This Week in Worship: COMMUN(i)TY with Senior Pastor, Reverend Brent Ross, at Normal Heights United Methodist Church in San Diego, California, United States for Thursday, 20 August 2015
What you'll find in this week's email:
• This Week in Worship:
COMMUN(i)TY
• THE JUNGLE BOOK this Saturday @ Sunset! Volunteers Needed!
• Youth Lock In ( This Sat - Sun • 6:30p - 11:30a )
• Faith on Tap ( Next Thursday • 6:30p - 8:00p )
• August & September Playgroups (Tues, Thurs, Fri • 10:00a - 11:30a)
• Saying Goodbye to Our Interns!
The other night I walked into a friend’s house and was immediately struck by a work of art they had recently purchased while on a vacation. At first glance, it seemed to be just a tangle of metal supported by a frame, but as I walked closer… a shape began to emerge. From both its own form and its shadow, there was an unmistakable human form in the tangle. If you looked at it directly, the form seemed to disappear. But when stepping back and taking it all in, it (or I should say she) was certainly there. It was almost impossible, though, to say where the individual human form started...
Click to Continue to Pastor Brent's Blog
"COMMUN(i)TY" by Rev Brent Ross
The other night I walked into a friend’s house and immediately was struck by a work of art they had recently purchased while on a vacation. While at first glance it seemed to be just a tangle of metal supported by a frame, as I walked closer…a vague shape began to emerge. From both its shadow and it’s own form there was a human form hinted at in the tangle. But if I looked at it directly, the form seemed to disappear. Upon stepping back and taking it all in, it (or I should say she) was certainly there.
It was almost impossible, though, to say where the individual human form started. There was really just a tangle of wires. Individual strands, like connections, but only where they were most dense something else happened…a form emerged. A shape cast a shadow. In that collection of single wires that connected one side of the frame to the other-somehow in that a human shape was created. A human form with no real definite boundaries or specific edges, but a human form nonetheless.
“It’s church,” I thought. We too are not just single, solitary individuals, but we are this collection of connections and relationships. Who I am is not just me, but it is my relationships here in this place and with these people. Our edges, like the work of art, are vague, inter-connected and indefinite. Community is what we see first, but I believe our individual forms come later…if only like a shadow.
I think every week, in some way, I want to remind us of this. That what it means to be the Body of Christ is not that we are just a chunk of individuals trying to be something else, but that we already are something more! Often the world tells us over and over that we are just individuals and islands to ourselves. But, the edges of our life are so vague! Our concerns, worries and joys are made up of each other’s lives, joys and worries. My joy is found in Linda and Gerry’s wedding and marriage, and my concerns are the prayers of worry on our prayer wall. We are not selves becoming community, but we are a COMMUN(i)TY in which we may see ourselves later.
This week our Scripture passage reminds us of this in a really important way. A man named Zacchaeus, who has been told that he doesn’t belong to God’s work in Christ, gets pulled in to that work in a profound way. Jesus declares that the home of Zacchaeus is also where Christ will live for a night. Jesus, in his self-invitation, has no strong sense of boundaries or borders, but instead finds his home with Zacchaeus…despite what other people may say! Jesus practices with him what God does with us-a blurring of lives, sorrows and joys. And this is what we practice with each other in order to live faithful lives. Lives that are like sacred art-tangled up with each other as we find ourselves and God.
We’ll see you on Sunday and if you’d like to read the story of Zacchaeus you can find it here.
Text for Sunday, 23 August 2015 is: Luke 19:1-10
Scripture: Luke 19:1 Yeshua entered Yericho and was passing through, 2 when a man named Zakkai appeared who was a chief tax-collector and a wealthy man. 3 He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn’t, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed a fig tree in order to see him, for Yeshua was about to pass that way. 5 When he came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zakkai! Hurry! Come down, because I have to stay at your house today!” 6 He climbed down as fast as he could and welcomed Yeshua joyfully. 7 Everyone who saw it began muttering, “He has gone to be the house-guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zakkai stood there and said to the Lord, “Here, Lord, I am giving half of all I own to the poor; and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” 9 Yeshua said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as this man too is a son of Avraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for: Luke 19:1-10Verse 2
[2] And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
The chief of the publicans — What we would term, commissioner of the customs. A very honourable as well as profitable place.
