October 15, 2017 "WHAT IS THE HONORABLE THING?"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news.
As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Everliving and ever creating God, we come reverently, on this first day of the week, gathering as one body to worship you, to sing praises to your holy name, and offer prayers of thanksgiving, petition and intercession. It was on the first day of the week that you brought the risen Christ forth from the tomb, opening wide the eyes of his disciples to the meaning of your promises fulfilled. Help us to be alert to your efforts to open our eyes, to see all the ways we can serve you as disciples of Jesus. Life’s distractions are many, and are often exhausting. We confess the power these distractions have to pull our focus from the spiritual practices that renew and heal us. Remembering how Jesus found his source of renewal communing with you in prayer; we shall follow his lead and turn our eyes to heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
When someone says: “I hate change!” I understand how they feel. However, change is part of our very essence. If not for the ever changing universe, we might not even be here. We might not exist at all. Change is inevitable. We can try our best to ignore it, resist it, even fight against it tooth and nail, like toddlers who simply will not give up their worn out “woobie.” Steeling ourselves against change and the fall-out we believe it leaves in its wake, is one way to handle it, but welcoming change opens us up to the possibilities it promises. The Golden calf was like the Israelites' wilderness-woobie. Feeling lost and abandoned, worshiping the familiar visage of the Egyptian god, Apis, comforted them. They forgot, for a moment, that they didn’t belong to Apis, and never really had. We shall not forget that God accompanies us through change, always leading us to the promised land.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

October 8, 2017 "THE MEASURE OF THE WICKED"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most generous and patient Lord of all life, fill us with wisdom, patience and determination to serve your will and your way. As we witness and ponder the tragedies that threaten to overwhelm our own sense of safety in this land, give us spirits, hearts and hands that will work to mend the brokenness around us. Empower us, as servants of your Christ, to pray diligently that the leaders of this world together seek to find a way to stop the madness. Let us not be judge and jury of those who would undo us; rather give us the heart of Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The Greek King Midas was granted a wish by Dionysus as a reward for having found the god’s beloved teacher, Silenus, who had disappeared after a night of too much wine. King Midas wished everything he touched would turn to gold instantly. Granted! He soon concluded that his gift was a terrible burden, because everything he touched, from the food he wanted to eat to the daughter he cherished, turned to gold. On the verge of starving to death he returned to Dionysus and prayed for a way to be rid of his golden touch. He was told to wash himself, and everything he had turned to gold, in the river Pactolus. According to the legend the gold washed away, and settled in the river bed. Midas gave up all of his wealth and riches, moved to the country and still longing for what satisfies from without, he became a follower of the god Pan, who was a party animal of the first order. Like Midas and The Rolling Stones, all humans search for satisfaction, as if it is something to get or obtain. Finding our satisfaction within liberates us to be generous.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

October 1, 2017 "TAKE A RISK--SURRENDER"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving and merciful God, on this World Wide Communion Sunday, all Christians gather in worship to remember Jesus’ wondrous gift. How simple, and yet how profound that all over the world souls gather to celebrate Jesus’ presence with us in the bread of life, and the cup of redemption. Every time we partake of the sacrament, we partake of the redemption promise and are renewed. With spirits replenished we reach out a helping hand to those in need, and regard them as better than ourselves. Our joy shall be to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, having the same love, and being in full accord with one another. For we believe that you are at work within us enabling us to will and to work for your good pleasure. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Many of you have heard me talk before about John Wesley’s Directions for Singing on Page vii of the red hymnal. He calls upon us to learn these hymns before learning any other music, and to sing in full voice with the congregation. “Sing lustily and with good courage. Sing modestly. Sing in time. And Above all Sing Spiritually.” We sing to God, true, but someone else’s heart might be touched by your efforts to sing out to please God. To sing spiritually attests to God’s presence within us and we hope that presence shines through. Well, apparently someone has taken note of our efforts to sing spiritually, particularly our choir. Distinguished Concerts International in New York has invited the Palm Springs UMC choir to sing Pepper Choplin's Journey Through The Lord's Prayer on Father's Day, June 17, 2018 at Carnegie Hall!!! We have accepted the invitation!

