CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and merciful God we are awed by the work of your hands. We love the mountains that we look upon. We delight in the myriad colors that adorn the early morning sky until blue dominates and begins to transform ever so gradually to the pinks, purples, oranges and grays of the sunset. At once we are aware that all of creation is transformed by the passage of time. Help us, wondrous and all-knowing God, to understand your message of the hours revealed in the unbreakable bond shared between the sunrise and the sunset. As our own bodies age and change, help us keep our eyes upon the dawn which heralds every new day in your universe. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Time-Lapse photography was developed by a banker with a plant hobby back in the 1930s. The image being filmed is captured at a very slow frame-rate — say 1 frame per second and when played at normal speed—the eye witnesses the growth of a plant, an animal, or the movement of the sunrise to sunset, in seconds rather than hours. It’s as if it is happening before our very eyes, like watching Clark Kent become Superman. He has always been Superman, but until we saw him change for the first time we didn’t know that. He has suddenly been revealed to us in a way we hadn’t seen him before. From that first revealing moment we anticipate seeing him more often in the blue and red outfit with the cape. Hmmm... If we time-lapsed the offering, wouldn’t it seem to grow right before our eyes?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we bring. Transform them with your blessing into instruments of your goodwill for all people. We offer them with grateful, joyful hearts seeking to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places, as often as ever we can. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and these gifts witness to your unreserved presence in our lives. Breathe into us, your renewing Spirit and make us living proof of your grace, mercy and love for all. Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
LENT IS FOR FEBRUATING
EXTRAS FOR LENT
When I was in grade school learning such essentials as the days of the week and the months of the year, two things made me scratch my head - and I am pretty sure I remember my teacher saying "Don't ask why.": Why was there an "nes" in the middle of Wednesday when we all
pronounced it "Wendsday" and why was there that extra "r" in February, when we all pronounced "Febuary"?
I decided to look up some stuff about February. According to the Wikipedia: "February comes from the Latin term februum, which means purification. Februa is a
purification ritual (also called Februatia or Februalia the festival of purification). "In ancient Rome the festival was held on February 15 (full moon). I am pretty sure most of us never thought of the ancient Romans as folks who indulged in rites of purification, but apparently they did and with vigor. Ovid the Roman poet who lived between 43 BCE and 18 CE wrote of Februa as being "anything used to cleanse our bodies in the time of our unshorn (unkempt, disheveled, hairy) forefathers. The month is called after Februa because the Roman Priests called Luperci went about purifying the whole ground with strips of hide, their instruments of cleansing. Our parents believed that every sin and every cause of illness could be wiped out by rites and purgation." This ritual purification festival continued through all the days of the month -- 28 days. The wealthy devoted themselves through the entire month cleansing body and soul in preparation to begin the New Year on the first of March. (In the ancient Roman calendar February was the last month of the year, not the second.) Some authorities say that the pagan god Februus (former day Mr. Clean)got his name from the festival not the other way around.
Our Lenten season 2013 begins on WedNESday FebRuary 13th. You hear this every year from me, but it is always worth repeating. The forty days of Lent in our Christian Tradition are marked by "fasting, both from foods and festivities, and other soul and body cleansing exercises. There are three traditional practices which Christians are to embrace heartily in the Lenten season: prayer (signifying justice towards God), fasting (signifying justice towards self), and almsgiving (acts of charity signifying justice towards neighbor). It is important to remember that there are 3 things we are accountable for, not just one. 1. Some people will participate in a Lenten study, or read the Bible daily, and remember to pray. 2. Some people will choose to fast by giving up a vice like alcohol, gambling, cigarettes or sweets. We can fast from many things: impatience, busyness, television, television sports (The Super Bowl happens before Ash Wednesday) and more. The acts of justice toward neighbor are something we add to our lives during the 40 days of Lent. Invest your time in acts of neighborliness during Lent and see how the world around you starts to change. Why not take the next few days to think about how you will "Februate" yourself during Lent.
Ash Wednesday February 12, 2013 is your day to decide on your Lenten extras.
