August 9, 2015 Sermon # 3 "ABOUT THE BODY"

AN AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe that GOD the creator of the universe, our loving ABBA Father breathed life into us, and we give thanks for GOD’S abundant and unfailing grace.
We believe that Jesus, though he was equal with GOD, emptied himself, for our sakes,
becoming one like us. Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him in our hearts,
and his name is ever on our lips.
When he was crucified, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness. GOD raised him from the dead
inviting everyone to accept the promise of eternal life in JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus promised that we would never be alone. We believe the HOLY SPIRIT is the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We listen for the SPIRIT’S voice speaking the language of redemption to our souls.
As CHRIST’S body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our worship of the ABBA Father, the Son and The HOLY SPIRIT.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in heart, body and mind ministering to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Gracious LORD, for many children, this is the week they head “back to school.” We remember, ourselves that every first day of school is a challenge full of new experiences, whether the student knows their school well or not. We confess that we had some nervous first days, and were always grateful to find a friend. Be with our children, guide them and hold them close. May they sense your presence with them through all of the days of their learning whether they are in elementary school, middle school, high school or college. Let learning be, for all of them, a joyous adventure. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

OFFERING INVITATION
We had 22 youngsters participate in VBS this past week plus 31 youth and adults. We all had a really good time, even the kids. The G-Force theme had us on the move each day, learning about God’s love in Action and how God’s universe is always in motion. It was a good balance of learning, playing, singing, and making memories with enthusiastic, involved children of all ages. Your tithes and offerings make it possible for us to offer Vacation Bible School free to any child who wants to be a part of it. You are the G-Force! And we are Unstoppable!
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on the gifts we offer, upon the members of this congregation, and upon our children who are gifts you have placed in our care. May the gifts we offer the church help us attend to and love our children. We pray your blessing upon them as they venture off to school and college to become their own persons. Fill us with gladness for them. We pray never to take our church family and this place of worship for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life giving. To you gracious God we give thanks for t all that you have given us. May we continue to thrive and grow and mature as the body of Christ in the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

August 2, 2015 "ABOUT THE BREAD"

A NEW AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God our most Gracious Creator, we give you thanks for the days you grant us of life upon this earth. Through the years we will and do experience joy, laughter, and triumph coupled with the sorrow, which accompanies loss. When we dare to embrace the full range of human emotions, we discover who we cherish and what we treasure. We confess our aversion to the pain of grief, but realize that the remembering helps us call up the faces of those we keep ever close in our hearts. Isolating ourselves from the world, will not keep pain and sorrow from knocking on our door, but trusting in your presence and unfailing friendship can help us greet tomorrow. Bless us today, O LORD, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
“Abstract thinking is the final most complex stage in the development of cognitive thinking.” We no longer make decisions based on our experiences, rather our thinking is characterized by adaptability, flexibility and the use of concepts and generalizations. Abstract thinking helps us look at the big picture and problem solve. I have some very lovely friends who cling to the concrete and literal, and less to abstract concepts. When I share dreams and big ideas, often the expression on their face becomes one big question mark, a distant blank stare, or a raised eyebrow, that screams doubt wondering just what out-of-control notion I am hatching now. There are moments when It seems as if I am speaking a foreign language. I think Jesus may have had like experiences and that may be the very reason he started using the phrase: “Very truly I tell you,” when he saw those blank stares and distant looks coming his way.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious and loving God, we are moved by the praise filled voices of those singing all around us. Our hearts are warmed, and our spirits quickened. Recognizing that every blessing we have is a gift from you, we humbly acknowledge your bounty. You have placed your trust in our willingness to share what we have with others, so that all may come to know the bounty to be found in Christ Jesus. We believe that no gift given in love is small, and all gifts sustain the church and its ministries. May our church live on as a vital, and magnetic presence for all those who come after us. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.

July 26, 2015 "ABOUT THE BOY"

A NEW AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Incredible and Awesome Creator, we are attentive to your presence with us and reverently offer this grateful prayer. We confess how astounded we are by the vastness of your universe, the delicious bounty and the beauty of this earth we call home. Help us to be models of good stewardship, daily conscious of our part in preserving, not squandering the resources, you have consigned to our safekeeping. When we find ourselves faced with a challenge or a problem that seems insurmountable in the moment, help us to discover the spirit of possibility that dwells in each of us. It may be that what we can contribute will be just the thing to turn the tide for the good of all. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Does your conscience wrestle with you about spending money, saving it or giving it away. I have a friend whose Dad used to open every piece of mail that arrived in his mailbox and sent money to every charity that requested a donation. He didn’t wonder if the charity was worthy or their mission sound. He didn’t calculate what percentage of his donation would be used to cover administrative expenses and overhead; he just wrote checks, trusting that those who received his gifts would use them for good. He was also blessed with a daughter who saw to it that his habit of giving did him no harm.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, let us be moved by your Spirit always, recognizing and acknowledging how you prod us into action. We pray never to take this church, or this family of faith, for granted. When we are absent from the body, help us to remember that our gifts sustain our ministries. Through our gifts we are offering our thanks and praise for your incredible generosity. May we never fail, but continue to thrive and grow as we become better disciples of Jesus. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

July 19, 2015 "WALLS OR WINDOWS"

