Advent: "A Season of Transformation"

The liturgical colors of the advent season are purple and or “advent blue.” Purple is a royal color, a color that in ancient times could only be afforded by the wealthiest people. It is also the color of penitence denoting that Advent is a season, like Lent, of individual and communal self-examination and reflection. Blue is the color of the glory of God. During the season of Advent we ponder the significance of the words Hope, Peace, Love, Joy and Grace. We ponder: God’s Hope for the world and for each of us, and the same with God’s Peace, God’s Love, God’s Joy, and God’s Grace. When God considered the need to connect anew with the world that was distancing and disconnecting itself with distractions, God, as God always does, got creative. God turned our attention to consider the hazardous and harried birth of an infant the midwives for whose birth were cows, donkeys and doves. Emmanuel was promised and was born, our hope, our joy and our peace, to love us and be loved by us, God with us. No lush purple blankets were provided to warm him only his mother’s arms and faded blue mantle; he started life no worse or better than the rest of us.
When you take time during this season of penitent self-examination take time to ponder your own spiritual re-birth; look into your heart and give some thought to where your heart is. Mark tells us that in the last days of his life Jesus urged his disciples to have courageous and ready hearts, hearts of transformation; what heart do you have?

The Baptized Heart: This is our heart at the very beginning of our discipleship journey. It is a heart cleansed and ready to hear and receive the good news of God’s grace.
The Confirmed Heart: This heart is ready to speak up and claim the faith, professing publicly a conscientious commitment to be a disciple of Jesus and follow the commandment of love.
The Burning Heart: This is the heart that has connected at once with the presence of the Holy Spirit and burns with a fire of love. John Wesley describes this moment of clarity and connection as the moment when an individual feels quite literally the presence of God within.
The Connecting Heart: This is the heart that understands the importance of gathering together in community, that the commandment to love and to work for the transformation of the world is best accomplished by many hearts working together not just one alone.
The Committed Heart: This is the heart of the disciple who knows that the world around us is constantly changing, that our community of faith changes, we change, our relationships change as people move in and out of our lives. This heart remains steadfast working, serving, through all change, expected or unexpected, committed to Jesus Christ and the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus.
The Courageous Heart: This is the heart of the transformer. This heart is a mature heart a contemplative, thoughtful heart, a heart that sees the world through compassionate eyes, sacrifices for the greater good, and keeps Christ at the center even in the midst of change. It is a heart that is able to face fear and difficulty praying its way through it. This heart strives not to be driven by ego or selfish aims. This heart is the heart Jesus called his disciples to cultivate; theirs must be hearts that can see the Big picture understanding the past, envisioning the future, trying diligently not to be daunted by the turmoil of the present or fear of what is to come. They must stay focused on the Commandment to love one another even as God loves them….us.
God has blessed us with much and continues to bless us. We don’t hesitate to give thanks, but honest discipleship calls us to give of ourselves, our wealth, the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, the presence of our bodies, and the witness of our words. Let us strive to accomplish our mission together, to live, work, walk and talk as mature Christians, people of courageous hearts; we have work to do as a community of disciples. It’s a big job, transforming the world, and we need all the help we can get!
Amen.

Prayer for the Sermon on December 6, 2009 "The Hidden Gift of Giving"

Wondrous and Loving God, our desire is to understand the steps we must take to accomplish peace in our world, in our time, in our lives and in our relationships. We confess that most often when we meditate on the word peace, our thoughts gravitate to visions of a world without conflict, a world in which people can readily let go of their prejudices and misunderstandings, and work as one for the well-being of all. When we think about inner peace our thoughts move in the direction of tranquil states or quietude. In truth dear Lord we spend a lifetime searching for that peace that passes all understanding, even the peace that is found not in a tranquil soul, but that which is found in the vital and energized human spirit ever connected to yours. Make us leaders in service to your Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for the Sermon on Thanksgiving November 22, 2009 "Giving Good Measure"

Sovereign God, our creator and redeemer we offer our deepest thanks for all that you have bestowed upon us. We confess that there are times when we take our comparative good fortune for granted and for that, and more, we humbly beg your pardon. Help us, Lord; inspire us, Lord to love and serve you so to heal broken hearts, give purpose to flagging spirits, and encouragement to those who are building their connection with you everyday. Thank you for walking among us in the person of Jesus Christ and showing us by his example how you want us to live and love in this world. Let us be those who discover that every time we give you thanks the light of Christ within glows ever brighter. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for the Sermon Nov. 15, 2009 "When The Birthpangs Begin"

Gracious God, you are the wellspring of all life and to you we offer our thanks and praise. We lift our voices this morning remembering the men and women who have pledged their loyalty and their lives to keep freedom alive in this frantic world. We pray for the safety of those who stand vigilant watching through the long days and nights, who travel the treacherous routes and roads in distant lands so far from home. Be ever near for they stand in our stead placing themselves in harms way and their lives on a line they can never clearly see. We honor those soldiers who have sacrificed and are sacrificing themselves, as they remain true to their word, faithful in their duty, daily prepared to give all to liberate the oppressed, rescue the weak and disarm the oppressor. As they have served us, help us Lord, to love and serve them in return. Empower us by giving us the stamina and courage to help heal the visible and invisible wounds they have sustained amid the violence of war. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Excerpt from Sermon "Blessed Are The Salty Lamps"

For many years now I have thought of the Beatitudes as steps in discipleship. As we walk the path to holiness the road doesn't get easier it gets tougher.

ORIGINAL BEATITUDES REWORDED (from Sermon based on Matthew 5:1-15)

1. If you are dispirited, impoverished of the spirit, disconnected, feeling left and bereft of the presence of God, God awaits you.
2. If you are filled with sorrow, if you are sad, grieving, mournful, even bitter, God waits to comfort you.
3. If you are meek, timid, even weak and afraid of your own shadow, God waits to empower you.
4. If you hunger for justice, to see good triumph over evil, for right to triumph over wrong, for equality and fairness to reign, God will satisfy your hunger.
Notice the change that happens as these blessings evolve, from what one feels to what one does. These are steps taken on the path of discipleship toward holiness.5. If you are one who chooses to forgive, to show mercy to those who disagree with you, or who hurt you, God will be merciful to you.
6. If your heart is pure, if you do all with a loving heart, say all from a loving heart, and live in the world as one who embraces God’s love, God will be delighted to see you.The challenge is ever greater and the path is rougher, steeper the steps more difficult and demanding.
7. If you have the courage to stand in the midst of turmoil and work for peace, to take it on the chin to accomplish peace, indeed you are born of God.
8. If you find yourself being criticized, ostracized, rejected for standing up and doing what is right, God awaits you.
9. If you find yourself being ostracized, rejected, reviled by friends or enemies who speak all kinds of evil against you because you are a disciple of mine, be ecstatic, sing and rejoice and be glad; God has something wonderful to give you in heaven.
If Jesus had preached this same Sermon on the Mount again after three years of recruiting disciples, spending time debating with recalcitrant Pharisees, suffering Pompous politicians, and contentious priests, or trying to help those who cannot and will not help themselves, I dare say these beatitudes might very well have reflected his experiences. I have written some new beatitudes that Jesus might have added to the list had he been out there in the trenches for 20 years instead of 3. I put the word “Blessed” back into the list. You haven’t heard the new ones before, but remember even these new beatitudes are invitations and an opportunity to praise God.

NEW BEATITUDES

1. Blessed are the cranky, the unpleasant, the disappointed and dissatisfied; God has an attitude adjustment for you.
2. Blessed are the victims of substance abuse; God waits to release you.
3. Blessed are those who are wronged; God sees to it that what goes around comes around.
4. Blessed are the obsessed, who seek to control every aspect of their life, the lives of people around them and the world in which they live; God will liberate you.
5. Blessed are those who work, who are diligent everyday, whose ethic is to offer the best of themselves no matter what, who never cheat or seek to get something for nothing, who will not resent the system or those who have more than they do; they are the pillars of the earth and the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
6. Blessed are the set-in-their-ways-resistant-to-change-we-have-always-done-it-this-way folks. God has a surprise for you.
7. Blessed are the speaker-uppers, the movers and shakers, the squeaky wheelers; God has a job for you.
8. Blessed are the care-givers who soothe fevered and frightened brows, who pray, who whisper gently, who touch the untouchable, and comfort the uncomfortable. God will comfort you.