Blessings,
Rev. Amanda
When I was in grade school learning such essentials as the days of the week and the months of the year, two things made me scratch my head - and I am pretty sure I remember my teacher saying "Don't ask why.": Why was there an "nes" in the middle of Wednesday when we all
pronounced it "Wendsday" and why was there that extra "r" in February, when we all pronounced "Febuary"?
I decided to look up some stuff about February. According to the Wikipedia: "February comes from the Latin term februum, which means purification. Februa is a
purification ritual (also called Februatia or Februalia the festival of purification). "In ancient Rome the festival was held on February 15 (full moon). I am pretty sure most of us never thought of the ancient Romans as folks who indulged in rites of purification, but apparently they did and with vigor. Ovid the Roman poet who lived between 43 BCE and 18 CE wrote of Februa as being "anything used to cleanse our bodies in the time of our unshorn (unkempt, disheveled, hairy) forefathers. The month is called after Februa because the Roman Priests called Luperci went about purifying the whole ground with strips of hide, their instruments of cleansing. Our parents believed that every sin and every cause of illness could be wiped out by rites and purgation." This ritual purification festival continued through all the days of the month -- 28 days. The wealthy devoted themselves through the entire month cleansing body and soul in preparation to begin the New Year on the first of March. (In the ancient Roman calendar February was the last month of the year, not the second.) Some authorities say that the pagan god Februus (former day Mr. Clean)got his name from the festival not the other way around.
Our Lenten season 2013 begins on WedNESday FebRuary 13th. You hear this every year from me, but it is always worth repeating. The forty days of Lent in our Christian Tradition are marked by "fasting, both from foods and festivities, and other soul and body cleansing exercises. There are three traditional practices which Christians are to embrace heartily in the Lenten season: prayer (signifying justice towards God), fasting (signifying justice towards self), and almsgiving (acts of charity signifying justice towards neighbor). It is important to remember that there are 3 things we are accountable for, not just one. 1. Some people will participate in a Lenten study, or read the Bible daily, and remember to pray. 2. Some people will choose to fast by giving up a vice like alcohol, gambling, cigarettes or sweets. We can fast from many things: impatience, busyness, television, television sports (The Super Bowl happens before Ash Wednesday) and more. The acts of justice toward neighbor are something we add to our lives during the 40 days of Lent. Invest your time in acts of neighborliness during Lent and see how the world around you starts to change. Why not take the next few days to think about how you will "Februate" yourself during Lent.
Ash Wednesday February 12, 2013 is your day to decide on your Lenten extras.
Blessings,
Rev. Amanda
February 3, 2013 "THE RESIST" Part 2 of Luke 4
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving God, we give you thanks for always being within prayer distance. We need only whisper your name and we trust that you are immediately tuned in. We confess our frailties, O Lord, and ask your pardon. Sometimes we make awful mistakes. They haunt us and keep us awake at night. We pray for a way out, a way to take the mistake back, to reverse time and make it so it never happened, but such is not possible. We turn to you, O Lord, for patience, and understanding. Heal our brokenness, we pray. Release our tormented spirits and give us respite from our fault. You are the great forgiver. We cleave open our souls to receive your forgiving love. We know you will help us to move on toward the better day. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
To resist means to stand, behind or against, to take a stand. During WWII The French Resistance was lauded as a courageous group of men and women who took a stand against Nazi aggression. In our personal lives we pat ourselves on the back when we resist temptation. It is a good thing when our bodies build up a resistance to infections. We are known to have resisted the call of God and change; the warning of the prophets, and even the good news because we didn’t like who God picked to be its beneficiaries. I invite you to resist the temptation to let the offering plate pass you by. It is always an opportunity to work with God.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
O Lord, your church has sought to transform people’s lives for centuries. Let us be those who offer blessing and hope, challenge and choice, respite and comfort along with some spiritual jostling when complacency settles in. Bless the gifts we bring. May they be put to work, today for the good of the earth and people everywhere. Let these gifts deliver opportunities for many along with your gospel good news of a better day. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Loving God, we give you thanks for always being within prayer distance. We need only whisper your name and we trust that you are immediately tuned in. We confess our frailties, O Lord, and ask your pardon. Sometimes we make awful mistakes. They haunt us and keep us awake at night. We pray for a way out, a way to take the mistake back, to reverse time and make it so it never happened, but such is not possible. We turn to you, O Lord, for patience, and understanding. Heal our brokenness, we pray. Release our tormented spirits and give us respite from our fault. You are the great forgiver. We cleave open our souls to receive your forgiving love. We know you will help us to move on toward the better day. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
To resist means to stand, behind or against, to take a stand. During WWII The French Resistance was lauded as a courageous group of men and women who took a stand against Nazi aggression. In our personal lives we pat ourselves on the back when we resist temptation. It is a good thing when our bodies build up a resistance to infections. We are known to have resisted the call of God and change; the warning of the prophets, and even the good news because we didn’t like who God picked to be its beneficiaries. I invite you to resist the temptation to let the offering plate pass you by. It is always an opportunity to work with God.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
