “UMW is in need of renewal.”
Perhaps, it is time to connect once again with what you want: that is what women want, what women need, what the world needs motivates women in mission and inspires women's incredible work.
Let it be an adventure once again. In this business minded world it is hard to remember the days when there are no predictable outcomes. You tried something to see if it worked and if it didn't you tried something else. We get paralyzed by a fear of failure, or the threat of loss of revenue or money, instead of believing that stepping out in faith and taking a risk on behalf of someone else might just solve a problem. One problem at a time, one person at a time, will make a difference. It may not change systems and entire social structures, but as we learned from the pioneers of this movement, who sponsored one woman at a time: one educator grows a University; one woman doctor grew a movement to educate and train female medical doctors all over India.
Caring for one, responding to a need, can start an entire chain of wonderful events. It is important to remember that as vast as the problems are that plague this world, working on one at a time can be enough.
Sometimes it is getting back to basics that spurs new birth. It may be as simple as remembering that you are adventure seekers. Your Adventures of the Heart, are adventures of Caring; they will be Creative; they will be Inspired and as they always have, they will seek Justice. Remember what you want in and for this world and partner with God to renew your joy for mission.
Amen.

Rev. Dr. Amanda J. Burr
September 24, 2011

resources UM Women's webiste and Wikipedia

September 18, 2011 "WHO'S ON THE CLOCK?"

2011-09-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, our creator and most generous benefactor, we pray never to be so absent-minded, or spiritually callous as to take your generosity for granted. If you find us muttering, or grumbling, complaining that you have forgotten us or abandoned us in a barren wilderness, forgive us, we pray. It is our fear that speaks, not our faith. As you reminded our Exodus ancestors of your divine presence with the bread of heaven, so too, awaken us to your ever presence, even today. Teach us the work ethic that is the mark of your kingdom. We confess that we often think that we, as individuals, are not equipped to labor in your vineyard. We are afraid we are going to be asked to do something we simply cannot do. Help us to understand that every effort we put forward in love and in the name of the Christ will give glory to your name. Amen
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Back in the 80’s, one of the hospitals I worked for installed time clocks for all the staff. It wasn’t long before they realized that they paid more overtime with the time clock in place than without it. In those days most nurses, gave the hospital 15 to 30 minutes before and after their shifts. It is based on the work ethic that seeks to get the job done well, not just done.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, bless these tithes and offerings given to support the work of Christ’s church. Help us be for the world, fully the body of Christ, reaching out, not only, with our hearts and our hands, but with an obvious portion of our wealth. Bless the work we are doing and will do in your name. Amen.

September 11, 2011 "SINS AGAINST YOU"

2011-09-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving God, forgive us in the moments when our desire for security outweighs your call to love. Forgive us when our emotions get the better of us and when fear calls us to say and do things that are not of your Kingdom. God be with all those who grieve the loss of loved ones on this sad day of the world 10 years ago. Be with those who have lost loved ones in the war on terror that has raged ever since. Comfort us all. Heal us in our despair. Fill us with hope for the day when justice shall roll down like waters and righteousness shall pour forth like an everflowing stream. Help us, Gracious God, to be a people who truly believe that your goodness is stronger than any evil, your love stronger than any hate, your light stronger than any darkness and that life in you is stronger than death. We pray this in the name of the one who triumphed over death itself, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (borrowed and adapted from the internet site http://onlywonder.com)

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
When the World Trade Center was finally going to be constructed, author “Louis Mumford denounced the center as an ‘example of the purposeless giantism and technological exhibitionism that are now eviscerating the living tissue of every great city.’” The architectural design brought criticism of its aesthetics from the American Institute of Architects. Such skyscrapers were described as “just glass and metal filing cabinets.” Their absence from the skyline reminds us to love one another with all that we are and all that we have, today. ¹
¹(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center)

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we offer with grateful hearts. May we be ever mindful of all the ways in which you have blessed our lives and how you continue to do so everyday. With every breath we take, we shall remember your mercies and believe, by our generosity, in the work of Christ’s Church in and for the world. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

September 4, 2011 "GOD'S LITTLE CHANGELS"

2011-09-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Gracious creator we focus our hearts and minds upon you, acknowledging humbly that you are the source of all life; the author of our nature; the breath and energy of our being. We give you thanks for every moment we are granted on this earth to be awed by your artistry, to touch, to see, to hear, to taste all the textures, colors, sounds and flavors of your creation. Let us never take the earth for granted. Let us never take each other for granted. When we get locked in to that critical place, finding fault, pointing out all the things that are wrong with something and never what is right; open our eyes to the shortness of our days and lead us in the way of grace. Take away our sense of entitlement. Strip us of our pride of place. In the hierarchy of creation dearest Lord, remind us, we are to seek our place among the little ones; we are called on, this very day, to embrace humility, innocence and change. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
In Hebrews 13 verses 1&2 the author writes: “Let mutual love continue. Show hospitality to strangers,— don’t neglect it — for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Remembering that angels are very tight with God, we need to make sure our hospitality fund is in good order so we are ever-ready to entertain them whenever they might be with us.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, cause us to remember that what we give to you in today’s technically and literally belongs to you. You have entrusted wealth to our good care and best stewardship, but it is not ours to possess. Whatever we offer in thanksgiving today we ask you to put to your good use. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

August 28, 2011 "SIMON CALLED PETROS"

2011-08-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our wondrous creator, your artistry and the work of your hands is ever a delight to our eyes. It is your attention to detail that flatters even the tiniest of flowers that grow around us. The machinations of even the smallest bird or insect can mesmerize us. Remind us of the millions of years you have invested in perfecting your creation. Teach us the way of commitment, dearest Lord, as we build your church of inclusiveness, making a place for our neighbor today. May our legacy be the fulfillment of the great commandment as we comprehend what it means to love one another as you loved us. We understand that we do not live for tomorrow, but we are called to plan for it. Move our thoughts beyond parochial notions of ownership and the possessiveness that threatens to paralyze the church. We are the church of thousands of years, past, present and future, built upon the spirit of love that hopes all things, believes all things and endures all things in the name of the Christ. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Rock, paper, scissors was a game I watched my brother play with his grade school pals. I was a little slow in figuring out what paper wraps rock; scissors cut paper; rock breaks scissors was all about. Winning requires predicting your opponents moves. It is a game similar to flipping a coin, and has actually been used to decide court battles and the fate of millions of dollars in impressionist art. As the plate is passed today, I hope you throw paper.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we offer with cheerful hearts. They are a sign of our commitment to you and to Christ’s Church. Keep us mindful that our commitment matters for our own spiritual growth and wellbeing and that of our neighbors through the world. Keep us strong in Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

August 21, 2011 "JUST GIMME SOME KIND OF SIGN"

2011-08-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Almighty God, Sovereign of the Universe, be present with us, and be attentive to our prayers and supplications. We have been aware from our first toddling steps that it is easy to trip and fall when we are trying to move too fast or aren’t paying attention to obstacles in our path. And we have learned over the years that life is full of surprises and whether they are delightful or tragic we are going to have to figure out how we will respond or react to them. Help us always to be considerate of one another along the way. When we feel skittish about ideas that break with our familiar traditions, help us listen with open hearts and minds. When we still cannot understand, let us not be ruled by disappointment throwing up our hands and giving up. Give us the courage to try again as followers of Jesus. Our savior was not one to give up on anyone or anything. We pray for the strength and stamina to keep exercising our faith to the glory of your name. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Remember King Midas. We have come to refer to someone able to build a great fortune out of nothing, as one who has the Midas touch. The moniker suggests whatever he or she touches turns to gold —metaphorically speaking. In the case of King Midas everything he touched literally turned to gold and what at first seemed a blessing became, for him, a curse. Maybe gloves would have helped old Midas put his gift to better use. Seek always to do something remarkable with what you have been given.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon these tithes and offerings. Grateful for all your love and care, we seek to glorify your name in our work. Multiply these gifts, we pray, that they may bless all who are in need. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

August 14, 2011 "A DISEASE OF THE HEART"

2011-08-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous Lord, being together in worship is one of the best things that happens to us all week. This being in each other’s company singing your praises to our hearts’ content renews us. We are lifted up as we sing and pray, brought forth from places of darkness and shadow, we are guided into your hopeful light. In this sanctuary we are sense your presence and are engulfed in your holiness, not because the building is holy, but because we call upon your name. We are not inured to the pain and suffering of those around us, neither are we immune to those who are prone to becoming downhearted. However here is where we are exercising our faith muscles, working them, building them up, strengthening them, getting ready for the day when we are called upon to help someone else recover their faith. Let ours be hopeful work, our most gracious God, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Once again, on August 8th, the stock market scared the living daylights out of us. How many of you said to yourselves, “Oh No! Not again!” or “Oh, bad word !” Because most of us don’t hide our money in the mattress, we are not immune to the to the ups and downs reported by the averagers, Dow, S&P and Russell. Pease don’t let their prophetic predictions or panic reactions stunt your stewardship giving.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, bless the gifts we bring, not only what we offer in coin, but what we offer in heart, body and mind. Inspire our generosity, strengthening our resolve to be your people, to do what is right, to be in service to one another and our brothers and sisters throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

August 7, 2011 "FRIGHTENED BY THE WIND"

2011-08-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of grace and glory, diviner of life, we are privileged today to praise your name, to sing songs of faith and hope and to open our hearts to you. We confess that it is easy for us to get mired down in the very real worries and woes of this life wondering what will become of us. We can find ourselves on that treadmill of the endless exercise stress test, running faster and faster, while trying to juggle any number of plates. There are even some of us who spend our days jockeying for control of all the other horses in the barn while our own saddle is slipping sideways on our own mount. Dearest Lord, may we seek to live by the wisdom of one day at a time. Help me believe in what I can be and all that I am; give me the strength to do everyday what I have to do. Lord help me today, show me the way, one day at a time. And so for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time, sweet Jesus. Amen. ***
(***) Thanks to Kris Kristofferson and MariJohn Wilkins

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
Unemployment. I am stunned by the number of friends who are unemployed looking for a place to invest themselves, to share their gifts and skills, but it appears that employers just have no need for these in-betweeners who are too old to be hired and too young to retire. College educated they are willing to go anywhere to work. Too educated for simple jobs; too old for complex jobs and undesirable because someone unemployed them. I have to ask what is at work here: Ageism or just good old fashioned greed?
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dear Lord, bless the gifts we bring, not only what we offer in coin, but what we offer in heart, body and mind. Strengthen our resolve to be your people, to do what is right, to be in service to one another and to our brothers and sisters throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

July 31, 2011 "AND LOOKING TO HEAVEN..."

2011-08-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everliving God it is good to be gathered together in your house singing your praise. It is good to breathe in your Spirit of Life and Love and Grace that moves through us and around us when we call upon your most Holy Name. Help us, O Lord, to relax in your presence, drinking in the wonder and beauty of your creation, elevated by the lustrous sounds of music, soothed by these quiet moments of prayer. Our days are so full of must do’s and have to goes, that we welcome the opportunity to stop and take stock of the meaning of our time here on earth. Be with us as we ponder it in the name of the Christ. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
What can you do with money? You can hoard it, save it, hide it, keep it, invest it, spend it, loan it, or even give it away. If you hoard it, it accumulates and piles up and is hard to sort out; if you save it you usually have something in mind for it; if you hide it you may never find it again; if you strive to keep it, there will come a rainy day; if you invest it you are gambling on a multiplied return; if you spend it, hopefully you enjoy the spending; if you loan it, you worry when and if you will ever see it again. But, when you give money away, you let go of it and you let go of the control of it. You entrust it to the receiver and that takes faith. How faith-full are you feeling today?

