CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, it is so very good to be here together in this place. We confess that we need to be surrounded by a community of faith, for in the company of the faithful our faith is not tested, but strengthened, compounded, made ever stronger. In community we are moved by the truth of the cross and whether we are aware of it or not our hearts are strangely warmed. Could it be, most gracious one, that when we dare to stand at the foot of the cross looking into the eyes of the Christ your revelation for us is revealed. Certainly, you would cause us to see in Jesus’ eyes that he has chosen us, not we him. This is what Paul discovered and he was changed forever. Make us instruments of your blessings and goodwill in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
When I complained about my restaurant meal not coming on time, someone told me about people who had no food at all. When I complained about the demands and expectations of my job, someone told about a person who couldn’t get one. When I complained about the church and its bureaucracy, someone told me about a place where speaking the very word “church” could get you killed. When I complained that the sanctuary was not cool enough in the summer or warm enough in the winter, someone told me about people who could only worship God underground.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Pour out your glorious Spirit of Blessing upon these our offerings most loving and gracious Lord. May every ministry they support, every program they nurture, every comfort they provide glorify your name. We are indebted to you for our every breath and blessing, however we give not because of our indebtedness, but because of our gratefulness. We offer our thanks in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
June 2, 2013 "DESERTING THE GOSPEL???!!"
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR PENTECOST *** By Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters and brought the world
into being. That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One.
His very name, Jesus, signified salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us.
When Jesus gave up his life for ours, he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands and God raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured the language of salvation in Jesus into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles empowering them to tell their story to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, in this moment of prayer, focus our every thought upon you, upon these words we speak and upon those we are loathe to utter. We relish the comfort of a familiar liturgy and at the same time confess how the sameness of the format can put us into auto-worship mode. We want to be active in this time of prayer so we say with intention and clarity: “Lord, hear our prayer.” We are awake and attentive in this moment, hearing, the words our mouths are forming. Thank you for your eternal love and care. You never falter in it and you never give up on us even when we give up on ourselves. Thank you, dear Lord, for your grace and mercy; may it always give us strength and Christian character. Help us make good decisions knowing that what we do, how we respond and what we say effects the lives of others and those we love. Give us the courage to accept help when we need it and offer help to those who lose their footing on the rocky road of life. In the name of our beloved Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I met a man the other day who had a compulsion to clean and wash his hands after he touched anything, food, furniture or another human being. It reminded me of how Pontius Pilate washed his hands, in a symbolic gesture washing the blood of Jesus off his hands and by doing so seeking to wash away any connection with the crucifixion of Jesus. For his conscience the symbolic act may have worked, but as far as we are concerned the name of Pontius Pilate is ever connected with that event. May we never wash our hands of the Jesus story, rather let us open our hands in a literal gesture of giving.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless all the gifts and tithes we set before you today. Remind us that we share in a ministry to all the world when we participate in this offering. Pour out the better measure of your Spirit upon these tokens of our thanks. May they empower and energize our ministry as servants of your Christ. Let everything we do and everything we are give witness to your steadfast mercy and love bringing light into someone’s darkness and relief to the hopeless. We are grateful indeed for every opportunity to serve you in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
TRINITY SUNDAY May 26,2013 "WHO AM I?" Rev. Bob Schwartz - Preaching
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR PENTECOST ***
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters and brought the world
into being. That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One.
His very name, Jesus, signified salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us.
