+++Prayer: Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, our Rock and our Redeemer. May our ears, eyes, hearts, and minds be open to your message. Amen.

“The eagle never flies higher than the cross.” This phrase, this quote, was formative for me this week. It was included in the final paragraph of a message that our Bishop, LaTrelle Easterling, sent out in the wake of the election results this week. She sent it knowing that our conference, like our country, our churches, and our neighborhoods, are fiercely divided. Only approximately 50% of adults actually voted in this election. If you voted, thank you for making your voice heard. Yet, 100% of our nation is divided and has an opinion. One candidate won the popular vote. The other won the electoral college and will become our next president.

But it was a fierce election. Whomever was declared to be the President Elect in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, after my head hit the pillow, exhausted from watching hours of election returns; we were going to be faced with an immense challenge in this nation to listen, pray, accept, honor, protect, learn, and talk. “This election brought out some of the worst in all of us in both large and small ways. This election opened up a chasm of racism, xenophobia, sexism, and homophobia evident to one side. And this election opened up a chasm of political corruption, illegal activity, crooked behavior, and questioned integrity to the other. We clearly see this world through totally different lenses. So we [woke] up as a divided nation—and it’s not new. We’ve been divided for some time. But the chasm feels bigger than ever. The differences feel insurmountable.

But we did not wake up alone today. We have a God who is bigger than the chasm and more powerful than the differences. That’s how we face this new day in America—honoring the God of ALL of us, loving our brothers and sisters, showing grace to those with different opinions than ours, listening to the pain of those who are afraid, and praying for this divide to be healed. But we’ve also got work to do. We’ve got a lot to do to ensure that the least, the last, and lost, and the left behind are protected and honored. We’ve got a lot to do to ensure that we hold all of our leaders accountable to work for everyone to find a way up in this world. Today I pray and start the hard work of moving forward together. And we’re not alone. We’re never alone. And that gives me hope as we work to bridge the chasm that faces our nation.” (Dr. Wiseman, http://www.onscripture.com/season-healing-how-we-move-forward)

One of the first things we can do is to confess that we have all sinned against God and neighbor. Every day, we make mistakes that dishonor our Maker. Every day, we intentionally or unintentionally hurt other people who are made in the Image of God. And every day, we must ask for forgiveness.

At the time of the Passover meal, Jewish People would have 4 cups on the table that they would use to tell the Exodus story, the story of their rise from captivity as slaves and journey into freedom. Each cup was to be drunk, like a toast, in remembrance of the events in Exodus. Then there was a 5th cup, the Cup of Elijah, that was not to be consumed, as a Promise that God would come again one day. When Jesus was eating the Passover meal with his disciples, when he picked up the cup, he picked up the Cup of Elijah, and consumed it, stating that he was now the embodiment of God. He did this to bring unity to the people.

Like the chalice, the cup, I hold in my hands, we are bent people. We are bent by the weight of this world. We are bent by our great chasm, our great divide as a nation. But take heart! We are not broken! We are bent, we are NOT broken! And so, I invite you to join with me first in a prayer of confession, as our first act of repairing the damage done in our families, our congregation, our community, our nation, and our world; as a means of unifying us with Christ.

Jesus, please take our cups of sorrow: one cup holds the sorrow of the disenfranchised blue collar workers whose opportunities have dried up in recent decades. We stand convicted of having neglected their despair.
And please take the other cup of sorrow, which is our racism and misogyny in this country. Your last commandment to us was to go and make disciples of all nations—literally, all ethnicities. You command us to know the other, to listen to the other, to befriend the other. We confess the ways we have resisted this call and feared it.
Jesus, we give you our cups of sorrow. May we humbly accept from you, instead, the oil of gladness and the mantle of praise that you promise us (Isaiah 61:3). May we go to all the ethnicities in love and humility. Amen. (Melanie Weldon Soisset)

Today in our life as a congregation was supposed to be Laity Sunday. But for a variety of reasons, it is not happening. At first, I was lamenting the change, because it created a gap in our worship life. Then a colleague suggested moving Christ the King Sunday forward a week, and using next week to recognize Thanksgiving. So that is what I have done.

Christ the King Sunday is the newest liturgical holiday that the Christian Church observes, having arrived less than 100 years ago. The United Methodist Worship Planning resources tell us that at the time, many Christians in Mexico were suffering from religious persecution from an anti-religious government. Secularism was rapidly growing and taking the power in Europe. So, in 1925, the Roman Catholic Church declared the final Sunday before Advent as a worldwide celebration of the kingship of Christ over every earthly power. It was later adopted by Protestant churches
         
As Americans, we don’t fully understand what it is like to be governed by a King or Queen. We don’t understand the totalitarian rule that was expressed. Even though there are laws, the Monarch can overturn those laws. They had absolute power and authority over everything. In our nation today, some people are grieving because they believe that the President Elect will take away their right to marry the person that they love, deport their family members or themselves, or remove their access to healthcare. Others say they are overreacting. Our President has considerable power and is often said to be the “Leader of the Free World.” But our President has checks and balances from Congress and the Supreme Court. Others say that when one party controls all of these, the checks and balances fall apart. Maybe. Maybe not. Time will tell. What we do know is that we are in a similar position to that of Scripture.
         
Only twice in Scripture is there anything approaching a democracy. The people were ruled by Judges and Kings and Queens. They did not have a say in who ruled them, or what the outcome of something would be. Only twice did they have a say. The first was before the rise to power of King David, when the Israelites asked for a King so that they could be like other nations (this is what our Bible Study has just finished studying). And the second was when Pilate asked the crowd which prisoner they wanted released—Jesus or Barabbas. And the crowd chose Barabbas. And so Jesus was crucified, with a sign over him in several languages, seeking to mock him: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
         
What the government did to mock Jesus, the people adopted as a rallying cry. Yes, this man being executed is OUR king! This is what God’s Kingdom is really like—a reversal of worldly expectations and the fulfillment of Godly expectations. Jesus is the King of God’s Kingdom. God’s politics—if God even could be said to have politics—are not like that of a democracy or typical kings.
         
And nowhere is that more clear than in today’s Scripture passage. This letter may have been written by Paul while he was in prison, or it may have been written in his name after his death. It was written to a group of Christians who were having trouble understanding what to worship—they were worshiping, or at the very least, believing, that the stars controlled their destiny. They were using astrology instead of depending on God.
         