JULY 3, 2011 "OUR CHOICES MATTER"

2011-07-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, Creator of the Universe, we are humbled in your presence and awed by your graciousness to us. We are in holiday mode remembering our nation’s decision and declaration to assert our independence from the English monarchy. Remind us loving Lord that we humans are never truly independent in life. We are dependent upon you for every breath we take. We pray always to be thoughtful in our encounters with each other. Pardon us when we are quick to jump to conclusions, recognizing the sins of others, absolutely certain that we know the score. We confess that sometimes we think too quickly, act too quickly, speak too quickly. Keep us mindful that our choices in this life matter and that you will be with us no matter what the outcome may be. We call upon your divine presence to show us the wise and better way in all of our encounters and in every circumstance of this life whether at work or at play. Let the mind that was in Christ Jesus be in us, as we pray in his name. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
I love to play bridge. It is a game of strategy and skill. A player must know the significance of the suit, how to bid, and in what order. Partners must know the code language of the suits to communicate what they have. Winners either have a great hand or the ability to finesse their opponents. What every player knows is that trump cards rule; even a “two” has the power to take a King. Like trump in bridge, the smallest gift, when offered in Jesus’ name, has the power to do great things.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord, accept the gifts we offer to further the work of the gospel. In these difficult times may what we share help those in greatest need in our community, our nation and throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

June 26, 2011 "THE SIMPLEST THINGS"

2011-06-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, as we gather this morning in worship we take we breathe in your Spirit of Grace and Holiness and we are blessed, renewed, and revitalized not for ourselves, but for your purpose. We confess that we get caught -up in our complicated lives and the demands of everyday living. We confess that in some small way everyday, we manage to set aside our call to minister in your name. We forget to apologize for a mistake or misunderstanding. We don’t have time to welcome the stranger or greet our neighbor because there are bills to be paid, groceries to be bought, or a doctor to be seen, or a child to taxi to and fro. We barely have time to take care of ourselves, we say, never mind someone else. Remind us, dearest Lord, how you are always at work caring for us in the acts of kindness offered by friends, loved ones and even strangers. May we never forget that your purpose is our purpose and that we live to honor your name. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
In the opening scene of the play and the movie “The Bad Seed” little Rhoda Penmark peers up at her father and smiles sweetly as the two engage in a father-daughter ritual: “Daddy,” she croons, “what would you give me for a basket of kisses?” and he responds, “I’d give you a basket of hugs.” Then they embrace. God gives us unfathomable, unmerited Grace and the Peace that surpasses all understanding. What do you think? Do you have something to give to God?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we offer with cheerful hearts. May Let us always be mindful, of the ways in which you bless our lives, and especially Christ’s ultimate act of love. We are grateful for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer offered in the name of the Christ. Amen.

June 19, 2011 "Peace As The World Gives"

2011-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, our Abba Father, on this Trinity Sunday we ponder the meaning of divinity, and the connection that is the oneness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three flow in and through each other. We see that as three YOU are one in purpose, one in substance and one in presence always. We are ever grateful for the ways you have given us to receive your presence in our lives. From the moment of our birth our reflexes cause us to search for a connection to the source of warmth and nourishment. As we grow and mature we continue to search but now for approval and encouragement in order to thrive on this earth. Let us not be so confident in our independence that we forget your grace, mercy and love. Today and someday, Lord, give us stamina to truly love our children, to accept who they are and encourage them as you have always sought to encourage us. Teach us your ways of restoration and reconciliation. Let us be guides and comforters, visionaries and fellow dreamers always willing to learn. Life in this world is full of challenges guide us ever onward with your strong yet gentle hand. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We give you thanks O Lord, for this wonderful day. Today we are going to do something marvelous in your name with these gifts offered form our most grateful hearts. These gifts will help bring Peace with Justice to the earth. They will feed the poor and secure release for the captives. They will support ministries of healing and reconciliation to the glory of your name. Bless these gifts, we ask you, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

June 12, 2011 "It's the End of the World As We Know It"

2011-06-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, on this day of days, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus, we wait in prayer with the disciples for the fulfillment of a promise. We wait in sure and certain hope of something marvelous. We wait to receive power from on high. Stir the air around us with your word. Let your voice echo in our ears. May we feel the rush of your presence moving in and through us lifting us to a place of spiritual confidence unlike any we have known before. Let us be renewed today, reborn from above by your empowering Spirit. Teach us, dearest Lord, that we cannot be timid or shy with your Spirit upon us. We cannot be weak or resigned when we are one with your Spirit. We cannot be uninvolved or indifferent clothed in your Spirit. We cannot be silent or ungracious inspired by your Spirit. Let this day be the day of our emerging like colorful butterflies released from our cocoon. On this Pentecost Sunday we where the color of our witness, the brilliant red that is the color of passion, sacrifice and the Church. Gracious Spirit dwell with us and make us to be the witnesses of your Christ here and now, today and tomorrow even to the ends of the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this sanctuary, seeking to be more aware of your presence with us, more intentional in our efforts to be in connection with you. On this Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the birth of Christ’s Church we are called to attend to your will and way for us as disciples of your Christ. Because you first loved us, we are eager to offer our thanks and praise and so we present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Bless them to their best use in your name. Amen.

JUNE 5, 2011 "AND SO IT BEGINS"

2011-06-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Gracious Creator, we are mindful of the trials and tribulations suffered these last few weeks by folks enduring weather that has devastated their lives. We are skittish and baffled as we hear about tornados rampaging and tearing through places that have never seen a tornado before. We wonder about the whys and wherefores of the devastating floods, tsunamis and earthquakes that seem to be plaguing the earth. In the same moment we realize that every thing in nature is interconnected. Everything effects everything. May we learn from the synchronicity of nature that everything we think, say and do effects the lives of everyone around us. Lead us Lord toward holiness as we strive to follow Jesus’ specific instructions, always to proclaim the Good News, to forgive with abandon and repent often. When we get wound up — remind us of the tornado; when we get agitated — remind us of the earthquake; when we get impatient —remind us of the flood waters that refuse to recede. Make each of us your peaceful ports in the storm. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this sanctuary, seeking to be more aware of your presence with us, more intentional in our effort to be in connection with you. This our Sabbath day calls us to attend most diligently to your will and way for us, challenging us to live truly as disciples of Jesus. Because you first loved us, we are compelled to say thank you, and so we are glad to present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Bless them to their best use in your name. Amen.

MAY 22, 2011 "ON BEING GOD'S OWN PEOPLE"

2011-06-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous Lord by your great mercy you have given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been given an inheritance that is imperishable, pure and unfading. We rejoice in you, even as we live through tough times and trials, hoping and praying that the genuineness of our faith will be revealed to the glory and honor of your name. Lead us to an understanding that we are always to be preparing ourselves for action, disciplining ourselves setting our hopes on the grace that Jesus Christ bestows. Through the Christ we have learned to trust in You. Therefore, teach us the non-conformity that is the mark of the Christian life in pursuit of holiness; for You have called us to be holy as You are holy. You raised Jesus from the dead and glorified him so that our faith would be set upon You. We have been reborn through Your living and enduring word which is more precious than gold. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious and Loving Lord, gratefully and humbly we offer these tithes and tokens understanding that you have called us to be your partners in caring for all of creation. Help us to remember that this earth and its resources is a gift as well as a responsibility. May these gifts bless our shared efforts to bring the good news and love of Jesus Christ to all the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

May 15, 2011 "BEYOND LAMENT"

2011-05-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Most Wondrous and Mysterious Creator, you are ever working for your children’s good even when we cannot seem to see it. We confess that we have been weighted down, wrestling with doubts, trying ceaselessly to discern your will and way for us. We did not know what to expect nor how to prepare for what might come. In that respect, how very much like Jesus’ disciples, we are. We give you thanks and praise for being with us as we moved with slow heavy steps through shadowy days reflecting on the measure of our faith. Indeed, dearest LORD, you have brought us out of that murky grayness and once again into your marvelous light. We are lifted up, no longer burdened by the weight of worry. You have set our feet once again on the path of welcome proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ risen from the dead. We shall be ever thankful and aware of your faithfulness and love. Amen.

May 8, 2011 Mother's Day 'THE ORIGINAL WONDER BREAD"

2011-05-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, you created us in your image to be children of light and love, a reflection of you. Help us to understand that as a loving parent you did not intend this to be burdensome, hurtful or disappointing, but uplifting, encouraging and enlightening. Like a mother you embrace us with your strength, comfort us by your presence, nurture us with your wisdom and inspire us by your perseverance. By your nature, O glorious One, you strive to stabilize our lives always seeking to guide us along the best path. How, You must chuckle at how predictable we are, for You know us much better than we know ourselves. We confess our prideful rebelliousness and our stubborn independence. We even admit that when we can’t have our own way we would rather throw a tantrum than consider the opportunities you place before us. Open our eyes, dearest Lord, to see that we are and have always been the gleam in yours. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless the gifts we bring, O Lord, to be instruments of healing, tools for growth, nourishment for hungry mouths, warmth and heat for those who are naked, light for those in darkness, and blessing for those who have been lost or forgotten. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

Easter 2011 April 24th "GOD NEVER LETS US DOWN"

2011-04-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, oh what a glorious morning this is! Our hearts are triumphant. Our spirits are full and we are all aflutter with the grand good news of Christ’s resurrection. Let us not be haughty or matter-of-fact in our response to your promise fulfilled as if it is nothing new or belongs to some distant past. Christ’s resurrection is an everyday reality; the unmatched, unchangeable gift of your forever love for humankind. We strived, during these 40 days of Lent, to learn and discern your will for us and to follow the path of true discipleship. We have listened and participated; we have been in fellowship with each other; we have sought to love and serve our neighbors. Like the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, we have been holding our breath, waiting to exhale. Your message for all the world is clear today. The tomb is empty, and life, with all of its ups and downs, is given a whole new meaning. We are to embrace it — embrace it today. Like the women who arrived at the break of day, we are confounded and yet relieved, sorrowful and yet uplifted, excited and yet cautious. Your incredible gift arrived on the wings of your promise fulfilled and our response must be to take a leap of faith. In the instant we trust that, with you, all things are possible we find a renewed strength and stamina we never knew possible. Dearest Lord, today you have made all things new and the sting of death is no more. Hear us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Abba Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
The significant journey through Holy Week is finished today. The journey we undertook was about promises made and promises fulfilled. The journey was a painful one as we moved through Christ's passion. He gave us assurances by showing us how he trusted in God and how he followed through with God’s will for him, sacrificing EVERYTHING for us. We have but a moment in this time of worship to acknowledge Christ’s sacrifice and to give thanks for God’s brilliant demonstration of love and power in the resurrection of the Christ. Let our response be more than generous, ensuring that others throughout the world will one day be able to celebrate the promise made, and embrace the promise fulfilled.

