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  • March 23, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    The Third Sunday in Lent

    Centering Practice

    As we continue to journey together through this season of Lent, let us wait on the Lord with faith, hope, and love. Once again, today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies. 

    Inhale: I listen for my voice  
    Exhale: Silence is a portal  

    Call to Worship

    As we journey together
    during this Lenten season,
    we remember: 

    The everyday places we walk
    are holy ground;
    and the ordinary people we meet
    are deeply loved by God.

    In these thin spaces,
    steadfast love and faithfulness meet.
    From ashes and dust, God creates beauty.
    Amen. 

    Worship Song

    The Way w/ Come Now is the Time

    Come, now is the time to worship
    Come, now is the time to give our hearts

    Come, just as we are to worship
    Come, just as we are before our God
    Come

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    God of all people,
    We confess the ways we have not seen You
    in the face of our neighbors
    who are immigrants and refugees.

    Forgive us for choosing comfort over compassion;
    Break down walls we’ve built in our hearts & minds;
    Open our hearts to the wideness of Your embrace;
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    God of mercy,
    Renew us in Your love,
    giving us courage to stand against injustice
    and making real the hope we have in Jesus.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    For today’s Prayers of the People, we will embody our prayers through simple responses. I invite you to close your eyes and pray with me: 

    • For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war
    • Protect those forced to flee from violence
    • Hear the cry of those who have lost loved ones to war and hatred
    • Bless and strengthen those working to bring relief, justice, and aid
    • For our mission partners and collaborators around the world, like World Relief and Justice Ventures International
    • For the Church worldwide to be advocates for justice and love
    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!
    • Lenten Devotional: We encourage you to keep reading Pastor Ray Hollenbach’s book, Deeper Hope, as a daily devotional throughout the season of Lent.
    • Interactive Prayer & Worship Night: This Saturday, March 29th at 7:00 pm, we will gather at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Please extend an invitation to someone who could benefit from this gathering! 
    • Reset Sunday: We will not gather next Sunday, March 30th for worship together. Instead, we’ll encourage you to connect with God, others, and yourself out in the world that day. We will provide a worship guide this week.
    • Run Club: If you’re interested, please talk to Jin about registering for the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon coming up on Saturday, April 12th. There will also be 5K and 10K races that day! 
    • Art & Faith Camp: Let’s continue to pray for this great day of creativity, faith, and outreach coming up in the month of May. Please talk to Ann Leong if you’d like to help out! 
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Your Love is Deep

    Scripture Reading

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

    Sermon
    Image of stalks of wheat with text overlaid, "Seeds of Hope"

    Guest Speaker

    Liliana Reza

    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

  • March 16, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    The Second Sunday in Lent

    Centering Practice

    As we continue to journey together through this season of Lent, let us wait on the Lord with faith, hope, and love. Once again, today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies. 

    Inhale: The night is long 
    Exhale: My soul keeps watch 

    Call to Worship

    As we journey together
    during this Lenten season,
    we remember: 

    The everyday places we walk
    are holy ground;
    and the ordinary people we meet
    are deeply loved by God.

    In these thin spaces,
    steadfast love and faithfulness meet.
    From ashes and dust, God creates beauty.
    Amen. 

    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

    Everything

    God in my living, there in my breathing
    God in my waking, God in my sleeping

    God in my resting, there in my working
    God in my thinking, God in my speaking

    Be my everything… be my everything…
    Be my everything… be my everything…

    God in my hoping, there in my dreaming
    God in my watching, God in my waiting

    God in my laughing, there in my weeping
    God in my hurting, God in my healing

    Christ in me, Christ in me
    Christ in me, the hope of glory
    You are everything

    Christ in me, Christ in me
    Christ in me, the hope of glory
    Be my everything… be my everything…

    Prayer of Confession

    Loving God,
    ever-creating, ever-loving, ever-present:
    when things around us feel chaotic,
    You are steadfast love.

    When we waver, make us faithful;
    In our weakness; be our strength;
    As we struggle, carry us;
    Hear us, O God, we pray:  

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    We worship You,
    Creator, Christ and Spirit, 
    ever Three and ever One.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    For today’s Prayers of the People, we will literally stand together on behalf of our friends, families, neighborhoods, nation, and world. For each phrase that speaks to your heart, please stand (and remain standing). After people have a moment to stand, we will say out loud together, “Lord, have mercy.” 