September 17, 2017 'YOU TALKIN' TO ME?"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving God, we give you thanks for so many things; for the sunshine of a new day, for the opportunity to welcome new friends, to sing in full voice our hymns of praise, and share our concerns for old friends and loved ones. We confess how very much we miss friends who moved away, leaving our company, to be closer to family as their years of life wain. They are people of great courage, and our prayer is that they will find comfort, soon enough, in their new community. Help them share the good news they carry with them ministering to the people they meet. Remind them their strong spirit will be a gift to all those around them. Teach us, O LORD, to make the best of the time we are given here on earth. Help us let go of impatience and fear. Open our hearts and minds to the great possibilities born of our faith in your goodwill for us. Pour out your most positive Spirit upon all of us, washing away all our doubts and empowering us to make the best of what ever comes our way. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I visited a website the other day which identified 27 different kinds of listening from Active listening to whole-person listening. Just knowing that someone has identified that many listening styles will probably find me looking curiously from now on at the person I am talking with to see what kind of listening they are engaging in. Are they actively, casually, or critically listening? Or are they fully, partially, falsely, deeply, or inactively listening. Is their technique, relationship listening, sympathetic listening or total listening? I suppose the church could launch a website that describes tithing like the types of listening: casual, active, full, partial, deep, false, sympathetic, critical or inactive tithing. Are you listening?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous, and Eternal God, bless these tithes, and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church, and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work, and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

September 24, 2017 "WHAT TIME ARE YOU COMING TO WORK?"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, we thank you for this beautiful new day and this opportunity to gather in loving fellowship. Here we take time to ponder your immense generosity, and patience, recognizing that even when we grumble about our circumstances, your generosity is always at hand. You freely give to all your abundant grace asking only that we open ourselves, our hearts and our hands to receive it. There are so many who are unable to fathom the meaning of your steadfast love, as they are overrun with hatred and fear unable to comprehend what it is doing to their soul. Awaken the haters to your merciful, presence, O God. Make them beacons of tolerance and forgiveness in this hurting world. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.

September 10, 2017 "GOING ASTRAY"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O, most loving and eternal God, we are gathered here to glorify your name as one community of faith. You have done wondrous deeds throughout human history, and yet we are surprised when we realize you have been at work in the midst of us, inspiring us with great ideas, and placing new opportunities to serve you right in our path. We are loathe to confess our spiritual doubts, the ones that often confine us in a dark place mourning our losses and regretting our past. Beloved creator, empower each one of us to step out of that self-imposed dark place into the light of your redeeming presence. Open our hearts to the love that surrounds. Open our ears to hear your words of encouragement. Teach us the way of love and encouragement for all whose paths we cross. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Don’t you love looking into the face of a child who is looking up at you? Often their expression is one of awe and even delight at what they see. You may be making silly faces or funny sounds, all smiles and animation, and the child is simply entranced. He or she may smile or giggle as they watch your face fascinated by the performance you seem to have created just for them. Like the face of the child on the cover of the bulletin, Jesus calls each and every one of us, no matter our present age, to bear that same expression of awe and delight when we ponder the face of God and the kingdom heaven. Let us, like those infants who are so entranced by our efforts, appreciate God’s eternal efforts to bring a smile to our faces, and lead us into joy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.

September 3, 2017 "LET LOVE BE GENUINE"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH BASED ON ROMANS 10
We believe in God who in the beginning poured out grace, mercy, and love on every living creature and still does so, today.
God’s good word is ever near us, on our lips and written upon our hearts.
We believe that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Our confession of faith in him is our salvation.
We believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was not his end, rather it was our beginning.
God raised him from the dead, as promised, the Christ to reign in us.
In Christ, there is no distinction between native or alien, male or female.
We believe that the same Lord is Lord of all, generous and gracious to all.
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be redeemed.
We believe the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us from birth to death, and is eager to guide us through life’s maze of decisions and choices.
We believe in the Church; Christ’s body in the world.
For it is certain, that faith comes from what is heard about the Christ.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be and proclaim the good news as it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and ever loving God, it is wonderful to worship together, to sing our hymns of joy as we give thanks for your many blessings. Even in the midst of radical change we know you are with us, encouraging us, urging us to rest when our burdens seem too heavy to bear for even one more minute. When we are worn to a frazzle from doing and caring, searching and researching, proposing and planning, from working and serving, remind us, one more time, that the world wasn’t created in a day. Let us not be skittish about getting involved, fearing that only burdens come when we become a part of something. Inspire us to lend our hands, our ideas and hearts as we work together for your kingdom. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
In doing some research on the play Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, I got curious about clairvoyants. The term clairvoyance comes from the French meaning clear vision and “is the alleged ability to gain information about an object, person, location or physical event through extrasensory perception.” ESP categorizes its extra senses as: Clairsentience (touch), Clairaudience (hearing), Clairolfactus (smelling), Clairgustance (tasting) and Claircognizance (knowing). The last of these extra sensory gifts is what some church folks hope their pastor possesses, that is, if she doesn’t have eyes in the back of her head. Here at PSUMC we thank God for giving us a clear vision of who we are, and we trust that God will always give us clear knowledge of who we will be as the body of Christ in the world.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, bless these tithes and offerings. We offer them with grateful hearts, trusting that you will guide us to use them wisely, for the edification of Christ’s church and the good of humanity. Jesus taught us that all things are possible with you. May all our work and all our efforts serve your will. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.