April 21, 2011 Maundy Thursday Meditations

2011-04-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

MAUNDY THURSDAY MEDITATIONS April 21, 2011

THE LAST STRAW Matthew 26: 1-16
Matthew tells us that Jesus had finished his teaching in the temple. He had come to Jerusalem to share his distinct message in the courts of the Temple. He had spent hours in conversation with people from all walks of life, students of religion, and professionals alike, sharing his good news his gospel his vision, version and conclusions about the kingdom of God and who it is for. When I hear the words You know placed together as the introduction to a statement, I always here them expecting an exciting proposal to accompany them. For instance: "You know, it's such a beautiful day we ought to go on a picnic." or "You know I don't have anything pressing to do tomorrow so why don't we go to Disneyland." So when I read the words "You know" in verse 2 of chapter 26 I think Matthew's Jesus is announcing a change in strategy or a change in course. "You Know" in two days the Passover is coming....now I would expect him to say here..."we ought to make preparations for the feast." But Matthew's Jesus doesn't say this. I picture him standing up in the Temple having taught his last lesson, shared his last story, recounted his last parable, straightening his tunic, brushing himself off and making his way out of the Temple as he announces: "You know the Passover will be here in two days, and the son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
It is almost as if he offers this exit line as a suggestion the chief priests and the elders as Matthew writes that they gathered in the palace of the high priest and conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.
That evening Jesus has dinner in the house of Simon the Leper and is strangely ministered to there by a woman pouring costly ointment on his head as he sat at the dinner table. Imagining such a scene today, is next to impossible, we would think something very hinky was about to happen in that household and well at least a few of us would excuse ourselves before coffee and dessert. The disciples are outraged by the display, wondering just what has gotten into Jesus. What happened to all that talk about reaching out to the poor and caring for them? The symbolism of what is happening here has escaped them. But Jesus doesn't question this woman's spontaneous act of love and devotion. He has not choreographed it certainly, but he interprets it nevertheless to try and help his disciples grasp just what is happening here. These days in Jerusalem are not carbon copies of the days spent in Galilee, taking the ministry to the big city to launch the movement there. Jesus essentially tells the disciples to get over themselves to stop judging this woman's gesture and wasteful. There will always be plenty of opportunity to minister to the poor, because they are always with you, however you will not always have me. "She," he says, "has done me a service; she has anointed my body and has prepared me for burial." Now if that is the kind of statement that draws the party to a close in a hurry. The disciples are really nervous because Jesus keeps talking gloom and doom. This is the last straw for Judas who has not been able to get Jesus to listen to him, to do what he wants him to do, to embrace his ideas about what Jesus should do with his power. Judas did not come all the way to Jerusalem to have Jesus throw in the regal towel. Judas wants Jesus to throw down the gauntlet, but all Jesus has alluded to, all day is his demise, the end of his mission, ministry message and the end of his life. This for Judas is the Last straw. The other disciples are just as frustrated as Judas, but he acts independently of them, for he is now convinced that Jesus has betrayed him and all of those people who believed he could change the world in which they lived for the better.

THE COVENANT OF FORGIVENESS Mathew 26: 17-29
So it was two days later that the disciples asked about where they all might eat the Passover meal together. Jesus seems to have had it all set up and told the disciples to go to a certain man's house in the city where they would be invited to prepare the Passover. Matthew tells us that Jesus came to the house in the evening and took his place at the table, which probably wasn't a table, because all reclined for the Seder and Jesus would have joined his disciples as they reclined for the feast. Remember how upset the disciples were at the dinner at Simon the Leper's house? It seems that Jesus is persistent in his calling their attention to what is going to happen for, now, right in the middle of the feast of unleavened bread, he announces: "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me." All mouths stop chewing, a few try to swallow what they have in their mouths, all hands fall slowly to their sides as they stare at Jesus. None can choke out their protest quickly enough to shatter the stunned silence...."Surely not I Lord?!!?" Jesus responds saying "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me."
After the first cup of the Seder each participant dips the bitter herb--parsley into the salt water as an act of recalling the escape across the sea from their slavery in Egypt. So all have dipped their hands into the bowl. Our mind is focused on Judas, because we already know that he has sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver to the high priest. But the rest of the disciples don't know this. The word betrayal is such a harsh and frightening word and the disciples cannot fathom breaking the bonds of their loyalty to Jesus.
Judas' response say the commentators is telling because he does not call Jesus "Lord" as did the other disciples. Judas says, "Surely not I Rabbi!?
All remain. All are present. All of the disciples are now skittish, afraid, and nervous. Jesus, as the leader of the Seder, resignifies the next part of the ritual, by taking the traditional Matzoh, the unleavened bread, which was consumed in recollection of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt; He blesses the loaf, breaks it and gives it to the disciples saying: Take, eat this is my body." More stunned silence. During the second cup of Seder when it is customary to recite narrations of the Exodus Story and recite prayers for the future redemption of Israel which anticipate the coming of God's Messiah. This cup looks back in time gratefully remembering how God saved his people from slavery and at the same time, this cup looks forward with eager anticipation to the future redemption of God's people. Jesus recites his own blessing over this cup filled with red wine, representing the blood of the Passover lamb and says: "Drink from it all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." This is what is to be remembered by all in attendance at this supper with the Lord. By this cup they are redeemed now. By this cup they forgiven now. The betrayal of Judas that has been and the desertion by others that will be and the denial by Peter that will be is already forgiven!

IT MUST HAPPEN THIS WAY Matthew 26:31-56
As Jesus agonizes in the garden of Gethsemane and witnesses the weakness of his disciples, we can feel his distress. Even though he is alert to the outcome, even if he is well aware of what has been set in motion, we are aware that he is distressed. His time in the garden of Gethsemane is spent asking for help, for comfort, for the power to trust in the will of God, to trust that the events set in motion the moment he entered the city of Jerusalem four days ago will clearly proclaim God's message of love for all of humankind and will herald God's reign of justice and peace until the end of the age. When Judas arrives with a large crowd wielding swords and clubs, some of whom may be the temple police sent by chief priests and elders of the people, he greets Jesus with a kiss. Jesus' response is evidence of his spiritual transformation in the Garden as he says to Judas: "Friend, do what you are here to do." As the crowd grabbed Jesus to take him away, one of his disciples managed to get his hands on the sword of one of the guardsmen and struck the slave of the high priest cutting off his ear. We want to cheer for that disciple's courage and yet Jesus true to the message he has preached from the beginning, stops him saying put that sword back in its place, for all who take up the sword will perish by the sword. Jesus proclaims to the crowd that he can rally 6000 of God's angels to rescue him, but that would halt all that has been set in motion. Such an intervention would stop the advancement of God's kingdom come. Jesus says to everyone in the crowd, "It has to happen this way." He chides those who have come after him as if he is some zealot rebel, freedom fighter or terrorist, pointing out that he was an easy target all the while he taught in the temple, but this sneaking out in the darkness fulfills the scripture as well.
In that moment, even more confused, befuddled and frightened his disciples deserted him and fled for their lives.

REMEMBERING Matthew 26:57-75
When Jesus announced to his disciples in verse 31: "You will all become deserters, because of me this night." Peter stood before Jesus -- one might guess like a knight of the round table -- right fist held over his heart in a sign of allegiance to the king-- and proclaimed himself to be loyal courageous and true unlike the rest: "Though all become deserters, I will never desert you." I picture Jesus with that knowing look on his face, looking up from half lidded eyes, his lips pursed perhaps deciding whether or not to reveal what he suspects will be the case with Peter one of his most beloved disciples: "Truly I tell you this very night, before the cock crows you will deny me three times." Peter was adamant that he would not fail Jesus, even though he must die himself. The rest of the disciples, with Peter, then swear their oath of allegiance: " I will not deny you." "Even though we must die with you, we will not deny you."
As Peter is seated in the courtyard of the high priests mansion awaiting the verdict of the priests and elders, a servant girl remarks that he is one of Jesus followers. Peter says I don't know what you are talking about. Again another servant girl identifies him as one who was with Jesus. The second time he swore and oath: "I swear I do not know the man."
Then they came to him and said in essence: "Hey buddy, you're not from around here are you. You sound like you might be from Galilee where that fella Jesus is from. In his final response he utters a curse and oath: Dammit, I swear, I do not know the man." And it was in that moment he heard the cock crow and remembered.
As Peter weeps bitterly confronted by his denial of Jesus we pray that he will remember what Jesus said at the beginning of the evening. We pray that he will remember what Jesus said as they ate the Passover together. He said I give my body for you, I shed my blood for you. I am redemption and forgiveness for all of humankind. This is the promise I make to you. The bread and the cup are this covenant sign of the promise I have made. This really is all you need to remember.
Amen.

Rev. Dr. Amanda J. Burr
April 21, 2011

April 17, 2011 "MAKING AN ENTRANCE"

2011-04-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and most wonderful God we are grateful for your patient and enduring presence in our lives. On this Palm Sunday we join in the triumphant song of the disciples and revelers as they shout their loud Hosannas to the Son of David. Truly this is a day of your making and we shall rejoice and be glad in it. We confess our desire, however, to leap beyond Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, arriving again on Sunday 7 days from today. You call us to remember Christ’s willing sacrifice for the sake of us all. Help us to fully comprehend Your love for us in the sacrifice of Your one and only beloved Son. Help us surrender the time we devote to deadlines, and errands and this-worldly busyness, making time to be a part of Your story lived and told for our sake. For, it is, in these days, that Christ’s indelible mark is left upon us and we are forever changed. Help us, Lord, to lift up and carry the cross of discipleship. Humble us for service and empower us for mission as we carry on in Christ’s name. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God in whom we live and breathe and have our being, accept our offerings in token of our thanks and as a sign of our indebtedness to you. Help us in this Lenten season to remember that all we possess is temporarily ours. Keep us mindful that all of our accumulated treasures, unless shared, do little to care for those in need or help creation. Bless these tithes and tokens of our love, to carry on the work Jesus began. Hear our prayer most Gracious Lord, as we pray in the name Jesus Christ. Amen.

April 3, 2011 "LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF GOD"

2011-04-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of all Grace, blessed triune God, as people of one heart, one mind, and one Christ we lift our prayer to you. Be present with us, dearest Lord, incline your ear to hear our confessions and our petitions. We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors and have, most assuredly, rebelled against your love. We have allowed the language of misunderstanding and impatience sow seeds of mistrust and doubt. Almighty one, send your Holy Spirit into our midst pouring over us a fresh perspective soothing our fear and easing our discontent. Help us find and claim your light within. Let us lift it high allowing it to spread in and through us to all of the dark and shadowy places of the soul, where jealousy and judgment hide, where pride and vanity hold court. Let us live as those redeemed, as those who can be for all the world the body and blood of the Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have heard it said that you neither require of desire burnt offerings or sacrifice, rather you ask only that, we, your people, seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you. These offerings we bring as an expression of our, love, our devotion and our commitment to the transforming mission of Christ’s church. In these days of Lent we remind ourselves of your gift to us in the redeeming act of Jesus Christ. May our lives be a testament to his sacrifice as it is in his name that we pray. Amen.

March 20, 2011 "Be Blessed Among the Peacemakers"

2011-03-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we look up and see the glorious mountains, and the sky, we hear your breath rustling the leaves of the trees around us and we are at worship in your glorious sanctuary. We are reminded that “Worship is the highest form of love.” When we worship together our minds are nourished with Your truth, our imaginations are peaked by Your idea of beauty, our hearts are opened to Your love, and we are inspired to devote ourselves to Your purpose. In these days of Lent we intend to grow and mature in our spirituality. We are a congregation confronted by a great challenge and we need your comforting, loving spirit flowing in and though us in the days ahead as we seek to understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We release our fear and place our burdens at your feet. Let us not be undone by a fragile faith, by weak resignation and doubt. Strengthen us to love with a heart like Jesus, to serve with the humility of Paul, bearing fruit worthy of our faith in your promises. Let us proclaim, in word and deed, our confidence and trust in you. Lord hear our prayer, we humbly beseech you, in the name of the one who taught us to pray saying: Our Abba Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us, this day, our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we bring. We offer them with pure hearts, cheerful hearts, hearts of love and commitment. In these days of Lent we will be ever mindful, ever aware that you have blessed us, by your everlasting covenant in the redeeming act of Jesus Christ. We are indebted to you for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer of thanksgiving in the name of The Beloved, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

March 13, 2011 "BE BLESSED AMONG THE PURE IN HEART"

2011-03-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and ever pardoning Lord, please listen to our heartfelt prayer. We confess, as we begin this Lenten season, our need to return to you. We confess our desire to reconnect with you and to place you at the center of our lives, our thoughts and our actions. Lead us, O Lord to examine what is in our hearts, to delved deeply into our spiritual core, and reorder our faith priorities. If we should discover that we have neglected and starved our souls, dearest Lord, give us spiritual nourishment. If we discover that our we have never healed from some past injury, please, heal the hurt and help us move on in strength and holiness. If we discover that we are imprisoned by negativity, false impressions, misunderstanding or stubbornness, we entreat you most merciful and forgiving God, to break the shackles that bind us and wash us clean. Teach us to be honest with you, with ourselves and each other as we journey toward spiritual maturity. For all of this and more we shall give you thanks and praise as we follow Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we bring. We offer them with pure hearts, cheerful hearts, hearts of love and commitment. In these days of Lent we will be ever mindful, ever aware that you have blessed us, by your everlasting covenant in the redeeming act of Jesus Christ. We are indebted to you for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer thanksgiving in the name of The Beloved, Jesus Christ. Amen.

