August 28, 2017
Newsletter Article September 2017
INTIMATES
We met for the first time in September 2005 and I thank God, every day for my dear friend, the Rev. Dr. Kathy Middle, for introducing us. She died six years ago today.
I am told that when we are kids, a week seems like a year, and as we age a year seems like a week. Time has flown by and yet we have accomplished many things in our time together as Pastor and congregation. Even though some experts have written that pastoring in the future, of churches that are growing will be more CEOish, (concerned with administrative matters and able to herd a large staff), I believe that establishing intimate relationships will never go out of vogue.
I am certain some Methodist fundamentalist’s hair has curled at my use of the word intimate, but I am convinced that Jesus’ relationships with his disciples were most certainly intimate relationships. One can’t spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with folks and not know them intimately. By the way, the word intimate (verb, noun or adjective) comes from the Latin “intimatus” meaning closely acquainted, very familiar. It also means intrinsic or inmost, which might explain why women’s undergarments are called intimates – but I digress.
When I was in Seminary one of my fellow students, said: “You’d make a great hospital chaplain.” They assumed that my familiarity with sick patients in hospitals would keep me from swooning when I was confronted with tubes, and machines and more. I realized myself, in very short order, that I would be a terrible hospital chaplain. I am an ICU nurse, and if the person I am praying for is in trouble, I’ll drop the prayer, and go into nurse mode. It’s who I am.
During my one and only interview with the Cal-Pac Board of Ordained Ministry in 2011, someone intimated that it was time I decided whether I was a nurse or a pastor. In other words, she expected me to choose one or the other profession to practice. How very silly she was to tell me that!! The truth is, I am both a nurse and a pastor, and will always be both. If not for my skills as a nurse, some church members would not have received much needed assistance in a time of crisis. Yes, I have cleaned up soiled church members, tended to wounded ones and helped caregivers understand how to utilize the medications that the in-a-hurry-Hospice-people “dropped off.” I have counseled any number of church members about how to converse with their doctors regarding their symptoms, as well as helped them understand what their medications are for. I have given folks special diet resources, and counseled others about the misuse of over the counter medications. This kind of intimacy is born of a mutual trust.
If not for the intimacy we share as pastor and congregation, you would be hesitant to ask me for help, or tell me what’s on your mind, confront me about a problem, or one of my numerous missteps. Because we are intimates you offer your help and expertise in the administration of the church. Have you noticed, “parking lot politics” have all but disappeared and I think that’s because over the past eleven years we have become intimates.
God Bless you!
Rev. Amanda
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=intimate
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
August 27, 2017 "BE TRANSFORMED"
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, as the desert summer season draws toward its close, the busy-ness of our lives is already ramping up. Kids return to school, and the easy traffic patterns of July and August already seem to have become more hurried and congested. Soon it will be harder to get a table at our favorite eatery. And too, we await the return of our brothers and sisters who have been traveling, or spending the summer in cooler climes. We have felt their absence from the body, and look forward to their return. Watch over us all gracious God in this year of transition and change. Keep strong in the Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
When God went walking in the garden of Eden, in the cool of the day, hoping to spend some quality time with Adam and Eve, God called out: “Where are you?” Adam and Eve were hiding behind a rock because they had done the very thing God had instructed them not to do. They had tasted of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was an eye-opening experience resulting in their immediate sense of embarrassment as they noticed they weren’t wearing any clothes. One might be temped to conclude that the first knowledge dispensed by the notorious tree, had to do with appropriate attire in Eden. Genesis 3:21 attests to God’s preference for the utility and look of leather, rather than fig leaves, and so fashioned leather garments for the couple to wear. Even though God booted Adam and Eve out of Eden, their ability to learn, to become knowledgeable, and therefore to be transformed was not taken from them. Let’s never forget what we have been allowed to keep.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
August 20, 2017 'PERSISTENCE MATTERS"
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most loving and patient God, some of us here today can say we have been regulars in church since the 1950s. Many of us remember those years as a time when families flourished and churches were filled to overflowing every Sunday. We remember too that it was a time of startling growth and radical change that challenged societal mores, educational institutions, household patterns and even international relationships. Matthew reminds us today that Jesus and his disciples were similarly challenged, to rethink some of their preconceived ideas. Teach us, O LORD, to listen to both sides of any story. Humbling ourselves before you, all this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Scraps can be a noun, a verb and even the name of one of L Frank Baum’s Ozzian characters. Scrap, the noun, has synonyms like fragment, piece, bit, crumb, snippet, shred; essentially the left over, or discarded parts of the whole. Scrap is the term used for metal remnants taken to Scrap Yards. When you scrap something, you have decided to get rid of it or terminate it. “We’d better scrap that idea.” Scraps was the name of L. Frank Baum’s Patchwork Girl who became a companion of the Scarecrow. And scraps of grace are what the Canaanite woman was willing to receive from Jesus, believing that even the leftover crumbs he might offer would be sufficient to heal her daughter. Witnessing not only her persistent humility, but her faith in a total stranger, Jesus eyes were opened. Whether we give to the church our scraps or our bounty, we receive grace in abundance always.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
August 13, 2017 " WHO DO YOU TRUST"
We believe in God the creator of the universe, and loving Abba Father who breathed life into us and gave the earth into our care.
We believe that Jesus is the incarnate word of God, messiah and man,
who lived and died for our sakes.
When Jesus was crucified, he spoke words of forgiveness just before his death.