Verse 4
[4] And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
And running before — With great earnestness.
He climbed up — Notwithstanding his quality: desire conquering honour and shame.
Verse 5
[5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Jesus said, Zaccheus, make haste and come down — What a strange mixture of passions must Zaccheus have now felt, hearing one speak, as knowing both his name and his heart!
Verse 7
[7] And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
They all murmured — All who were near: though most of them rather out of surprise than indignation.
Verse 8
[8] And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
And Zaccheus stood — Showing by his posture, his deliberate, purpose and ready mind, and said, Behold, Lord, I give - I determine to do it immediately.
Verse 9
[9] And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
He also is a son of Abraham — A Jew born, and as such has a right to the first offer of salvation.
Verse 10
[10] For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:11.
Sermon Story "Seeking Others" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 23 August 2015 from the Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Lyrics
Zaccheus was a wee, little man,
And a wee, little man was he.
He climbed up in a sycamore tree,
For the Lord he wanted to see.
And as the Savior came that way,
He looked up in the tree,
Spoken: And he said,"Zaccheus, you come down from there,"
For I'm going to your house today.
For I'm going to your house today.
Actions
Zaccheus was a wee, little man,
Place hands in front, right palm raised above left as if measuring
And a wee, little man was he.
Place palms closer
He climbed up in a sycamore tree,
Pretend to climb, alternating hands
For the Lord he wanted to see. Shade eyes and look down
And as the Savior came that way,
Swing arms as if walking
He looked up in the tree,
Shade eyes and look up
And he said,"Zaccheus, you come down from there,"
Guesture with hand "Come"
For I'm going to your house today.
For I'm going to your house today.
Clap to the beat
Just maybe there is more to this story of God's Grace than we really understand. Yes, we understand that Zaccaeus was a small man and wanted to see Jesus, but either Jesus or Zachaeus could have beensmall in statue because there was a crowd around Jesus were the people could have blocked anybody's view from seeing Jesus if they were on the sidelines. Anyway, Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the treee and said to him to come down for Jesus is going to eat at your house or home today. Too many of the crowd this was disturbing becuase even though Zachaeus was a Jew, he compromised and worked for the government which was oppressing the Jews and even collecting Roman taxes. Zachaeus immediately confessed and repented of any sins he may have committed against anybody by paying returibution of half his income to the poor than giving four times what he took from people fraudalently. Jesus responded to Zacchaeus confession by saying that acchaeus is a true son of Abraham and that Jesus came to save the lost children of Israel. How should we respond to the marginalized of society, especially the people wo are differetnly abled? First, we should recognize that the people who are differently abled are children of God wo are Beloved of God. Second, we should recognize that they eac have their God-given gifts to give back to God's church to invite and disciple people into the faith of Jesus.Too often, people who are differently abled have been excluded from the church or part of the activities of the church and confess our sins as we come an eat the Body of Jesus and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As we come to receive from God, we come singing the Hymn "Out in the highways and byways of life" by Ira Bishop Wilson (1880-1950)
1. Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, every moment you live.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
3. Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
We still need vounteers @ 5:30pm on Saturday! If you'd like to help out, please contact Pastor Brent at brent@nhunited.org
This Saturday is NHUMC's final Movie Night of the Summer! This is a great opportunity to get out, join your neighbors, enjoy your local parks and have a fun, free evening under the stars. We'll be hosting The Jungle Book this Saturday, starting at sunset in Adams Park. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket, food and a friend.. and of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without an intermission dance party! Visit nhmovies.org for more info, and mark your calendars now for the Community Association's final showing of The Mask at sunset in Ward Canyon Park on September 12th!