March 6, 2011 'BE BLESSED AMONG THE MERCIFUL"

2011-03-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

February 27, 2011 "HUNGER FOR JUSTICE"

2011-03-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Sovereign of the universe, be present with us and hear our prayer. We long to be your people of justice and righteousness, to see the world through wise and loving eyes, and yet we are afraid of so much. The world places such challenges in our path each and everyday. News of unrest and evil flows through the airwaves, on our televisions and radios, even on our cell phones. How can we discern our role as disciples of the Christ in this restless world. What is our part in the worldwide devaluation of human life? What is our responsibility in the ongoing search for equitable relationships with emerging nations? Teach us to listen to your prodding whispers, encouraging us each and everyday to step outside our shyness to welcome the stranger, and heal the broken hearted. Give us the strength to care for those marginalized by unfair bureaucracies designed to cater to the elite of these, not the least of these. Empower our tiniest steps, dearest Lord, as we seek to do what is right in the most ordinary moments of everyday. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless the gifts we bring, O Lord, to be instruments of healing, tools for growth, nourishment for hungry mouths, warmth and heat for those who are naked, light for those in darkness, and blessing for those who have been lost or forgotten. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

February 20, 2011 "BE BLESSED AMONG THE MEEK"

2011-02-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, we breathe in your Holy Spirit and are renewed in the company of the congregation. We are gathered to sing your praises, to seek comfort in prayer, and receive encouragement as we ponder the message of the scriptures. We confess our neglect of our spiritual lives as many of us we are timid about exploring the scriptures, fearing that we may not understand their message for us. We confess that we need reassurance, longing to know that even our most hesitant prayers are heard and understood. Teach us the ways of gentleness. When we are humbled in the midst of crisis, or by personal failure, or omission, let us not be embarrassed or mortified. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us let us rather be grateful for being brought closer to the heart of Jesus. When we find ourselves in conflict over one thing and another, remind us that Jesus is walking with us, always in our midst seeking to help us find our peace, our resolution. Give us the hearts and minds of brothers and sisters who desire to love one another as you loved us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dear Lord, we express our thanks not only through our songs and prayers, our worship and works, but through our financial offering. We are grateful for the church and its ministries, for the ways in which the church cares for us, the community and the wider world. Bless our efforts and our gifts as we work to minister to others seeking to make disciples for Jesus Christ and in the process transforming ourselves, along with the world. Amen.

February 13, 2011 'BE BLESSED AMONG THE SORROWFUL"

2011-02-15T13:56:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
(Covenant prayer from a church in Ohio)
Gracious God, we are all on the journey of discipleship, all seeking to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We are all learners and all teachers, we all have gifts to share and so we embrace our work to listen and to learn for and from each other, treating each other with respect and dignity. We are a community of grace and forgiveness, glad for our diversity and differences. We know dearest Lord, that disagreements will come and we testify to each other today that are willing to remain a part of the community and a part of the conversations so we will not walk out or close our hearts or minds. We are one body in Christ and we need the presence of each member to thrive. O, Lord, in Jesus’ name we give you thanks and praise. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God we have given our offering of money today to support the work of your church in our community and in the world. Let us not remain detached in spirit, heart and mind from the ministries we hope will be accomplished by these gifts. Let us lend our ideas, our time, and our talents to put these gifts to the best use. Pour your inspiration into us and make each one of us instruments of blessing for the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

February 6, 2011 "BE BLESSED AMONG THE POOR"

2011-02-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and ever living God, on this glorious day we are aware of the beauty around us, of the colors and textures of this earth. We are ever aware that you have given us the privilege of caring for your creation. Guide us always in our efforts to preserve the resources in our care. Our desire is to be good stewards of the earth as well as good stewards of humankind. Teach us to be caretakers of each other. When we feel slighted, insulted, discounted or frustrated, teach us patience. When we think we have been treated unfairly, show us the face of Jesus and teach us the humility of forgiveness. Give us the courage to learn and to grow as disciples of your Christ. Let us not be undone by new ideas, different perspectives and the inconvenience of change. Remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near for us and we are called to move ever forward with it. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord, we are blessed to be able to give to the church our tithes and offerings. We pray that we will always be aware of the good that our generosity engenders for ministry to our brothers and sisters in Christ, to our youth and children, to the community beyond the doors of our sanctuary and to the wider world. Multiply these gifts, O Lord, and magnify our best efforts, that we may be seen always as open hearted, open handed, embracing and kind to each other and all whom we meet. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

January 30, 2011 "BEARING THE MARKS OF THE CHRIST"

2011-02-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, our Gracious Abba Father, beloved Son and Counselor Spirit, we are blessed this day, as we are cradled in your holy embrace surrounded by the tender hearts of this family of faith. Indeed we are blessed with freedom to express our love and devotion to you openly, without hesitation unburdened by fear. We are blessed knowing that there is no one watching us or scrutinizing us, waiting for us. We are blessed to be able to explore our beliefs and worship without fear of reprisal. Remind us gracious God, that it was not always so, for the disciples of Jesus. We confess that it is easy to take your grace for granted and for that we are heartily sorry. Today we shall dare to set our feet on a new path of discipleship. Our intention is to seen and heard, visible in our endeavors to serve you. We are seeking to learn and discern, for our time and place, what is expected of those who carry Jesus in their hearts and who would bear the marks of their connection with him. Encourage us each day, O Lord, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless these tithes and offerings, O Lord, as confessions of our love for you, and pledges of our devotion and our commitment to our mission to make disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world. We thank you for the blessings we receive each day and pray for the strength of spirit and the stamina of conscience to be blessings to all whom we meet. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

January 23, 2011 "SPIRITUAL MEDICINE"

2011-01-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O God you are wonderful, steadfast and constant in your pursuit of the human heart. You seek us out, when we hide our faces from you, calling our names not to scold us, but to bring us out of the darkness into your glorious and loving light. We confess that feel ashamed when our spirits are weak, and our hearts are downcast. If we are in distress and our hearts are troubled, we think we are letting you down. We pray that you will be quick to send people into our midst, dearest Lord, who will remind us what a joy it is to have Jesus in our lives, today, this minute. Let the reminder bring a smile to our lips as we realize that because of that truth, no one can rain on our parade. No doubt of self, or criticism or scorn, or judgment can darken our lives, because there is no greater joy to brighten our spirits than the ever present, ever uplifting, ever affirming love of the Christ. We have nothing to fear, and are made whole by his presence in our lives. Thank you, Thank you and again Thank you God. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we pray your blessing upon our gifts. We pray your blessing upon our ministry to our community. Challenge us to be generous even in the midst of uncertainty. Assure us by your love that abundant blessing comes with abundant giving, not only of our tithes and offerings, but of ourselves. Give us hearts for ministry and the will for mission in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

January 16, 2011 "THE POWER OF YES"

2011-01-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Ever loving God, in this season of Epiphany, we are tuned in to all the ways you are and have been revealed to us. We are aware in the seeming coincidences of our everyday lives, that your Spirit is present there. You are present in the gestures of kindness and concern expressed by our family of faith. You are present in the smiles and delightful giggles of the baby who reaches out to be held in our arms. You are present in the moments of inspiration that brighten our conversation as we talk together, and read about Jesus. You are present with us as we ponder the significance of the scriptures for our daily lives. You are present in the smiles and embraces that welcome us into your presence, here, in this place. Bless us, O Lord with courage to stand for the rights of all humanity. Bless us with patience to listen and understand the needs of each person we meet. Give us the wit, wisdom and energy to be a vital, spiritual presence for ALL in this ever emerging and colorful world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this holy place, that we may be more aware of your presence with us than we are Monday through Friday. It is this Sabbath day that calls us to attend most diligently to your will and way for us, to the challenges that face us as disciples of Jesus. Because you first loved us we are compelled to say thank you. We are glad to present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Our prayer is that they will keep open the way for many to know your love, to embrace your mercy and to be encouraged by your Holy Spirit. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

January 9, 2011 "NEW IN OLD, OLD IN NEW"

2011-01-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, today is the day we remember and reflect on the baptism of Jesus, what it meant to him and what it meant to you, as well. He surrendered in search of your will for him. He descended into the Jordan and was anointed by John with the water of repentance and renewal. We confess that many of us have not thought much about our baptism, some because we were too young to remember, and some because it was so very long ago. Help us to remember all the moments of renewal we have experienced when you revealed to us your love and abiding presence. We believe that you, O Lord, were pleased with all those who came to the Jordan to repent and be baptized by John. They deliberately sought connection with your most Holy Spirit. Like them we come humbly before you yearning to please you, longing to know your will for us, hoping to discern how best to serve you in this world. Jesus began today. We, as the followers of Jesus are beginning as well. Be with us most Gracious One as you were with Jesus. Help us discover each day how, with you, we can be a part of changing lives for the better, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious Redeemer, accept the gifts we have brought before you with glad hearts and great expectations. We are confident that these offerings can accomplish and will accomplish marvelous deeds in your name. Be pleased, O Lord, to pour out your Spirit of abundance upon them, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

"IN DREAMS" JANUARY 2, 2011

2011-01-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and loving God, who makes all things new, like the kings who stood by the manger of the Christ child, we offer you thanks for all that he represents, all that he promises to be, and all that he will be for humanity. Like mother Mary, we shall treasure in our hearts all that we have seen and heard. As we venture into a new year it is true we cannot know what awaits us, but we are assured that your most Holy Spirit accompanies us all along the way. When we grow weary, lighten our burden and help us rest so that we can go on. When we grow impatient with the imbalances of societies and systems, strengthen our resolve to establish a balance. Teach us the benefits of traveling light on life’s journey, carrying only the essentials: faithful hearts, open minds and the message that the Christ has come to save us all. O Lord, may these be sufficient to our need. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, we ask your blessing upon this offering. We give to support the ministries of this church. We believe in our mission to effect a transformation of the world and reaching into our pockets, purses, wallets and bank accounts is just one way we are investing in it. Take our monetary tithes and multiply them, O Lord. Take our hearts, our prayers and our presence as our spiritual tithes to make our efforts strong and enduring. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen

Advent Candle of "LOVE"

2010-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

“LOVE”

Last week I attended a Christmas party for the cast members and volunteers of the Palm Canyon Theater. I was navigating about the house trying to find my way to the food table when I was stopped in my tracks by a pair of tiny arms hugging me around my knees. I looked down into the face of 4 year old Eva. She looked up into my face, eyes wide and warm, sweet and full of vulnerability, obviously glad to see me and said, simply, "Manda." I hugged her tight and seeing the open, unhesitating, gladness in her expression I was suddenly aware that this is the connection that God is longing for with us. God loves us like this. God reaches out for us like this little child, with this vulnerable, unhesitatingly innocent embrace of adoration. This is what God longs for us to see and realize as we lean over the manger, wonderstruck, on Christmas Eve. God has become for us this vulnerable, innocent spontaneously expressive child. God in the child Jesus, like 4 year Eva is reaching out to us eyes wide with wonder, smile sweet and warm, tiny arms unabashedly glad to see us. They wrap around our knees, as the God-child Jesus lovingly whispers your name and mine. Isaiah it was who foretold this, the Rose, the Rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind. To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Savior when half spent was the night.
I light the candle of Love.

