EASTER SUNDAY 2018 "AFRAID? OF WHAT EXACTLY?"

EASTER AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe we are created in the image of God, male and female.
Believing that God’s will for us is goodwill, we follow in the footsteps of God’s beloved Son,
Jesus the Christ.
We believe Jesus lived to forgive, and showed us that by serving one another,
we are connected to the heart of God.
We believe we share Jesus’ mission to bind up and heal the broken hearted.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our regrets and sorrows upon his own shoulders,
and bore them to the cross where they died with him.
Jesus was buried but, on the third day, God raised him from the dead, as promised.
After Jesus’ resurrection, we believe God sent the Holy Spirit to empower Jesus’ followers.
The Holy Spirit was their ever-present advocate, counselor of truth, and companion.
We believe that same Spirit resides with us, interceding for us and empowering our work in the name of the Christ.
The Spirit reminds us daily to love God and one another as
the Christ loved us. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, with hearts full of joy, awe and triumph we greet you this morning. We imagine you smiling as we rejoice in the news of Christ’s resurrection. We shall not be reserved with our response to your promise fulfilled; it is too wonderful to be shy. We are gladder than glad! This resurrection Sunday is your most wondrous gift of love, bringing hope to a hurting world. On this day, you chose to reveal what awaits your children beyond grief and mourning. Your message for all the world is clear. The tomb is empty, and our human existence, with all of its ups and downs, has been touched by the promise of eternity. Today you call upon us to let go of the fear of death, and embrace what awaits us beyond time itself. With our spirits ignited and our faith ever strong, we shall be your witnesses in and for the world. We’ll shout it from the mountain tops: “Christ is Risen!” Today you have made all things new! “Christ is Risen!” We may not comprehend all that you have done for us, but we humbly thank you in Jesus’ name and say again: “Christ is Risen indeed! Amen! and Amen!”
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Whether you attend church on Christmas and Easter or fifty-two Sundays out of the year, the church intends to be here for you. The communities of faith that the early followers of Jesus began, sought to provide mutual support to their members, not only to help them grow spiritually, but often to meet their most basic needs for food, clothing, and comfort. The earliest communities of faith shared everything in common. Today the church endeavors to continue that legacy of caring for people’s spiritual and physical needs, reaching out to our local community and beyond. But the wherewithal to care, and do that outreach, comes only through your generosity, whether you share it twice or fifty-two times a year. Your gift helps this church do its part in healing this broken world.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God there is no clearer message of your love and goodwill for humanity, no more graphic demonstration of your forgiveness; no greater assurance of your hope for humanity than Jesus’ resurrection. The gifts we offer this morning cannot compare to the gift you have given us, but we hope they will serve your kingdom purpose, bringing the message of your love and goodwill to those who have never known it. In the name of the risen Christ we pray. Amen.

THE EASTER LETTER 2018

Dear Church Family,
When we sing, Christ the Lord is Risen today, we join thousands of joyous voices and celebrating hearts across time and space who plainly agree that even death’s strong bands could not hold the beloved Son of God. In the days before Jesus, a terrible fear of death gripped those who considered death a powerful force to be contended with and conquered.
The common notion was that in a state of death, one was not with God. So, in order to be with God, the state of death needed to be overcome, negated, by a resurrection, not of the spirit, but of the body. Martin Luther wrote these words in his resurrection hymn (#319 in our hymnal): Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands, for our offenses given; it was a strange and dreadful strife when life and death contended; the victory remained with life; the reign of death ended. Stripped of power, no more it reigns an empty form alone remains; death’s sting is lost forever.
On Easter Sunday, all over the world people celebrate new birth and re-birth gifting chocolate bunnies carrying baskets filled with colorful eggs, which have come to symbolize the inviting pastel picture of spring. But how many of us truly embrace Resurrection Sunday? Like Santa hoards Christmas, the Bunny hoards the resurrection day and God takes a back seat.
Maybe it is because it is easy for most of us to fathom and embrace the birth of a new baby; we see it all the time but embracing the idea of a physical re-birth beyond death is a gigantic leap. I propose that we go back to the beginning and re-think the process. The baby, who we pray will emerge in nine months perfect and complete, evolves from the successful uniting of two cells that proliferate. Is not Jesus’ resurrection the successful re-uniting of his spirit with God’s? The same Spirit that breathed life into his infant being, breathes life once again and releases him up from death’s strong bands.
Jesus made it clear to us that it is not folly to choose him, for in so doing we choose life. When we humble ourselves to confess our faith in Jesus Christ, we become aware of a greater sense of purpose in this life. But let us never forget to embrace the bonus gift, that of eternal life in Christ. This is not foolishness, it is grace!
Your “Easter” offering this year will bring additional support to our worship team’s budget and our music program.
Make the leap and live,
Rev. Amanda

Good Friday March 30, 2018 Pepper Choplin's Cantata "JOURNEY THROUGH THE LORD'S PRAYER"

CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 69)
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me, O LORD God of hosts; do not let those who seek you be dishonored because of me. It is for your sake that I have borne reproach. As for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help rescue me.
Deliver me from my enemies.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, we cannot begin to comprehend the measure of your love for humankind. We bow our heads humbly before you, confessing that this day, more than any other, mystifies us and confounds us. The willingness of Jesus, the Beloved One, to give his life so that humankind could forge a new and different relationship with YOU takes a lifetime to understand. Remind us, O most Holy God, how Jesus’ death launched us into a new way of thinking about YOU and our part in YOUR kingdom. Help us embrace the truth that it is through Jesus our hearts and souls are reconnected with YOURS. In him, YOU sought to release us from the burden of our own regrets. Such grace, mercy, and love is so amazing, we cannot fathom it. You have freed us from shame and sorrow over past mistakes, lifting away every weight that fetters us to an unforgiving world. You have cleared away the rubble of sin, and made a space in the vault of the human heart for your Christ to reside. As we look upon the cross, we realize we have left behind regrets that haunt us , things we need never remember again. What wondrous love it this, O my soul!? Our Abba Father in heaven, HOLY is YOUR name. May YOUR kingdom come and YOUR will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day the food we need to be strong in service to YOU and YOUR creation. Forgive us our wrongs and help us to forgive those who have wronged us. Keep us from all temptation and all evil we pray, for YOURS is the kingdom, YOURS is the power, and YOURS is the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
The definition of Sacrifice is, “a giving up of something valuable or important for somebody or something else considered to be of more value or importance. This is its first definition in the Encarta Dictionary. I guess maybe the gospel writer, John, was correct when he wrote that God valued the “kosmos,” more than his own divinity. That is to say, God valued more than life and breath the universe, the arrangement of the stars, the heavenly hosts, the earth, and humanity itself, loving all beyond measure, even those who walk in darkness and remain alienated from God. Amazing isn’t it.
UNISON PRAYER
Gracious God, on this night of nights, we offer not only our gifts, but ourselves to love and serve you. The path that Jesus walked on this Good Friday was the path of sacrifice for the sake of all. Teach us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, along the true way of discipleship. Bless the gifts we offer in love to the furtherance of your Kingdom. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

March 29, 2018 Maundy Thursday "ANOREXIC MOMENTS WITH JESUS"

CONFESSION AND PARDON
L: My sisters and brothers, Jesus humbled himself before God and humanity, and in so doing he showed us the way of love. Let us come close to our Lord and confess what separates us from the Lord, opening ourselves to the Spirit of truth.
P: Most merciful God, we your church confess that often our spirits have been a poor reflection of the Christ within us. So many times we have failed to love one another as Christ loved us. Too often we let the darkness in the world overshadow us. May the light of the Christ burst through the barriers, erected by fear and anxiety to shine in and through us. We falter in our discipleship when we confess our faith with our lips, but fail to proclaim aloud that Jesus is real to us and a significant part of our lives. Reserving him for Sunday is like giving him one-seventh of our devotion. When we fail to embrace a stranger, we place the Christ within on the back burner. Forgive us, O Lord. By your Spirit help us to be faithful each and every day, in our joys and in our sorrows. Amen.
L: Who is in a position to condemn? Only God. Our love for Jesus has brought us here this evening to share his supper and to give thanks to our creator, who has given us life and breath. Even when we grumbled and turned away, God never abandoned humanity, remaining steadfast, always keeping covenant with us. Tonight, Jesus, the Beloved ONE, calls us to communion with God, to celebrate God’s wondrous deeds and elaborate acts of goodwill. At the table of remembrance, Jesus is present, offering us the bread of life and the cup of redemption, inviting us into a new covenant with God. Time after time we have not understood what God has done for us, and time after time the Holy Spirit has interceded for us. Jesus dines tonight in the company of those who betrayed him, deserted him, and denied him, and still he offers us all grace, peace, and mercy. In the name of Christ, you are forgiven!
P: In the name of the Christ, you are forgiven! Glory be to God. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Jesus first arrived at the Jordan and was baptized by John, who didn’t recognize him or speak to him. He appeared as if out of nowhere, with no family history to share, a stranger with an urgent message. “The time has arrived; the kingdom of God is upon you. Repent and believe in the gospel.” He wasn’t saying: “Take your time and give it some thought.” He meant: “The time is now! Turn now, and believe in the Good News.” There is no better time than the present to turn, til by turning, turning we come round right.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus, knowing that his end was near kept faith with you and with his disciples, celebrating the Passover with all of them. Bless the gifts we offer this evening. We do not make this offering as atonement for sins. We are not trying to purchase your goodwill or favor. These are a pledge of commitment, as we embrace our covenant with you. We offer them gratefully, trusting that you will guide their purpose, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

