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  • December 17, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    The Fourth Sunday of Advent
    Centering Practice 

    Advent is a season of waiting & expectation. Today, we invite you to center your whole self in the love of Christ.

    • The theme of the fourth Sunday of Advent is love!
    • Breathe in: God is love • Breathe out: I am welcomed
    • Turn to neighbor: You are welcomed here!

    Lighting of the Advent Candles

    Week Four: The Candle of Love

    Reader 1
    We give thanks for the light of Christ, 
    shining in the lives of all God’s people.  

    Reader 2
    As we light our Advent candle
    We thank You for the love You give.
    As we prepare for Christmas time
    Light of the world, shine on us.  

    Reader 1
    As we seek to worship You,
    Increase love in our hearts.
    To all the people who don’t know You,
    Light of the world, shine through us.

    Reader 2
    In this world of pain and darkness,
    Help us to share Your love.
    In our service here today,
    Light of the world, light the way. 

    Light Three Purple Candles and One Pink Candle


    Worship Song

    Sound of Adoration / How Can I Keep

    How can I keep from singing Your praise
    How can I ever say enough
    How amazing is Your love

    How can I keep from shouting Your name
    I know I am loved by the King
    And it makes my heart want to sing

    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


    Community Prayer

    Holy One,
    be the light in our darkness this day.
    As we have lit the candle of love, 
    we pray for those people and places who need love…   

    — Invite people forward to light candles — 

    Holy One,
    be the light in our darkness this day,
    that we might reflect Your light 
    into the dark corners of our world. Amen.


    Assurance of God’s Love

    In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
    Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
    the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
    The Lord’s glory will appear, and all humanity will see it together;
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Communion

    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Clothing Drive: Men’s Clothing for a Men’s Rehab in Mexico and children’s items for the San Marcos Lutheran Children’s Center Cares Closet. Please talk to Ann Leong for more details!
    • Christmas offering: We are proud to partner with Justice Ventures International and Big Table San Diego for our annual Christmas offering. Give via Tithely (choose “Christmas 2023” from the drop-down menu) or write a check to Solana Beach Presbyterian Church and include “Anchor & Hope Christmas Offering 2023” in the memo.
    • NextGen Christmas Offering: Our Sunday School students will collect funds to give a Christmas offering to support World Vision. Animals like goats, chickens, and rabbits can make a big difference for farmers’ families around the world!
    • Next Sunday, December 24th: We will celebrate Christmas together with a joint family worship service. We will also celebrate baptisms and confirmations together! We’ll meet here at 10:30 am at Sandburg Elementary.
    • Gingerbread house supplies: Please sign up today to bring building materials for next week!
    • Sunday, December 31st: We will not gather on the final Sunday of the year but will instead have a Reset Sunday. We’ll send out a worship guide that week so you can reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past year and look forward to next year together!
    • Sunday, January 7th: Anchor & Hope will celebrate our anniversary on the first Sunday of the new year. We’ll invite our whole church to renew our commitment to prayer, witness, and community as we continue to hope & dream together. We’ll meet at 10:30 am at Sandburg Elementary.
    • Resolution Run 2024: Please talk to Jin if you’d like to join our Anchor & Hope team for a 5k/10k on Saturday, January 13th.
    • Save the date: There will be a women’s retreat on February 2-3, 2024!

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Go Tell It On The Mountain

    Go tell it on the mountain
    Over the hills and everywhere
    Go tell it on the mountain
    That Jesus Christ is born

    While shepherds kept their watching
    Over silent flocks by night
    Behold throughout the heavens
    There shone a holy light

    The shepherds feared and trembled
    When lo above the earth
    Rang out the angel chorus
    That hailed the Savior’s birth

    Down in a lowly manger
    The humble Christ was born
    And God sent us salvation
    That blessed Christmas morn


    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

    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


    Scripture Reading

    Zephaniah 3:14-20

    14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
        shout, O Israel!
    Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
        O daughter Jerusalem!
    15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
        he has turned away your enemies.
    The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
        you shall fear disaster no more.
    16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
    “Do not fear, O Zion;
        do not let your hands grow weak.
    17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
        a warrior who gives victory;
    he will rejoice over you with gladness;
        he will renew you in his love;
    he will exult over you with loud singing
    18     as on a day of festival.”
    I will remove disaster from you,
        so that you will not bear reproach for it.
    19 I will deal with all your oppressors
        at that time.
    And I will save the lame
        and gather the outcast,
    and I will change their shame into praise
        and renown in all the earth.
    20 At that time I will bring you home,
        at the time when I gather you;
    for I will make you renowned and praised
        among all the peoples of the earth,
    when I restore your fortunes
        before your eyes, says the Lord.

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


    Sermon
    Image of an invitation on top of a photo of a Christmas tree with text overlaid, "Divine Hospitality: Welcome"

    The Season of Advent
    Divine Hospitality: Welcome

    Pastor Dan So


    For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have a place to call home where we have felt safe and loved, there are few things better than a genuine homecoming welcome at the end of a journey or time spent away.

    Pastor Kara Eidson

    Reflection questions:

    • When has a meaningful welcome changed your life (even in small ways)?
    • How do you know you’re welcomed, safe, and wanted?
    • Have you ever felt incredibly welcomed but also a little (or a lot!) uncomfortable? How did you feel welcome despite the discomfort?
    • Building a welcoming community is more than just a one-time effort. Relationships take time. So how can our church invest in a culture of welcome throughout 2024?

