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.

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.