Today’s passage includes a hymn, a song that they were very familiar with at the time. It uses the language of praise and worship, and honors Jesus Christ as the head of the Church since the beginning of time. It sets up Jesus Christ as the King over the Kingdom—over all things in heaven and on earth. Similar to the praise of Emperors and Kings in the Roman Empire, this song heaps praises upon Christ to show the people that Christ is greater than any earthly power. Christ is the one who holds all things together, and all people together. This is something that not even the Roman Empire, through their military, armies, wars, and laws could do. The “Pax Romana”—the Roman Peace—is not peaceful. It used force to achieve its goals, and people still revolted. The Romans tried to regulate religion and social life. But it failed, because the people had different ideas. The Romans depended on force to bring people into their cult. Jesus instead depended on love to reconcile people to God. Jesus invited everyone—regardless of their background, creed, ethnicity, disability, gender, or past sins—into relationship with God.
         
This hymn, this song, was dangerous to sing in the wrong places. Singing it could get you killed—along with your family and anyone else singing it with you. It was considered treasonous. And in some places today, the result is the same. People are still afraid of being persecuted for their beliefs. In our country and abroad. And we as Christians are called to stand against oppression and injustice in whatever forms they may present themselves—even, or perhaps, most especially, when it is painful and difficult to do so. The eagle never flies higher than the cross.
         
As Christians, we must ask ourselves in the midst of this great chasm, this great divide, what would Jesus say? What would Jesus do? And I believe that the message is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. “Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song. No one stands alone. Standing side by side. Draw the circle wide.” This is a line from a song written by Mark Miller, a faithful United Methodist who serves on the faculty at Drew Seminary in New Jersey. He wrote this for General Conference—the every 4 year meeting of United Methodists from around the world—several years ago, as a way to bring diverse and disparate people together. The week after the Freddie Gray riots last year, I used this song as a basis for my sermon. And once again, after protests have happened in our City, as our Nation is divided, I bring it back to you. Draw the circle wide. We stand together, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, and Independent, united as Americans. And, moreover, we are united in Christ. The eagle never flies higher than the cross. Our Christian identity is greater than our patriotic identity. This Veteran’s Day weekend, we give thanks and praise for the men and women who have fought for our right to worship freely in this great nation. Yet, our Christian identity must be greater than our American identity. There are Christians in every nation on this earth. And we are united as brothers and sisters. Draw the circle wide.
         
I was asked this week by a well-meaning person, what I was going to do now that Donald Trump is the President Elect. I said I was going to do the same thing I was going to do if Hillary Clinton had been elected. Get up. Shower. And go fight for justice. This has been my calling from God since before the election, and it is still my calling now that the election is over. I, along with every Christian, am called to stand with the least, the last, the lost, and the marginalized in this world. I am called to stand with the people who fear for their own lives and with those who feel that they have been heard for the first time in a long time. I am called to fight for justice. I am called to make sure that every person is safe and welcomed in the Body of Christ. I am called to make sure that we are listening to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. I am called to speak out against bigotry, hate, violence, homophobia, xenophobia, racism, sexism, and all the other “phobias” and “isms” that divide people and bring hurt to anyone. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. I am called to love. Because love wins. We can cry our ugly tears. But we can’t neglect one another—Children of God, made in the Image of God—as we voice our truth, our reality.
         
My prayer is that one day, we can all stand side by side for justice; for peace; for love; and that God’s Kingdom will be achieved on this earth. That’s the dream. Right now the reality is quite different. It’s ok to mourn. It’s ok to grieve. It’s ok to celebrate. It’s ok to care for yourself. It’s ok to fight for justice. Right now, all rules are broken. We are in uncharted territory. And we need each other.

What would Jesus say? Draw the circle wide. And, I believe he would echo Bishop Easterling: “The eagle never flies higher than the cross. Our nation’s politics do not supersede the work of God or the Holy Spirit. Our grounding is found at the foot of the cross and our hope is built on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. We are united, even as we experience this election differently. We are united in our faith, our love of God and our love for one another.”

A story is told:
Once there was a wise old woman who lived in a small village. The children of the village were puzzled by her—her wisdom, her gentleness, her strength. One day, several of the older children decided to fool her. No one could be as wise as everyone said she was, and they set out to prove it. So they found a baby bird. One of the boys cupped it in his hands and said to his friend, ‘We’ll ask her whether the bird I have in my hands is dead or alive. If she says it is dead, I will open my hands and let it fly always. If she says it’s alive, I’ll crush it and she’ll see that it’s dead.’ So they went to the woman and presented her with this puzzle. ‘Old woman,’ the little boy asked, ‘the bird in my hands, is it dead or alive?’ The old woman became very still, studied the boy’s hands, then looked carefully into his eyes. ‘It’s in your hands,’ she said.” (From Carter Heyward, “Touching Our Strength,” p. 73, via Parker Palmer).

On this, Christ the King Sunday, we are called to remember that nations, and governments, and leaders will fade and fall, but the Kingdom of God will stand forever. We can’t put our hope and trust in any politician. We must put our hope and trust in Jesus Christ. It’s in our hands. Amen. 

Well, the snow hit us hard. As I prepare this, at my house, we have at least 18 inches, probably closer to 20+ inches, and it has picked up both in volume falling and in wind blowing. It doesn't even seem worth it to go out and shovel, because 10 minutes later, all your hard work will be erased. We are all definitely snowed in.

We also received communication from City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke today saying that some streets in the City may not be plowed until Tuesday, and power outages may take through Friday to repair. (The full text of the email is posted on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdHampden While you are there, consider "liking" our page for the most up-to-date information available. Facebook can be updated even when the website can't.) Be patient. Be safe. Be smart. Please check with neighbors. Help one another. Don't shovel so much you have a health emergency. I can't get to visit you in the snow (seriously, your health is more important than the shoveling). Keep our unhoused/homeless neighbors in your prayers. This is no time to be outside. There are warming shelters set up and transit to them...but nothing near our neighborhood. I've been working with Mary Pat Clarke to find a solution nearby. 

If you need something, remember to call 911 for emergencies. Other concerns, if you let me know, I'll work to pass them along to the correct folks as long as I have power. Stay strong. We will get through this! God has not abandoned us!

However, due to the weather, all worship services and church activities are cancelled on Sunday, 24 January and Monday, 25 January. Determinations for the rest of the week will be made as we move forward. Attempts will be made to contact all of our church families. However, if you think of someone who needs to know this information, please pass it along to them. It's better to hear it several times than not at all. 

You are invited to gather with those in your home, a neighbor or friend, call someone, or worship by yourself on Sunday. Below is an order of worship you may use. I will be in prayer during the worship time, and invite you to join me. Know that you are blessed. We are blessed. See you on the other side of the storm.

