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  • November 23, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Thanksgiving Sunday

    Entrance/Centering Practice
    • Psalm 100:4 • “Enter the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving in our hearts and enter God’s courts with praise” 
    • Take a fruit-shaped note, write something you are thankful for, and add it to the tree of thankfulness 
    Call to Worship

    Based on Psalm 105

    Give thanks to the Lord and call on God’s name;
    Make God’s glory known among the nations!

    Remember the wonders the Lord has done;
    Sing glorious praise to God!

    The Lord our God is faithful
    to a thousand generations! Amen. 

    Worship Songs

    The Fruit of the Spirit

    The fruit of the Spirit’s not a coconut
    The fruit of the Spirit’s not a coconut
    If you wanna be a coconut
    You might as well hear it
    You can’t be a fruit of the Spirit

    ‘Cause the fruit is
    Love, joy, peace, patience
    Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
    Gentleness and self-control

    Banana…

    Watermelon…

    Lemon…

    Cherry…

    Grape…

    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

    Thanksgiving Prayer

    For the wonder of Your beautiful creation,
    We thank You, God.

    For Your loving provision & care every day,
    We thank You, God.

    For family, friends, and the gift of belonging in our church,
    We thank You, God.

    For minds to think, hearts to love & hands to serve,
    We thank You, God.

    For the faithful witness of Your Church worldwide,
    We thank You, God. 

    For the transforming gift of love in Christ,
    We thank You, God. Amen.

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Gift of Thanks: As part of today’s worship gathering (and inspired by last week’s Sunday School art project!), we will give a donation of fruit trees through World Vision as part of a special offering today.
    • Reset Sunday: Next Sunday, November 30th, we will not gather in community because it will be a Reset Sunday! More details during our Scripture exploration.
    • December Bible study: If you’re interested in joining the winter Bible study (which is open to everyone!), please fill out the interest form today!
    • Weekly Advent Devotions: We are making weekly devotions (one set for individuals and one for families) available — we’ll share them with our whole church electronically and will have a limited number of printed copies each Sunday. Please start these devotions during the week of November 30th!
    • Advent Gatherings: Sunday, December 14th, will be a special day of interactive prayer and worship (during our normal worship gathering time). We will also have a church Christmas party on Saturday, December 20th!
    • Advent Readers: We are looking for volunteers (including families and individuals) to serve as readers for our special Advent candle lightings during December. Please talk to PJ today if you’re interested! 
    Communion
    Scripture Reading

    Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

    9 Two people are better than one.
        They can help each other in everything they do.

    10  Suppose either of them falls down.
        Then the one can help the other one up.
        But how miserable if a person falls down
        and doesn’t have anyone to help them up!

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

    Sermon
    Image of a poppy flower with text overlaid, "Give Thanks"
    Worship Song

    My Hallelujah

    Open up the doors again
    Let the King of glory in
    His Kingdom will never end
    Oh, I know that You are good

    Break the darkness with the light
    All the earth let praise arise
    Every dead place come alive
    Oh, I know that You are good
    Oh, I know that You are good

    You will have my hallelujah
    You alone the highest name
    All to You I surrender
    Every breath I take
    Make my life Your praise

    Oh, Spirit of the Living God
    Fire burning in my heart
    I’m wide awake to who You are
    Oh, I know that You are good
    Oh, I know that You are good

    You are my strength when I am weak
    You are my sight when I can’t see
    As praise goes up, I believe
    The walls are coming down

    Oh, when I was lost, You rescued me
    When I was bound, You set me free
    As praise goes up, I believe
    The walls are coming down

    Benediction
    Potluck Lunch

    Together

  • November 16, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • Today, we’ll practice “theology of the thumbs” to remind us that we uphold others and are held up by them as well  
    • Say a short, silent prayer of blessing for your neighbors 
    • Say out loud to your neighbors: I’m glad you’re here
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from the Belhar Confession

    Jesus calls us together, in our diversity,
    to a shared story and life together.

    We make visible the unity of Christ
    through the practice of love, kindness, and justice.

    Therefore, we reject hatred and prejudice;
    instead, we stand with the suffering
    and oppressed

    in obedience to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
    Amen. 