    Worship Song

    Open Up (reprise)

    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

    Make me an instrument
    Of Your peace
    Where there is hatred
    Let me sow love

    Where there is darkness
    Let me shine light and…

    Hope for the hopeless
    Your love is
    Strength in our weakness
    Your love is


    Benediction

  • December 10, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    The Third Sunday of Advent
    Centering Practice 

    Advent is a season of waiting & expectation. Today, we invite you to center your whole self in the joy of Christ.

    • The theme of the third Sunday of Advent is joy!
    • Turn to a neighbor and make a 3-step handshake of joy (be creative).
    • Finally, say to them, “May the joy of the Lord be your strength”

    Lighting of the Advent Candles

    Week Three: The Candle of Joy

    Reader 1
    We give thanks for the light of Christ, 
    shining in the lives of all God’s people.  

    Reader 2
    As we light our Advent candle
    We thank You for the joy You give.
    As we prepare for Christmas time
    Light of the world, shine on us.  

    Reader 1
    In the midst of sorrow
    Bring joy to our hearts.
    To all the people who don’t know You,
    Light of the world, shine through us.

    Reader 2
    In this world of pain and darkness,
    Help us to find joy in serving You.
    In our service here today,
    Light of the world, light the way. 

    Light Two Purple Candles and One Pink Candle


    Worship Song

    Joy of the Lord

    Though tears may fall
    My song will rise, my song will rise to You
    Though my heart may fail
    My song will rise, my song will rise to You
    While there’s breath in my lungs
    I will praise You, Lord

    In the dead of night
    I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
    When the waters rise
    I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
    While there’s hope in my heart
    I will praise You, Lord

    The joy of the Lord is my strength
    The joy of the Lord is my strength
    In the darkness I’ll dance
    In the shadows I’ll sing
    The joy of the Lord is my strength

    When I cannot see You with my eyes
    Let faith arise to You
    When I cannot feel Your hand in mine
    Let faith arise to You
    God of mercy and love
    I will praise You, Lord

    Oh You shine with glory Lord of light
    I feel alive with You
    In Your presence now I come alive
    I am alive with You
    There is strength when I say
    I will praise You, Lord

    When sorrow comes my way
    You are the shield around me
    Always You remain
    Like courage in the fight
    I hear You call my name
    Jesus, I am coming
    Walking on the waves
    Reaching for Your light


    Community Prayer

    Holy One,
    be the light in our darkness this day.
    As we have lit the candle of joy, 
    we pray for those people and places who need joy…   

    — Invite people forward to light candles — 

    Holy One,
    be the light in our darkness this day,
    that we might reflect Your light 
    into the dark corners of our world. Amen.


    Assurance of God’s Love

    In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
    Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
    the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
    The Lord’s glory will appear, and all humanity will see it together;
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Communion

    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Clothing Drive: Men’s Clothing for a Men’s Rehab in Mexico and children’s items for the San Marcos Lutheran Children’s Center Cares Closet. Please talk to Ann Leong for more details!
    • Christmas offering: We are proud to partner with Justice Ventures International and Big Table San Diego for our annual Christmas offering. Give via Tithely (choose “Christmas 2023” from the drop-down menu) or write a check to Solana Beach Presbyterian Church and include “Anchor & Hope Christmas Offering 2023” in the memo.

    • NextGen Christmas Offering: Our Sunday School students will collect funds to give a Christmas offering to support World Vision. Animals like goats, chickens, and rabbits can make a big difference for farmers’ families around the world!
    • Sunday, December 24th: We will celebrate Christmas together with a joint family worship service. We will also celebrate baptisms and confirmations together! We’ll meet here at 10:30 am at Sandburg Elementary.
    • Gingerbread house supplies sign up sheet
    • Sunday, December 31st: We will not gather on the final Sunday of the year but will instead have a Reset Sunday. We’ll send out a worship guide that week so you can reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past year and look forward to next year together!
    • Sunday, January 7th: Anchor & Hope will celebrate our 10 year anniversary on the first Sunday of the new year. We’ll invite our whole church to renew our commitment to prayer, witness, and community as we continue to hope & dream together. We’ll meet at 10:30 am at Sandburg Elementary.
    • Save the date: There will be a women’s retreat on February 2-3, 2024!

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    I Have Decided

    I have decided to follow Jesus
    I have decided to follow Jesus
    I have decided to follow Jesus
    No turning back, no turning back

    He gives me hope, for each new day
    I’m gonna follow Jesus
    He lights my path, all along the way
    I’m gonna follow Jesus

    I will go wherever He leads
    I’m gonna follow Jesus
    No turning back!


    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

    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


    Scripture Reading

    John 1:6-8, 19-28

    There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light…

    19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but he confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said,

    “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
    ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ”

    as the prophet Isaiah said.

    24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, “Why, then, are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.” 28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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


    Sermon
    Image of an invitation on top of modern table setting arrangement with text overlaid, "Divine Hospitality: Preparation"

    The Season of Advent
    Divine Hospitality: Preparation

    Pastor Dan So


    Preparing for the coming of Christ is taking an active role in the inbreaking of God’s reign into this world, and this preparation is both/and work. We are called to do the spiritual work of preparing for Christ in our hearts and souls while also doing the hard work of enacting God’s peace, justice, and mercy in the world.