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Bonnie

Choral Prelude​: Father, I Adore You (video starts after ad)

all to Worship
One: Loving God, who speaks to us through your Scriptures and in the collective wisdom of your people throughout the ages:
Many: Help us to hear anew what you would speak to us this day.
One: For your word is always fresh,
Many: A message of life and hope in the world that needs to know and heed your will.
One: Through Christ the living Word and your Spirit of illumination
Many: who with you is the trust that sets us free. Amen. (W&S 72)

Opening Hymn: O How I Love Jesus
​

Opening Prayer: In you, O Lord our God, we find our joy, for through your law and your prophets you formed a people in mercy and freedom, in justice and righteousness. Pour your Spirit on us today, that we who are Christ’s body may bear the good news of your ancient promises to all who seek you. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, 2002)

Response to Prayer: The Gloria Patri
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Children's Message The Children's Bulletin is below. You are welcome to print it for one-time, home use.

Hymn of Preparation: Thy Word Is a Lamp

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:14-21 (Click Scripture for a link)

Ponderings: Discuss with those gathered or ask yourself these questions:
1) What is the passage trying to say?
2) What about the passage sticks out to me (good or bad)? Why?
3) What is God trying to say to me through this passage?

Things to Consider: When have you been rejected from those you most want to share God's love with? How did you feel? What did you do? If you've never experienced this, why not? Who have you shared God's love with? 

A Jubilee is when all work ceases for a full year. When does Jesus say this will happen? Why? Has this ever happened in your knowledge? (The answer is "no.") Why not? How is God's Kingdom different than our lived reality? What can we do to make God's Kingdom more of a reality?

Prayers: These are updated with what I have been notified about. If you have additional prayers, please feel free to contact me.

Joys:
We installed our 2016 leaders!
Myrtle M. is home at Lamplight!
 
Concerns:
Betty P’s niece, Barbara, had a stroke.
Linda T’s sister, Barbara.
Linda T’s nephew, Dennis.
Raymond N.
Edith T’s sister is in the hospital.
Edith T’s brother, John.
Rosetta W. is in the hospital.
All our armed forces and first responders.
Istanbul, Jakarta, Charsadda, Canada, Paris, Beirut, Baghdad, Japan, Nigeria, London, San Bernadino, the whole world.
Baltimore.
The Syrian refugee crisis.
 
Continuing Prayer Concerns: Tim P; Evelyn R. and Paula; Myrtle M; Edith’s Family; Pastor Bonnie’s grandfather, Al; Shirley S; Mary J; Frances S; John & Doris C; Gloria (Jeanne H).

The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine in the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offerings: Our expenses continue even when we are closed. Please consider making up your offerings next Sunday, or by mailing them to the Church Office: Good Shepherd UMC, 3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211. Other ways of giving are explained on our Giving Page of the website (Click for a link).

Closing Hymn: I Love to Tell the Story

Selected Announcements: (All events are weather-permitting--stay tuned to the website, Facebook Page, phone, and always use your own good judgement. Even if the church is open, please consider if you personally can get to church safely. Your safety is our first priority.)

1) The New Church Council will meet on Thursday, January 28, at 4pm. At this meeting, we will discuss our regular meeting time. If you are unable to attend, please let Linda Thompson, Chair, know. The meeting is open to the congregation, but only members of the Council have vote.
 
2) The Re-scheduled Worship Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 27, at 3:30 pm in the Choir Room.
 
3) A new 9-week Bible Study on Nehemiah will begin on Tuesday, February 2 at 2pm in the Parlor. All are welcome to the study as we explore how Nehemiah rebuilt the community and how we can do the same. There is a study book. The deadline to sign up has passed; however, please see Pastor Bonnie if you are still interested.
 
4) The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10. Mark your calendars for Ashes to Go (volunteers needed) and community worship at 7pm.
 
5) Family Dinner and a Move Night will be on Friday, February 19 at 6:30pm. We will share a meal of pasta before watching a G or PG movie. All are welcome to attend. Suggested donation of $1/person or $5/family. Please RSVP on our website or to Pastor Randy.

As yet 2 more mass shootings take the lives of 18 more people, and dozens more are wounded, I find myself struggling with the way of our world. I find myself wondering when it will be over; when our country will wake up and say, “Enough is enough!” In 336 days, there have been 355 mass shootings (defined as 4 or more people hit in a single incident). 

As a person of faith, I find myself turning to Scripture in times of trouble. And when I don’t know where else to go, I find myself traversing the Psalms, seeking to know that 1) I’m not the only one who has felt this way; and, 2) Answers to my questions.

The “whys” and the “how longs” resonate with me the most. I wonder why God is hiding from us and from this world.
Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)
 
How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? (Psalm 89:46)
 
I find myself wondering if God has abandoned us and forsaken us…or, at the very least, forgotten about us.
 
My God, my God, why have you forsaken [us]? Why are you so far from helping [us], from the words of our groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. (Psalm 22:1-2)
 
People of faith are asking tough questions of God, but God seems to be silent. And the answers I find in the Psalms to “trust” God—whatever that means—seem inadequate right now.
 
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust… (Psalm 25: 1-2a)
 
It doesn’t feel active enough. Many people are writing their local and state and national representatives, demanding that they take action. And, on the one hand, yes, we need laws that protect the citizens of our country. We need our government to take action. But we as ordinary citizens need to take action too. We need to stand up to our friends, our family, our neighbors, our Facebook acquaintances; and tell them that guns are not the answer to our problems. We need to demand that we hold one another accountable, because laws can only go so far—especially if no one follows them.
 
One of the struggles we face comes from those persons who are staunchly “2nd Amendment Rights” people. In my own family, I have people who tell me that “we are given the right by the Constitution to have guns! It’s our right!”
 
I’m not a fan of guns, however, I’m the last person to try and take away the rights of our citizens. That being said, as a historian, let’s talk a bit about what people *think* their rights are, and what they actually are.
 
First, the “right to bear arms” is not in the Constitution itself, it is in the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. This is itself key. We’ve had amendments to the Constitution that have later been repealed (Prohibition, anyone?). Passed in 1791 to assuage the fears of the Anti-Federalists who didn’t want to ratify the Constitution, the Bill of Rights gives us certain rights that are not enumerated in the Constitution itself.
 
The 2nd Amendment, the one famous for the line, “the right to bear arms” actually says the following: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Meaning, the “right to bear arms” is directly related to the keeping of a well regulated Militia. The only reason we have to keep weapons, protected by the Bill of Rights, is for those persons who are trained and ready at a moment’s notice to protect our settlements, villages, and towns. And since less than 0.5% of Americans currently serve in our armed forces, that leaves 99% of us without this protection and “right.” (Even if we add in veterans, it’s only 7.3% who have ever served…and most of those were in peacetime who never saw conflict. Check out this article for a great breakdown of service).
 
