Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas, NM
El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo, NM Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc. Pianist: Bill Franke / TriniRae Romero
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
All of us are following news about the coronavirus pandemic. Many churches are temporarily closing it’s doors to public worship, We are doing the same for the next four weeks. It is with concern that I write of the Sessions decision. Yes, I think it is the prudent and safe thing to do in light of risks involved. Yet, on the other hand, I think worship is central to the life of a congregation.
Many years ago, my wise spiritual director showed me that there is an opportunity in every situation. As temporarily cease our regular worship, I am eager to discover how we can personally learn and grow from this pandemic, and as congregations, worship and reach out to others in ways we don’t usually do. Our families and friends
One opportunity is to grow in our faith: This pandemic has made me more aware of our connectedness, not just to our own families, friends, and communities, but to the whole world. Furthermore, the quality of our connectedness matters! It is a time to let God stretch our prayer life as we pray for our sisters and brothers all over the world, and identify with them. It is a time to grow in trusting in God’s promise to walk with us all through our dark valleys.
Another opportunity is to grow in our understanding of worship and our connection to others in worship! I know this sounds strange, if we’re not having “public” worship. But I believe God is encouraging us to look beyond how we regularly do things to connect and worship in other ways during this month. God says through scripture: “I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19. In case, we have no idea how this will work God promises: “I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known.” – Isaiah 42:16. What a great promise, when we are feeling rather blind!
So what can we do to worship and to connect? I admit this is a challenge for me to think about! It will require me thinking and learning about stuff I’m not familiar with. Ugh!
1) I (or Larry, depending on whose turn to preach!) will prepare a weekly Home Worship for you to share with your family. If you live alone, call a friend and use it to worship with them! My challenge is to figure out the best way to distribute this Home Worship, since some of you don’t have computers, or I don’t have your emails. Please help me with this: give me ideas and emails. 2) Margaret Franke will utilize our website for both Smith Memorial and El Buen Pastor for ways of our regularly communicating. We are still working out what to do, how to honor El Buen Pastor’s connection with this. The website is: https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/. 4) Use the Home Worship and the website as a way of communicating back to us your joys and concern, just as we do in church weekly so we can all share them. If you receive the Home Worship by email, you can simply “respond all”, or just “respond” if you just want Ann to get it. 5) Use Home Worship’s “sharing of joy’s and concerns” to get your church directory and pray for several you don’t usually pray for. Call them and let them know you are praying for them. 6) Some churches in our Presbytery have set up live streaming worship that we can all connect to. This is one area I need to learn about, and I imagine most of you do to. Anyway, there are ways to join in their online services. We will keep you informed with instructions, etc.
Please let’s all make this a time to worship and reaching out in new ways, so that we can learn the wonderful things God has in store for us. With love, blessings & expectations, Ann
5th Sunday In Lent
Home Worship for March 29, 2020
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo, Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
We encourage you to conduct this worship with your family, or if alone, with a friend on the phone.
Centering On God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #175
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you, Al-le-lu, al-le-lu=ia!
Prayer: God of all our lives, we thank you for your gift of life, be with us in our worship,
that we may grow in our faith and our love for you and each other. Amen
Praising God
One: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. .
All: O Israel. Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem.
(Psalm 130, selected portions, New Revised Standard Version)
Reflecting On God’s Word
Children’s Reflection: Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
How many of you like macaroni and cheese? As a kid I thought that my Grandma made the best macaroni and cheese in the world! Part of my memory was being with my family while I ate it. But imagine what it would be like to bite into a mouthful of macaroni and cheese, if the macaroni had not been cooked. Ugh! It would be hard. You might possibly even crack a tooth on it or lose a tooth if it was loose! In the Scripture today we see that God could make dry dead bones connect and become people that were alive, like you `and me. I can even imagine them dancing together and enjoying each other! This shows that God can make hard times (like dry macaroni) into something good. Can you think of a time when you were afraid, or didn’t want something, and it turned out good? Was there something that you didn’t want to do, and you ended up liking it, or learning something from doing it?
