November 26, 2017 "A MATTER OF DIVINE SELECTION"

TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our ever-present advocate
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, today we remember and give thanks for your sovereignty over the universe. On this, Christ The King Sunday, we envision our risen Lord enthroned at your right hand, crowned with light, empowered to judge the nations. We confess our distress when nations rage against one-another, when the principalities and powers wrestle back and forth, trying to get a bigger piece of the proverbial pie. Let us not be dismayed, but keep us mindful of your watchful presence. May all our strivings help to bring your kingdom to fruition upon the earth. Make us aware of the ways we allow greed and political bullying to perpetuate crimes against humanity. Remind us now, and always that you are the Lord of Life, the Sovereign of Hope, the Prince of Peace, The Wonderful Counselor and Spirit of Truth. We are waiting for your kingdom to come upon the earth, not one of human design. Empower your servants to do justice, perpetuate kindness, and walk humbly before you. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
My dog Sonny gobbles up dog-biscuits whenever we visit the vet. He just loves them. At home, whenever I am about to leave the house, no matter what time of day it is, for Chiquita it’s always dog-biscuit time. The two dogs meet me in the kitchen to await their treat. Usually Sonny is at my right hand and Chiquita is at my left. Chiquita is, for all intents and purposes blind, but for dog biscuits she has x-ray vision. What astounds me every time, is Sonny’s refusal to take his biscuit until Chiquita has hers. In a world where the strong trample or shove aside the weak, where the big dogs muscle the little dogs away from their dishes, and the fatter sheep take the best pasture for themselves, it is my dog who reminds me everyday that, in God’s kingdom, the last shall be first.
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.

November 19, 2017 "READING YOUR SPIRIT BAROMETER"

TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our ever-present advocate
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O most loving Creator, we are humbled in your presence, and are bold to ask your blessing upon us gathered here to worship. On this Thanksgiving Sunday many of us are thinking about travel plans, anticipating passing pleasant hours with the friends and family we plan to visit during the coming week. Our excitement over the approaching holiday is tempered with the sadness and incomprehension brought to the fore by the shooting rampages being perpetrated by broken souls. We adjure you, O God, help our society discover how to allay the pain and outrage that suddenly takes control of those who inflict inexplicable harm upon loved ones as well as total strangers. As the occasions of destruction multiply, we are asking for your miraculous intervention. Ignite within us the love for you and humankind that burned in the heart and soul of your Christ. Help us to be healers in the world while time allows. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
What are you grateful for? Wait, before you start making a list in your head, I am not talking about the blessings of family and friends, although they are important. Neither am I am talking about the roof over your head, or anything outside yourself for that matter. What elements of the you that is you are you grateful for? In the call to worship we proclaimed: “It is God who has made us, and not we ourselves.” And in the 1990’s we were proclaiming: “God don’t make no junk.” So here is what I am getting at: What gift — what ability did God give you, that when you work it, when you employ it, it makes you feel good about yourself from the inside out? By the way I don’t think there is a “use by” date on any gift that God has implanted in our genes. Many a saint discovered their gifts late in life and cultivated them. It’s not too late to dig it up and invest it where it will do some good.
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.

November 12, 2017 "THE DAY OF THE LORD"

TRADITIONAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, Sovereign of the Universe,
and loving ABBA, Father,
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, the Beloved One,
who was conceived by The Spirit of God, and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
We believe, that on the third day, according to plan, God raised Jesus from the dead.
We believe that the Christ, ascended into heaven, and is seated at God’s right hand.
We believe Jesus will come again, one day, to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is our ever-present advocate,
and counselor of truth.
We believe in the church universal, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O Most, Loving and Eternal God how wonderful to worship you in this beautiful garden. We ask your blessing upon this garden of memorable gifts, the labyrinth built for us by Peter Bahnson, the water fountain placed in honor of Bishop Swenson, the memory bricks honoring loved ones and friends, along with the donated benches and flowering plants. We pray that this garden will live as a sacred place where searching souls can find a moment of respite from the demands of the day. The world expects much from each of us, and we confess trying meet those expectations can be exhausting. But our spirits are renewed, when we gather in your name to worship, to sing, to pray and meditate on your word. Give us strength to do your work and will, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
One of the challenges the church faces everyday is being relevant in a world that upgrades and changes its technologies faster than we can pronounce the word. Every minute of our everyday is fillable with obligations, or adventures. At times I think we have an aversion to stopping, to just standing still for a moment, because we are afraid we will get tossed off the wild ride. God never meant for the human spirit to be in endless turmoil, rather spiritual peace is God’s hope for all. God has known from the beginning that the human spirit needs, and deserves a sacred space in which to spend sacred time. It is for this reason as servants of God we work diligently and give generously to preserve the places of sanctuary for the wandering souls in search of sacred space and time.
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.