    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!
    • Lenten Devotional: We encourage you to read Pastor Ray Hollenbach’s book, Deeper Hope, as a daily devotional throughout the season of Lent.
    • Home Groups: The Under 30s group will begin at the Rucker-Do’s place this Thursday. Please talk to Pastor David for details! Tae & Yang’s Home Group starts this Friday, March 21st at 6:30 pm — in honor of Women’s History Month, their group will study women in the Bible! 
    • Interactive Prayer & Worship Night: On Saturday, March 29th at 7:00 pm, we will gather at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Please extend an invitation to someone who could benefit from this gathering! 
    • Reset Sunday: March is a month with 5 weeks — we will not gather on Sunday, March 30th for worship together. Instead, we’ll encourage you to connect with God, others, and yourself out in the world that day. We will provide a worship guide the week before Reset Sunday.
    • Run Club: If you’re interested, please talk to Jin about registering for the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon coming up on Saturday, April 12th. There will also be 5K and 10K races that day! Art & Faith Camp: Let’s continue to pray for this great day of creativity, faith, and outreach coming up (tentatively) in the month of May! 
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Ask Seek Knock

    Worship Song

    Holy, Holy, Holy

    Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
    Early in the morning
    Our song shall rise to Thee

    There is a sign at the sight of Thee
    Merciful and mighty
    God in three Persons
    God in three Persons… blessed Trinity

    Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
    All Thy works
    Shall praise Thy Name
    In earth and sky and sea

    There is a sign at the sight of Thee
    There is none beside Thee
    God in three Persons
    God in three Persons… blessed Trinity

    Scripture Reading

    Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12

    9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:

    10  If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
    But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up… 

    12  Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
    A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

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

    Sermon
    Image of crops growing, including maize, beans, and squash with text overlaid, "The Three Sisters"

    The Three Sisters

    Pastor Dan

    Conversation Questions:

    • Like the “three sisters,” what are gifts we can offer to support each other in different stages of growth?
    • Picture Anchor & Hope as a biodiverse ecosystem: how does our life together provide health & life to people around us? What are different onramps for connection? What are gifts of blessing (food) and encouragement (shelter) that our life together can provide to others?
    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

    Benediction

  • March 9, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    The First Sunday in Lent

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies  

    • Inhale: There is beauty in the stillness
    • Exhale: I am free to rest
    Call to Worship

    As we journey together
    during this Lenten season,
    we remember: 

    The everyday places we walk
    are holy ground;
    and the ordinary people we meet
    are deeply loved by God.

    In these thin spaces,
    steadfast love and faithfulness meet.
    From ashes and dust, God creates beauty.
    Amen. 

    Worship Song

    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

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    O God,
    You are our shelter from the storm,
    a safe refuge in times of sorrow,
    and we find our home in You.

    Where our hearts are dry,
    let Living Water flow.
    In our darkness, let Light shine.
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    God of mercy,
    forgive our sin and shortcomings,
    transform and direct what we shall be,
    that we would walk in Your ways, always.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People
    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!
    • Lenten Devotional: We encourage you to read Pastor Ray Hollenbach’s book, Deeper Hope, as a daily devotional throughout the season of Lent.
    • Home Groups: Ann & Cherry’s Home Group begins this Saturday, March 15th at 4:00 pm. Their focus will be on care for self & care for others. Tae & Yang’s Home Group will start next Friday, March 21st at 6:30 pm — in honor of Women’s History Month, their group will study women in the Bible! Keep an eye out for an Under 30s group as well. Feel free to respond to an invitation or take initiative to join up! 
    • Praise & Prayer Night: On Saturday, March 29th, we will have a special night of interactive praise & prayer. More details to come! 
    • Reset Sunday: March is a month with 5 weeks — we will not gather on Sunday, March 30th for worship together. Instead, we’ll encourage you to connect with God, others, and yourself out in the world that day. We will provide a worship guide the week before Reset Sunday.
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    You, You, You

    Worship Song

    Invitation Fountain w Build My Life

    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…

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

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

    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

    John 12:20-26

    20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a wheat field blowing in the wind with text overlaid, "The Mystery of the Seed"

    The Mystery of the Seed

    Pastor Jeya

    Reflection Questions:

    • How would you finish this sentence: I wish I… 
    • If you find yourself wishing for something material or cosmetic, that’s okay! But try to get to the heart of what you’re really wishing for – why do I wish for this thing? What do I really want?
    • Take a minute to pray to God by finishing this sentence, “Would You…?”
    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

  • March 2, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies  

    • Inhale: I pause to behold
    • Exhale: Even here, there is beauty  
    Call to Worship

    The glory of God is revealed in many ways:
    Through clouds of splendor, the fire of God’s love,
    and the radiant wonder
    of Christ transfigured on the mountain.

