March 29, 2015 PASSION SUNDAY "COME TOUCH THE ROBE"

A LENTEN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath.
We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life.
We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes.
This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks God’s truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof
of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong,
and through which we are called to serve and to make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Sovereign God, Master of all and Creator of the Universe we make many entrances in this life, and many of them mark significant days in our lifetime. We enter the world on the day we are born. We enter the world of learning, on our first day of school. When we find our course we enter into careers and callings. When we fall in love we enter into covenants and commitments. And many of us ready or not will enter into the sometimes joyous, sometimes grievous commitment of parenting. At the end of our days upon this earth we shall soar making another kind of entrance altogether into your glorious company. In the meantime, merciful God, we acknowledge and proclaim that the most important entrance we have made is the entrance into a lifelong relationship with Jesus. We trusted then that divine company would walk with us and bless us all our days. This morning, remind us that as Jesus’ disciples, we are called to accompany him into and through the days of his passion. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The Palm Crosses you will receive at the end of the service today are made by villagers near Masasi, Tanzania, Africa. By weaving crosses and totes from palm leaves they earn wages to support their families. All proceeds from the sale of palm products fund basic humanitarian aid projects in Africa. The significance of the palm cross is linked to the church’s long standing tradition of burning the dried up palm leaves to use as ashes for Ash Wednesday, and offers us a connection to a kind of spiritual continuum throughout the church year. As the palm ashes are imposed upon our brows we are reminded of our mortality and thus enter, appropriately, the season of Lent. You will be invited to adorn yourselves with the ashes from these palm leaves on February 10, 2016.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we thank you for each and every one of life’s blessings. Remind us this week that the presence of the Christ in our lives is the greatest blessing of all. Give us the courage and will to go the distance with him during this final week of the Lenten season. As we walk with him as his disciples, we commit our hearts to ministering in his name. Bless these gifts to be a transforming witness, bringing your light, comfort, healing, and strength to those who walk in darkness. Remind us always that we reflect your presence in our lives through our gifts as well as our work. Amen.

WE FORGET PASSOVER IS A CELEBRATION OF LIBERATION!

LOVE THIS VIDEO BY THE ISRAEL PROJECT!

WATCH: Funky Passover! You'll love this hilarious Passover-themed parody of “Uptown Funk,” the massive Mark Ronson song with Bruno Mars. BY: Jewish a cappella group Six13

Posted by The Israel Project on Friday, March 27, 2015

March 22, 2015 DESPISED AND REJECTED --WAS THAT THE PLAN?

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR LENT
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath.
We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who
never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life. We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks God’s truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof
of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong, and through which we are called to serve and to make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Lord, you are our strength and our salvation, a very present help in times of trouble. But you are also there to dance with us in our triumph, and celebrate the glad moments of our lives. When we are confronted with challenges that seem insurmountable, open our eyes to the helpers all around us, who have gifts, experience and insights to get us over the hurdles. Comfort us beyond dashed hopes and teach us prayers of possibility. Let us not fall into despair because of our lacks and shortcomings, our folly or our ignorance. Wrap us in your merciful, loving arms and show us how to forgive others and ourselves. When we are caught up short; when we find ourselves getting impatient, pour your spirit of calm over us. Wash away the shadowy darkness that lingers after an insult. Let us perceive in our hearts and minds what is the way of the Christ and live into it. All this we pray in his most holy name. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
I learned a great deal this week from my accountant about the bottom line. It can refer to the essential or salient point, the crux of matter and is primary or most important consideration. When it comes to finance the bottom line refers to the net profit or loss. In our capitalist economy and democratic society, we understand that one’s gross income is not the bottom line. We pay tribute to the government of these United States for the privilege of living here. We live our daily lives on what remains after the tribute is paid. The lesson I learned had to do with the many and varied tributes that can and will be exacted from individual citizens who accumulate assets and seek to liquidate them. Just a couple of months ago a friend told me that she made more money in her retirement than she did when she was working. That seems topsy-turvy to me. The offering I make to my church, will not nullify the tribute expected by the US treasury, but it can put a dent in it.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise, understanding that they are instruments of goodwill. Let these gifts proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard it, whether in word or deed. As we labor side by side we offer our hearts and our hands to lead the lost out of darkness, to touch the untouchable and to heal those wounded by the world. Empower us to build ministries that transform and restore the souls of your people, giving glory to Christ’s name in everything. Amen.

