Donna Blackstock who taught at Truchas and Chimayo and established work in Taos.
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Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
Home Worship for July 18, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Centering on God
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #466 “Come and Fill Our Hearts”
Come and fill our hearts with your love. You alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your love. Al-le-lu – ia! (Repeat)
Prayer: O Lord, we thank you that you fill the whole earth with your presence and are present with us now as we worship you. May we worship you in reverence, gratitude and love. Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
Call to Worship (from Psalm 85:8, 10-13)
One: Let me hear what the Lord will speak, for God will speak peace to his people.
All: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; justice and peace will kiss each other.
One: Faithfulness and truth will sprout green from the ground; righteousness will look down from the sky. All: Righteousness will go before him and make a path for his steps.
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #761 “Called As Partners in Christ’s Service”
Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace,
We respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.
Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase,
messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace.
Reflecting on God’s Word
Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
What do you do when a friend of yours gets really good news? Can you let them know that this makes you feel good too? What do you do when a friend is feeling down? Can you let them know that you feel badly also? How can you share your faith with them at this time?
Scripture – Mark 6:30-37
Reflection: “Unfinished Work” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
There’s something missing in today’s reading. You got it: the ending of the story! We all like a happy ending, and the familiar story of the feeding of the five thousand does have a happy ending: Jesus does feed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. So why did I stop with Jesus words to his disciples: “You give them something to eat.”?
For this reason: the ongoing story is not over for us yet. There are still people who are hungry and in need. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimate that one in 9 people in the world were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2014 to 2016. The pandemic has made things more extreme. The UN now says that about one in three people globally are going hungry! Now, if you notice in the text the disciples have a number of reasons why feeding them would not work: There were too many people, they didn’t have enough money, they should get their own food. Jesus’ command seemed unreasonable. Does God ever give us something to do in which he doesn’t give us the means of getting it done? Last week we looked at Psalm 85 a vision of the “way of the Lord,” where steadfast love, faithfulness, justice, peace, truth and righteousness are our traveling companions, with God who is our Righteousness leading the way. We also discussed how Jesus Christ, in bringing in God’s Kingdom embodies all these qualities. This is all part of God’s plan to “unite all things in heaven and on earth under Christ”(Eph. 1:10). This work is not yet complete. Jesus ascended to heaven and leaves his work to us. We are the ones to embody his faithfulness, steadfast love, justice and peace in the world today. There are places where we see signs of the “way of the Lord” in our world. Yet, there is still work to be done when almost one person in three are hungry, and the world is becoming more and more unequal in terms of the “haves and have nots.” Jesus tells us “You give them something to eat!” What is the church doing to meet people’s needs?
There is much more than just physical needs involved. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35), and also “I am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Psychologist Adam Grant in the New York Times described the “dominant emotion of 2021 as “languishing.” He described this state as a sense of emptiness, despondency, lack of hope, aimlessness, and joylessness, the dulling of delight, and the dwindling of desire. Does this sound like the abundant life promised to us by the Son of God? Abundant life is more than just enjoying life; abundant life bubbles up from deep within, coming from the One who nourishes our souls. Sometimes this abundant life can be shared in small ways. I have a colleague who shared her faith in restaurants through saying the blessing before eating. Sue would ask the waiter if she/he would like her to pray for her, and what she/he would like her to pray for. Sue has had only one person in seven years turn her down! Some had even broken into tears, saying they had never had anyone pray for them. There are so many ways to share God’s abundant life if we open our eyes to them. Jesus’ work is not complete. What is our church doing to share Christ’s abundant life with others? The command Jesus gave his disciples so many years ago, still comes to us today: “You give them something to eat!” Amen.
Responding to God’s Word
Unison Affirmation of Faith:
I am convinced that nether death nor life…nor things present, nor things to come…nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (from Romans 8:38-39)
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 abundant life we have in Christ, and God’s continued love and care. Thanksgiving for David Bass, whose birthday is Monday, the 19th. Continued prayer for Connie Medina, Sienna Sherwood, Anthony Ruiz, for those suffering from covid-19, for those grieving, and for those suffering economic distress, Prayers that we will know how to share Christ’s love and Life with others. 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 Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
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.
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 love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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
+This will be the last Sunday Home Worship. You have probably heard that Larry and I are retiring to Florida where our children live, and which was our home for many years. We will miss you, and have good memories of our time with you. July 25 will be our last Sunday. + This Tuesday, July 20, at 6:30 PM the Smith Memorial Session will meet in the Christian Ed. Building. + June 25 will be a combined Worship Service for El Buen Pastor and Smith Memorial. Both churches will meet together at Smith Memorial in Truchas at 10:00 AM. There will be refreshments following worship.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up-to-date information on services.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
6th Sunday After Pentecost
Home Worship for July 4, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Today we will celebrate communion. Bring whatever elements
(bread, crackers, juice, water, etc.) you wish to use.
Centering on God
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #466 “Come and Fill Our Hearts” (sing twice)
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: O Lord, fill us with your peace and love as we wait before you today. Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
One: Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem. All: It is the Lord who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities. (from Psalm 30:7-8)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
The other children at Sunday School teased Jen because when she prayed she didn’t use “churchy” language, or pray for expected things. She thanked God for the lizards and caterpillars, grass and trees. You know what? The other kids missed enjoying the fascinating world that Jen enjoyed! They could have learned from Jen if they hadn’t thought she should pray like they prayed. It’s easy to put someone down if they don’t act the way we think they should. Jesus was criticized in his hometown of Nazareth. Listen to the story and talk about what he did.
Scripture – Mark 6:1-13; II Corinthians 12:7b-10
Reflection: “Strength in Vulnerabilities?” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson In our culture we don’t look on our weaknesses as anything to boast about. A weakness is something we tend to want to hide. Yet I think about Paul praying to the Lord to take away his weakness, then the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Sounds crazy doesn’t it? If power is in weakness, then it seems that what we call weakness is not really weakness! It is just a challenge, a vulnerability and an opportunity for God’s strength to grow in and through us, an opportunity to depend more deeply on God for strength and grace. We each have seen or heard where people challenged in certain ways have stories of using these challenges to accomplish amazing things. It’s all because of God’s grace, taking us and using us just as we are to accomplish things greater than we could imagine. Our Mark text reminded me of this strength in seeming vulnerable and challenging situations. Jesus had been teaching, healing, and drawing crowds wherever he went. Then he came to his hometown of Nazareth. On the Sabbath he went into the Synagogue to teach. People were astonished at his teaching. In essence they said, “Who does he think he is? This is Mary’s son! He’s just a carpenter. We know his brothers and sisters.” Apparently, he had two strikes against him. He was known by folks as no one special, “just a carpenter”, whose brothers and sisters were not “special” either. Finally, he was Mary’s son. To identify him as just Mary’s son, implied in that culture that no one knew who his father was. Oh! No! He was just reaching too high, trying to teach them. He should know his place. You might say Jesus definitely had a challenge! Do we ever limit Jesus’ power by wanting him to fill an expected role in an expected way? If Jesus appeared as a person of another denomination, not speaking in the way we expect would we reject him? If he appeared in a place we didn’t consider proper, would we reject him? Would we hinder his work if he was not what we wanted? Would we reject others who didn’t meet our expectations?
Let’s remember, there is strength in what the world considers “weakness!” What did Jesus do when rejected? He faced his situation. Because of their rejection, he did, “no deeds of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.” Here is a yearning, caring Christ, longing to do more, but stopped by people who could only see him in one role, one context. If he steps out of that place he is rejected. Not only did Jesus face his situation and yet continue to desire to heal them, but he did something else significant: He empowered others to do what he longed to do. He called his twelve disciples and empowered them by giving them authority over unclean spirits. In that culture unclean spirits caused people to be sick in physical as well as mental and emotional ways. For Jesus to give his disciples that authority over unclean spirits meant healing them as he healed them. This is something we can learn in our competitive society: not trying to keep the power for ourselves, but empowering others, even when our power is challenged. Jesus showed his power in his challenges and vulnerabilities – those things thought of as “weaknesses” by others! How can we experience God’s power in our vulnerabilities and challenges? Perhaps you feel uncomfortable talking in public? A woman in a past parish said to me, “I cannot talk in public!” Yet she worked in our clothing closet every day it was open. I know of a women confined to her bed in a nursing home. She spent a large part of her days praying for those that cared for her. There was a man who used his physical challenge to speak and empower others who were physically challenged.
