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  • Holy Week Reflections • Saturday, March 30, 2024

    Isaiah 61:10-11

    I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my whole being shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

    Reflection Questions

    • Is there a word or image from this passage that’s speaking to you today? What’s making it meaningful for you?
    • Holy Saturday is a time of waiting and longing — between the cross and the empty tomb. As you think about God’s garden to come, what are you praying will grown during this in-between time?

    Prayer

    Adapted from “Real Thing,” by Marc James & Kate Cooke

    O God of new creation,
    let Your church arise
    In truth and grace.

    Now for the real thing;
    Now for the kingdom come;
    Now for refining
    until our only cry is ‘Jesus’

    Now for the promise;
    Now for the fullness;
    Now for Your goodness
    to fill the whole earth, Jesus.
    Amen.

    ,

  • March 29, 2024 • Worship liturgy for Good Friday

    Image of a cross with leaves, with text overlaid, "Holy Week: Good Friday"
    Call to Worship

    We follow Christ,
    Who says take up our cross.
    We follow Christ,
    Who bids us come and offer our lives.

    We follow Christ,
    Who summons us to new life.
    Come, let us worship our Creator.

    Worship Song

    Cornerstone

    My hope is built on nothing less
    Than Jesus blood and righteousness
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame
    But wholly trust in Jesus name

    Christ alone, Cornerstone
    Weak made strong
    in the Savior’s love

    Through the storm
    He is Lord
    Lord of all

    When darkness seems to hide His face
    I rest on His unchanging grace
    In every high and stormy gale
    My anchor holds within the veil

    When He shall come with trumpet sound
    Oh may I then in Him be found
    Dressed in His righteousness alone
    Faultless stand before the throne

    Scripture Readings

    John 13:1

    It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

    Matthew 26:26-28

    While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

    John 13:2-5

    The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

    Communion

    Send the Rain

    Lord, we come to You
    Now with open hands
    Broken lives and dreams
    Washed up on the sand

    We’ve been beaten down
    But still we choose to stand
    We choose to stand

    Lord, we long for You
    For Your hand to move
    Heal this barren land
    Come and make it new

    Jesus, You’re the life
    That is breaking through
    You’re breaking through

    The saints of old in ancient days
    They worked the ground
    that we reap from today

    So use our hands to cultivate
    The harvest that
    our children’s children taste
    We’re ready God, so send the rain

    Lord, we’ll follow You
    To unbroken earth
    On the path not used
    Where new hope is birthed

    We will work as one
    Holding to Your truth
    To Your truth

    Heal the ruined cities
    We destroyed with our own hands
    Bring us back together
    Let us see the promised land

    Pour out Your Spirit
    On this dry and thirsty ground
    O God of the harvest
    Could it be right here and now
    Could it be right here and now

    Open up the heavens,
    let Your rain fall down
    We are thirsty, we are thirsty

    Blessing of the Children

    Go in peace and go in joy;
    Filled with wonder for this day.
    Go in faith and go in love;
    God will guide you on your way! 

    Worship Song

    Lord I Need You

    Lord I come, I confess
    Bowing here, I find my rest
    Without You, I fall apart
    You’re the One that guides my heart

    Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
    Every hour, I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

    Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
    Where grace is found is where You are
    And where You are, Lord, I am free
    Holiness is Christ in me

    So teach my song to rise to You
    When temptation comes my way
    And when I cannot stand, I’ll fall on You
    Jesus, You’re my hope and stay

    Scripture Reading

    Matthew 26:36-47
    Garden of Gethsemane 

    Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

    He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

    Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

    Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

    So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

    Silent Meditation & Prayer
    Scripture Reading

    From Mark 15, Luke 24, Matthew 27, John 19

    Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place;
    for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
    So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers
    and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees,
    went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

    So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross,
    to the place called the place of a skull,
    which is called in Hebrew, Gol’ ·go·tha .
    There they crucified him,
    and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.

    Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross;
    it read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
    Many of the Judeans read this title,
    for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city;
    and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.
    The Jewish chief priests then said to Pilate,
    “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’
    but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’”
    Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

    Silent Meditation & Prayer
    Scripture Reading

    Romans 5:8-10
    First Nations Version

    “But here is the way the Maker of Life proves how deep his love is for us: even when we were still following our bad hearts and broken ways, the Chosen One gave his life for us. The lifeblood that he poured out puts our lives back into harmony and promises us good standing with the Great Spirit. What he has done sets us free from the storm of great anger caused by our bad hearts and broken ways. So, if the lifeblood poured out by the Chosen One has put us in good standing with the Great Spirit, then how much more will his life of beauty and harmony, which has defeated death, now set us free to walk in his ways!”

    Worship Song

    Send the Rain

    Lord, we come to You
    Now with open hands
    Broken lives and dreams
    Washed up on the sand

    We’ve been beaten down
    But still we choose to stand
    We choose to stand

    Lord, we long for You
    For Your hand to move
    Heal this barren land
    Come and make it new

    Jesus, You’re the life
    That is breaking through
    You’re breaking through

    The saints of old in ancient days
    They worked the ground
    that we reap from today

    So use our hands to cultivate
    The harvest that
    our children’s children taste
    We’re ready God, so send the rain

    Lord, we’ll follow You
    To unbroken earth
    On the path not used
    Where new hope is birthed

    We will work as one
    Holding to Your truth
    To Your truth

    Heal the ruined cities
    We destroyed with our own hands
    Bring us back together
    Let us see the promised land

    Pour out Your Spirit
    On this dry and thirsty ground
    O God of the harvest
    Could it be right here and now
    Could it be right here and now

    Open up the heavens,
    let Your rain fall down
    We are thirsty, we are thirsty

    Scripture Reading

    John 19:25-30

    Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

    Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

    Closing Prayer

    In this thin space,
    between light and shadow,
    death and resurrection,
    we hold fast to what is holy:

    Holy the waiting, holy the grieving,
    and holy the shadows.
    Holy the hours, holy the hope,
    turning toward light.

    Blessed is the Holy One,
    given so that we would know:
    Even in the darkest night,
    we are never alone. Amen. 

  • Holy Week Reflections • Friday, March 29, 2024

    Amos 9:13-14

    The time is surely coming, says the Lord,
    when the one who plows shall catch up with the one who reaps
    and the treader of grapes with the one who sows the seed;
    the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
    and all the hills shall flow with it.

    I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
    and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
    they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
    and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

    Reflection Questions

    • We see and feel the brokenness of the world all around us. As Scripture says, all creation groans. Instead of turning away or giving up, Jesus enters into the sorrow & separation of our lives and overcomes — making a new world possible.
    • How do you see the cross of Christ preparing the way for the Kingdom of God?
    • As you think about the garden to come, what image from this passage in Amos is speaking to you? Why do you think it’s meaningful to you today?

    Prayer

    From re:worship

    Christ Jesus,
    You hung upon a cross and died for us
    so that we might live for You.

    Your body was broken and Your blood shed
    so that we might be healed and made whole.

    You were faithful unto death
    so that we might be faithful unto life.

    Your last command
    was that we might love one another:
    one family together from every tribe and nation,
    a new creation united through Your sacrifice,
    redeemed by Your blood,
    healed by Your love,
    united by Your covenant of peace.

    In Your death may we find life.
    Amen.

    ,

  • Holy Week Reflections • Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Matthew 26:36-46

    Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Now the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

    Reflection Questions

    • What word, phrase, or image is drawing you into today’s Scripture passage?
    • Can you sit with Jesus for awhile, present to this moment with Him?

    Prayer

    Holy Jesus,
    as we sit with You
    in moments of quiet contemplation
    and deep struggle,
    awaken our hearts
    to Your faithful, steadfast presence
    and Your sacrificial, transforming love.

    As we approach the cross,
    we join our hearts to Yours:
    open to Your love that defeats death
    and ushers in a new world.
    Amen.