    Worship Songs

    Beautiful One

    Wonderful, so wonderful
    Is Your unfailing love
    Your cross has spoken mercy over me

    No eye has seen, no ear has heard
    No heart could fully know
    How glorious, how beautiful you are

    Beautiful One, I love You
    Beautiful One, I adore
    Beautiful One, my soul must sing

    Powerful, so powerful
    Your glory fills the skies
    Your mighty works displayed for all to see

    The beauty of Your majesty
    Awakes my heart to sing
    How marvelous, how wonderful You are

    You opened my eyes to Your wonders anew
    You captured my heart with this love
    Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as You

    My soul, my soul must sing
    My soul, my soul must sing
    My soul, my soul must sing
    Beautiful One

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    Our God who makes all things new,
    You are making a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert. 

    Forgive our old ways of thinking & acting;
    Open our hearts to Your future;
    Re-create us in Your mercy & love;
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Thank You, Jesus,
    for the hope we have in You.
    Guide us, our Creator, Redeemer & Sustainer.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    The “one anothers” of Scripture teach us how to love one another in our church and to offer hope to all people. We will read aloud a “one another” from the Bible and hold a moment of silent prayer:

    We pray together, with one another, that we would: 

    Follow Jesus’ commandment,
    to love one another as Christ loves us… 
    (John 15:12)

    Welcome one another,
    just as Christ has welcomed us… 
    (Romans 15:7)

    Be kind and tenderhearted to one another,
    as God in Christ is to us…
    (Ephesians 4:32)

    Bear one another’s burdens,
    fulfilling the law of Christ…
    (Galatians 6:2)

    Always seek to do good to one another
    and to all in the name of Jesus…
    (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

    Amen.

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Youth Group Holiday Party: This Saturday, November 22nd at 5:00 pm at the Cho’s place! Check your email for more details about sharing God’s love through donating a gift!
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: Next Sunday, November 23rd, we will have a special intergenerational worship gathering for our Thanksgiving Sunday.
    • Reset Sunday: We will not gather in community on November 30th but will instead encourage you to connect with God, others, and yourselves out in God’s world! We will send a worship guide that week. 
    • Winter Bible Study Sign-Ups: If you’re interested in joining the winter Bible study (which is open to everyone!), please fill out the interest form today!
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent (11/30) — for renewal & rest in our church community and for a spirit of invitation to reach out to others!
    • Resolution Run: Members of our Run Club will participate in the Resolution Run at Mission Bay on January 10, 2026 — 5K/10K/and half-marathon options! Please talk to Jin if you’d like to sign up with our team!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    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

    1 Peter 4:7-11 

    7 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a flowing piece of fabric with text overlaid, "The Cover of Love"

    The Cover of Love

    Pastor Dan

    Conversation Questions 

    • Who taught you about generosity (kindness, serving others)? 
    • What do you want to be remembered for? 
    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

    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

    Benediction

  • November 9, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • Silently with one breath, say to God: I’m glad You are here  
    • Silently with another breath, say to yourself: I’m glad I am here 
    • Out loud to neighbors: I’m glad you’re here 
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from the Belhar Confession

    Jesus calls us together, in our diversity,
    to a shared story and life together.

    We make visible the unity of Christ
    through the practice of love, kindness, and justice.

    Therefore, we reject hatred and prejudice;
    instead, we stand with the suffering
    and oppressed

    in obedience to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
    Amen. 

    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 

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    O God,
    We hold fast to the promise of Your love,
    and the Story it tells in Scripture and life. 

    Your love is a priceless treasure;
    steadfast and trustworthy,
    stronger than death, and better than life.
    We rest together in Your love: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    God of perfect love,
    Drive away our fears and doubts
    and help us to love one another.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    Based on the Prayer for Peace by St. Francis of Assisi: 

    Lord, make us instruments of Your peace: 

    Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
    Where there is injury, pardon;
    Where there is doubt, faith;

    Where there is despair, hope;
    Where there is darkness, light;
    Where there is sadness, joy. 

    For all who need to experience
    the fullness and flourishing
    of Your Shalom, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Amen. 