    May Light break through the surrounding darkness,
    transforming our despair into hope,
    and sending us into the world as seeds of hope.
    Amen.

    Worship Song

    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

    This I Know

    Up on the mountain
    Where Your love captured me
    Where finally I’m free
    This I know

    Up on the mountain
    Where You taught my soul to sing
    Amazing grace, the sweetest thing
    This I know

    And then the storm rushing in
    And here I am again
    This I know

    Take me up to where I was
    When I never wanted more than You
    Lift me up to feel Your touch
    It wouldn’t be that much for You

    This I know, this I know
    This I know…

    Up on the mountain
    Where You took me by the hand
    Taught me to dance again
    This I know

    Up on the mountain
    Where You took this heart of stone
    Put life back in these bones
    This I know

    Community Prayer

    Based on Psalm 36

    How precious is Your steadfast love, O God.
    We take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
    With You is the fountain of life;
    in Your light, we see light. 

    Radiant Lord,
    may Your light dispel our darkness;
    may Your grace transform our hearts;
    and may Your life inspire us to follow.
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Your love and faithfulness, O Lord,
    reach to the skies.
    Make us a people of justice and righteousness,
    for Your name’s sake.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    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!
    • Ash Wednesday Service: We will mark the beginning of Lent together this Wednesday, March 5th via Zoom at 7:30 pm. Please make sure to take home a packet for each member of your household today.
    • Lenten Devotional: We will send out a PDF copy of Pastor Ray Hollenbach’s book, Deeper Hope, as a daily devotional throughout the season of Lent.
    • Home Groups: Ann & Cherry’s Home Group will begin on Saturday, March 15th at 4:00 pm. Their focus will be on care for self & care for others. Tae & Yang’s Home Group will start on Friday, March 21st at 6:30 pm — in honor of Women’s History Month, their group will study women in the Bible! Keep an eye out for an Under 30s group as well. Feel free to respond to an invitation or take initiative to join up! 
    • Praise & Prayer Night: On Saturday, March 29th, we will have a special night of interactive praise & prayer. More details to come! 
    • Reset Sunday: March is a month with 5 weeks — we will not gather on Sunday, March 30th for worship together. Instead, we’ll encourage you to connect with God, others, and yourself out in the world that day. We will provide a worship guide the week before Reset Sunday.
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Light of the World

    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

    Luke 9:28-36

    28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

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

    Sermon
    Close up image of wheat in a field with text overlaid, "Seeds of Hope"

    Seeds of Hope

    Pastor Dan

    Conversation Questions:

    • What or who do you love so much that you could “set your face toward” a hard path?
    • When have you seen goodness shine with radiance?
    • During Lent, what kind of fasting for you will lead to more love for God and/or justice for others?
    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

  • February 23, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. We continue to celebrate Black History month together. Today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies  

    • Inhale: I need more than me
      Exhale:  We get free together  
    • Inhale: I am worthy of embrace
      Exhale: God, lead me to belonging
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from “Let Me Walk With You,” by Dr. Tamisha Tyler 

    Let down your hair and tell me your story.
    You are welcome here
    at the table where blessings flow.

    Sameness and difference.
    Sameness and difference.
    Let us dive deep into mystery and grace together.

    Let us sit in the grey together,
    Let us wait on God together.
    I cannot promise you I will be perfect;
    I can only promise that I will be here.

    Walking…
    Listening…
    Waiting…
    Together.
    Amen.

    Worship Song

    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

    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

    Community Prayer

    Adapted from Dr. Barbara A. Holmes. Dr. Holmes was a spiritual teacher, author, activist, and scholar — as well as President Emerita of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities 

    Our God
    in whom we live and move and have our being,
    For the nurture of our many villages of belonging;
    for unexpected healing and imaginative pathways;
    we give thanks.