    ,

  • Holy Week Reflections • Wednesday, March 27, 2024

    Psalm 1:1-3, The Message

    How well God must like you—
    you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,
    you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,
    you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.

    Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
    you chew on Scripture day and night.
    You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
    bearing fresh fruit every month,
    Never dropping a leaf,
    always in blossom.

    Reflection Questions

    • What do you love about trees?
    • In what ways can you become a tree planted by streams of water? What nourishment do you need? What kind of fruit can you bear for the benefit of others?

    Prayer

    Jesus, our Living Water,
    cause us to be like trees
    planted near the River of life,
    putting down deep roots,
    providing shade and relief to others,
    bearing fruit for the healing of the world.

    May we join Your Spirit in building
    beautiful, diverse gardens of hope
    all around us.
    Amen.

    ,

  • Holy Week Reflections • Tuesday, March 26, 2024

    Genesis 3:21-24

    And the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “See, the humans have become like one of us, knowing good and evil, and now they might reach out their hands and take also from the tree of life and eat and live forever”— therefore the Lord God sent them forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which they were taken. He drove out the humans, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life.

    Reflection Questions

    • Where do you feel the pain of broken relationships (with God, others, creation, yourself)?
    • How do you hope Jesus shows up in those places of pain?

    Prayer

    From re:worship

    Creator God,
    You created the earth, whole and round;
    You created us to be whole people.

    But we have become fragmented,
    cracked and broken.
    We have been broken by false promises,
    lost relationships, shattered trust.
    We have become cracked
    with the experience of systemic sin:
    prejudice, oppression and fear.
    We have become fragmented,
    building up walls instead of lending hands.

    Forgive us when we have done the breaking,
    heal us where we have been hurt.
    Let Your light shine through our cracks and scars
    so that we might bring light to the world,
    showing that in You we are made whole.

    In You we find healing.
    In You we find renewed life.
    Help us to forgive, to love, to mend.
    Amen.

    ,

  • Holy Week Reflections • Monday, March 25, 2024

    Genesis 2:8-9, 15

    And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil… The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

    St. Francis’s Canticle of the Sun

    O Most High, almighty, good Lord God,
    to You belong praise, glory, honor, and all blessing!

    Praised be my Lord God with all creatures;
    and especially our brother the sun,
    which brings us the day, and the light;
    fair is he, and shining with a very great splendor:
    O Lord, he signifies You to us!

    Praised be my Lord for our sister the moon,
    and for the stars,
    which God has set clear and lovely in heaven…

    Praise and bless my Lord,
    and give Him thanks,
    and serve Him with great humility.
    Amen.

    Reflection Questions

    • Where is a beautiful place in God’s creation that you’ve visited? Is there anywhere you hope to see? What draws you there? How does that reflect the goodness of God’s creation?
    • In what ways can your daily work (whether paid or not) help you “tend and keep” God’s creation around you?

    Prayer

    God of creation,
    You love this world and who dwell in it.
    Open our eyes to see Your presence
    within us and all around us.
    Help us to tend and cultivate
    a garden of grace.
    Renew us through Your Spirit
    as we join You in the restoration of all things.
    Amen.

    ,

  • March 24, 2024 • Worship liturgy for Palm Sunday

    Centering Practice

    On this Palm Sunday, we proclaim our joy in the saving love of Jesus

    • Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
    • Take a moment to write a word or short phrase of praise to Jesus on your ribbon 
    Call to Worship

    We join with saints from days of old, proclaiming:
    Hosanna! Salvation belongs to Jesus!
    Open wide the gates of praise.

    We welcome Jesus with branches and songs of praise.
    Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Hosanna to the King of kings! Amen.