November 5, 2018 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY "PRODUCING SAINTS"

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, Creator of life and keeper of promises, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for your abundant blessings. Thank you for the righteous faithful who have touched our lives sharing their spiritual gifts and time. We have been blessed to know them, to love them, and be loved by them. They were part of this body, an extended family of devoted disciples seeking to follow the way of Jesus. Though they are now absent from the body, present with you, their memorable faithfulness lingers, ever a part of who we are. We are grateful they chose to spend their days among us. May we do justice to their memory, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Today we remember loved ones who have finished this earthly race and crossed the finish line, at last to be received into God’s waiting embrace. Let us remember, too, those saints whose faith in God shown like beacon of light, serving as an invitation for each of us to let that same light shine within us. Let us give thanks for their example. As you place your gifts in the offering plate this morning, speak the name of your faith-mentor, that special saint whose, light, love, and guidance brought you into the embrace of Christ and his church.
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 29, 2017 REFORMATION SUNDAY "THE GREATNESS OF DARING"

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
Wondrous and loving God, we are awed by the majesty of your creation, and how you have fashioned it to engage our senses. Colors delight and draw us; smells can remind us of home cooking or warn us of impending danger. What the ear hears can soothe us or shake us awake, and the touch of another human hand can calm us once again. Dearest Lord, Psalm 34 invites us to taste and see that you are good. We taste the goodness of your word and thrive upon it. The world around us is ever changing, and when these economic times are uncertain, we may be obliged to change how we live. Teach us frugality and common sense, O Lord, learning new and better ways to serve you and our fellows. All this we pray in the name of the Christ who we desire to imitate in all things. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
After being struck by lightening (quite literally) Martin Luther decided to become a monk instead of a lawyer as previously planned. He entered the monastic order in 1505 and was ordained a monk in 1507. He was assigned to be a lecturer at the University of Wittenburg. His legendary 95 theses were the result of much study and were not actually demands, rather they were subjects that he felt needed to be discussed. He included the theses in a letter to Archbishop Albert of Mainz, inviting him to participate in the discussion. In Luther’s era, indulgences (what you’d call “a get out of Purgatory Early Card”) were being sold by the Roman Church to raise money for refurbishing the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. Luther’s Thesis #27 reads: There is no divine authority for preaching that so soon as the penny jingles into the money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory]. Luther helped us realize salvation comes by faith, not fortune.
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 22, 2017 "AND GOD SO CHOOSES"

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
Gracious and Merciful God, when Moses asked: “Show me your glory, I pray,” you did not ridicule or deny him, rather you said: “I will do the very think you have asked.” Moses was anxious for his people. He feared you might leave them. Like so many of us do, Moses was asking for some assurance of your continued presence with the Israelites; that you would not leave them abandoned and alone in the wilderness. Because you said “Yes” to Moses, we gain an even greater understanding of your patience and love. Like Moses and the Israelites, we long to see your glory, to sense your presence with us, especially in these uncertain times. We believe in planning for tomorrow, but let us not worry over it, for it is beyond our control. Instead, gracious God, help us to see all the glorious goodness to be found in today. Thank you for being ever near us, in the person and name of the Christ. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
I ask couples who want me to perform their wedding 2 questions. “What was the magnet that drew you to your beloved?” and “What is it about your beloved that brings out the best in you?” Today I pose these questions to you: What is the magnet that draws you to worship here? Is it the charm of the building, the warm, welcoming spirits of the folks within, the comfy seats in the alcove, the singing, the fellowship, or the goodies served at the fellowship hour? The second question requires some thought. “What is it about this church that brings out the best in you?” To the Thessalonians Paul wrote: “We always give thanks to God for all of you, remembering before God your work of faith, and labor of love and steadfast hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you; in everyplace your faith in God is well-known.” The Thessalonians suffered persecution, but in spite of that, people all over the region saw them at their best. May we discover the best in us, and let it shine through in all of life’s circumstances.
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 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.