November 2, 2014 "WHAT WE WILL BE"

THE APOSTLE’S CREED REVISITED
I believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving Abba Father, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son, who was conceived by The Spirit of God and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate.
He was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
I believe the risen Christ ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand
of God Almighty.
From this throne Jesus shall come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the church universal and the communion of saints.
I believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Grace and glory we are confident that even on our worst day your arms are reaching out to embrace us and lead us in the better way. Your longing is for us to rejoice in the days or our life, to celebrate the abundance of your love, grace and mercy, not wither in doubt or uncertainty about what is to come. We confess our need for assurance while we remember in love those who have crossed the threshold from this life into the next. Fill our imaginings with visions of glorious things to come and teach us how to pass our confidence on to our children. Help us exemplify our absolute trust in you. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
Did you ever wonder how All Hallows’ Eve, also called All Saints Eve, evolved into a celebration of candy? October 31st, November 1st and November 2nd are actually a triad of celebrations known in liturgical circles as the triduum of Allhallowtide (the three days of All Saints season). Each of the three days moves into and connects with the next: All Hallows, All Saints and All Souls. The triad of days is specifically dedicated to remembering those who have ended their journey of faith on earth. Sam Potaro writes: “On All Hallows’ Eve our ancestors used the most powerful weapon in the human arsenal, to confront the power of death —the power of humor and ridicule. The costumes worn and games played were all a part of humanity’s fearless derision of death. All Saints Day is the day to honor all saints known and unknown. Protestants believe that all confessing Christians will be among the saints of heaven. Today, in fact, is All Souls Day when we commemorate all the faithful departed, especially family and friends.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

October 26, 2014 "HIGHER MOTIVES"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Merciful Creator, just pronouncing your name gives us a sense of centeredness and purpose. We know why we are here. There is no question in our minds that we have come here to worship and honor you. In this holy place we are fully present with you. In worship we are diligent in our efforts to discover your vital and vigorous spirit at work within us. When we attend to the words of the hymns written by men and women of faith, in times of trial and rejoicing, our hearts are strangely warmed. Sharing our joys and concerns with one another connects us through time and space with those whose names we repeat and for whom we pray. We bind our hearts in these moments, confident that you hear and attend to what is important to each and every one of us. Our hearts are strangely warmed and we are made new again. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
What makes you feel good? I know some of you will answer chocolate, but seriously, what makes you feel like you have really accomplished something offering the best of yourself to help another. Deuteronomy tells us that Moses never reached the promised land. Though he could see it from the top of Mt. Nebo, just across the valley not too far away, he would never set his feet upon it. He came to the end of his days in the land of the Moabites. The 120 year old servant of the Lord had no impairment of vision or vigor, yet he died just short of the goal. I wonder if he spent any time at all focusing on what he couldn’t attain? I wonder did he mourn what couldn’t be, or did he give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve? Many of us are burdened with aches and pains, multiple medications and days filled only with doctor appointments. It may be hard for us to shift focus away from our ailments and difficulties, but I believe taking a moment to make an offering to Christ’s church can help us feel better, invested, re-invigorated — almost as good as chocolate.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

October 19, 2014 "THE EXAMPLE OF ALL BELIEVERS"

CONGREGATION PRAYER
Glorious God, we are grateful for so much that sometimes we just have to share the list. We are grateful for your phenomenal grace, for it sets our hearts at liberty and our minds at rest. We are grateful for the love of Jesus that urges us onward and knows no bounds. We are grateful for, if not sometimes surprised, by the prodding companionship of the Holy Spirit. We often forget to be grateful for family and friends who remain constant and true, who willingly stand by us even when we are recalcitrant, contrary, brooding and slow. We are grateful for reliable cars, johnny-on-the-spot-locksmiths and 24-hour plumbers, resilient children, physicians who don’t scold, and dentists who abhor pain. We are most grateful loving God for the moments when we are suddenly aware that our prayers have been answered, because you are ever attentive to your children’s needs. Thank you, again, we say in the name of the Christ. Amen.

THE OFFERING INVITATION
Loyalty is a word my mother taught me was the virtue above all others that the Burr family was expected to live up to. Through thick and thin, no matter what a Burr sticks to family members and friends, political party, church, grocery store, dry cleaners, pharmacy, package store and the gas station where the guy still pumps gas for you. Of course understood in that loyalty was a choice. You don’t necessarily choose your family, but sometimes you do; you certainly do choose everything else. But what of your loyalty when your political party or your church no longer validates what you have always believed or held to be true? If your friends’ and family’s life experience and opinions differ from yours, what then to do you do with your loyalty? Do you decide that your loyalty was misplaced, or do you break out of the husk of your assumptions and expectations to learn something new about yourself? Always remember, the church is here to help you accomplish that.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