"STARCHASERS" December 26, 2010

2010-12-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, Wondrous God, most gracious Creator of all that exists in the universe, we praise your Holy Name and offer our thanks this day, for your ceaseless endeavors to be close to humankind. In the birth of Jesus you reach out to us with the unhesitating arms of a child. We pray that the love and goodwill that washes over us in this season of lights and carols will linger throughout the year. We confess, that we let the joyous anticipation and excitement we feel at Christmas fade all too soon and January can become a month almost as dreaded as April or September. Teach us confidence, that we may not dwell overlong about worldly matters. Keep us mindful of the ever uplifting presence of the Christ within us who offers comfort and strength always. Help us to understand that , because, we bear his name, he is part of us, living in our hearts. It is this Jesus who empowers us to live, to love, to let go and forgive without hesitation or fear. And it is in his name that we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, we are so very glad on this day after Christmas Day to bring our gifts before you. You have blessed us by your gift of the Christ Child whose promised coming we remember and embrace. Today is a day to begin once more and offer our renewed commitment to the mission of your church as it ministers to us to our community, our nation and the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

"THE LIGHT OF CHRIST" Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-28T17:15:00.001-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, on this night of nights we have made our way here to this sanctuary purposely taking time away from the last minute hustle and bustle that has become the reality of Christmas. We have been busy shopping and preparing looking forward to celebrating this Holy Day in the company of those we love. We want everything to be just right and ready for tomorrow morning. But, tonight we have come here to be transported, in a moment in time, to a place of holy remembering. We stand in that chilly stable and marvel with Mary and Joseph at the miracle before us. Through grateful wondering eyes we ponder the babe lying in the rough hewn manger filled with straw. Like the shepherds and the stable animals, we are quieted and humbled in the mysterious presence of the one the angels called Messiah. As we look down into the face of innocence we feel our hearts rejoice, accepting gladly what is, and will always be, God’s most incredible gift to humankind. Tonight, and for all of our tomorrows, let us give thanks and receive the treasure that is Jesus, our Emmanuel.

December 12, 2010 "FRUITS AND TREASURES"

2010-12-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God we praise your holy name. We are thankful for your abundant Grace and inspired by your steadfast love, we come into your presence joyfully, confident that you abide with us always. We confess our distraction in these days of shopping and planning for the time of great celebration. We love to see the lights that adorn the homes in and around our neighborhoods. They are lights of delight and good cheer, they are lights that herald the coming of a wondrous day. Dearest Lord, help us keep our hearts and minds focused on the coming of the blessed one. He will bring joy and yet will know sorrow. He will speak peace to our souls and yet will be surrounded by turmoil. Love will be upon his face even as he is scorned and hated. Give us the courage and intention to invite those who don’t know him to begin to know the Christ this Christmas. It is in his name that we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, we give you thanks for the diligence of those who pledge their support to your church, it’s ministries of the present and those of it’s future. We are blessed by the presence of those who believe, positively, in the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. May the gifts we bring make the glorious message even more powerful and sweet as it reaches out to help the burdened and broken people of the world. The depth of our love for you, O God, is reflected in the gifts we offer as stewards of your creation. Multiply them according to your need in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Matthew 6:19-21 and Nehemiah 10:32-39

December 5, 2010 "GIVING IN TRUST"

2010-12-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Peace and Goodwill we come into your presence this morning full of wonder and anticipation of the arrival of the promised one. Let us not take your promises for granted, settling into a holiday retail routine. Let us not succumb to the pressures of wondering who we have forgotten on our, seemingly, endless gift list. Remind us as we wrap and tie bows and stand in line at the post office to give you thanks. The gifts we will give are meant to be a reflection of your immeasurable generosity and love, not our own. Most gracious Lord, speak peace to our souls in these busy, busy days. We shall be lifted up realizing that it is your Spirit present in every card we receive, every goodwill wish uttered, and every delighted smile shared. We shall not grow weary with waiting. We shall use this time wisely preparing our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God this is just one way of saying thank you for your love and trust. You have not only entrusted your creation to our care, but you have given each of us gifts to invest in it. Some of us are smart, clever and imaginative; some of us are practical, frugal, and organized, some of us are caregivers, able to see beyond our own needs to the needs of others. In partnership with you we cultivate these gifts for your sake. Make us your gifts to the world that we may accomplish wondrous deeds in your name empowering the ministry and mission of your church throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

November 28, 2010 "NURTURE A SECOND NATURE"

2010-12-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Loving God, Creator of the Universe on this, the first Sunday of the Advent season, we lift up our hearts in hopeful anticipation of wondrous things to come. We remember all that you have given to humanity since the dawn of time. You have blessed us, and loved us, forgiven us and rescued us, made covenant with us and promised to be faithful always. We confess that, try as we might, we have not always lived up to our part in this covenant relationship. We will, in these next four weeks, begin again. We will turn our attention to you, seeking to discern your will and way for us. Keep us mindful that this is a time of introspection and self-examination, a time of surrender and soul-searching as we embrace hope for the world, hope for your Church, hope for our community of faith, hope for today and hope for tomorrow. In the name of your dear Son we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER

Accept our gifts gracious God. We offer them as one small way of saying thank you for your love, grace and forgiveness. Our hearts are hopeful that these gifts will support the ministries of this church and the Church universal which seeks to help people in need throughout the world. Your blessing upon this offering today will add power and strength to all of the deeds that can and will be done in your name. Amen.

November 21, 2010 "The Church"

2010-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, on this Christ the King Sunday, we follow the triumphant sign of love and sacrifice, the cross upon which our savior died. The king of our hearts so trusted in You that he gave up his life for ours. And just before he took his last breath, Jesus promised a place in paradise to the thief who asked to be remembered. This week as we dress the table for a feast and prepare to celebrate the abundance of our blessings we will pause and take time to pray. We promise, gracious God, whether we gather with loved ones and friends, or spend the day alone, we will stop to remember Jesus Christ. We will remind ourselves and those who give thanks with us how Christ the King purchased our redemption and opened the way to paradise for all. Amen.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dear Lord of love, we stand in your presence offering our hearts in the gifts we bring before you. We have a part in the ministry of your church and today our efforts are affirmed as welcome more people into the body of Christ. We are partners with you in bringing your word to those who have not heard, bringing comfort to those who have none and bringing a message of hope to a hurting world. With you we are seeing to it that the Church is here for us as well, when we are in need of the good word, of tender comfort and of an encouraging message of hope. Make us courageous thoughtful stewards, who in gladness and without hesitation offer our time, our talents, our ideas, and our tangible gifts. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen

November 14, 2010 "Wesley and Me" or "Why I am a Methodist"

2010-11-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Everlasting God, hear our prayer. What a joy it is to be in the company of those of like hearts. What peace we find in the music we sing together. What comfort we find as we look upon the cross and remember the incredible love of Jesus. The candles that burn are the light of the Christ the symbol of his passion and sacrifice. But the flame that adorns our United Methodist symbol is your Spirit of incredible love wrapped around Jesus on the cross. Fill us with a passion for our calling as disciples of your Christ. We long to feel the warmth of his light within us. Let the peace of Christ reign in our hearts. Let us embrace joy in our lives. Let us love one another with abandon. Let us trust in your goodwill, your forgiveness and your grace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER

Dearest Lord, We ask your blessing on the generous hearts gathered in communion this morning. Bless their generous gifts of time and skill, their gifts of participation, devotion and prayer, and their gifts of care as well of their generous financial support. Today we remember those men and women who offered their lives in service to YOU and Your whole creation as they fought against the forces of tyranny and totalitarianism in the world. We will keep close in prayer those churches suffering persecution throughout the world and pray that our offering will help to provide strength and comfort to them. Multiply our generosity, gracious God, to equal the extravagance of your love for us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen

November 7, 2010 All Saints Sunday "WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN"

2010-11-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving Lord, our Creator today we give thanks for the lives of those who loved you with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength and us too. They sought to find the Christ within them and to live his commandment to love in and through and in spite of life’s circumstances. Dearest Lord, we commend to you these saints we have known and loved as we remember their courage, their fortitude, their integrity, their humility, their kindness, their intelligence, their resilience, their reverence, their perseverance and their determination to follow in the ways of goodness and righteousness. The journey of faith is the challenge of a lifetime. To stay the course calls for commitment, turning our lives over to God. The example has been set and the way has been shown to us by those we remember today. Help us listen, as they did, to your Spirit promptings prodding us to move ever forward on the path of discipleship. We pray in the name of our savior and pace setter, Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God you have blessed us in so many ways and yet we ask you to pour out more blessing upon the gifts we place before you. These are a portion of ourselves that we would share with others. We can do this because YOU give us the strength of spirit to adapt to all of the changes we face in this life journey, physical, spiritual, social and political. Let us, as servants with grateful hearts, be attentive to the opportunities you place before us to do all the good we can. Make us your gifts to the world that we may accomplish wondrous deeds in your name empowering the ministry and mission of your church throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OCTOBER 31, 2010 Reformation Sunday "TALKING TO GOD"

2010-11-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for this day. We are grateful to be here knowing in our heart of hearts that wherever we are in your company is our church home. Here is where we come to renew ourselves from the inside out. We must do that beginning with our confession. Forgive us when we feel trapped in and by our resentments. We confess that we can get caught up in situations and circumstances from which we feel unable to extricate ourselves gently. We feel betrayed by a loved one or a friend, and we can’t let go of our frustration over how our relationship has changed. Please, O God, teach us to let go and to be people of forgiving hearts. Snatch from our minds the silly and small slights that simply are not important to the larger picture. Empower us to love beyond misunderstandings. Keep our eyes, hearts and minds fixed on the goal that we may be sanctified disciples of your Christ, chosen ones, holy and beloved put ting on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, people have been blessed this week by members of this church, by their ministry of love and regard for their brothers and sisters in Christ. In YOUR name women and men, young and old alike gave generously of their time, their talents and their own resources reaching out to embrace and care for a grieving family. We ask YOUR blessing upon them and upon the gifts we now place before YOU. Bless our every effort to minister to others in YOUR name. We are confident, because YOU have said so, that all things are possible for those who have faith in YOU. Pour out YOUR Spirit upon us. Bless the gifts we bring. Empower the ministry and mission of your church throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

October 24, 2010 "HELP MY UNBELIEF"

2010-10-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Creator of the Universe it gladdens our hearts to come together and to sing praises to your name. Being in the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ comforts and renews us. We confess that the demands of hurting and workaday world can sap our strength. Let us not be alarmed by triviality. Keep us from getting caught up in details designed to distract. Keep our vision absolutely clear so that we do not lose sight of what is important. Help us to live our faith reminding us that we are not lone soldiers lost in the world, but one body in Christ. We are not passive participants, but active partners together with you in this kingdom journey. Dearest Lord, when it appears that we are assailed by doubts, unsure that we are on course, take our hand; guide our feet and lead us in your way. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Do any of you remember when you tipped a waiter 10% of the bill (excluding the tax)? Do you remember when the rule for tipping moved up to 15% and then 20%? How did you feel? And if you thought you received lousy service you expressed your dissatisfaction in the amount of the tip you left your server. What inspires you to be generous in your giving? Do you give spontaneously, consistently, occasionally? Do you give out of what is left? Do you view your offering to the church as a gift or a payment? Have you ever decreased it? Have you ever increased it? It is important for all Christians to examine what motivates our giving and to decide whether we are tithing or tipping.