Offertory Thought November 8, 2009

When you join a private country or urban club you sign a membership contract agreeing to buy your place in that club for somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-60 thousand dollars plus pay the required monthly dues. Some of these clubs restrict their membership in order to guarantee a homogeneity to the social structure of the club. There are people who are critical of the Church and churches accusing them of being like country clubs. I might agree if the colorful mix of people who came to be a part of the Church were buying their memberships for 40-60 thousand dollars.

Prayer for the Sermon November 8, 2009 "Blessed are The Salty Lamps"

Dearest Lord, we give you thanks for all of the ways that you inspire us, challenge us, renew us and revive us. Thank you for the opportunities you give us to welcome folks in search of a church home. Embolden our spirits to get to know the folks we don’t know and embrace the new hearts and minds desiring to find communion with you here. Remind us, Gracious God, that new eyes help us to see what we have ceased to notice. New ideas energize and refresh stale practices and stodgy traditions. New needs challenge us to discover how to minister more effectively in the world today. You are present in all our efforts and we are assured that the different perspectives, different backgrounds and different experiences of new members when mixed and stirred into our Christian stew will certainly enrich the flavor of everything we do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Offertory Thought All Saints Day Nov 1, 2009

O my goodness, gracious we have so much to be thankful for! Did you know there is a church in our district that is plagued by wild burros? A loyal church member arrives every Sunday morning before worship to shovel the parking lot so no one sees the leavings of the burros. Another of our sister churches has patched its roof so many times it looks like a quilt of many colors and they don’t have the resources to replace it. The gifts you give today reach out beyond the doors of this sanctuary to help these churches find solutions to their problems.

Prayer for the Sermon November 1, 2009 All Saints Days "Any Questions"

Glorious God, shine in our hearts today as we remember those who have gone before us to rest at last in your gracious company. We will envision them basking in your radiance, embraced in love eternally. Each name pronounced brings back memories of our time together and our spirits are lifted up. 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 toward righteousness is the challenge of our lives; it is not a mystery; the example has been set and the way has been shown to us. Help us listen 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 even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Offertory Thought October 25, 2009 Reformation Sunday

OFFERTORY THOUGHT
On October 31st 1517 A German Monk by the name of Martin Luther marched over to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg and nailed 95 Theses to the door condemning the fiscal practices of the mother church in Rome particularly the extravagances of Pope Leo X. Luther's crime on that day was the defacing of the Wittenburg church’s door, but his criticism of the Church in which he served as a priest would resonate throughout Europe and start a revolution. It was probably time for some sort of upheaval since most of Europe had dwelt in what were called the Dark Ages for 1000 years; they were ripe for a revolution. To be fair to the Pope Leo X, it is true Pope Leo was not a priest, he was a business man in every sense of the word. History tells us that Pope Leo was indeed a swinger, but he was also patron of charity, lavishly spending the money he earned for the church, building retirement homes, hospitals, convents, caring for the discharged soldiers, pilgrims, poor students, exiles, cripples, the sick and the unfortunate of every description. Pope Leo was also a patron of learning. The question was how he made the money for these ventures and his own personal appetites. He not only sold indulgences, he sold cardinals hats, and memberships in the “Knights of Peter.” By selling what were called indulgences the Pope in Martin Luther’s treatise was selling the absolution of all penalties to the dead. He was selling the assurance of heaven for those who awaited judgment in purgatory. Martin Luther is one of the first people (because there were many others) to bring the church closer to the folks implanting the idea of participation with God in becoming holy people, part of the priesthood of all believers. This is why we support the church with our gifts, because here is where we work out our salvation.

Prayer for the Sermon October 25, 2009 "Building Our Spiritual House"

Gracious and Ever Creating God, our hearts are open to you, and our spirits are in readiness to discern your will for us. Today we remember the challenge mounted by one of our legendary forefathers Martin Luther. His launching of one of the first “Rethink Church” campaigns, in 1517, reminds us that church is more than a building that folks visit on Sunday morning. Your servant proclaimed in the darkness that church isn’t something that is supposed to be done to us. Church is what happens when Your divine creative imagination mixes gently and gradually with our human thoughts and ideas. In the moment of connection we are like molecules that are heated by a flame. Your patience, mercy and steadfast love stir us, prod us and pull us, until we find ourselves dancing with you. It is a dance of joy, compassion, giving, caring, self-discovery and purpose. Because you, O God are the Divine Dancer and our most gracious partner, we need never feel like spiritual wall-flowers sitting in the darkness always waiting for an invitation. Your leading embrace is always open, always inviting all people to step out and be church. We give you thanks in the name of the Christ. Amen.

Offertory thought October 18, 2009

You know there are all sorts of churches that have gotten rid of plate passing to collect the weekly offering. Some churches have attached offering boxes to the wall and like the well known poor box in the Catholic church folks just slip a few bills or their weekly pledge through the slot as they make their way into or out of the sanctuary. I don’t suppose it matters much whether you pass the plate or have a collection box hanging on the wall. We are called to give cheerfully and always with a grateful heart.

Prayer For Sermon October 18, 2009 "3 If By Faith"

Gracious and Everliving God, we rejoice in this day giving thanks to you for all the ways in which you help us through it. Indeed, we are grateful to you for the incredible opportunities you place in our path to minister in your name. When we recognize and grab hold of these opportunities, these chances to pray for someone, occasions to laugh with someone, reasons to believe in someone, we breathe a sigh of wonder and relief realizing that this salvific moment is a gift. Dear Lord, let us not doubt, but trust that you are ever leading us toward your Kingdom. When we trip and fall along the way let us not lose heart, but reach up and grab your hand extended to help us stand up once again, brush ourselves off and stride out again with confidence. You are the fire of our hearts, the beacon that lights our way, and the voice that calls us from the darkness. We need never be lost for long. Forever we lift our praise to you in the name of the Christ. Amen.

Offertory Thought October 11, 2009

In prep school on Wednesday afternoons we received our weekly allowance of $3.00 to enjoy during what was called our “downtown time.” The allowance was to last the week, and might buy lunch at Friendly’s, or a movie, an ice cream sundae at the State Street soda fountain, or maybe even buy a gift for a friend or pay for martinizing. Few of us had any notions about not spending every last penny of that allowance. I am just about 100% sure not one of us kept a portion of that allowance to place in the offering plate at the churches we were obliged to attend every Sunday. Hmmmmm!!!???

Prayer to Accompany Sermon October 11, 2009 "Little Children"

This being National Children's Day I drew on all of the prayers I remembered from my childhood and a new one, perhaps it is from your childhood. I changed the "I's" to "We's."

“Thank you God for this lovely day. What can we contribute to it. We will try to make it for others and ourselves, a better day than yesterday. Thank you God for the world so sweet. Thank you God for the food we eat. Thank you God for the birds that sing. Thank you God for everything. For health and strength and daily food, we give you thanks, O Lord. The Lord is Good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun the rain and the apple seed; the Lord is good to me. Now before we run out to play, let us not forget to pray. Dear God who kept us through the night, and waked us with the morning light, help us to love you even more than we have ever loved before. In all we do in work or play, be with us Lord from day to day.” Amen.

Offertory Thought October 4, 2009

In our Methodist Hymnal there appear three verses to the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” There is a verse missing, which appears in the Chalice Hymnal as the 3rd verse and reads: “Riches I heed not, nor world’s empty praise, thou mine inheritance now and always, thou and thou only, first in my heart, Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.”