When Jesus gave up his life for ours, he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands and God raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured the language of salvation in Jesus into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles empowering them to tell their story to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious Triune God, it is a mysterious thing to ponder the threeness of you and yet when we really think about it, the three stages of you were necessary so that we might grasp the depth of your desire to be in communion with us. We confess our avoidance. We have tended to see ourselves only as wayward children, Adams and Eves, banished from the Garden of Eden. The truth is you have been chasing after us, seeking us out, wondering why we were hiding from you. You found us wearing our shame like a garment refusing to dress ourselves in your forgiveness. We forget that we were created in your image and that our own faces reflect yours. Help us Lord to crawl out from behind the rock, to stand tall in your grace. Creator, Son and Holy Spirit we call upon you to remind us on this Trinity Sunday that your three pairs of arms are ample enough to embrace each and every one of us all the days of our life. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of power and might, let heaven and earth ever be full of your glory as our confident hearts are enlivened, unburdened and healed by your presence. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless all the gifts and tithes we have brought today. We share in a ministry to all the world when we participate in this offering. May your most Holy Spirit empower and energize our ministry as servants of the Christ. Let everything we do and everything we are give witness to your steadfast mercy and love bringing light into someone’s darkness and relief for the hopeless. We give you thanks for every opportunity to serve you in the name of the Christ. Amen.
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters and brought the world
into being. That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One.
His very name, Jesus, signified salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us.
When Jesus gave up his life for ours, he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands and God raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured the language of salvation in Jesus into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles empowering them to tell their story to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious Triune God, it is a mysterious thing to ponder the threeness of you and yet when we really think about it, the three stages of you were necessary so that we might grasp the depth of your desire to be in communion with us. We confess our avoidance. We have tended to see ourselves only as wayward children, Adams and Eves, banished from the Garden of Eden. The truth is you have been chasing after us, seeking us out, wondering why we were hiding from you. You found us wearing our shame like a garment refusing to dress ourselves in your forgiveness. We forget that we were created in your image and that our own faces reflect yours. Help us Lord to crawl out from behind the rock, to stand tall in your grace. Creator, Son and Holy Spirit we call upon you to remind us on this Trinity Sunday that your three pairs of arms are ample enough to embrace each and every one of us all the days of our life. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of power and might, let heaven and earth ever be full of your glory as our confident hearts are enlivened, unburdened and healed by your presence. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless all the gifts and tithes we have brought today. We share in a ministry to all the world when we participate in this offering. May your most Holy Spirit empower and energize our ministry as servants of the Christ. Let everything we do and everything we are give witness to your steadfast mercy and love bringing light into someone’s darkness and relief for the hopeless. We give you thanks for every opportunity to serve you in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
May 19, 2013 PENTECOST SUNDAY "O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING"
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR PENTECOST by Rev. Dr. Amanda J. Burr
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters and brought the world
into being. That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One. His very name, Jesus, signified salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us. When Jesus gave up his life for ours he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands and God raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured the language of salvation in Jesus into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles empowering them to tell their story to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all. Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Sovereign God there are those among us who seem to have enough energy to balance the demands work family and play. They seemed to be filled to the brim with energy — healthy in body, heart and mind. Others among find our energy sapped at the end of a long day and just aren’t as mobile as we once were. Our hearts long to be useful in every moment of this life so our prayer is this: When we are wandering aimlessly, confused, lost and in search of a direction be our compass, O Lord, and get us back on course. If human institutions have determined that we are redundant, you do not. Help us to find a new way to offer ourselves and our gifts to your service. Your Spirit, Gracious God, has the power to renew our sense of purpose and enrich our work. Open our eyes, hearts and minds. Let us feel the energy generated by our mutual connection. And when we rest, O Lord, let our minds be at rest as well, in the assurance that you will accompany us in all the adventures of tomorrow. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Today we celebrate the electrifying passionate presence of the Holy Spirit who blew into the midst of Jesus’ disciples just 50 days after his crucifixion and resurrection and empowered them anew to carry on. Since 2005 our prayer shawl team have been knitting and crocheting prayer shawls. To date we have given out over 567 shawls which are created by loving hands and are sent to people all over the world. They are gifts of love, goodwill and comfort, from every member of this congregation crafted first and then blessed by the laying on of hands—your hands —your fully Spirited hands. Thank you to those of you who have brought the gift of yarn today to help keep this ministry going. We accept yarn anytime.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless all the gifts and tithes we have brought today. We share in a ministry to all the world when we participate in this offering. May your most Holy Spirit empower and energize our ministry as servants of the Christ. Let everything we do and everything we are give witness your steadfast mercy and love bringing light into someone’s darkness and hope to those in despair. We give you thanks for the opportunities to serve you in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters and brought the world
into being. That same Spirit breathes life into us today.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and beloved One. His very name, Jesus, signified salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us. When Jesus gave up his life for ours he entrusted his Spirit to God’s hands and God raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured the language of salvation in Jesus into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles empowering them to tell their story to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all. Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Sovereign God there are those among us who seem to have enough energy to balance the demands work family and play. They seemed to be filled to the brim with energy — healthy in body, heart and mind. Others among find our energy sapped at the end of a long day and just aren’t as mobile as we once were. Our hearts long to be useful in every moment of this life so our prayer is this: When we are wandering aimlessly, confused, lost and in search of a direction be our compass, O Lord, and get us back on course. If human institutions have determined that we are redundant, you do not. Help us to find a new way to offer ourselves and our gifts to your service. Your Spirit, Gracious God, has the power to renew our sense of purpose and enrich our work. Open our eyes, hearts and minds. Let us feel the energy generated by our mutual connection. And when we rest, O Lord, let our minds be at rest as well, in the assurance that you will accompany us in all the adventures of tomorrow. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Today we celebrate the electrifying passionate presence of the Holy Spirit who blew into the midst of Jesus’ disciples just 50 days after his crucifixion and resurrection and empowered them anew to carry on. Since 2005 our prayer shawl team have been knitting and crocheting prayer shawls. To date we have given out over 567 shawls which are created by loving hands and are sent to people all over the world. They are gifts of love, goodwill and comfort, from every member of this congregation crafted first and then blessed by the laying on of hands—your hands —your fully Spirited hands. Thank you to those of you who have brought the gift of yarn today to help keep this ministry going. We accept yarn anytime.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless all the gifts and tithes we have brought today. We share in a ministry to all the world when we participate in this offering. May your most Holy Spirit empower and energize our ministry as servants of the Christ. Let everything we do and everything we are give witness your steadfast mercy and love bringing light into someone’s darkness and hope to those in despair. We give you thanks for the opportunities to serve you in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
May 12, 2013 "WE ARE ANANIAS"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and wondrous God, we have come into this sanctuary not only to worship you and praise your name, but to adventure in your word as we mine the messages within your holy scriptures. The stories of changed lives and changed people are told to invite us not intimidate us. They are meant to stir our thoughts and awaken our senses to the nature of call. For, indeed you call each of us to serve you and your creation. Serving you, serving your church, serving your people, is how we live responsively to your unbounded grace. We confess that we are not always aware or in tune with our particular gifts. We need your input and ideas. Our prayer is that you will help us discover new gifts, or rediscover those we have allowed to get rusty with disuse. By saying “YES” when you call us to action our adventure begins. When we stop focusing on our own agenda and open ourselves to yours we are renewed. Thank You always, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