10/10/10 "ALL GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE A STORY"

2010-10-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Grace be with us this morning as we turn our attention to you. As we breathe in your wondrous Spirit which is in this place, may it ignite our own. Let the flame that is your love burn within us warming our hearts and invigorating our ministry. We confess that often we are haunted by doubts, fears and anxiety that threaten to overshadow our faith. Let the humble faith that first brought us to our knees before you, that opened our lips to confess our faith The Son of life and love even Jesus Christ, rule in our hearts today. Challenge us, teach us, empower us to cultivate faith that is always inclusive and welcoming. May your light be the only light that shines within us rising up from the center of our souls always bright, ever inviting and constant. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
When you reconcile accounts in a ledger or in your checkbook you are putting things right, squaring things away, reuniting what has been torn apart, resolving discrepancies, merging, and patching up. Some would say when they are reconciling accounts they are just making sure that everything is balanced, justified, settled in it’s proper place bringing things together. God has settled us, justified us, squared us away, and brought us together through Jesus Christ. For that and so much more, indeed let us be thankful.

September 26, 2010 "WHAT'S IN YOUR HEART?"

2010-10-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Ever Living God, we are grateful for this glorious day, for this opportunity to commune with you and with our family of faith. Today, in this time of prayer, we shall try to remember when and how we first heard your name. Was your name whispered in the words of a loving lullaby, or in a goodnight prayer spoken to us as we were tucked safely into our beds? Where were we when we first pronounced your name? When was it that the name of Jesus first fell from our lips and echoing forth from our mouths as if it has always been there? Who was it who taught us to say that precious name? We confess, O Lord that we have not thought about our first words of faith, our first hymns, our first prayers for a long, long time. Let us never forget that these first things, second nature to us now, were taught to us by one who wanted to tell us of your love, forgiveness and mercy. Commit us to teaching our children today. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT

Fresh and Easy will give $1.00 to local schools for every $20 you spend at their stores. We are collecting these receipts at the church. Have you see the ads folks who use their American Express Cards and who gain rewards points are using their rewards points to help others. One man used his rewards points to buy building supplies to build a home for a family of 14. Sometimes it isn’t enough to think outside the box, we have to climb out of it to see all the possibilities around us.

September 19, 2010 "GREATER EXPECTATIONS"

2010-09-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God we have dreams of living up to your expectations one day. We are determined to be people of sense and sensibility, learning from our mistakes, cultivating the spirit of willingness, building our stamina and energy to extend ourselves in generosity and love. We confess our desire to be good at being Christians as if it is a skill to be acquired. We have a tendency sometimes to think that if we just knew the bible better, could quote scripture, or knew how to pray on the spur of the moment, that we would be well on our way to being better Christians. Because we see ourselves as deficient in these and other things, we have excused ourselves as being inadequate to serve. Remind us Lord, that Jesus began his service to you with a smile, a handshake, a word, the touch of his hand on someone’s tears, an embrace, a moment of fellowship over a meal, offering love, hope and assurance. These are things we already know; teach us so to use them in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Matthew told me a marvelous story this week about how three wonderful men helped to support him while he was in seminary in 1945. Three Bishops J. W. Pickett, C.D. Rockey, and E.S. Jones each gave Matthew $1.00 (one dollar) a month to help him with incidentals laundry, paper and pencils, etc. His remark was, that people have no idea what even a single dollar can accomplish in a person’s life.

September 12, 2010 "ONCE WAS"

2010-09-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Sovereign of the universe, we offer you thanks and praise remembering that all that we are and all that we have you have given to us. When we have erred in our work or our relationships, taken a wrong turn in this life or when we have made a decision we regret, remind us, dearest Lord, that if we will but turn to you, you offer us comfort, solace, and a guiding hand. You wipe away every tear, and cleanse us from all shame. We need not live in the dark place of regret, but walk forth in the light of your gracious countenance. We confess who we have been, how we once were and in the same breath we confess who we long to be. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and make us the instruments of your goodwill. If we can find no speech, but complaint let us be circumspect. If we have time to find fault when things don’t turn out as we hoped they would or thought they should, call us to patience. Move our hearts and imaginations to embrace our mission of transformation, even as it includes ourselves. These things we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
How do you remember the past, those bygone days so many are want to call “The Good Old Days?” Are you among those folks who wonder about the days when the church was filled to the brim, when going to church with the whole family was the routine with no distractions. We tend to remember the world as a different place during those good old days when the behavior of its citizens was more civil, more controlled, more obedient, more respectful, and more honorable. The church has always been the place where we hone these qualities trying them out on one another and then the world.

RETHINK ROCK VIDEO....GO GO GO

2010-09-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

September 5, 2010 "EXCUSES, EXCUSES"

2010-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God on this Labor Day Sunday we are reminded that glorifying your name is not only done with the words spoken from our hearts, but through the work of our hands. Today we re-commit ourselves, our prayers, our creative thoughts, our hearts and our hands to laboring in this vast vineyard, cultivating the ground, nourishing the soil so that the vines may flourish and bear fruit worthy of your kingdom. Remind us always that laboring for the well-being of your creation is honorable work. You have given us the gift of life so that we might eat and drink and take pleasure in our toil. We humbly acknowledge, O Lord, that whatever You do, endures forever. Nothing can be added to it nor anything taken away. You have done this so all should stand in awe before You and yet there is nothing you want more for us than to be happy and to have joy in this life. When we understand this truth we shall be tireless in our endeavors. In the name of the Christ we offer you thanks and praise. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Remember when you needed a written excuse from your mother if you were absent from school because you were sick or had to go to the dentist? There were before and after excuses. Mom always wrote my excuses on her best stationery. If such a document was forged in a fit of delinquency by a felonious child, the school authorities always seemed to know. The formal excuse has been replaced by something called the “No show.” Perhaps the “No Shows” think they won’t be missed. NOT!

August 29, 2010 "ENTITLEMENT ISSUES"

2010-09-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and every creating God, bless us with your presence this morning as we focus our minds and hearts in worship. You have bestowed upon us immeasurable love and endless mercy particularly when we believed we didn’t deserve it. We confess our moments of fear and frustration, our self-centeredness, and our lack of spiritual stamina. We have neglected to nourish our faith fully, failing to partake of all of the means of grace set before us. Inspire us to ruminate on your word and to indulge in prayer, sating our hunger and quenching our thirst for righteousness. Give us the strength to put our faith into action not only for the comfort, care and benefit of others, but for the comfort and care of our own souls. Carry us ever forward, dearest Lord, moving us through life’s griefs and disappointments to that place of blissful assurance, which has always been your delight to give to those who love in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
In chapter 12 of Luke’s gospel Jesus is requested to adjudicate—arbitrate between two brothers who are arguing over the family inheritance. Jesus warns the man: “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” How do we form attachments to objects? Someone said the things we collect are only valuable if someone else wants them. How do we measure abundance? How do we measure enough? What, If anything, is actually ours?

August 15, 2010 "WHAT? ME WEARY?

2010-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, we thank you for yet another sunrise, another morning, another opportunity to embrace the day, embrace life and embrace grace. Should we ask ourselves if we take for granted the fact that our lungs took in breath and eyes opened? Did we, in the moment of our waking, begin to obsess about the day, the hours and the minutes that lie ahead of us awaiting our decisions about all that must be accomplished. Are we able to understand the invitation to participate in the Sabbath...rest? In this sacred time let our thoughts meander through your spiritual realm, pondering the eternal, lingering gently in the ethereal, wondering and smiling always at the extravagance of your love. Teach our bodies and our minds to rest and take their repose in You, O Lord, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
I confessed it, out loud in front of witnesses just the other day: “There is one thing that can panic me and make lose my cool and that is a “zero” balance in my bank accounts...savings and checking.” I won’t dare to say “we have all been there,” but I am sure I am not alone in this heart dropping, eye popping, throat gulping, cold sweat producing experience. Indeed I only had a few table scraps to feed the yowling monster to tide it over for a day or two until other resources arrived. In sympathy I offered up a prayer for the church’s Financial Secretary and Treasurer who I am pretty sure break into a cold sweat every week of the long hot sparse offering summer.

August 8, 2010 "DOING THE WALK OF LIFE"

2010-08-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Sovereign of the Universe, Giver of light and life, we are glad to lift our voices as one to praise your most Holy name. We have longed to walk in right paths, guided by your Spirit, but we must confess that we are, too often, halted along the way by our own fears and prejudices. Help us always to rejoice in the good, which moves us ever forward. Teach us to listen in love reminding us that You alone are equipped to judge the merits of humankind. Cause us to know that You are not one to place obstacles before us as we walk through life; you present us with opportunities. We are awed by moments and occurrences in our daily existence when we recognize your intervention, your indelible mark, your unmistakable footprint, amazed at your attention to the details of what we need to see, to learn and to experience. Thank you, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
In 1985 Dire Straits released “The Walk of Life,” a song dedicated to the London subway storytellers, singer, guitar players called “the tunnel buskers.” Johnny down in the tunnels trying to make it pay. They are doing the walk of life , the traditional journey of a storyteller, carrying their stories from town to town turning people’s dark nights into brighter days. “Here comes Johnny and he'll tell you the story. Hand me down my walkin' shoes. Here come Johnny with the power and the glory. Backbeat the talkin' blues. He got the action he got the motion. Yeah the boy can play, dedication and devotion turnin’ all the night time into the day.” He do the walk, he do the walk of life.” Wow! What a concept—bringing folks stories that turn their darkness into light.

August 1, 2010 "THAT OTHER HALF"

2010-08-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our most glorious and loving God, we lift our voices in prayer, to offer, first our thanks and praise. In these first moments of prayerful connection we remember to rejoice in your love and persistent patience with your creation. Our thoughts are full of our appointment calendars; our i-phones, cell phones messages, i-pods, and facebook pages are crammed full with messages and information. Sometimes if feels like we are being turned on a spit basted, prodded, inundated, stimulated, percolated, and saturated hourly. But, here, gracious Lord, we can embrace moments of peaceful communion being reminded, as we contemplate your word, what is truly important. Let us be those who cull from every encounter and every conversation, new insight into what it means to be a Christian. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
My Father always said: “It’s important to see how the other half lives.” I knew the point he was making. Not everyone in the world possesses what we possess and realizing that might make me a better person. For those of us who see ourselves in the middle between the rich and the poor, it’s not about halves, it more like 3rd’s; the third that is fiscally above me and the third that is fiscally below me. But it can’t really be 3rd’s either, because 80% of the world’s population lives on less than $10 per day. I guess that puts all of us in the other 20%.

July 25, 2010 "THE MEANS FOR MERCY"

2010-07-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

Wondrous and Unfathomable God, we are drawn to this time of focused communion with you and with our brothers and sisters in Christ, because we seek nourishment for our souls. We are assured by the nature and discipline of the Christ who prayed without ceasing, that you are ever attentive to our prayers. In these past weeks so many of our dear ones have needed comfort and relief. No matter how inadequate we imagine our prayers to be, we will continue to pronounce the names of those in need, praying on their behalf, petitions and intercessions for their healing and renewal. We shall call upon your most wondrous Spirit to embrace them, to remove all fear, to wipe away every tear, to fill them with confidence that all will be well. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Last Saturday morning I sat on the hotel patio looking out onto beautiful Lake Atitlan. Timoteo, a nurse came to talk to us about his project to provide scholarships for the children of his town, San Juan, in Solola, Guatemala. $75 per year pays for tuition and supplies. He allowed us to purchase his recycled jewelry creations at a discount in exchange for one scholarship. The jewelry is trash—quite literally— made from the discarded bags of Fritos, Doritos and Corn Nuts left as litter to tarnish the landscape and pollute Lake Atitlan. He figured out how to make trash beautiful. I am glad someone did.

JULY 4, 2010 "WHAT'VE YOU GOT TO LOSE?"

