Your Local & Global Queer Church Community for All A Positive Worship Experience
Theme for Today: To Care is to Share
Second Sunday in Lent
February 25th 2024
All Are Welcome!
Service of Gathering
Welcome Rev Dr Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister Rev Dr Robert Griffin, Executive Minister
Announcements
Rev Dr Anne Atwell Minister of Connections
Please rise as you are able.
Introit An Evening Prayer (AAHH)
If I have wounded any soul today, if I have caused one foot to stray, if I have walked in my own willful way, dear God, forgive.
If I have uttered idle words or vain, if I have turned aside from want or pain, lest I offend some other through the strain, dear God, forgive.
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.
The Call to Worship
One: This is the day that has been made. All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Service of Praise
Crucifer - Deacon Sue GallagherProcessional Hymn I Love To Tell The Story (CoCS)
I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story because I know it’s true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story; ‘twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story it did so much for me, and that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
I love to tell the story; ‘twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story; ‘tis pleasant to repeat what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard the song of liberation from God’s own holy word.
I love to tell the story; ‘twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest.
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, ‘twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story; ‘twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
Opening Prayer (Sunshine Cathedral 2024 Daily Prayer) Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
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.
Prophetic Witness
Heal Our World
Heal our world, Spirit, heal our world; Hear our cry and turn our nations back to you.
Lord, heal our world, hear us, O Lord, and heal our world; Receive our prayer and heal our broken world. Receive our prayer and heal our broken world.
Please be seated.
Clarion Call Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Sung Response
Heal our world, Spirit, heal our world;
Hear our cry and turn our nations back to you.
Lord, heal our world, hear us, O Lord, and heal our world; Receive our prayer and heal our broken world. Receive our prayer and heal our broken world.
Service of Proclamation
The Wisdom of Coretta Scott King Rev Dr Anne Atwell
“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.”
In these human words, God's voice is heard.
Thanks be to God.
The Wisdom of Amanda Gorman
“There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.”
In these human words, God's voice is heard. Thanks be to God.
Please rise as you are able.
The Good News According to Mark
(10.1-11, 13-14, 16-18, 21-23 New Jerusalem Bible)
Rev Dr Anne Atwell
Some Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?' They were putting him to the test.
He answered them, 'What did Moses command you?'
They replied, 'Moses allowed us to draw up a writ of dismissal in cases of divorce.'
Then Jesus said to them, 'It was because you were so hard hearted that he wrote this commandment for you.
But from the beginning of creation he made them...
This is why a man leaves his father and mother, and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh.
So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide.'
Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery.
People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them,
but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the Realm of God belongs.
Then he…laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.
He was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
Jesus looked steadily at him and he was filled with love for him, and he said, “…Go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.'
But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the Realm of God!'
In these human words, God's voice is heard.
Thanks be to God.
The Anthem
Please be seated
I'm Goin' Up A Yonder
By Walter HawkinsPerformed By Rev Dr Robert
Griffin & EnsembleHomily To Care is to Share – Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Altar Call and Anointing
Please rise as you are able.
Prayer Chorus
Abide with Me
Abide with me; the dawn of day is here; Darkness is vanished, light is shining clear; Truth’s glorious message makes the glad earth free; O holy Comforter, abide with me!
I need Thy presence, satisfying, pure; All else is changing, Thou alone art sure. Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through joy eternal, Lord, abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy Truth before my wondering sight; Shine in my soul, fill me with life and light; Heav’n’s morning breaks, its glory now I see; Thou in rich blessing dost abide in me.
Pastoral Prayer and Affirmations
Sign of Peace Walk Together Children
Work together children, don’t you get weary, work together children, don’t you get weary, work together children, don’t you get weary, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land. We’re gonna work and never tire, work and never tire, work and never tire, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.
Sing together children, don’t you get weary, sing together children, don’t you get weary, sing together children, don’t you get weary, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land. We’re gonna sing and never tire, sing and never tire, sing and never tire, there’s a great camp meeting in the promised land.
Volunteer Award Presentation (10:30)
Service of Sacraments
Sacrament of Sharing (Tithes & Offerings)
Rev Dr Robert Griffin
Offering Prayer
9:00 Rev Kevin Tisdol /10:30 Deacon Ed Huckemeyer
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.
Offering Music
Partita in A Minor - Sarabande
By J.S. BachPerformed By David Suarez
Rise as you are able.
Doxology
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.
Please be seated.
Glorify Thy Name
O God, we love you, we worship and adore you; glorify your names in all the earth.
Glorify your names, glorify your names, glorify your names in all the earth
Sacrament of Hospitality We Remember
Justin Flippen 02/25/2020
Daryl Bouck 02/26/1994
Dee Degner 02/28/1994
Don Bennett 02/28/2005
Eucharistic Intentions & Intercessions
9:00 Rev Kevin Tisdol /10:30 Deacon Ed Huckemeyer
One: Our hearts are set on God’s loving presence. Let us affirm our trust in God.