How can you use your vulnerability to empower others? Perhaps you are elderly and cannot get around well. How can God let your so-called weaknesses become power for God’s work in and through you? Another important question is, “What is the church’s weaknesses? Perhaps you think our church too small? How can God use “small”? What gifts does a small church have that a large church does not? What are the special ways a small church can empower others?
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 Let us be thankful for, and pray for each other, and the unique strengths and challenges we each face. Let us remember our country and pray that the turmoil that we face will cease. Let us pray that God’s presence of peace will move through our cities and country sides, and through our halls of government. For what other concerns do you wish to pray?
(Please email, call or write your joys and concern to Ann. Contact information in “Announcements.”)
Partaking of The Lord’s Supper
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #527A “Eat This Bread”
Eat this bread; drink this cup; come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread; drink this cup; trust in me and you will not thirst.
Invitation to the Table: Our Lord has invited all who trust in him to come to this table of grace. (Please have your own chosen elements ready. Whatever you have will be blessed))
Great Thanksgiving
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Prayer Concluding With The Lord’s Prayer: O God we come to this table through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Bless these elements that they may be sanctified to you for our spiritual nourishment to strengthen us in our love and commitment to you. As Jesus taught his disciples, let us pray, “Our Father, who art in heave…”
Partaking of the Bread and Cup: This is the body and blood of Christ poured out for you and for the world.
(Let us each partake of what we have)
Concluding Prayer of Commitment: O Lord, may we leave this table with a fresh sense of your love and grace and a renewed commitment to share this love and grace with others.
Concluding in Peace
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
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.
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 love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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
+ Saturday, July10, from 10 -2 there will be a meeting of the La Jicarita Cluster at Embudo Presbyterian in Dixon. Lunch will be provided. + Sunday, July 11 the El Buen Pastor Session will meet immediately after worship.
+ Saturday, July 17, at 9:00 AM there will be a workday at El Buen Pastor. Please join us if you can.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
Home Worship for June 20, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Centering on God
Sing or El Himnario # 330 #824 “Lugar Hay Donde Descansar/ There is a Place of Quiet Rest”
Lu-gar hay don-de des-can-sar, Cer-ca al co-ra-zon de Dios;
Do na-da pue-de mo-les-tar, Cer-ca al co-ra-zon de Dios.
Je-sus, del cie-lo en-via-do, Del co-ra-zon de Dios,
Oh, siem-pre cer-ca ten-nos Al co-ra-zon de Dios. A-men.
Prayer: O Lord, quiet our hearts before you, so that we may hear you telling us, “Peace! Be still!” Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
One: Oh, give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for God’s steadfast love endures forever.
All: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those God redeemed from trouble. (Psalm. 107:1&2)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
I remember as a child when there was a bad storm and all the electricity in the house went out. Everything was so dark! We found candles and ate by candlelight. It was fun because I had my parents and brother with me. I have been in other storms that were scary though. Have you ever been afraid when the wind is shaking the windows, and it is thundering and lightening? Our Mark 4 scripture is about some disciples caught in a storm in a boat with Jesus. What did they do, and what did Jesus do?
Scripture – Job 38:1-11; Mark 4:35-41
Reflection: “The Voice in the Storm” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson Whirlwinds and storms. Something we all like to avoid, but something with which we all are familiar. There was the time Larry called me from his car on I-95 in Florida and said, “There’s a tornadoe coming toward me right down the interstate!” Talk about feeling helpless! Thankfully, it veered off and began to dissipate before it reached him. Then there was another time when I was out on Miami’s Biscayne Bay in a storm in which there were small craft warnings. I was in a canoe! But that’s a story of being young and foolish that I won’t go into that story! Our Job reading puts us down in the middle of the drama that was Job’s life. He had been extremely rich and devoutly God fearing. Then he lost his family, his riches, and his health. His wife advised him to “curse God and die.” His friends advised him that it had to be something he had done that all these terrible things had happened to him and he needed to repent. He stood up against them, but finally had had enough.
He called God to account, as if in a court. Whirling questions and accusations at God. In Job 38 God begins to answer Job out of the Whirlwind. I say begins, because God’s response continues for two chapters of some of the most beautiful poetry in all scripture describing the order, purpose and majesty that were divinely created. God does not answer Jobs questions and accusations. God does not attack Job, but simply lets the Divine glory shine for Job. This is the Voice from the whirlwind. There. For. Job. God is there for Job in the midst of Job’s whirlwind of agony. God is there.
Now we move through the centuries to a storm on the Lake of Galilee. Jesus is in a boat with his disciples. As often could happen on Galilee, a sudden storm arises. The wind and waves so fierce that the boat begins to swamp. The disciples, all seasoned fishermen, are wild eyed with fear. They look to Jesus, and what’s he doing? Sleeping on a cushion in the stern of the boat!
They yell at him, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?” I don’t think this was a question; it was an accusation: “You don’t care what happens to us!” As James Boyce (Working Preacher. 2015) expresses it, this cry is the ultimate cry of fear, of doubt and abandonment repeated over and over by those caught in their abysses: people who are, or want to be people of faith, or people who are too angry to give God a chance.
Jesus wakes up “and rebukes the wind and says to the sea: ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, ceased and there was a dead calm.” Then he says to his disciples, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Is Jesus admonishing them? Or assuring them that he is there, he does care? His power reaches is endless! The disciples’ response leaves us with much to think about: “And they were filled with great awe (the Greek literally is ‘feared a great fear’) and said to one another, ‘Who then is this that even the wind and the sea obey him’.” Who is this? Who is this that is in the storm with us? Who is this that is at ease in the storm, and yet can command it to stop? They are still learning about the Son of God and his limitless power.
Job and the disciples are faced with a paradox. On the one hand there is the despair of whirlwinds and chaos, where all is danger and despair and the seeming absence of a caring, powerful God. On the other hand, there is a God of order, beauty and peace, who is with us and for us. Some choose not to believe in God because of the evil in the world. This past year has been a year of chaos in so many ways. Yet, people of faith, though at time we struggle to do so, can still hear God in the whirlwinds of our lives, and we can believe that there is one who is in the storms with us, who cares and whispers, “Peace! Be still!” 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 T
hanksgiving for the life of Dean Lewis, who passed away on Monday, June 14, and prayers for his wife Marianne and their family. Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Continued prayers for Sienna Sherwood, Anthony Ruiz, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering from fires and storms, and prayers for rescue workers, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children. Prayers that we will faithfully follow Christ, and trust God’s kingdom work. Prayers that God will bring us peace in our country and the world. 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 Together: Glory to God #735 “I Need Thee Every Hour”
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like Thine, can peace afford.
I need Thee, O, I need Thee, every hour I need Thee! Oh, bless me now my Savior—I come to Thee!
Benediction: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord lift up his face to shine upon you, and give you peace, now and forever. 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 + The Pastor will be on vacation from this Monday, June 21st through Tuesday, June 29th. Georgia Ortiz will be preaching. Margaret Franke and Georgia Ortiz will be on call for pastoral needs while Ann is on vacation. There will be no Sunday Home Worship at this time.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for
Third Sunday After Pentecost
Home Worship for June 13, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Centering on God
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #626 “As the Deer”
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long
to worship You. You alone are my strength and shield; to you alone will my spirit yield. You alone are
my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
Prayer: O Lord, we thank you that you fill the whole earth with your presence and are present with us now as we worship you. May we worship you in reverence, gratitude and love. Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
One: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High.
All: For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work … I sing for joy. (Psalm. 92;1&4)
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #265 “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” (stanzas 1 & 4)
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run; his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
Blessings abound where’er he reigns: the prisoners leap to loose their chains; the weary find eternal rest, ad all
who suffer want are blessed.
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Have you ever helped your family plant a garden, or done it at school? What do you do to take care of the garden? Why does it grow? Is it because of what you do, or does God cause the garden to grow? The scripture today is about a farmer planting seeds. What was the farmers part and what was God’s part? How is planting seeds like doing good works?
Scripture – Mark 4:26-29 and 33-34
Reflection: “Sleeping on the Job?” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
How in the world is the Kingdom of God like a farmer who sleeps on the job? Why did Jesus only speak in parables to the crowds? Though I’ve read this text many times it seems particularly intriguing as I’ve read it this week. For one thing, as I’ve read commentators and essayist, I’ve begun to see parables in a fuller light. Like so much about God and spiritual reality, there are not words that completely capture the fullness of eternal realities. Emily Dickenson has written: “Tell all the truth, but tell it slant…The truth must dazzle gradually, or every man be blind.” It makes sense from this perspective that parables are to be lived with, “climbed into,” explored, asked questions of. In this way certain realities from the parables can sock us in the head and leave us reeling. Notice that this parable of the growing seed is about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is a major theme in the gospel of Mark, which Jesus proclaimed from the first chapter: “The Kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe the good news.” This is an announcement of a different reality from earthly reality, a reality in which God is supreme. As James Boyce (“Working Preacher,” 2012) puts it: “God’s Kingdom…is about the dynamic reality of God’s presence and power within creation and in the lives of God’s people…In Jesus and his ministry God’s presence and rule have taken on a new dimension and power among us.” This power and rule is not fully realized but we, as Christians, are called to live into this reality. The parable of the sleeping farmer gives us some “clues” about God’s kingdom, which is an active force in our world. Let’s explore it! In this parable here’s a question to explore: “How is the Kingdom of God like a farmer who plants seeds and goes to sleep? Really, is a Christian supposed to be sleeping on the job while hoping for results from God? Is our job to do nothing!? What do you think? David Lose (“Tell It Slant”: In the Meantime) suggests that one thing it could mean is that the success of God’s Kingdom doesn’t have anything to do with us! It’s all God’s work. Now, for some of us that like to be in control, that could be bad news. It makes us vulnerable. But for those of us that realize that success in God’s kingdom is way more than we can handle, that’s good news! Now this doesn’t mean that we have no responsibility. We’ve got to sow the spiritual seeds. In other words, faithfully follow Christ and share God’s love with others. But we can’t plan what the results will be or when they will appear. We may never see the results of the seeds we sow. I’m not one to talk about planting seeds. When we went to Lowe’s this spring to get plants for our yard, we selected small plastic pots of plants ranging from about six to 10 inches tall. Larry picked out some seeds he wanted to plant. I have no use for planting seeds, I don’t have the patience for waiting for seeds to grow into seedlings and then plants! I want to see what we have right away! Obviously, I’d never be a farmer with a whole field to deal with! Yet Larry patiently planted seeds, but I don’t know if we’ll ever see morning glories climbing our fence. After a month they’re only about three to five inches tall. God wants us to faithfully plant spiritual seeds, even when we don’t see the results.
The other thing that God wants us to do is be available for God to use. Notice in our parable the farmer was attentive, not just sleeping, but sleeping and rising night and day: available for when needed. “Kingdom work” is way more than we can handle; it’s God’s work. Our work is to faithfully sow the seeds of the Kingdom and be available for God to use.
Or maybe you have another thought: “How is the Kingdom of God like a farmer who plants weeds and goes to sleep?
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 continued health improvement of David Bass, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Continued prayer for Dean Lewis who is in hospice, and for his wife Marianne. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, Anthony Ruiz, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering from fires and storms, and prayers for rescue workers, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children. Prayers that we will faithfully follow Christ, and trust God’s kingdom work. Prayers that God will bring us peace in our country and the world.. 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 Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
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.
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 love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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 +June 13thSmith Memorial will have Communion. Please bring your own elements (bread, wine, juice or water)
+ June 13, immediately following 10:30 worship, El Buen Pastor will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+June 13th the El Buen Pastor Session will meet immediately following the Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ Smith Memorial Session will meet Tuesday, June 15 at 6:00 PM in the Christian Ed building.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
+June 30, 4 pm Paul, Liz and Dorothy, children of Judith Hert, will be receiving guests at the Christian Ed building. Bring your memories of Judith to share with them as we have cookies and punch.
+July 8,15,21,and 29 Truchas Service Center will have a limited summer program for children, ages 6=12. Registration will be held at the Library.
Second Sunday After Pentecost
Home Worship for June 6, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Today we celebrate Communion. Please have your elements ready (bread, crackers, water, juice or wine. (In public worship, El Buen Pastor will celebrate communion on June 6th and Smith Memorial on the 13th)
Centering on God
Sing or Speak: El Himnario #330 “Lugar Hay Donde Descansar/There is a Place of Quiet Rest”
Lu-gar hay don-de des-can-sar, Cer-ca al co-ra-zon de Dios;
Do na-da pue-de mo-les-tar, Cer-ca al cor-a-zon de Dios.
Je-sus, del cie-lo en-via-do, Del Co-ra-zon de Dios,
Oh, siem-pre cer-ca ten-nos Al Co-ra-zon de Dios. A-men.
Prayer: O Lord, we thank you that you fill the whole earth with your presence and are present with us now as we worship you. May we worship you in reverence, gratitude and love. Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
One: Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord is there is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem. All: It is the Lord who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities. (from Psalm 30:7-8)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Our Scripture today shows us that some people didn’t like Jesus because of the way he worked miracles and loved and helped people. He didn’t say that some deserved his love and some didn’t. He welcomed all people who did God’s will into his family. How can you do the same? Is there someone in your class with whom others don’t want to play, or are teased by others? How can you welcome them and be their friend? Scripture – Mark 3:20-21, 31-35
Reflection: “The Welcoming Family” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson Goodness gracious! It’s only the third chapter of Mark and Jesus has already managed to offend “those who mattered” (so to speak!). The religious leaders and teachers thought he was in league with the Devil, and his family thought he was crazy and wanted to restrain him. Why? Because he had healed people (some on the Sabbath), called a tax collector to follow him, “eaten with tax collectors and sinners”, forgiven sins, and the list goes on and on. It seems his major problem was that he thought people were more important than rules and traditions! He did not fit into the status quo, and so his ways were offensive.
Perhaps a better question than why Jesus was offensive is: “Why aren’t we more offensive?” Do we try too hard to fit in? Do we value our traditions more than we value people? If being offensive means following Jesus Christ at all costs and loving our neighbors without reservations, then maybe we need to examine whether or not we are being offensive!
Then comes a troubling part of the text. Jesus’s family is standing outside the home where Jesus is talking to a crowd inside. They call to him. Their message is relayed to Jesus that his mother and brothers are calling to him. Jesus’s response is: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Then he looked around at those who sat around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Was Jesus putting down his family? Was he devaluing his mother and siblings? I don’t think so. He was widening the circle of family! He was including others, all those seeking to do God’s will. Imagine Jesus calling you “brother” …” mother”…”sister”! How personal, loving, close is that! How welcoming into the family of God! Jesus is saying that family is more than flesh and blood, family has an eternal value to be cherished.
I think every church in which I have served has thought of themselves as a welcoming congregation. I think of Smith Memorial and El Buen Pastor as being welcoming churches. Yet I wonder how we are welcoming. Does the stranger experience us as welcoming? Do we consciously look at our churches through a strangers’ eyes, to see how they may experience us? Or do we welcome them so that they may learn our ways, add to our numbers and “fit in” to our ways? Do we seek to actually learn from new people in our midst? Do we see them as people of infinite value who they are made in God’s image? I’m asking these questions, not to point a finger, but to remind us all of what it means to do as Jesus did and widen our circle of family. C.S. Lewis has said, “There are no ordinary people, for everyone is of eternal significance.” David Lose (In the Meantime, 2015) suggests an assignment for us. After church, take a few minutes to look around the church. Notice the atmosphere conveyed by the décor, the bulletins, the bulletin board, peoples’ faces and interactions. Notice our activities. Notice small things and large. What can we do to be more welcoming? You may come up with some good ideas. You may want to think of it in these terms: We are doing some good things; how can we be even more welcoming? You can email suggestions to me or the Session. Better yet, let’s put a suggestion box near the entrance to the sanctuary. How can we widen our circle of family? Amen.
Responding to God’s Word
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #527A “Eat This Bread”
“Eat this bread; drink this cup; come to me and never be hungry. Eat this bread; drink this cup; trust in me and you will not thirst” (Bring what you may have: bread, crackers, juice, water)
Invitation to the Table (Please have your own chosen elements ready. Whatever you have will be blessed)) Scripture says: “People shall come from east and west and north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29). Today we celebrate all God’s saints who are sitting at the Lord’s table with us in spirit and encouraging us. We sit down with people who may not think like us; they may not look like us, but they have known struggles and been faithful. We are sisters and brothers celebrating our unity in God’s kingdom.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, O God. You have blessed us with life in abundance through Christ our Lord. You strengthen us daily through your Holy Spirit so that we are never alone. Bless these elements from the earth to a sacred use that we may go out each day with the courage to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Partaking of the Bread and Cup
Jesus broke bread for his disciples and said, “This is my body broken for you and everyone. Do this in remembrance of me.” (You may partake of the bread)
Jesus then took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Drink you all of it.” (You may partake of the cup.) Let us pray: Merciful God, thank you for this feast of love in which you remind us of the great gift of the Christ, Savior of the world. Send us out as the free people of God to serve you together. Amen.
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 Edna Martinez whose birthday is on Saturday, June12th. Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Thanksgiving for the life of Lucille Gomez who passed away June 1st, and prayers for her husband Tete, and the rest of her family in their loss. Prayer for Dean Lewis who is in hospice, and for his wife Marianne. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, Anthony Ruiz, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering from fires and storms, and prayers for rescue workers, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children. Prayers for those suffering from the recent mass shootings in our country, and that God will bring us peace. 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 #318 “In Christ There Is No East or West” (stanzas 1 & 3)
In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love throughout 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 love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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
+June 6 at 9 AM worship at Smith Memorial there will be ordination and installation of officers. The Session will meet briefly at 8:40 for examination of new officers.
+ June 6, immediately following 9 AM worship, Smith Memorial will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+June 6, El Buen Pastor will have Communion. Please bring your own elements (bread, wine, juice or water)
+ June 13, immediately following 10:30 worship, El Buen Pastor will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ June 13, Smith Memorial will have Communion. Please bring your own elements.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
Trinity Sunday
Sunday Home Worship for May 30, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Centering on God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #1 “Holy, Holy, Holy!”
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we worship you today make us aware that we are standing before the holy One, whose glory fills the earth. Through Christ, Amen.
Praising God
One: Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.
All: May the Lord give strength to God’s people. May the Lord bless them with peace. (Psalm 29:2&11)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
In our Scripture today we are told that the whole earth is full of God’s glory. This means that God is everywhere. It also means that in this world in which we live we can see signs of God’s presence. These things show us something about what God is like. For example, we can know that God loves us, from the Bible, but also from the people who love us. That’s God loving us too! When we see a beautiful sunset, we know God created that sunset and creates beauty. What are some signs of God’s presence that you enjoy?
Scripture – Isaiah 6:1-8
Reflection: “God Sightings” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson Last Monday morning I read on my iPhone: “There were at least 12 mass shootings across the US this weekend.” The news struck me hard. What is going on in this country? One of the mass shootings was in Youngstown, Ohio where we used to live: three dead, three injured. A little later that morning Larry and I read the lectionary together. Isaiah 6:1-8 was the first reading. It is an account of a Isaiah’s vision in the temple of God on a throne “high and lofty’ with his train filling the temple. Seraphs attended him. One cried to another saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of God glory.” The words caught me and nagged: “The whole earth is full of God’s glory. Really?” What about the growing amount of mass killings? What about the pandemic? What about the wars in the Middle East? What about racial prejudice? What about the chaos at the border and people starving? Is the whole earth really full of God’s glory? Then I heard the birds chirping outside and saw the aspen leaves dancing. I remember kindness shown to me by strangers and accounts on television of ordinary folks like you and me going out of their way to help others. I remember our joyful celebration of the Easter resurrection, our first time together in many months. I remember God teaching and guiding me through Scripture. These are all signs of God at work in the world: a sign of God’s glory filling the earth! Westminster Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe has a time in their service where the congregation shares “God Sightings:” those times when the members experience God at work in the world. Think back over this past week: when have you seen signs of God in the world? When have you sought to be a part of God’s work this past week?
In Isaiah’s vision, Isaiah saw his own sin and his people’s sin in contrast to God’s holiness. Then he experienced God’s grace through experiencing God’s cleansing and forgiveness: another sign of God’s glory! When God asked who would go and spread God’s word, Isaiah’s grateful response was: “Here am I, send me!” Send me to spread your word to others! In other words: Let me be part of these “God sightings!” Try something this week: At the end of each day, as you go to bed, ask yourself: Where have I seen God at work today? When have I been a part of God’s work? Who knows, maybe at the end of the week you may want to try it for another week – and another – and still another! Amen.
Responding to God’s Word
Prayer: This weekend is a good time to remember all our loved ones who have passed away, yet whose presence are in our hearts and who have shown by their lives that God is present in the world. One: O God, who created us, who sustains us, who call us to live in peace, hear our prayer this day. Hear our prayer for all who have died, whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone. We think especially of _______.
All: Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of others ahead of their own and give us hearts as generous as theirs ...
One: Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives in service to others. Accept the gift of their sacrifice ...
All: Help us to shape and make a world where we will lay down the arms of war and turn our swords into ploughshares for a harvest of justice and peace ...
One: Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones and let your healing be the hope in our hearts... All: Hear our prayer this day and in your mercy answer us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
- from Austin Fleming, A Concord Pastor Comments blog
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 lives of Pam Montoya and Susie Ruiz whose birthdays were on May 25th. Thanksgiving for the life of Stephen Daniels, who passed away on Monday, May 24th. Prayers for his family and loved ones. Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Prayers for Gene Vigil who is struggling with sciatica. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood and Anthony Ruiz. Prayers for Dean Lewis now on hospice care. Prayers for those in India suffering from Covid -19 and from the recent deadly cyclone. Prayers for the victims and families of recent mass shootings in our country, and prayers for our country’s leaders that they may have wisdom in leading us in the way of peace. 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 Together: Glory to God #1 “Holy, Holy, Holy!”
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
Benediction: May the love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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 +Sunday, May 30, 10 AM El Buen Pastor and Smith Memorial will meet together outside (weather permitting) at Smith Memorial. +June 6 at 9 AM worship at Smith Memorial there will be ordination and installation of officers. The Session will meet briefly at 8:40 for examination of new officers.
+ June 6, immediately following 9 AM worship, Smith Memorial will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ June 13, immediately following 10:30 worship, El Buen Pastor will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services, people in the congregation, and other news of importance.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for informat
Pentecost Sunday
Home Worship for May 23, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Guest Pastor: Margaret W. Franke
Centering on God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #286 “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
Breathe on me Breath of God; fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou doest love, and do what thou wouldst do.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we worship you today, let the Holy Spirit move through us as individuals and as churches. Through Christ we pray, Amen
Praising God
One: Christ has gathered the church in unity through the Spirit.
All: The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Margaret Franke, CRE
Today is Pentecost which some people call the “Birthday of the Church”. Birthdays are fun days for us and let us know we are growing up. The Church is very old but each Pentecost we remember that the Church gives us a place to learn about God and to Worship God.
Scripture – Luke 17:20-21, Acts 2: 1-4: 42-47 Reflection: “Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit” – Margaret Franke, CRE
Last week Ann reminded us about the nature of prayer and how prayer is talking with God in many different ways. Today on Pentecost Sunday we remember how the Holy Spirit arrived in the lives of the disciples and arrives in life today.
For many years I have pondered about what the Kingdom of God meant to Jesus and what we need to think about when we say we are in the Kingdom of God. In the Luke reading, Jesus reminded his disciples that they were not just living in the kingdom of Herod, nor were they just living in the Roman Empire. Instead they were to live in the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees wanted to know when this Kingdom of God was coming. Behind that question was the question what was this kingdom like. Jesus’ response was that the Kingdom wasn’t going to come with big signs and notices on social media or on TV. Jesus tells the hearers that, “God’s Kingdom is already among you.” People are to look and to see the needs of others, to help when they can and to be aware that God’s love extends to all people.
Many years ago when I first went to Ethhiopia to teach in school, the country was ruled by a king and the princes who ruled with him. I came from America where we were free to do many things which could not be done in the Kingdom of Ethiopia. I had to remember that what the King and his men said was right was what we had to obey. Living in a kingdom means you give up some things. When someone becomes like a king, people’s lives are less free.
On Pentacost the followers of Jesus were gathered together to celebrate the harvest of the first grains of the season. For Jews the day was feasting and gathering together and probably that is what the followers were gathered to do: observe a feast. Instead they had an ear splitting experience with the sound of wind and what seemed to be “flames of fire alighting on each one of them” (43). Another part of the experience was to be able to hear and understand and speak in another language. While some said they were drunk, others were asking what is going on?
We understand that at this point the experience of being disciples who had seen their master appear into the heavens and then returned alone to the city must have left them frightened and puzzled. And then this experience hits them and suddenly, they were together in a new experience. Peter stands and with the disciples around him, gave a sermon in which he said that it was Jesus who was the Lord and Christ promised by God to rule in God’s kingdom. After he was done speaking, the people began to study the teachings of the apostles. More than that, they began to share meals and to share goods with each other..
Right now our churches are coming out of a kind of hibernation from the restrictions of COVID life.
We want to continue as church but we are beginning to realize that going back to “normal” is not what we an or should do. We keep looking around to see what the Kingdom of God was in the past: VBS, PW, church worship on Sunday, funeral meals and so on. But we need to be looking around us with new eyes to see the signs of the Kingdom of God as they are now. But we don’t seem to see those signs. For the disciples, there was no going backward to the days of being on the road with Jesus. What were they to do?
Pentecost with language and fire came into their lives. Peter describes the Good news: “Change your hearts and lives.” Be baptized and then go out to share the Good News with others.
What strikes me is that while Peter’s speech is one of the first signs of the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom is also found in being taught and teaching, in eating together, in prayers together and then in sharing what they have with those who have less. Yes they went to temple but they ate in homes where they shared food with gladness and simplicity. The community grew.
Sometimes we are like the Pharisees who asked what the Kingdom looked like and especially since a year of COVID, we are asking that question. What will our churches look like? What will our Bible studies look like? What will our mission look like? Only after the Spirit invaded the room, came over them and reminded them of Jesus’s promise that the followers of Jesus were encouraged to be those who praised God and God’s goodness to others. Our prayers should be for the Holy Spirit to sweep out the cobwebs of time and COVID from our churches and should invite us to really become aware of what the Kingdom of God should be in Truchas and Chimayo. We cannot go backward, we cannot just stay still. We need to move forward with a new vision and good news to share with others. We cannot do much of any thing for the Kingdom without praying for ourselves and for each other to be able to move deeper into the Kingdom of God. 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
Concluding in Peace
Sing or Speak: Glory to God#279 “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove”
Come Holy Spirit Heavenly Dove, with all thy quickening powers; Kindle a flame of sacred love in these cold hearts of ours.
Benediction: May the love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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 concerns. +Sunday, May 30, 10 AM El Buen and Smith Memorial will meet together outside (weather permitting) a Smith Memorial. +June 6 at 9 AM worship at Smith Memorial there will be ordination and installation of officers. The Session will meet briefly at 8:40 for examination of new officers.
+ June 6, immediately following 9 AM worship, Smith Memorial will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ June 13, immediately following 10:30 worship, El Buen Pastor will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services, people in the congregation, and other news of importance.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
Sixth Sunday of 7th Sunday of Easter
Home Worship for May16, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Today we celebrate The Lord’s Supper. Please select something you wish to use (bread, crackers, water, juice, wine, etc.) for your Communion meal.
Centering on God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
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.
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’.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we worship you today, open our ears to hear you calling our name; open our hearts to receive what you would show us from your word. Through Christ we pray, Amen Praising God
One: The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech and night to night declares knowledge.
All: Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:1 & 14)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Our Scripture today is about Jesus praying for his disciples and for us. Do you pray for the other members of your family? What are some things that you appreciate about them? What are some things you know are difficult for them that you want God to help them with? Think of a friend outside of your family that you can also pray for.
Scripture – John 17:6-21
Reflection: “Praying Love” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Can you imagine this? It was the night before Jesus would be betrayed, arrested, beaten, convicted and crucified. All this he was aware of having to face. Yet what does he do? He prays for his disciples! It is a pouring out of love, affirmation and concern for them - and us, because he includes all those who will believe because of their word. This faith is passed down from generation to generation to us! Can you imagine facing what he faced and yet stopping to remember and pray for those he has nurtured and cared for? At first, I thought of it as parents feel when their loved child is leaving home to go to college or move somewhere else: the deep feeling of loss and concern that how you have raised your child will be enough to guide them into healthy and wise choices and ways. Yet I think it went even deeper than this as the Son of God poured out his heart of love in spite of his own personal agony. At its most simple definition, prayer is talking with God in many different ways: sometimes it’s a thought, or a song; sometimes it’s a deep desire to reach out to connect with God at a closer level. Sometimes prayer comes through memories, conversations with friends, Scripture or reveling in the natural world. Prayer is all these things and more. However, as David Lose suggests (“In the Meantime”, 2018) prayer is love, especially as we see it in our John 17 text.
A number of years ago, when I was in another Presbytery, we had a retreat for the clergy in that Presbytery. The focus was on spiritual growth. Over the several days of that retreat we prayed, sang, talked, meditated, laughed and hung out together, getting to know each other quite well. The night before we left we prayed for each other: one person would sit in a chair and all the others would stand around them placing their hands on that persons head or shoulder while, one at a time, we prayed aloud for that person. We each took our turn in the “prayer chair.” It was an intensely powerful experience that has stuck with me.
How often do we take time to pray, really pray, for each other, either aloud or silently - I mean beyond praying for our family members? We are all part of this vast household of faith that has been passed down to us through the ages. David Lose, in his above-mentioned article takes two pointers on praying for each other from Jesus’ prayer in John 17.
First, Jesus thanks God for the disciples, for whom he is praying: “They have kept your word…” (v. 6). Love looks for an cherishes the good in the loved one. How powerful is it to hear someone thank God for you! Thanking God for others can also be an amazing experience.
Second, Jesus expresses his deep concerns for his disciples. Jesus prays, “Holy Father, protect them in your name those you have given to me.” He knows that they will face many dangers and trials as they seek to be his faithful followers. He prays that they will have his joy, that they will be sanctified in the truth, and protected from the evil one. Jesus pours out his heart for them. This prayer is for us too (v. 20 & 21) ! One of the repeated petitions in Jesus’s prayer is that his followers will be one. We talk a lot about being one in Christ, but does it show itself in the way we live our lives together? We sometimes disagree, but do we listen to each other? Are we able to focus on the important things we agree upon? Can we thank God for each other and appreciate them more deeply through our prayers for them? If we are having a difficult time with someone, it helps to focus on them in pray – to thank God for them as well as praying about our attitude toward them. This is love! Try something now. Think of two people in your church family- Maybe someone you know well, or someone that you don’t know that well. Thank God for something special about each of them. What is a concern you have for them? Bring that concern to God. Go a step further and tell them that you have prayed for them. This is praying love! Amen.
Responding to God’s Word
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #527A “Eat This Bread”
“Eat this bread; drink this cup; come to me and never be hungry. Eat this bread; drink this cup; trust in me and you will not thirst” (Bring what you may have: bread, crackers, juice, water)
Invitation to the Table (Please have your own chosen elements ready. Whatever you have will be blessed)) Scripture says: “People shall come from east and west and north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29). Today we celebrate all God’s saints who are sitting at the Lord’s table with us in spirit and encouraging us. We sit down with people who may not think like us; they may not look like us, but they have known struggles and been faithful. We are sisters and brothers celebrating our unity in God’s kingdom.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, O God. You have blessed us with life in abundance through Christ our Lord. You strengthen us daily through your Holy Spirit so that we are never alone. Bless these elements from the earth to a sacred use that we may go out each day with the courage to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
Partaking of the Bread and Cup
Jesus broke bread for his disciples and said, “This is my body broken for you and everyone. Do this in remembrance of me.” (You may partake of the bread)
Jesus then took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Drink you all of it.” (You may partake of the cup.)
Let us pray: Merciful God, thank you for this feast of love in which you remind us of the great gift of the Christ, Savior of the world. Send us out as the free people of God to serve you together. Amen.
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 Natalya Romero, whose birthday is on May 17th, and for Wayne Montoya, whose birthday is on May 20th. Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Prayers of Stephen Daniels who is in the hospital with pneumonia. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, Anthony Ruiz, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering from fires and storms, and prayers for rescue workers, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children, and that God will heal the divisiveness in our country. 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 #66 “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” (refrain only)
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray. Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray. (Repeat one time.)
Benediction: May the love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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 - The El Buen Pastor Session will have their monthly meeting this Sunday, May 16 immediately following the 10 AM Worship + Next Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 10 AM El Buen and Smith Memorial will meet together at El Buen Pastor. Margaret Franke will be preaching. Ann will be available during the week for pastoral concerns. +Sunday, May 30, 10 AM El Buen and Smith Memorial will meet together outside (weather permitting) at Smith Memorial. +June 6 at 9 AM worship at Smith Memorial there will be ordination and installation of officers. The Session will meet briefly at 8:40 for examination of new officers.
+ June 6, immediately following 9 AM worship, Smith Memorial will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ June 13, immediately following 10:30 worship, El Buen Pastor will have an Annual Congregational Meeting.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services, people in the congregation, and other news of importance.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
Sixth Sunday of Easter & Mother’s Day
Home Worship for May 9, 2021
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
Pianists, Bill Franke and TriniRae Romero
Centering on God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
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.
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’.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we worship you today, open our ears to hear you calling our name; open our hearts to receive what you would show us from your word. Through Christ we pray, Amen
Praising God
One: O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
All: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 98:1 & 4)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
How is today a special Day? Yes, it ’s Mother’s Day. A day when we thank God for the way our Mother’s and other essential women in our lives. What are some things your Mother, Grandmothers or Aunts do for you? How will you thank them?
Scripture – I John 5:4; Hebrews 11:1-3
Reflection: “Mothers of Faith, Who Saw the Invisible” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Since today is Mother’s Day, I have been reflecting on mothers in the Bible and thinking about what mothers of faith have in common. There are so many mothers in scripture, who like so many mothers in our time, had to work against unbelievable odds to make a difference in the lives of those they loved. What caused them to overcome the difficulties placed upon them and make a difference in the world? It was their faith. Hebrew 11:1-3 sums up faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not seen.” In other words, faith can see what God can and is doing that is not yet visible! The following are only a very few mothers in scripture who made a difference because of their faith. I am including scripture references for their stories, which you may read if you wish.
Jochebed, Mother of Moses (Exodus 6:20 & Ex. 1: 1-9). The Israelites were slaves in Egypt but were growing in numbers so much that they were a threat to Pharoah. He ordered that all Hebrew boy babies would be thrown in the river and drowned. Jochebed, a Hebrew, had given birth to Moses. There was no visible way to save him; how could she stand up against the mighty Pharoah? Yet she refused to give up! She knew God was stronger than Pharoah. You know the story, depending on God she saw the saving of her son as possible. She wove a basket, put it in the river and had her daughter Miriam watch over him until Pharoah’s daughter found him. She became the nurse for Moses, who was raised in the palace. Moses became God’s instrument for delivering God’s people from slavery. “Faith is the conviction of things not seen.” Naomi, Mother-in-Law of Ruth (Ruth 1:1-7, 15-18, 19-21; 4:13-18 – to get the full flavor of this familiar story you may want to read all four chapters of this book.) I like using Naomi as an example of faith, because scripture shows she had to grow in her faith, just like we do! When she came back from Moab, she was bitter, despairing, depressed. Judah was in a bleak famine. To escape the famine Naomi, her husband and two sons had fled to Moab. There her two sons married. Then tragedy struck again; Naomi’s husband and both of her sons died. Broken hearted she returned to Judah to her hometown of Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth. She told the women of her hometown: “Call me no longer Naomi (meaning “Pleasant”), call me Mara(meaning “Bitter”) for the Almighty has dealt harshly with me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.” She was at the end of her rope, feeling so hopeless that she could not even recognize the possibilities for support that Ruth could provide. Often when we are despairing, we don’t recognize the support God provides us. Yet God began to work in her, to show her that she had more possibilities than she could at first see. She not only shared her faith with Ruth but encouraged her into a relationship with Boaz who became her husband. Ruth bore a son and became the grandmother of King David. Thus, despite Naomi’s emptiness and hopelessness the Lord gave her faith to overcome and to be a blessing for her daughter-in-law and to generations to come.
The Syrophoenician Mother (Mark 7:24-30). This mother’s faith was remarkable. She, a Gentile, came to Jesus when he was in Tyre, way up north in the borderlands of Phoenicia. Her daughter was tormented by a demon. She was determined that Jesus heal her daughter, even though Jesus’s ministry had focused on the Jews. He answered her pleading with a metaphor, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and toss it to the dogs.” Sounds harsh? We don’t know if he was just testing her faith or if she had a role in extending Jesus’s ministry. The mother persisted, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” By that perhaps she was respectfully saying there is enough for all of us! Jesus replied to her, “For saying that…the demon has left your daughter.” Jesus recognized and rewarded the mother’s deep faith that caused her to see his saving work that reached across all boundaries of tradition and cultures. There are so many more mothers in Scripture, like these described here, who were faced with seemingly impossible circumstances yet overcame these situations. As expressed in Hebrews 11:27: “They endured as seeing the One who is invisible.” Another thing I notice about these women is that because of their faith, they were very powerful women. This power was a specific kind of power that “the world” doesn’t recognize as power. Theirs was a power that strengthened and empowered others to be all that they could be. It was not a power that dominated or controlled others, but enabled others. This power of faith, modeled by these mothers, is a power that God wants to give all of us: women, men, boys and girls. Let us open ourselves to this faith and the power that it provides. Amen!
Responding to God’s Word
A Prayer for Mothers:
Loving and Gentle God, with gratitude we remember our mothers and all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life, and for those who have guided and mentored our souls, nourishing us in faith. Grant them the courage to face the uncertain future that life with children brings.
Be with the mothers who struggle to shelter, feed, and clothe their young, for those who are trying to learn how to love and nurture others. May they experience your love and power surrounding them. Through Christ, Amen.
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 our being back together in worship, and prayers for continued safety. Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Anthony Ruiz, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Prayers of Stephen Daniels who is in the hospital with pneumonia. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering from fires and storms, and prayers for rescue workers, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children, and that God will heal the divisiveness in our country. 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 #306 “Bless Be the Tie That Binds”
Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Benediction: May the love of God our Creator, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Lord Jesus our Savior be with you all, now and forever. 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 + Public worship continues at Smith Memorial at 9:00 AM and El Buen Pastor at 10:30 AM.
+ We will celebrate communion at both church May 16. Please bring your own communion elements.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services, people in the congregation, and other news of importance.
+ Those who wish to join us in spirit for Wed. or Thurs. Taize please contact Patricia Putnam for information.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Home Worship for May 2, 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: Glory to God #188 “Jesus Loves Me!”
Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong. They are week but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we worship you today, open our ears to hear you calling our name; open our hearts to receive what you would show us from your word. Through Christ we pray, Amen
Praising God
One: I offer praise in the great congregation because of You. I will fulfill my promises in the presence of those who honor God. All: Let all those who are suffering eat and be full! Let all who seek the Lord praise Him!
One: Every part of the earth will remember and come back to the Lord.
All: Every family among all the nations will worship you. (Psalm 22:25-26, Common English Bible)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
Have you ever played blind man’s bluff? It’s fun because it’s only a game. But isn’t it a relief to take the blindfold off and see what’s around you? Sometimes when we are confused and don’t know what to do, it’s like not seeing. Whenever we are confused about the right thing to do, God wants to guide us. God often does this through our parents or teachers. When have you been confused about what to do and God helped you? There’s nothing wrong with been unsure or confused as long as you ask God for help.
Scripture – Isaiah 42:16; I John 4:7-10, 16 & 18
Reflection: “Blinded By Love” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson All we have to say to our dog is, “Abbie, do you want to go for a ride in the truck?”. That’s enough for her to prick up her ears, ecstatically jump up wagging her tail, turn in a circle and wait for us to put on her harness. She loves to go for a ride in the truck. She doesn’t stop to ask, “Where we are going?” or, “How long we will be gone? before deciding to go. Those things don’t matter. Just riding with us in the truck is enough!
God will lead the blind. Abbie reminds me of Isaiah 42:16:“I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them.” Now, to be honest, that doesn’t necessarily sound like good news: The idea of God’s guidance sounds great, but who wants to be blind? I don’t. I want to see where I am going – figuratively speaking as well as literally, and I imagine you do too. Do we have to be blind for God to lead us? God also leads us by unknown paths. That’s not necessarily good news either! That’s also a struggle. God promises to lead us by a road we do not know. The unknown and unfamiliar can be uncomfortable, even terrifying: Give us the “tried and true” any day! That’s easier and more preferable. I had been thinking about the discomfort of not seeing the road ahead and of the changing times on unknown roads as these changes impact our churches. I had been feeling inadequate because I didn’t know how best to guide you in the way God would have us go. In other words, I was feeling blind. Then God showed me Isaiah 42:16. It’s exactly what I needed! I needed to be blind in order to let God lead me. I realized that if I thought I saw the road ahead, I would likely be depending on myself, and not God! Since I am blind, I can rest in peace depending on God’s guidance! However, peace is never a continuous state for us humans. The Lord has to keep reminding me that it’s OK to be blind if I keep turning things over to God. Sometimes I forget (unlike Abbie who never worries about seeing the road ahead). Please don’t misunderstand me! I’m definitely not saying we shouldn’t plan ahead. We just need to remember that God’s guidance is more important than our plans, and often God disrupts our plans. However, God promises, “I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.” (42:16b). This is God’s abiding presence: What more can we want?
Then I read the lectionary reading in I John 4: God is love…not that we loved God, but that God loved us…God is love and those that abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them…There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” God is love! God’s very essence is Love. That’s what God is…Love…and so much more! And this amazing Love holds us, leads us, and guides us, and loves others through us.
I thought again about Abbie. She doesn’t worry about where we will be going or the route we will take. She doesn’t care if she’s blind to all that. She just wants to be with us. Riding in the truck would have no allure if we were not with her. It’s all about our relationship! Yes! It’s all about our relationship with our God who is Love. We do live in uncertain and changing times. This can be uncomfortable and frightening. Yet, “perfect love casts out fear.” Writer and Psychiatrist Scott Peck, has said, “We are often most in the dark when we are the most certain, and the most enlightened when we are the most confused.” We can let ourselves admit our inability to see and know, so that we can let Love guide us through whatever paths are ahead. Since God will “make the darkness light, and the rough places into level ground,” we can even find these paths fulfilling and possibly exciting. Amen.
Responding to God’s Word
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #741 “Guide My Feet”
Guide my feet while I run this race (repeat 2 times), for I don’t want to run this race in vain!
Hold my hand while I run this race (repeat 2 times), for I don’t want to run this race in vain!
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 our being back together in worship, and prayers for continued safety. 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 from fires and storms, and prayers for rescue workers, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children, and that God will heal the divisiveness in our country. 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 #235 “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee; grant it Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee let it be dear Lord, let it be. First Verse: I am weak but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee; grant it Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee let it be dear Lord, let it be.
Benediction: May God, the Creator and Redeemer of all life, continue to watch over you and bless you with all good so that you remain safe and know the love of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 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 is public worship this Sunday, May 2, at 9:00 AM at Smith Memorial and 10:30 AM at El Buen Pastor. Social distancing and masks wearing will be practiced.
+ Smith Memorial will hold a brief congregational meeting this Sunday, May 2nd immediately following the morning worship, for the purpose of electing elders to the Session.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services, people in the congregation, and other news of importance.
+ Those who 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 information.
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Home Worship for April 25, 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: Glory to God #187 “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” vs. 1 Refrain 2
Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care. In your pleasant pastures feed us;
for our use your fold prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
Prayer: With you as our Shepherd, our Rock and Redeemer, whom shall we fear? Let us feel your presence as we worship today. Give us strength and courage to face the world outside this place. Amen.
Praising God
All: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff --- they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 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)
Reflecting on God’s Word Children’s Time – Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson
Have you ever seen sheep: up close and personal? Sometimes they can be smelly and silly. When their wool is sheared off to make yarn, that’s when they look silliest. Sheep depend on someone or something else to look after them and protect them. Years ago, we had a Border Collie named Sarah. She had a natural ability to herd, round up cats, lizards, or anything else she thought should be in a certain place. Jesus wants us to be in the right place, doing the right things God would have us do. We can ask Jesus to show us the right things to do and say, to our family and friends. We just need to ask Jesus! Thank you, God, for Jesus, our shepherd. Help us to be good sheep, good followers of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture – Acts 4:1-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
Reflection: “The Shepherd and the Cross” – Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson
The title of the reflection I wrote on March 14th was “The Serpent and the Cross”. Today I have used the title the “Shepherd and the Cross”. The serpent in the March reflection was a symbol of God’s saving grace for the Israelites as the traveled the wild and dangerous desert. This week we look at another more intimate and ever-lasting symbol of God’s saving grace for all people for all time. Christ Jesus the shepherd, as described in John 10, is the Good Shepherd, El Buen Pastor, in all cultures and all languages. As we read in Acts 4, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved”.
Most of us have little or no knowledge of the life of a shepherd or their relationship to sheep. The people in Judea and Palestine in Jesus time were well aware of sheep and shepherds. Sheep were often their livelihood. Sheep provided work for children and hired hands. Sheep provided wool for clothing and shelter, milk and food for sustenance. Jesus’ parable of the Good Shepherd in Luke 15 is an eye-opening example of the importance of even one such animal to a family’s welfare.
When Ann and I lived and worked in Arizona, sheep were brought into the fields following the harvest of alfalfa, corn, and other crops to feed on the leftovers and keep the weeds from encroaching. Hundreds of sheep were led from field to field in large flocks by dogs and men keeping them together.
On a travel seminar to Eastern Europe while in seminary, I watched the flocks of sheep on the hillsides of small villages being tended by women, men and dogs. Small tents and meager supplies were all they required for the shepherds to support and protect these family possessions. It became apparent how essential these sheep were to the whole community.
Listening as these passages and other similar ones are read, one cannot help but grasp the ultimate importance God has placed on every single person in God’s creation. Even more: the covenant God made with Noah and his family in Genesis 9:8-17, following the flood, brought “every living creature” in God’s creation under that same covenant of protection. Something we all should consider as we live on this planet with its many forms of life. Psalm 23 reminds us of the relationship we have with our God and ensures us of God’s care, no matter what the rest of the world has in store for us.
As followers of Christ, we are called to a special awareness of God’s love for us. We cannot truly answer the call to “love, not [just] in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1 John 3:18), unless we recognize and celebrate God’s love in our own life, in our own situation. “We know love by this, that [Jesus] laid down his life for us --- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?” (1 John 3:17).
Often when we consider our own relationship to God through Christ and the Holy Spirit, we question how those of other religions and faiths are also receptive of God’s grace? Does the Christ we believe in and serve somehow fit into other ways of being in this world, in this universe we inhabit? John 10:16, may give us a clue, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd”.
Our task, as followers of Christ the Good Shepherd, is to obey God’s commandment, “that we believe in the name of his son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us” (1 John 3:23-24). Thanks be to God! 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 Lovia Leyba whose birthday was on April 21st, and for the lives of Erasmo Martinez and Nancy Garcia whose birthdays are on April 30th. 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, and that God will heal the divisiveness in our country. 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 #187 “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” Vs. 3
You have promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be; you have mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse, and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to you. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to you.
Benediction: May God the Creator and Redeemer of all life continue to watch over you and bless you with all good so that you remain safe and know the love of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 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 is an outside public worship this Sunday, April 25, at 10:30 AM at El Buen Pastor. Social distancing and masks wearing will be practiced.
+ Smith Memorial is having a public worship on Sunday May 2, at 9:00 AM. Safety measure observed.
+ Smith Memorial will hold a brief congregational meeting on Sunday, May 2nd immediately following the morning worship, for the purpose of electing elders to the Session.
+ Please visit our website at https://www.smithmemorialtruchas.org/ for up to date information on services, people in the congregation, and other news of importance.
+ Those who 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 information.
Third Sunday of Easter
Home Worship for April 18, 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”
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship You.
You alone are my strength and shield; to you alone will my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
Prayer: As we come to worship you today, may we respond to the urgings of your Spirit. Amen.
Praising God
One: The Lord takes personal care of the faithful. The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him.
All: Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in God. God has put gladness in my heart. (from Psalm 4)
Reflecting on God’s Word
Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson Who are members of your family? Family is important. Did you know that you have a much bigger family that is over two thousand years old? These are people who believe in Jesus and seek to do what he would have them do. What is one thing that you can do this week to do what Jesus would do?
Scripture – Acts 3:1-21
Reflection: “Walking Together” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson Though I have been in Northern New Mexico for over five years (still a new comer!) during these five years I have not lost an almost magical since of wonder when I stand on the land that is the old plaza in Chimayo or drive slowly through the old plaza in Truchas. I have never been anywhere that I have felt so strongly that I am not just learning about history, but actually walking in it, walking in that reality that people lived in hundreds of years ago. It has been a powerful experience for me.
I get something of that sense when I read about the early church, not just from Scripture, but from Matt Skinner’s Introduction to the Book of Acts (Working Preacher, 2021). Last week we looked at the early church in Acts 4 and how the early church, by its life and experience of God’s grace attracted many to the community of Jesus’s followers. In today’s text Skinner again picks up the theme of the alternative community of Jesus’s followers, yet presents the community as if it were on a journey (as I think of the early settlers here in Northern New Mexico). This community of believers, whom we know as the Church, is an ever-widening body following Jesus, learning and growing as they go. I love the way Skinner presents Acts, not so much as explaining how and why things happened, but that it did happen: Jesus, the promised Messiah, lived a life of compassion, died in the place of sinners, rose from the dead and lives to bring all things to fulfillment. In Acts the point is, not to understand all the “how’s” and “why’s”, but to believe and trust and become part of that amazing journey with Christ. Several things stand out to me as part of that Journey. First – Look. Our text begins with the man crippled from birth, lying at the gate to the temple, asking alms of those who go to worship. He is not in the temple, he is really not even asking to be healed – that’s too big at thing – not how the world works – not in his frame of reference. Yet God has no boundaries and works beyond the temple boundaries (see Mitzi J. Smith, Working Preacher, 2012), and God’s scope of reality is beyond this man’s scope of understanding. As Peter and John came upon him. Peter had to force him to look at him. In Acts looking involved really seeing something new, almost a trance like encounter with transcendent glory (Scott Spencer, Working Preacher). At Peter’s words. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth stand up and walk” something much better than silver and gold was given to him. At those words Peter lifted him up and he entered the temple walking and leaping and praising God. He looked and saw God’s alternative reality, and began on new legs to walk with Jesus’s followers on the journey which began so many years ago.
Second – Repent. Those worshipping in the temple were astonished at the man being able to walk. Peter used this as an opportunity to “preach” to them. He immediately gave credit to God, identifying with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He told of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and that it was in the power of Jesus’s name that this man could now walk. He told the people that they crucified Jesus, and that they needed to repent and turn to God. First, let me say that these words have often been taken dangerously out ofcontext by blaming Jews for Christ’s crucifixion and thus are used as a reason to persecute Jews. For me the preferred way of seeing these words addressed to the Israelites in verse 12 is not “You Israelites” (NRSV), but “Fellow Israelites” (NIV translation). The point is that we all have reason to repent over and over again. To repent is more than to be sorry for some moral infraction; it is more than just determining to do better. To repent is to embrace a whole new reality! This is the reality in which the risen Christ lives and calls us to follow. This is the reality that the early church embraces, and the healed man embraced. This is the reality where God has no boundaries, but works anywhere and everywhere! This is the reality that does not heal through silver and gold, but by the powerful name of Christ, whose work had only begun in Acts and is now continuing!
Third – Embrace the Walk. This means follow Jesus and embrace the new reality of Christ’s power and work in the world. Trust God to strengthen us. Trust that even though at times we stumble and fall, God will pick us up. Trust that this walk will end in the restoration of all things in Jesus Christ. We embrace this walk as a church and as individuals who are part of the church.
I urge you to reflect silently or speak together about how we do this as a church.
Consider these questions: What are some specific ways we, as a congregation are walking in Christ’s footsteps? What are some other ways that we can more faithfully follow Christ?
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive us when our footsteps falter in following you. Thank you for forgiving us and strengthen us to follow you more closely (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 Edna Duran, whose birthday was April 16th. Thanksgiving for continued health improvement of David Bass, Anthony Ruiz, Barbara Byrne, and Gilbert Vigil, and continued prayers for them. Prayers for the family of Nelson Martinez who passed away last week. Continued prayers Sienna Sherwood, for those suffering from covid-19, for those suffering economic distress, for immigrant children at the border. 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 #235 “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee; grant it Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee let it be dear Lord, let it be.
First Verse: I am weak but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee; grant it Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee let it be dear Lord, let it be.
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 + 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.
+ El Buen Pastor will begin public worship services next Sunday, April 25 at 10:30. It will be held outside and all safety precautions will be observed. Smith Memorial folks are invited.
+ 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.
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.