2010-07-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, all people and creatures throughout time and space, we are amazed at the wonders of the universe imagined in your thoughts, sculpted by your will. Blessed giver of all grace and good things we want to be kingdom builders working with you not for self interest, not for our own puffed up sense of self, but for sowing seeds of welcome and planting good news faith in the hearts of everyone we meet. We confess our independence. We confess our pride in it. We confess our tendency to be “laws unto ourselves” and in our confession we pray that you will teach us the way of interdependence, that always trusting in your love and goodwill for us, we will value and appreciate the efforts and ideas of one another. May what is to become our mutual efforts and work be worthy in your sight our rock and our redeemer in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Quite often people will take a risk and try something new, like eating mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of plain chocolate chip, because doing so promises not to do any real damage or harm to the conventions they hold dear like their: opinions, political ideologies, pride, and even long held theological perspectives. In other words the risk is nebulous and requires no real investment of trust or faith. Being in relationship with God, however, demands trust and faith promising to wreak havoc on our pride because God is, quite simply, unconventional. RISK something today for the kingdom of God.

June 27, 2010 PRAYER: "THE BREATH OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE"

2010-06-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our wondrous and ever loving God, thank you for being with us always. Thank you for your attentiveness to our prayer. We confess that we don’t pray as often as we should, afraid we will embarrass ourselves in the speaking and tending to start our conversations with you in moments of frustration and fear, when we are confused or in dire straits. When we give you spontaneous thanks, it is often in the context of feeling a sense of relief that you have been with us and somehow the things we were worried about managed to turn out alright. Teach us not to be afraid to pray. Teach us to speak freely, openly with you and to say out loud what is on our minds. We know in our heart of hearts that you already know what we are going to say before we say it, perhaps even before we think it. It is good for us to listen to what we say, to hear our out loud prayer. Help us to trust in the presence of your Holy Spirit moving in and through us giving us the words of blessing, thanks, and praise. In the name of the Christ we pray.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Helen Hottenstein used to pray for a parking space that was close to where she wanted to shop. I don’t know if she put a time limit on the request or how many times she had to circle the block before God made a space available, but she always found one. I learned something significant this week as I prayed Tongsung Kido with Rev. Eun Pa Hong from Bupyeong Church, Korea: pray always and always pray for what you need for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. God I pray that everyone will support the current and future work of this, your welcoming church in Palm Springs.

"TELLING OUR STORIES" at the Cal-Pac Annual Conference

2010-06-25T10:36:00.001-07:00

JUNE 13, 2010 "JUSTIFIED"

2010-06-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, you have promised good to your creation establishing an everlasting covenant with us, your children. You, O Lord, have promised never to draw back, or change your mind, rejoicing in doing good to us with your whole heart and soul. We confess that there are times when we have drawn back from you, hesitant to trust that you will always follow through on promises made. We own up to our desire to be in charge, to decide our own destinies, to control the “horizontal and vertical” of life. Forgive us, Lord, when sometimes our devotion to expediency makes us short-sighted, implacable, and doubtful. Fill us with persistent faith, growing faith, flourishing faith, a mountain-moving faith, that propels us forward with a Christ-like heart toward your kingdom. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
12 step meetings conclude with folks joining hands and repeating the Serenity Prayer. They finish their time together, hands still clasped, saying: “Keep coming back, it works if you work it.” In chapter 18 of his gospel Luke writes about the persistence of a widow who kept bothering an unjust and indifferent judge. She stood before him daily, until he could stand her persistent nagging no longer and granted her justice. Luke’s Jesus assures his disciples that God who is just will not delay in helping those cry out to Him day and night. In other words: “Be persistent in faith; it works if you work it.”

June 6, 2010 "Scensing The Spirit"

2010-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Ever-living, Ever-loving, Ever-present God, our desire is to fully realize your presence with and within us. Help us comprehend that you are part of each one of us in our every breath and every heart beat. The gifts we have cultivated, you have bestowed upon us. We confess that in our efforts to be practical and wise, we have a tendency to think that having faith in all things possible is a distant and even fanciful notion. Cause us today, by whatever means necessary Almighty God, to invest our energy, our whole selves in believing that we can and do serve your purposes. Indeed, some of us made our confession of faith so long ago, that we may have lost touch with how that moment of Spirit connection felt— that moment of fresh forgiveness, absolute assurance, manifest mercy, complete encouragement, and now presence. Renew us in the “nowness” of your presence, O Lord, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
The practice of anointing with oils, perfumed or not can be traced back to Egypt where they were used to celebrate, elevate, deputize, consecrate, rehabilitate and embalm. Moses compounded oil to anoint his brother Aaron and his sons as Priests over Israel. In 1983 Rex Humbard sent miracle oil out to his followers: “Open this anointing oil. Don’t waste a drop. The spirit of Jesus is represented by this faith oil. Make a cross on your forehead with it, then by faith, go into a room by yourself and take out any money you have and make a cross on each bill. Do this in faith for God to heal your money problems. Anoint your check book if you have one.” I wonder if he has any of that oil left over.

TRINITY SUNDAY May 30, 2010 "WE'VE GOT VISUAL"

2010-06-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Gracious Creator our source of life and breath, thank you. We are grateful for this day, for this church, and for this, our family of faith. We are reluctant to confess the fears, or doubts that hold us back from living fully in connection with your Holy Spirit. We confess, also, that we have never really figured out how the trinity works, or how we are to understand your triple presence in our lives. What we know for certain is that when you decided to be one like us, incarnated in Jesus, you wanted to feel the earth under your feet —like us, to feel the rain on your face and the wind in your hair —like us. You dearest Lord, chose to know just how it feels to be us, a man of joy and sorrow, of courage and fear, experiencing triumph and tragedy, comfort and pain. What wondrous love is this! What wondrous love is this, O God our Abba, Father; God the Son and God the Holy Spirit! Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Three of a kind is a mediocre hand in poker. In the ranking Three of a kind holds 4th place beating two pair, a pair and high card. In a full house you want your three cards to be the high cards: aces or face cards. For example 3 kings and 2 deuces beats 3 Queens and 2 Aces. (Doesn’t seem fair.) On this Trinity Sunday we embrace God the three of a kind. God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, three in one. This three of kind you can always bet on.

PENTECOST SUNDAY May 23, 2010 "Cry, Abba! Father!"

2010-05-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Abba, Father and Lord; most wondrous and loving God, your Spirit whispers calm to us on the gentle breezes of the early morning and their soft caress as the evening settles in. As well we stand alert and at attention when storm winds blow furious and alarming and we are in awe of the power of your creation. You remind us with your every breath that you are ever-present, ever-creating, ever-powerful, ever-true, ever-graceful. Our spirits are joined with yours always, but we are so very aware of it in this moment when we lift our voices together united as we are in prayer. On the day of Pentecost the disciples were united in prayer when they were startled by your presence. Spirit of God, bright wind, startle us again and let us witness to your presence, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
It is customary to bring a gift to any birthday unless of course the host instructs you to do something in lieu of bringing gifts. On this, the Birthday of the CHURCH you have come to worship, which means you have brought 2 gifts with you, your presence and your prayers. The church is happy to accept any or all of three other gifts, service, witness and tithes. We are also delighted to accept yarn for prayer shawls.

Prayer for the Sermon May 16, 2010 "HINDERING GOD"

2010-05-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

Gracious God, make us grateful for all that we have, for the beauty of this day in this glorious valley. When we open our eyes to the storms that have devastated lives in a single moment in time, in Tennessee and Oklahoma, let us not be paralyzed by a sense of helplessness. Remind us that we are not alone in our work. Inspire our most compassionate faith. We who belong to Christ plan together, strive together, reach out together as a denomination of people. We are millions of souls offering our prayers as well as our resources to care for, rescue and serve our brothers and sisters in need. May what we can offer be truly enough, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
What holds us back? What hinders us humans from making a commitment to something, to someone, to our own personal growth, to learning, to exploring visions and ideas, to growing spiritually? What would happen if we let go of things or ideas that hinder growth and weigh us down? After all, wouldn’t it be the silliest thing if we’re being held back by pre-conceived notions that have been collecting dust in our heads, like the old stuff in our closets and garages that is long past being useful?

Prayer for May 9, 2010 "SOON VERY SOON"

2010-05-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

Our most Gracious Lord, YOU are the spark that ignites the fire of life. You brought the universe into being and birthed your creation. All that is and lives proceeds from your creative thoughts and your artistic fingertips. We confess “do-it-myself" natures that rule our days along with a “do-it-my-way” urgency in many too many things. Along with our confession we dare to ask you to be patient with us as we are still and ever your creation. Remind us, Eternal One, that we serve you and serve all that belongs to you. Never let us forget that we serve, not in your place, but with your help and for your sake. We serve not for recognition or reward, rather we serve in response as a way of saying “Thank you” for your abundant grace and steadfast love. Pour into us a spirit of “Yes” that will empower, energize and renew your church to the glory of your name. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
“Coming Soon to a theater near you” is usually accompanied by a preview of coming attractions. “Coming soon to your neighborhood” heralds the arrival of our favorite coffee house or grocer. Is the phrase “coming soon” an invitation, an enticement, a relief or an omen? When the flu is coming soon, it’s an omen. When our birthday is coming soon it is greeted with delight or dread. When family or friends are coming soon we may be gleeful or not. When we are afraid as was Paul in his letter to Timothy, Timothy couldn’t come soon enough.

Prayer for the Sermon May 2, 2010 "THE MEASURE OF PERFECTION"

2010-05-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

Glorious God of Hope and Promise, we stand in awe of the abundance of your love for humankind. Your endless mercy confounds us truly. Just when we think we have committed the ultimate error, you call us to try yet again, a better way. We want to live your example— to live how you showed us to in the life and work of Jesus. We confess that we have fallen short of that goal and so we ask you to work on us. Open our hearts, Lord, to the brokenness around us, and give us the will and way to care. Open our eyes to see clearly the fear and prejudice that fuels unjust systems, in our society. Give us courage to speak for those who cannot. Give us the strength to stand up for those who may not. Give us the daring to advocate for those who are given no voice; Let us not only live the gospel, but teach us to BE the gospel in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Jasper and gold clear as glass describe the New city, the New Jerusalem, God’s city where God will dwell with God’s people. John of Patmos’ luxurious description of the foundations of the new city of promise and hope bejeweled with jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chyrsoprase, jacinth, and amethyst is indeed a wondrous sight for the weary mind’s eye and a sign of the abundance that awaits the faithful souls who have persevered and stood their ground in the face of injustice.

Prayer for the Sermon April 25, 2010 "HEROES AND VILLAINS"

2010-05-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wondrous Creator, Sovereign of the Universe, to You we offer all honor, glory and blessing. We have found sanctuary here being quite deliberate in our efforts to reflect on your presence in every moment and aspect of our over-burdened, over-extended and over-scheduled lives. Give us the wisdom, we pray, to sort out today— what we will do, who we will see, where we will go— before we start spinning our wheels over what is sure to come at us tomorrow. We pray for clarity in our thinking and patience in our decision making. Remind us, ever so gently, kind Lord, to attend to what is, rather than what might be. Help us rest when we get overwrought and let us truly rejoice when we entrust our hearts and minds to your leading. Cleanse us with living water to wash away all doubt and fear; we humbly beseech You in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
The black horse and rider of John’s apocalyptic vision tells us that the opportunities and occasions for greed and avarice have been a part of every age and place throughout history. In his day he derides the kind of inflation that will demand from an individual a day’s pay for a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley. When the black horse rides in the midst of humankind it is a perhaps a sign that we have forgotten how or given up the ability to spend sensibly and live modestly.

Prayer for the Sermon on April 18, 2010 "TO THOSE WHO CONQUER"

2010-04-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

God of grace and glory we are ever aware if your presence when we sing our hymns of praise. We breathe your loving and powerful Spirit into us and haven’t the least idea of its power. Help us to recognize that in us you are spiritual TNT. When we let down the barriers that distance us from you and connect with your presence we are ignited. You are the fuel that keeps us moving forward. We can dare to live your word without burning out. We can burst forth in mission to the world sharing the best of ourselves, which is the Christ in us. We can proclaim the truth of your goodness which renews broken hearts and infuses meaning in our lives. We can accept your forgiveness which restores all souls. We can boast of your love which enlivens our spirits. We are exploding with gratitude today. THANK YOU GOD in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
John of Patmos says to the church at Smyrna: “I know your affliction and your poverty even though you are rich.” The churches in the first century were not giant edifices or cathedrals of great import. The church was people gathered together wherever and they were not always safe. Their wealth is not tangible. They are rich in grace, and the love of The Christ. For their ultimate faithfulness, through their affliction, the promise of the first and the last, the alpha and the Omega is: “I will give you the crown of life.”

