August 16, 2015 Sermon # 4 "ABOUT THE WORDS"

ALOHA KE AKUA

AN AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe that GOD the creator of the universe, our loving ABBA Father breathed life into us,
and we give thanks for GOD’S abundant and unfailing grace.
We believe that Jesus, though he was equal with GOD, emptied himself, for our sakes,
becoming one like us. Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts,
and his name is ever on our lips.
When he was crucified, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness. GOD raised him from the dead
inviting everyone to accept the promise of eternal life in JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus promised that we would never be alone. We believe the HOLY SPIRIT is the companion he promised,
our counselor of truth, and advocate. We listen for the SPIRIT’S voice speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
As CHRIST’S body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our worship of the ABBA Father, the Son, and The HOLY SPIRIT.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in heart, body and mind ministering to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Loving LORD, we stand in awe of you and of your creation as we try to fathom the infinite nature of your universe. Even if we may have never heard the still small voice Elijah heard in the wilderness, the sights and sounds that surround us, speak to us clearly of your presence. These words are as vibrant and brilliant as they are peaceful and subdued. The mountains shout forth of your majesty; the rough places declare your complexity; the plains speak of your fairness, and the pastures whisper to us of your mercy and compassion for all. Revitalize us, and enliven our spirits with your words, as you spoke through your prophets and again in the life of Jesus Christ. Your wondrous words echo down through the centuries emanating from the hearts, minds and mouths of the faithful who worship you in Christ’s name. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Ke Akua means God. Because God is affection, peace, compassion and mercy, God is Aloha. On Friday March 13, 1959 Rev. Abraham Akaka wrote in his Hawaii Statehood Address: “We do not understand the meaning of Aloha until we realize its foundation in the power of God at work in the world. Since the coming of our missionaries in 1820, the name for God to our people has been Aloha. One of the first sentences I learned in my childhood was from Holy Scripture: "Aloha ke Akua" - in other words, "God is Aloha." Aloha is the power of God seeking to unite what is separated in the world - the power that unites heart with heart, soul with soul, life with life, culture with culture, race with race, nation with nation. Aloha is the power that can reunite us when quarrels separate us. Aloha can reunite us with ourselves when we have become separated from the image of God within.”
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, we will never drive anyone away. Let this church always be sanctuary for all, exuding a spirit of Aloha, welcome and acceptance. Show us the way to “feed your lambs, and tend and feed your sheep, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take our church family and church home for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you gracious God, we give thanks for all that you have given us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

August 9, 2015 Sermon # 3 "ABOUT THE BODY"

AN AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe that GOD the creator of the universe, our loving ABBA Father breathed life into us, and we give thanks for GOD’S abundant and unfailing grace.
We believe that Jesus, though he was equal with GOD, emptied himself, for our sakes,
becoming one like us. Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts,
and his name is ever on our lips.
When he was crucified, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness. GOD raised him from the dead
inviting everyone to accept the promise of eternal life in JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus promised that we would never be alone. We believe the HOLY SPIRIT is the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We listen for the SPIRIT’S voice speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
As CHRIST’S body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our worship of the ABBA Father, the Son and The HOLY SPIRIT.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in heart, body and mind ministering to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Gracious LORD, for many children, this is the week they head “back to school.” We remember, ourselves that every first day of school is a challenge full of new experiences, whether the student knows their school well or not. We confess that we had some nervous first days, and were always grateful to find a friend. Be with our children, guide them and hold them close. May they sense your presence with them through all of the days of their learning whether they are in elementary school, middle school, high school or college. Let learning be, for all of them, a joyous adventure. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OFFERING INVITATION
We had 22 youngsters participate in VBS this past week plus 31 youth and adults. We all had a really good time, even the kids. The G-Force theme had us on the move each day, learning about God’s love in Action and how God’s universe is always in motion. It was a good balance of learning, playing, singing, and making memories with enthusiastic, involved children of all ages. Your tithes and offerings make it possible for us to offer Vacation Bible School free to any child who wants to be a part of it. You are the G-Force! And we are Unstoppable!
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on the gifts we offer, upon the members of this congregation, and upon our children who are gifts you have placed in our care. May the gifts we offer the church help us attend to and love our children. We pray your blessing upon them as they venture off to school and college to become their own persons. Fill us with gladness for them. We pray never to take our church family and this place of worship for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life giving. To you gracious God we give thanks for t all that you have given us. May we continue to thrive and grow and mature as the body of Christ in the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

August 2, 2015 "ABOUT THE BREAD"

A NEW AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God our most Gracious Creator, we give you thanks for the days you grant us of life upon this earth. Through the years we will and do experience joy, laughter, and triumph coupled with the sorrow, which accompanies loss. When we dare to embrace the full range of human emotions, we discover who we cherish and what we treasure. We confess our aversion to the pain of grief, but realize that the remembering helps us call up the faces of those we keep ever close in our hearts. Isolating ourselves from the world, will not keep pain and sorrow from knocking on our door, but trusting in your presence and unfailing friendship can help us greet tomorrow. Bless us today, O LORD, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
“Abstract thinking is the final most complex stage in the development of cognitive thinking.” We no longer make decisions based on our experiences, rather our thinking is characterized by adaptability, flexibility and the use of concepts and generalizations. Abstract thinking helps us look at the big picture and problem solve. I have some very lovely friends who cling to the concrete and literal, and less to abstract concepts. When I share dreams and big ideas, often the expression on their face becomes one big question mark, a distant blank stare, or a raised eyebrow, that screams doubt wondering just what out-of-control notion I am hatching now. There are moments when It seems as if I am speaking a foreign language. I think Jesus may have had like experiences and that may be the very reason he started using the phrase: “Very truly I tell you,” when he saw those blank stares and distant looks coming his way.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious and loving God, we are moved by the praise filled voices of those singing all around us. Our hearts are warmed, and our spirits quickened. Recognizing that every blessing we have is a gift from you, we humbly acknowledge your bounty. You have placed your trust in our willingness to share what we have with others, so that all may come to know the bounty to be found in Christ Jesus. We believe that no gift given in love is small, and all gifts sustain the church and its ministries. May our church live on as a vital, and magnetic presence for all those who come after us. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.