Now I know I have probably ticked off a lot of people with these comments, and that’s ok. (If you want to fact-check me, you can start with the Wikipedia articles here and here before branching out further). I think we need to be clear what we are guaranteed by law, and what we aren’t if we are asking to change the law. I wonder if we need to change the law so much as enforce the one(s) we have?
 
But I digress. I didn’t write this blog post to lecture us on our rights. I wrote it to ask where God is in the midst of the senseless tragedy we find ourselves in daily. In my own great City of Baltimore, the gang violence claims so many lives. As of the writing of this post, we are at 315 homicides for the year—on track for close to 350 homicides before the ball drops at midnight in Times Square. Many of these people are caught up in gang turf wars; but many are innocent too. You can’t tell me that a 3-year-old sitting on her porch is guilty of anything. And I wonder, where is God in the midst of this? Why doesn’t God protect her?
 
Yesterday, a friend of mine posted a sentiment on Facebook that struck me, and summed up my thoughts better than I could. She said, “This is one of those ties when we might be tempted to ask God why God lets all these terrible violent things happen. But what if God asks us the same question?”
 
Why do we stand back and idly watch more people get killed by guns than terrorists? Why? And why doesn’t God intervene to stop it?
 
When God created the world, God created us in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), and gave us dominion over the earth. God gave us freewill to use the brains God gave us, and to act accordingly. We have the capacity to discern good from evil, and God lets us do that. God gives us freewill to do as we see fit.
 
God doesn’t intervene to stop every little thing—what kind of world would we be living in if this happened? We wouldn’t want to live in a world where God stepped in and forced us to do things we didn’t want to do. If every time we prayed, we got what we wanted, this would be a messed up place. That creepy boy you didn’t want to date in high school? Yup…you’d be going out with him because he prayed that God would make it happen. (Yes, this is a silly example, but you get the idea).
 
Bad things happen because we as people misuse the freewill God has given us. I recently heard a story about a mother and daughter who were walking to church when a car crashed into them, driven by a drunk driver. They were killed. The mother and daughter didn’t do anything wrong, or anything to deserve being killed like that. It wasn’t their fault. A bad thing happened because another person chose to drink too much and then get behind a wheel and drive. That person’s freewill cost 2 other people their lives.
 
Mass shootings aren’t God’s fault. They are ours. Even if you don’t own a gun; or, if, like me, you’ve never even shot one; it’s our fault. It’s my fault. We live in a violent world where we misuse freewill for our own gain and pleasure without any regard to the people around us. God gave us the brains to discern good from evil, and the freewill to choose between them. And we have been mistaken. Even those of us (like probably all of you reading this) who have never been the perpetrator of a mass shooting, we are responsible. God gave us dominion over this earth and charged us to care for it. And we have failed.
 
We need to repent and turn back to the Lord. This isn’t God’s fault. This is our fault. And as such, we must take the first steps to fix it. We must stand up to one another and say, “I know you may never use your gun for ill-purposes, but the culture of guns and weapons in this country is out of control. We must stop this. And it starts with us. It starts with me.”
 
In 1996, Australia had a mass shooting. Afterwards, they enacted stricter gun laws, and haven’t had an issue since then. We as Americans claim that this can’t be done in our country. Maybe this isn’t the right solution. Maybe it is. But we can’t stay where we are. We must change. The answers are indeed in Scripture, in the ordinary people who act in extraordinary ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. (Psalm 51, selections)

Scripture: John 15:1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.



My favorite tree is in the front yard of my parents’ home. It was grown from a sapling of the Wye Oak. As a young tree, it was covered by a blizzard, and run over by a lawnmower. But it persisted. It flourished. As it grew taller, one year, my dad decided that it needed to be pruned. I was devastated. To me, pruning the tree was killing a portion of it. I began to cry as the branches were cut off. My dad explained to me that pruning allows the tree to grow taller and better. I didn’t realize or understand that pruning happens naturally in nature—the deer and other animals eat the lower branches of the trees, doing what we have to do with saws in our yards. I could only see destruction and devastation with pruning, but pruning brings hope. It brings hope for a better tomorrow because you are helping the tree to grow, last, endure.

            Today’s Scripture places us firmly in the “I am” passages—I am the Good Shepherd, I am the vine. Jesus says, “I am the true vine” “He removes every branch IN ME that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to bear more fruit. What struck me this week, was that this passage isn’t negative or talking about your neighbor. This is all about you. There are branches in you that bear good fruit, and branches in you that need pruning. Each of us has good and bad in us. Every situation has good and bad in it too.

            This week has been a pruning week for Baltimore. We have bad branches that need to be pruned and cut off so that all of Baltimore can grow and flourish. This week’s riots, protests, and problems aren’t new. This has been brewing under the surface in Baltimore for generations. And it isn’t all about race either. It’s about class—the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. We know about the riots in ’68. We know about the differences in neighborhoods. We know that most of the police here in Baltimore don’t come from here and don’t understand the culture. We know that a young man named Freddie Gray was illegally taken into custody, and while in custody suffered injuries that ultimately led to his death. We know that not all cops are bad. We know all of these things and more. But we also know that there’s always at least 2 sides to every story. And that’s what I’ve come here to tell you today. The other side of the story. The story that the media won’t show. The story that is the human part.

            This week, I saw branches that were bearing good fruit and they were flourishing. Last Sunday, I posted the prayer we used in worship on our church blog, and it has received 750 views as of last night. Clergy as far away as Michigan, seeking to find words to use have requested permission to use this prayer. People want to help, they want to pray, but they don’t know what to say or do—so I am trying to help them find their place to reach out and serve; to give them the words.

            As all this has transpired this week, I’ve had the words from a song Mark Miller wrote in 2009, called “Draw the Circle Wide.” It starts like this: “Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still. No one stands alone, we stand side by side. Draw the circle wide.” I’ve been thinking about this—how can I stand side by side with our brothers and sisters 5 minutes from here—less than 2 miles away? How can I draw the circle wide to bring others in?

            I didn’t have to wait long for an answer. On Tuesday, after the riots Monday night, the schools were closed. The Bishop asked churches to open up as safe places for kids to gather—draw the circle wide. I went to John Wesley UMC, but no one came because they were too afraid to leave their homes. So we went to Metropolitan UMC where there was a large feeding effort under way. Again, folks wouldn’t come out because they were too afraid. So we took the food to them—draw the circle wide. We drove around with cars full of food, and gave out over 500 meals to people who were unable to get to the store—the neighborhood stores were looted, burned, and otherwise unavailable. Public transportation was shut down. They had basic needs, and we as United Methodists rallied—standing side by side.

            One of the most touching stories of this week for me came when I was standing outside of Metropolitan UMC. I was helping to unload the train of cars that kept pulling up to donate food, and began talking with two small children—7 and 9 years old. As we were chatting and laughing, an ambulance went by on the cross street. The children heard the siren and froze, then began to freak out. The sirens reminded them of the terrors the night before. Another volunteer and I grabbed them, and held them, reminding them, “You are safe here.” Draw the circle wide, standing side by side.