When I say the words temper tantrum, what comes to mind? Do you picture a toddler lying in the middle of the floor in your local grocery store, crying, screaming and kicking his or her tiny feet? Do you see a pouty mouthed 5 year old giving a petulant stare, arms akimbo as he or she shouts a foot-stomping, “NO!” That’s how we responded as children when we wanted something we couldn’t have or were asked to do something we didn’t want to do. How do we respond as adults when we are asked to give up something for a larger idea or are called upon to do something we already know will be difficult or dangerous? Some of us will react like children and some of us will try to negotiate. When we professed our faith in Jesus Christ we made a promise to be ready the moment God called us into action.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord bless these gifts as instruments of your will. Put them into action to for the good of your creation, and for the sake of all who need you, who need to know you are there for them every moment, every step along life’s way. We give eagerly without hesitation, grateful for the blessings we enjoy. Let the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts testify to your unreserved presence in our lives. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Glorious and wondrous God, we have come into this sanctuary not only to worship you and praise your name, but to adventure in your word as we mine the messages within your holy scriptures. The stories of changed lives and changed people are told to invite us not intimidate us. They are meant to stir our thoughts and awaken our senses to the nature of call. For, indeed you call each of us to serve you and your creation. Serving you, serving your church, serving your people, is how we live responsively to your unbounded grace. We confess that we are not always aware or in tune with our particular gifts. We need your input and ideas. Our prayer is that you will help us discover new gifts, or rediscover those we have allowed to get rusty with disuse. By saying “YES” when you call us to action our adventure begins. When we stop focusing on our own agenda and open ourselves to yours we are renewed. Thank You always, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
When I say the words temper tantrum, what comes to mind? Do you picture a toddler lying in the middle of the floor in your local grocery store, crying, screaming and kicking his or her tiny feet? Do you see a pouty mouthed 5 year old giving a petulant stare, arms akimbo as he or she shouts a foot-stomping, “NO!” That’s how we responded as children when we wanted something we couldn’t have or were asked to do something we didn’t want to do. How do we respond as adults when we are asked to give up something for a larger idea or are called upon to do something we already know will be difficult or dangerous? Some of us will react like children and some of us will try to negotiate. When we professed our faith in Jesus Christ we made a promise to be ready the moment God called us into action.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord bless these gifts as instruments of your will. Put them into action to for the good of your creation, and for the sake of all who need you, who need to know you are there for them every moment, every step along life’s way. We give eagerly without hesitation, grateful for the blessings we enjoy. Let the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts testify to your unreserved presence in our lives. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
May 5, 2013 "NO STOPPING US NOW Part 3" WOW
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God the mission you set before us is not an impossible one, but it seems to challenge us at every turn. We confess how difficult it is for us to let go of our dreams, our goals, and our opinions about what is best for us as well as others. We confess how very hard it is to let go of our own agendas, as if desiring to put a halter and reins upon your Holy Spirit, imagining that we can steer your course, moving the church forward in the direction we choose. Like the religious authorities who were affronted by the obedience of Jesus’ Apostles, we feel anxious and even threatened by those who would lead us away from our comfort zone. Teach us to trust in you, confident that you will always lead us in the way we should go. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Not until Chapter 10 of his first book, “The Pickwick Papers” does Charles Dickens introduce the character of Sam Weller. Immediately Dicken’s readership went from 500 to 40,000. An ordinary man of immense practical wisdom, Sam becomes Mr. Pickwick’s manservant and is always rescuing Mr. Pickwick from himself. When Pickwick narrowly escapes the wrong room at the inn — occupied by A MIDDLE-AGED LADY IN YELLOW CURL-PAPERS — he is greatly relieved when Sam finds him cowering in a dark corner in his nightgown. Pickwick says: If I were to stop in this inn for six months, I would never trust myself about it, alone, again.' I’ll translate Sam’s response: 'That's the most prudent resolution you could come to, Sir. You rather want somebody looking after you, when your judgment goes out visiting.' I think The body of Christ is sort of our Sam Weller when our judgment goes out visiting. Let us keep it vital and alive.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless our tithes and gifts to your service. We offer them with grateful hearts and pray that you will transform them into instruments of peace, liberty, rescue and goodwill. With your blessing, they will bring light into someone’s darkness and hope to someone who has known only despair. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we give, witness to your unreserved presence in our lives. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Gracious God the mission you set before us is not an impossible one, but it seems to challenge us at every turn. We confess how difficult it is for us to let go of our dreams, our goals, and our opinions about what is best for us as well as others. We confess how very hard it is to let go of our own agendas, as if desiring to put a halter and reins upon your Holy Spirit, imagining that we can steer your course, moving the church forward in the direction we choose. Like the religious authorities who were affronted by the obedience of Jesus’ Apostles, we feel anxious and even threatened by those who would lead us away from our comfort zone. Teach us to trust in you, confident that you will always lead us in the way we should go. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Not until Chapter 10 of his first book, “The Pickwick Papers” does Charles Dickens introduce the character of Sam Weller. Immediately Dicken’s readership went from 500 to 40,000. An ordinary man of immense practical wisdom, Sam becomes Mr. Pickwick’s manservant and is always rescuing Mr. Pickwick from himself. When Pickwick narrowly escapes the wrong room at the inn — occupied by A MIDDLE-AGED LADY IN YELLOW CURL-PAPERS — he is greatly relieved when Sam finds him cowering in a dark corner in his nightgown. Pickwick says: If I were to stop in this inn for six months, I would never trust myself about it, alone, again.' I’ll translate Sam’s response: 'That's the most prudent resolution you could come to, Sir. You rather want somebody looking after you, when your judgment goes out visiting.' I think The body of Christ is sort of our Sam Weller when our judgment goes out visiting. Let us keep it vital and alive.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, bless our tithes and gifts to your service. We offer them with grateful hearts and pray that you will transform them into instruments of peace, liberty, rescue and goodwill. With your blessing, they will bring light into someone’s darkness and hope to someone who has known only despair. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we give, witness to your unreserved presence in our lives. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
April 28, 2013 "THE UNSTOPPABLE APOSTLES" Part 2
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and loving God thank you for knowing us inside and out, and for hearing our prayer. We cry out to you for help and relief from distress and you hear us. You are willing always to absolve us of our sin, working diligently to take away the pain and regret we carry within our hearts. We confess our tendency to keep lists of our sins as if we are saving them up in some special dark place. Your unfathomable grace is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be used as an excuse to sin. And yet when we falter or fail, you refuse to remember our sins or remained fixed upon them. You call us to move on in and by your grace. Give us hearts as unstoppable and courageous as the Apostles. Let us believe that the work we accomplish in Jesus’ name brings glory to your most holy name. Thank You, again, for everything. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing you do seems to go right. It starts when a glob of green toothpaste drops onto your white blouse or you nick yourself shaving. You spill your 4 dollar Starbucks al over your shoes when some impatient 20 something honks at you for being in his way. The gas pump won’t take your debit card and you are late for an appointment. When you get to the appointment the office is closed and you find out it was yesterday when you check the 5 messages on your cellphone. You become aware of an ever escalating headache and you wonder if it is this incessant wind, persistent allergies, stress or Meningitis. You suddenly realize it is 9:40 AM on Sunday and church is just around the corner. Phew! That’s just one reason to keep us here.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are well aware, dearest Lord, that there is nothing we can offer in material wealth that compares to all that you have bestowed upon us. The psalmist declares that you prefer a contrite heart to burnt offerings. The gifts we offer are meant to carry on the work of the unstoppable Apostles. Empower these gifts and us to spread the good news of the gospel to the ends of the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray.
Wondrous and loving God thank you for knowing us inside and out, and for hearing our prayer. We cry out to you for help and relief from distress and you hear us. You are willing always to absolve us of our sin, working diligently to take away the pain and regret we carry within our hearts. We confess our tendency to keep lists of our sins as if we are saving them up in some special dark place. Your unfathomable grace is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be used as an excuse to sin. And yet when we falter or fail, you refuse to remember our sins or remained fixed upon them. You call us to move on in and by your grace. Give us hearts as unstoppable and courageous as the Apostles. Let us believe that the work we accomplish in Jesus’ name brings glory to your most holy name. Thank You, again, for everything. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing you do seems to go right. It starts when a glob of green toothpaste drops onto your white blouse or you nick yourself shaving. You spill your 4 dollar Starbucks al over your shoes when some impatient 20 something honks at you for being in his way. The gas pump won’t take your debit card and you are late for an appointment. When you get to the appointment the office is closed and you find out it was yesterday when you check the 5 messages on your cellphone. You become aware of an ever escalating headache and you wonder if it is this incessant wind, persistent allergies, stress or Meningitis. You suddenly realize it is 9:40 AM on Sunday and church is just around the corner. Phew! That’s just one reason to keep us here.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are well aware, dearest Lord, that there is nothing we can offer in material wealth that compares to all that you have bestowed upon us. The psalmist declares that you prefer a contrite heart to burnt offerings. The gifts we offer are meant to carry on the work of the unstoppable Apostles. Empower these gifts and us to spread the good news of the gospel to the ends of the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray.
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