Welcome Home To Your . . .
Your Local & Global Queer Church Community for All A Positive Worship Experience Theme for Today: The Devil You Say Third Sunday After Epiphany January 21st 2024 All Are Welcome!
Opening Prayer (Sunshine Cathedral 2024 Daily Prayer) Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Service of Gathering Welcome
Rev Dr Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister Rev Dr Robert Griffin, Executive Minister
Announcements
One: Let us pray in unison: Right now, I am tapping into the universal life force. I wish for all who are suffering to find relief and hope. I deny fear any power over me. I will be a bright light in the world. I am serene and confident and full of joy. I expect blessings. Nothing is too good for me May we all be strong and wise and loving. May Love heal our world. Let there be peace. Amen.
Rev Dr Anne Atwell Minister of Connections Please rise as you are able.
Introit
God of Wonder, God of Thunder (COCS)
God of wonder, God of thunder, God of impact and release, God of riddle and of reason, God of passion and of peace – to your mystery and marvel we return to give you praise, every year with you beginning to the closing of our days.
Prophetic Witness
Come and Go with Me
Come and go with me to that land, come and go with me to that land, come and go with me to that land where I’m bound (where I’m bound).
For we name you and we claim you, Father, Mother, Spirit, Friend: you are vision past our vision, you are end beyond our end; all the circles, all the cycles of our little finite phase now we give into your keeping, trusting you through all our days.
Come and go with me to that land, come and go with me to that land, come and go with me to that land where I’m bound. There’ll be freedom in that land, there’ll be freedom in that land, there’ll be freedom in that land where I’m bound (where I’m bound).
Sunshine Cathedral Affirmation Sunshine Cathedral is a different kind of church where: *Our God is love. *Kindness is our worship. *Compassion is our prayer. *The sacred value of all people is our creed; and *Healing the hurts caused by hatred is our mission.
There’ll be freedom in that land, there’ll be freedom in that land, there’ll be freedom in that land where I’m bound. Please be seated. Clarion Call
The Call to Worship One: This is the day that has been made. All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Sung Response There’ll be justice in that land, there’ll be justice in that land, there’ll be justice in that land where I’m bound (where I’m bound).
Service of Praise
Crucifer - Deacon Lydya Chapman Processional Hymn Love Knocks and Waits for Us to Hear
There’ll be justice in that land, there’ll be justice in that land, there’ll be justice in that land where I’m bound.
Love knocks and waits for us to hear, to open and invite: Love longs to quiet every fear, and seeks to set things right.
Service of Proclamation
Love offers life, in spite of foes, who threaten and condemn; embracing enemies, Love goes the second mile with them.
The Wisdom of Daisaku Ikeda Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Love comes to heal the broken heart, to ease the troubled mind; without a word Love bids us start to ask and seek and find.
Nichiren [Daishonin] explained that to know oneself is to know all things in the universe. When you change, your environment changes, too. When your inner resolve changes, everything is transformed; this principle is summed up by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s maxim, ‘Nothing’s outside that’s not within.’
Love knocks and enters at the sound of welcome from within; Love sings and dances all around, and feels new life begin.
In these human words, God's voice is heard. Thanks be to God. Please rise as you are able. 2
The Good News According to Mark (5.1-15, New Jerusalem Bible) Rev Dr Anne Atwell
Pastoral Prayer and Affirmations Sign of Peace
They reached the territory of the Gerasenes on the other side of the lake, and when [Jesus] disembarked, a man with an unclean spirit at once came out from the tombs towards him. The man lived in the tombs and no one could secure him anymore, even with a chain…no one had the strength to control him. All night and all day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he would howl and gash himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and fell at his feet and shouted at the top of his voice, 'What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? In God's name do not torture me!' For Jesus had been saying to him, 'Come out of the man, unclean spirit.' Then [Jesus] asked, 'What is your name?' He answered, 'My name is Legion, for there are many of us.' And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the district. Now on the mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding, and the unclean spirits begged him, 'Send us to the pigs, let us go into them.' So he gave them leave. With that, the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs, and the herd of about two thousand pigs charged down the cliff into the lake, and there they were drowned. The men looking after them ran off and told their story in the city and in the country round about; and the people came to see what had really happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there -- the man who had had the legion in him -- properly dressed and in his full senses…
You’ve got to ac-cent-u-ate the positive, e-lim-inate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mister In-between. You’ve got to spread joy up to the maximum, bring gloom down to the minimum, have faith or pandemonium li’ble to walk upon the scene. We better ac-cent-u-ate the positive, e-lim-inate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Missus In-between.