            Later on Tuesday, I was in Sandtown, at Penn and North, walking and praying with the community. Complete strangers saw me in my collar and asked me to pray with them. So we prayed. We prayed for the foot of a young girl who was hit by plastic bullets. We prayed for her friend who was killed by them. We prayed for an elderly woman in a wheelchair who couldn’t get to her prescriptions. We prayed, and we prayed; drawing that circle wide. We stopped to pray for a pastor in the neighborhood who has been working day and night to bring God’s peace to his neighborhood. And as we gathered around him in prayer, a man asked if he could join our circle. We invited him in. Then 2 women came…and some folks in a car. More people gathered. A reporter asked to join in too. Draw the circle wide—draw it wider still.

            That evening, as most of the area clergy gathered at a church in the county to plan and organize and avoid the curfew in the City; a contingent of 50+ United Methodist Clergy gathered and walked together through the streets of West Baltimore as a presence and a witness to the turmoil there. We didn’t have magic words to say. We were simply a ministry of presence. And we joined a praise party in the streets—a video is posted on our website. We watched as two competing drum corps and dance teams played together. We had gang members from rival gangs protecting us and thanking us for being there. All of us together, in the street like a fair—draw the circle wide—standing side by side.

            On Wednesday as the children went back to school, the streets were deserted and peaceful. Only a few folks remained on a stoop. Prayer calls and prayer vigils sprung up. We began having conversations with our after school kids about the events and how they can change this City. Hope began to spring forth. Draw the circle wide.

            Yesterday I was back in Sandtown, helping to hand out food, toiletries, diapers, and other basic necessities to residents who were running out of supplies. Folks were so grateful. I met some amazing people and built relationships I pray will last beyond when the cameras are turned off. Plans for the future with hope were being made. And God was being served as we stood side by side with our brothers and sisters.

            I’m telling you these short stories—of which I have many more—because I want you to understand that out of our pruning time comes hope and good fruit. We are drawing closer together and closer to God through this. And there is a place for you to serve too.

            This week, I took to Social Media to help show others what was really going on—things the media wouldn’t show. And a man I went to college with contacted me and said that he really respected what I was doing in and for the City. He said that he was a jerk in college, and apologized. He was glad that people of faith were taking action to bring about change, and that my actions were encouraging him. He turned to faith because of what we did this week. What we do makes a difference in this world. People see our action or our inaction, and it makes a difference.

            So I’m calling on you, brothers and sisters, to prune away the dead branches IN YOU this week. Prune away the fear, the insecurity, the nastiness, the indifference, the racial issues, the class issues, the neighborhood issues. Prune it all away. Let the good branches IN YOU bear fruit. I’m calling on you to reach out, to draw the circle wide, to stand side by side with our neighbors just 2 miles from here, and let them know that God cares. Let them know that God has not abandoned nor forsaken them. Let them know that you are there. Find someone who is different than you. Reach across the aisle of politics, race, class, age, gender, anything that separates you from another person—someone you view as “the other.” Reach across that aisle and draw the circle wide. Stand side by side. Because if Baltimore is ever going to grow and bear good fruit, it must start with us—one by one; united we stand. We are all Baltimore. Amen. 

Praise Party Video in the Streets of Sandtown. We are working on getting this upright. Copyright 2015, Rev. Bonnie McCubbin.

Pray For Baltimore--Week 2
By: Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Good Shepherd UMC, Baltimore

As we join together in our City, in our State, in our Nation, and around the world in lifting Baltimore up in prayer, we are drawing the circle wide. For the outpouring of love and support we have received this week, we give thanks to you. We have felt it here—no one stands alone, we stand side-by-side. Draw the circle wide.

Draw the circle wide—for competing drum corps performing together in the streets of Sandtown.

Draw the circle wide for praise parties in the streets.

Draw the circle wide for the National Guard who are away from family protecting us.

Draw the circle wide for the Officers who are trying to do their jobs in a rough time.

Draw the circle wide for the officers accused and their families.

Draw the circle wide for the family of Freddie Gray.

Draw the circle wide for protestors.

Draw the circle wide for faith groups and leaders.

Draw the circle wide for our Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Draw the circle wide for Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.

Draw the circle wide for National Guard General Linda Singh.

Draw the circle wide for Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby.

Draw the circle wide for the City Council.

Draw the circle wide for those bringing health kits and food to a barren land.

Draw the circle wide as we pray as one—united we stand.

Draw the circle wide. We are all Baltimore. Draw the circle wide.

You’re the God of this City. You’re the King of these people. You’re the Lord of this nation. You are God.

This week has been a week of low times and high times. This week has been filled with joys and with sorrows. Our grief, our pain is raw and it is real. This week, as many of us stood by and watched the protestors and rioters destroy and loot Sandtown-Winchester, Mondawmin, and other places; as we felt the heat of the fires burning in multiple sectors of the City; as we saw children out of school and hiding in their homes in fear; we wondered, “Where is God in the midst of this?”

Yet, Lord, you are a God of peace and of justice. You are a light in the darkness. You sent wonderful faith leaders to walk arm-in-arm to stand in the gap between disparate groups. You sent rival gangs to join together to protect these faith leaders. You sent the Nation of Islam to help keep peace.

You are the hope to the hopeless. You provided a train of cars bringing food and supplies to churches for packaging and taking to the neighborhoods. You brought together Christians, Muslims, Jews, people of faith and people of no faith at all; to go out into our City and find the children and families in need, to provide food for them, toiletries, and more until the corner stores can be reopened, the pharmacies can be restocked, and the lives restored.

You bring peace to the restless. You provided a means for the investigation to conclude early enough for announcements to be made to stop the Friday protests and keep our City from being damaged more. You hold people accountable and will have the final say on Judgment Day. There is no one like you.

Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done. Our prayers will not end when the riots end. Systemic changes are needed here. But we have the faith to know that you can and you will bring change to this City and to our nation. You are God.

Once again, Almighty Protector we come before you on our knees for our Great City of Baltimore. Once again, we plead for peace. Once again we plead for justice. We know that you have not abandoned nor forsaken us. And for that we give you all the glory; all the honor; all the praise. Help us to draw the circle wide so that all may be One and your will may be done. Draw the circle wide. No one stands alone. We stand side-by-side. Amen.

As our City is torn apart with protests and violence surrounding the case of Freddie Gray, we do not have answers. We only have questions. So, as people of faith, we are called to reach out to the One with the answers, the One with the strength to pull us through: Almighty God. I wrote this prayer this morning, after praying for days and dreaming of the protests last night. You are welcome to use or share this for your own personal use or in a faith setting, with proper attribution.