All: I believe in God, the Good, and in the message and mission of God’s anointed prophet, Jesus the Wayshower, who was born of Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was executed for empowering the powerless and restoring the dignity of the marginalized, and yet he lives in our hearts and ministry. I believe in the omnipresent power of divine Love, in the Blessed Community, in the sacred value of all people, and in life without end. Amen.
Rev Marian Cavagnaro
Mother-Father God, we affirm blessings for all who are on the Cathedral’s prayer list and for all who are on our hearts. We trust you to lead, guide, and direct each of us in the ways of happiness, well-being, and right action. We pray for those who hold authority in the nations of the world that they may be guided by wisdom and motivated by a love of justice and peace. We pray for our departed loved ones, (+) let light perpetual shine upon them. And with people all over the world we pray, May peace prevail on earth!
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 Lord’s Supper
9:00 Rev Dr Anne Atwell /10:30 Deacon Ed Huckemeyer
Celebrant: We celebrate this Eucharist to the glory of God and with special intentions for peace in our world.
Rev Marian Cavagnaro & Rev Kevin Tisdol
One: Referring to the Christian Mass, Thich Nhat Hanh said: “This piece of bread is the body of the whole cosmos. Look deeply and you notice the sunshine in the bread, the blue sky in the bread, the cloud and the great earth in the bread...What is not in a piece of bread? The whole cosmos has come together in order to bring to you this piece of bread. Eat it in such a way that you come alive, truly alive.”
One: The Apostle Paul wrote, “Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the life of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.”
All: At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “When you share this feast, (+) remember me.”
In his name, we share grape and grain, love and life. Amen.
Sung Response
For bread before us broken, for wine before us poured, for words which you have spoken, we give you thanks, O Lord.
In prayer that we’ll be strengthened and be again restored, in faith that you will aid us, we seek your table, Lord.
Invitation to Communion
Rev Dr Robert Griffin
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.”
Communion Song
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Be Still
9:00- Rev Kevin Tisdol / 10:30 - Deacon Ed Huckemeyer
Noisy Offering
Please rise as you are able.
The Prayer of Protection
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.
Benediction Rev Dr Durrell Watkins
Final Song Dwelling in Beulah Land
Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling; Then I know the pains of earth beset on ev’ry hand. Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling;
none of these shall move me from Beulah Land.
I’m living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky (praise God).
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry. O yes, I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation; hearing now a blessed voice, I see the way God planned. Dwelling in the Spirit here, I learn of liberation. Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land.
I’m living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky (praise God).
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry. O yes, I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
I’m living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky (praise God).
I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry. O yes, I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.
Commissioning
One: Our worship has ended. Let our service begin!
All: Thanks be to God!
Postlude
Barbara Ramcharitar
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
A Spiritual Realm?
by Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins (Senior Minister, Sunshine Cathedral)
Theatres are comfortable homes for ghosts, or so the tradition holds. The “ghost light” (the bulb that stays lit when the theatre is empty and otherwise dark) is meant to be a safety measure (a night light of sorts) but it is also said to keep the ghosts content.
Why should theatres be haunted? Some say that spirits enjoy entertainment as much as anyone, why wouldn’t they like hanging out in theatres? Others will point out that theatre is the very means of making magic: on the boards is where you’ll find genies and sugar plum fairies, philosophical caterpillars and singing lions, and possibly even a six foot rabbit! Entire towns and families come to life, phantoms sing, and soldiers perish one night only to live again and die again the very next night. In such a world of magic, one might expect, or at least not be surprised by, the presence of ghosts.
And energy, as we know, is never destroyed. Everything is energy. The energy that playwrights and actors and directors (and even audiences who must lend the energy of their imagination to the enterprise) exert in creating characters’ lives and relationships is not destroyed; could it be that some of it remains, at least for a while, on or near the stage where it took form and expression?
I point out the tradition of theatre ghosts as a way of giving myself permission (and you too, if you’d like) to entertain other spirits, angels, ancestors, fairies, saints and the like. Of course, Jesus lives among us, and perhaps Blessed Mary, too. Maybe archangels watch over us and departed loved ones still hug us in non-material ways. Why shouldn’t the energy of heroes and friends, historical and imagined, remain with us to keep us company, to give us inspiration, and to remind us that what we put out into the world lasts far beyond our earthly years?
This Season of Lent is leading us to Easter, a time when we will affirm that one who was taken from us somehow remained and remains with us. Our worship, prayer, study, and other spiritual disciplines are adding to a ubiquitous and everlasting energy, a resurrection power, that is always present to bless, comfort, encourage, and renew.
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.