October 12, 2014 "SAYING NO TO GOD" Matthew 22:1-14

A NEW LIFE AFFIRMATION
It is God who lovingly gave us the breath of life. May all our days be occasions of thanksgiving for the gifts of life and grace.
It is Jesus who, though he was equal with God, would not exploit his divinity.
Instead he emptied himself, for our sakes, becoming one like us. Because he first loved us, his name shall be on our lips at dawn and dusk. He is our Good News forever.
When Jesus was crucified, and died with forgiveness on his lips, it was God who raised him from the dead so we would know God’s kingdom has no end. Not only do we receive new life in Jesus Christ, but eternal life, as well.
It is Jesus who promised us a constant companion and helper, even the Holy Spirit. Present at Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit is a witness to the truth of Christ. That same Spirit is a witness in the moment of our baptism. We listen for the voice of the Spirit speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
The Church is peopled with disciples of Jesus seeking to love one another. We gather spiritual strength from our unfettered worship of God the three-in-one. Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united heart, body and mind in ministry to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Holy and Wondrous Lord, God of Power and God of Love, we have accepted your very special invitation by entering this sanctuary. You have consecrated this space to be a place of spiritual rest, where peace of mind is freely offered and can be gained. We have come to understand that with your wondrous blessings come invitations that challenge us and call us to engage in hands on ministry to one another and the world beyond these doors. Even with the overcrowded schedules we keep, help us create discipleship moments. It may be something as simple as deciding to stop talking about ourselves and our woes, and listen to someone else’s story over enchiladas and lemonade. Wondrous God we thank you for bringing people into our lives whose courage and stamina gives us a whole new outlook on our own good fortune. Continue to invite and challenge us so that we may grow and mature spiritually. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
How many of you receive invitations to parties, weddings, charity balls and fancy events? How many of those invitations ask you to RSVP? I think most folks know that those 4 capitalized letters are some kind of code asking for a yea or nay to the invite or E-vite. I don’t think we put much thought into what they stand for unless we are fans of Emily Post. For all we know they could stand for: reply special vegetarian preference or reply selection veal or prime rib or respond soon verbally by phone? Actually the letters abbreviate a French phrase: Répondez s'il vous plait, translated Respond, if you please. The act of RSVP-ing is simply an act of courtesy. These days our calendars get so full, half of the time we forget we RSVP’d, “Yes,” and fail to show up to the event. Many more folks ignore the invitation altogether. If we understand invitations to be a nice gesture, we should understand that to respond is the appropriate courtesy. I invite you to this time of offering. As the plate is passed, Répondez s'il vous plait.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

OCTOBER 5, 2014 "FORGETTING WHAT LIES BEHIND"

A NEW LIFE AFFIRMATION by Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
It is God who lovingly gave us the breath of life. May all our days be occasions of thanksgiving for the gifts of life and grace.
It is Jesus who, though he was equal with God, would not exploit his divinity.
Instead he emptied himself, for our sakes, becoming one like us. Because he first loved us, his name shall be on our lips at dawn and dusk. He is our Good News forever.
When Jesus was crucified, and died with forgiveness on his lips, it was God who raised him from the dead so we would know God’s kingdom has no end.
Not only do we receive new life in Jesus Christ, but eternal life, as well.
It is Jesus who promised us a constant companion and helper, even the Holy Spirit.
Present at Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit is a witness to the truth of Christ. That same Spirit is a witness in the moment of our baptism.
We listen for the voice of the Spirit speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
The Church is peopled with disciples of Jesus seeking to love one another.
We gather spiritual strength from our unfettered worship of God the three-in-one.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united heart, body and mind in ministry to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, this is a day of new beginnings for all of us as we witness baptisms and new member commitments. We are all renewed in our commitment today as we celebrate the strengthening and growth of the Body of Christ. Oh how wonderful it is, when people who love Jesus, find a place and a way to invest their time, talents and energy in ministry to one another and the world. Teach us how to care for each other, to uphold and support one another as we journey together on the path of discipleship. Ever grateful for your blessings, we accept the challenges life brings. Guide us in the ways of kindness and understanding. Cleanse our souls of impatience, and the clutter of things past that cannot be changed. Remind us, that in Jesus we can be new beings every morning. In his name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Some of my clergy colleagues place the time of the offering in a different location in the worship service; specifically, they put it after the sermon. I understand their thinking. If the preacher succeeds in giving a rip-roaring sermon, come might conclude that what comes in the offering plate reflects the prowess of the preacher or the merit of the sermon’s content. To me, placing the offering after the sermon has the potential for reducing the offering to a kind of spiritual applause-meter. If the preacher did a good job, those in attendance at the service might be more generous. Then again, my colleagues might be thinking that placing the offering after the sermon gives the folks twenty more minutes to decide what they will give and write the check. To me, it doesn’t matter where the offering is in the service. It could be right after the prelude because it is an act of worship, an expression of our love for God, not a tip, a token or monetary kudos for a job well done.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, offering our gifts is an act of worship, just as important as our praying, singing and attending to your word for us. We are happy to place our trust in you, seeking to discern your will and way for us. Our hearts are full as we labor in your vineyard, sharing the work with our brother and sister Christians. As we reach out to those in need, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and

