September 13, 2015 TALE SPINNING--SAY WHAT?

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
Gracious and Loving Creator, we give you thanks for our voices particularly when we hear them singing the triumphant, sweet and reassuring hymns we love. We want to be conscientious in living our faith, believing that your commandments guide us on our way. We must confess that our missteps are frequent, particularly when we get tired, or frightened or are feeling frustrated and alone. When the world threatens to undo us, let us know you are ever near, and ready to lend your strength to help us harness the beast. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
How many of you watch tabloid talk shows? The more famous hosts were Jerry Springer, Morton Downey, Jr., Geraldo Rivera, Montel Williams, Jenny Jones, Sally Jesse Raphael, Ricky Lake, Maury Povich, and others. Shows that started out as copy cats of Phil Donahue morphed into outrageous spectacles that sensationalized human bad behavior. These hosts invited their audience of voyeurs to pass judgment on bigots and racists, cons and ex-cons, cheating spouses, people too fat or too skinny, people with bizarre phobias, habits and beliefs. They purported to present real stories, but what was exposed was the tragedy faithlessness. Believing in something greater than ourselves takes time, investment and work, like anything else we seek to do well.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you, gracious God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

September 6, 2015 "FAITH GIVES US THE WILL TO WORK"

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
Gracious and loving, our most patient God, we have come joyfully into your presence with thanksgiving and song. It is our delight to be in this sanctuary in the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ, energized by the spirit of inclusiveness that pervades this space. We confess our impatience with intolerance and ask to be made your confident, calming ambassadors in Christ trusting that our faith and our work will bring healing to a world in turmoil. May our efforts to minister in your name and the work we do in and for the church, and the world bring about transformation, fostering a sense unity, and all things possible in Christ Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
What does it mean to be a person at work? What do we work for, or towards in this life? Is it for a paycheck to support self and family. Do you work at whatever you work at it gives you a sense of accomplishment? Do you work because the work you do promises to make a difference and intends to help make the world a better place for all of humanity? Do you work for the fun of it? Do you work because working gives a reason to get up every day —working gives your life purpose? Do you work with an eye on future leisure. How many of us stop in the midst of our day and think about how the gifts God has given us empower all the work we do? Take a moment to be grateful and seek to fund the work of your church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts give life. To you, gracious God, we offer thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

August 30, 2015 "BE DOERS WHO ACT!"

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
Gracious and Loving God, we give thanks for this day for it is another opportunity to praise your name, to sing hymns, and meditate together on your word. We confess that sometimes the words of scripture confound us, but as we work together to understand them, their message becomes clear and we hold fast to their meaning for our lives. Bless us with clarity today as we look into the mirror of scripture and see reflected in it our true nature. Let us not see ourselves as evil or wicked, but as ever-becoming your righteousness through Jesus Christ. Amen.

OFFERING INVITATION
We are challenged more and more each day to master the latest advances of our technological age. I confess that when I go to Costco I can be found in the television audio section staring in awe at the latest innovations, pushing buttons for the demo on how the latest gadget works. I have a really smart phone, but I have only scratched the service of its level of intelligence. For all that these various devices and gadgets can do for me, they do not energize me. As terrific as they are, they don’t nourish my soul or invigorate my mind. Being in the company of living, breathing, talking, laughing, singing, expressive, human beings invigorates me and renews my spirit. Lucky for me they can be found right here. May it always be so.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised that he would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, will never drive anyone away. May this church always be a place of sanctuary, exuding a spirit of welcome and acceptance. Show us the better way to care for the sheep of your pasture, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take the church for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you, gracious God, we give thanks and praise, in the name of the Christ. Amen.

August 23, 2015 "TELLING OUR STORIES" The Guatemala Mission Team

AN AFFIRMATION OF PROMISE
We believe that God the creator of the universe, breathed life into us,
and we give thanks for God’s abundant and unfailing grace.
We believe that Jesus, though equal with God, emptied himself and became like us.
Because Jesus first loved us, we carry him close in our hearts,
and his name is ever on our lips.
When he was crucified, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness. When God raised him from the dead,
God was inviting all of humanity to accept the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Jesus promised his followers that they would never be alone.
We believe the Holy Spirit is the companion he promised, our counselor of truth, and advocate.
We believe the Holy Spirit speaks the language of redemption to our souls.
As Christ’s body on earth, we gather spiritual strength from our worship of
God the Abba Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Refreshed and renewed we work out our salvation, side by side, united in ministry to all the world.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving God, we are bold to ask that you give us the peace of mind that comes with discerning, and accepting your will for us. Keep us from all selfishness born of fear, and help us walk the better path, guiding our steps all along life’s way. Lead us to discover how to invest ourselves, our gifts, and the talents you have given each of us, for the benefit of humanity and the wellbeing of your creation. Give us hearts that long to serve your Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
The one thing our 6 youth and four adults wanted to do in Guatemala was build more stoves, but when the 35 stoves were installed there were no more on hand. The Onil company makes the wood efficiency stoves and has made them much easier to install. With shipping and transport they cost the Guatemala Mission Project about $150 a piece. Communities recruit families —at least 20— who want stoves and who are willing to commit to the partial purchase, and to learn about the care of the stove once it’s in place. Their contribution is equivalent to about 20 dollars.
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 is a gift from you, we give you thanks humbly acknowledging your generosity. You have placed your trust in our willingness to share ourselves and what we have with others. We believe that no gift given in love is small. All gifts, practical, spiritual, and financial sustain the church and its ministries. Make us vital witnesses to your presence ministering in Jesus’ name to those close at hand and those in distant lands. We pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

August 16, 2015 Sermon # 4 "ABOUT THE WORDS"

ALOHA KE AKUA

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
Gracious and Loving LORD, we stand in awe of you and of your creation as we try to fathom the infinite nature of your universe. Even if we may have never heard the still small voice Elijah heard in the wilderness, the sights and sounds that surround us, speak to us clearly of your presence. These words are as vibrant and brilliant as they are peaceful and subdued. The mountains shout forth of your majesty; the rough places declare your complexity; the plains speak of your fairness, and the pastures whisper to us of your mercy and compassion for all. Revitalize us, and enliven our spirits with your words, as you spoke through your prophets and again in the life of Jesus Christ. Your wondrous words echo down through the centuries emanating from the hearts, minds and mouths of the faithful who worship you in Christ’s name. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Ke Akua means God. Because God is affection, peace, compassion and mercy, God is Aloha. On Friday March 13, 1959 Rev. Abraham Akaka wrote in his Hawaii Statehood Address: “We do not understand the meaning of Aloha until we realize its foundation in the power of God at work in the world. Since the coming of our missionaries in 1820, the name for God to our people has been Aloha. One of the first sentences I learned in my childhood was from Holy Scripture: "Aloha ke Akua" - in other words, "God is Aloha." Aloha is the power of God seeking to unite what is separated in the world - the power that unites heart with heart, soul with soul, life with life, culture with culture, race with race, nation with nation. Aloha is the power that can reunite us when quarrels separate us. Aloha can reunite us with ourselves when we have become separated from the image of God within.”
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing on these gifts offered with open hearts and hands. Your Son promised would never drive anyone away who comes to him. We pray, that as the body of Christ in the world we, like Jesus, we will never drive anyone away. Let this church always be sanctuary for all, exuding a spirit of Aloha, welcome and acceptance. Show us the way to “feed your lambs, and tend and feed your sheep, helping as we are able to heal our broken world. We pray never to take our church family and church home for granted. Remind us that our gifts are life-giving. To you gracious God, we give thanks for all that you have given us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

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.