Service of Sacraments Sacrament of Sharing (Tithes & Offerings) Rev Dr Robert Griffin Offering Prayer
9AM Rev Marian Cavagnaro/10:30AM Deacon Michael Karban
One: Because we value our community and believe in our inspired mission, because we want every person to live with hope and joy, and because we know that even a little can mean a lot, we participate in the Sacrament of Sharing, the joyful giving of resources meant to help more and more people discover that they are God’s miracle and not God’s mistake. All: We give what we can and do so with love. Every dime and every dollar given with the intention to bless others will make a difference in someone’s life. This brings us joy, and in this way, we worship. God bless our gifts to faithful service, for the sake of your love. Amen.
In these human words, God's voice is heard. Thanks be to God. Please be seated. The Anthem
Homily
Prayer Chorus
Offering Music
Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat Music & Lyrics: Frank Loesser Performed by Aaron Ball
Halos & Horns By Dolly Parton Performed By Christopher Hamblin Rise as you are able.
Doxology
Rev Dr Durrell Watkins The Devil You Say
Altar Call and Anointing
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
What Gift Can We Bring?
The gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it, the joy of this day!
Please rise as you are able.
When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honor and praise!
You Are My Hiding Place
You are my hiding place, you always fill my heart with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. I will trust in you. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong in the strength of our God.’ You are my hiding place, you always fill my heart with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. 3
Sacrament of Hospitality
Sung Response One bread, one body, one Lord within; one cup of blessing which we bless, and we, though many throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
We Remember Johnathan Stewart Bob Cammer Dennis Harrington Jay Trickey Alvin Miller Thelma Roberts Richard Altman Frank Servidio
01/21/1987 James Gross 01/21/1990 Michael Burgess 01/21/1990 Jose Santiago 01/21/1990 Pete Fox 01/23/1998 Michael Camp 01/24/1984 Larry Reed 01/25/1994 Carlos Hernandez 01/25/1995
01/26/1993 01/26/1996 01/26/1997 01/26/2004 01/26/2022 01/27/2002 01/27/2014
Invitation to Communion
One: These are the gifts of God for all the people of God. All: Thanks be to God. Communion is Shared The ushers will direct you row by row to come forward for Communion. If you would like a communion kit to serve yourself communion in your seat, tell your usher. “Taste and see that God is good.”
Eucharistic Intentions and Intercessions Rev Kevin Tisdol We pray for all seekers of Truth, may they discover an Abiding Peace.
Communion Song
We pray for all who govern that they may work tirelessly for justice, peace, and goodwill.
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me; let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be, with God our creator, family all are we. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
We pray for any who might be hurting and we give thanks for grace equal to every need. We pray for those who grieve; may they be comforted. We bless the memories of our (+) dearly departed, and we allow ourselves to be blessed by those memories.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow: to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
We affirm blessings for all who are on our prayer list and all who are on our hearts.
Prayer of Thanksgiving 9AM Rev Kevin Tisdol / 10:30AM Deacon Michael Karban
And with people all over the world we pray,
Please rise as you are able.
May peace prevail on earth!