September 28, 2014 "WORKING UP A SALVATION SWEAT"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, our maker, creator and redeemer, dare we call you friend? Too many people in this world have been taught that you are a power and a presence to be feared and yet we describe you as merciful and loving. As we work out the meaning of salvation, the question we must answer is this: Do we really believe what we confess? When we are confronted by the evil that permeates our daily lives, we wonder where you are in the midst of it all. We are praying you will intervene, like Superman and save human beings from themselves. We confess some resentment at your not being the divine fixer of all that is awful, evil, sick and twisted. We wonder why you allow us to do unto others what we would not do to ourselves. Maybe if you turn out the lights for just a little while, we would have to stop and fend for ourselves, groping to find our way in the darkness. We wouldn’t know if the hand we grasped in that darkness was friend or foe, only that both hands were asking for help. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
We live in a world that offers miraculous panaceas for just about any condition: overweight, balding, joint pain, depression, dry eyes, anything that leaks, even a lackluster sex life. I remember laughing out loud when a friend asked if there wasn’t a pill to cure someone’s incessant babbling. “There must be a pill for that!” You can’t watch prime television these day without hearing about the latest pill to fix problems that aren’t topics of polite conversation. But there are no pills to improve spiritual growth, or enhance one’s prayer performance. There are no miraculous drops to clear spiritual blindness, or fizzy drinks to energize one’s serving and giving capabilities. We have to work at comprehending what it means to keep the Christ in the center of our lives. This is a heart, body and mind workout that will be worth everything, in the end.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as our praying singing and attending to your word for us. We are happy to place our trust in you, seeking to discern your will and way for us. Our hearts are full as we labor in your vineyard sharing the work with our brother and sister Christians. As we reach out to those in heed, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world, let us bring glory to your name. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

September 21, 2014 "PRIVILEGED TO BELIEVE AND SUFFER"

AFFIRMATION OF CREATION AND TRANSFORMATION
We believe in one creative God, righteous and patient, merciful and just. We believe that God created all that is and all that lives. God is perpetually creating. We believe that God’s
handiwork is well thought out, diverse, colorful, and inspiring. We accept that God
has entrusted the earth, and all that is in it, to our care.
We believe that Jesus was given unto the world in order that humankind could know the true heart of God. Jesus’ life revealed God’s willing presence in our lives. His death revealed God’s love and his resurrection from the dead revealed God’s power.
We believe that God’s Holy Spirit came to us in the nick of time, while we held our breath, wondering what to do next. Proof that God is perpetually creating, the Spirit whispers truth, love and justice, showing us how to walk humbly with God.
We believe in the church. It is the body of Christ called to continue his work in the world. Like God’s creation, the church is a living organism, evolving, responding and transforming itself when all of creation cries out for change.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Grace and Mercy, we come into your presence to praise you, hoping in every hymn, or prayer uttered, to make a spiritual connection that will quicken us, invigorate us, warm our hearts and energize us for ministry. Like witnesses who are sworn in, in a court of law, prepare us, Lord, to give testimony to your promises fulfilled, your unyielding hope for humanity, your unfailing mercy, and your never ending love. We confess our timidity and fear, our hesitancy to step out in faith, trusting that you will uphold us in our efforts. With our every breath we seek to live in response to your leading. Even if we fail to comprehend or discern your purpose, we will follow after Jesus, living in the light of your commandment to love, endeavoring to do no harm and to do all the good we can. Guide us onward, we pray, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
You’ve heard of the privileged class. In today’s world, the word privilege is understood as a restricted right or benefit not afforded to just anyone. We understand it as an advantage enjoyed only by the elite. But “privilege” comes from the Latin word Privilegium, which in Rome was a law made in-favor-of or against a singular individual. Only the Emperor could confer this anomalous or irregular right, obligation or punishment. If one received a special right or benefit, it was seen as favorable privilegium. In contrast, if obligations were imposed or punishments inflicted, these were seen as odious privilegium. Reserved only for the one chosen, whether benefit or obligation, favor or punishment, the privilegium was a private matter; not just anyone was privy to this Imperial conference. Paul, who was familiar with the laws of Rome, wrote to the church in Philippi regarding the privilege God conferred upon him — that is the privilegium of believing in the Jesus Christ, which comes with benefits and obligations.