March 15, 2015 "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR LENT
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life.
We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes.
This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks God’s truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof
of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong,
and through which we are called to serve and to make a difference in God’s world.
OFFERING INVITATION
I ‘m spiffing-up a house to sell, painting it inside and out and putting in new light fixtures. It was built in 1958 so it is now 57 years old….older than this sanctuary. I remember trying to convince a congregation I once served to spiff-up the church. They resisted the facelift, saying that the church looked just fine the way it was. It was beige and brown, with cracked leather cushions on the old used theater seats. The carpet was brown. Everything was brown. Well, that’s what I saw. It was like pulling teeth, but we did it and the church looked so much nicer and more inviting, but that was nearly 20 years ago now and nothing more has been done. I am grateful to those of you who shared what you saw needed spiffing-up in our recent church survey. There is much to be done. We have an extensive spiffing-up list in the most recent newsletter. If you look up you will see the number of lights that are out in the sanctuary. We don’t plan on replacing the burned out bulbs, rather we are replacing all of them. Doing that requires a cherry picker and some nimble electricians. If this is your church home for a few Sundays, a few months or always, the spiffing-up is for you and for those who will come after you. Please give generously.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise, understanding that they are instruments of goodwill. Let these gifts proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard it, whether in word or deed. As we labor side by side we offer our hearts and our hands to lead the lost out of darkness, to touch the untouchable and to heal those wounded by the world. Empower us to build ministries that transform and restore the souls of your people, giving glory to Christ’s name in everything. Amen.

March 8, 2015 "NOT TO CONDEMN"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR LENT
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath.
We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who
never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life.
We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes.
This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks God’s truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof
of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong,
and through which we are called to serve and to make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, our most Gracious Redeemer, your kindness to all generations has inspired people from all walks of life to compose great music, hymns and poetry. One poet wrote, “What was said to the rose that made it open, was said to me here in my church.” Let us realize, the words that can open our hearts may flow from scripture, or from the mouth of one who speaks words of love, acceptance and welcome. When we truthfully and faithfully ponder all that you have revealed to us in Jesus Christ, we are called to open ourselves, like the rose, blooming fully and brilliantly. When our spirits grow parched and dry with living in this world, renew us by the water of our baptism, which gives us life, and replenishes our thirsty souls. Lead us, loving Lord in paths of willingness, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
How often have you used the expression “God willing?” “I’ll be there on time, God willing.” “Tomorrow I should have enough to pay the mortgage, God willing.” Some people add that bit about the creek or crick: “Lord willing and the crick don’t rise.” However we say it, it means: I’ll be there if all goes well. There is always the possibility that even the best laid plans will be derailed. If it turns out that we aren’t on time after all, is God to blame? If we don’t have enough to make the mortgage payment, is it God’s fault? This is what is true; God is always willing: willing to be merciful, willing to love and be loved, willing to forgive our wrongs, willing to lift us up, willing to empower us, willing to entrust the earth and all that is in it, to our care, and willing to give his life for us. How can we humans respond to such a willing God?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise, understanding that they are instruments of goodwill. Let these gifts proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard it, whether in word or deed. As we labor side by side we offer our hearts and our hands to lead the lost out of darkness, to touch the untouchable and to heal those wounded by the world. Empower us to build ministries that transform and restore the souls of your people, giving glory to Christ’s name in everything. Amen.

March Newsletter Article "RECONCILIATION"

Offerings Off the Wall: "RECONCILIATION"

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting our trespasses against us, and entrusting the message of reconciliation TO us."
(2 Corinthians 5:18-19 -- taking some license with the pronouns)

