This week we will be looking at the 1o commandments as part of the lectionary. i thought this video might be appropriate.
object width="425" height="344">
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
September 28 Worship Service
September 28 worship service
Everything Must Change:Transforming the idea of mission
text:
Philippians 2:1-13
2:1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,
2:2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
2:4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
2:5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
2:7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
2:8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.
2:9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
2:11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
2:13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Matthew 21:23-32
21:23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
21:24 Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
21:25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
21:26 But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet."
21:27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
21:28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'
21:29 He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went.
21:30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go.
21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.
21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him."
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Retreat/Conversation?
When would be a good day to have a retreat? I'm thinking Saturday October 11th 9am-2pm.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Pews
This will be the space where we talk about the pews.
For anyone who's not familiar here's the backstory (as I've pieced it together from Chad and others - I wasn't there!):
Two or three years ago a months-long conversation ended with LCUMC moving the pews to an in-the-round configuration: a move to symbolize a more communal approach to worship - pastor Chad would stand in the middle, much closer to people and it often sparked a conversation and a closeness as we met in the round. Fast forward to this August, the Fringe Festival/Off the Streets is here and we moved the pews back to a traditional format for ease of viewing the plays and films.
So here are the things we need to talk about:
For many folks in the community, there is a longing to move back to the more communal setting; however the traditional format does make concerts/films/plays much easier to do.
Is there a solution that offers the best of both formats? Is it a majority that wants to go back to the in-the-round format? Should we get rid of the pews all together or keep them?
I will add a comment to this post letting you know my own thoughts, but first I'd like to hear from you - what do you think?
For anyone who's not familiar here's the backstory (as I've pieced it together from Chad and others - I wasn't there!):
Two or three years ago a months-long conversation ended with LCUMC moving the pews to an in-the-round configuration: a move to symbolize a more communal approach to worship - pastor Chad would stand in the middle, much closer to people and it often sparked a conversation and a closeness as we met in the round. Fast forward to this August, the Fringe Festival/Off the Streets is here and we moved the pews back to a traditional format for ease of viewing the plays and films.
So here are the things we need to talk about:
For many folks in the community, there is a longing to move back to the more communal setting; however the traditional format does make concerts/films/plays much easier to do.
Is there a solution that offers the best of both formats? Is it a majority that wants to go back to the in-the-round format? Should we get rid of the pews all together or keep them?
I will add a comment to this post letting you know my own thoughts, but first I'd like to hear from you - what do you think?
Friday, September 19, 2008
lockerbie litany
Here is one of the first versions of the lockerbie litany. i think it is a great first stab at of defining our church in terms of a litany to read each week during service. please discuss, critique, try to improve upon, etc.
We are emerging: not submerged, nor hidden. We are Christian: loving and serving God first; loving and serving others because of our relationship to God. We are community: not seeking our individual will, but our collective will, led by God's Holy Spirit. We are following the path of Jesus in the twenty-first century. Learning from the sinners and saints of the previous twenty centuries, re-imagining what it means to chase God’s heart. Together we seek to be in conversation, not lecture or soliloquy, engaged in actions towards building god's dreams of justice, mercy and discipleship. Let us continue the conversation to the glory of God! Amen.
We are emerging: not submerged, nor hidden. We are Christian: loving and serving God first; loving and serving others because of our relationship to God. We are community: not seeking our individual will, but our collective will, led by God's Holy Spirit. We are following the path of Jesus in the twenty-first century. Learning from the sinners and saints of the previous twenty centuries, re-imagining what it means to chase God’s heart. Together we seek to be in conversation, not lecture or soliloquy, engaged in actions towards building god's dreams of justice, mercy and discipleship. Let us continue the conversation to the glory of God! Amen.
Prayer Stations
What is a contemplative prayer station you ask?
The entire purpose of a contemplative prayer station is to create a time and space for people to experience God in their lives. Prayer stations can be highly creative or an incredibly simple approach to prayer and spiritual reflection. Typically, a space is set up where people can enter and participate at their own pace and level.
Here is a list of some interesting prayer stations
For this Sunday I really like this idea.