    Pastor Kara Eidson

    Reflection questions:

    • How do you prepare for things that are meaningful to you?
    • What roadblocks to joy do you face?
    • What do you need God to help you “put into place” in order for you to experience joy?

    Worship Song

    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


    Benediction

  • November 26, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    The First Sunday of Advent
    Centering Practice 

    Advent is a season of waiting & expectation. Today, we invite you to center your whole self in the hope of Christ.

    • Close your eyes and hold silence for about 10 seconds
    • We will continue to hold silence for another 15-20 seconds. Think about where you need the peace of Christ to reign: if you need peace in your mind, hold your hands over your eyes; if you have sorrow, place your hands on your heart; if you need reassurance, hold your hands together

    Lighting of the Advent Candles

    Week One: The Candle of Hope

    Reader 1
    We give thanks for the light of Christ, 
    shining in the lives of all God’s people.  

    Reader 2
    As we light our Advent candle
    We thank You for the hope You give.
    As we prepare for Christmas time
    Light of the world, shine on us.  

    Reader 1
    In this world of pain and darkness,
    Bring hope to our hearts.
    To all the people who don’t know You,
    Light of the world, shine through us.  

    Reader 2
    Jesus, You are coming again,
    Help us to live in the hope You bring.
    In our service here today,
    Light of the world, light the way.   

    — Light One Purple Candle —


    Worship Songs

    O come, O come Emmanuel

    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


    Community Prayer

    Holy One,
    be the light in our darkness this day.
    As we have lit the candle of hope, 
    we pray for those people and places who need hope…   

    — Invite people forward to light candles — 

    Holy One,
    be the light in our darkness this day,
    that we might reflect Your light 
    into the dark corners of our world. Amen.


    Assurance of God’s Love

    In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
    Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
    the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
    The Lord’s glory will appear, and all humanity will see it together;
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Communion

    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Thanksgiving Offering: We invite you to support Rise Against Hunger (through check or Tithely), a global movement that dreams of a world without hunger.
    • Next Sunday, December 3rd: We will not gather here at Sandburg but, instead, will meet at Solana Beach Presbyterian for a Christmas Concert and Alternative Christmas Market at 11:00 am.
    • Save the date: There will be a women’s retreat on February 2-3, 2024!

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Light of the World

    The world is searching for an answer
    A ray of hope in a hopeless world
    Who can we turn to?
    Where is our rescue?

    There is Someone, He’s the answer
    He’s the light and He’ll light the way
    His name is Jesus
    He came to save us

    He is the light, light, light
    Light of the world
    And He shine, shine, shines
    All over the earth
    Shining bright, bright, bright
    He is the Light of the world


    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

    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 power 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


    Scripture Reading

    Jeremiah 33:14-16

    14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

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


    Sermon
    Image of an invitation on top of modern greenery arrangement with text overlaid, "Divine Hospitality: Invitation"

    The Season of Advent
    Divine Hospitality: Invitation

    Pastor Dan So


    Worship Song

    Invitation Fountain with Hosanna tag

    All who are weak
    All who are weary
    Come to the Rock
    Come to the fountain

    All who have sailed
    On the rivers of heartache
    Come to the sea
    Come on be set free

    If You lead me Lord, I will follow
    Where You lead me Lord, I will go
    Come and heal me Lord, I will follow
    Where You lead me Lord, I will go
    I will go, I will go

    All who are weak
    All who are thirsty
    Come to the Rock
    Come to the fountain

    All who have climbed
    On the mountains of heartache
    Reach to the stars
    Come on give your life

    Heal my heart and make it clean
    Open up my eyes to the things unseen
    Show me how to love like You have loved me

    Break my heart for what breaks Yours
    Everything I am is for Your Kingdom’s cause
    Show me how to love like You have loved me


    Benediction

  • November 19, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    Centering Practice 

    Take a full 10 seconds of silence before engaging other work

    • Inhale: I am grateful this day 
    • Exhale: I open my heart to Jesus & those around me

    Set the Table Together

    What will build togetherness? 


    Worship Songs

    You Hold It All Together

    God of my present
    God of my future
    You write my story
    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
    In valleys 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


    Thankful

    I like to think about
    the goodness of the Lord
    He gives me everything I need
    and so much more

    So, I just wanna lift my hands
    And say that I love Him
    I just wanna lift my heart in praise
    And I wanna be

    Thankful
    I wanna be… grateful
    I wanna remember everything

    that the Lord has done

    I wanna be… thankful
    I wanna be grateful
    I wanna be… I wanna be
    I wanna be


    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Partnership Sunday with Solana Beach Pres: On Sunday, December 3rd, we will gather at Solana Beach Presbyterian for the “Alternative Christmas Market.”
    • Sunday, December 24th: Christmas Sunday at 10:30 am at Sandburg Elementary, where we will celebrate baptisms and confirmations
    • Save the date: There will be a women’s retreat on February 2-3, 2024!

