Blessed Abba hear our prayer. We confess our need to return to you. We confess our desire to reconnect with you and to place you at the center of our thoughts and actions. We realize that we have an opportunity, during this Lenten season, to examine our spiritual core. If we should discover that we have neglected and starved that part of our selves, dearest Lord, give us spiritual nourishment. If we discover that our spiritual core has been injured, please, heal the hurt and help us move to a new level consciousness. If we discover that we are imprisoned by bitterness, anger or resentment, we entreat you most merciful and forgiving God, to break the shackles that bind us and wash us clean. Teach us to be honest with you and with ourselves as we journey toward spiritual maturity. For all of this and more we shall give you thanks and praise as we follow Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
Offertory Thought
When we look for comfort from the things of this world, we are often soothed by soft things, sweet things, things that dull our senses, activities that physically exhaust the body, release its tensions or relax us into sleep removing us from the stresses, strains and anxieties of the world. Lent is a time of turning to God and discovering the love and comfort that the world cannot and will not provide.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Prayer For The Sermon on February 14, 2010 "TRANSFIGURATION"
Glorious God, wondrous Creator, we give you thanks and praise on this day of LOVE as we remember how you have ever loved us. You have made and kept covenant with us over and over again at last revealing the extent of your love in the person and sacrifice of Jesus the Christ. We humbly acknowledge that we, indeed, have a part in keeping any covenant relationship strong, vital and alive. If we have been lax or distracted in our commitment please forgive us. As we enter into the season of Lent this coming week, help us to focus on the covenants we have made with you, with our partners and our congregation. We will nourish our commitment partaking of the sacraments and build up its strength through prayerful exercises. We will serve one another and prepare to be the spiritual leaders you have called us to be. May our faces reflect your light within us shining forth the true radiance of your love and grace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Prayer for the Sermon February 7, 2010 "TRADITIO(OOO)N, TRADISHAN, TRUHDYSHON"
Gracious and Ever-living God, we are grateful for the opportunity we have, everyday, to give you thanks and praise, and most especially on this Sabbath day. By our confession of faith we are called to be servants of your creation and followers of your Christ. You prod us to seize every opportunity to live out the faith we confess. We are daily aware of the plight of so many who are living, dying and contending with grievous circumstances, who are in need of our help. We wonder if anything we do can make the smallest dent in their tremendous need. Let us not be overwhelmed by all that we hear about and see. Remind us, Almighty God, that when we serve our brothers and sisters in your name, hand in hand and step by step we are working to advance the cause of your gospel. Make us instruments of your mercy, love, peace, and goodwill sharing who we are and what we have with others. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Did you know that the antonym of the word tradition is innovation? Innovation is about novelty, modernization, improvement, advancement and originality. Now that is certainly a broad definition. The United Methodists launched their “Rethink Church” campaign encouraging church folks to become more hands-on in their work and in 2009 members of this congregation joined Craig Miller’s effort to “Innovate Church” which seeks to help congregations move ever forward innovating to keep the good news vital, fresh and alive for the generations to come.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Did you know that the antonym of the word tradition is innovation? Innovation is about novelty, modernization, improvement, advancement and originality. Now that is certainly a broad definition. The United Methodists launched their “Rethink Church” campaign encouraging church folks to become more hands-on in their work and in 2009 members of this congregation joined Craig Miller’s effort to “Innovate Church” which seeks to help congregations move ever forward innovating to keep the good news vital, fresh and alive for the generations to come.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Prayer for the Sermon January 31, 2010 "TERRIFIC BOUNTY"
Loving God, our Creator and Sustainer, we open our hearts to your leading. When we take time to think about it we become acutely aware of missed opportunities to minister to others in your name. We confess a desire to work within our comfort zone, skittish about stepping outside or beyond it. Help us, dear Savior, to understand that the open hearts, open minds and open doors we proclaim, work two ways. They invite new people to come in and participate in the ministries of the church and dare us to go outside and minister to our community beyond these walls. Reveal to us those who are longing to hear the good news for their lives. Empower us to speak as witnesses to your power and grace. And finally, O Lord, let us also be transformed and inspired by sharing our stories with friends and with strangers. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Have you ever felt you had more than enough, more than you needed, plenty, a plethora, an abundance, a bounty, ample amounts, a lot, lots, loads, heaps, masses, stacks, of anything? Most people would say this describes their debt not their bank account. Interestingly enough, an abundance of anything, even God’s grace, can be as frightening as a dearth, perhaps because it is human nature to think there are strings attached.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
