Donna Blackstock who taught at Truchas and Chimayo and established work in Taos.
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Second Sunday of Easter
Home Worship for April 11, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Centering on God
Sing or Speak: Hymns for the Family of God #234 “He Is Lord”
He is Lord, he is Lord! He is risen from the dead, and he is Lord!
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Prayer: “Grant us peace, O Lord, and may we experience your resurrection life and joy as we worship you today, through Christ, Amen.
Praising God
One: How very good and how pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
All: It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion.
One: For there the Lord ordained God’s blessing, life forevermore.
All: Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord. (from Psalm 133 & 134)
Reflecting on God’s Word
Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
The scripture today is about people showing by their actions that they are followers of Jesus Christ. What are some ways that you can show your friends that Jesus loves them?
Scripture – (See Below)
Reflection: “Show and Tell” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Read Acts 4:32-35. I imagine most of us have read this text with either doubt about its relevance today, or even thought of it as a danger today – too much like communism! However, I’d like us to try looking at this text, not so much as rules to follow, or a yardstick to show if we measure up as a church. Instead let’s look at this as an expression of the grace of God working within the community of faith, which was so attractive that it drew thousands into their fellowship. (See Troy Trofguben, Working Preacher, 2015) Right in the middle of the description of the community of Jesus followers as of one heart and soul, sharing possessions in common so that none had needs we find these words: “The apostles continued to bear powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and an abundance of grace was upon them all” (4:33, Common English Bible). The way they lived in community with one another was an expression of the grace they experienced through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it attracted others to them. But what is this powerful grace that affected them so deeply?
A Sioux community came together to discuss the sentence of a young man who had murdered another young man. The sentence was carefully discussed in the light of their Sioux wisdom. Among the sentences considered just were life imprisonment or capital punishment. However, with the desire of the family whose beloved son and brother was murdered, the community arrived at another sentence: The murderer would become part of the family that had lost their son. As an elder of the community expressed it to the murderer: Smoke now with these your new relatives, for they have chosen to take you to themselves in the place of the one who is not here. It is their heart’s wish that henceforth you shall be one of them; you shall go out and come in without fear. Be confident that their love and compassion which were his are yours forever!” (Ethnographer Ella Deloria, quoted by Martha Tatonic in “When Love Looks Like Sacrifice” in Christianity Today; March 24, 2021) Friends, this is the grace of God in action! It is the grace of God that we see at work in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The grace that reaches out to us drawing us in to be a part of God’s beloved community, making us a family together of one “heart and soul.” We are one in Christ: “There is no longer Jew or Greek…slave or free…male or female; for all of you are one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28, RSV). God’s grace that forgives us and enfolds us in love, unites us with each other forming a community where all are equal. This unity was expressed in caring and generosity which drew folks to the early church by thousands.
Read John 20:19-21: A “show and tell” faith was part of the early faith community beginning with Jesus Christ. When the disciples believed Jesus was still dead, and were hiding behind lock doors, Jesus came to them speaking peace and showed them his hands and his side. Again, he spoke peace to them and said he was sending them out as the Father had sent him. Show and tell.
Unfortunately, the church has often been more ready to tell then to show. The early church drew in thousands by the quality of their lives. However, in keeping with other statistical studies, David Kinnaman in Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity (2007) showed the results of extensive research and interviews. An overwhelming percentage of 16–29-year-olds view Christianity with hostility based on real experience with today’s Christians. In Kinnaman’s study, here are the percentages of those outside the church who think the following describes present-day Christianity: antihomosexual – 91%; judgmental – 87%; hypocritical – 85%; old-fashioned – 78%; too political – 75%; out of touch with reality – 72%; insensitive to others – 70%; boring – 68%. Has the church been so busy judging others that we forget the amazing grace of God that has drawn us together and can show itself in our lives?