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Meditation: “Together Apart” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Keep five feet apart…socially isolate…no gatherings of more than five people. When we decided not to have public worship, I became concerned about what would happen to our congregants if we were cut off from each other. The children of Israel were in captivity at the time of Ezekiel 37. They were upset about their separation from their homeland: The Israelites also felt cut off from God because they thought God was in the Temple in Jerusalem, not in Babylon! It was as if their very life depended on their connectedness with others and God, and now what hope was there? “Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.” (Ez. 37:11) They felt like disconnected dry bones lying all over the valley.
So much has separated our world: race, culture, national governments and boundaries, feuds with friends or family, economics, religion, and on and on. We have been living in a “we-they” world. In Ezekiel‘s Vision, the wind of God’s Spirit started blowing and the bones started coming together: “the head bone connected to the neck bone; the neck bone connected to the shoulder bone” etc. as the song goes. God was reminding the Israelites that their God was a God of life and connectedness, always present to them and for them, no matter how disconnected and hopeless they felt! In these difficult times, I have seen hopeful signs of God’s powerful presence bringing the world together as brave people put themselves at risk for others, as scientists around the world work to put an end to this pandemic, as many boundaries of prejudice disappear, even while other boundaries necessary for physical wellbeing are erected. I think God can use our difficulties to remind us that the Divine Presence is always near, waiting to bring life and hope – and connectedness to us all.
Affirmation of Faith: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38 & 39)
Responding to God’s Word
Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas NM or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM.
Prayers of Joys and Concerns concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Joys – Edith Brown reports the good news that Cecil’s doctor said he was now cancer free.
- More time at home to read the BOOK (from Layla)
- More time for family; increased awareness of the needs of others.
- Thanks and prayers for public workers, medical and health workers (from Patricia) -
Ruth’s niece Lori is doing well and just got married.
- Connie Medina’s birthday was Saturday, Mar. 28. Call to wish her a Happy Birthday!
Concerns: - Edna Martinez fell and broke her leg below her knee and will need surgery.
- Gloria and Jesse daughter is a nurse having to work while pregnant; concerns for her health.
- Concern for small business and employees; for new graduates. (request from Leslee).
– Family and friends of Daniel Herrera, who passed away last week. He will be missed.
- Irene Roybal’s health (requested by Irene)
- Brenda & Wilfred having coughs and sore throats. Wilfred’s niece, who has cancer.
- Incarcerated people; immigrants in detention centers & refugee camps who can’t self-isolate;
refugees and immigrants in our country who are being targeted (request by Patricia)
- World healing of this virus! (requested by Layla and Gilbert)
- Susie Ruiz & her family who each have physical pain and lot of loss in past 2 years (from Susie)
- The people not prepared for this pandemic who are living on the margins ( from Larry)
– David Bass in his recovery from surgery and his treatment in Houston
– Concerns that we will have enough medical supplies and hospital space for increasing needs.
- For our congregations, that we will continue to find ways to reach out to each other.
Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann See ”Announcements” for contact information.
Concluding In Peace
Sing or Speak: GtG #318
In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love through out the whole wide world.
Join hands, disciples of the faith, what-e’er your race may be.
All children of the living God are surely kin to me.
Benediction: May the peace of God keep you always.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; annfgj@gmail.com; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Associate; larrycgj@gmail.com. Ann’s cell – (520) 730-8943; Larry’s cell - (520) 730-2932. Ann & Larry’s mailing address: 3201 Zafarano Dr., Suite C, #343, Santa Fe, NM 87507
+ Public Worship suspended for two more weeks, or until further notice.. Watch for further announcements. It is important to visit our website at: https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/
God bless us, one and all!
4th Sunday In Lent
Home Worship for March 22, 2020
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo,
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
We encourage you to conduct this worship with your family, or if alone, with a friend on the phone.
Centering On God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #466
Come and fill our hearts with your peace; you alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace; Al-le-lu—ia!
Prayer: God of all our lives, we thank you for your gift of life, be with us in our worship,
that we may grow in our faith and our love for you and each other. Amen
Praising God
One: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want .
All: He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters, he restores my
soul. He leads me in the right paths for his name sake.
One: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and
staff—they comfort me.