Pray For Baltimore
By: Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Good Shepherd UMC, Baltimore

Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord, Lord hear our voices! Let your ears be attentive to the voices of our supplications!

Almighty God, you tell us that justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream; but we do not see, hear, feel, or sense justice or righteousness in Baltimore this day. Our great city is torn asunder: police and citizens; black and white; rioters and peaceful demonstrators. And many of us are caught in-between. Thrust into the national spotlight, we feel the pressure to handle this well. Lord, let your justice roll down; let your righteousness flow this day! Unite us, we pray.

God of Suffering, so many people are praying for the Family of Freddie Gray in this time of tragedy. No family wants to loose a son so young. Comfort them in their time of need; draw those of them who remain on this earth closer to one another, and closer to you so that one day, they may experience the peace and joy that can only come through eternal life with you.

God of Peace, the protestors think that they are doing good work to bring attention and change to a city that is plagued by violence and a history of police brutality. Lord, give them clear minds and steady hands and feet. Let them demonstrate peacefully so that no one and nothing gets injured or broken. We are already broken enough in this city. Keep them safe. And give them the good sense to go home at an appropriate time. Keep the outside agitators to a minimum—we Baltimoreans can agitate ourselves enough!

God of Grace, the Police need our prayers too. They are tasked with a difficult job that none of us want to do. As people march in protest against them, they must stand and protect the rights of the protestors. They are tasked with keeping order in an order-less situation. We sometimes forget that they too are human beings, Blessed Children of God, who have families—mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, and cousins—too. We like to group everyone together, but we can’t do that. Each officer is a unique person. Each officer needs our prayers. Each officer is putting their life on the line to protect ours. Help us to be grateful, even as we wait for details in this case. While yes, there are some bad officers, just like in any other profession, the vast majority are trying to do good. Enable and equip them for their calling; and keep them safe and level-headed in tense situations.

God of Wisdom, the Investigators are caught between a rock and a hard place. Tasked with ensuring justice is done on all sides, no matter what they ultimately discover; no matter whether they decide to prosecute or not; someone, some group will be angry. Let your wisdom prevail. Let your justice be done on this earth and in heaven. Lord, part the seas of violence, anger, and discontent to make a way where there seems to be no way.

God of Order, who created this world out of chaos, we feel like we have plunged back into chaos once more. Bring us out of this chaotic time. Guide the leaders of our City—elected and grassroots—so that they may guide us out of this mess into the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. We lift up to you by name, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Police Commissioner Anthony Batts. Guide them we pray.

God of Us All, for the rest of us who don’t know what to do; what to say; what to think; or where to turn; help us to turn to you. Strengthen us and guide us to feel like prayer is enough and to seek peace wherever we may find ourselves.

Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord, Lord hear our voices! Let your ears be attentive to the voices of our supplications!

Amen and Amen. 

This winter is really driving us nuts!  3 weeks in a row--worship cancelled. One day soon, though, God shall prevail and communal worship will happen! Until then, please use the home worship service below as you gather with your home, maybe a neighbor or two, or just by yourself, and worship God at our regular worship time. I will be doing the same and praying for you. If you have new prayer requests or a pastoral need, please call me at home. We are working very hard to be sure that everyone knows we are closed tomorrow. Please spread the word. Most of us would rather hear it 2 or 3 times than not at all. If you live at 3838 or 3939, it will be announced over the speaker. However, please make sure your neighbors can hear the speaker. 

One note: Since today was scheduled to be a Communion Sunday, that will not be included below (Communion is celebrated in a gathered community and the elements blessed by a licensed, commissioned, or ordained pastor). We will celebrate Communion the next time we gather. 


Please read to the end for selected announcements. Remember that next week is Daylight Savings Time--be sure to set your clocks forward by one hour on Saturday night so you don't miss worship!

Also, there is a SPRC announcement at the end.

Call to Worship: Psalm 22:25-31
One: From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
Many: my vows I will pay before those who worship the Lord.
One: The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
Many: those who seek the Lord shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!
One: All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord;
Many: and all the families of the nations shall worship before the Lord.
One: For dominion belongs to the Lord who rules over the nations.
Many: All who sleep in the earth shall bow down to the Lord.
One: All who go down to the dust shall bow before the Lord, and I shall live for God.
Many: Posterity shall serve the Lord;
One: each generation shall tell of the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn.
Many: Surely the Lord has done it.

Opening Hymn: Where He Leads Me

Opening Prayer: O holy and merciful God, we confess that we have not always taken upon ourselves the yoke of obedience, nor been willing to seek and to do your perfect will. We have not loved you with all our heart and mind and soul and strength, neither have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. You have called to us in the need of our sisters and brothers, and we have passed unheeding on our way. In the pride of our hearts, and our unwillingness to repent, we have turned away from the cross of Christ, and have grieved your Holy Spirit. Yet, your light and love can shine in a dark world and cleanse us of all our sin, restoring us to your light. And for that, we praise you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. (BOW 476, altered)

Response to Prayer: The Gloria Patri

Children's Message: The Children's Bulletin is below. You are welcome to print it for one-time, home use.

Scripture Reading: Mark 8:31-38 (click Scripture for a link)

Ponderings: Discuss with those gathered or ask yourself these questions:
1) What is the passage trying to say?
2) What about the passage sticks out to me (good or bad)? Why?
3) What is God trying to say to me through this passage?

Things to Consider: Check out the video of the hymn and read Pastor Bonnie's sermon that she was very excited to preach today! (FYI...you *might* hear it another week)

Prayers: These are updated with what I have been notified about. If you have additional prayers, please feel free to contact me.

Joys:
Roy, who checks the building daily and provides reports.
Our snow-shoveling “fairies”!


Concerns:
The Lippy Family upon the passing of Don.
Norman S. had a stroke and is now home. Prayers only—no calls.
Emma’s brother, Danny, had a stroke and is in serious condition in North Carolina.
Rev. Dan, Interim Pastor at Hampden UMC, had open heart surgery last week.
Hampden UMC, in the midst of their transition to a new pastor, Rev. Jessica Statesman.
Doris M.
Barbara’s friend, Dorothy.
John and Doris Cromwell.
Renice is sick.
Susie’s cousin, Tom, is going for cancer surgery.
Jean L.
Delores N.
Mary J’s eyes.

Continuing Prayer Concerns: Tim P; Evelyn R. and her family; Edie W & Family; Myrtle M; Edith’s Family, Pastor Bonnie’s grandfather, Al, Shirley S., Mary J.


The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine in the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.