With a twist. We should have a poverty entry way and then a god's economy exit....same symbolism but with hope on the way out....for instance: Green jobs
Renewable energy creates 40% more jobs per dollar invested than coal fired plants.
Stats on poverty are rarely dealt with in a visual way. This is more of an entry way rather than a contemplative prayer station…. but it can be made into a station easily.
————————————————-
Directions for Leadership:
This is a great entry to set up, or a station for people to just walk through. Set up a long row of tables. Every few feet put one of these facts. (These are as of 2006) Find a creative way to “show” these facts. Like a bin full of empty bottled waters dumped around the the area about the bottled water and safe drinking water or a McDonald’s meal set up next to the food fact.
———————————————————
1.2 Billion people live on 23 cents a day.
1 Billion people are without safe drinking water.
Americans consumed 26 Billion liters of BOTTLED water last year.
Every 16 seconds someone in the world dies of hunger.
2 out of 3 Americans are considered over weight.
Wood consumption a day:
World – 4 pounds Americans – 14 pounds
80% of the world lives in substandard housing.
Average size of a new home built in 2005:
Ireland – 930 sq. ft. U.K. – 814 sq. ft. Japan – 1000 sq. ft. U.S. – 2349 sq. ft.
8% of people in the world own a car.
1/3 of American households own 3.
Estimates say that it would cost 9 Billion dollars to get clean water and sanitation to all.
Americans spent 27 Billion shopping for Christmas presents the day after Thanks Giving this last year.
According to the 2000 census, 8.1% of Nevada County’s Population live below the poverty line.
That is 7,332 people. (Not including children)
The entire purpose of a contemplative prayer station is to create a time and space for people to experience God in their lives. Prayer stations can be highly creative or an incredibly simple approach to prayer and spiritual reflection. Typically, a space is set up where people can enter and participate at their own pace and level.
Here is a list of some interesting prayer stations
For this Sunday I really like this idea.
With a twist. We should have a poverty entry way and then a god's economy exit....same symbolism but with hope on the way out....for instance: Green jobs
Renewable energy creates 40% more jobs per dollar invested than coal fired plants.
Stats on poverty are rarely dealt with in a visual way. This is more of an entry way rather than a contemplative prayer station…. but it can be made into a station easily.
————————————————-
Directions for Leadership:
This is a great entry to set up, or a station for people to just walk through. Set up a long row of tables. Every few feet put one of these facts. (These are as of 2006) Find a creative way to “show” these facts. Like a bin full of empty bottled waters dumped around the the area about the bottled water and safe drinking water or a McDonald’s meal set up next to the food fact.
———————————————————
1.2 Billion people live on 23 cents a day.
1 Billion people are without safe drinking water.
Americans consumed 26 Billion liters of BOTTLED water last year.
Every 16 seconds someone in the world dies of hunger.
2 out of 3 Americans are considered over weight.
Wood consumption a day:
World – 4 pounds Americans – 14 pounds
80% of the world lives in substandard housing.
Average size of a new home built in 2005:
Ireland – 930 sq. ft. U.K. – 814 sq. ft. Japan – 1000 sq. ft. U.S. – 2349 sq. ft.
8% of people in the world own a car.
1/3 of American households own 3.
Estimates say that it would cost 9 Billion dollars to get clean water and sanitation to all.
Americans spent 27 Billion shopping for Christmas presents the day after Thanks Giving this last year.
According to the 2000 census, 8.1% of Nevada County’s Population live below the poverty line.
That is 7,332 people. (Not including children)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
outline for worship on september 21
Here is a basic outline for the worship service on Sunday.... please add/take away.
art ideas? video clips? other music?
Everything Must Change
Building the Economy of Mercy
Welcome
Music: Switchfoot "Economy of Mercy," other hymns, music, etc?
Call to worship: Lockerbie Central litany
Sermon: Bob Walters
Text:
Exodus 16:2-15 16:2 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 16:3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." 16:4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.16:5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days."16:6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, "In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 16:7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?"16:8 And Moses said, "When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the LORD has heard the complaining that you utter against him--what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the LORD."16:9 Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, 'Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.'"