All: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
One: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house
of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23, New Revised Standard Version)
Reflecting On God’s Word
Children’s Reflection: Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Can you remember a time when you were afraid of the dark? What was that like? I remember when I was about four years old, Mother was cooking supper and asked me to go to my room to get something. To do so I had to go down a long hall. It was dark at the other end of the hall and in my room. I went back to Mother, and said, “I can’t! It’s dark, and I’m afraid!” Mother said, “Come with me.” and took me back down the hall and into my dark room. She turned on the light, saying: “See, there’s nothing here that can hurt you. It’s OK!”
Even if you’re not afraid of the dark, there are times when we all are afraid. Psalm 23 says that God is with us and caring for us in the good times and the scary or dangerous times. Close your eyes and thank God for the constant care we receive from the Lord.
Scripture: Psalm 23
Meditation: “Green Pastures and Dark Valleys” Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Speak to our hearts, O Lord, that we may hear your message to each of us. Amen.
A scene from Italy: an opera singer singing while folks cheered, a musician directing while folks joyfully sang along, planes flying overhead displaying their national colors, someone leading aerobic exercises while folks joined in the exercises. All this happened while each was on their own home balcony, joining with their neighbors in affirmation of life, while they were being restricted to their homes in a country devastated by the coronavirus. This reminds me of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…even when I walk through the darkest valley you are with me.” Imagine yourself, like the psalmist meandering through verdant pastures where you lie down to rest. Then God gently guides you beside peaceful waters, where the breeze is gentle and the waters calming. Then when you are feeling lost or confused God directs your path. Yet, there are difficult times; the path now leads through life’s darkest valley, a frightening valley, where there are shadows that threaten death. Is God even there? Just as you start to lose hope, cringing fear, you experience an overwhelming sense of God’s grace, like a table laden with nourishing and scrumptious foods, comfort foods! God invites you to partake of these heavenly foods right there in the presence of those looming, deadly shadows (like the neighbors in Italy singing and cheering from their balconies, in spite of the coronavirus). Then God’s hands seem to reach down and soothingly touch you on your head like the healing, anointing oil of the ancient ones. It is enough: you realize that it is not fear and death that pursue you, it is God’s goodness and faithful love that will always follow you: You will dwell in God’s shelter and protection your whole life long and into forever. What are some of the green pastures and soothing waters you have experienced? When have you felt lost and received God’s guidance? In what dark valleys do you need to trust God’s presence?
Confession of Sin: Let us confess where we have failed to trust God.
God of all comfort, in difficult times, we often find it hard to trust in your love and care. We tend to focus on the dark valleys rather than your abundant grace. Give us courage and joy in trusting you. (silent reflection). Amen.
Thank you, God for forgiving us and giving us faith to trust you!
Responding to God’s Word
Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas NM or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM.
Prayers of Joys and Concerns concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Joys - More time at home to read the BOOK (from Layla)
- More time for family; increased awareness of the needs of others -
Thanks and prayers for public workers, medical and health workers (from Patricia)
- David Bass’s successful surgery and his continued recovery (from Ann)
- The Romero’s safe return from Hawaii (from Ann)
Concerns: - Small businesses and concern for paying employees, high school, college & other program
graduates who have worked hard to attain this (request from Leslee).
- Irene Roybal’s health (requested by Irene)
- The Romeros Brenda and Wilfred’s health, they are having coughs and sore throats and think it’s allergies,
but are having trouble getting information;
Wilfred’s niece has cancer (Brenda)
- Incarcerated people; immigrants in detention centers & refugee camps who can’t self isolate; refugees and immigrants in our country who are being targeted (request by Patricia)
- World healing of this virus! We can do it with God’s help!! Never give up and use your head! Don’t go to the stores unless absolutely necessary. (from Layla) -
Susie Ruiz & her family who each have physical pain and lot of loss in past 2 years ( from Susie)
- The people not prepared for this pandemic who are living on the margins ( from Larry)
Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann so that the congregation may join you in
prayer, Contact information is in ”Announcements” below.
Concluding In Peace
Sing or Speak: GtG #288
Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Benediction: May the peace of God keep you always.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; annfgj@gmail.com; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Associate; larrycgj@gmail.com. Ann’s cell – (520) 730-8943; Larry’s cell - (520) 730-2932. Ann & Larry’s mailing address: 3201 Zafarano Dr., Suite C, #343, Santa Fe, NM 87507
+ Public Worship suspended for next 3 weeks. Watch for further announcements. It is important to visit our website at:https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/
El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo, NM Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc. Pianist: Bill Franke / TriniRae Romero
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
All of us are following news about the coronavirus pandemic. Many churches are temporarily closing it’s doors to public worship, We are doing the same for the next four weeks. It is with concern that I write of the Sessions decision. Yes, I think it is the prudent and safe thing to do in light of risks involved. Yet, on the other hand, I think worship is central to the life of a congregation.