LENT is a season during which people think they ought to just give up a personal bad habit - for 6 weeks anyway. But Lent is so much more than that. It is meant to be a time of self-reflection and reconciliation.
Reconciliation is an interesting word. Secular synonyms are "understanding, reunion, compromise, resolution, settlement, appeasement, cease-fire" (I like that one best). The Greek word which Paul uses in his letter to the Corinthians above is καταλλαγή --pronounced - katal-la-gay. Its first definition, in Thayer's Greek Dictionary, refers to reconciliation as belonging to the business of money changers. It is about exchanging equivalent values. The second definition refers to an adjustment of a difference, a restoration to favor. Reconciliation involves the
restoration of God's favor to sinners who repent and put their trust in the atoning death of Christ. For Paul, Katallagé (reconciliation) is about restoring
relationships. This is exactly what Mark's Jesus was saying when he proclaimed from the first: "The kingdom of God has come near; repent (turn to God--turn back to God) and believe in the Good News (or believe in the gospel)."
In 2011 we proclaimed to all the world that we were a Reconciling Congregation, and we were proud of that declaration. Our intention was to be a fully inclusive congregation inviting LGBTQ brothers and sisters from all walks of life, sexual orientations and identities to be openly part of this body of Christ. The unspoken part of that declaration was our willing and public apology as a body of Christ for having excluded our LGBTQ brothers and sisters from recognition, and full inclusion in the body.
I know many have argued, and will continue to argue, that ignoring a person's, color, age, orientation, identity, ability or infirmity is a way of respecting their privacy. But do humans really come to worship in a church in order to be invisible? The whole world was grateful to Bob Hope for making fun of his large proboscis (nose) and the same went for Phyllis Diller's self-deprecating humor over her quirky looks and hair. During her Oscar performance Lady Gaga revealed a whole new self to the world as she sang, so beautifully, songs from the Sound of Music, to standing applause, and even more importantly, the delight of Julie Andrews.
The bottom line of this rambling article is this: God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. If we cannot mend relationships between ourselves how can we be messengers of reconciliation to a broken and hurting world.
Please take what is left of this Lenten season to work on your relationships with each other. Let go of your pride, your sense of personal insult or injury over things that are relatively small given the brokenness of our world. Further, if you feel dismissed, discounted by me or any other brother or sister in the church, seek to be reconciled with me or them, please.
People who needed Jesus' help came to him. They walked miles bearing their need, whether it was for personal healing, or assistance in settling disputes between siblings, or learning how to pray. They called out to him from the roadside; they followed him into barren places; they ran after him in the streets, and sought him out at dinner parties, because they felt they had need of him. If Jesus had a cell phone, he would have needed one of those "Mophies" just to keep it charged.
The role of the church pastor involves preaching, teaching, pastoral care, administration and evangelism. It is hard on one individual, in a growing church, to keep up with the demands of each of these pastoral duties. If you have a need, I ask you to call me. I will make time to come and see you, to be with you, to pray with you, and for you, and bring you communion if that is your desire. I will make time to meet with you at the office, if you prefer that. If you need help urgently, right now, I will do my utmost to respond in a timely manner. If you need help being reconciled with a member of the church, I want to be of help, but I cannot help if I don't know your need. If you think I ought to reach out to you on a weekly basis, let me know, and I will schedule regular phone calls to you, just let me know when. There are 211 souls, give or take, in my charge, and my radar -- although pretty strong -- cannot read people's thoughts.
During this Lenten season let us all invest ourselves in being reconciled to each other. CALL ME!!

Blessings,
Rev. Amanda

March 1, 2015 "HEALING WOMEN"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR LENT
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life. We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret, carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks God’s truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed, and we become living proof
of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong, and through which we are called to serve and to make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Lord, Our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth. All of the descriptors we utilize, from Gracious Creator to Sovereign of the Universe, cannot begin to describe you or the wonder of your deeds. The psalmist asked what we humans were that you were mindful of us—that you care for us. His song confesses his amazement that you, O Lord, have made humans a little lower than yourself and crowned us with glory and honor. We are humbled by your attentiveness and grateful for your intervention. Help us turn and turn again to you, placing our trust in your wisdom and good sense. Guide us in paths of healing and reconciliation, when our egos are bruised or we feel misunderstood. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
One of my favorite S & G songs from 1969 is “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” It is a song of willing selflessness: “I’m on your side, I’ll take your part, If you need a friend, like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down.” Years later in 1985, Sting wrote the song “Fortress Around Your Heart” the chorus of which goes: “And if I built this fortress around your heart, encircled you in trenches and barbed wire; then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm, and let me set the battlements on fire.” The season of Lent is a time of mending, bridging and rebuilding, whether we are working to bridge the chasm between ourselves and our Lord, or whether we are working to mend and rebuild the battered relationships between ourselves. We cannot wait for God or the other person to take the first step or to make the first move. We know where the troubled waters are; instead of butting heads, let’s join hands and become the bridge.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise, understanding that they are instruments of goodwill. Let these gifts proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard it, whether in word or deed. As we labor side by side we offer our hearts and our hands to lead the lost out of darkness, to touch the untouchable and to heal those wounded by the world. Empower us to build ministries that transform and restore the souls of your people, giving glory to Christ’s name in everything. Amen.