Prayer To Accompany Sermon October 4, 2009 "Thou Mine Inheritance"

Dearest Lord our beloved, Abba, be gracious to us this day and invite us to dance in the company of your Holy threesome. We come before you praising your name, offering our thanks for unfailing, never flagging devotion to and your patience with our feeble efforts to be more than creatures who live by instinct. Forgive us when we are arrogant, proud, or picky. Forgive us when we react to the barbs of those who goad and annoy. Forgive us when we allow ourselves to be drained of compassion leaving us little to care for those truly in need. Restrain our desire for adulation, our need for the world’s approval or affirmation. We admit we find comfort in the more predictable things of life, perhaps believing that if we keep our present course nothing new will be expected of us. Remind us, most wise and wonderful One, that you are always doing something new and with each new day we are given a chance to get onboard and join you in the glorious adventure of today. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Offertory Thought September 27, 2009

In nursing we were taught to set priorities in order to care for our patients competently and complete our work in a timely manner. My priorities often differed from those of my co-workers and bosses. I recall the priority of some was eating breakfast first, then starting their work. Our priorities change as we move through life. Priorities at 23, are different from priorities at 33, or 43 and on and on. The fact that you are here this morning suggests that church is important to you. Please make it a priority by pledging to support it financially.

Prayer to Accompany Sermon September 27, 2009 "Praying Matters"

Dearest Lord, our prayer begins with praise, followed by our heartfelt thanks for your steadfast love and understanding. It is right, then, that we offer our confession for indeed we have sinned and fallen short of your kingdom when we could not see, sense or embrace the light of the Christ in ourselves and others. It is right, too, that in recognizing our shortcomings we ask your forgiveness and tend to the business of praying for those in need. We pray that you will comfort those who are suffering whether they are grieving and alone, are ill and in pain, frightened and forlorn. We celebrate with those who are cheerful praying your continued blessing and bounty upon them. We pray for wisdom from above among the world’s leaders, the inhabitants of nations, our children’s teachers, and for ourselves. May our passion be for the integrity of your creation always in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT September 20, 2009

There are folks who think congregations that are part of a large denomination get their money for operating expenses, from some great central vault, like the Fort Knox of churches I guess. Nooooooo….the money for our utilities to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter; the money for repairs, the money to pay my salary and salaries of the church secretary, the organist, the bell choir director, the gardener and the custodian come directly from your contributions. You are the church’s only source of income. If we are to expand our programs for your sake and grow we need you to think MOOORRRE.

Prayer for Sermon "BITTER PILLS" September 20, 2009

Our Most glorious and ever patient God, we are humbled in your presence ever eager to praise your holy name and give thanks for this new day. We confess that we are people of predictable routines. We confess, too, that these routines can give us comfort in an unpredictable world, but at the same time we can be so ruled by them that we are lulled into complacency. Gracious God, when we find that we have joined the “set in our ways” society; when we hear ourselves saying “we have always done it this way;” when we shake our heads “no” more often than nodding “yes;” snap us to. Wake us up; bring us into the place of faith. Yes, we confess, we are fearful of change. We say we can’t know what will come with it —success or disaster. Lord, make us understand, that you are the source of all success. If we keep you at the center of our communal life and our goal is to glorify your name we can only succeed. Be with us on the journey in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT Sept 13, 2009

James writes: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift is from above.” He says plainly that generosity comes from God. It is a gift of faith. We might think the opposite of being generous is being stingy, but in truth I think people who are stingy are afraid. They cannot trust anyone other than themselves to put their money to good use. People are not stingy because they are mean; they are stingy because they are faithless.

PRAYER FOR September 13th Sermon: "Ask, Think, Do, Speak In Faith"

Dearest Lord, with reverence and thanksgiving we enter this sacred space seeking respite from all that demands our attention in the world outside. We come knowing that we shall find a graceful connection with you and with each other. Our hearts, minds and spirits shall be full of your presence. Like fuel for the soul your spirit empowers us to find the way of the Christ in the circumstances that confront us. Instead of thinking the worst we can ponder the possibilities. Instead of looking at the glass half empty, we can envision it full and brimming over. Instead of feeling frustrated that we are not being heard, we can become the most profound listeners and astute hearers. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of this life, we can shed the mantle of anxiety and trust that your hand is ever in ours tugging us in the better direction. Thank you; thank you and once again, thank you; we say in the name of the Christ. Amen.

Offertory Thought for September 6, 2009

What is an OFFERTORY THOUGHT? These are the thoughts I share with the congregation prior to taking up the offering. Most are original...at least the ones I will offer here are. Pastors who follow this blog may or may not find the ideas useful in their own ministry.

My grandmother was never one to remember birthdays, however when she came to visit she always brought gifts with her. When I visited her, she always had some special treasure to give me and an accompanying story about where the treasure came from and any special significance it held. The story about the gift was as important to me as the gift and whenever anyone admired the treasured gift I would share its story. I have come to believe that all gifts have a story whether it is about the gladness or the sacrifice made by the giver; the story is always significant.

PRAYER FOR SERMON Sept 6, 2009 "Is it a Gift to be Simple"

Glorious God, we are assured always of your steadfast love and loyalty and gratefully acknowledge your unflagging zeal for your creation. Perhaps we have never envisioned it, but let us understand that you are always at work, laboring for the good of all humanity. May we truly comprehend that we are your Labor of love. We confess how often we have thought of you as a distant observer, rather than a full participant in our daily lives. We beg your pardon for our short-sightedness. Indeed, dearest Lord, you are not a bystander, rather you are attentive to our every breath, our ever step, our every decision, our every effort in this life. Groom us, now, to be the best stewards of your garden, that we may gently tend to the brand new seedlings, nurture the young plants as they blossom and grow and prune the mature plants. Make us sowers of your love, cultivators of kinship, planters of justice and instruments of your peace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

LABOR SUNDAY 2009 100th Anniversary

September 6th is LABOR SUNDAY and since its adoption at the Federation of Labor’s convention in 1909 has been designated as such on church calendars. Most folks think of Labor Day Monday (well the whole weekend for that matter) as a calendar marker heralding the end of summer, a day devoted to LEISURE, fun, family outings, trips to the beach, barbecues, picnics, and parties. It means school has begun again along with football season.
But Labor Sunday and Labor Day Monday deserve more than an identity with the end of summer and the beginning of school.
The very word LABOR has kept company with such precedents as “slave,” “cheap,” “day,” “hard,” and “difficult.” When coupled with the word “skilled,” it still refers to work that is not, customarily performed by the intelligencia--for pay anyway. Consequently, Labor in all of its incarnations has a tendency to be undervalued by society. But isn’t it also true that when we create something, or build something we are elated, triumphant, proclaiming proudly to all who will listen: “I made it with my own hands” or when we fix something: “I fixed it all by myself!” as if laboring with our hands and our bodies is a feat of great daring, worthy of applause, but only when we are not being paid to do it.
As a Nurse I spent most of my working years laboring at the bedside of my patients doing hands on nursing. In the intensive care unit I had two patients to care for and it was my job to care for them intensively-- in detail. As a matter of fact I came to refer to myself as a “patient detailer.” I saw to it that they were pain free, clean and comfortable in the best condition possible. When my shift was over at 7:30 in the morning I would look upon my two charges as if they were pieces of fine art and say: “Now those patients have been taken care of by ME!” It was a moment of satisfaction and pride, a moment I had earned through years of learning and honing my craft. Yet, a nurse would never be referred to as a “laborer”, or more pejoratively as a “working class stiff.”
We err when we define the word LABOR too narrowly. I think LABOR ought not to be about class distinctions. It is about investment—the investment of ourselves. The laborers in the vineyard of Matthew’s parable chapter 20:1-15, invested confidence in the owner of the vineyard that he would be true to his word to pay them for whatever effort they made. They invested their backs, their hands, and their hours in varied lengths performing the tasks assigned to them and at the end of the day they received what they had been promised by the vineyard owner. The metaphor of God’s vineyard/creation and our role as laborers in it really applies to anything and everything we commit to. In God’s vineyard we are not slave, cheap, or day laborers. We are the designated majordomos. That is, we are not only the laborers, but the stewards and responsible caretakers who have a stake in how well the vineyard does because we are privileged to partake of all that the vineyard yields. It doesn’t belong to us, nevertheless it requires our commitment.
ALL LABOR, THEN, IS ABOUT CARETAKING. We invest our ability to care in that which has been entrusted to us. Thus OUR LABOR is our willing investment in something to bring about the best outcome. The value of the outcome is not measured by the amount we are paid for our invested labor: skill, sweat, or time. Laboring, investing ourselves is what is valuable.
Perhaps we may celebrate LABOR SUNDAY best by acknowledging that we —humankind --are God’s Labor of love. Not one thing we do, not one decision we make in this life, affects only us. We are all laborers in God’s vineyard; no matter what our work is we are to be caretakers. When we think only of ourselves, how well we shall live, or what degree of opulence we deserve, we only do harm to the creation and each other. So let us let our lives be our labor of love to the glory of God. When we invest our best no matter what the labor(s): our families, our jobs, our relationships, our church, our intellect, our hobbies or our spirituality, we are being good stewards of what has been entrusted to our care.
The Preacher, the author of Ecclesiastes, writes in chapter 3 verse 12: “I know that there is nothing better for them [humankind] than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.”
Hope to see you in church on Labor Sunday. If you like, wear work clothes.
On LABOR DAY Monday indulge in lots of LEISURE, which was exactly the intention of the day when it was established over 100 years ago, because leisure 100 years go was something laborers had very little of.