The Prayer of Protection
These prayers we offer in the names of all helpers of humanity, and in the spirit of Jesus, son of Mary, as we continue to pray as Jesus taught us:
The light of God surrounds us; the love of God enfolds us. The power of God protects us; the presence of God watches over us. Wherever we are, God is.
Model Prayer Creator which art in heaven, hallowed be thy names. Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And leave us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kin-dom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Benediction
Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Final Song
This Little Light of Mine
Commissioning One: Our worship has ended. Let our service begin! All: Thanks be to God!
Please be seated. The Lord’s Supper
Rev Dr Anne Atwell
Postlude
Rev Marian Cavagnaro
Celebrant: We celebrate this Eucharist to the glory of God and with special intentions for peace in our world. In an upper room in Jerusalem, before being arrested, Jesus sat at table with friends for a Passover meal. After supper, he took a piece of leftover bread and asked that his friends (+) remember him when sharing the ritual meal. Then he took Elijah’s cup, and likewise asked that in future, during the feast, he be (+) remembered. 4
Barbara Ramcharitar
made by narrow minded people who insist they know who you are better than you do. The transgender experience, like the non-binary experience, or the cisgender experience, is miraculous. Feel free to celebrate you without worrying that God will be bothered. I honestly believe that God is love, and love delights when we discover and celebrate who we really are. A PRAYER FOR 2024 by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins (Put this prayer where you will see it every day and use it throughout 2024) Right now, I am tapping into the universal life force. I wish for all who are suffering to find relief and hope. I deny fear any power over me. I will be a bright light in the world. I am serene and confident and full of joy. I expect blessings. Nothing is too good for me. May we all be strong and wise and loving. May Love heal our world. Let there be peace. Amen.
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK Divine Error? by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins (Senior Minister, Sunshine Cathedral) My saying at the church I led in New Jersey ages ago was: “Believe in the God who believes in you.” I would never say that today. Not that’s its wrong, it just doesn’t offer enough to a diversity of religious experiences. My saying at Sunshine Cathedral lo these many years has been, “You are God’s miracle and not God’s mistake.” I feel better about that one. In this saying one can easily substitute “Love” or “Life” or “Reality” or “the Universe” or “a Higher Power” for “God” without changing the intent or impact of the statement. In this saying we focus on the miracle of diversity, the miracle of uniqueness, the miracle of expression…we are a miracle and not a mistake! No wonder this pithy aphorism has long outlived the one I used years and years ago. In social media conversations, people will often say that identifying as transgender suggests that God made a mistake. Ah, here the saying comes in handy again. “You are God’s miracle, not God’s mistake.” They act as if God creates us in a lab and chooses our gender, eye color, height, chooses whether or not our hair will curl, be straight, or abandon scalps prematurely. But of course, many factors go into our becoming who we are, and God piecing us together like a Lego creation isn’t one of them. God isn’t a person in a control room mapping out ever detail of every person’s life. God is the ground of being, the life that is present in all lives, the ocean made up of countless drops that is also part of and within every drop. A transgender experience isn’t a divine error, isn’t Nature’s hiccup, isn’t some sort of flaw. The trans experience is one of many possible experiences within the beautiful diversity of life. Sometimes we discover things about ourselves that differ from assumptions we made or that others made about us. That’s growth, that’s discovery, that’s living in openness to more than we’ve known so far. It’s all part of the miracle of life. Less than 2% of us will call ourselves transgender, will experience gender differently than people looking at us at birth expected us to. That’s not an insult to God and it isn’t wrong of us to share our truth. The Power that was in the evolution of the herring and the hippo, the beetle and the badger, the cat and the cobra, the donkey and dolphin, clearly appreciates diversity and difference. If you are transgender, that is what you are and it isn’t a mistake. The mistake is