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Youth Group Holiday Party: Saturday, November 22nd at 5:00 pm at the Cho’s place! Check your email for more details about sharing God’s love through donating a gift! 
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: We will have a special intergenerational worship gathering for our Thanksgiving Sunday on November 23rd (followed by a Reset Sunday on November 30th)
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent (11/30) — for renewal & rest in our church community and for a spirit of invitation to reach out to others!
    • Resolution Run: Members of our Run Club will participate in the Resolution Run at Mission Bay on January 10, 2026 — 5K/10K/and half-marathon options! Please talk to Jin if you’d like to sign up with our team!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    Promises

    God from age to age
    Though the earth may pass away
    Your word remains the same

    Your history can prove
    There’s nothing You can’t do
    You’re faithful and true

    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

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

    Scripture Reading

    Psalm 145

    1 I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.

    2 Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.

    3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
    his greatness is unsearchable.

    4 One generation shall extol your works to another
    and shall declare your mighty acts.

    5 They will recount the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works I will meditate.

    6 They will proclaim the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.

    7 They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

    8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

    9 The Lord is good to all,
    and his compassion is over all that he has made.

    10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your faithful shall bless you.

    11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,

    12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

    13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations
    The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and gracious in all his deeds.

    14 The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.

    15 The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.

    16 You open your hand,
    satisfying the desire of every living thing.

    17 The Lord is just in all his ways
    and kind in all his doings.

    18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.

    19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
    he also hears their cry and saves them.

    20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.

    21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

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

    Sermon
    Overlapping images of silhouettes of people with text overlaid, "Generations of Faith"

    Generations of Faith

    Pastor Jeya

    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

  • November 2, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • Hold yourself in a hug and be reminded of the embrace of God and God’s people throughout time and geography  
    • Inhale: God draws us in 
    • Exhale: We find belonging  
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from the Belhar Confession

    Jesus calls us together, in our diversity,
    to a shared story and life together.

    We make visible the unity of Christ
    through the practice of love, kindness, and justice.

    Therefore, we reject hatred and prejudice;
    instead, we stand with the suffering
    and oppressed

    in obedience to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
    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

    Here For You

    Let our praise be Your welcome
    Let our songs be a sign
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Let Your breath come from heaven
    Fill our hearts with Your life
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    To You our hearts are open
    Nothing here is hidden
    You are our one desire

    You alone are holy
    Only You are worthy
    God, let Your fire fall down

    Let our shout be Your anthem
    Your renown fill the skies
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Let Your Word move in power
    Let what’s dead come to life
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Prayer of Confession

    Spirit of God,
    You have anointed us to bear witness
    to Your love in our world: 

    To the oppressed, Good News;
    For the brokenhearted, healing;
    To the captives, freedom.
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    God of justice,
    Make us oaks of righteousness,
    a people who build, raise up, and restore,
    all for Your glory. Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    Based on James 5. I will pray a phrase, we will respond out loud together, and then hold a moment of silence for that prayer topic: 

    For those who are suffering,
    around the world and in our communities…
    Lord, we pray 

    For all who are filled
    with joy and good cheer…
    We give You praise 

    For those who need healing
    in body, mind, and spirit…
    Together, we pray over them… 

    The prayer of the righteous
    is powerful and effective…
    Lord, make us whole;
    Raise us up in faith;
    Forgive and strengthen Your people.
    Amen.

    Communion
    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Women’s Bible Study: This Friday, November 7th via Zoom (and wraps up on November 14th in person)  
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: We will have a special intergenerational worship gathering for our Thanksgiving Sunday on November 23rd (followed by a Reset Sunday on November 30th)
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent (11/30) — for renewal & rest in our church community and for a spirit of invitation to reach out to others!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    You Don’t Have to Lose Heart

    Hey now, you don’t have to lose heart
    Hey now, we are only at the start
    Of what God’s doing here

    Hey now, you don’t have to lose heart
    Hey now, we are only at the start
    Of what God’s doing here… He’s here

    So let us put our trust
    In the One who carries us
    So we can let go
    Of every disappointment
    Let us cling to love
    To the hope ahead of us
    So we can hold on
    To every single promise

    Brother, when your troubles weigh you down
    Sister, fix your eyes on higher ground
    On the peace yet to come, to come

    Let us rest here in the hands
    Of the One who made all things
    Let us rest here in the plans
    Of the One who knows all things

    Scripture Reading

    1 Corinthians 9:19-23 

    19 For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might gain all the more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to gain Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might gain those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not outside God’s law but am within Christ’s law) so that I might gain those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I might become a partner in it.