    Worship Songs

    Sound of Adoration

    When we were lost ones
    You were the Shepherd that carried us home
    When we were prodigals
    You ran to meet us with open arms
    And we can’t hold back our praise

    When we were refugees
    You were the One who took us in
    When we were enemies
    You paid the price for all our sin
    And we can’t hold back our praise

    This is the sound of adoration
    Oh, how we love You
    Jesus, we love You

    You are the joy of all creation
    Oh, how we love You
    Jesus, we love You

    You are the Risen One
    You conquered death and made a way
    You sang our freedom song
    Now we are dancing on our chains
    And we can’t hold back our praise

    By the cross, I am free
    Your grace changes everything
    I was blind, now I see
    Your grace changes everything

    Great Are You Lord

    You give life, You are love
    You bring light to the darkness
    You give hope, You restore every heart that is broken
    And great are You, Lord

    It’s Your breath in our lungs
    So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise
    It’s Your breath in our lungs
    So we pour out our praise to You only

    All the earth will shout Your praise
    Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
    Great are You, Lord
    All the earth will shout Your praise
    Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
    Great are You, Lord

    Prayer of Confession

    Jesus, our Humble King,
    in this world of self-centered pursuits,
    Your love amazes us.

    You call us to serve,
    yet we confess how much we prefer to be served.
    Lead us to the cross, step by step,
    and forgive us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer —

    By Your Spirit, lead us in the way of steadfast love.
    Let Your dreams become reality
    in and through our lives.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
    Lord, have mercy.

    For those longing for hope in our world… 

    For those suffering
    from violence, hatred, and war… 

    For our friends who need to know Your love
    and the friendship of our Anchor & Hope community… 

    For our partners & collaborators,
    and for the mission of our church… 

    Amen.

    Communion

    Send the Rain

    Lord, we come to You
    Now with open hands
    Broken lives and dreams
    Washed up on the sand

    We’ve been beaten down
    But still we choose to stand
    We choose to stand

    Lord, we long for You
    For Your hand to move
    Heal this barren land
    Come and make it new

    Jesus, You’re the life
    That is breaking through
    You’re breaking through

    The saints of old in ancient days
    They worked the ground
    that we reap from today

    So use our hands to cultivate
    The harvest that
    our children’s children taste
    We’re ready God, so send the rain

    Lord, we’ll follow You
    To unbroken earth
    On the path not used
    Where new hope is birthed

    We will work as one
    Holding to Your truth
    To Your truth

    Heal the ruined cities
    We destroyed with our own hands
    Bring us back together
    Let us see the promised land

    Pour out Your Spirit
    On this dry and thirsty ground
    O God of the harvest
    Could it be right here and now
    Could it be right here and now

    Open up the heavens,
    let Your rain fall down
    We are thirsty, we are thirsty

    Announcements
    • Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
    • Art Day with Sandburg: Thank you to Ann for leading this wonderful partnership and to Yang & Deleine for volunteering on Wednesday!
    • Good Friday service: We will gather in-person here at Sandburg this Friday, March 29th at 7:00 pm for a time of quiet prayer & reflection.
    • Easter Sunday: We will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection together this Sunday, March 31st with a special family service! Please sign up with Tae for the potluck today and bring your candy/Easter egg donations next Sunday!
    • Visit a garden: As we reflect on “the garden” of God’s grace throughout Lent, we encourage you to visit one of the many gardens around the San Diego region. If you get a chance to visit, we’d love to hear about it!
    • Mira Mesa Prayer Walk: We invite you to join us Saturday, April 6th at 9:00 am to pray for our neighborhood here! Coffee from Jaunt on your pastors for all who can join us 🙂
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Jump, Jump, Jump

    Blessing of the Children

    Go in peace and go in joy;
    Filled with wonder for this day.
    Go in faith and go in love;
    God will guide you on your way! 

    Worship Song

    Open Space / Hosanna

    Hosanna, Hosanna
    Hosanna in the highest

    Pull me in closer
    Close to Your heart
    May I be a pure reflection of all You are

    Love that is patient
    Love that is kind
    And love that keeps no offences
    or wrongs in my mind

    Make me like Jesus
    Make me like Jesus

    You’re faithful to find me
    Right where I am
    Though even in my wandering You call me friend

    And mercy receives me
    and lifts me to my feet
    And I’m caught up in the wonder and mystery

    Of knowing Jesus
    Of knowing Jesus

    My heart is an open space
    for You to come and have Your way
    I’m open, I’m open

    Scripture Reading

    John 12:12-16

    12 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!”