    In our fractured and frustrating time,
    we cannot carve out shared destinies in isolation.
    Even in our wounded unknowing,
    bring us to a place of true contemplation.

    Open our eyes to wonder and mystery all around us;
    open our hearts to authentic connection;
    open our hands to become a community of care,
    even in the midst of crisis and concern.

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Spirit of love,
    Bring us into inner space so deep, so daringly vast,
    that even in the midst of noise around us,
    we find stillness and home in You.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    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!
    • Support for World Relief: Our church is sending $1500 to support the work of World Relief in helping refugee families, which will cover rent/utilities for one month for one family. For over 40 years, World Relief has worked with both Republican and Democratic administrations to help resettle over 500,000 refugees. The suspension of the Refugee Resettlement Program and a stop-work order in January means that private donations are the only means of support for 4,000 recent refugees who were already in process of being resettled here. 
    • Monthly Prayer Walk: This Saturday, March 1st, we’ll meet at 9:00 am here at Sandburg for our prayer walk/run!
    • The Season of Lent: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. We will have a gathering that day via Zoom at 7:30 pm.
    • Home Groups: Ann & Cherry’s Home Group will begin on Saturday, March 15th at 4:00 pm. Their focus will be on care for self & care for others. Tae & Yang’s Home Group will start on Friday, March 21st at 6:30 pm — in honor of Women’s History Month, their group will study women in the Bible! Keep an eye out for an Under 30s group as well. Feel free to respond to an invitation or take initiative to join up! 
    • Church Retreat: We’re excited to have a church-wide retreat on 4th of July weekend! We’re looking at July 4th through 6th — we’d like to get a rough headcount now so we can plan!
    • Youth Group Valentine’s Cards: A quick update from Ann Leong, “A couple of patient’s family members raved about how the cards brightened not only their day but the day of their loved ones who were in the hospital sick.”
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Shine (From the Inside Out)

    Worship Song

    Open Space with Hosanna

    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

    Scripture Reading

    John 9:1-12

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

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

    Sermon
    Image of a hand holding up a mirror reflecting trees with text overlaid, "Unusual & Unexpected"

    Unusual & Unexpected

    Pastor Jeya

    Conversation Questions:

    • Which medieval cat best represents how you were this week and why? And then 2 more 
    • What’s a way that you’ve had eyes to see God’s healing and transformation this week?
    • Where is there a place that you are hoping for and maybe even hopeful to work towards God’s healing and transformation this week?
    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

  • February 16, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice

    We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. We continue to celebrate Black History month together. Today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies  

    • Inhale: God, awaken my soul to beauty
      Exhale: I resist the tyranny of despair
    • Inhale: I choose a life enchanted
      Exhale: There is a miracle in the mundane
    Call to Worship

    Adapted from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    O God, we thank You for Your church,
    founded upon Your Word,
    that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, 

    But to go out and work
    as though the very answer to our prayers
    depended on us and not upon You. 

    Help us to shine like stars as we walk, pray
    sing, and live together until that day
    when all God’s children will rejoice 

    in one common band of humanity
    in the reign of our Lord and of our God,
    we pray. Amen.

    Worship Song

    Here I Am to Worship

    Light of the world
    You stepped down into darkness
    Opened my eyes, let me see

    Beauty that made
    this heart adore You
    Hope of a life spent with You

    So here I am to worship
    Here I am to bow down
    Here I am to say that You’re my God

    You’re altogether lovely
    Altogether worthy
    Altogether wonderful to me

    King of all days
    Oh so highly exalted
    Glorious in heaven above

    Humbly You came
    To the earth You created
    All for love’s sake became poor

    I’ll never know how much it cost
    To see my sin upon that cross

    Hosanna

    I see the King of Glory
    Coming on the clouds with fire
    The whole earth shakes
    The whole earth shakes

    I see His love and mercy
    Washing over all our sin
    The people sing
    The people sing

    Hosanna, Hosanna
    Hosanna in the highest

    I see a generation
    Rising up to take their place
    With selfless faith
    With selfless faith

    I see a near revival
    Stirring as we pray and seek
    We’re on our knees
    We’re on our knees