Many years ago, my wise spiritual director showed me that there is an opportunity in every situation. As temporarily cease our regular worship, I am eager to discover how we can personally learn and grow from this pandemic, and as congregations, worship and reach out to others in ways we don’t usually do. Our families and friends
One opportunity is to grow in our faith: This pandemic has made me more aware of our connectedness, not just to our own families, friends, and communities, but to the whole world. Furthermore, the quality of our connectedness matters! It is a time to let God stretch our prayer life as we pray for our sisters and brothers all over the world, and identify with them. It is a time to grow in trusting in God’s promise to walk with us all through our dark valleys.
Another opportunity is to grow in our understanding of worship and our connection to others in worship! I know this sounds strange, if we’re not having “public” worship. But I believe God is encouraging us to look beyond how we regularly do things to connect and worship in other ways during this month. God says through scripture: “I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19. In case, we have no idea how this will work God promises: “I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known.” – Isaiah 42:16. What a great promise, when we are feeling rather blind!
So what can we do to worship and to connect? I admit this is a challenge for me to think about! It will require me thinking and learning about stuff I’m not familiar with. Ugh!
1) I (or Larry, depending on whose turn to preach!) will prepare a weekly Home Worship for you to share with your family. If you live alone, call a friend and use it to worship with them! My challenge is to figure out the best way to distribute this Home Worship, since some of you don’t have computers, or I don’t have your emails. Please help me with this: give me ideas and emails. 2) Margaret Franke will utilize our website for both Smith Memorial and El Buen Pastor for ways of our regularly communicating. We are still working out what to do, how to honor El Buen Pastor’s connection with this. The website is: https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/. 4) Use the Home Worship and the website as a way of communicating back to us your joys and concern, just as we do in church weekly so we can all share them. If you receive the Home Worship by email, you can simply “respond all”, or just “respond” if you just want Ann to get it. 5) Use Home Worship’s “sharing of joy’s and concerns” to get your church directory and pray for several you don’t usually pray for. Call them and let them know you are praying for them. 6) Some churches in our Presbytery have set up live streaming worship that we can all connect to. This is one area I need to learn about, and I imagine most of you do to. Anyway, there are ways to join in their online services. We will keep you informed with instructions, etc.
Please let’s all make this a time to worship and reaching out in new ways, so that we can learn the wonderful things God has in store for us. With love, blessings & expectations, Ann
5th Sunday In Lent
Home Worship for March 29, 2020
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo, Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
We encourage you to conduct this worship with your family, or if alone, with a friend on the phone.
Centering On God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #175
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you, Al-le-lu, al-le-lu=ia!
Prayer: God of all our lives, we thank you for your gift of life, be with us in our worship,
that we may grow in our faith and our love for you and each other. Amen
Praising God
One: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. .
All: O Israel. Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem.
(Psalm 130, selected portions, New Revised Standard Version)
Reflecting On God’s Word
Children’s Reflection: Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
How many of you like macaroni and cheese? As a kid I thought that my Grandma made the best macaroni and cheese in the world! Part of my memory was being with my family while I ate it. But imagine what it would be like to bite into a mouthful of macaroni and cheese, if the macaroni had not been cooked. Ugh! It would be hard. You might possibly even crack a tooth on it or lose a tooth if it was loose! In the Scripture today we see that God could make dry dead bones connect and become people that were alive, like you `and me. I can even imagine them dancing together and enjoying each other! This shows that God can make hard times (like dry macaroni) into something good. Can you think of a time when you were afraid, or didn’t want something, and it turned out good? Was there something that you didn’t want to do, and you ended up liking it, or learning something from doing it?