    14  Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

    15  “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”16  His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.

    Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
    Together: Thanks be to God.

    Sermon
    Image of palm leaf illustrations with text overlaid, "The Season of Lent: Palm Sunday"

    Palm Sunday
    Pastor Jeya So

    Reflection Questions:

    • What comes to mind as you think of the things that you’ve heard today? (Jesus the King, Sequoia fairy rings and root systems)
    • Where do you find hope? 
    • Where do you need hope? 
    • Where in the world needs hope? 
    • Take some time to pray together for hope where it’s needed
    Worship Song

    Send the Rain

    Lord, we come to You
    Now with open hands
    Broken lives and dreams
    Washed up on the sand

    We’ve been beaten down
    But still we choose to stand
    We choose to stand

    Lord, we long for You
    For Your hand to move
    Heal this barren land
    Come and make it new

    Jesus, You’re the life
    That is breaking through
    You’re breaking through

    The saints of old in ancient days
    They worked the ground
    that we reap from today

    So use our hands to cultivate
    The harvest that
    our children’s children taste
    We’re ready God, so send the rain

    Lord, we’ll follow You
    To unbroken earth
    On the path not used
    Where new hope is birthed

    We will work as one
    Holding to Your truth
    To Your truth

    Heal the ruined cities
    We destroyed with our own hands
    Bring us back together
    Let us see the promised land

    Pour out Your Spirit
    On this dry and thirsty ground
    O God of the harvest
    Could it be right here and now
    Could it be right here and now

    Open up the heavens,
    let Your rain fall down
    We are thirsty, we are thirsty

    Benediction

  • March 17, 2024 • Worship liturgy

    Image of stones with text overlaid, "The Season of Lent: Stone"
    Worship Song

    Center / Oh Our Lord

    Oh Christ be the center of our lives
    Be the place we fix our eyes
    Be the center of our lives

    We behold the breaking dawn
    The light that shines over everyone
    We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord

    We behold the rising sun
    The earth awaits, Your hope has come
    We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord

    Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
    Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
    How majestic is Your name in all the earth

    We behold the falling rain
    Like waters rise, flood this place
    We reach for You, we cling to You, oh Lord

    Oh, Your name is a light in the darkness
    Oh, Your name is the word of truth
    Oh Your name, oh Your name

    Call to Worship

    Introduction to our interactive praise & prayer day

    Breath Prayer

    By Cole Arthur Riley, Black Liturgies

    INHALE: I know this place.
    EXHALE: This is holy ground.

    INHALE: I am rooted.
    EXHALE: I am home.

    INHALE: Take me where it’s safe.
    EXHALE: God, prepare a place.

    Worship Songs

    Cornerstone / Solid Rock / Worthy

    On Christ the solid rock I stand
    All other ground is sinking sand
    All other ground is sinking sand

    My hope is built on nothing less
    Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame
    But wholly trust in Jesus’ name

    Christ alone, Cornerstone
    Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
    Through the storm, He is Lord
    Lord of all

    When darkness seems to hide His face
    I’ll rest on His unchanging grace
    In every high and stormy gale
    My anchor holds within the veil

    He is worthy of it all
    He is worthy of it all

    For from Him are all things
    To Him are all things
    He deserves the glory

    When He shall come with trumpet sound
    Oh may I then in Him be found
    Dressed in His righteousness alone
    Faultless stand before the throne

    Scripture Reading

    1 Peter 2:4-5

    4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

    Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
    Together: Thanks be to God.

    Blessing of the Children

    Go in peace and go in joy;
    Filled with wonder for this day.
    Go in faith and go in love;
    God will guide you on your way! 

    Prayer Stations
    Worship Songs

    You Hold It All Together

    You come at the right time
    When I least expect it
    Never behind

    So why would I be surprised
    When You deliver every time?