Have a Leisurely Labor Day.

Blessings,

Rev, Amanda

Prayer for August 30, 2009 Mark 7 "Giving Lip Service"

Dearest Lord, there are days when we search for the right words to express what is in our hearts. Sometimes it feels like our prayers are just a muddle of thoughts, wishes, hopes, and complaints. We try to be clear. We try to remember to be thankful first and foremost, but are aware that very often our prayers begin with the word HELP. We sing your praises in our hymns; we lift up the names of those who are in our hearts; we ponder the scriptures to interpret your will for us and we carry your grace with us as we depart. In worship we honor you with our lips, but we desire to honor you by our actions. Free our hearts, O God, from vanity and jealousy, from feeling slighted or left out. Let that free space be filled with patience, understanding, and maturity and we shall, in that moment indeed, recognize and embrace the indwelling of your most Holy Spirit. Then, certainly grace will be upon our lips. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for August 23rd Worship Scripture John 11 "BELIEVE IN THE BLUE"

Glorious God, We give you thanks and praise as the creator of all the things. Throughout our history you have wanted us to know that you were always close at hand, not fearfully close, but mercifully close. We confess that we have believed you to be possessive, jealous, and angry unwilling to shower us with what we thought we deserved and needed. Again and again you have come to us trying to connect, trying to make peace, trying to please a fickle friend. We are yours and we confess that fact. We, like Martha, will not hesitate to say “Yes Lord we believe.” Help us O Gracious one not to be afraid of what is coming. Let us be assured that your desire for us is life eternal in your company. Teach us not to fear in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Worship August 16, 2009 Scripture John 10: 22-39 "THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING"

Wondrous and Loving God, hear our prayer. We praise your name and offer our thanks for your faithfulness to us always. Even when we have failed in our covenant relationship, whether by ignorance or arrogance or even callous disregard, you stayed close at hand. We confess that we have often blamed our disappointments, our hurts, our unmet expectations on you and ask your forgiveness. We know, dearest Abba, that the world and time do not revolve around us, our needs and our wants, but are loathe to let go of the hold they have on our spirit. When they threaten to take over help us banish anxious thoughts, endless worrying and our penchant for being in control. Move us from resistance, opposition and rejection to credence, approval and faithful acceptance. Bestow upon us your boldest vision of our purpose and mission as Christ’s body in this world, in this community, in this time... today. Amen.

Prayer to Accompany the Sermon August 9, 2009 "STRAINING THE QUALITY OF MERCY"

Most Merciful and Loving God, always grateful for the privilege we have of worshipping in this sanctuary, today we humbly beg your pardon for those occasions when we have allowed our pride to get in the way of our better judgment. In this complex world we hope to live by solid principles, knowing the difference between right and wrong, our conclusions tempered by mercy. We pray not to be ensnared by legal absolutes and single mindedness, but to see matters from all sides. Help us gracious God to open our hearts and to think always with the mind of Christ. Remind us that we are called, as Christ’s followers, to walk in the shoes of our brothers and sisters, if not to experience, at least, to comprehend the weight that rests upon their shoulders. When it falls upon us to determine the guilt or innocence of anyone, in matters of the law, infuse our thoughts and deliberations with the better sense which only your most Holy Spirit can offer. in the name of the Christ we pray.

Prayer to Accompany Sermon August 2, 2009 "SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED"

Glorious and Ever Loving God, today we give thanks for friends and for friendships that have left an indelible mark upon our hearts, often standing the test of time and distance. We are grateful for the wise counsel of friends who endeavor to hold us close through thick and thin, through life’s ups and downs, through gain and loss. When they are gone from our site, having taken that journey of forever, we can’t help feeling as if the rug has been pulled out from under us, or we have been brought up short. We suddenly find ourselves pondering what life beyond this life is like. They have run the life race in which no one wants to be the first to cross the finish line, yet, we believe, gracious God, that when they cross that finish line they have won . In our imaginings we wonder what that eternal winner’s circle looks like. “Guide we O thou great Jehovah, pilgrims through this barren land. We are weak, but thou art mighty; hold us with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven feed us till we want no more; feed us till we want no more.” In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer to Accompany the Sermon July 26, 2009: "The First Boy Scout"

Our most wondrous and amazing Abba, gathering here in the company of our family of faith we are relieved, delighted to utter words of praise and prayers of thanksgiving. Too rarely we speak beyond Sunday about your wondrous deeds and your abiding patience and love. All too often we sputter words of frustration, anxiety, and dread on Monday until we get warmed up for the week ahead. We make our promise this morning that we will tune our hearts and minds to your everyday presence with us. We will rise to greet each and every new day not begrudging the morning or regretting the night. We will treasure and savor the minutes gifted to us. With your help, Lord, God, we will find all of the ways to take pleasure in our work, learn to value the efforts of others, and engage in living this life fully, responsibly, authentically and graciously. Truly, our hope, our joy and our peace are in you; forgive us when we forget, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen

Congregational Prayer for Sunday July 19, 2009

Gracious and Ever living God, we are humbled in your presence, awed by your countless deeds of love and rescue and your willingness to keep working with humankind for the sake of the whole world. We confess that we are not always conscientious in living out the promise we made to you when we first proclaimed our faith. Yes, we obey laws and follow rules, but we pray to be a bit more liberal in exercising compassion, demonstrating fairness and honoring our commitments to one another. Let us not be conservative with the gifts you have given to each of us, but let us lavish them upon each other and upon all whom we meet. Let us not be paralyzed by pride, hobbled by arrogance, or isolated by timidity. Lead us far from superior notions of ourselves, and save us from obsessing over the trivial. As our mothers once admonished us to be sure and wash behind our ears, we pray, dearest Lord, that you will reach into our hearts and cleanse us thoroughly from the inside out. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen

Congregational Prayer for Sunday July 12, 2009

Glorious God how often we think of you as hanging out in heaven sort of looking down at us from a distance. And it is also true that many of us have pretty much concluded that you have done just about everything with us that you planned to do. We confess a degree of sluggishness in our thinking. We have forgotten that you are a dynamic and motivating presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in every installment of our existence. We keep thinking of ourselves moving toward the future, but rarely do we think that your future is ever moving toward us. We pray vigorously not to be a part of the dumbing -down of society. We want to be thinkers, intelligent, focused, clear, working always to discern and understand what you are calling us to do. Help us to grasp the glorious immensity of what it means to be Christians. May your extravagant work in us give us endless energy and boundless strength. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