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

    Sermon
    Image of diverse overlapping hands with text overlaid, "Brought Together in Christ"

    Brought Together in Christ

    Pastor Dan

    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…

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

    May we love
    As You love

    Benediction

  • October 19, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • Hebrews 12 tells us we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses — saints throughout the world, through time and history, who have walked faithfully with Jesus 
    • As you breathe, we invite you to join hands with the people next to you, knowing that you are never alone — that you stand in a long line of faithful witnesses to the life-giving and life-transforming love of Christ 
    • “Theology of the thumbs” — supporting and being supported by others
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from the Brief Statement of Faith 

    In life and in death, we belong to God.
    Through the transforming grace of our risen Lord, 

    the steadfast love of God,
    and the faithful presence of the Holy Spirit,

    We are brought from darkness into light,
    called to live and share the resurrection.
    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

    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

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    God of faithful promises,
    We lift our eyes to the hills,
    knowing our help comes from You.

    Bring peace to our chaotic lives;
    Lift us up from our despair;
    Calm our anxieties and fears;
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Spirit of God,
    Renew us in Your hope,
    filling us with compassion & love
    today and every day.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    Presider:
    It helps, now and then,
    to step back and take a long view.
    The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
    it is even beyond our vision.

    We accomplish in our lifetime
    only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise
    that is God’s work. 

    Nothing we do is complete,
    which is a way of saying
    that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.

    No statement says all that could be said.
    No prayer fully expresses our faith.
    No confession brings perfection.

    No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
    No program accomplishes the Church’s mission.
    No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

    Together:
    This is what we are about.
    We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
    We water seeds already planted,
    knowing that they hold future promise.

    We lay foundations that will need
    further development.
    We provide yeast that produces
    far beyond our capabilities.

    We cannot do everything,
    and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
    This enables us to do something,
    and to do it very well.

    It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning,
    a step along the way, an opportunity
    for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.

    We may never see the end results,
    but that is the difference between
    the master builder and the worker.

    We are workers, not master builders;
    ministers, not messiahs.
    We are prophets
    of a future not our own.
    Amen. 

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Coffee Gift Cards for Teachers: Once again, we will bless the 82 teachers and staff of Sandburg Elementary with coffee gift cards! Please take a post-it or two from the board so you can pray for them by name, and prayerfully consider sponsoring some gift cards as well! From our Tithely, choose “Coffee Gift Cards 2025” from the drop-down menu!  
    • Next Sunday: Pastor David will be preaching during our Sunday service! He will also gather our high school students & young adults for lunch afterward
    • Women’s Bible Study: Women’s Bible study will take a 2-week break and will resume on Friday, November 7th and 14th
    • Thanksgiving Sunday: We will have a special intergenerational worship gathering for our Thanksgiving Sunday on November 23rd (followed by a Reset Sunday on November 30th)
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent (11/30) — for renewal & rest in our church community and for a spirit of invitation to reach out to others!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    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 

    Scripture Reading

    2 Timothy 4:1-5 (First Nations Version)

    When the Chosen One appears, he will decide the fate of the living and the dead and bring his good road to us in all its fullness. In light of these things and in the sight of the Great Spirit and Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One. I call on you to complete the sacred task of making his message known! Be ready whether the time seems right or not. Patiently instruct others. Give strong counsel, warnings, and firm words to strengthen their hearts. For a day will come when people will not listen to good teaching. They will gather around themselves to teachers who will tell them what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and believe made-up stories.

    But you must remain clear-minded in every way, stand strong in hard times, and do the work of a good storyteller. Keep doing what Creator has called on you to do.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a message in a bottle on the shore of the ocean with text overlaid, "Make His Message Known"

    Make His Message Known

    Pastor Jeya

    Worship Song

    Open Space w Hosanna tag

    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 Your
    Everything I am
    for Your Kingdom’s cause
    As I walk from earth into eternity

    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

    Hosanna, Hosanna
    Hosanna in the highest

    Benediction

  • October 12, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • Engage a posture that opens your heart to the world around you (palms up, hands open, etc.) 
    • Inhale: I receive God’s love  
    • Exhale: I share God’s love 
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from the Brief Statement of Faith 

    In life and in death, we belong to God.
    Through the transforming grace of our risen Lord, 

    the steadfast love of God,
    and the faithful presence of the Holy Spirit,

    We are brought from darkness into light,
    called to live and share the resurrection.
    Amen.