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is TODAY, January 21, immediately following the 10:30 am service. The meeting is usually under an hour. Everyone is welcome and members are encouraged to attend. WHAT KIND OF CHURCH IS THIS? - Sunshine Cathedral is a progressive, inclusive church where we focus on love rather than dogma and on relationships more than religious rules. We have several programs meant to help, entertain, and encourage people. We are part of the LGBTQ+ community but not limited to that community. We emerge from the Christian tradition but our community is not limited to Christians. Our Affirmation may best describe who we are and what we are about: "Sunshine Cathedral is a different kind of church, where our our God is love, kindness is our worship, compassion is our prayer, the sacred value of all people is our creed, and healing the hurts caused by hatred is our mission." MUSIC MINISTRY RECRUITMENT - seeking voices for Sunshine Cathedral’s Choir. We’re ready to start preparing for our annual Good Friday musical event. Please see Sara Burns or Barbara Ramcharitar after Services today if you are interested in joining the Good Friday choir. SCCPA – Tonight, Sunday, January 21, SC Center for Performing Arts presents - Alex Roitman Tango Ensemble (ARTE). Led by bandoneon player Alex Roitman, ARTE is a Sarasota-based group performing exciting authentic Argentine Tango music. For Tix: sunshinecathedral.org/arts SCCPA – Friday, January 26, SC Center for the Performing Arts presents Christopher Hamblin in "Here in the South". Join Christopher Hamblin as he weaves together songs and stories of his religious upbringing in Tennessee with his original songs (and some Dolly Parton tunes for good measure.) 5
SunBurst Cathedral News
In this autobiographical musical journey, Christopher will return to his Southern musical roots and examine what it means to be different in, and make it out of such a restricting mountain environment. You’ll get to see Christopher in his natural environment, and at his most vulnerable. “Miss Hamblin the Ivory Tickler” will surely take us to church in more ways than one! SunshineCathedral.org/arts Tickets sale are non-refundable.
Sunshine Cathedral Weekly Financial Information
SCCPA - Saturday, January 27, Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with ArtsUnited presents - Alexander Zenoz: "Alexander and the Birds of Paradise" “Alexander Zenoz, a first-generation Cuban American born and raised in Miami, a city deeply rooted in art and music, leads this talented ensemble. For more than 10 years, Zenoz has worked professionally as an artist throughout Florida, New York and California. He has been a solo performer with the Symphony of the Americas at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, starred as the opening act for Deborah Cox at the SAVE Organization's annual fundraising gala at the New World Center and been featured in local film and television. With this new concert in a greatest showman-like experience, Zenoz brings together singers and musicians in celebration of the diversity of life. “Alexander and the Birds of Paradise” will bring new thought-provoking entertainment that stands apart from the rest. Ticket purchases are non refundable. SunshineCathedral.org/arts
Financial Data Snapshot: 14 January 2024
Weekly Generosity Income Needed $12,043.96 Generosity Income Received $11,910.53 ($133.43) Our Abundance and/or (Need) Per Capita Giving $15.26 SC Square Worship Services SC Global Fellowship People at SC Square (Weekly Avg) Food Sharing Ministry - Total Reached
268 189,213 6,000
Detailed information located at SunshineCathedral.org Any questions email: Robert@SunshineCathedral.net
Donating to Sunshine Cathedral Venmo or CashApp Venmo - @SunshineCathedral CashApp - $SunshineCathedral Text to Give - 954.399.7333
GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP – Those who don’t live locally but who wish to be part of the Sunshine Cathedral community can learn about the Sunshine Cathedral Global Fellowship by visiting SunshineCathedral.org OUR SUNDAY BROADCAST is made possible by Happening Out Television Network and donors who support our televised ministry. Happening Out is housed at Sunshine Cathedral Square. Happening Out programming can be viewed on YouTube, Facebook, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku. SAINTS OF THE WEEK January 21: St. Agnes (d. 304?)— Traditionally, a young teenager from a wealthy Roman family who refused to marry or to worship non-Christian deities. She was condemned first to a brothel, and then to death. January 22: Alexander Men (1935-1990)—Russian Orthodox priest and martyr. As Russia entered a phase of rapid change under Gorbachev, reactionary forces murdered him with an ax blow to his head while on his way to church. January 24: St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)—Bishop of Geneva, a stronghold of Protestant Calvinism where Catholics were persecuted. Rather than respond defensively, Francis chose to demonstrate love and self- sac6
Silent Helpers Prayer Ministry
rifice in the face of hatred. He helped found an order in which women, rather than living separate cloistered lives, became engaged in helping people in need. He taught that the path to holiness was open to lay persons in the world, not just the clergy. He is known as the patron saint of writers.