O Lord, your church has sought to transform people’s lives for centuries. Let us be those who offer blessing and hope, challenge and choice, respite and comfort along with some spiritual jostling when complacency settles in. Bless the gifts we bring. May they be put to work, today for the good of the earth and people everywhere. Let these gifts deliver opportunities for many along with your gospel good news of a better day. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
January 27, 2013 'THE REVEAL" Part I
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Grateful for each new day, wondrous God, we offer you thanks and praise. We are privileged to live in this republic constructed upon democratic ideals by individuals who put in writing their message of justice for all and who sought to promote the general welfare of the people. We recognize and understand that with the freedom we enjoy comes greater responsibility for the well-being of the world. Let our openness be visible as we learn how to be conscientious stewards of the planet you have entrusted to our care. Make us exemplars of altruism, willing servants who can learn from our mistakes. Help us be spiritually available, ever amenable and ready to do your will. Show us the better way to invest ourselves and our gifts to transform our lives and others. In the name of the Christ We pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
When was the last time you were confronted by the unexpected? Some people like surprises—others — not so much. Have you every been surprised in church? Pleasantly or unpleasantly? Comfortably or uncomfortably? Do you remember what it was that surprised you? Was it a who or a what? Something done, or something proclaimed? How did you perceive it? Did it throw you off kilter spiritually? Did it jostle, ruffle or even jar your Christian sensibilities or was it, in truth —now that you think about it— an invitation to change the way you think, to try something new and dare to make a difference?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, your church has sought to be an the agent of change in people’s lives for centuries. Our desire is to offer blessing and hope, challenge and choice, respite and comfort for the soul along with some spiritual jostling when complacency seeks to settle in. Bless the gifts we set before you. May they be put to work, today for the good of your earth and your people everywhere. Let these gifts herald the good news of a better day for those in need throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Grateful for each new day, wondrous God, we offer you thanks and praise. We are privileged to live in this republic constructed upon democratic ideals by individuals who put in writing their message of justice for all and who sought to promote the general welfare of the people. We recognize and understand that with the freedom we enjoy comes greater responsibility for the well-being of the world. Let our openness be visible as we learn how to be conscientious stewards of the planet you have entrusted to our care. Make us exemplars of altruism, willing servants who can learn from our mistakes. Help us be spiritually available, ever amenable and ready to do your will. Show us the better way to invest ourselves and our gifts to transform our lives and others. In the name of the Christ We pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
When was the last time you were confronted by the unexpected? Some people like surprises—others — not so much. Have you every been surprised in church? Pleasantly or unpleasantly? Comfortably or uncomfortably? Do you remember what it was that surprised you? Was it a who or a what? Something done, or something proclaimed? How did you perceive it? Did it throw you off kilter spiritually? Did it jostle, ruffle or even jar your Christian sensibilities or was it, in truth —now that you think about it— an invitation to change the way you think, to try something new and dare to make a difference?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, your church has sought to be an the agent of change in people’s lives for centuries. Our desire is to offer blessing and hope, challenge and choice, respite and comfort for the soul along with some spiritual jostling when complacency seeks to settle in. Bless the gifts we set before you. May they be put to work, today for the good of your earth and your people everywhere. Let these gifts herald the good news of a better day for those in need throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
January 20, 2013 HUMAN RELATIONS SUNDAY
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most attentive and loving God, today we are challenged to be people of courage to stand firm against the forces of evil and greed that prey upon the innocent, the oppressed and the desperate people longing to be free of the chains that bind them. We are not speaking of figurative chains, but the literal chains that enslave poor men, women and children who, lured, undocumented, kidnapped, trafficked, imprisoned, and ultimately discarded. Give us the wits and good sense to protect the world’s children, and each other from the wiles of those who care not for you or any part of your creation. Our hearts and minds long to see right prevail, so teach us the ways of justice. In Jesus name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
United Methodist congregations are not isolated congregations, managing our own affairs, tending to our own business, and our own needs, first, with nary a thought to the church up the street or across the state or even on the other side of the world. Let us be aware that this congregations is blessed with devoted members who came from distant places throughout the world. We are stronger, better, spiritually richer, and more colorful, because they have blended their spirits and experiences with ours. Let us embrace our human relations on this Human Relations Sunday.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. With grateful, and expectant hearts we seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May these gifts blessed by your most Holy Spirit bring relief, comfort, and rescue to your children in need throughout the world. Let us help to carry the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek to be living proof of Christ’s love for all the world. Amen.