    Worship Songs

    Let Everything That Has Breath

    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

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

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

    Praise You on 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, to praise

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

    The 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

    Prayer of Confession

    God of love,
    The wonder of Your creation
    speaks to Your goodness.
    Uphold us with Your grace:

    For our fears and worries;
    For our neighborhoods and the nations;
    For our present and our future:
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Lord Jesus,
    Teach us how to walk in Your ways
    throughout the world You love.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    After each phrase, let’s pray out loud: “Lord, have mercy” 

    For those facing disaster, whether from the natural world
    or caused by humankind… 

    For the emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational
    healing of ourselves and our loved ones… 

    For our neighbors in Mira Mesa & San Diego
    to know Jesus’ love through us… 

    For our global siblings in Christ, especially those
    who suffer because of their faith in You… 

    For the Church worldwide to be faithful witnesses
    of Your justice, mercy, and love… 

    Amen. 

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Women’s Bible Study: This Friday, October 17th in person!  
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue to lift up our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent, that God would give us love & courage to invite friends to be a part of what God is doing in and through Anchor & Hope!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    The Love of the Father

    Lift up your voices and lift up your praise
    Join with the heavens, declaring the wonders
    Of His faithfulness forever

    Sing of the victory, the hope of the world
    The Saviour has risen, the Spirit has come to
    Bring us into love forever

    We are the people of God
    With the freedom of hope in our hearts
    How great is the love of the Father

    Lifted from darkness and into the light
    The sons and the daughters are loved at a price
    Our God has made us His forever

    This is the song of the redeemed
    The ransomed and the free
    Given life at such a price
    This is love, this is love

    And when the Father calls us home
    And we see Him on the throne
    Hear the voices sing as one
    This is love, this is love

    Scripture Reading

    Matthew 22:34-40

    34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

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

    Sermon
    Image of a sun rising over a field of flowers with text overlaid, "Faithful Love"

    Faithful Love

    Pastor Dan

    Conversation questions 

    • What makes your heart pulse as you think about loving God? 
    • How can you help others know they are loved by God? 
    Worship Song

    Oh You Bring

    Oh You bring hope to the hopeless
    And light to those in darkness
    And death to life… now I’m alive

    Oh You give peace to the restless
    And joy to homes that are broken
    I see You now… in You I’m found

    And You opened the door for me
    And You laid down Your life to set me free
    All that I am will serve You, Lord

    And You opened my eyes to see
    All the wonder and awe of Christ in me
    Jesus, You’re everything I need

    Oh You fill those who are empty
    And rescue those in the valley
    And through it all… You calm my soul

    Oh You find me in my weakness
    And heal the wounds of my heartache
    I worship You… in spirit and truth

    All honor… all glory… all praise to You

    Benediction

  • October 5, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    World Communion Sunday

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • Hold yourself in a hug and be reminded of the embrace of God and God’s people throughout history and space 
    • Inhale: The earth is the Lord’s 
    • Exhale: And all who live within it  
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from the Brief Statement of Faith 

    In life and in death, we belong to God.
    Through the transforming grace of our risen Lord, 

    the steadfast love of God,
    and the faithful presence of the Holy Spirit,

    We are brought from darkness into light,
    called to live and share the resurrection.
    Amen.

    Worship Songs

    Great Are You Lord / Oh Our Lord

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

    Be Thou My Vision / Open the Eyes

    Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
    Open the eyes of my heart
    I want to see You
    I want to see You

    Be thou my Vision
    O Lord of my heart
    Naught be all else to me
    Save that Thou art

    Thou my best thought
    By day or by night
    Waking or sleeping 
    Thy Presence, my Light

    Riches I heed not
    Nor vain empty praise
    Thou mine inheritance
    Now and always

    Thou and Thou only 
    Be first in my heart
    High King of Heaven 
    My treasure, Thou art

    O God, be my everything
    Be my delight
    Be Jesus, my glory
    My soul satisfied

    High King of Heaven
    When victory is won
    May I reach Heaven’s joys 
    O bright Heaven’s sun

    Heart of my own heart
    Whatever befall
    Still be my vision
    O Ruler of all

    Prayer of Confession

    God of love,
    Your banquet table is open to all,
    a place of love and belonging. 