Our Easter service was a joy for me! The deepest joy was being part of a worshipping community which expressed the love and grace of God in the way it interacted with each other, especially in sharing joys and concerns. We had a number of visitors of a variety of backgrounds, one visitor was Presbyterian, new to the community but wanting to volunteer to work in the church, another was a Jew who said she got a lot out of such worship services. We can show God’s grace by the quality of our lives together and letting it extend into the larger community. Here are two important question: What does our church community do to show God’s love to attract others? What more can we do to extend our witness and show God’s grace to others!
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive us for failing to show by our lives the love toward others that you have shown us. Thank you for forgiving us and strengthen us to follow you (reflection). In Christ, Amen.
Responding to God’s Word Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas, NM 87578 or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM 87522.
Prayers of Joys and Concern
Thanksgiving for the life of Ruth Sandoval, whose birthday was April 10th. Thanksgiving for Roseanne Martinez whose birthday was April 8 Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Anthony Ruiz, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children at the border. Prayer for James Coriz’ grandson, Nicholas who was injured in a car accident. For what other concerns do you wish to pray?
(Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann. Contact information in “Announcements.”)
Concluding in Peace Sing or Speak: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’. Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’.
To’mame, ca’mbiame, lle’name, u’same. Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’.
Benediction: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord lift up the light of his continence upon you and give you peace, now and always. Amen.
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 + El Buen Pastor Session will meet this Wed., April 14, at 5:00 at the church.
+ Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church will have a called congregational meeting on Sunday, April 18th at 1:30 PM for the purpose of discussing the possibilities of the future for Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church. We will observe pandemic safety practices.
+ Please check for further announcements for notice of Public worship. Our website: https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ + Those that wish to join us in spirit for Wednesday evening Taize or Thursday evening virtual Taize each Thursday evening at Westminster PC please contact Patricia Putnam.
Easter Sunday
Home Worship for April 4, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Centering on God
Sing or Speak: Hymns for the Family of God #234 “He Is Lord”
He is Lord, he is Lord! He is risen from the dead, and he is Lord!
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Prayer: “Grant us peace, O Lord, and may we experience your resurrection life and joy as we worship you today, through Christ, Amen.
Praising God
Hymn: Glory to God #232 “Jesus Christ I Risen Today”
Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia! All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia! Sing ye heavens and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!
Sing we to our God above, Al-le-lu-ia! Praise eternal as God’s love, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise our God ye heavenly host, Al-le-lu-ia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Al-le-lu-ia!
One: This is the day the Lord has made.
All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24).
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
This is Easter Sunday. What do we celebrate on Easter Sunday? Why is this important? With your family, talk about how you can share the good news of Christ rising from the dead with other people.
Scripture – Mark 16:1-8a
Reflection: “Trust the Good News: It’s Only the Beginning!” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Christ is alive! Christian’s all around the world are celebrating that Christ has risen from the dead, and conquered death. Christians are all familiar with the glorious resurrection story, because it is the foundation of our faith. However, Mark’s version of the Easter Story in Mark 1:1-8A ends differently than any of the other Gospels: “So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 1:8a). How strange. Mary Magdalene, Mary James’s Mother and Salome had come to anoint the body of Jesus with spices, and instead of finding a dead body they found an angel with the good news that Jesus had been raised from the dead. The angel told them to go and tell this good news. Do the women do this? No, they flee in amazement and terror and don’t tell anyone. Mark is the first of the Gospels to be written. The oldest manuscript of Mark ends here. It’s strange and jarring. No wonder later scribes or monks copying the manuscripts added a more traditional ending. Most of our Bible versions contain both the shorter and longer, more traditional ending. Each of the four Gospels has its own unique view of the life of Christ which all blend together for a fuller picture of the Gospel story. Therefore, I think that Mark’s oldest, shortest version has something important to tell us as we look at the women’s response. We may want to say: “Why didn’t they believe the good news? Why were they afraid? Jesus had told them he was going to rise from the dead!”