    Communion

    Scripture Reading

    Luke 14:15-23

    15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

    16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

    18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

    19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

    20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

    21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’

    22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

    23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

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


    Scripture Engagement
    • If you were in this story, who would you be?  
    • How do you think the people who actually ended up at the banquet felt? 
    • What kind of party do you think it ended up being?  
    • Why do you think Jesus told this story?  
    • How do you think the people who were listening would have reacted to this story?  
    • What is something you learned about Jesus through this story?

    Worship Song

    Let Us Be Known

    Let us be known by our love
    In every word, in every deed
    Honor the Son

    Let our light shine in every eye
    Let us be known by our love

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our love

    Let us be known by our joy
    In every home, in every heart
    Sing to the Lord

    Let our lives show goodness and hope
    Let us be known by our joy

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our joy

    Let us be known by our peace
    In every town, in every tribe
    Jesus is King

    Let us go forth, heal and restore
    Let us be known by our peace

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our peace


    Shared Meal
    • If a polar bear and an elephant got into a fight, who would win?
    • What emoji do you use most often? 
    • Tell a joke or riddle 
    • If you had to teach a class right now, what would you teach? 
    • What makes you a good friend? 
    • If you could ask Jesus a question, what question would you ask Him? 
    • What’s one kind or thoughtful thing someone did for you recently? 
    • What’s an invention that makes your life easier? What would you do if it had never been invented? 
    • What do you most appreciate about your family?

  • November 5, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    Centering Practice 

    Deep breath of gratitude

    • Moment of silence to be embraced by love of God; say silently “I am loved” 
    • Now, turn to neighbors and say out loud, “You are loved”

    Call to Worship/Creed

    The Spirit calls us from many places
    and invites us to find our home in Christ,
    together as God’s people.

    God sets the lonely in families.
    There are no outsiders here.
    We are welcomed and embraced by love.
    Amen.


    Worship Songs

    Oh Our Lord

    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


    Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)

    Hallelujah, I am not alone
    You’re my comfort 
    Always holds me close

    O Lord You’re my Shepherd
    You go before me
    Defender behind me
    I won’t fear

    I’m filled with anointing
    My cup’s overflowing
    Nothing can harm me
    I won’t fear

    Lord, You always guide me
    Through mountains and valleys
    Your joy is refreshing
    It restores my soul

    Your mercy and goodness
    Gives me assurance
    That I’ll see Your glory 
    Face to face

    Your Spirit lives within me
    So I will walk in Your peace
    Your Spirit lives within me
    Come lead me, Lord lead me


    Community Prayer

    God of life and mercy,
    for our broken world and all its suffering,
    we proclaim Your healing love.

    To places of darkness and hatred,
    we proclaim Your powerful light;
    For those longing for hope,
    we proclaim Your promise in Jesus Christ.

    — A moment of silent prayer — 

    God of ages past, present, and future,
    send Your light and truth to guide us.
    Amen. 


    Assurance of God’s Love

    Friends, hear the Good News today:
    Neither death nor life,
    nor things present nor things to come
    can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Communion

    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Thank you: Special thanks to the Kwok family for hosting two gatherings last week!
    • Running Club: This Saturday, November 11th at 8:00 am at Mission Beach boardwalk. Talk to Jin for details!
    • Church Without Walls: Next Sunday, November 12th, we will gather as a group at Encinitas Community Park.
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: We will celebrate Thanksgiving together on Sunday, November 19th during our regular worship service time. Talk to Cherry or Yang to sign up to bring food for the potluck!
    • Partnership Sunday with Solana Beach Pres: On Sunday, December 3rd, we will gather at Solana Beach Presbyterian for the “Alternative Christmas Market.”
    • Save the date: There will be a women’s retreat on February 2-3, 2024!

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Thankful

    I like to think about
    the goodness of the Lord
    He gives me everything I need
    and so much more

    So, I just wanna lift my hands
    And say that I love Him
    I just wanna lift my heart in praise
    And I wanna be

    Thankful
    I wanna be… grateful
    I wanna remember everything

    that the Lord has done

    I wanna be… thankful
    I wanna be grateful
    I wanna be… I wanna be
    I wanna be


    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

    Heal my heart and make it clean
    Open up my eyes to the things unseen
    Show me how to love like You have loved me

    Break my heart for what breaks Yours
    Everything I am is for Your kingdom’s cause
    Show me how to love like You have loved me

    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 all You are

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

    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


    Scripture Reading

    Psalm 68:6

    God sets the lonely in families.

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


    Sermon
    Image of people holding hands in prayer with text: "Core Values: Family"

    Core Values: Family
    Pastor Dan So

    Because of Jesus’ transforming love,
    we become extended family to one another —
    we show up for each other through presence & care
    in joyful, sacrificial ways.
    We are an intergenerational church,
    connecting one generation to the next.

    Core Value: Family

    Worship Song

    I Speak Jesus

    I just want to speak the name of Jesus
    Over every heart and every mind
    ‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
    I speak Jesus

    I just want to speak the name of Jesus
    Over fear and all anxiety
    ‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
    I speak Jesus

    Your name is power
    Your name is healing
    Your name is life

    Break every stronghold
    Shine through the shadows
    Burn like a fire

    We just want to speak the name of Jesus
    Over every hurt and suffering
    Declaring there is hope and there is freedom  

    Our hope is in You God
    We are steadfast
    We will not be moved

    We’re anchored
    Never shaken
    All our hope is in You


    Benediction

  • Reset Sunday Worship Guide • 10-29-23

    There is a realm of time where the goal is
    not to have but to be,
    not to own but to give,
    not to control but to share,
    not to subdue but to be in accord.