    When our tables are too small;
    When our vision of grace is too narrow;
    When we do not love our neighbors;
    Forgive us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    God of welcome,
    We give You all our grateful praise,
    together with all Your people, everywhere.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    After each phrase, let’s pray out loud: “Lord, have mercy” 

    For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war,
    especially children…  

    For the emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational
    healing of ourselves and our loved ones… 

    For our neighbors in Mira Mesa & San Diego
    to know Jesus’ love through us… 

    For our global siblings in Christ, especially those
    who suffer because of their faith in You… 

    For the Church worldwide to be faithful witnesses
    of Your justice, mercy, and love… 

    Amen. 

    Communion
    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Mira Mesa Street Fair: Thank you to everyone who was able to come by and help out. We had over 400 interactions with our community — engaging kids with art, collaborating with our neighbors in visualized prayer, and sharing affirmations with everyone so they would know they’re loved!  
    • Women’s Bible Study: This Friday, October 10th in person!  
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue to lift up our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent, that God would give us love & courage to invite friends to be a part of what God is doing in and through Anchor & Hope!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    Promises

    God from age to age
    Though the earth may pass away
    Your word remains the same

    Your history can prove
    There’s nothing You can’t do
    You’re faithful and true

    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

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

    Scripture Reading

    2 Timothy 1:1-7

    1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

    2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
    Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    3 I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a group of hands holding soil with plants growing, with text overlaid, "Spiritual Ancestors"

    Spiritual Ancestors

    Pastor Jeya

    Conversation Questions: 

    • Who are your spiritual ancestors? (they can still be alive!)
    • What have they taught you?
    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

  • September 28, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. 

    • As we continue to dream together, we invite you to stand and stretch your arms upward 
    • Now, we invite you to stretch your arms wide as a symbol of openness to the dreams God has for you and for us as a church
    Call to Worship

    Like clay on a wheel, God forms us.
    We are created — and re-created,
    as the Artist imagines & shapes us.

    Our story is still being written
    by the creative Author of Life.
    May we learn to dream with God.
    Amen.

    Worship Songs

    Here For You

    Let our praise be Your welcome
    Let our songs be a sign
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Let Your breath come from heaven
    Fill our hearts with Your life
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    To You our hearts are open
    Nothing here is hidden
    You are our one desire

    You alone are holy
    Only You are worthy
    God, let Your fire fall down

    Let our shout be Your anthem
    Your renown fill the skies
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Let Your Word move in power
    Let what’s dead come to life
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    My Hallelujah

    Open up the doors again
    Let the King of glory in
    His Kingdom will never end
    Oh, I know that You are good

    Break the darkness with the light
    All the earth let praise arise
    Every dead place come alive
    Oh, I know that You are good
    Oh, I know that You are good

    You will have my hallelujah
    You alone the highest name
    All to You I surrender
    Every breath I take
    Make my life Your praise

    Oh, Spirit of the Living God
    Fire burning in my heart
    I’m wide awake to who You are
    Oh, I know that You are good
    Oh, I know that You are good

    You are my strength when I am weak
    You are my sight when I can’t see
    As praise goes up, I believe
    The walls are coming down

    Oh, when I was lost, You rescued me
    When I was bound, You set me free
    As praise goes up, I believe
    The walls are coming down

    Prayer of Confession

    God of love,
    Your compassion is so evident
    in our lives and all around us. 

    When we close our hearts to those in need;
    When choose comfort over generosity;
    When we tear down instead of build up;
    Forgive us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Renew us, O God, by Your Spirit
    to bring justice and joy
    into the world You love.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    One of the blessings from our retreat was the dedicated time and space to be with each other — worshiping, eating, playing, and praying, especially with people we might not always get to spend time with. Please form a triad with people who you might not know as well. Have one person pray out loud for each of the following:  for your triad, for our church, and for the world. 