PRAYER FOR THE SERMON ON April 11, 2010 "GLORY BE"

2010-04-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Glorious and Magnificent Creator you continue to amaze us with your never ending patience, mercy, and love, not to mention your wondrous deeds. We confess how our attention is drawn to the obvious rather than the more subtle ways in which you touch our lives. We become aware of the intermingling of your spirit with ours in the “AHA” moments of hindsight. We suddenly realize, when all those things we worried about worked out for the better or the best, that your mark has been all over them. Tune us in to your ever presence most gracious God, empowering and energizing our own spirit of care, compassion and service. Give us the voice and will to offer our time and talents often rather than waiting to be asked. Open our eyes to the gifts we have to offer, no matter what we think our limitations may be. Lead us through and with your strength to serve you and serve your church as faithful witnesses of the resurrection. Give us an Easter faith trusting in all things possible through the one who loved us ultimately, even Jesus Christ our savior, redeemer and friend. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
“Now that’s a tough act to follow.” and “So wha’dya do for an encore?” are lines we hear often in a variety of contexts including artistic performances that are really awful. God has done some absolutely fabulous things throughout human history. We sort of focus on the more elaborate demonstrations, like the parting of the Red Sea and the raising of Jairus’ daughter, Lazarus and Jesus from the dead. But God is doing wondrous things in our midst each and everyday and most especially in this our community of faith.

PRAYER FOR Easter Sunday Sermon April 4, 2010 "EVERYTHING ELSE IS HEARSAY"

2010-04-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Gracious and most wonderful God, more than any other day we give you thanks for this day. For 40 days we have, with purpose, pursued the way of discipleship. We have sought to learn and discern your will for us through reading and reflecting on the scriptures. We have challenged ourselves to live doing no harm, doing all the good we can. We have taken part in all of the means of grace at our disposal which keep us in love with you and connected with you and with one another. Since Palm Sunday we have felt as if we were holding our breath in wonder and anticipation. Today we can breathe in the assurance of things hoped for radically revealed in an empty tomb. Indeed this is a day full of mystery, awe and gladness. All at once when at the entrance to the tomb, we like the women are confounded and yet relieved, sorrowful and yet uplifted, excited and yet cautious. Your surprise arrived on the wings of a promise fulfilled and we must decide to believe. In the instant that we take the leap of faith; in the instant we trust that all things are possible with you; we find a spiritual strength, confidence and stamina we never knew possible. Dearest Lord, O how we cherish this day, for today you have made all things new and the sting of death is no more. Amen and Amen!

Palm Sunday March 28, 2010 "RECOGNITION = SIGHT OF THE MIND"

2010-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Glorious and most wonderful God we are grateful for your strong, enduring and patient presence in our lives. On this Palm Sunday we are confronted by the duality of our call to rejoice on this triumphant day with the revelers and disciples shouting Hosanna and our awareness of what follows in this most Holy Week. We confess our desire to leap forward in time 7 days. Help us to understand that unless we embrace Christ’s willing sacrifice for each and every one of us, we cannot fully comprehend his love, Your love for us. As we enter this Holy Week help us surrender our secular busyness , our obligations to everyday errands, and deadline in order to make room and time to hear Your story lived and told for us. As we hear Christ’s final words his indelible mark is left upon us and we are changed. Prod us, Lord, to take up the cross of discipleship. Bring us, Lord, into worship. Humble us, Lord, for service. Empower us Lord, for ministry and let us put on Christ as never before. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Offertory Thought
Palm the tree (Old English) and the palm of the hand have the same ultimate source: Latin palma. The application to the tree is a secondary one, alluding to the shape of the cluster of palm leaves, like the fingers of a hand. So it would seem that the palm tree got its name from the palm of the hand, but from now on when you are waving hello or goodbye to a loved one look up at your hand and be reminded that in your hand you have a truly physical link with Palm Sunday.

Prayer for the Sermon "TO GRACE CONSTRAINED"

2010-03-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Praise to you O, Living God; God of power and might. Blessed are you Lord of mercy, Lord of truth, Lord of grace and light. We focus every thought on thee, in wonder and humility. Confessing in whispers our fear and distress, we pray for faith that counters weakness. As we walk with Jesus through his final days, let us hear with new ears each thing that he says. Let us not be undone if we turn away, for your grace shall renew us day after day. Like the ordinary people who said “Yes” to Jesus, our direction is clear on The Way that completes us. We love in his name and strive to maintain a ministry of true hearts and minds, offering ourselves, our hands, our work, our plans for the blessed tie that binds. Empower your servants most precious Lord to do accomplish wondrous deeds in your name, for the glory, the honor and triumph are yours the One for whom Jesus came. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
The story of the woman with the alabaster flask is found in all four gospels making it a story of considerable significance. In Matthew, the disciples complain and in John, Judas Iscariot speaks out against the misuse of the perfumed ointment to anoint Jesus at the dinner party. He contends that it is worth at least 300 denarii and could have been sold to feed the poor. A day’s pay for many was one denarius. So this ointment is worth 300 days of labor. We might ask that since this woman is anointing Jesus whose labor purchased the ointment in the first place?

Prayer for the Sermon March 14, 2010 "COMING TO SELF"

2010-03-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Gracious and Loving Lord we are renewed like the morning gathered as a community of faith. We are aware that even though many of us are strangers, we are united in Christ. As we turn toward you in this Lenten season, bring us to ourselves in a whole new way. Awaken our commitment to ministry and pry us from the sidelines. Teach us the way of presence and participation as integral members of the one body and important players on Your team. Help us to see one another as you see us. Let us, in your name be fountains overflowing with goodwill and the generosity. Remind us today that a gold engraved invitation to your fabulous banquet was placed in our hands at the moment of our birth; we have but to accept it. Assure us that when we truly awaken to your love and mercy you are already running to greet us with your arms open wide. All this we pray in the name of the Christ . Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Living “high off the Hog” or “high on the Hog” means one is living lavishly, luxuriously and indulgently, eating, drinking and spending as if one has endless resources. This could be the result of “going Hog Wild,” letting loose, throwing caution to the wind. When one goes hog wild living high off the hog one is only a breath away from going “whole hog” wallowing in “hog heaven.” Applying just a little restraint might mean there is some left over for the church.

Prayer for the Sermon March 7, 2010 "And Just Then"

2010-03-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

Glorious God our Savior, Creator and Lord, bless us with your presence. Let us breathe in your presence, your Spirit of holiness, your Spirit of redemption. We entreat you merciful God to pour out comfort upon those who are in pain and your liberating power upon those whose lives are in turmoil. We pray for those who wrestle daily with personal demons that beset them from above and below, behind and in front. You have shown us in the life and lessons of your Son Jesus the Christ that those chained to addictions, trapped in their obsessions, ensnared by depression, or fettered by fear can have new life. Let us speak clearly of your promise to set these captives free. Help us to pray with them and for them, whispering your words of wisdom and assurance. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
John Wesley wrote about the Lord’s Supper being both an obligation and an opportunity. It is one of the 6 means of Grace which he outlines in the General Rules. Wesley said Christians should receive communion as often as they can because the benefits are so great: “the forgiveness of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshment of our souls.” The means of Grace are important for Christian life and growth precisely because they do something. In 1784 he advised the ordained Elders of the Methodist Episcopal Church “to administer the supper of the Lord on every Lord’s day.”
John Wesley wrote about the Lord’s Supper being both an obligation and an opportunity. It is one of the 6 means of Grace which he outlines in the General Rules. Wesley said Christians should receive communion as often as they can because the benefits are so great: “the forgiveness of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshment of our souls.” The means of Grace are important for Christian life and growth precisely because they do something. In 1784 he advised the ordained Elders of the Methodist Episcopal Church “to administer the supper of the Lord on every Lord’s day.”

A COVENANT PRAYER IN THE WESLEYAN TRADITION FOR the Sermon February 28, 2010

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Gracious God, I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low by thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. In the name of the Christ, let it be so. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
The word for parodidomi is the Greek word which translated surrender in the English. But surrender is a French word which was first used in 1487. The Greek word appears numerous times in the New testament, but only once is it translated surrender. The other words used to translate it are: to deliver, deliver up, to give over, commend, commit, entrust and betray. During lent we are called to deliver ourselves up, to give ourselves over to commit to God’s leading even to the discipline of tithing.

Prayer For the Sermon on February 21, 2010 "THE WORLD IS EVER NEAR"

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Blessed Abba hear our prayer. We confess our need to return to you. We confess our desire to reconnect with you and to place you at the center of our thoughts and actions. We realize that we have an opportunity, during this Lenten season, to examine our spiritual core. If we should discover that we have neglected and starved that part of our selves, dearest Lord, give us spiritual nourishment. If we discover that our spiritual core has been injured, please, heal the hurt and help us move to a new level consciousness. If we discover that we are imprisoned by bitterness, anger or resentment, we entreat you most merciful and forgiving God, to break the shackles that bind us and wash us clean. Teach us to be honest with you and with ourselves as we journey toward spiritual maturity. For all of this and more we shall give you thanks and praise as we follow Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

Offertory Thought
When we look for comfort from the things of this world, we are often soothed by soft things, sweet things, things that dull our senses, activities that physically exhaust the body, release its tensions or relax us into sleep removing us from the stresses, strains and anxieties of the world. Lent is a time of turning to God and discovering the love and comfort that the world cannot and will not provide.

Prayer For The Sermon on February 14, 2010 "TRANSFIGURATION"

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Glorious God, wondrous Creator, we give you thanks and praise on this day of LOVE as we remember how you have ever loved us. You have made and kept covenant with us over and over again at last revealing the extent of your love in the person and sacrifice of Jesus the Christ. We humbly acknowledge that we, indeed, have a part in keeping any covenant relationship strong, vital and alive. If we have been lax or distracted in our commitment please forgive us. As we enter into the season of Lent this coming week, help us to focus on the covenants we have made with you, with our partners and our congregation. We will nourish our commitment partaking of the sacraments and build up its strength through prayerful exercises. We will serve one another and prepare to be the spiritual leaders you have called us to be. May our faces reflect your light within us shining forth the true radiance of your love and grace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for the Sermon February 7, 2010 "TRADITIO(OOO)N, TRADISHAN, TRUHDYSHON"

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Gracious and Ever-living God, we are grateful for the opportunity we have, everyday, to give you thanks and praise, and most especially on this Sabbath day. By our confession of faith we are called to be servants of your creation and followers of your Christ. You prod us to seize every opportunity to live out the faith we confess. We are daily aware of the plight of so many who are living, dying and contending with grievous circumstances, who are in need of our help. We wonder if anything we do can make the smallest dent in their tremendous need. Let us not be overwhelmed by all that we hear about and see. Remind us, Almighty God, that when we serve our brothers and sisters in your name, hand in hand and step by step we are working to advance the cause of your gospel. Make us instruments of your mercy, love, peace, and goodwill sharing who we are and what we have with others. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Did you know that the antonym of the word tradition is innovation? Innovation is about novelty, modernization, improvement, advancement and originality. Now that is certainly a broad definition. The United Methodists launched their “Rethink Church” campaign encouraging church folks to become more hands-on in their work and in 2009 members of this congregation joined Craig Miller’s effort to “Innovate Church” which seeks to help congregations move ever forward innovating to keep the good news vital, fresh and alive for the generations to come.