    Life goes wrong when the control of space,
    the acquisition of the things of space,
    becomes our sole concern.

    There is happiness in the love of labor,
    there is misery in the love of gain.

    — Abraham Heschel, “The Sabbath”


    Call to Worship

    Adapted from Psalm 62

    God, for You alone do we wait in quietness.
    You are our Rock and our salvation.
    Fill us with hope that can never be shaken.
    We pour our our hearts before You,
    trusting in Your steadfast love.
    Amen.


    Worship Song

    Joy, by Rend Collective


    Passing of the Peace

    Send a text of joy & love to someone from our Anchor & Hope community or someone else who could use some encouragement (Your pastors would love to hear from you, so please feel free to drop them a text as well!).


    Prayer of Illumination

    Light of the world,
    shine through our darkness, bringing us hope.
    Open our hearts to friendship with You and others,
    our eyes to see all the places You’re at work,
    and our souls to wonder & joy.

    Fill our mouths with laughter and speech with shouts of joy,
    reflecting and sharing Your love to the world around us.
    Amen.


    Kids Song & Reflection


    Fruit of the Spirit


    Introduce the video to your children by asking, “When was the last time you felt really really happy?” After hearing their answers, you can talk about how God wants us to have joy. We can have joy and hope because the Holy Spirit gives us joy. Let’s learn about when the Holy Spirit came in the Bible, in the book of Acts:

    Reflect with your children:

    • What made the people in the video joyful?
    • What are ways that you can be joyful this week?

    Scripture Engagement & Reflection

    Read 1 Chronicles 16:31-36 (NLT) out loud, even if you’re alone!

    Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
    Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
    Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
    Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
    Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord,
    for he is coming to judge the earth.

    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.
    Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation!
    Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
    so we can thank your holy name
    and rejoice and praise you.”

    Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    who lives from everlasting to everlasting!
    And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

    Some of us grew up in church cultures that taught us to fear Halloween. Of course, we certainly don’t want to celebrate anything harmful or dangerous, but I think that closed mindset misses out on real opportunities for joy, connection, and genuine witness in the world during this time.

    If we get past the “spooky” stuff (and there are actually some pretty thoughtful Christian reflections on how we should not ignore dark or difficult things), what are the things that people love about Halloween? If you’re with others during this time, maybe you can take a couple of minutes to share.

    From my experience, here are a couple of things that immediately jump out to me:

    • Fun: Candy, parties, costume parades
    • Creativity: Wearing and seeing different costumes, homes and neighborhoods being decorated
    • Self-expression: Deciding what costume to wear, making it your own
    • Connection: There can even be fun in planning something that will bring joy to others, going around in groups

    As followers of Christ, we don’t want to miss out on the importance of shared joy. Halloween gives us the rare opportunity to connect with neighbors, friends, and even strangers around a shared experience of fun and joy. As we explore the genuine rest God offers to us in the gift of Sabbath, one of the most important foundations is joy.

    Abraham Heschel, a rabbi and author, has helped countless people engage Sabbath in a deeper way. Here are a couple of his thoughts around the meaning of Sabbath:

    • Sabbath is joy, holiness, and rest 
    • Sabbath is when we care for the seed of eternity planted in the soul 
    • Sabbath is creating a home in the soul to be with the divine 
    • Sabbath is a day to remember our belovedness 
    • Sabbath is a chance to mend our tattered lives

    As you wrap up this time, reflect on the following questions around practices of joy — if you’re with someone else, you can share out loud or you can just think about these on your own:

    • What is a simple thing that brings you joy? Not because it’s productive or “useful” but simply because it makes you happy?
    • Are you struggling to name something? Why or why not? 
    • What barriers (internally or externally) are preventing you from seeking joy? 
    • How does joy help us recover our sense of “being” over “doing”? 

    Worship Song

    Radical Love (The Joy Song) • by Stockholm Worship


    Closing Prayer

    God of all joy,
    renew us in Your love
    and fill us to overflowing
    so that our neighbors may know
    they are loved as well.
    In Jesus’ name, amen.


    Announcements

    • Men’s Football Night: Chris has generously offered to open up his home tomorrow (Monday, October 30th) at 5:15 pm for a night of friendship and prayer!
    • Women’s Bible Study: Sue will host the final gathering at her place this Friday, November 3rd at 6:00 pm. 
    • Next Sunday, November 5th, we will gather for worship at our usual time and location (10:30 am at Sandburg Elementary) 
    • Church Without Walls: On Sunday, November 12th, we will gather as a group off-site for our next Church Without Walls. Details to come!
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: We will celebrate Thanksgiving together on Sunday, November 19th during our regular worship service time through a time of Togetherness.
    • Partnership Sunday with Solana Beach Pres: On Sunday, December 3rd, we will gather at Solana Beach Presbyterian as part of our mission partnership with them. There will be special music that day and an “Alternative Christmas Market” where we can meet folks and partners from SBPC.