16:10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 16:11 The LORD spoke to Moses and said, 16:12 "I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'' 16:13 In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 16:14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground.16:15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.
Matthew 20:1-16 20:1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 20:2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 20:3 When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace;20:4 and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. 20:5 When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. 20:6 And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' 20:7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.'20:8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first. '20:9 When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 20:10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 20:11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner,20:12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.'20:13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?20:14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 20:15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?'20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last."Benediction
Go forth with the authority Christ gives to his church.
Cry out against wrong.
Heal where there is hurt.
Feed, clothe, and defend those who live on the margins.
Train up children in the ways of God.
Show no contempt for youth; comfort the elderly.
In all things, give God the glory and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Economy of Mercy
by Switchfoot
There's just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?
Where will I find You?
In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark Your skin
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?
Where was I when the world was made? (3x)
Where was I?
I'm lost without You here
Yes, I'm lost without You near
I'm lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made
There's just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?
Where will I find You?
In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark Your skin
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?
Where was I when the world was made? (3x)
Where was I?
I'm lost without You here
Yes, I'm lost without You near
I'm lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made
Upcoming Themes?
HEre is a run down of the Sundays through the election and our EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE theme. Nothing is set in stone. just thought i would give a brief outline of the lectionary and possible themes.
September 21: The Economy: Labor and God's Bounty (Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:40-42; Philippians 1:22; Matthew 20:1-15)
September 28: Pedagogy of the Oppressed/The way we view the oppressed/ grassroots development. "It's truly difficult for us - especially those of us in the world's richest nations - to regard others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), but we are called to join God's movement of restorative justice."
October 5: The lectionary features the ten commandants and the parable about the wicked tenants--ie...the murder of prophetic verses..... could be interesting to take a look at the law (10 commandments) and prophetic voices and how they come in conflict with each other--especially as we tend to worship the 10 commandments without listening to the prophetic voices... Everything must change: The Law?
October 12:Everything must change: Feminism... the lectionary this week is a bit troublesome to me....especially from the book of Mathew--"many are called, few are chosen." a way to look at the lectilonary might be through the eyes of Paul--as he addresses to female leaders of the church. the hebrew scripture takes a look at idolatry--the worship of the golden calf. what might be interesting here is looking at feminism from a christian perspective--and how many christians have turned paul's anti-female writing into idols---when it definitely seems clear to scholars that paul was much more of a [prot0]feminist than what we have been led to believe.
October 19: Everything Must Change: The Empire "They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."
October 26: Everything Must Change. Love your neighbor.
November 2: the last day of everything must change: two days before the election. key scripture: 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 23:12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
September 21: The Economy: Labor and God's Bounty (Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:40-42; Philippians 1:22; Matthew 20:1-15)
September 28: Pedagogy of the Oppressed/The way we view the oppressed/ grassroots development. "It's truly difficult for us - especially those of us in the world's richest nations - to regard others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), but we are called to join God's movement of restorative justice."
October 5: The lectionary features the ten commandants and the parable about the wicked tenants--ie...the murder of prophetic verses..... could be interesting to take a look at the law (10 commandments) and prophetic voices and how they come in conflict with each other--especially as we tend to worship the 10 commandments without listening to the prophetic voices... Everything must change: The Law?
October 12:Everything must change: Feminism... the lectionary this week is a bit troublesome to me....especially from the book of Mathew--"many are called, few are chosen." a way to look at the lectilonary might be through the eyes of Paul--as he addresses to female leaders of the church. the hebrew scripture takes a look at idolatry--the worship of the golden calf. what might be interesting here is looking at feminism from a christian perspective--and how many christians have turned paul's anti-female writing into idols---when it definitely seems clear to scholars that paul was much more of a [prot0]feminist than what we have been led to believe.
October 19: Everything Must Change: The Empire "They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."
October 26: Everything Must Change. Love your neighbor.
November 2: the last day of everything must change: two days before the election. key scripture: 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 23:12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Countdown to Sunday
Hey all.