    On mountaintops, You stay the same
    On valley low, You never change

    And I believe that I will see
    The goodness of the Lord
    I’m confident as seasons change
    Your faithfulness remains

    You go, You go before me
    To prepare a blessing
    You madе a way

    It’s more than I could imagine
    More than I can fathom
    Or comprehend

    God of my present
    God of my future
    You write my story
    You hold it all together 

    Have My Heart

    You love with no reservations
    You’re not looking for perfection
    And there’s no need in me pretending
    I’ll give You everything
    I’ll give You everything

    You deserve my full attention
    Nothing less than my devotion
    Oh, speak to me and I will listen
    I’ll give You everything
    I’ll give You everything

    Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh 
    You can have my heart
    You can have my heart

    Be the Lord of my emotions
    Set me free from selfish motives
    And search me ’til there’s nothing hidden
    And I’ll give You everything
    Yes, I’ll give You everything

    My heart is Yours forever
    My heart is Yours forever

    Prayer Stations
    Prayer

    Patient Trust, prayer by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

    Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
    We are quite naturally impatient
    in everything to reach the end without delay.
    We should like to skip the intermediate stages.

    We are impatient of being on the way
    to something unknown, something new.
    And yet it is the law of all progress
    that it is made by passing
    through some stages of instability—
    and that it may take a very long time.

    And so I think it is with you;
    your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
    let them shape themselves,
    without undue haste.

    Don’t try to force them on,
    as though you could be today what time
    will make of you tomorrow.

    Only God could say what this new spirit
    gradually forming within you will be.
    Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
    that his hand is leading you,
    and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
    in suspense and incomplete.

    Worship Songs

    Kingdom Come

    God, let Your kingdom come
    May Your will be done
    God, let Your kingdom come

    Earth is groaning and we are longing
    For Your kingdom to come
    All creation and all of heaven
    Join their voices as one

    Hope is stirring, joy arising
    As we look to the day
    When all injustice will bow
    And every voice will cry out
    Holy is Your name

    Lift up your heads, all the weak and the poor
    The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

    Lift up your hearts, all who suffer and mourn
    The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

    Lift up your eyes, all who hunger for more
    The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

    Lift up a shout, let the earth hear your voice
    The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

    I will build my life upon Your love
    It is a firm foundation
    I will put my trust in You alone
    And I will not be shaken

    Open Space w/ Make Room tag

    I will make room for You
    To do whatever You want to
    To do whatever You want to

    My heart is an open space
    For You to come and have Your way
    I’m open, I’m open

    Pull me in closer, close to Your heart
    May I be a pure reflection
    of who You are

    Love that is patient, love that is kind
    Love that keeps no offenses
    or wrongs in mind

    Make me like Jesus
    Make me like Jesus

    You’re faithful to find me
    Right where I am
    Even in my wandering
    You call me friend

    Mercy receives me
    And lifts me to my feet
    I’m caught up in the wonder
    and the mystery

    Of knowing Jesus
    Of knowing Jesus

    Prayer Stations
    Worship Song

    Send the Rain

    Lord, we come to You
    Now with open hands
    Broken lives and dreams
    Washed up on the sand

    We’ve been beaten down
    But still we choose to stand
    We choose to stand

    Lord, we long for You
    For Your hand to move
    Heal this barren land
    Come and make it new

    Jesus, You’re the life
    That is breaking through
    You’re breaking through

    The saints of old in ancient days
    They worked the ground
    that we reap from today

    So use our hands to cultivate
    The harvest that
    our children’s children taste
    We’re ready God, so send the rain

    Lord, we’ll follow You
    To unbroken earth
    On the path not used
    Where new hope is birthed

    We will work as one
    Holding to Your truth
    To Your truth

    Heal the ruined cities
    We destroyed with our own hands
    Bring us back together
    Let us see the promised land

    Pour out Your Spirit
    On this dry and thirsty ground
    O God of the harvest
    Could it be right here and now
    Could it be right here and now

    Open up the heavens,
    let Your rain fall down
    We are thirsty, we are thirsty