  • October 22, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    Centering Practice 

    Deep breath of gratitude & imagination

    • We invite you to prayerfully imagine a better world
    • One word breath prayer — something that matters to you
    • Not just “speaking it into the universe” but bringing your heart to God and beginning to dream together with Jesus about a world of wholeness & Shalom

    Call to Worship/Creed

    For we are the product of God’s hand,
    heaven’s poetry etched on lives,
    created in the Anointed, Jesus, 

    to accomplish the good works
    God arranged long ago.
    Amen.


    Worship Songs

    Called Me Higher

    I could just sit
    I could just sit and wait for all Your goodness
    Hope to feel Your presence
    And I could just stay
    I could just stay right where I am and hope to feel You
    Hope to feel something again

    And I could hold on
    I could hold on to who I am and never let You
    Change me from the inside
    And I could be safe, oh
    I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home
    Never let these walls down

    But You have called me higher
    You have called me deeper
    And I’ll go where You will lead me Lord

    You have called me higher
    You have called me deeper
    And I’ll go where You lead me Lord
    Where You lead me Lord

    And I could hold on
    I could hold on to who I am and never let You
    Change me from the inside
    And I could be safe, oh
    I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home
    Never let these walls down

    And I will be Yours, oh
    I will be Yours for all my life


    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

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

    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


    Community Prayer

    God of love and hope,
    today we lift up all who suffer in our world,
    from war and violence, hunger and fear,
    and all who struggle in mind, body, or spirit. 

    Thank You for our partners around the world,
    who are co-creating a better world with You, Jesus.
    We pray for all our partners
    in their good work, including:

    Justice Ventures International,
    Big Table,
    and Rise Against Hunger.

    — A moment of silent prayer — 

    God of imagination and compassion,
    continue to inspire and shape our imaginations
    and give us the courage to act in love.
    Amen. 


    Assurance of God’s Love

    Friends, hear the Good News today:
    Our Creator God, who delights in justice and restoration,
    breaks the power of sin and heals our brokenness.
    In Jesus, we are set free to join in building God’s New Creation.
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Reset Sunday: We will not gather in community next Sunday, October 29th. Instead, we encourage you to connect with God and others outside the walls of the church! Worship guide will be sent out this week. 
    • Men’s Football Night: Chris has generously offered to open up his home next Monday, October 30th at 5:15 pm for a night of friendship and prayer!
    • Women’s Bible Study: Sue will host the final gathering at her place on Friday, November 3rd at 6:00 pm. 
    • Church Without Walls: On Sunday, November 12th, we will gather as a group off-site for our next Church Without Walls. Details to come!
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: We will celebrate Thanksgiving together on Sunday, November 19th during our regular worship service time through a time of Togetherness.
    • Partnership Sunday with Solana Beach Pres: On Sunday, December 3rd, we will gather at Solana Beach Presbyterian as part of our mission partnership with them. There will be special music that day and an “Alternative Christmas Market” where we can meet folks and partners from SBPC.

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Light of the World

    The world is searching for an answer
    A ray of hope in a hopeless world
    Who can we turn to?
    Where is our rescue?

    There is Someone, He’s the answer
    He’s the light and He’ll light the way
    His name is Jesus
    He came to save us

    He is the light, light, light
    Light of the world
    And He shine, shine, shines
    All over the earth
    Shining bright, bright, bright
    He is the Light of the world


    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! 


    Scripture Reading

    Ephesians 2:10

    For we are the product of God’s hand,
    heaven’s poetry etched on lives,
    created in the Anointed, Jesus,
    to accomplish the good works
    God arranged long ago.

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


    Sermon
    Close up image of a multi-colored weaving loom with text, "Core Values: Creativity"

    Core Values: Creativity
    Pastor Jeya So

    We are called to co-create a world
    of shalom, justice, and joy
    alongside God & each other.

    Core Value: Creativity

    Worship Song

    Open Up

    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

    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 we love, as You love
    May we love, as You love

    Hope for the hopeless, Your love is
    Strength in our weakness, Your love is


    Benediction

  • October 15, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    Centering Practice 

    Stand, make a little room, and get ready to stretch

    • From the top of my head…
    • To the tips of my toes…
    • All of me is Yours, wherever I go!

    Call to Worship/Creed

    Jesus said the most important commandment is this:
    Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.
    You shall love the Lord your God

    With all your heart and with all your soul,
    and with all your mind and with all your strength.

    The second is equally important:
    You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
    There is no commandment greater than these. Amen.


    Worship Songs

    Let Everything That Has Breath

    Let everything that, everything that
    Everything that has breath praise the Lord

    Praise You in the morning
    Praise You in the evening
    Praise You when I’m young
    and when I’m old

    Praise You when I’m laughing
    Praise You when I’m grieving
    Praise You every season of the soul

    If we could see how much You’re worth
    Your power, Your might, Your endless love
    Then surely we would never cease to praise…

    Praise You in the heavens
    Join with the angels
    Praising You forever and a day

    Praise You in the earth now
    Join with creation
    Calling all the nations to Your praise

    If they could see how much You’re worth
    Your power, Your might, Your endless love
    Then surely they would never cease to praise

    I will worship, I will worship
    I will worship You with every breath


    Community Prayer

    God of time and history,
    You have called people meet You 
    in many different ways, in many different places.