Please note: Everyone who has been to one our meetings can post (along with comment) on this blog. just sign in to blogger with your email account and it should work. If you have any questions drop me a line and we can get it figured out.
I just wanted to get the proposed worship service posted for sunday so we can shorten it if we have too.
I. Music----as we gather---
II. Introduction
IV. MUSIC
V. READING OF THE TEXTS. Exodus and Mark
VI. 9/11 Through the eyes of Ghandi
VIII. sermon "forgiveness on 9/11"
IVIII. Prayers
IX. communion/passing the peace.
X. Going forth....
---can this be done in an hour and ten minutes?
Please note: Everyone who has been to one our meetings can post (along with comment) on this blog. just sign in to blogger with your email account and it should work. If you have any questions drop me a line and we can get it figured out.
I just wanted to get the proposed worship service posted for sunday so we can shorten it if we have too.
I. Music----as we gather---
II. Introduction
- welcome to lockerbie/a brief intro to the church.
- everything must change intro--this week "everything must change in terms of the way we think about terrorism. quick reading from everything must change by b. mclaren
- get people to write their poem---"how they felt on 9/11/01"
IV. MUSIC
V. READING OF THE TEXTS. Exodus and Mark
VI. 9/11 Through the eyes of Ghandi
- eye for an eye quote...clip from 9/11/06--ghandi's first act of disobedience...short scene in movie
VIII. sermon "forgiveness on 9/11"
IVIII. Prayers
IX. communion/passing the peace.
X. Going forth....
---can this be done in an hour and ten minutes?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Litany of Remembrance, Penitence and Hope
This litany is from the national council of churches. it sums up quite well what our worship service is about on sunday. check it out:
We light a candle in remembrance for all those who suffered and died on September 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
We light a candle to remember those who still live and who suffer because of the events of that day.
One: When we remember the stockbrokers, office workers, maintenance workers, bystanders, window-washers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other, we can say together,
All: We remember great courage.
One: When we recall the firefighters who rushed upstairs as most everyone else was racing out, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless service.
One: When we recall the police officers who stood to protect and defend the people and performed their duties until the towers came crashing down on top of them, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.
One: When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men and, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the world who did not escape the buildings, we can say together,
All: We remember the loss of human life.
One: When we recall those citizens who rushed to help, did all they could to help, we can say together,
All: We remember and give thanks for dutiful commitment to those in distress.
One: When we recall the people who stood in line at the nation's blood banks to make living donations from their very bodies, we can say together,
All: We give thanks for those who live on to pass on life and love.
One: When we remember the millions of Americans who gave so generously of their life and labor to endow funds to help the survivors and their families recover from their losses, we can say together,
All: We are grateful for generosity.
Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. It begins with remembering the affliction of our brothers and sisters, and marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a sacred moment when we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment, the good who have passed.
We light a candle, in penitence, recognizing that we have not done enough to address the sources of anger, hate, dehumanization, rage and indignation that lead to acts of violence
One: In our sadness, horror and shock we acknowledge that our own fears turned murderous and we have sought revenge, sometimes against even the innocent.
All: We confess and regret our own anger and recognize its dangers to our spirits, our health, our community, and others.
One: In the midst of the aftermath of the events of September 11th, 2001 we have been tempted to seek only our own good, hear only our own truth, acknowledge only our own suffering
All: We know that peace will come to us and to our children only when the concerns of justice anywhere become the subject of political and social will everywhere, and that no justice leads to no peace
One: In striving for national security and domestic peace we run the risk of confusing might for right and participating in the very behaviors we condemn
All: Guard and guide our country that in our search for security we may not trample the rights of the innocent nor disregard the rule of law. Let us not confuse leadership within the global community as the voice for the whole community.
Repentance means to turn away from wrong deeds. Repentance means choosing instead deeds which require moral restraint, and are more beneficial to all persons who suffer.
We light a candle to light the way to a better world for our children and our children's children, and all the children of God.
One: We recall with joy the unity we felt in the outpouring of help, kindness, thoughtful words and deeds from at home and around the world.
All: We must hold firmly to our unity, borne forward now not of tragedy but of loving kindness.