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Meditation: “Together Apart” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Keep five feet apart…socially isolate…no gatherings of more than five people. When we decided not to have public worship, I became concerned about what would happen to our congregants if we were cut off from each other. The children of Israel were in captivity at the time of Ezekiel 37. They were upset about their separation from their homeland: The Israelites also felt cut off from God because they thought God was in the Temple in Jerusalem, not in Babylon! It was as if their very life depended on their connectedness with others and God, and now what hope was there? “Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.” (Ez. 37:11) They felt like disconnected dry bones lying all over the valley.
So much has separated our world: race, culture, national governments and boundaries, feuds with friends or family, economics, religion, and on and on. We have been living in a “we-they” world. In Ezekiel‘s Vision, the wind of God’s Spirit started blowing and the bones started coming together: “the head bone connected to the neck bone; the neck bone connected to the shoulder bone” etc. as the song goes. God was reminding the Israelites that their God was a God of life and connectedness, always present to them and for them, no matter how disconnected and hopeless they felt! In these difficult times, I have seen hopeful signs of God’s powerful presence bringing the world together as brave people put themselves at risk for others, as scientists around the world work to put an end to this pandemic, as many boundaries of prejudice disappear, even while other boundaries necessary for physical wellbeing are erected. I think God can use our difficulties to remind us that the Divine Presence is always near, waiting to bring life and hope – and connectedness to us all.
Affirmation of Faith: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38 & 39)
Responding to God’s Word
Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas NM or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM.
Prayers of Joys and Concerns concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Joys – Edith Brown reports the good news that Cecil’s doctor said he was now cancer free.
- More time at home to read the BOOK (from Layla)
- More time for family; increased awareness of the needs of others.
- Thanks and prayers for public workers, medical and health workers (from Patricia) -
Ruth’s niece Lori is doing well and just got married.
- Connie Medina’s birthday was Saturday, Mar. 28. Call to wish her a Happy Birthday!
Concerns: - Edna Martinez fell and broke her leg below her knee and will need surgery.
- Gloria and Jesse daughter is a nurse having to work while pregnant; concerns for her health.
- Concern for small business and employees; for new graduates. (request from Leslee).
– Family and friends of Daniel Herrera, who passed away last week. He will be missed.
- Irene Roybal’s health (requested by Irene)
- Brenda & Wilfred having coughs and sore throats. Wilfred’s niece, who has cancer.
- Incarcerated people; immigrants in detention centers & refugee camps who can’t self-isolate;
refugees and immigrants in our country who are being targeted (request by Patricia)
- World healing of this virus! (requested by Layla and Gilbert)
- Susie Ruiz & her family who each have physical pain and lot of loss in past 2 years (from Susie)
- The people not prepared for this pandemic who are living on the margins ( from Larry)
– David Bass in his recovery from surgery and his treatment in Houston
– Concerns that we will have enough medical supplies and hospital space for increasing needs.
- For our congregations, that we will continue to find ways to reach out to each other.
Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann See ”Announcements” for contact information.
Concluding In Peace
Sing or Speak: GtG #318
In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love through out the whole wide world.
Join hands, disciples of the faith, what-e’er your race may be.
All children of the living God are surely kin to me.
Benediction: May the peace of God keep you always.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; annfgj@gmail.com; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Associate; larrycgj@gmail.com. Ann’s cell – (520) 730-8943; Larry’s cell - (520) 730-2932. Ann & Larry’s mailing address: 3201 Zafarano Dr., Suite C, #343, Santa Fe, NM 87507
+ Public Worship suspended for two more weeks, or until further notice.. Watch for further announcements. It is important to visit our website at: https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/
God bless us, one and all!
4th Sunday In Lent
Home Worship for March 22, 2020
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo,
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
We encourage you to conduct this worship with your family, or if alone, with a friend on the phone.
Centering On God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #466
Come and fill our hearts with your peace; you alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace; Al-le-lu—ia!
Prayer: God of all our lives, we thank you for your gift of life, be with us in our worship,
that we may grow in our faith and our love for you and each other. Amen
Praising God
One: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want .
All: He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters, he restores my
soul. He leads me in the right paths for his name sake.
One: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and
staff—they comfort me.