    Here and now, You meet and transform us.
    Thank You for receiving us, just as we are.
    Through Your Spirit, breathe life into us
    and into the world You so love. 

    — A moment of silent prayer — 

    God of love and grace,
    shine Your light through dark times,
    restoring and healing our world. Amen. 


    Assurance of God’s Love

    Friends, hear the Good News today:
    The love of God in Jesus Christ is boundless,
    embracing all of the world God so loves,
    and embracing all of you.
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Women’s Bible Study: Continues this week via Zoom on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. Talk to PJ for more information 
    • Reset Sunday: We will not gather in community on Sunday, October 29th. Instead, we encourage you to connect with God and others outside the walls of the church! Worship guide will be sent out the week beforehand. 
    • Men’s Football Night: Chris has generously offered to open up his home on October 30th at 5:15 pm for a night of watching the greatest team in the NFL (ha!), friendship, and prayer!

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Light of the World

    The world is searching for an answer
    A ray of hope in a hopeless world
    Who can we turn to?
    Where is our rescue?

    There is Someone, He’s the answer
    He’s the light and He’ll light the way
    His name is Jesus
    He came to save us

    He is the light, light, light
    Light of the world
    And He shine, shine, shines
    All over the earth
    Shining bright, bright, bright
    He is the Light of the world


    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

    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

    2 Corinthians 3:18

    (There is now) Nothing between us and God,
    our faces shining with the brightness of God’s face.
    And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah,
    our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful
    as God enters our lives and we become like Him.

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


    Sermon
    Image of a potter throwing a clay pot on a wheel with text overlaid, "Core Values: Whole-Life Formation"

    Core Values: Whole-Life Formation
    Pastor Dan So

    We are called to love God
    with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength —
    and to be formed in the way of Jesus
    in every area of our lives
    through participation, learning, and integration.

    Core Value: Whole-Life Formation

    Worship Song

    At Your Feet (Surrender)

    My eyes are on the cross
    Where You gave it all
    I worship You, I worship You

    I see the One who saves
    Light of heaven’s grace
    I run to You, I run to You and…

    I… I surrender
    I lay my life down at Your feet 
    God of mercy, You are worthy
    I give You every part of me

    The things that I have done
    The things that I will do
    I give to You, I give to You

    Holy God above
    How could I resist Your love
    I run to You, I run to You and…

    With every breath, with all I am
    O Jesus I surrender
    My heart is Yours, I trust You Lord
    O Jesus I surrender


    Benediction

  • October 8, 2023 • Worship liturgy


    Centering Practice 

    Stand, deep breath of gratitude

    • God sees you, you are welcomed and you belong — and, together, we bring praise to God!
    • One minute of singing all together, everyone can join in
    • “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” — Romans 15:7

    Call to Worship/Creed

    God sets the lonely in families.
    We are seen and welcomed by God,
    and included in the family of Christ.

    We open our lives to those around us,
    inviting them to find belonging and love
    as we follow Jesus together. Amen. 


    Worship Songs

    Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

    It all comes down to this
    What You require of me
    Love my neighbor as myself
    And You above all things

    Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly
    With You, God
    In all things, in all ways, walk humbly
    With You, God

    It all comes down to this
    To be Your hands and feet
    Good news to all the world
    The truth will set us free

    It’s beauty for ashes
    It’s mourning to dancing
    It’s closer and closer
    The Kingdom of heaven

    And years from now we’ll see
    The fruit our hands have sown
    Faith just like a seed
    The only way it grows


    Let Us Be Known

    Let us be known by our love
    In every word, in every deed
    Honor the Son

    Let our light shine in every eye
    Let us be known by our love

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our love

    Let us be known by our joy
    In every home, in every heart
    Sing to the Lord

    Let our lives show goodness and hope
    Let us be known by our joy

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our joy

    Let us be known by our peace
    In every town, in every tribe
    Jesus is King

    Let us go forth, heal and restore
    Let us be known by our peace

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our peace

    For the glory of our Savior
    For the glory of our God
    For the glory of the Spirit
    Let us be known by our love


    Community Prayer

    God of abundant love,
    for those who hunger, You are the Bread of Life;
    for those who thirst, You are Living Water.

    Have mercy on us and Your world,
    for all the ways we turn away from love;
    renew us in generosity of heart.  

    — A moment of silent prayer — 

    Through Your Spirit, widen our embrace
    and set us on Your path of welcome,
    grace, and belonging. Amen. 


    Assurance of God’s Love

    Friends, hear the Good News today:
    Jesus loves you, and Jesus loves the world.
    God invites you into the new creation of faith, hope, and love.
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Communion

    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Youth Group Bible Study: Today during worship service. Thank you, Sejun, for teaching! 
    • Women’s Bible Study: Continues this week via Zoom on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. Talk to PJ for more information 
    • Reset Sunday: We will not gather in community on Sunday, October 29th. Instead, we encourage you to connect with God and others outside the walls of the church! Worship guide will be sent out the week beforehand. 
    • Men’s Football Night: Chris has generously offered to open up his home on October 30th at 5:15 pm for a night of watching the greatest team in the NFL (ha!), friendship, and prayer!

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Light of the World

    The world is searching for an answer
    A ray of hope in a hopeless world
    Who can we turn to?
    Where is our rescue?