One: We place fresh confidence in international organizations and conversations that bring the diverse gifts of the world to the problems of poverty, injustice, terror and strife
All: We long for wise policies that forego short term gain for long term stability, justice and peace.
One: In a year filled with tragedy we dare to hope for an era yet to come in which the slaughter of innocents, greed, the ambitions of power, and cultural, racial and religious bigotries are but memories of a dim and unenlightened past.
Unison Prayer:
God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
We light a candle in remembrance for all those who suffered and died on September 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
We light a candle to remember those who still live and who suffer because of the events of that day.
One: When we remember the stockbrokers, office workers, maintenance workers, bystanders, window-washers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other, we can say together,
All: We remember great courage.
One: When we recall the firefighters who rushed upstairs as most everyone else was racing out, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless service.
One: When we recall the police officers who stood to protect and defend the people and performed their duties until the towers came crashing down on top of them, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.
One: When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men and, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the world who did not escape the buildings, we can say together,
All: We remember the loss of human life.
One: When we recall those citizens who rushed to help, did all they could to help, we can say together,
All: We remember and give thanks for dutiful commitment to those in distress.
One: When we recall the people who stood in line at the nation's blood banks to make living donations from their very bodies, we can say together,
All: We give thanks for those who live on to pass on life and love.
One: When we remember the millions of Americans who gave so generously of their life and labor to endow funds to help the survivors and their families recover from their losses, we can say together,
All: We are grateful for generosity.
Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. It begins with remembering the affliction of our brothers and sisters, and marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a sacred moment when we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment, the good who have passed.
We light a candle, in penitence, recognizing that we have not done enough to address the sources of anger, hate, dehumanization, rage and indignation that lead to acts of violence
One: In our sadness, horror and shock we acknowledge that our own fears turned murderous and we have sought revenge, sometimes against even the innocent.
All: We confess and regret our own anger and recognize its dangers to our spirits, our health, our community, and others.
One: In the midst of the aftermath of the events of September 11th, 2001 we have been tempted to seek only our own good, hear only our own truth, acknowledge only our own suffering
All: We know that peace will come to us and to our children only when the concerns of justice anywhere become the subject of political and social will everywhere, and that no justice leads to no peace
One: In striving for national security and domestic peace we run the risk of confusing might for right and participating in the very behaviors we condemn
All: Guard and guide our country that in our search for security we may not trample the rights of the innocent nor disregard the rule of law. Let us not confuse leadership within the global community as the voice for the whole community.
Repentance means to turn away from wrong deeds. Repentance means choosing instead deeds which require moral restraint, and are more beneficial to all persons who suffer.
We light a candle to light the way to a better world for our children and our children's children, and all the children of God.
One: We recall with joy the unity we felt in the outpouring of help, kindness, thoughtful words and deeds from at home and around the world.
All: We must hold firmly to our unity, borne forward now not of tragedy but of loving kindness.
One: We place fresh confidence in international organizations and conversations that bring the diverse gifts of the world to the problems of poverty, injustice, terror and strife
All: We long for wise policies that forego short term gain for long term stability, justice and peace.
One: In a year filled with tragedy we dare to hope for an era yet to come in which the slaughter of innocents, greed, the ambitions of power, and cultural, racial and religious bigotries are but memories of a dim and unenlightened past.
Unison Prayer:
God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Monday, September 8, 2008
some notes on last sunday
things we liked about sunday
Bob's sermon: message was very relevent and intriguing
music--especially WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU.
communion--the holy meal!
things to be improved:
participation/response/art
don't need hyperactive--making sure more voices involved
the litany of welcome--where is it?
feeling disconected---pews not right for who we are and our size
what are we going to do with pews?????? is there a way to create a more intimate feeling with the pews? what about meeting downstairs? disconnected:
powerpoint: figuring out how to do the bulletin in one page
Bob's sermon: message was very relevent and intriguing
music--especially WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU.
communion--the holy meal!
things to be improved:
participation/response/art
don't need hyperactive--making sure more voices involved
the litany of welcome--where is it?
feeling disconected---pews not right for who we are and our size
what are we going to do with pews?????? is there a way to create a more intimate feeling with the pews? what about meeting downstairs? disconnected:
powerpoint: figuring out how to do the bulletin in one page
September 14 Lectionary
Exodus 14:19-31
14:19 The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them.