    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 for Your kingdom’s cause
    Show me how to love like You have loved me

    Community Prayer

    Today’s prayer comes from the work of Howard Thurman 

    O love of God,
    without which life has no meaning
    and no harbor, 

    Leave us not alone with our little lives,
    our broken dreams, our insistent problems,
    but invade our spirit with Thy vitality

    That we may be renewed in all the ways of our lives,
    that we may turn from this place, this day,
    with all that is within us,
    washed and purified and refreshed. 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    We seek this with simplicity of heart,
    and with quiet faith and confidence
    that Thou would not deny Thy love to Thy children.
    Amen. 

    Assurance of God’s Love
    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 with PJ & PD: We’d love to meet you for a cup of coffee soon! Please reach out to connect! 
    • Home Groups: We’re launching our next season of Home Groups soon. Let’s invest in relationships and build community together! 
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Give It Away

    Worship Song

    Open the Eyes of My Heart

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

    To see You high and lifted up
    Shining in the light of Your glory
    Pour out Your power and love
    As we sing holy, holy, holy

    Holy, holy, holy
    Holy, holy, holy
    Holy, holy, holy,
    I want to see You

    Scripture Reading

    John 9:1-12

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

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

    Sermon
    Image of two hands holding soil with text overlaid, "Healing Through the Eyes of Jesus"

    Healing Through the Eyes of Jesus

    Pastor Dan

    Quiet Reflection:

    • What does healing mean to you?
    • What holds you back from being totally open to Jesus?
    • How would your life be different if Jesus put you back together? Are you open to that kind of change?
    Worship Song

    Simplicity

    I come in simplicity
    Longing for purity
    To worship You
    In spirit and truth, only You

    Lord, strip it all away
    ‘Til only You remain
    I’m coming back
    To my first love, only You

    You’re the reason I sing
    The reason I sing
    Yes my heart will sing
    How I love You

    And forever I’ll sing
    Forever I’ll sing
    Yes my heart will sing
    How I love You

    I come with my broken song
    To You the Perfect One
    To worship You
    In spirit and truth, only You

    Give me a childlike heart
    Lead me to where You are
    Cause I’m coming back
    To my first love, only You

    How I love You, how I love You
    How I love You, my first love

    Benediction

  • February 9, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice
    • We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself
    • We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. As we begin to center ourselves, I invite you to listen to this quote from the Talmud: Do not be daunted by the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work but neither are you free to abandon it.
    • This month, we will celebrate Black History month together. Much of our liturgy will be shaped by Black theologians, pastors, and leaders. Today’s centering practice comes from Cole Arthur Riley, creator of Black Liturgies  
    • Inhale: I breathe — Exhale: I move 
    • Inhale: I recall my power — Exhale: I do what I can 
    Call to Worship

    During February, we will celebrate Black History Month together as a church. In a world that often dehumanizes and stereotypes, we honor, affirm, and uphold the God-given dignity & worth of our Black siblings. We celebrate the indelible contributions of the Black community to our faith, our culture, and our world. We honor God’s call to celebrate our diversity and our unity in Christ.

    Our Call to Worship comes from Howard Thurman’s work, “Meditations of the Heart.” Thurman was born in 1899 and raised in the segregated South. He is recognized as one of the great spiritual leaders of the 20th century renowned for his reflections on humanity and our relationship with God. Thurman was a prolific author (writing at least 20 books); perhaps the most famous is Jesus and the Disinherited (1949), which deeply influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Thurman was the first black person to be a tenured Dean at a PWI (Boston U). He also cofounded the first interracially pastored, intercultural church in the US.

    Open unto me, light for my darkness
    Open unto me, courage for my fear
    Open unto me, hope for my despair

    Open unto me, peace for my turmoil
    Open unto me, joy for my sorrow
    Open unto me, strength for my weakness

    Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion
    Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins
    Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness

    Open unto me, love for my hates
    Open unto me, Thy Self for myself
    Lord, Lord, open unto me!