WE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING... Winsome M.; Kevin & Kelli; Vicky; John; Laura; Katy; Phyllis; Margie; Becky; Wilfredo; Byron Y.; Anita; Christie; Norma & Jean; those who are incarcerated; Glenn; Martin; Crystal; Colleen; Courtney; Jamie; Wendy; Davila; SD & KW; Lenae; CH; James M.; an underground lgbtq church in Kenya; all who suffer from war, oppression, bigotry, or dis-ease;
Florence Li-Tim Oi (1907 – 1992) - the first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Communion (Hong Kong, Jan. 24, 1944). Thurgood Marshall (1908 – 1993) – the first African American US Solicitor General and the first African American Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. He argued (and won) the legendary Brown v. Board of Education, ending legal racial segregation in the public schools. As a lawyer, he argued 32 cases before SCOTUS (winning 29) and as Solicitor General he argued 19 cases for the government (winning 14). Marshall was graduated first in his class from Howard University Law School and as a jurist was prochoice. a
Susan S.; Millie Y.; Mary K.; Laura; Tadd; Barb; Carlos C.; Wolf family; Joe B.; Dee; Al; Nancy S.; Jeral; Lewis family; Joanie; Brian; MM & CT: GG; Elaine; Colleen; Courtney; Jamie; Meg; M. Joseph; Michael; Melissa; Lewis family; Ren's mom; Charles & Christine (OBM); Lois; Gina; Karen, Cathy, & Mama Tu; WL; Beth; Millie; Bolane & others harmed in Nigeria; One who struggles inwardly;
January 25: Apostle Paul – Thirteen books of the New Testament claim to be written by the Apostle Paul. Today, scholarly consensus is that Paul actually only wrote seven epistles that made it into the New Testament. His writings predate the gospels. The First Letter to the Thessalonians is thought to be the oldest book in the New Testament. According to scripture, Paul was a lay scholar who violently opposed the Jesus Movement but who on the Damascus Road had a mystical experience of Christ and thereafter claimed to be an Apostle commissioned by the Risen Christ to call others to follow the Christ-Way. Some scholars see evidence of Paul having a gay orientation.
all who worship with us online and their various concerns; Troy & Phillip; Don E.; those in nursing care and assisted living facilities; LGBTQ+ communities; Global Justice Institute; DSFI; INTA; the Sunshine Cathedral ministries, members, and friends LET US PRAY... Let us open our hearts to embrace these who have been entrusted to the care of our prayers, and let us open our hearts to anyone, to everyone who suffers pain, fear, lack, or oppression. Let us be lights of love in the world to guide others toward hope. Let us know peace so that we can share peace. Let us see a divine spark in every person. And let us wish every person a life full of love, joy, and fulfillment. Amen.
January 26: Ss. Timothy & Titus – Companions of the Apostle Paul. The first and second letters to Timothy and the Letter to Titus in the New Testament are traditionally considered to be authored by Paul. We now believe that those three letters were written 50-100 years after the Apostle Paul’s death. David Kato - Ugandan LGBTQ rights activist, is considered a father of Uganda’s gay rights movement. He was beaten to death on Jan. 26, 2011 in a case that some blame on homophobic religious rhetoric.
REMEMBER Prayers can be submitted via SunshineCathedral.org or by emailing any SC clergyperson. You can hear a prayer at anytime by calling 954.462.2004 (press 6).