February 22, 2015 "A NEW DAY WITH A DIFFERENT WAY"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR LENT
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath.
We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who
never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to walk among us, reaching out to love us into new life.
We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret carrying these to the cross, where he gave his own life for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that the Christ triumphed over death and will come to us again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks a passionate truth to all people, in every language.
Embracing the Holy Spirit, our hearts are warmed and we become living proof of God’s transforming presence.
We believe in the church, the body of Christ to which we belong, and through which we are called to serve and make a difference in God’s world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Merciful God, we come humbly into your presence on this first Sunday of Lent, understanding that our spiritual lives are in need of attention. We confess that we allow the myriad of demands placed on our time to draw us away from attending to our faith. By the end of the day we are often too worn out to be attentive to the holy ordinances, which offer us an opportunity to commune with you. Lead us to comprehend that a few minutes in faithful reflection will do our souls more good than a few minutes watching the television news. Lord, help us, also to re-order our priorities. Show us the way to change just one habit in this Lenten season. Open our eyes and hearts to see the bigger picture. Let us hear the voice of Jesus calling us in from the sidelines, we are not meant to be onlookers, kibitzers, or analysts, rather we are members of Jesus’ team tasked with making an opening for God’s kingdom come. May our team spirit flourish in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise understanding that they are instruments of goodwill. Let these gifts proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard it, whether in word or deed. As we labor side by side we offer our hearts and our hands to lead the lost out of darkness, to touch the untouchable and to heal those wounded by the world. Empower us to build ministries that transform and restore the souls of your people giving glory to Christ’s name in everything. Amen.

February 15, 2015 "LEAVING LEGACIES"

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR ALL SEASONS
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, God with us, baptized and revealed the most beloved Son of God; he sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself, suffering for us and dying for our sakes.
God raised Jesus from the dead and in so doing, God made it clear to all the world that God can and will make all things new.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, continually poured forth from God to refresh our lives. It is the Holy Spirit who leads us into a new day, renewing our faith, transforming us in mission and revitalizing the church. The Holy Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of God’s ever-presence, and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Radiant and Shining God of all grace and mercy, this is destined to be a day of transformation and change. We may not see in a flash of light, or a moment of revelation the transformation that takes place with in us, but we accept and embrace your spirit at work moving us ever onward. We confess that we seek to plan how the days of our lives will unfold. We are dreamers who envision, better days, happier days, healthier days, even days of leisure and calm. Help us, wondrous and loving Abba, Father to find the joy that is ours in this day. We pray not to take one moment of this day for granted, for you have much for us to discover. Let us make our commitment today to love, honor and cherish, all who find their way into our hearts. Give new life to the promises we have made and empower us to be true in Jesus name. Amen.

AN ORDER OF THE RENEWAL OF COVENANT VOWS
Greeting and Invitation
Friends, February seems a good month for remembering how we love, honor and cherish our spouses, partners, lovers, life-companions and friends. If you would like to reaffirm your covenant commitment to each other today, I invite you to be a part of this ritual. Whether you have been in a relationship for one year or seventy years, saying you would do it all over again is an act of loving, honoring and cherishing each other still and once again.
Renewal of Vows
My Dearest _____________, I pledge my heart to you, still and again, promising to love, honor and cherish you, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. As long as I am able, I will strive to give as well as receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond. I promise to love you and be loyal to you through all of the changing circumstances of life, as long as we both shall live.
The Blessing
Gracious and Ever-living God, pour out your blessing upon these dear ones who have stood before you this morning to reaffirm their covenant commitment to one another. We pray that you will continue to nurture them by your steadfast love and grace, strengthening their partnership. May their union continue to bring joy and comfort through all the days of their life. Remind them daily, O Lord, that the measure of their success is not found in the number of years they log together, but in their eagerness to bless and be blessed by each other and their commitment. May their love remain hearty and strong, preserved by their faith and trust, both in you and in each other. May they continue to discover fresh ways to be in love as joyful servants in your kingdom. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Language, to me is fascinating. I love words and how the slightest nuance in one’s voice can change the intention of the words. Even words that consist of a single letter such as the article “a” have the power to change the meaning of the words around it. For example, there is a vast difference between the two phrases “making change” and “making a change.” Kids who work behind a cash register these days are not particularly adept at making change, relying on the cash register to do the work. They fumble a lot when the registers are “down” and they have to make change manually. Some of us fumble a lot when we are encouraged to make a change in the amount we tithe to the church, but if you have been giving the same amount for the past 5, 10 or 20 years, even the slightest adjustment on your part will help us make a change or two.