MOVIE REVIEW: "THE UGLY TRUTH"

Anyone, ages 18-50 (in my case a tad older) remembers Gerard Butler as the hunk with 6 pack abs in “The 300.” Many remember his immortal words “We are Sparta”-- I think one of the few lines actually spoken by anyone in the film. I must confess a repetitive eagerness to watch Gerard Butler on the Big Screen and, at the first opportunity, went to see his latest film “The Ugly Truth” co-starring the delightfully refreshing Katherine Heigl. I am by no means a prude, but the first thing I must say in this review is: THIS IS NOT A FILM FOR TEENAGERS! It is rated R and rightly so. I don’t care what kind of parental consent you give teenagers do not and cannot find sex FUNNY. Only those who know the marvels and disappointments of sexual relationships can appreciate this film. I must say I laughed out loud, blushed and chortled, along with most of the other men and women in the audience. We laughed at the indignities our bodies are subjected to when it comes to our physiology and swooned as the couple danced to a Latin Rhythm. Not to diminish Meg Ryan’s famous restaurant scene in “When Harry Met Sally,” but Katherine Heigl deserves an Oscar for her “physical comedy” in the restaurant scene of this film. The bawdy, rough edged, matter of fact humor of “Mike” and the obsessive, controlling, foraging for the perfect match of “Abby” speak volumes in this bright and sexy film about how we humans seek to be, and want to be in relationship. The professional reviewers may have given it 3 stars, but anything that makes me laugh and smile for 96 minutes is worth 4 hearts.

NEW FEATURE: MOVIE REVIEWS

I have not thought to review movies on my blog, but I love them and see lots and lots of them old and new,so I am going to start sharing my opinions about the films I see. I will use hearts to grade them. (I can't seem to upload a heart symbol, but I will figure it out)
1 heart: don’t bother
2 hearts: only if you have a gift certificate and nothing better to do
3 hearts: good take in
4 hearts: worth the money even with popcorn
5 hearts: This will make history and shouldn’t be missed

Prayer to Accompany Sermon July 5, 2009 "TWO DAUGHTERS"

Gracious God, this weekend we remember the decision our fore parents made to declare their independence from those who governed them from far away. We are mindful that in the struggle to be a free and independent nation, like any newborn child we had to develop, learn, and mature. We confess that even though we are much older now, we have not always acted wisely, or more grown-up. We certainly do not have all of the answers to the problems that confront us and the mistakes we make today have far reaching effects throughout the world. Each time we have gotten too big for our britches we have been humbled, made aware of our need for and dependence on your wise counsel. We pray, O God, that you will help us to proceed with caution when we are incensed, to hold our tongues when silence better serves the cause of humanity and to always be willing to lend a hand in spite of our own burdens. As the author of change, Loving Lord, let our continuing reformation be in response to your leading. Focus our thoughts, our actions and our attention on your will, your vision and your mission for us. In the name of the Christ we pray.

GOD BE IN ME

The words “God be in my head and in my thinking” have been repeating over and over again in my head for the past several days. I know the tune that accompanies this single repeating phrase for I have sung this phrase and more on some occasion. I decided to write about this sort of broken record petition running in my head and began to search for the hymn in the Methodist Hymnal, in The Faith We Sing and in my copy of the Chalice Hymnal. I finally found what I was looking for in the Chalice Hymnal (#268), which does not include the haunting tune. As it turns out I have been repeating the phrase incorrectly, but it is the first line of a prayerful devotion from the Sarum Primer also known as the liturgical book of devotions used in pre-reformation Salisbury, England circa 1554. No, I am not channeling Julian of Norwich. The full text of “God Be in Me” reads:

“God be in my head and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes and in my looking;
God be in my mouth and in my speaking;
God be in my heart and in my thinking;
God be at my end and at my departing.”

When we speak the words of the meditation we are petitioning God to be present in our every thought, in what we comprehend, in what we see, in how we see, in what goes into our mouths, even how we taste, and the words or sounds that come forth from them. We are petitioning God to be present in our emotions and in our thoughts, at the end of our lives and the moment of our departure from this earthly realm. Devout persons have meditated upon these 5 phrases for nearly 500 years and they are just as relevant today when pondered and repeated in times of quiet soul searching as they were in the 16th century. Each phrase is a prayer in its own right. Each is easy to remember. The themes are simple and the words are quite portable. As a matter of fact they have lately accompanied me wherever I am at all hours of the day. Since Sunday morning June 14th they have been calling me to be more alert to the opportunities that are put before me, to behave kindly, to act with patience, to be less defensive on behalf of the church and more willing to listen to the least of these. The words have been calling me to be more tuned in to the vow I made in 1983 “to be diligent in understanding the faith to which the doctrines of the church bear witness, and proclaiming by word and action the truth of the gospel as God gives me opportunity; to endeavor to be a steadfast and prayerful disciple, daily following the rule and teaching of our Lord to the end that my life and the lives I touch may be fashioned by the gospel.” I pray that these words continue to sing in my head reminding me to ask God to be a part of my every thought, word and deed, to be ever in my thinking that I may do all the good I can, by all the means I can, in all the ways I can, in all the places I can, at all the times I can, to all the people I can, as long as ever I can. Amen.
Blessings,
Rev. Amanda

Prayer for Sunday June 28, 2009 to Accompany Sermon "Wrestlemania-Gerasa"

Blessed Lord, Most Wonderful Creator, we are assured of your presence as you are in our every breath. As we roar and rage about the glitches, the crashes, the fumbles and stumbles, the woes and troubles that work their way into our daily lives let this be the sound of our confession. As we growl and grouse, or mutter and moan our resentments toward those who disappoint us, hear our prayer for those who let us down, family, friends, even strangers we have helped who keep messing up their lives; who can’t seem to kick start their self-supporting motivation engine. Dampen our spirit of impatience levied against the uncooperative, or the less than competent, or the seemingly clueless. Teach us the ways of encouragement. Let the voices of wisdom and good conscience rule our tongues. Keep us mindful that the quick fix is not always the best answer to solving a long standing problem. Teach us how to wait. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Sunday June 21st, 2009

Glorious God, our Abba Father, how very grateful we are for your loving and holy presence wherever we are in this world. We know that you are with our Angelica, Peter, Vijith and Max as they travel in other lands thousands of miles from us. Bless all the children of this congregation we pray , whether they are far away from us or close at hand. Give us the patience and the stamina to love them, accept them, to take them as they are today, to encourage them on their way to tomorrow, to always lift them up from their disappointments and comfort them in times of sorrow. Help us to teach them the practical things that ought to accompany their dreams. We confess that we may not be as savvy or as up to date as our children or our children’s children. We shall strive to champion their most altruistic causes and not thwart their creative imagination. Living in this world is an unpredictable business, may we be guided on our way by your strong and loving hand. In the name of the Christ we pray.