    Conversation
    • What spoke to you today? 
      (A song, prayer station, thought, something else)
    • What’s a word of blessing for our church?
      For the broader community? 
    Worship Song

    Open Up

    You heard the cry of our hearts
    And You came down
    Freely You gave us Your love
    Showing us how

    Make me an instrument of Your peace
    Where there is hatred, let me sow love
    Where there is darkness
    Let me shine light and…

    May Your love
    Cause us to open up
    Cause us to open up our hearts

    May Your light
    Cause us to shine so bright
    That we bring hope into the dark

    All that we do without love
    It means nothing
    Grant us the courage to give
    As You’re calling

    Hope for the hopeless
    Your love is

    Strength in our weakness
    Your love is

    May we love
    As You love

    Benediction
    Announcements
    • Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
    • Art Day with Sandburg: Please pray for our next art class with Sandburg led by Ann Leong this Wednesday, March 20th. Students will be learning about and painting in the style of Van Gogh, and all registration fees will be donated to the school. Please let Ann know if you’d like to volunteer! 
    • Good Friday service: We will gather in-person here at Sandburg on Good Friday, March 29th at 7:00 pm for a time of quiet prayer & reflection.
    • Easter Sunday: We will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection together on Sunday, March 31st with a special family service! Please keep an eye out for candy/Easter egg donation and potluck sign-ups coming soon.
    • Visit a garden: As we reflect on “the garden” of God’s grace throughout Lent, we encourage you to visit one of the many gardens around the San Diego region. If you get a chance to visit, we’d love to hear about it!

  • March 10, 2024 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    In Psalm 139, the psalmist marvels at how precious and vast are God’s thoughts — they even outnumber the grains of sand!

    • Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
    • Picture your favorite beach, imagine standing on the sand, letting waves wash over your feet — what do you hear, what do you see? 
    • Look up and down the shoreline at the infinite number of grains of sand, and enter into our worship space with gratitude and wonder at the precious thoughts of God 
    Call to Worship

    Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good!
    God’s steadfast love endures forever.
    Let the redeemed rejoice
    in the wide embrace of God.

    To those in darkness, God brings light.
    In the deserted land, God brings forth a garden.
    For all who seek, God offers hope and belonging.
    Amen.

    Worship Songs

    Sound of Adoration

    When we were lost ones
    You were the Shepherd that carried us home
    When we were prodigals
    You ran to meet us with open arms
    And we can’t hold back our praise

    When we were refugees
    You were the One who took us in
    When we were enemies
    You paid the price for all our sin
    And we can’t hold back our praise

    This is the sound of adoration
    Oh, how we love You
    Jesus, we love You

    You are the joy of all creation
    Oh, how we love You
    Jesus, we love You

    You are the Risen One
    You conquered death and made a way
    You sang our freedom song
    Now we are dancing on our chains
    And we can’t hold back our praise

    By the cross, I am free
    Your grace changes everything
    I was blind, now I see
    Your grace changes everything

    Build My Life

    Worthy of every song we could ever sing
    Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
    Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
    We live for You

    Jesus, the Name above every other name
    Jesus, the only One who could ever save
    Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
    We live for You, we live for You

    Holy, there is no one like You
    There is none beside You
    Open up my eyes in wonder

    And show me who You are
    And fill me with Your heart
    And lead me in Your love
    To those around me

    I will build my life upon Your love
    It is a firm foundation
    I will put my trust in You alone
    And I will not be shaken

    Prayer of Confession

    Holy God,
    You bless us abundantly in every way;
    with the breath we breathe, with food and shelter,
    with love, grace, and community. 

    We confess how easily we dismiss Your care for us,
    worrying and trying to control outcomes.
    Forgive us for leaving such little room
    for Your Spirit to move in our hearts.

    — Moment of silent prayer —

    Refine us, O God.
    Shape and sharpen us into Your people,
    for the life of the world around us.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
    Lord, have mercy.

    For those who will receive the meals
    we packed with Rise Against Hunger… 

    For those suffering
    from violence, hatred, and war… 

    For our friends who need to know Your love
    and the friendship of our Anchor & Hope community… 

    For our partners & collaborators,
    and for the mission of our church… 

    Amen.