A reminder for all who signed up for the Youth Lock In for kids entering 5th-8th grade! Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, PJ's, personal toiletries, a change of clothes, and a sleeping mat if you have one! We'll be having dinner and a movie in the park starting at 6:30pm this Saturday. After the movie, we’ll head to church for games, dessert and lots of laughs! The lock in ends at 11:30am on Sunday. Breakfast will also be included. If you'd like to sign up last minute, or if you have any further questions, please email Alisa at office@nhunited.org!
During August & September, we'll have open play in our play room three times a week as an option to get out of the heat, but still get out of the house, play, and meet friends! Come and go as you please. All children under 5 and their caregivers are welcome. Play groups are every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 10:00a - 11:30a.
Faith on Tap is next Thursday from 6:30 - 8:00pm! Faith on Tap is our casual beer andfaith discussion group. Our topic for this month is Stories of Transformation: How do we change how we live, think and act in light of our faith? We'll be meeting at the home of Pastor Brent at 3567 32nd St. If you have any questions, please email Brent atbrent@nhunited.org.
Last Sunday, we sadly said goodbye to Austin and Jessica, our two ministry interns from Point Loma Nazarene University who have worked with us this summer. Both Jessica and Austin have been doing wonderful work and ministry with the children and youth, and Austin also worked with a neighborhood bilingual playgroup. We will truly miss both of them as their work, ministry and presence here has been such a gift!
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Email Pastor Brent
[2] And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
The chief of the publicans — What we would term, commissioner of the customs. A very honourable as well as profitable place.
Verse 4
[4] And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
And running before — With great earnestness.
He climbed up — Notwithstanding his quality: desire conquering honour and shame.
Verse 5
[5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Jesus said, Zaccheus, make haste and come down — What a strange mixture of passions must Zaccheus have now felt, hearing one speak, as knowing both his name and his heart!
Verse 7
[7] And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
They all murmured — All who were near: though most of them rather out of surprise than indignation.
Verse 8
[8] And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
And Zaccheus stood — Showing by his posture, his deliberate, purpose and ready mind, and said, Behold, Lord, I give - I determine to do it immediately.
Verse 9
[9] And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
He also is a son of Abraham — A Jew born, and as such has a right to the first offer of salvation.
Verse 10
[10] For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:11.
Sermon Story "Seeking Others" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 23 August 2015 from the Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Scripture: Luke 19:1 Yeshua entered Yericho and was passing through, 2 when a man named Zakkai appeared who was a chief tax-collector and a wealthy man. 3 He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn’t, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed a fig tree in order to see him, for Yeshua was about to pass that way. 5 When he came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zakkai! Hurry! Come down, because I have to stay at your house today!” 6 He climbed down as fast as he could and welcomed Yeshua joyfully. 7 Everyone who saw it began muttering, “He has gone to be the house-guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zakkai stood there and said to the Lord, “Here, Lord, I am giving half of all I own to the poor; and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” 9 Yeshua said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as this man too is a son of Avraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
Upon reading this passage of Scripture, many us who have been in the church as children remember this song:Lyrics
Zaccheus was a wee, little man,
And a wee, little man was he.
He climbed up in a sycamore tree,
For the Lord he wanted to see.
And as the Savior came that way,
He looked up in the tree,
Spoken: And he said,"Zaccheus, you come down from there,"
For I'm going to your house today.
For I'm going to your house today.
Actions
Zaccheus was a wee, little man,
Place hands in front, right palm raised above left as if measuring
And a wee, little man was he.
Place palms closer
He climbed up in a sycamore tree,
Pretend to climb, alternating hands
For the Lord he wanted to see. Shade eyes and look down
And as the Savior came that way,
Swing arms as if walking
He looked up in the tree,
Shade eyes and look up
And he said,"Zaccheus, you come down from there,"
Guesture with hand "Come"
For I'm going to your house today.