14:20 It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.
14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided.
14:22 The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
14:23 The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and chariot drivers.
14:24 At the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic.
14:25 He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the Israelites, for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt."
14:26 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers."
14:27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the LORD tossed the Egyptians into the sea.
14:28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained.
14:29 But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
14:30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.
14:31 Israel saw the great work that the LORD did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
15:1b "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.
15:2 The LORD is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
15:3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
15:4 "Pharaoh's chariots and his army he cast into the sea; his picked officers were sunk in the Red Sea.
15:5 The floods covered them; they went down into the depths like a stone.
15:6 Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power-- your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.
15:7 In the greatness of your majesty you overthrew your adversaries; you sent out your fury, it consumed them like stubble.
15:8 At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up, the floods stood up in a heap; the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.
15:9 The enemy said, 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.'
15:10 You blew with your wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.
15:11 "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?
15:20 Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing.
15:21 And Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea."
Romans 14:1-12
14:1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.
14:2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.
14:3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them.
14:4 Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
14:5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds.
14:6 Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
14:7 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.
14:8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
14:9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
14:11 For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God."
14:12 So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Matthew 18:21-35
18:21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?"
18:22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
18:23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
18:24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him;
18:25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.
18:26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
18:27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
18:28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.'
18:29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'
18:30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
18:31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
18:32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
18:33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?'
18:34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.
18:35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
Everything Must Change: Terrorism
This Sunday, we are taking a look at terrorism. Thursday marks the seventh anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington DC.
the thought is to honor all victims of war and terrorism. and look at 9-11 from not just our perspective but what happened in Chile in 1973 and in South Africa in 1906.
September 11, 1973
September 11, 1906
In 1906, Gandhi called a meeting of 3,000 Indians in Johannesburg to discuss a strategy for defeating the Asiatic Registration Ordinance, a statute that required all Indian immigrants to register with the government. All those in attendance pledged to disobey the registration legislation and to accept the penalties that would result from their resistance. This meeting proved to be critical in the development of Gandhi's strategy and the formation of the concept of satyagraha.
It was not long after the Johannesburg meeting when Gandhi read Thoreau's Essay on Civil Disobedience, the same essay that would later influence King. The essay provided Gandhi with a means for articulating his concept for nonviolent resistance in English. Inspired by Thoreau's insistence on disobeying unjust policies, Gandhi spent the next seven years leading the struggle on behalf of the Indian minority in South Africa. This philosophy also influenced Gandhi's thinking about India, as expressed in Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule), a 1909 booklet outlining his early thoughts regarding Indian independence. Gandhi wrote that "violence was no remedy for India's ills” and that the country's civilization “required the use of a different and higher weapon for self-protection."
the thought is to honor all victims of war and terrorism. and look at 9-11 from not just our perspective but what happened in Chile in 1973 and in South Africa in 1906.
September 11, 1973
September 11, 1906
In 1906, Gandhi called a meeting of 3,000 Indians in Johannesburg to discuss a strategy for defeating the Asiatic Registration Ordinance, a statute that required all Indian immigrants to register with the government. All those in attendance pledged to disobey the registration legislation and to accept the penalties that would result from their resistance. This meeting proved to be critical in the development of Gandhi's strategy and the formation of the concept of satyagraha.
It was not long after the Johannesburg meeting when Gandhi read Thoreau's Essay on Civil Disobedience, the same essay that would later influence King. The essay provided Gandhi with a means for articulating his concept for nonviolent resistance in English. Inspired by Thoreau's insistence on disobeying unjust policies, Gandhi spent the next seven years leading the struggle on behalf of the Indian minority in South Africa. This philosophy also influenced Gandhi's thinking about India, as expressed in Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule), a 1909 booklet outlining his early thoughts regarding Indian independence. Gandhi wrote that "violence was no remedy for India's ills” and that the country's civilization “required the use of a different and higher weapon for self-protection."