Prayer For Sunday June 14, 2009

Wondrous God, you are and have been before the beginning of all things. When we are thoughtful, meditating on your part in our lives, we realize that we humans exist by virtue of your creating and creative energy. We are grateful for the talents, strengths, skills and capabilities you have given to each one of us, and yet we must confess that sometimes we have been envious of what we saw as incredible in others. Remind us that we are never a finished product, that you are ever shaping and molding us. Cause us, dearest Lord to be open to your creative spirit always working in us, dancing around us, ever inviting us to learn a little more, to expand our thinking and to explore new ideas. Do not let us be convinced that our brains are maxed out and over crowded with a life time of accumulated information. Remind us that some of the stuff poured into our heads you didn’t put there. Clear our minds of the debris of self doubt, put downs and criticism. Let us sweep away what we truly don’t need to make room for all the possibilities you will set before us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen

Prayer to Accompany Sermon June 7th "Sweeter Seventeen"

Wondrous God, Author of Life, the testament of your love is written upon our hearts; your ever presence is imprinted on our souls. There is no place to hide from your presence. You see us at the core of our being. You know what we think in secret; you know what we fear and who we are when our last nerve is shredded, our patience tapped out. Yet you are always ready and willing to see us through the eyes of love. You recognize us as your children even when we aren’t sure we recognize ourselves. We ask your forgiveness for those moments when we miss the opportunity to let your light shine through us. Be merciful to us and forgive us we pray when we fall short of your commandments. On our worst day we beg your pardon. On our best day we offer you thanks and praise. When we behave as if we are marooned or foundering like a boat capsized on a storm tossed sea, right us again; put us on the better heading and fill our sails to get us back on course. May your grace and mercy balance us as daily we walk arm in arm with your Holy Spirit. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

SEARCHING FOR SOLACE

SEARCHING FOR SPIRITUAL SOLACE
“God will give you another counselor, and Advocate to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of Truth...who abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you desolate.” (John chapter 14)
The Revised Standard Version of the bible used the word desolate in John 14:18 to define the Greek word “orphanos” meaning bereft, fatherless, without a guardian, guide or a teacher, comfortless….alone. (sola is Latin for “alone or only”) Jesus’ promise to his friends in the gospel of John was that he would not leave them, so –desolate— without a comforter— alone. In the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible the updaters decided to use the word “orphaned” in place of the word desolate perhaps to stay truer to the original Greek. It doesn’t have quite the same impact as the earlier term “desolate” which carries with it the definitions such as: deserted, isolated, forlorn, wretched, hopelessly alone. De-solate meaning without solace. We define solace as that which brings comfort, consolation, support, relief at a time of sadness or grief, or disappointment. We humans can be found searching for solace, offering solace and finding solace in a variety of things or experiences.
There is a kind of identity that washes over those who have come to live in this country absorbing its culture and mores and that is one of “I can do it myself independence.” At the same time we are private about our inward pain and are loathe to have anyone feeling sorry for us. We see people all around us in need of comfort searching for solace. I venture to say that there are days when we feel so down in the dumps that we wonder if we shall be granted even a quantum (the smallest measure) of solace in this life. We wonder if we are destined to endlessly plod through the sludge and muck and mire of it all? I confess to you that there were times in my life when I resigned myself to believing that the key to survival was just to be tough as nails, donning a suit of impenetrable emotional armor, asserting my independence and refusing to reveal even a modicum of vulnerability to the world around me. Like Gary Cooper in “High Noon” I set my jaw, guns ready to stand strong and alone against whatever evil threatened to topple my tower of strength. Whether we admit it or not all of us need solace— comfort for our ragged, jagged, souls. If we are depressed or feeling sad or disappointed or “distressed” we just want the feelings fixed….gone is preferable and we are often compelled to reach for the closest thing that offers to soothe that distress.
On Memorial Day Monday I happened to be listening to a lecture (for my nursing school class) given by Dr. James Prochaska who is known for his work on human behavior and “stages of change.” He enumerates six stages of change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination. In his lecture he talked about how it is possible to help large groups of people change their unhealthy behaviors exchanging them for healthy behaviors. One of the statements he made hit me right between the eyes and was suddenly relevant to this article of how we search for and find solace/comfort. Prochaska said that we (Americans—all flavors) tend to search for comfort in oral consumptive behaviors. Consider our fondness for creature comforts and comfort foods like, candy, chocolate and ice cream— all high in sugar, which we consume to feel better, to make our distress go away. These do not offer solace for the spirit. There are folks who search for solace in the dis-inhibiting effects of alcohol. It can ease the feelings of distress and is used by many to medicate symptoms of very real depression. But there is no spiritual solace to be found in that bottle. Others may search for solace in the euphoria induced by pharmaceuticals. Smokers, who everyone says are orally fixated people, smoke to soothe (calm) their nerves. In truth smokers smoke to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine. There is no spiritual solace there. Some folks search for spiritual solace in relationships trying new ones on like shoes over and over again hoping this one will be the right fit. The goal is still comfort. Some folks search for solace in the beauty of nature, going fishing in a mountain stream, hiking in the fresh air. Some folks exercise to ease their distress. These are good habits, but do they offer solace or distraction? Like all that glitters is not gold, all that comforts is not spiritual solace.
Dr. Prochaska said one thing that knocked my socks off when he talked about how we can find alternate oral behaviors to ease our distress. He asked the audience if they could guess which oral consumptive behavior would be healthier than eating, drinking or smoking? He finally had to tell them that the healthy alternative was TALKING! I have to tell you I just loved hearing that. When Jesus’ promised that his friends would not be alone, his hope was that they would remain together to uphold and comfort one another.
John Wesley fully comprehended the human need for spiritual comfort and solace, perhaps because he tended toward depression himself. He brought people together in societies, classes and bands to talk about their daily lives, their triumphs and their disappointments, their joys and sadness, their relief and their distress. Each group had a leader and the Holy Spirit was always in their midst. The solace offered by the Spirit of God is HUGE. It is not a distraction or a drug, it does not produce euphoria or dis-inhibition. The promise and presence of The Holy Spirit was not a quick fix for Jesus’ disciples, a temporary relief of their sadness and disappointment, rather The Holy Spirit was their assurance that they should never feel abandoned, left, or bereft, comfortless, isolated, or alone to figure things out for themselves. This same Spirit is our assurance of the presence of God with us, in us, around us and through us at every moment —not as an imaginary friend, but as our constant companion and comforter our ever present source of solace.
I believe that the church exists to help all people get in touch and stay connected with a Holy and Healthy Source of Solace. Through the church we are empowered to embrace our worth and value. Our grandest solace may well be found in offering ourselves, our hearts, our minds and our arms to each other. When we gather in fellowship, when we spend time talking, encouraging lifting one another up, that is the occasion when the Spirit soars and dances within. There are so many people searching for solace, longing for comfort and validation of purpose and worth let us lead them to the place where it can be found here with us in Christ’s church. LET’S TALK!

Blessings,

Rev. Amanda

Prayer for May 31st "THE DAY OF PENTECOST"

Glorious God, we are delighted today to celebrate the birth of Christ’s church. On this day your very breath empowered the disciples; your windy presence awakened their hearts and renewed their call to witness in the name of the Christ. On this day you opened their mouths to proclaim your marvelous word and they found their voices. On this day they shed their fear and shyness and would not be silenced or mocked. For all who had ears to hear they gave utterance to the words of the scripture that fell from their tongues. Empower us, O breath of Life, to be your witnesses. Strip away our self-consciousness, and open our mouths to speak of the good news. Pour out your Spirit upon us to proclaim without hesitation Christ crucified, risen and coming again. Let us speak only blessing and forgiveness as we meet the challenges of each day. In the name of the Christ we pray.

Prayer to accompany Sermon on May 24th "ON BEHALF OF THESE AND THOSE"

Gracious and Ever living God, we give you thanks for your love and friendship revealed to us in every word Jesus uttered, every prayer he offered, every gesture, every touch and every expression on his face. He sought us out when we were lost and carried our spirits, like lambs in his loving arms, to safety. He told us the truth and challenged us to keep your word and commandments in our hearts. He prayed for us, asking that you would protect us when he was no longer in our company, and that we would be one as You and He are One. We confess, O Lord, that there are times when we get so caught up in the demands and desires calling to us from the world outside that we forget the true purpose of our connection with one another. Teach us to listen to your voice within us. Lead us in finding the wisdom of your good counsel and the better solutions that come with right thinking in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer to accompany sermon for May 17th "CHOICE FRIENDS"

Holy God, Eternal and Creating God, this is our prayer of praise, our prayer of thanks our prayer of confession and petition. We humbly thank you for your ever presence with us, your always willing forgiveness, your unwavering, never faltering patience and your endless love. We confess that we have not begun to fathom the depth of your love for humanity even as we ponder the life, death and resurrection of your beloved Son, Jesus. Let the realization of your immeasurable grace wash over us like rushing water cascading off a mountain side. Let us lift up our faces before you to be cleansed, refreshed and renewed as if reliving our baptism. We commend to you Amanda, Erik, Tristan, Juan and Summer who will make their faith commitment today. Dear Lord, we pray that they will ever be able and willing to embrace the faith they will proclaim. May they be every faith-full, hope-full, loving, blessed and connected. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Currently Reading "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

I didn't know what to expect, but the title intrigued me. This is a book that takes us (women) through all of the stages of our growing up as daughters trying to sort out our own independence, sisters trying to get along, and mothers coping, persevering and sometimes succumbing to the overwhelming demands of this life. In this incredible adventure we see the world through the eyes of Orleana, Rachel, Leah, Ada and Ruth. It really doesn't matter where they are geographically, although it adds greatly to the glorious color of this adventure, it is how they cope with what happens to them that looks so familiar.