Most attentive and loving God, today we are challenged to be people of courage to stand firm against the forces of evil and greed that prey upon the innocent, the oppressed and the desperate people longing to be free of the chains that bind them. We are not speaking of figurative chains, but the literal chains that enslave poor men, women and children who, lured, undocumented, kidnapped, trafficked, imprisoned, and ultimately discarded. Give us the wits and good sense to protect the world’s children, and each other from the wiles of those who care not for you or any part of your creation. Our hearts and minds long to see right prevail, so teach us the ways of justice. In Jesus name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
United Methodist congregations are not isolated congregations, managing our own affairs, tending to our own business, and our own needs, first, with nary a thought to the church up the street or across the state or even on the other side of the world. Let us be aware that this congregations is blessed with devoted members who came from distant places throughout the world. We are stronger, better, spiritually richer, and more colorful, because they have blended their spirits and experiences with ours. Let us embrace our human relations on this Human Relations Sunday.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. With grateful, and expectant hearts we seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May these gifts blessed by your most Holy Spirit bring relief, comfort, and rescue to your children in need throughout the world. Let us help to carry the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek to be living proof of Christ’s love for all the world. Amen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
January 13, 2013 "THIRTY SOMETHING"
AFFIRMATION FOR EPIPHANY
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, dying for us and being raised from the dead for our sake and for the sake of all the world. We believe that he will come again.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, continually poured out refreshing our lives, leading us into a new day, ever-birthing the church, the body of Christ in the world. This Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of the gift of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
written by: Amanda J. Burr
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Ever-creating God, you are not only the author of all life, the grand designer of the universe, but you are the also the engineer of new beginnings. Help us to understand that in every moment of our existence you grant us opportunities to open ourselves to new ways of thinking, to new ways of experiencing the world around us. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. Each of us has gifts and graces. We confess our hesitation to try new things, to sport a new attitude, afraid that someone might look askance at the change. Today is the day we commemorate the change that occurred in the life of Jesus. On this, his baptismal day, his very life took on a new direction and he stepped into your will for him. Lead us in your will and way for us, as we step into our future as well; in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The etymology of the verb submit in its intransitive form means to place under the control of another. Coming from the combination of the Latin “sub” = under and “mitere” = let go or send, submit means to yield, to lower, to let down, to put under, to reduce. As a transitive verb it proposes, puts something forward for consideration, argues that something is the case. Much in the same way Jesus submitted himself to be baptized on this day, we submit our hearts to God’s grace, our minds, hands and feet to ministry in Jesus’ name and our dollars and cents to the edification of Christ’s church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we humbly set before you. We seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we offer, in the name of the Christ ,glorify you and your church. Breathe your renewing Spirit into us. Make us living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. Amen.