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Worship Service for September 7th
Here is the plan for the service:
Bob is speaking on conflict in the church. From our discussion last night (only he and I were there) it sounds very interesting and thought provoking.
ORDER?
SONGS? ORDER OF?
SPEAKING PARTS?
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT?
BULLETIN?
Bob is speaking on conflict in the church. From our discussion last night (only he and I were there) it sounds very interesting and thought provoking.
ORDER?
SONGS? ORDER OF?
SPEAKING PARTS?
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT?
BULLETIN?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost -- September 7, 2008 (Green)
Exodus 12:1-14. God instructs Moses and Aaron in preparation for the Passover of the Lord and for its observance throughout all generations.
Psalm 149 or 148 (UMH 861).
Romans 13:8-14. [Advent 1, year A uses verses 11-14.] Paul exhorts the Romans to "owe no one anything except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus gives instructions on dealing with conflict between church members, speaks of binding and loosing, and promises his presence wherever two or three are gathered in his name.
Psalm 149 or 148 (UMH 861).
Romans 13:8-14. [Advent 1, year A uses verses 11-14.] Paul exhorts the Romans to "owe no one anything except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus gives instructions on dealing with conflict between church members, speaks of binding and loosing, and promises his presence wherever two or three are gathered in his name.
Themes
So as we enter the last quarter of the year it is worthwhile to start thinking about themes. During the last few meetings, we talked about three themes that would carry us through the end of the year:
1. Everything Must Change: This series would carry us through election day. the series would take a look at the great change that our society is going through and how we deal with crisises facing our world and our faith.
2. Spirit and Place: This will be a brief series that ties us into the spirit and place events that are happening at the church.
3. Advent: This will take us from the end of november through christmas.
What do you think?
1. Everything Must Change: This series would carry us through election day. the series would take a look at the great change that our society is going through and how we deal with crisises facing our world and our faith.
2. Spirit and Place: This will be a brief series that ties us into the spirit and place events that are happening at the church.
3. Advent: This will take us from the end of november through christmas.
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Where do we go from here?
Hey all, Mike here. Sounds like Sunday's service turned out quite nice. Hope Joe is feeling better. We are about to enter the church busy season---school is in session, the summer lull is about to lift, and we are steaming towards Christmas. It is probably a good time to start discussing where we might be going with this experiment. Some brief thoughts:
1. I have enjoyed the worship meetings. It looks like Wednesday is not quite working out as a preferred date. Is there a way we can move worship meeting to monday nights and have Joe join us via some sort of technologically advance way (web/tele-conference)?
2. The blog works best if we keep it lively and active. full of pictures and musings and plans and dreams. so please contribute to it. if you do not yet have a password to contribute then please email me so you can get it.
3. bulletins: do you like the bulletins or can we move more of the text and imagary to powerpoint?
4. Music: jordan and crew has done a great job. should we restructure service so that maybe we do three songs up front, delve into the service, have a mediative song after the sermon and end with some music? or something like that. it might be good to do something like that to get the blood flowing and allow a window for latecomers to get settled in....
5. hospitality: how do we do hospitality better? from greeters to coffee and donuts/muffins to getting people's email, etc.
1. I have enjoyed the worship meetings. It looks like Wednesday is not quite working out as a preferred date. Is there a way we can move worship meeting to monday nights and have Joe join us via some sort of technologically advance way (web/tele-conference)?
2. The blog works best if we keep it lively and active. full of pictures and musings and plans and dreams. so please contribute to it. if you do not yet have a password to contribute then please email me so you can get it.
3. bulletins: do you like the bulletins or can we move more of the text and imagary to powerpoint?
4. Music: jordan and crew has done a great job. should we restructure service so that maybe we do three songs up front, delve into the service, have a mediative song after the sermon and end with some music? or something like that. it might be good to do something like that to get the blood flowing and allow a window for latecomers to get settled in....
5. hospitality: how do we do hospitality better? from greeters to coffee and donuts/muffins to getting people's email, etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)