Have you ever felt you had more than enough, more than you needed, plenty, a plethora, an abundance, a bounty, ample amounts, a lot, lots, loads, heaps, masses, stacks, of anything? Most people would say this describes their debt not their bank account. Interestingly enough, an abundance of anything, even God’s grace, can be as frightening as a dearth, perhaps because it is human nature to think there are strings attached.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"SURVIVOR VS THRIVER"
WHAT IS SURVIVOR: “The show maroons a group of strangers (as one or more tribes) in a desolate locale, where they must provide food, water, fire, and shelter for themselves, while competing in challenges to earn either a reward, or immunity from expulsion from the game in the next of the successive votes for elimination. While much rarer than elimination by vote, medical conditions, such as injury or infection, have eliminated several contestants. The last two or three survivors face a jury historically comprising of at least the last seven players voted off. That jury interrogates the final few, and then votes for the winner of the title of Sole Survivor and a million dollar prize. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivor_(U.S._TV_series)
Oh I just think it would be a fascinating challenge, not to mention one of those million dollar ideas I am so fond of dreaming up, to create a reality show to replace that shameful offering which rakes in loads of advertising dollars televising humanity at its worst. The new show would be called “Thriver” and it would be an honorable offering designed to depict humanity at its best. The challenge of the show would be to see just how selfless, altruistic, compassionate and generous individuals can be as they discover how to work together. The strongest personalities will not seek to dominate, debase and destroy those with more pliable personalities. It will be the delightful endeavor of all members of the team to discover the gifts and strengths of all, helping them cultivate those strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses. The goal of “Thriver” would be to gather, not isolate, include, not exclude, bring along, not vote off, encourage, not ignore, strengthen, not weaken, finally building up the community instead of tearing it down one soul at a time. Survivors plot. Thrivers plan. Survivors scheme. Thrivers dream. Survivors boot. Thrivers recruit.
O, Lord how we need a new reality and a new program to be part of our weekly television fair! I keep hearing that we are a visual society. We learn visually; we are influenced by what we see. If the television were a mirror would we really want to see ourselves as people motivated by contempt for our fellows and greed for fame and riches? “Thriver” would be worth watching, clearly showing us the best of ourselves, inspiring us as well, with what an intentional community of gathered individuals can accomplish not only for their mutual benefit, but for the benefit of others.
So, now that we have the format for our show. We are left to wonder who would sponsor such an undertaking. Who would pay the costs to air Thriver? And what kind of prize would be offered to the Thriver contestants, since all are destined to be winners? Survivor offers a million dollars to a singular winner. Their sponsors have been big name advertisers like Campbell’s Soup, General Motors and Proctor & Gamble. I read recently that some of these sponsors are dropping their sponsorship of the show since learning that the new season is to be racially segregated pitting teams of black, Asian, Hispanic and Caucasian “islanders” against each other. Now isn’t that tasteful television!! The producers are well aware that their decision is highly controversial, but they believe that controversy equals viewers, and viewers equal cash. Maybe Campbell’s Soup with their tummy soothing, heart warming, delicious “Hmmm-Hmm-goodness” will drop Survivor like a hot potato for promoting racism and gang tactics as a survival game. In my opinion, indulging in such ludicrous greed-driven thinking promises to set society back 70 years or more. Maybe Campbell’s Soup will jump at the chance to sponsor “Thriver” instead. “It could happen.”
Blessings, Rev. Amanda
P.S. Please don’t give the show Survivor one minute of your valuable time. I had originally thought to create “Thriver” as a new game for our Youth Group to play. Who knows, maybe they are clever enough to create it themselves?
Oh I just think it would be a fascinating challenge, not to mention one of those million dollar ideas I am so fond of dreaming up, to create a reality show to replace that shameful offering which rakes in loads of advertising dollars televising humanity at its worst. The new show would be called “Thriver” and it would be an honorable offering designed to depict humanity at its best. The challenge of the show would be to see just how selfless, altruistic, compassionate and generous individuals can be as they discover how to work together. The strongest personalities will not seek to dominate, debase and destroy those with more pliable personalities. It will be the delightful endeavor of all members of the team to discover the gifts and strengths of all, helping them cultivate those strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses. The goal of “Thriver” would be to gather, not isolate, include, not exclude, bring along, not vote off, encourage, not ignore, strengthen, not weaken, finally building up the community instead of tearing it down one soul at a time. Survivors plot. Thrivers plan. Survivors scheme. Thrivers dream. Survivors boot. Thrivers recruit.
O, Lord how we need a new reality and a new program to be part of our weekly television fair! I keep hearing that we are a visual society. We learn visually; we are influenced by what we see. If the television were a mirror would we really want to see ourselves as people motivated by contempt for our fellows and greed for fame and riches? “Thriver” would be worth watching, clearly showing us the best of ourselves, inspiring us as well, with what an intentional community of gathered individuals can accomplish not only for their mutual benefit, but for the benefit of others.