Closing Hymn: Trust and Obey

Selected Announcements:
1) Bible Studies: Pastor Bonnie’s Bible Study starts on Tuesday, March 3! Please read the Introduction and Chapter 1. Pastor Angie’s Bible Study continues on Friday! Please read the next chapter in your book.

2) Please pick up your new church directory from the 38th Street table. Note that the emergency closing list has changed. If your contact information changes at any point, please call our Administrative Assistant, Rachel, in the church office to update your information.

3) Holy Week and Easter Schedules:
Saturday, March 28: Easter Egg Hunt and Programming
Sunday, March 29, 10am: Palm Sunday Worship with a Children’s Parade of Palms
Thursday, April 2, 7pm: Holy Thursday Worship at Good Shepherd
Friday, April 3, 10:30am: Community Cross Walk (Starts at St. Luke’s Lutheran, finishes at Good Shepherd with a light lunch and worship around 12 noon)
Sunday, April 5: Easter! 7am: Community SonRise Worship at “the Rock” in Roosevelt Park; 10am: Traditional Worship at Good Shepherd, with Communion

4) Daylight Savings Time begins next week! Set your clocks forward by one hour before bed on Saturday night so you don’t miss church!

5) SPRC will meet on Thursday (March 5) at 1:30pm in the Parlor. If you are a member of this committee, please plan to attend. You will receive a phone call this week about it. Please contact our Chair, Sharon Engleman, or Pastor Bonnie with questions.

This winter weather is getting old, isn't it? Once again, we have to cancel worship to keep folks safe because of the weather. After having to cancel last Sunday and Ash Wednesday, this is a big disappointment. However, we will be having Ash Wednesday this week--a week late! Join us on Wednesday at 7pm for a time of fellowship, worship, and imposition of ashes as we try yet again to start the season of Lent. After all, God doesn't care if we give up chocolate--God wants us to give up our lives for the Gospel message! 


***Please check out the announcements at the end of this post for more information, including a death notice.***

I invite you to gather with your home, maybe a neighbor or two, or just by yourself, and worship God at our regular worship time. I will be doing the same and praying for you. If you have new prayer requests or a pastoral need, please call me at home. We are working very hard to be sure that everyone knows we are closed tomorrow. Please spread the word. Most of us would rather hear it 2 or 3 times than not at all. If you live at 3838 or 3939, it will be announced over the speaker. However, please make sure your neighbors can hear the speaker. 

Call to Worship:
One: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Many: O my God, in you I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.
One: Let none that wait for you be put to shame;
Many: let them be shamed who are clothed with treachery.
One: Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
Many: teach me your paths.
One: Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
Many: for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
One: Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Many: Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
One: Good and upright is the Lord; therefore the Lord instructs sinners in the way, and leads the humble in what is right, and teaches them their way.
Many: All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep the Lord's covenant and testimonies. (Psalm 25:1-10, UMH 757)

Opening Hymn: Take Time to Be Holy (plays after the ad)

Opening Prayer: A wilderness beckons us, a desert, a barren place, yet a place of blessing and discovery. Jesus, steady companion, accompany us, as we enter the hurtful places, the frightening places, the dangerous places deep within us. Jesus, our wise and well-traveled guide, lead us into this emptiness, where all will fall away, and we will have nothing but you. Walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death, where we shall be raised, and drink of deep springs. Amen. (W&S 17)

Response to Prayer: The Gloria Patri

Children's Message: The Children's Bulletin is below. You are welcome to print it for one-time home use.

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:9-15 (click Scripture for link)

Ponderings: Discuss with those gathered or ask yourself these questions:
1) What is the passage trying to say?
2) What about the passage sticks out to me (good or bad)? Why?
3) What is God trying to say to me through this passage?


Things to Consider:
Check out this blog post about beginning the Season of Lent (click on "blog post" in the sentence) and consider the questions at the end of it.

If you'd like to read Pastor Bonnie's sermon from 3 years ago when she preached this passage, you can find that below.

Hymn of Response: Jesus, Tempted In the Desert

Prayers: These are updated with what I have been notified about. If you have additional prayers, please feel free to contact me.

Joys:
Roy who diligently checks our building every day and ensures we are running well!
Pastor Bonnie is feeling a lot better!
Ashes to Go was a great success!

Concerns:
The family of Don L. upon his passing.
Norman S. had a stroke and is now home. Prayers only--no calls.
Emma's brother, Danny had a stroke and is in serious condition in North Carolina.
Rev. Dan, Interim Pastor at Hampden UMC, had open heart surgery this week. 
Hampden UMC, in the midst of their transition to a new pastor, Rev. Jessica Statesman, March 1.

Continuing Prayer Concerns: Tim P; Evelyn R. and her family; Edie W & Family; Myrtle M; Edith’s Family, Pastor Bonnie’s grandfather, Al, Shirley S., Mary J.


The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine in the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.


Closing Hymn: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness (music starts after about 15 seconds of the opening slide)

Selected Announcements:
1) Pastor Bonnie's Tuesday Bible Study has been postponed by a week. We will now begin on Tuesday, March 1, at 2pm. Please read the 1st chapter, and we'll see you then! (There is still room to join, if you are interested).


Pastor Angie's Friday Bible Study will resume on Friday at 2pm. Please read the next chapter and corresponding Scriptures. 


2) We are having Ash Wednesday worship this week! (Yup...postponed by a week...but God is more concerned with our actions than our calendar). Join us on Wednesday, February 25 at 7pm for a reflective service and imposition of ashes.


3) New church directories are available on the 38th Street table (whenever we get back to church!). Note that the emergency closing list has changed. If your contact information changes at any point, please call our Administrative Assistant, Rachel, in the church office to update your information. 


4) Don't forget that even when the church is closed, we have costs. The cold weather has meant an increase in heating fuel. Please be sure to bring your missed Sunday's offerings to worship when we return, or check out our Giving Page for other options.


5) Check out the "In the News" Page for one of the several stories done on our church and Ashes to Go! Please spread the word about Good Shepherd to your friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else you meet! All are welcome!


6) It is with great sadness that we inform you that Don L. passed away this morning. Funeral information will be coming out Sunday or Monday. If you have further questions, please contact Pastor Bonnie. We will need your help to spread the word about funeral arrangements once they are known since it will probably occur before we meet again.


7) It is cold outside. If your heat is broken, call 311. They are prioritizing these issues. If you see a homeless or unhoused person, call 211. Transportation is provided to shelters, and we are in a Code Blue, meaning, that shelters can't turn folks away. Let's keep our community safe and warm.