For I'm going to your house today.
Clap to the beat
Just maybe there is more to this story of God's Grace than we really understand. Yes, we understand that Zaccaeus was a small man and wanted to see Jesus, but either Jesus or Zachaeus could have beensmall in statue because there was a crowd around Jesus were the people could have blocked anybody's view from seeing Jesus if they were on the sidelines. Anyway, Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the treee and said to him to come down for Jesus is going to eat at your house or home today. Too many of the crowd this was disturbing becuase even though Zachaeus was a Jew, he compromised and worked for the government which was oppressing the Jews and even collecting Roman taxes. Zachaeus immediately confessed and repented of any sins he may have committed against anybody by paying returibution of half his income to the poor than giving four times what he took from people fraudalently. Jesus responded to Zacchaeus confession by saying that acchaeus is a true son of Abraham and that Jesus came to save the lost children of Israel. How should we respond to the marginalized of society, especially the people wo are differetnly abled? First, we should recognize that the people who are differently abled are children of God wo are Beloved of God. Second, we should recognize that they eac have their God-given gifts to give back to God's church to invite and disciple people into the faith of Jesus.Too often, people who are differently abled have been excluded from the church or part of the activities of the church and confess our sins as we come an eat the Body of Jesus and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As we come to receive from God, we come singing the Hymn "Out in the highways and byways of life" by Ira Bishop Wilson (1880-1950)
1. Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, every moment you live.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
3. Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
We still need vounteers @ 5:30pm on Saturday! If you'd like to help out, please contact Pastor Brent at brent@nhunited.org
This Saturday is NHUMC's final Movie Night of the Summer! This is a great opportunity to get out, join your neighbors, enjoy your local parks and have a fun, free evening under the stars. We'll be hosting The Jungle Book this Saturday, starting at sunset in Adams Park. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket, food and a friend.. and of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without an intermission dance party! Visit nhmovies.org for more info, and mark your calendars now for the Community Association's final showing of The Mask at sunset in Ward Canyon Park on September 12th!
A reminder for all who signed up for the Youth Lock In for kids entering 5th-8th grade! Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, PJ's, personal toiletries, a change of clothes, and a sleeping mat if you have one! We'll be having dinner and a movie in the park starting at 6:30pm this Saturday. After the movie, we’ll head to church for games, dessert and lots of laughs! The lock in ends at 11:30am on Sunday. Breakfast will also be included. If you'd like to sign up last minute, or if you have any further questions, please email Alisa at office@nhunited.org!
During August & September, we'll have open play in our play room three times a week as an option to get out of the heat, but still get out of the house, play, and meet friends! Come and go as you please. All children under 5 and their caregivers are welcome. Play groups are every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 10:00a - 11:30a.
Faith on Tap is next Thursday from 6:30 - 8:00pm! Faith on Tap is our casual beer andfaith discussion group. Our topic for this month is Stories of Transformation: How do we change how we live, think and act in light of our faith? We'll be meeting at the home of Pastor Brent at 3567 32nd St. If you have any questions, please email Brent atbrent@nhunited.org.
Last Sunday, we sadly said goodbye to Austin and Jessica, our two ministry interns from Point Loma Nazarene University who have worked with us this summer. Both Jessica and Austin have been doing wonderful work and ministry with the children and youth, and Austin also worked with a neighborhood bilingual playgroup. We will truly miss both of them as their work, ministry and presence here has been such a gift!
FacebookEmail Pastor Brent
NHUnited.orgNormal Heights United Methodist Church
Our mailing address is:
4650 Mansfield Street
San Diego, California 92116 United States
Normal Heights United Methodist Church · 4650 Mansfield Street · San Diego, California 92116 · United States
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Normal Heights United Methodist Church · 4650 Mansfield Street · San Diego, California 92116 · United States
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