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January 9, 2008
Our text this week is Matthew 3:13-17, a brief account of John baptizing Jesus. The story carries at least a couple of important pieces of information for the reader. First, we are to understand that Jesus comes as a servant king, a Messiah who acknowledges and works with the gifts of other followers of God. Unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus rules not with laws but with acts of mercy and justice. Asking John to baptize him, Jesus models the importance of humility, the meaning of following prophets and the authority due to God's Word. Second, we are to recognize the importance of baptism; in this act, Jesus is commissioned, just as we are commissioned, to work with our God addressing the needs of humanity. A tall order? Come and join us for worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel as we consider our commission together in a sermon entitled "What Are We Doing Here?"
We will give our own commission this week in the form of laying on of hands to Rev. Leo Lynch, our Assistant Pastor, who is leaving for a tour of duty in Iraq as a Navy Chaplain, assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps. We invite you to come and wish Leo well in his work of ministry in the armed services, and help us to pray for his safety. After worship the Budget Committee will meet to continue their work on a budget for 2008; the meeting begins at noon in the East parlor. Later Sunday afternoon we are all invited to attend a panel discussion and information session at the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church (301 North Orange Grove Blvd. at Walnut). The session is entitled "What Does The Bible Say About the Freedom To Marry?" and includes comments from our own Stacy Thomas, a seminary student at Claremont School of Theology and ex-Gay Ministries survivor. Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy and Cindy Speakman helped to organize this event and are excited about the quality of the speakers and the relevance of the topic. The program is from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.; call our church office if you have questions.
Marlene is recovering well after an emergency appendectomy on December 27 and a difficult week following surgery with some complications from pain medication. She thanks all those in the congregation who have offered their prayers, who have provided food for our family, who have sent gifts and who have written cards (or left phone messages). She plans to return to work on a limited schedule next week and can once again be reached in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays. Thanks to everyone for their support and patience during her recovery.
Greeters this Sunday are: Jackie Lonnquist and TBA
Ushers are: Ron White, Kathie Arscott, Suzanne Burger, Jeff Levison & Jim Maddox
Acolyte is: Tang Annis
Church School Teachers are: TBA
Liturgist is: Cindy Speakman
The Rev. John H. Pomeroy
January 4, 2008
In worship this Sunday we celebrate Epiphany and read the story of the visit of the astrologers or magi to the site of the birth of the Christ child. The text is Matthew 2:1-12, and in a reflection entitled "Unwrapped Gifts" we will consider together the difference between gifts themselves and the context in which they are given and received. Before Christmas, the gifts in our closets and laundry rooms are just a pile of new "stuff" with tags and store logos. Once those gifts are wrapped, placed under a tree, given and received, they communicate our love and our thoughtfulness. Likewise with our faith, it is not our talent or our finances alone, but the intention of our giving, the thought put into our sacrifice, the motivation and understanding involved in our relationship with God and with others that transforms our abilities into the work of God. Come join us for worship and communion in the Chapel at 10:00 a.m.!
This Saturday, January 5, 2008 we celebrate the life of Bob Nofer in a Memorial service at 10:00 a.m. in our Chapel. All are welcome; childcare will be available in the Church Nursery from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Please call the church office at (626) 795-0696 to let us know if you are bringing a child who will need nursery care.
There is a Budget Committee meeting this Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in the East Parlor. Please contact Grace Rinck, Vice Moderator and Chair of Budget if you have questions about the meeting.
The Halogens are having an Epiphany Potluck at the home of James Chavers and Jeff Levison at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, 2008. Folks between the ages of 20 and fifty are welcome to join us for kinship and celebration--please bring a dish to share with the group. Childcare is not available at the house, so we ask that the gathering be limited to infants and adults. Call Jeff and James if you need directions.
On Monday, January 7, 2008 the Alpha Team from our church is scheduled to serve dinner at Union Station from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The address is 412 South Raymond and you may contact Nina in the church office if you have questions.
The liturgist this Sunday is: TBA
The acolyte is: TBA
The greeters at the door are: TBA
The ushers at the door are: Ken Winte, Peter Keller, Marie and Bob Spencer
The Church School Teaching Team is: TBA.
The Rev. John H. Pomeroy
Apr. 2008