Prayer to Accompany the Sermon for Mother's Day May 10th "God's Passion Fruit"

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.

Prayer for the Sermon on May 3rd "Recognition and Remembrance"

Dearest Lord, today we celebrate our being together in one service again. We greet the faces of those we have missed and extend a hand and open our hearts to those whose faces are new to us. Open our eyes to recognize and embrace the light of Christ shining in those who will affirm their faith and make their commitment to Christ’s church and this congregation this morning. Let us unabashedly celebrate the triumph of faith that is Mark Thallander and the glorious gift he shares with us in this time of worship. We pray that his music will continue to flow forth into the world. We thank you, God for all of the ways we can embrace your grace in sacrament, song and prayer, for the gift of renewed faith inspired or prayed for arriving often in the moment we least expect it. We thank you for the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper through which your most wonderful grace is mediated. And we thank you for the life, love, and sacrifice of Jesus who became for us the bridge across a great spiritual chasm. He took our stained hands and placed them in yours making them clean once again. Like the two on the Emmaus road let our hearts be strangely warmed in the miracle of the bread and the cup. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer For April 26th Sermon "Spiritual Alms"

Glorious God, you are our most wonderful counselor of truth, our constant compassionate companion, redeemer and friend. We breathe a great sigh of recognition and relief in those moments when we are tuned in to your most gracious presence. Indeed we pray for even greater awareness, believing that you are always at work helping us make the most of the gifts you have bestowed upon us. Let us use our individual gifts to better the world we live in. Let us offer them for the benefit of people we cannot see and may never know. Help us to understand that the measure of our success is not in the accolades we receive from our peers, or the awards we receive from our betters, or the approval we receive from our loved ones and friends. Let the measure of our success be the renewal we feel within ourselves and the knowledge that we have lived by your commandment to live by love. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

**IN THIS SERMON THE BOOK REFERENCE IS TO "THE SHACK" by William P. Young. It is a must read for anyone who needs to re-vision God and the meaning of Forgiveness!!! I listened to the book on CD and savored every word read to me by the narrator. It remains on my IPod so I can read it again--so to speak.

April 26, 2009

Prayer and Sermon for April 19, 2009 "Breathing Sessions"

Our Gracious Lord and Sovereign of the Universe, it is right and a good and joyful thing to give you thanks and praise on this glorious morning. Our Easter elation continues, as we experience a sense of rebirth and renewal through our remembrance and recollection of the resurrection event. Let us understand clearly, dearest Lord, that NOW we are called by the risen Christ to explore the ways we are to carry on his work; NOW is when we, like the disciples, are challenged to let go of notions of being ungifted, unworthy, or ill-equipped, to minister in Jesus’ name; NOW is the time for us to hear the whispers of the Christ encouraging us to let go of shyness, insecurity and fear; NOW is the time to accept his prodding and greet the stranger in our midst and NOW is the time to receive, to take a deep breath and believe. Amen.

Prayer For Easter Sermon April 12, 2009: "No Secret Here"

Wondrous God, today we celebrate life and hope, and are overjoyed at the surprise of the empty tomb. We are humbled and awed by what we believe is your promise fulfilled Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We must confess that had we been there on that early morning with Mary Magdalene and Salome and the other Mary, that we probably would have been as terrified as they were. But looking back in time, from our vantage point, we simply can’t hold back the smile of delight that this glorious morning brings. O how wondrously you dress your creation in the brilliant colors of spring the friendly yellows, the rich luxurious reds, the elegant oranges, the purist whites and blissful pinks. Even if we are unable to see the colors of earth’s adornments, their perfume fills the air. Dearest, Lord, You have seen to every detail and we are filled with gladness and relief. Most Holy God, on this day of days we confess anew our faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in your justifying grace. We promise to carry the glad tidings boldly and unabashedly our sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life. CHRIST IS RISEN ! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA! …...

MY EASTER LETTER TO ALL

Beloved,
We have raced through Mark’s hair-raising gospel as if we were on a scriptural roller -coaster ride wondering what we would witness next and before we know it, we are walking through Jericho on our way to Jerusalem. I have never been much of a mountain climber, and the distance from Jericho, which lies 846 feet below sea level , to Jerusalem is a daunting 17 miles uphill increasing in elevation on the way to 3400 feet. The route is exceedingly difficult and dangerous to travel, but it is the shortest route to Jerusalem. Even though we are looking back at the events of Holy Week through binoculars from 2000 years hence, we can see ourselves among those who follow. In these days, are we not walking among the disciples, among those who’s hearts are on fire with hope and a sense that their lives are about to change? Are we not climbing the dry as a bone, treacherous, craggy mountain pass as if toward the city of David? Are we not trekking with those longing for liberation, and renewal? And when we reach the peak and begin our descent into Jerusalem, are we not among those rejoicing as the new king is hailed, anointed and crowned, the long awaited messiah? The way is prepared, and we, with the Palm Sunday people are ready for salvation. Our vision of salvation, like the crowds and the disciples, is one of triumph and a restoration of former prosperity, security, health and wellbeing, but Jesus’ vision was and continues to be a different one. He taught us about love and sacrifice. He taught us that the key to our own redemption and the redemption of the world is to love mercifully and to live sacrificially unto our own transformation. This Jesus showed us how to be merciful forgiving those who could not forgive themselves and forgiving those who mocked him and tormented him as he was dying on the cross. He taught us the meaning of sacrifice offering his own life to redeem ours. And when we were grief stricken, thinking all was lost, he rose again. The promise of Easter morning comes when we, in the company of the women disciples, find the tomb empty! We hear with them the assurance that the risen one will see us again in Galilee. We have a choice, in that moment, to let this glorious Good News sing in our hearts, to let our mourning be turned into dancing, to be liberated, renewed and “YES” transformed to live the life that God intended for us all.

Happy Easter,

Rev. Amanda

Prayer for Palm Sunday "Trimph and Trouble" April 5, 2009

Glorious and most wonderful God we are grateful for your strong, enduring and patient presence. Remind us in our most fretful moments when we are caught up in fearing the worst that you are with us; your Spirit is ever moving in and through us wherever we are. We confess that when life catches us by surprise or we make a mistake we can get thrown off kilter spiritually. We have a tendency to spend an inordinate amount of time feeling guilty, or wronged, dumb or undervalued, filling our hearts with resentment toward those strangers or friends who have not appreciated us fully. Help us Dearest Lord, to get beyond our need to feel important and beyond requiring an engraved invitation to be a part of the shared ministry of Jesus Christ. As we enter this Holy Week, marvelous Redeemer, cause us to surrender our need for recognition, our desire to be chosen, selected, singled out as special, lifted up as one among the first. May this Holy Week bring us to the realization that, indeed you have continued to choose us and to love each and every one of us beyond even our wildest imagination. Humble us, O Lord. Strip us of our pride, our arrogance and our sense of entitlement in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

MARCH 29, 2009 Prayer for sermon: "None So Blind"