    Communion

    Send the Rain

    Lord, we come to You
    Now with open hands
    Broken lives and dreams
    Washed up on the sand

    We’ve been beaten down
    But still we choose to stand
    We choose to stand

    Lord, we long for You
    For Your hand to move
    Heal this barren land
    Come and make it new

    Jesus, You’re the life
    That is breaking through
    You’re breaking through

    The saints of old in ancient days
    They worked the ground
    that we reap from today

    So use our hands to cultivate
    The harvest that
    our children’s children taste
    We’re ready God, so send the rain

    Lord, we’ll follow You
    To unbroken earth
    On the path not used
    Where new hope is birthed

    We will work as one
    Holding to Your truth
    To Your truth

    Heal the ruined cities
    We destroyed with our own hands
    Bring us back together
    Let us see the promised land

    Pour out Your Spirit
    On this dry and thirsty ground
    O God of the harvest
    Could it be right here and now
    Could it be right here and now

    Open up the heavens,
    let Your rain fall down
    We are thirsty, we are thirsty

    Announcements
    • Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
    • Rise Against Hunger: Thank you to everyone for participating to pack over 10,000 meals last Sunday — and special thanks to Tae for the vision and effort in coordinating with Rise and Solana Beach Pres! You can still give via Tithely or via check if you haven’t had the chance. 
    • Art Day with Sandburg: Please pray for our next art class with Sandburg led by Ann Leong on March 20th. Students will be learning about and painting in the style of Van Gogh, and all registration fees will be donated to the school. Please let Ann know if you’d like to volunteer! 
    • Good Friday service: We will gather in-person here at Sandburg on Good Friday, March 29th at 7:00 pm for a time of quiet prayer & reflection.
    • Easter Sunday: We will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection together on Sunday, March 31st with a special family service! Please keep an eye out for candy/Easter egg donation and potluck sign-ups coming soon.
    • Visit a garden: As we reflect on “the garden” of God’s grace throughout Lent, we encourage you to visit one of the many gardens around the San Diego region. If you get a chance to visit, we’d love to hear about it!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Your Love is Deep

    Blessing of the Children

    Go in peace and go in joy;
    Filled with wonder for this day.
    Go in faith and go in love;
    God will guide you on your way! 

    Worship Song

    Promises

    God of Abraham
    You’re the God of covenant
    And of faithful promises
    Time and time again
    You have proven
    You’ll do just what You said

    Though the storms may come and the winds may blow
    I’ll remain steadfast
    And let my heart learn, when You speak a word
    It will come to pass

    Great is Your faithfulness to me
    Great is Your faithfulness to me
    From the rising sun to the setting same
    I will praise Your name
    Great is Your faithfulness to me

    God from age to age
    Though the earth may pass away
    Your word remains the same, yeah
    Your history can prove
    There’s nothing You can’t do
    You’re faithful and true

    I put my faith in Jesus
    My anchor to the ground
    My hope and firm foundation
    He’ll never let me down

    Scripture Reading

    John 9:1-12

    1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am he.” 10 But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

    Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
    Together: Thanks be to God.

    Sermon
    Abstract image of multicolored sand with text overlaid, "The Season of Lent: Sand"

    Sand
    Pastor Dan So

    Worship Song

    Expectation

    You redeem our past
    You take what’s old and broken
    You’re breathing in new life

    Rhythms of Your grace
    Moving us to freedom
    From darkness into light

    You will make all things new
    You’ll bring Your kingdom here
    We wait in expectation

    We lift our eyes to You
    Salvation’s drawing near
    We wait in expectation

    You have overcome
    the troubles we are facing
    You’re standing here with us

    Oppression cannot win
    and anxious thoughts are broken
    By the pow’r of Jesus’ name

    You have me
    You have me
    You have my heart completely

    Would You come, Lord Jesus, come
    Come, Lord Jesus, come
    Come, Lord Jesus, come

    Benediction