A NEW AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and Gracious Creator, make each one of us a powerful witness to your presence, today, as we seek our own spiritual transformation. We are aware that there are things we must let go of and leave behind; barriers we must tear down in order to be transformed. Jesus taught us to open ourselves to God and each other. He calls upon us to break down the visible and invisible walls that divide us as communities of faith and nations. In this modern society we are all about setting boundaries to prevent injury to ourselves or others. But, let us not convert our precious boundaries into personal barriers erected to keep people out or away. Help us Lord to cherish the gaps in walls; those that time and movement create. May they serve as invitations to greet and get to know and love our neighbor, as you commanded. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Robert Frost wrote: “Something there is that doesn't love a wall. Before I built a wall I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out, and to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall, that wants it down." The Body of Christ must be like an un-walled city, wide open on all sides, ready to accommodate the stranger and the relative, the enemy and the friend, young and old, gay and straight, liberal and conservative, grounded and flakey, sober and drunk, poor and well-heeled. Your gifts keep the doors of this un-walled city open wide for all. The ushers will now come forward to receive the offering.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, let us be moved by your Spirit always, recognizing and acknowledging how you prod us into action. We pray never to take this church, or this family of faith, for granted. When we are absent from the body, help us to remember that our gifts sustain our ministries. Through our gifts we are offering our thanks and praise for your incredible generosity. May we never fail, but continue to thrive and grow as we become better disciples of Jesus. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

July 12, 2015 "3-M DISCIPLES"

A NEW AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Glory, Grace and Peace, energize us for this church’s ministry of welcome and reconciliation in Jesus’ name. Remind us that we do not minister alone. When we are flummoxed by the doubters and naysayers who want to limit your grace, let our mouths shout forth your praise. Let your Holy Spirit speak through us as with the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost. We are instruments of love and mercy, so we dare to ask that you will give us words that can melt the hardest heart and open wide the closed mind. Let our efforts bring transformation to the church and healing to people in every corner of the world. We believe in the power of prayer, the power of presence and the power of persistence. Keep us headed in your direction, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
When he was in his 20s Rev. Amanda’s uncle Bud joined the Merchant Marine, and arrived home with a tattoo, which he kept covered for the rest of his life. Today people seek out what is referred to nowadays as “ink, pieces, skin art, tattoo art, work, tats or flash.” They get marked for a variety of reasons: decoration, declaration, identification, for medical reasons, permanent make-up reasons, and functional reasons. Some Alzheimer’s patients are tattooed with their name in case they get lost wandering. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul wrote: “When you believed in Jesus you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.” Maybe you can’t see it, but it’s there. The ushers will now come forward to receive the offering.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, let us be moved by your Spirit always, recognizing and acknowledging how you prod us into action. We pray never to take this church, or this family of faith, for granted. When we are absent from the body, help us to remember that our gifts sustain our ministries. Through our gifts we are offering our thanks and praise for your incredible generosity. May we never fail, but continue to thrive and grow as we become better disciples of Jesus. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

July 5, 2015 "BUT GOD........"

A NEW AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in one true God, the beginning of all that is, the gracious and merciful creator of the Universe, beyond planets, galaxies, solar systems, time and space.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born the Son of God, the light of the world, the prince of peace, the bread of life. We believe Jesus was the incarnation of God, the living message of redemption for all and that by his willing sacrifice we have been given new life.
We believe that Jesus was raised from the dead as the radiant sign of God’s promise fulfilled. We believe that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into the body of Christ, the church, prodding us ever onward toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom upon the earth.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and gracious God, it is indeed exciting to be sending ambassadors from this body to serve our friends in Guatemala. On this Independence Sunday we embrace our own historic legends, realizing too, that freedom is not gained without great cost. Let us be aware today that the people of Guatemala suffered persecutions in the 1980s akin to those suffered by the earliest Christians. We hope and pray that our outreach to the Mayan people of Guatemala will help them continue to recuperate and heal from the losses they suffered. They have much to teach us about holding fast to one’s faith in the darkest of times. Pour out your spirit of readiness, willingness and compassion upon our volunteers and remind us to lift them up in prayer everyday they are away from us. All this we pray in the name of the Christ who taught us to pray in this way: SINGING OF THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERING INVITATION
Today is a day of great rejoicing and thanksgiving. As you participated in the commissioning ceremony of our volunteers heading to Guatemala on Friday, did you think about your part in making their mission possible? Because you believed the experience would give our volunteers a glimpse into the lives of our brothers and sisters in Central America you supported their fund raising events. You provided for these representatives of the Christ out of your own resources. You are following the example of the early churches, founded and led by Paul. They also shared what they had with those who had not in a place far away.

June 28, 2015 "SPIRIT UPGRADES"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and loving God, this is a wonderful day of renewal for this church. How very blessed we are to have gifted church members, and the financial resources, to give our fifty year old sanctuary the face-lift it needed. Changes bring challenges, and so we will be ready for next steps should they come. Our desire and ever present hope, gracious God, is to be the place of welcome and spiritual renewal for all who find their way into this sacred space. Let the sense of newness that surrounds us today fill our hearts with joy. Let us see clearly the possibilities and opportunities open to us as servants of your Christ. Whenever we gaze upon water, let us be reminded of our baptism. Whenever we see a bird in flight, let us be reminded of your high soaring presence. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Yesterday I was at a church yard sale. What was being sold and given away were the church’s furnishings. You see, a few years ago the church failed. No one seemed able to kick start its spiritual engine. When a merger with another church failed, the remnant members just walked away. Some still have not found a new church home. Last Wednesday I sat with the clergywoman who pastored that little church for three years. Working a second job to make ends meet, she fought mightily to save the church, to the detriment and collapse of her own health. She cried openly over the loss. Be reminded that every time we receive new members we vow again to uphold the church by our prayers, our presence, our service, our witness and our gifts, repeating it loud and clear (that’s 5 by 5). Walking away is just not an option.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, let us be moved by your Spirit always, recognizing and acknowledging how you prod us into action. We pray never to take this church, or this family of faith, for granted. When we are absent from the body, help us to remember that our gifts sustain our ministries. Through our gifts we are offering our thanks and praise for your incredible generosity. May we never fail, but continue to thrive and grow as we become better disciples of Jesus. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.