First, consider their emotional state. They had emotional whip lash! They had enjoyed their Lord’s fellowship and teaching and witnessed the crowds crying “Hosanna!” and praising him. Then just days later, to their horror and pain they witness crowds crying, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” They saw him beaten, tortured and dying on a cross. They go to the tomb expecting to see a dead body and find no body but an angel saying he has risen: like rag dolls, they were tossed back and forth between satisfaction and love, to horror and heart crushing loss and despair and then back to good news again. They just were not in any condition to immediately bounce back to: “Oh, this is great! Let’s go tell the good news!” We can believe from the longer ending and the other four Gospels, that they did believe and go tell the disciples - they just needed a little time.
Trust the good news! Like the women at the tomb, when life is chaotic and we have suffered great pain and loss, it’s often hard for us to experience the positive. We sometimes tend to become jaded. That’s why I love Mark 1:15c: “Change your hearts and lives, trust the good news.” (Common English Bible). The good news is that Christ has risen. The good news is that the kingdom of God is here; life, not death has the final word; love, not hate has the final word; peace, not violence has the final word. I like the Common English Bible translation: “Trust the good news.” Just believing that Christ rose is not necessarily trusting this good news. To trust it is to rely upon it, to rest in it, to look for what God is continuing to do through Christ. This is just the beginning of the good news. The resurrection event is the foundation of our faith, but as David Lose observes it is only the beginning of what God is doing through Christ. (“Only the Beginning”; In the Meantime, 2015). There is a bigger plan, a bigger picture. Mark seems to set this theme in Mark 1:1: “The beginning of the good news…” The ending of Mark seems to leave the continued story to unfold. Yes, life, love, peace, and light, have conquered death, hate, violence, and darkness. But we are just beginning to see the wonder of it. “…God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth.” There’s more that God has for us: more life, more love, more peace, more justice. This is just the beginning! God invites us to trust this good news, rely upon it, expect great things from God. Furthermore, God invites us to be part of it. Tell the story, live the story. Expect God to work in and through us! Amen.
Prayer of Self Examination and Confession Oh, Lord, it is hard to grasp the full power and magnificence of your resurrection. Help us to trust in you and your resurrection until we are filled with hope and expectancy in every area of our lives Thank you for your forgiving our human frailty and loving us just as we are. (silent reflection). In Christ we pray, Amen.
Responding to God’s Word
Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas, NM 87578 or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM 87522.
Prayers of Joys and Concern
Thanksgiving for the life we have through Christ. Thanksgiving for Leslee and Harry, whose Anniversary was April 1 and Harry’s Birthday on April 5. Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Anthony Ruiz, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children at the border, and for those suffering from storms and tornados. Pray for James Coriz’ grandson, Nicholas who was injured in a car accident. For what other concerns do you wish to pray?
(Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann. Contact information in “Announcements.”)
Concluding in Peace Sing or Speak: El Himnario #132, “Al Cristo Vivo Sirvo/ He Lives” (chorus only)
El vi-ve, El vi-ve, hoy vi-ve el Sal-va-dor; Con-mi-go es-ta y me guar-da-ra mi a-man-ta Re-den-tor.
El vi-ve, El vi-ve, me im-par-te sal-va-cion; Se que El vi-vien-do es-ta por-que vi-ve en mi co-ra-zon. A-men.
Benediction: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord lift up the light of his continence upon you and give you peace, now and always. Amen.
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 + There will be a public outside Easter Service a 10:30 AM Aug. 4 at Smith Memorial. El Buen Pastor is invited. Masks required and social distancing. + Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church will have a called congregational meeting on Sunday, April 18th at 1:30 PM for the purpose of discussing the possibilities of the future for Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church. We will observe pandemic safety practices.
+ Please check our website and announcements for notice of Public worship. Our website: https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ + Those that wish to join us in spirit for Wednesday evening Taize or Thursday evening virtual Taize each Thursday evening at Westminster PC please contact Patricia Putnam.
+ For announcements and prayer requests, please get them to Ann by Wednesday PM before Sunday, so there is time to get them in the mail with Sunday Home Worship.
Maundy Thursday Home Worship for April 1, 2021
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.”
Maundy Thursday begins the three days remembering the commandment Christ gave us in word and deed as he taught us how to love one another, washing our feet as a servant. We also celebrate the Lord’s supper, remembering the meal Christ shared with his disciples before his death. (please prepare elements, bread, crackers, juice, or water for our Communion celebration).
As we continue on this Lenten journey with Jesus, we must also observe safety precautions brought on by the pandemic; for our own welfare and the welfare of those with whom we may come in contact. Let us worship God.
Seeking God’s Presence
Call to Worship:
One: What shall we offer for all God’s goodness to us?
All: Let us lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:12-13).
Prayer: Holy God, source and sovereign, you put all power and authority in the hands of Christ --- the same Christ who washes our feet in humble service. Teach us to love one another as Christ has loved us, so that everyone will know we are his disciples; through Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God # 215 “What Wondrous Love Is This”
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul, what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul,
for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!
Confession of Unfaithfulness:
One: The proof of God’s amazing love is this: while we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in God, though Christ, we dare approach God with confidence. In faith and penitence let us silently confess those things that separate us from God
and God’s mercy. . . . . . . . . . . Amen.
Reflecting on God’s Word
Children’s Time – Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson
Maundy Thursday helps us to remember Jesus’ promise to love us always. It also reminds us to love one another, even those we don’t know! Share with family and friends what it means to love one another.
The Lord’s Supper: 1Corinthians 11:23-26
The Lord Jesus on the night he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (partake of your bread) .
In the same manner he took the cup also, after supper, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (partake of the cup).
Prayer After Communion: God of grace and mercy, Christ Jesus left us this holy meal in which we share in his body and life. May we who have shared in this sign of his great love, share that love with the world. We have received the forgiveness of Christ through his life, death and resurrection, may we find ways to reconcile this with those with whom we are disconnected in some way. In the name of the one whose gifts we celebrate every day. Amen.
Concluding in Peace Sing or Speak: Glory to God #829 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away; O let me from this day be wholly thine!
Benediction: Go now out into the world, forgiven in Christ and sharing the love of God in word and deed. And may God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon and be gracious to you. May Christ give you his peace, as only he can give, now and forevermore. Amen.
Good Friday Home Worship for April 2, 2021
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus’ crucifixion, his death on the cross. The hours of noon to 3 P.M. are particularly significant as these commemorate the time Jesus hung on the cross. It is especially important to pray for the church and the world for whom Christ gave his life.
Seeking God’s Presence
Call to Worship:
One: Jesus said: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” All: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.”
Prayer: Loving God, you sent Jesus Christ to save us. We have betrayed him. We have denied him. We have abandoned, mocked, and crucified him. Have mercy, O God, have mercy on us; through Christ Jesus, our only hope. Amen.
Scriptures for the Day: Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12; Hebrews 10:16-18; John 18:1 to 19:42;
On this Good Friday, we invite you to read and meditate on these scriptures. Try to place yourself in that time and place as you pray for inspiration. We would love to hear from you as you reflect on this Lenten journey and all our faith journeys during these trying times. May you be blessed with insight, inspiration, and grace. The peace of Christ be yours. Amen.
Prayer: Merciful God, you gave your son to suffer the shame of the cross. Save us from hardness of heart, that seeing him who died for us, we may repent, confess our own misdeeds, and receive your overflowing love. Look with mercy on your children for whom our Lord Jesus the Christ was willing to be betrayed, given over to the hands of sinners, and suffer capital punishment. Remind us that we too live in that type of world. As Christ now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, may we also look forward to that day when we will be with you. Amen.