All: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
One: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house
of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23, New Revised Standard Version)
Reflecting On God’s Word
Children’s Reflection: Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Can you remember a time when you were afraid of the dark? What was that like? I remember when I was about four years old, Mother was cooking supper and asked me to go to my room to get something. To do so I had to go down a long hall. It was dark at the other end of the hall and in my room. I went back to Mother, and said, “I can’t! It’s dark, and I’m afraid!” Mother said, “Come with me.” and took me back down the hall and into my dark room. She turned on the light, saying: “See, there’s nothing here that can hurt you. It’s OK!”
Even if you’re not afraid of the dark, there are times when we all are afraid. Psalm 23 says that God is with us and caring for us in the good times and the scary or dangerous times. Close your eyes and thank God for the constant care we receive from the Lord.
Scripture: Psalm 23
Meditation: “Green Pastures and Dark Valleys” Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Speak to our hearts, O Lord, that we may hear your message to each of us. Amen.
A scene from Italy: an opera singer singing while folks cheered, a musician directing while folks joyfully sang along, planes flying overhead displaying their national colors, someone leading aerobic exercises while folks joined in the exercises. All this happened while each was on their own home balcony, joining with their neighbors in affirmation of life, while they were being restricted to their homes in a country devastated by the coronavirus. This reminds me of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…even when I walk through the darkest valley you are with me.” Imagine yourself, like the psalmist meandering through verdant pastures where you lie down to rest. Then God gently guides you beside peaceful waters, where the breeze is gentle and the waters calming. Then when you are feeling lost or confused God directs your path. Yet, there are difficult times; the path now leads through life’s darkest valley, a frightening valley, where there are shadows that threaten death. Is God even there? Just as you start to lose hope, cringing fear, you experience an overwhelming sense of God’s grace, like a table laden with nourishing and scrumptious foods, comfort foods! God invites you to partake of these heavenly foods right there in the presence of those looming, deadly shadows (like the neighbors in Italy singing and cheering from their balconies, in spite of the coronavirus). Then God’s hands seem to reach down and soothingly touch you on your head like the healing, anointing oil of the ancient ones. It is enough: you realize that it is not fear and death that pursue you, it is God’s goodness and faithful love that will always follow you: You will dwell in God’s shelter and protection your whole life long and into forever. What are some of the green pastures and soothing waters you have experienced? When have you felt lost and received God’s guidance? In what dark valleys do you need to trust God’s presence?
Confession of Sin: Let us confess where we have failed to trust God.
God of all comfort, in difficult times, we often find it hard to trust in your love and care. We tend to focus on the dark valleys rather than your abundant grace. Give us courage and joy in trusting you. (silent reflection). Amen.
Thank you, God for forgiving us and giving us faith to trust you!
Responding to God’s Word
Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas NM or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM.
Prayers of Joys and Concerns concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Joys - More time at home to read the BOOK (from Layla)
- More time for family; increased awareness of the needs of others -
Thanks and prayers for public workers, medical and health workers (from Patricia)
- David Bass’s successful surgery and his continued recovery (from Ann)
- The Romero’s safe return from Hawaii (from Ann)
Concerns: - Small businesses and concern for paying employees, high school, college & other program
graduates who have worked hard to attain this (request from Leslee).
- Irene Roybal’s health (requested by Irene)
- The Romeros Brenda and Wilfred’s health, they are having coughs and sore throats and think it’s allergies,
but are having trouble getting information;
Wilfred’s niece has cancer (Brenda)
- Incarcerated people; immigrants in detention centers & refugee camps who can’t self isolate; refugees and immigrants in our country who are being targeted (request by Patricia)
- World healing of this virus! We can do it with God’s help!! Never give up and use your head! Don’t go to the stores unless absolutely necessary. (from Layla) -
Susie Ruiz & her family who each have physical pain and lot of loss in past 2 years ( from Susie)
- The people not prepared for this pandemic who are living on the margins ( from Larry)
Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann so that the congregation may join you in
prayer, Contact information is in ”Announcements” below.
Concluding In Peace
Sing or Speak: GtG #288
Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Benediction: May the peace of God keep you always.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; annfgj@gmail.com; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Associate; larrycgj@gmail.com. Ann’s cell – (520) 730-8943; Larry’s cell - (520) 730-2932. Ann & Larry’s mailing address: 3201 Zafarano Dr., Suite C, #343, Santa Fe, NM 87507
+ Public Worship suspended for next 3 weeks. Watch for further announcements. It is important to visit our website at:https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/