God raised him from the dead as promised calling all who follow to believe in the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts, and his name is ever on our lips.
This loving savior promised we would not be left orphaned and alone. We receive the Holy Spirit as the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We believe that the Spirit speaks the language of redemption to our souls.
As the church, Christ’s body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our unfettered 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 in Jesus’ name to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, let us for a moment marvel at your constancy, your undying affection for humanity, and your unwavering patience. As members of the human race, we must confess that we have not held up our part of the covenant, serving as proper caretakers of the planet on which we dwell. We feel, at times, that some members of the human race are runaway rebels and rogues, out to take what they can for themselves, before someone else takes it. Oh, most loving and compassionate God, when we are skittish about putting our whole trust in you, allay our anxiety, inspire us with purpose, and let Christ reign supreme in our hearts. Clothed in the Christ, may we stand strong for the sake of the earth and all her creatures. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Before Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show, he hosted the game show “Who Do you Trust?” from 1957-1962. Originally named “Do You Trust your Wife,” contestants were couples vying for the $500 prize and a chance at the “bonus round.” Quiz questions were about sports, current events, history, etc.. The husband was asked if he would like to answer the question or if he trusted his wife to answer it. It was the 50s. In 1962 Johnny moved with his side kick, Ed McMahon to The Tonight Show and they continued working side by side for the next 30 years. McMahon’s natural gregariousness was the counterpoint to Carson’s shyness. What was the key to their success? Do you suppose it trust or faith? Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something. Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. The well-being of Christ’s Church in the world depends a great deal upon the trust and faith of those who attend her.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
August 6, 2017 "A MAN OF SORROWS AND ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF"
We believe in God the creator of the universe, and loving Abba Father who breathed life into us and gave the earth into our care.
We believe that Jesus is the incarnate word of God, messiah and man,
who lived and died for our sakes.
When Jesus was crucified, he spoke words of forgiveness just before his death.
God raised him from the dead as promised calling all who follow to believe in the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts, and his name is ever on our lips.
This loving savior promised we would not be left orphaned and alone. We receive the Holy Spirit as the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We believe that the Spirit speaks the language of redemption to our souls.
As the church, Christ’s body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our unfettered 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 in Jesus’ name to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everliving God, creator of the universe, we stand in awe of your creation and give thanks for the natural resources of this world. Create in us a consciousness of conservation as stewards of the very ground under our feet. Your covenants made with humankind throughout the centuries have been your declaration of love, commitment and friendship. We seek to remember them always. But it was the irrepressible message of your beloved son, his undaunted spirit, his openness to all people and his sacrificial heart that claimed us, calling each and every one of us to be his disciples. His words, his experiences, even the challenges he faced day after day, inspire us to carry on doing the work of the gospel. Empower us by your most Holy Spirit to reveal the Christ within us as long as we have life and breath. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
In May, I attended a pre-retirement retreat for pastors. The leader of the workshop, Keith Lawrence, recommended that we start practicing now for the time when we would no longer be engaged in full-time work. During the two day retreat we started making a list of things we were anxious to do and see. One of the most profound things Keith advised us to do was to identify our 2 o’clock in the morning friends, those truest of true friends (not children or spouses) who wouldn’t hesitate to answer the door or the phone in the middle of the night. In his recommendation I heard a call not only to recruit such friends, but to be someone’s 2 o’clock in the morning friend. There are friendships within this congregation which have blossomed and evolved into 2 o’clock in the morning friendships. I have seen your willing presence in the lives of your friends. It reflects the love of God and is a testament to your faith. I pray that you will continue to show the rest of us how it’s done.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
July 30, 2017 "WHAT'S YOUR STORY?"
We believe in God the creator of the universe, and loving Abba Father who breathed life into us and gave the earth into our care.
We believe that Jesus is the incarnate word of God, messiah and man,
who lived and died for our sakes.
When Jesus was crucified, he spoke words of forgiveness just before his death.
God raised him from the dead as promised calling all who follow to believe in the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts, and his name is ever on our lips.
This loving savior promised we would not be left orphaned and alone. We receive the Holy Spirit as the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We believe that the Spirit speaks the language of redemption to our souls.
As the church, Christ’s body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our unfettered 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 in Jesus’ name to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Loving and Gracious God, we are awed by the wonders of this planet and all that it provides for the well-being and sustaining of its inhabitants. Pour out your wisdom upon the peoples who dwell upn this earth, and remind us to keep her best interests at heart, always. All too often we think that the acts of one individual don’t make a great deal of difference in the great scheme of things. Help us to remember the individuals whose singular laudable acts have influenced us. Let this congregation be like that mustard seed that grew into a huge tree large enough that the birds of the air could make nests in her branches. Let us be like the yeast sown in three measures of flour, invisible, but ever expanding and growing reaching the fullness of its potential. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Are any of you gifted with a green thumb? We admire people’s ability to plant beautiful flowers and plants that grow and flourish attributing their success to some special, almost magical ability, when, in fact, their success is due to their attentiveness and care. They work at it. I used to marvel at my grandmother’s summer garden. It was a labor of love. Many of us view our bodies as if they were gardens to be cultivated, working to keep them strong, healthy and beautiful. But I wonder how many of us would view our spiritual selves as gardens to be tended to and cared for. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God as a seed that grows, as yeast that rises. If the kingdom of God is to grow and flourish within us, we must give care and attention to our spiritual selves, digging deep, planting the Good News, giving it the water of life and sharing the fruit it yields.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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