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, dying for us and being raised from the dead for our sake and for the sake of all the world. We believe that he will come again.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, continually poured out refreshing our lives, leading us into a new day, ever-birthing the church, the body of Christ in the world. This Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of the gift of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
written by: Amanda J. Burr
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Ever-creating God, you are not only the author of all life, the grand designer of the universe, but you are the also the engineer of new beginnings. Help us to understand that in every moment of our existence you grant us opportunities to open ourselves to new ways of thinking, to new ways of experiencing the world around us. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. Each of us has gifts and graces. We confess our hesitation to try new things, to sport a new attitude, afraid that someone might look askance at the change. Today is the day we commemorate the change that occurred in the life of Jesus. On this, his baptismal day, his very life took on a new direction and he stepped into your will for him. Lead us in your will and way for us, as we step into our future as well; in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The etymology of the verb submit in its intransitive form means to place under the control of another. Coming from the combination of the Latin “sub” = under and “mitere” = let go or send, submit means to yield, to lower, to let down, to put under, to reduce. As a transitive verb it proposes, puts something forward for consideration, argues that something is the case. Much in the same way Jesus submitted himself to be baptized on this day, we submit our hearts to God’s grace, our minds, hands and feet to ministry in Jesus’ name and our dollars and cents to the edification of Christ’s church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we humbly set before you. We seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we offer, in the name of the Christ ,glorify you and your church. Breathe your renewing Spirit into us. Make us living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. Amen.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
January 6, 2013 Epiphany Sunday "WANDERING TRIBUTARIES"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Oh Wondrous God of grace and glory, we praise your name and give you thanks for the new day, of this New Year. By a star in the East you revealed to all of the peoples of the world your presence with us, Emmanuel. Teach us to be attentive to the signs of your presence — as a attentive as those visitors from afar who followed star, in search of a child they called a king. Help our hearts hold on to this most tender part of the Christmas season. We confess a kind of sadness at seeing the colorful lights and decorations that adorned houses in our neighborhoods gradually disappear. But the light of the star, the light of the Christ, the light of goodwill can continue to shine in our hearts, if we allow it to remain. Keep fiscal cliff cynicism from invading our best intentions and souring our hopes for all that we can accomplish in the coming year. Inspire us as we seek to grow our ministry and mission to all people in Jesus’ most wonderful name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I know we are all very grateful that the Mayans were incorrect in their calendar predictions or as one cartoon suggested incomplete. It proves that we humans are not called upon to plot out times and dates that are God’s purview alone. Our human job description requires us to live as good stewards of the world which we inhabit, caring for its natural resources, and all manner of life residing hereon. Because every human being deserves to be offered a story that invites them to choose life and live it to the fullest, let us be good stewards, as well, of Christ’s story.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the tributes we bring. They are offered reverently, and gratefully. Truly we ask nothing in return, for your grace and love has already been bestowed upon us for a lifetime. May these gifts, the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need. Guide us daily as we seek out new ways to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. In Jesus’ marvelous name we pray. Amen.
Oh Wondrous God of grace and glory, we praise your name and give you thanks for the new day, of this New Year. By a star in the East you revealed to all of the peoples of the world your presence with us, Emmanuel. Teach us to be attentive to the signs of your presence — as a attentive as those visitors from afar who followed star, in search of a child they called a king. Help our hearts hold on to this most tender part of the Christmas season. We confess a kind of sadness at seeing the colorful lights and decorations that adorned houses in our neighborhoods gradually disappear. But the light of the star, the light of the Christ, the light of goodwill can continue to shine in our hearts, if we allow it to remain. Keep fiscal cliff cynicism from invading our best intentions and souring our hopes for all that we can accomplish in the coming year. Inspire us as we seek to grow our ministry and mission to all people in Jesus’ most wonderful name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I know we are all very grateful that the Mayans were incorrect in their calendar predictions or as one cartoon suggested incomplete. It proves that we humans are not called upon to plot out times and dates that are God’s purview alone. Our human job description requires us to live as good stewards of the world which we inhabit, caring for its natural resources, and all manner of life residing hereon. Because every human being deserves to be offered a story that invites them to choose life and live it to the fullest, let us be good stewards, as well, of Christ’s story.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the tributes we bring. They are offered reverently, and gratefully. Truly we ask nothing in return, for your grace and love has already been bestowed upon us for a lifetime. May these gifts, the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need. Guide us daily as we seek out new ways to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. In Jesus’ marvelous name we pray. Amen.
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