“In the flush of love’s light / we dare be brave / and suddenly we see / that love costs all we are / and will ever be. / Yet it is only love which sets us free.
Dr. Maya Angelou in her poem “Touched by an Angel.”

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” ― David Richo

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
– Harriet Tubman

“Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, humanity in God, God in humanity, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body.” — Peter Chrysologus

The overwhelming message of the Christmas story is the assurance that we, too, are children of the Holy One. In this, our very presence is a gift if we will only allow the Spirit to move in and through us. Every day of our ordinary lives, we can show up — be present — and proclaim the assurance of hope, peace, joy, and love to those who need it most. Rev. Shirley Bowen

Link to Sermon Order of Worship Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.The Community Gathers:  Experience God’s presence in the assembly.

Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!

Link to Sermon Order of Worship Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter. The Community Gathers:  Experience God’s presence in the

“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” – Henri Nouwen

“The kingdom, Jesus taught, is right here–present yet hidden, immanent yet transcendent. It is at hand–among us and beyond us, now and not-yet. The kingdom of heaven, he said, belongs to the poor, the meek, the peacemakers, the merciful, and those who hunger and thirst for God. It advances not through power and might, but through missions of mercy, kindness, and humility. In this kingdom, many who are last will be first and many who are first will be last.” Rachel Held Evans
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”                     —Thornton Wilder

“To replace the old paradigm of war with a new paradigm of waging peace, we must be pioneers who can push the boundaries of human understanding. We must be doctors who can cure the virus of violence. We must be soldiers of peace who can do more than preach to the choir. And we must be artists who will make the world our masterpiece.”                                                            ~Paul Chappell

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
-Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not
just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation
of human compassion.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

Link to Sermon Order of Worship   Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter. The Community Gathers:  Experience God’s presence in

“Humans are vulnerable and rely on the kindnesses of the earth and the sun; we exist together in a sacred field of meaning.”
– Joy Harjo (member of Muscogee, Creek Nation)

Nothing is sweet or easy about community. Community is a fellowship of people who do not hide their joys and sorrows but make them visible to each other as a gesture of hope.        Henri J.M. Nouwen

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

Focus: “We must learn to acknowledge that the creation is full of mystery; we will never entirely understand it. We must abandon arrogance and stand in awe. We must recover the sense of the majesty of creation, and the ability to be worshipful in its presence. For I do not doubt that it is only on the condition of humility and reverence before the world that our species will be able to remain in it.” – Wendell Berry

Focus: “I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you.”                                               Psalm 141:1

Focus:  “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”   Maya Angelou

Focus: “Some souls just understand each other upon meeting.”
                                                                                      – N.R. Hart