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Sunshine Cathedral Church Affiliates
The Cathedral Staff
Divine Science Federation International Council of Community Churches International New Thought Alliance Metropolitan Community Churches
1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315 954.462.2004 SunshineCathedral.org
Sunshine Cathedral Programming
Executive Leadership Team
Administration Ministry Assisted Living Facility Ministry Broadcasting Ministry Center for the Performing Arts Local & National Partnership Ministry Food Sharing Ministry Global Fellowship Ministry Global Justice Institute Partnership Music Ministry SAGE - Friendly Visitor Program Samaritan Institute Sunshine Social Services - SunServe Social Justice Ministry Advisory Team Sunshine Cathedral Foundation Wellness Ministry Worship Ministry
Rev. Durrell Watkins, DMin, Senior Minister Rev. Robert Griffin, DMin, Executive Minister Rev. Anne Atwell, DMin, Minister of Connections Rev. Kevin Tisdol, Minister of Education Mr. Darren Loli - Director of Communications Mrs. Sara Burns, Co-Director of Worship Arts & Vocalist Ms. Barbara Ramcharitar, Co-Director of Worship Arts & Organist
Artists-in-Residence
Jessica Borbone, Vocalist Gabe Salazar, Vocalist Aaron Ball, Vocalist Teresa Flores, Percussion Felipe Diaz, Percussion Laura Gonzalez, Violin David Suarez, Flute Jihong Adams-Park, DMA, Pianist Kurt Litzenberger, Set/Sound & Lighting Phi McChesney, Handbell Director
Sunshine Cathedral Partnership
Support Ministries Leaders
American Red Cross | South Florida Region BOLD Justice Broward House Broward Women's Chorus Campbell's Company Care Plus Care Resource The Cupboard - Kosher Pantry Feeding South Florida Fort Lauderdale Seventh-Day Adventist Church Gateway Terrace Apartments Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida Happening Out TV Network Homeless Outreach - Hollywood Latinos Salud Medflo (ALF) Opera Fusion Our Fund The Pantry of Broward Paradise Manor (ALF) Presidential Place (ALF) Pride Center Project Lifeline (United Way) Publix The Residences at Equality Park SAGE Salvation Army - Fort Lauderdale Chapter South Florida Hunger Coalition TLC Little Free Pantry Unlimited Healthcare Williamsburg Landing (ALF) Women in Distress
Rev. BK Hipsher, DMin, Virtual Minister Rev. Kurt Krieger, Seasonal Members Chaplain Rev. Marian Cavagnaro, Hospice Chaplain Rev. Ren Bell, Hospice Chaplain Rev. Lynda Pantoja, Interfaith Spirituality Rev. Margarita Rodriguez, Minister of Spiritual Companionship Deacon Ed Huckemeyer, DD, Diaconal Minister of Pastoral Care Deacon Jean Johnson, Community Chaplain Deacon Lydya Chapman, Women’s Ministries Deacon Michael Karban, Diaconal Minister of the Chancel Deacon Sue Gallagher, EdD, Teaching Associate Peggy Brereton, Usher Team Leader Trevor Stewart, Bookkeeper
Consultant
Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Systems & Leadership
Officers of Sunshine Cathedral Board of Directors Gary Grieve, Chair, Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, Vice-Chair; Linda Edin, Secretary; Lynda Pantoja,Treasurer, BOD@sunshinecathedral.org
Chair of Sunshine Cathedral Foundation Phil McChesney Info@SunFound.org
Sunshine Cathedral Two Sunday morning services 9:00am & 10:30am (Live Broadcast) Sunday 5:00pm in Second Life 1480 SW 9th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 954.462.2004
Note: Sunshine Cathedral is not liable for any vehicle incident, including acts of nature, while attending any events. CCLI - Copyright: 11274929 | CCLI - Streaming Plus: 20947089 CCLV - Video: 21-03857842
SunshineCathedral.org 8