Unfortunately, we need to cancel worship for Sunday, February 15. As of now, as folks arrive for worship, actual air temperatures will be approximately 8-10*F. Windchills will be between -10 and -20*F, with the possibility of an inch of snow-turning-to-ice on the ground. In order to keep our Trustees from working in unsafe conditions to clear paths for folks before worship tomorrow, and since we have so many walkers, the Trustees, staff, and I feel that the cold could cause major issues for our congregation. The wind will have gusts 50-60 mph, with sustained winds 20-30 mph. This could cause widespread power outages due to downed trees and power lines. Rather than risk it, we would like to keep folks safe and at home. 

***Please see the announcements for additional worship opportunities this week, on Ash Wednesday.***

I invite you to gather with your home, maybe a neighbor or two, or just by yourself, and worship God at our regular worship time. I will be doing the same and praying for you. If you have new prayer requests or a pastoral need, please call me at home. We are working very hard to be sure that everyone knows we are closed tomorrow. Please spread the word. Most of us would rather hear it 2 or 3 times than not at all. If you live at 3838 or 3939, it will be announced over the speaker. However, please make sure your neighbors can hear the speaker. 

Thank you for your understanding. May God bless you. Selected announcements are listed after the closing hymn.

Call to Worship:
One: Eternal Light, shine into our hearts.

Many: Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil.

One: Eternal Power, be our support.

Many: Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance.

One: Eternal Pity, have mercy on us.

Many: That with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek your face

One: and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy presence;

Many: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BOW 310)


Opening Hymn: Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies

Opening Prayer: Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ, whose compassion illumines the world. Transform us into the likeness of the love of Christ, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary Prayers)


Response to Prayer: The Gloria Patri

Children's Message: The Children's Bulletin is below. You are welcome to print for one-time use at home.

Scripture Reading: Mark 9:2-10 (click scripture for link)

Ponderings: Discuss with those gathered or ask yourself these questions:
1) What is the passage trying to say?
2) What about the passage sticks out to me (good or bad)? Why?
3) What is God trying to say to me through this passage?


Things to Consider: Nothing about this passage makes a lot of sense. Nothing about a glowing God-figure is supposed to make sense! And that is ok. This is a story about transformation--about being made into something new, something better. In this passage, Jesus glows like that Purex commercial: 

At that time, there were people who were called "fullers." Their job was to prepare cloth for clothing by beating or rubbing it, and washing it with a detergent like lye to remove the oily and sticky substances found in the raw fibers. After this, they would spread the fabric out to be bleached by the sun. And this process became known for purity. When Jesus was glowing, he was brighter than the fabric being bleached by the people whose job it was to bleach fabric! Meaning, he was *really* bright! No one had ever seen something like this before (and I'd venture to guess, since!)

So, when Peter seeks to build shelters, tents, and shrines, he isn't being silly. Instead, he is seeking to find a way to capture the moment, to make it last because it was very special.

We all need to be transformed, to be changed. Just like Jesus, we need to be made into something bright and new. We know that in our minds, but sometimes our hearts push against that idea. Change is hard. We like when things stay the same. But if everything stayed the same all of the time, we wouldn't graduate from school, get married, have babies, get a new job, or any of a number of other good things. But I think the reason we fear change is because we are afraid of the bad changes in life: losing a job, a home, a loved one. We are scared of getting sick, or even dying ourselves. Change is hard. But we see in today's passage that Jesus had to change in order to do what God wanted him to do in the world, and so do we. We need to change...we need to move towards perfection in love in this lifetime...we need to move closer to the beings that God created us to be. And that is a good thing. 

Jesus' transformation occurred on the top of a mountain. We all have "mountain top experiences" in our life, when we are transformed and experience God and life anew. What experiences come to your mind? [PAUSE for reflection]

However, we still need to come back down from those experiences. And sometimes, when we get back into the nitty-gritty life, it seems like a let-down from our spiritual high. And yet, what we learn from this passage is that Jesus didn't let the disciples come down from the mountain by themselves, he came with them. And indeed, Jesus comes with us too. Jesus is with us in the transformative moments, and in the valley times. Jesus is with us every step of the way, and will  not abandon us. And that is the good news. 

So this day, I invite you to pray and ask Jesus to transform you from the inside out--to wash you clean, to make you bright and new. Amen.

Hymn of Response: Christ Upon the Mountain Peak

Prayers: Below is the prayer list from last week. Please pray for each person. Please add anyone else you know needs prayer. You can call or email me with an update. 

Joys:
Lots of faces that have been absent are here!
Pastor Angie helped set up for the seminar!
Evelyn R. thanks everyone for the prayers and cards!
Shirley R. thanks everyone for the prayers and cards!
Sharon E. thanks everyone for the prayers and cards!
Shirley M’s cousin, Yvette, is doing better!

Concerns:
Don L. is in the hospital after a heart attack.
Emma’s brother, Danny.
Barbara’s friend, Dorothy.
John and Doris Cromwell.
Renice is sick.
Susie’s cousin, Tom, is going for cancer surgery.
Jean L.
Delores N.
Mary J’s eyes.

Continuing Prayer Concerns: Tim P; Evelyn R. and her family; Edie W & Family; Myrtle M; Edith’s Family, Pastor Bonnie’s grandfather, Al, Shirley S., Pam’s friend, Joyce, Mary J, Don L.


The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine in the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.


Closing Hymn: Be Thou My Vision

As a child, I frequently had “growing pains”—severe muscle aches in my legs caused by rapid growth. I was growing faster than my muscles could stretch, and the resulting pain left me in tears. My dad would try to massage my legs for me, but I remember that when I was in 3rd grade, there was a period of about 3 months where I was unable to sit on the floor because my legs hurt so much. Eventually, my growth slowed down to a point where I was able to resume my usual activities.

American abolitionist Frederick Douglas said,

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. Power concedes nothing without demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress. (Common Prayer: A Liturgy For Ordinary Radicals, 479)

            As I think back to all of the good work that has been done by this congregation in the last month and year; all of the ministries and the faithful dedication of so many people of God, I remember this quote. As a congregation that is trying to grow—both in numbers and in our own spiritual lives; “if there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Every ministry, every church, every activity that is trying to grow will experience growing pains. It is part of life. If we are not having pain, we are not growing. If we are not growing, we are shrinking. So I welcome the growing pains because it means we are on the right track!

            So as we continue to try to live life together, I encourage you to think about this whenever something changes, or is new, or doesn’t quite line up with your thoughts and ideas. Ask yourself, “are we experiencing growing pains right now or is this something more serious that needs to be brought to the attention of the pastor and staff?” If we are experiencing growing pains, I encourage you to wait a few days, weeks, or months, and see if the pains subside. If they do, hallelujah! If not, we might need to take a closer look and see what is going on.

            Brothers and sisters, as we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful to be the pastor of this congregation—a congregation that is wrestling with “growing pains.” Thank you for this privilege and honor.