Wondrous and eternal God we lift our voices in praise thankful always for your love and grace. We confess that most of the minutes of our day are filled with tasks to be done, errands to be run, taxiing kids here and transporting stuff. Like the disciples we get caught up with things to do, and places to go, and people to see and miles to go before we sleep. Yes, dearest Lord, we can get pretty frantic , minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day barely stopping to take a breather. Help us in the days ahead to take the time to just be in the company of a friend or loved one with no agenda or distractions just taking time to be with each other. Or instead of looking at the magazines while we wait in line at the grocery story, let us ponder thoughtfully how we might pray for, or remember or be in touch with a church member we have been missing. Help us to see those in need around us, and help us get out of ourselves for a moment. Let us experience the spirit renewing power that comes from loving another. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer for "Disquiet in the Ranks" Sermon March 22, 2009

Loving Lord, we believe in our hearts that you know us truly. You listen closely to our every thought, our every curiosity, our every desire and our every need. We believe that your desire for us is to know joy and know it now, immediately, not at some far off time in the future. We believe that you intend for us to live abundantly with joy in abundance, love in abundance, peace in abundance and hope in abundance. Help us to recognize joy when it smiles upon us. Help us to embrace it surely when it tries to keep us company. Let us not smother hope, deny love, or curse peace. Let us not decide that because these gifts are born in the smile on someone else’s face that they are not meant to be ours. Let us embrace what is shared and treasure it in our hearts. Let us not be all the time fretters or worriers distracted and consumed by what tomorrow may or may not bring. Rather teach us to live in this moment, right now to be blessed in this moment and to be transformed by the glad companionship of our fellows in Christ Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for "Tough to Chew and Hard to Swallow" Sermon March 15, 2009

Loving Lord, you are ever around, before, and within us ever encouraging us toward holiness. Our desire is to become spiritually complete, wholly Christian in our every thought and action, but we are well aware that holiness is the destination on the journey of a lifetime. Help us to remember that it is better to be on our way to holiness than to imagine we have already arrived. As we explore our place in this world help us dearest Lord, to find your way when we blunder into unfamiliar territory. Guide our steps carefully and gently that we may find the place of common ground. Let us listen and learn and when we are given the opportunity give us gracious words to speak, words that echo your love and understanding for all people. In the morning of each new day we are grateful for the opportunity to offer you thanks and praise. Thank you we say in the name of the Christ. Amen.

Prayer for "Top Dogging" Sermon March 1, 2009

Our Sovereign God, we enter these forty days of Lent with our eyes, our hearts and our minds open and ready to receive your word and will for us. We know that the 40 days which Jesus spent in the wilderness transformed him and prepared him for all that was to come. May these 40 days transform us. May they be our boot camp as we prepare and train, and re-discover our spiritual gifts and servant skills once again. When we are done we will be strong and able, fearless and unfaltering, ready and renewed followers of Jesus. Help us to remember that in community we are not alone, left to our own devices. With your help we shall support one another, lift each other up, and not tear each other down. Let our attitudes be governed by love not ego. Let our service be offered by faith not favor. Realizing that our lives are to be lived in response to your wondrous grace, dear Lord, we pray to be energized in our work celebrating every opportunity we are given to glorify your most holy name. These things we pray in the name of the one who loved us beyond measure, our savior, redeemer and friend, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we come before you on this day of ashes as those who are about to be transformed. In these days of penitent self-examination we enter a kind of spiritual basic training. Like Moses on Mount Sinai and Jesus in the wilderness, these 40 days will be for us a time of challenge and self discovery. Help us, gracious Lord, to stay the course. We seek to revitalize our calling as responsive followers of your Christ. Let us not be distracted by worry or fear. Awaken us to be engaged fully and completely in the retraining and renewing of our hearts and minds. Let us not be thwarted by weakness or doubt. May our prayerful exercises strengthen our spiritual resolve to love with the heart of Jesus, to shine forth the light of the Christ in us, and to boldly proclaim without pause or embarrassment our faith, confidence and trust in you. Indeed we believe that with you and in you, O God, all things are possible. Hear our penitent prayer we beseech you in the name of the Christ 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.

Ash Wednesday February 25, 2009

ABOUT GIVING AND GIVING UP FOR LENT

The season of Lent is about looking at ourselves in a new mirror so to speak. God invites us to take another look at ourselves and our relationships most particularly with God. We are not compelled to make a list of the things we don’t like about ourselves or that need improvement, rather we embark on a journey of spiritual self discovery and renewal. Take a moment to write down on a card or a piece of paper a change in lifestyle, attitude, behavior or direction that might give you a new outlook on your life and your relationship with God. Write down whatever comes to mind first. Keep what you have written with you. Keep it close and use these 40 days of Lent to make it so.

Prayer for Sermon "How Did We Get Here?" February 22, 2009

Glorious God, your light shines around us with a brighter radiance when we are gathered together to give you thanks and to sing praises to your holy name. Admittedly, in these days, some of us feel as though we are climbing a huge mountain and we are tired and out of breath. It is an arduous climb, but we are hopeful that when we finally reach the summit we can stop for a rest, and drink in the sunshine of a new day. Remind us that we are walking in footprints left by the Christ who precedes us. Encourage our steps and steady our nerves. Let us realize, O Lord, at the end of a long day what contents us. Let us embrace it without hesitation. Whether that contentment is found in the faces of our children, our mates, our grandchildren, our dear friends or our pets let us relish the blessing of their presence in our lives. When we close our eyes to sleep, clear our cluttered minds, we pray. Let us be at peace in our dreams so we are made strong again for tomorrow. All this we ask in the name of the Christ. Amen.

12th Annual Gloden Wed's Celebration 2009

February 15, 2009

February 8, 2009

February 1, 2009 "Deeds of Renowned"

Mark’s story in Chapter 1 verses 21-28 tells a story of Jesus visit to the synagogue in Capernaum with his new recruits Simon, Andrew, James and John. There is no discussion whether the 4 fishermen were regular attendees of Sabbath services at the synagogue, however Jesus was. Many focus on Mark’s dramatic account of Jesus healing a man of an unclean spirit. But this story is so much more….There are no magic wands or incantations, no gyrations or formulaic prophetic expressions spoken like: “Thus says the Lord.” First the unclean spirit interrupts and confronts Jesus saying: “I know who you are, the Holy One of God” as if calling him out to a duel. This is High Noon in the synagogue. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness in training to combat the forces of evil with which he will butt heads, as it were, throughout Mark’s gospel. In these 2 verses (25 and 26), Mark’s Jesus shows us just how ready he is!

January 25, 2009 "Discipleship Is A Team Sport"

Glorious God, for better or worse we have followed the lead and direction of numerous people in our lives. Whether, parents or siblings, close friends, teachers or mentors, even celebrities, we emulated and even idolized them. We lingered close and followed in order to learn from them or to achieve some status, gain some privilege or bolster our self esteem. When disappointed or disillusioned by their humanness we might have felt lost or betrayed. Remind us Almighty God that even the hard lessons learned in this life are of great value. As those who have decided to follow Jesus, help us to understand that we follow not blindly, but with our eyes, our hearts and our minds wide open. We confess not always being mindful of what we might be asked to sacrifice as Jesus’ disciples. Even so we follow trusting that the journey builds spiritual muscle preparing us well for all that lies ahead. Amen.

The Burrning Heart

The burning heart refers is to John Wesley’s testament about the burning heart being what drives us toward holy living and sanctification. When I searched the Internet I found that the band known as Survivor wrote the theme song for Rocky IV back in 1985 and called it the Burning Heart. Although the majority of the Lyrics are more in line with the combative aspects of the Rocky Films the refrain reads as follows:
In the burning heart - just about to burst,
There’s a quest for answers, an unquenchable thirst,
In the darkest night - rising like a spire,
In the burning heart - the unmistakable fire.*

I don’t claim to have the answers to life’s questions, I simply invite you to accompany me on the quest and we can drink from the fountain of scripture together.

Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr