First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo

Benedictories

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: I John:1. "What the witness of John is telling us today, is there is a miracle at work within and among us."

Letting Loose

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Acts 16:9-19. "And the community listens. As Eleutheria speaks. These Resurrection stories let something loose. They call forth speech. They invite us to speak, and to listen for voices long-silenced."

By This Everyone Will Know

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: 13:31-35. "But this is the opportunity we have today. Today, we are asking you to stand up as Christians and let Jesus show by writing letters to Congress. Royce will say some more about the details in the Moment for Mission. People are watching. Our kids are watching. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

All the Days of My Life

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Acts 9:36-43. "The world still belongs to God. God is still at work. The Lord is our shepherd. Thanks be to God."

Turn in the Road

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson.: Acts 9:1-22. "But we can be transformed in the ways Saul was transformed. Relinquishing the violence that seems so natural in people and in our culture, trusting the Christian community to help us do that, is not easy but it is what Jesus, calling to us from his solidarity with the oppressed and persecuted, is asking."

The News from San Anselmo

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400

John 20:19-31 "And that's all the news from San Anselmo, where everyone is spiritual, a few people are religious, and the Presbyterians strive to be holy."

What Does Easter Mean This Year?

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Luke 24:1-12. "This means it is always appropriate for us to ask, “What does Easter mean this year?” What new thing is God doing in our lives and world? What is it, now, that needs the dangerous, confrontational, radical love of God that says yes to life and no to the powers of death and destruction, powers that can just as easily be found in the musty halls of order and tradition and so-called safety as from someone pointing a weapon at us."

"Parade of Hope"

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Luke 19:28-40. "This is a vision – a hope, well worth our little palms, our singing and dancing, our love and our actions. For not even death can prevail against this, our King and the mystery and majesty of his love. [3] Not today, not this week, not ever. This is certainly worth celebrating with all of our being—during all of life’s ups and downs." "Be thou our vision, Oh Lord of our hearts." [3] Buechner, Fred. “The Things That Make For Peace” from A Room Called Remember.

"Fragrant"

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: John 12:4-8. "What is the fragrance of God's love?...Whatever God's love feels like to you, it is lavishly abundant."

"Steadfast Love"

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 "It doesn't matter where you come from, or who you are. You're welcome, you're loved. God rejoices at the sight of you. God's steadfast love surrounds, each and every one of you."

The Quality of Mercy

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 13:1-9. "When the gardener asks for just one more year, I don’t believe that’s a threat. It’s just a reminder of the reality that we do not have unlimited time to come to our senses, to turn and move in a new direction, in God’s direction, which is all Jesus means by “repent.”

"As a Hen Gathers"

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 13:31-35. "Lent is the time of year to look deeply, examine ourselves and reaffirm that we will accept and re-accept God’s invitation to be loved, to be gathered, to live into the vision of healing of wholeness for the world."

Tested

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 4:9-13. "So this Lent, we are inviting you to explore different opportunities to pray and practice that build our relationship with God, that build our trust in God, that help us see things the way God sees them."

Always More Hill

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 9: 9:28-43. "There is always another hill – in life, in the life of faith. We do not climb alone. Lent begins this Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. We will meet here, together, to kick off Lent, so to speak, with prayer and singing, communion and ashes. And my prayer for all of us for Lent is that we listen: Be open. Receive. Don’t try to walk to Maine. But stay on the trail; be aware; keep your eyes on Christ. And may our hearts be open to God’s vision."

Love: Not Just for Weddings

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13. "Then, as now, it is love that will endure. Now faith, hope and love abide, the greatest of these is love."

Fulfilled Presently

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 4:14-21. "May we continue, each of us, and together, to follow Jesus' vision of bringing good news to the poor. May we stand in our rich tradition, and draw strength for the journey."

Who Did That?

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: John 2:6-11. "There are miracles of love, and justice, and hope taking place all around us, even in our own lives."

Blending with the Crowd

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. "Jesus was baptized, and it made him part of the crowd, the crowd of broken and hurting people longing for wholeness, longing for life - this life - to be just and peaceful and safe. Our crowd."

By Another Road

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Mathew 2:1-12. "And that is what is at the heart of Matthew’s darker, more adult-oriented story of Jesus’ birth: the promise that it is precisely into this world that God came.[11] And that like the Magi, we can choose to take another road, the road away from Herod, from all the modern Herods who hold onto their power or profit when our lives are shaped by fear rather than wonder and joy."

Our Second Home

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 2:41-52. "For every life that God created and put on this earth, is of infinite value. And together we form a home, with enough space for everybody."

Christmas Peace: Peace on Earth

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 2:1-20
‘I know the cares and the anxious thoughts of your hearts.
I know the hard time you often give yourselves.
I know the hopes and ambitions that you have for yourselves and for others.
I know your doubts, too – even while you seek to express your belief.
On this night, I want to find a way of saying to you:
You are deeply, deeply loved,
just as you are, forgiven, loved
and challenged to be the very best you can be.
So I’m speaking to you the only way I know how –
from a stable,
in a child born into poverty
soon to grow to maturity,
born to show you
in a human life,
the love of God.’[6]

[6] John Harvey, “You Are Deeply, Deeply Loved,” in Candles and Conifers, Ruth Burgess, ed. (Glasgow: Wild Goose Publications, 2005), p. 239.

Misa Criolla (Creole Mass) - Chancel Choir and Folk Ensemble

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7. "Earlier this past week, someone said to me that music is the best thing human beings do. I think I might agree. It stirs us. It brings us together. It restores our souls. And so today we answer the worst that people can do with the best that people can do."

Christmas Peace: Prepare the Way

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 3:1-6. "Just turning toward and living into the good news that we are loved more than we dared hope and so is everybody else. Others will hear it; others will see it. Kids, our neighbors, our co-workers, the people sitting next to you in the pew this morning. And when other people hear it – and even more – when we see it taking place in our own lives – it changes us along with the world."

Christmas Peace: The Days Are Surely Coming

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Luke 21:25-36. "Those who hope in Christ can no longer put up with reality as it is. That is the call and the purpose and the prayer of advent."

The Reign of Christ

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: John 18:33-38. This sermon was preached during an At Table worship service and recorded later. During At Table services we worship in the tradition of early Christian meals around tables with food and drink to share.

The God of Joy and Pleasure

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Psalm 16: 7-11 "A life that is centered in God, in trust in God and gratitude for God’s gifts, is a life more centered on the world and life, and finding more meaning in them."

The Meaning of a Small Act

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Mark 12: 38-44. "Every situation in which we find ourselves is an opportunity to teach love instead of fear."

Not Far Now

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Mark 12:28-34.

God is God* (*and We Are Not)

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Job 38:34-41. "God is God, who sees it all, including us, in exquisite detail; and delights in it."

Healing Story

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Mark 10:17-31. "Jesus invites...each one of us to a life in which we are truly ourselves but also truly aware of our connectedness with God, God’s creation and God’s people, aware that our well-being is intimately tied to the well-being of others – and that is what living in the kingdom of God looks like."

A Higher Standard

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Mark 10:2-16. "...and if we exalt freedom, as Christians, we must remember that freedom is grounded in love."

For Such a Time as This

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: The Story of Esther. "...the purpose of Esther [was] to give good news of God's providence with shattered people..."

Arguing with Success

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Mark 9:30-37. "We need to value our children, encourage their gifts, and celebrate their successes, but even more, celebrate that they are beloved children of God, regardless of their achievements."

Whose Daily Bread

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Luke 11:1-10 "Not for myself, but asking for God to help me to help others"

Learning Curve

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Mark 7:24-30. "One thing Jesus knew, and shows us again and again, is that sharing a meal with people is one of the most powerful classrooms that there is."

My Labor, My Work, My Ministry

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: James 1:17-18, 22-27. Two church members describe how they live out their Christian discipleship beyond the doors of the church

Sing a New Song: The Doxology

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400

We conclude our summer sermon series on beloved hymns with the Doxology. Our intern, Chris Schilling, completes his internship with reflections on the Doxology..."praise God from whom all blessings flow..."

Sing A New Song: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lamentations 3:22-23. "...to proclaim and praise God with us - yesterday, today, and forever. Great is God's faithfulness."

Sing a New Song: "God of Grace and God of Glory

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400

...the story of the church also was – and always has been – the story of God accompanying God’s people – of God empowering us, saving us, freeing us – To do justice. To love kindness. And to walk humbly with God.

Sing a New Song: "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Today is the day for which you’ve all been waiting, the day we answer the burning question, “So what is an ebenezer, anyway?” This morning we continue our summer series on beloved hymns and their scriptural foundations and today’s hymn is “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Number 356 in our Presbyterian Hymnal.

Sing a New Song: "Here I Am, Lord"

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Luke 9:1-6

Sing a New Song: "Jesus Loves Me"

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Matthew 19:13-14 "...knowing all about you, Jesus loves you even more, even more."

Sing a New Song: "Holy, Holy, Holy"

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Revelation 4: 6b-11. "The community set up by Jesus, a universal community of every nation, every language and every people, created by his witness of nonviolent love, forgiveness, gratitude, inclusion of the outcast, justice for the poor and joy is a community that sings praise to God..."

Sing a New Song: "Simple Gifts"

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Psalm 150. "Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free..." Diana Bell tells the story of this original Shaker tune, later made famous through Aaron Copeland's recording, as we continue to explore our favorite hymns this summer..

Sing a New Song: "Our God, Our Help in Ages Past

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Psalm 90-11-17. "Oh God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. Be thou our guide, while life shall last, and our eternal home."

Sing a New Song: "Amazing Grace"

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Luke 15:1-10. The hymn, "Amazing Grace", produced in the face of sin and desolation, reminds us powerfully, in that healing way that only music can, that God never, ever, ever gives up on us.

Sing a New Song: "Now Thank We All Our God

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lessons: Psalm 147, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. I’ve long had the theory that most Christians get their theology from the hymnal – that people believe what they sing in church. And in fact, hymns are theology. They are words about God. So, taking an in-depth look at the hymns we sing is actually important theological study. And that is the study we’re undertaking this summer.

Gabriel Faure's "Requiem"

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Twice every year, the Choir proclaims the Word of God through music. Instead of a sermon this Sunday, we heard the Requiem as it was originally conceived—with a small chamber orchestra, intended to be performed in a church (as opposed to a large concert hall with a full orchestra)

Send Me, Right?

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lessons: Psalm 29: 1-4 and Isaiah 6:1-13. In this familiar and vivid passage, we think about what it means when God asks, "whom shall i send?"

"That's the Spirit!" - Pentecost

Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson Acts 2: 1-21. Today on our 2000th-plus birthday, some might wonder whether we’re beginning to look our age. Maybe we didn’t wear enough sunscreen; maybe we’ve spent too much time being couch potatoes; because in case you hadn’t heard, sitting is the new smoking.

"Children and the Kingdom of God"

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lessons: Mark 9: 30 -32 and Mark 10: 13 -16. We are called to become like children before God, who is waiting for us!

Even on Them, Even on Us

Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Acts 10:44-48. God's word to Peter: "Every one of you is more the same than you are different." God knows no partiality. No partiality. Peter declares that we cannot withhold the symbols of inclusion in the church from anyone who so obviously shows the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This hits us – the church – where we live right now.

Divine Love

Sun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: John 15: 9-17. Though it may require bumper sticker slogans, silly songs, do what ever you can to remember that God loves you. Even remember the words of Fred Rogers, from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood who once said, “when I tell children at the end of my program they are special, I mean it. Because they made it a special day by just being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you. And God loves you just the way you are.”

Good Shepherding

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lessons: Psalm 23, John 10:11-18. A reflection on the 23rd Psalm. The Lord is our Shepherd...the Lord gives us shepherds...the Lord makes us shepherds.

Getting Real

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Lesson: Luke 24:36b-48. During the headlining set by rappers Snoop Dog and Dr. Dre at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival last Sunday, a surprise guest showed up and stole the show--Tupac Shakur. Whatever it was, you can be certain that no one in the audience believed they were seeing and hearing the actual Tupac Shakur, returned from the dead.

Holy Humor Sunday

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Holy Humor Sunday is an old Easter custom begun by the Greeks in the early centuries of Christianity celebrating Jesus’ resurrection with joy and laughter. We carry on this tradition with our own unique flair on the Sunday after Easter.

Wings Like Eagles

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Lesson: Isaiah 40:21-31. A colleague once told me he hoped to write a book someday called, “It Isn’t in the Bible.” It would cover those quotations and words of wisdom that people believe are Scripture – but they aren’t. Like, “God helps those who help themselves.” Not in the Bible...