So, now that we have the format for our show. We are left to wonder who would sponsor such an undertaking. Who would pay the costs to air Thriver? And what kind of prize would be offered to the Thriver contestants, since all are destined to be winners? Survivor offers a million dollars to a singular winner. Their sponsors have been big name advertisers like Campbell’s Soup, General Motors and Proctor & Gamble. I read recently that some of these sponsors are dropping their sponsorship of the show since learning that the new season is to be racially segregated pitting teams of black, Asian, Hispanic and Caucasian “islanders” against each other. Now isn’t that tasteful television!! The producers are well aware that their decision is highly controversial, but they believe that controversy equals viewers, and viewers equal cash. Maybe Campbell’s Soup with their tummy soothing, heart warming, delicious “Hmmm-Hmm-goodness” will drop Survivor like a hot potato for promoting racism and gang tactics as a survival game. In my opinion, indulging in such ludicrous greed-driven thinking promises to set society back 70 years or more. Maybe Campbell’s Soup will jump at the chance to sponsor “Thriver” instead. “It could happen.”
Blessings, Rev. Amanda
P.S. Please don’t give the show Survivor one minute of your valuable time. I had originally thought to create “Thriver” as a new game for our Youth Group to play. Who knows, maybe they are clever enough to create it themselves?
Prayer for the Sermon January 24, 2010 'HURLING INSULTS"
God of Grace and Mercy we have come here to give you thanks and praise and to find our way in the complex world. We have been searching for peace in our souls, inspiration in our work and courage in our witness to the Christ in our lives. We confess that we are often fearful nervous witnesses often feeling inadequate in our attempts to talk about the work and words of your son Jesus Christ. We feel self-conscious trying to tell others about our faith, or praying out loud in the company of others. If the truth were told, we would probably say that we are really more worried about embarrassing you, than embarrassing ourselves. Help each of us today to trust in your awesome ever-presence, listening intently for the whispers of your most Holy Spirit. Lord, our confidence is in you. We have faith that you will fill us with your good thoughts. You will provide us with the means to speak rightly, faithfully, and graciously, always doing honor to your name. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
I heard a story the other day about one of the United Methodist Relief Workers who was trapped in the collapsed hotel in Haiti. Aware that both of his legs were broken and that his 3 friends were nearby also injured trapped in the wreckage, he began to sing: “I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.” When we have nothing left but the breath within us, not even our legs, we have God. We always have God, in this case lying right next to us. Let us give thanks.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
I heard a story the other day about one of the United Methodist Relief Workers who was trapped in the collapsed hotel in Haiti. Aware that both of his legs were broken and that his 3 friends were nearby also injured trapped in the wreckage, he began to sing: “I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.” When we have nothing left but the breath within us, not even our legs, we have God. We always have God, in this case lying right next to us. Let us give thanks.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Prayer for the Sermon January 17, 2010 (renamed) "THE SPIRIT OF TODAY"
Glorious God, our Creator and Sustainer, we are awed by your steadfast love for humankind, not because we imagine your love might fail, but because we are ever aware of how our love fails. We imagine that the world would be a harmonious place if everyone thought the same way, worked the same way, and perhaps looked the same, but in our most rational thoughts we know that harmony in human relationships is only achieved with great effort. Create in us righteous hearts and willing ears ready to listen, ready to hear and slow to judge. Call into our consciousness patience and true reason, compassion and tenacity. Let us never give up on the path of reconciliation, which shall lead to the equality of all persons, the dignity of all persons and the well being of the world in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
It is no accident that Human Relations Sunday is coupled with the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. In his adaptation of J. Wallace Hamilton’s Sermon the Drum Major Instinct he wrote: “Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness.” Since its designation in 1986 MLK day has come to be called the King Day of Service when all are invited to volunteer time to help others, making it A Day ON, not a Day Off.
This Sermon was originally titled R.E.S.T. (changing the order of the Wesleyan quadrilateral formula: R=reason, E=experience, S=Scripture, T=tradtion
OFFERTORY THOUGHT
It is no accident that Human Relations Sunday is coupled with the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. In his adaptation of J. Wallace Hamilton’s Sermon the Drum Major Instinct he wrote: “Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness.” Since its designation in 1986 MLK day has come to be called the King Day of Service when all are invited to volunteer time to help others, making it A Day ON, not a Day Off.
This Sermon was originally titled R.E.S.T. (changing the order of the Wesleyan quadrilateral formula: R=reason, E=experience, S=Scripture, T=tradtion
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)