March 25, 2018 PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS

A LENTEN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, granter of grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world, can separate us from the love of God
who always forgives a repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came to love us into new life.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our sins upon himself,
and carried that burden to the cross where he relinquished his own life for our sakes.
This act was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, but that he was raised from the dead,
and he will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks truth to all people, in every language.
Our hearts are warmed when we embrace that Spirit, and God’s presence within us is revealed.
As the church, and as members of the body of Christ in the world,
we believe we are called to make a difference in this world.
Thanks be to God.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, we picture your majesty, your splendor the opulence of your abode and are struck by the contrast with the life you chose on earth. Today we process with Jesus followers watching as those closest to him lifted him up upon a donkey. Just like Solomon rode his father’s donkey to Gihon to be anointed king, so too Jesus rode into Jerusalem, your anointed messiah descending the Mount of Olives. When Solomon received his anointing the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon.” Today Jesus’ followers are shouting, “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!” Dearest Lord, help us focus our hearts and minds on the significance of every moment of this Holy Week. Help us comprehend that Jesus gave everything so that his disciples might continue spreading the Good News, giving of themselves over to the task. Let us follow in their footsteps giving ourselves over to the task. In the name of the Christ, let us be light and Good News to all whom we meet. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Two options for a worship theme are provided for this final Sunday of the Lenten season: Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. When we choose Passion Sunday as the theme, during worship the entire story of Jesus final week of life is told. If we choose Palm Sunday as the theme, the hope is that worshipers will attend the Holy Thursday and Holy Friday Services, to hear the rest of the story, before getting dressed up for Easter. Remembering that there must be endings that precede new beginnings, let us trust God, opening ourselves to the grief that will come always anticipating that God promises only good for us, and will deliver on that promise.

March 18, 2018 "WHO GETS IT?"

A LENTEN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, granter of grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world, can separate us from the love of God
who always forgives a repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came to love us into new life.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our sins upon himself,
and carried that burden to the cross where he relinquished his own life for our sakes.
This act was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, but that he was raised from the dead,
and he will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks truth to all people, in every language.
Our hearts are warmed when we embrace that Spirit, and God’s presence within us is revealed.
As the church, and as members of the body of Christ in the world,
we believe we are called to make a difference in this world.
Thanks be to God.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, what a joy it is to sing your praises, surrounded by such tender company. We are lifted up and drawn in by what seems to be the mere combination of notes, yet they are capable of reaching deep into our core, touching the heart. Beloved music, strange music, new music can trigger our emotions evoking feelings of awe and reverence, joy and triumph, laughter and lament. Let your presence permeate the sanctuary, with every breath we take. Let us treasure every moment of our time together, as we gather strength for our journey into our future. Like Jesus’ first followers, we embrace our mission and purpose to serve you, moving ever onward toward your kingdom goal. We thank you always in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Are you a good navigator? I mean, do you have a natural sense of direction, or do you get lost backing out of your driveway? Are you one who likes the turn by turn directions that your GPS app provides, or do you like to wing it? Do you prefer landmarks, or are you good with the old standbys of north, south, east and west? If the directions to the church read about a mile east of the mountains, does that resonate with you, or is just west of the intersection at Sunrise and Alejo more helpful? Some folks have to see the map, some folks work well with two lefts, a right and another left, while still others want every street name at every intersection they will encounter all along the way. As different as our directional preferences are, so too are the different directional preferences of the church. While we may be in the driver’s seat, let’s not forget that God is our navigator.

March 11, 2018 "FIG SEASON"

A LENTEN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the creator of heaven and earth, granter of grace and life.
We believe that nothing in all the world, can separate us from the love of God
who always forgives a repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who came to love us into new life.
We believe that Jesus took the burden of our sins upon himself,
and carried that burden to the cross where he relinquished his own life for our sakes.
This act was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, but that he was raised from the dead,
and he will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks truth to all people, in every language.
Our hearts are warmed when we embrace that Spirit, and God’s presence within us is revealed.
As the church, and as members of the body of Christ in the world,
we believe we are called to make a difference in this world.
Thanks be to God.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving and patient God, here within these walls we seek and find sanctuary from the frenzied world beyond our doors. But it is not the building itself that calms the heart and soothes the soul, it is the communion of hearts and souls united within. We share a purpose, which is to serve you and your creation. We share in the spiritual nourishment your word offers and the sacraments provide. When we sing and when we pray we are assured that our spirits connect with yours. With all that, we confess a desire to cling to what is familiar, and what is already known. Lord, help us to remember our days of daring, longing for all things new, when we trusted that you would be with us through thick and thin. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I have a fig tree in my back yard. I imagine the previous owners of the house planted it to make fig jam. I regret to say that jam is not in my current cooking portfolio, but the tree does its job well when it is watered and pruned, producing pretty tasty figs. Let’s say the fig tree symbolizes the church. The expectation of the church as the body of Christ is to bear good fruit, and in so doing, glorify God. The fact is that those of us who follow Jesus need to be watered and pruned in order to bear the best fruit. I know we object highly to the pruning part, but the seasons of human life are full of occasions of pruning. So too are the seasons of the church as we experience endings and beginnings, as well as losses and gains. Jesus challenges the church to strive to be in season always. I believe it is doable if we let go of selfish motives and embrace our purpose supporting one another through all of life’s seasons.