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Women’s Bible Study: This Friday, October 3rd via Zoom!  
    • Mira Mesa Street Fair: This Saturday, October 4th. If you can join us for part of the day, we’ll be there from 9:00 am (setup) until about 4:00 pm (tear down). 
    • Office Space: Please join us in prayer as we look to establish an ongoing presence in the Mira Mesa area — and keep an eye out!
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community!  Please continue to lift up our 10:02 prayer daily until Advent, that God would give us love & courage to invite friends to be a part of what God is doing in and through Anchor & Hope!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    Teach Us Your Ways

    Teach us Your ways… teach us Your ways
    As we learn from one another
    Learn to love each other
    Teach us Your ways

    Teach us to give… teach us to give
    Give ourselves for one another
    Learn to love each other
    Teach us to give

    Teach us to weep… teach us to weep
    Let us weep with one another
    Learn to love each other
    Teach us to weep

    Hallelujah, hallelujah
    Let us learn from one another
    Learn to love each other
    Teach us Your ways

    Scripture Reading

    Deuteronomy 10:16-21

    16 Circumcise, then, the foreskin of your heart, and do not be stubborn any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, 18 who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. 19 You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God; him you shall serve; to him you shall hold fast; and by his name you shall swear. 21 He is your praise; he is your God who has done for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a long banquet table with text overlaid, "The Dream of Belonging"

    The Dream of Belonging

    Pastor Dan

    Conversation Questions: 

    • How is immigration part of your life story? 
    • Has it changed over time?
    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

    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

    Benediction

  • September 21, 2025 • Retreat Day 2

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. At our retreat, we are recentering ourselves & our church around the dreams of God. Today’s centering practice is adapted from Cole Arthur Riley of Black Liturgies: 

    • Inhale: God, awaken my soul to beauty
    • Exhale:  I will dream again 
    Call to Worship

    Like clay on a wheel, God forms us.
    We are created — and re-created,
    as the Artist imagines & shapes us.

    Our story is still being written
    by the creative Author of Life.
    May we learn to dream with God.
    Amen.

    Worship Songs

    Great Things

    Come let us worship our King
    Come let us bow at His feet
    He has done great things

    See what our Savior has done
    See how His love overcomes
    He has done great things
    He has done great things

    O Hero of Heaven
    You conquered the grave
    You free every captive and break every chain
    O God, You have done great things

    We dance in Your freedom, awake and alive
    O Jesus, our Savior, Your name lifted high
    O God, You have done great things

    You’ve been faithful through every storm
    You’ll be faithful forevermore
    You have done great things

    And I know You will do it again
    For Your promise is “Yes and amen”
    You will do great things
    God, You do great things

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    O God, giver of all good dreams,
    How precious is Your steadfast love.
    In Your light, we see light.

    We confess that our vision is too small;
    even in our dreams, we’re afraid.
    Renew in us Your dreams of love & grace.
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Your righteousness is like mighty mountains;
    Your justice is like the great deep.
    May we flow in the river of Your dreams.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    Take a moment to pray in triads. Please find people you haven’t had the chance to pray for or connect with yet at our retreat!

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Women’s Bible Study: This Friday, September 26th in person!  
    • Office Space: Please join us in prayer as we look to establish an ongoing presence in the Mira Mesa area — and keep an eye out!
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community! Please prayerfully consider asking a friend to visit our church and keep the Mira Mesa Street Fair (Sat, 10/4) in prayer!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Family Praise
    Blessing of the Children
    Worship Song

    Here For You

    Let our praise be Your welcome
    Let our songs be a sign
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Let Your breath come from heaven
    Fill our hearts with Your life
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    To You our hearts are open
    Nothing here is hidden
    You are our one desire

    You alone are holy
    Only You are worthy
    God, let Your fire fall down

    Let our shout be Your anthem
    Your renown fill the skies
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Let Your Word move in power
    Let what’s dead come to life
    We are here for You, we are here for You

    Scripture Reading

    Luke 14:15-24

    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. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

    Isaiah 2:3-5

    3 Many peoples will come and say,
    “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the temple of the God of Jacob.
    He will teach us his ways,
    so that we may walk in his paths.”
    The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

    4 He will judge between the nations
    and will settle disputes for many peoples.
    They will beat their swords into plowshares
    and their spears into pruning hooks.
    Nation will not take up sword against nation,
    nor will they train for war anymore.