    There is Someone, He’s the answer
    He’s the light and He’ll light the way
    His name is Jesus
    He came to save us

    He is the light, light, light
    Light of the world
    And He shine, shine, shines
    All over the earth
    Shining bright, bright, bright
    He is the Light of the world


    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 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

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

    Hope for the hopeless, Your love is
    Strength in our weakness, your love is

    May we love, as You love


    Scripture Reading

    Romans 15:7

    Accept one another, then,
    just as Christ accepted you,
    in order to bring praise to God.

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


    Sermon
    Image of a colorful super bloom field with text overlaid: "Core Values: Inclusion"

    Core Values: Inclusion

    Pastor Jeya So


    Worship Song

    The Kingdom is Yours

    Blessed are the ones who do not bury
    All the broken pieces of their heart
    Blessed are the tears of all the weary
    Pouring like a sky of falling stars

    Blessed are the wounded ones in mourning
    Brave enough to show the Lord their scars
    Blessed are the hurts that are not hidden
    Open to the healing touch of God

    The Kingdom is yours, the Kingdom is yours
    Hold on a little more, this is not the end
    Hope is in the Lord, keep your eyes on Him

    And blessed are the ones who walk in kindness
    Even in the face of great abuse
    Blessed are the deeds that go unnoticed
    Serving with unguarded gratitude

    And blessed are the ones who fight for justice
    Longing for the coming day of peace
    Blessed is the soul that thirsts for righteousness
    Welcoming the last, the lost, the least

    Blessed are the ones who suffer violence
    And still have strength to love their enemies
    Blessed is the faith of those who persevere
    Though they fall, they’ll never know defeat


    Benediction

  • October 1, 2023 • Worship liturgy

    World Communion Sunday

    Centering Practice 

    Deep breath of gratitude

    • We will remember our connection to the church worldwide today 
    • A practice of rhythm, singing, and connection

    Call to Worship/Creed

    God invites us to the table of grace.
    We have come from east and west,
    from north and south, in faith and love.

    Here we find the Bread of Life and Living Water,
    the gifts of God for the people of God.
    Let us taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Amen. 


    Worship Songs

    The Way

    Through every battle
    Through every heartbreak
    Through every circumstance
    I believe that You are my fortress
    You are my portion
    You are my hiding place

    I believe You are
    The way, the truth, the life

    Through every blessing
    Through every promise
    Through every breath I take
    I believe that You are Provider
    You are Protector
    You are the One I love

    And it’s a new horizon and I’m set on You
    And You meet me here today with mercies that are new
    All my fears and doubts, they can all come too
    Because they can’t stay long when I’m here with You

    It’s a new horizon and I’m set on You
    And You meet me here today with mercies that are new
    All my fears and doubts
    They can all come too
    Because they can’t stay long when


    Called Me Higher

    I could just sit
    I could just sit and wait for all Your goodness
    Hope to feel Your presence

    And I could just stay
    I could just stay right where I am
    and hope to feel You
    Hope to feel something again

    But You have called me higher
    You have called me deeper
    And I’ll go where You will lead me Lord

    And I could hold on
    I could hold on to who I am and never let You
    Change me from the inside

    And I could be safe
    I could be safe here in Your arms
    and never leave home
    Never let these walls down

    And I will be Yours
    I will be Yours for all my life


    Community Prayer

    From every place on this planet, 
    we turn our face to You, O God.  
    Gather us, all Your people, together, to pray.  

    In the midst of the forces which would separate us, 
    bind us in Your love as the Church, together. 
    Strengthen us through Your grace.

    For those aching to be made new;
    for those suffering from pain;
    for a world stretching toward wholeness, we pray: 

    — A moment of silent prayer — 

    Renew our hope by the gift of Your Spirit,
    that our lives would declare Your praise,
    signs and symbols of our faith in You. Amen.


    Assurance of God’s Love

    Friends, hear the Good News today:
    Jesus died for us, rose for us, reigns in power over us, and prays for us.
    In Jesus Christ, we are made whole by God’s renewing grace.
    Thanks be to God! Amen.


    Communion

    Offering

    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 invite you to use our QR code to fill out a visitors card so we can get to know you better
    • Women’s Bible Study: Continues this week via Zoom on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. Talk to PJ for more information 
    • Youth Group Bible Study: Next Sunday, October 8th during worship service
    • Reset Sunday: We will not gather in community on Sunday, October 29th. Instead, we encourage you to connect with God and others outside the walls of the church! Worship guide will be sent out the week beforehand.

    Passing of the Peace

    Family Song 

    Every Move I Make

    Every move I make, I make in You
    You make me move, Jesus
    Every breath I take I breathe in You

    Every step I take, I take in You
    You are my way, Jesus
    Every breath I take I breathe in You

    Na na na na…

    Waves of mercy, waves of grace
    Everywhere I look I see Your face
    Your love has captured me
    Oh my God, this love, how can it be?


    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

    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


    Scripture Reading

    1 John 5:5

    The person who wins out over the world’s ways
    is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

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


    Sermon
    Image of four hikers climbing a large mountain with text overlaid, "Core Values: Faith"

    Core Values: Faith

    Pastor Dan So


    Worship Song

    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


    Benediction