    5 Come, descendants of Jacob,
    let us walk in the light of the Lord.

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

    Sermon
    Blurry image of a sunset over the ocean with text overlaid, "Dreams & Visions"

    The Dreams of God

    Pastor Dan

    Worship Song

    Canvas & Clay

    In my mother’s womb
    You formed me with Your hands
    Known and loved by You
    Before I took a breath

    When I doubt it, Lord, remind me
    I’m wonderfully made
    You’re an artist and a potter
    I’m the canvas and the clay

    You make all things work together
    For my future and for my good
    You make all things work together
    For Your glory and for Your name

    There’s a healing light
    Just beyond the clouds
    Though I’ve walked through fire
    I see clearly now

    I know nothing has been wasted
    No failure or mistake
    You’re an artist and a potter
    I’m the canvas and the clay

    Benediction

  • September 14, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths. This month we are recentering ourselves & our church around the dreams of God. Today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley of Black Liturgies:

    • Take a moment to warm your hands, then place them over your eyes, asking God to restore your vision for God’s world and your life 
    • Inhale: Hope is a portal 
    • Exhale: I let myself dream
    Call to Worship

    Like clay on a wheel, God forms us.
    We are created — and re-created,
    as the Artist imagines & shapes us.

    Our story is still being written
    by the creative Author of Life.
    May we learn to dream with God.
    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

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

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    Creator God,
    You have searched us and You know us.
    Before we even call, You answer.

    Guide us to live justly;
    Open our hearts to Your mercy;
    Teach us to walk humbly with You;
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Renewing God,
    Forgive the ways we’ve fallen short;
    help us amend our future steps;
    And set us free to be Your people.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    After each phrase, let’s pray out loud: “Lord, have mercy” 

    For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war, especially children…  

    For all of creation, groaning under the weight of sin and waste… 

    For the emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational
    healing of ourselves and our loved ones… 

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

    For our retreat and every time we gather to be
    a meaningful time of transformation, hope & dreaming… 

    For the Church worldwide to act justly, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with You… 

    Amen. 

    Offering Prayer
    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!
    • Parents Meeting: After service today with our Director of Children’s Ministry, Ann Leong! 
    • Young Adult’s Bible Study: Please contact Pastor David if you’re interested — every other Thursday via Zoom at 5:30 pm. 
    • Women’s Bible Study: This Friday, September 19th via Zoom!  
    • Church Retreat this weekend! 
      • Dates: September 20th and 21st (Saturday and Sunday) 
      • Times: Saturday from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm-ish; Sunday at 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm-ish 
      • Registration Fees: $100/person for 6th grade & up; $50/person for 5th grade & below ($25 discount for each additional child)
    • Office Space: Please join us in prayer as we look to establish an ongoing presence in the Mira Mesa area — and keep an eye out!
    • Community Connections: Let’s pray for and build up our connections with neighbors and our broader community! Please prayerfully consider asking a friend to visit our church and keep the Mira Mesa Street Fair (Sat, 10/4) in prayer!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time! 

    Blessing of the Children
    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

    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

    Isaiah 65:1-8

    1 Thus says the Lord:
    Maintain justice, and do what is right,
    for soon my salvation will come
    and my deliverance be revealed.

    2 Happy is the mortal who does this,
    the one who holds it fast,
    who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it,
    and refrains from doing any evil.

    3 Do not let the foreigner joined to the Lord say,
    “The Lord will surely separate me from his people,”
    and do not let the eunuch say, “I am just a dry tree.”

    4 For thus says the Lord:
    To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
    who choose the things that please me
    and hold fast my covenant,

    5 I will give, in my house and within my walls,
    a monument and a name
    better than sons and daughters;
    I will give them an everlasting name
    that shall not be cut off.

    6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
    to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
    and to be his servants,
    all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it
    and hold fast my covenant—

    7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
    and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
    their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
    will be accepted on my altar,
    for my house shall be called a house of prayer
    for all peoples.

    8 Thus says the Lord God,
    who gathers the outcasts of Israel:
    I will gather others to them
    besides those already gathered.

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

    Sermon
    Silhouette of two people appearing to hold the sun, with text overlaid, "Dreaming Together"

    Dreaming Together

    Pastor Dan

    Conversation question: 

    • What do you think might be the dream of God for Anchor & Hope in the next 3 years or so? The next 20 years? 50 years? 
    • (Imagine yourself at that point of your life and think, what would you be so proud of our church accomplishing at that point?) 
    • Reminder: The dream of God is never meant to be only for ourselves — it’s always meant to be for the good of the world
    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