    Worship Song

    Sound of Adoration

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Great Are You Lord

    You give life
    You are love
    You bring light to the darkness

    You give hope
    You restore
    every heart that is broken
    And great are You, Lord

    It’s Your breath in our lungs
    So we pour out our praise
    We pour out our praise

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

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

    Community Prayer

    As Dr. King taught us, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” As we pray together, let’s be a force for goodness & light in our world today. Today, our prayers will be shaped by Dr. King’s own prayers as we think about what it means to join Jesus’ work of healing, justice, and redemption today.

    God of love and justice,
    help us as individuals and as a world
    to hear it now before it is too late: 

    “Seek first the Kingdom of God
    and God’s justice
    and all these other things will be added unto you.”

    We have all too often lived by our own selfish impulses
    rather than by the sacrificial love revealed by Christ.
    We often give in order to receive.
    We love our friends and hate our enemies.
    We go the first mile but dare not travel the second.

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    O God, have mercy upon us.
    If we cannot fly, help us to run;
    if we cannot run, help us to walk;
    if we cannot walk, help us to crawl.

    Spirit, in all we do and all we are,
    help us to keep moving forward;
    Seeing that the time is always right
    to do the right thing.
    In Jesus’ name. Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    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!
    • PTA Meeting & Volunteers: Our new Director of Children’s Ministry, Ann Leong, will lead a meeting for all of our Sunday School parents right after service today! Also, if you’re interested in volunteering to teach Sunday School, please talk to Ann today
    • Super Bowl Party: The Ahn Family has graciously invited all of us over to their place to watch the big game! Please pitch in to help cover the cost of food 
    • Coffee with PJ & PD: We’d love to meet you for a cup of coffee soon! Please reach out to connect! 
    • Home Groups: We’re launching our next season of Home Groups soon. Let’s invest in relationships and build community together! 
    • EcoVivarium: Thanks to everyone who was able to join us last Sunday in Escondido! If you still need to chip in, the cost was $15/person 
    • Run Club: This Saturday — keep an eye out for more information this week!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Your Love is Deep

    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

    John 9:1-12

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

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

    Sermon
    Image of two hands holding soil with text overlaid, "Healing Through the Eyes of Jesus"

    Healing Through the Eyes of Jesus

    Pastor David

    Reflection Questions:

    • Think about your life and our world at the moment. What are things that you are hopeful for and what are things that you are saddened by? Write out areas that you hope to see healing in for our world. 
    • We will collect these and share among one another anonymously. The hope is we see the world a bit through the lens of others in our church community. 
    • Spend this week trying to see the world through the lens of the person writing the note and pray for continual healing of our world and others!
    Worship Song

    Open Space with Hosanna

    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

    Benediction

  • January 26, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice
    • We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself
    • For the next month, our community will be exploring themes of healing. Take a few moments to show yourself some care in a way that you’re asking God for healing
    Call to Worship

    God is doing a new thing,
    making a way in the wilderness
    and creating streams of Living Water
    in the wasteland.

    God has created and formed us,
    calling us precious, honored, and loved.
    We receive the love of Christ
    and share it with our neighbors near and far.
    Amen. 

    Worship Song

    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

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    God of restoration,
    You are the Maker of a better world.
    You are the Creator of transforming peace.

    Turn our hearts outward to the world around us;
    May Your perfect love drive out fear,
    empowering us to join Your mission of hope.
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    O Lord, our hope and trust,
    Breathe life into our weary world
    and into our hearts,
    for Your glory and for the world You love.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    After each phrase, we invite you to pray aloud and from your hearts,
    Lord, have mercy: 

    For those suffering from violence, war, and natural disasters… 

    For our country and its leaders, to govern with wisdom and integrity…  

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

    For ourselves and our loved ones,
    to be strengthened, healed, and renewed… 

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

    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!
    • Director of Children’s Ministry: We are so glad to welcome our newest staff member, Ann Leong, as our Director of Children’s Ministry! Let’s take a moment to thank God and to pray for her as she begins this new chapter of life and ministry with us. 
    • Monthly Prayer Walk: We will meet in the parking lot of Sandburg Elementary this Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 am for our first prayer walk of 2025! We’ll also have a group participating in a Prayer Run for those interested!
    • Church Without Walls: Next Sunday, February 2nd, we will not gather at Sandburg but will have a Church Without Walls gathering at the EcoVivarium in Escondido at 10:30 am! Suggested donation of $20/person to cover the costs of admission 
    • Special thanks to the Kim family: The UC Kim’s are celebrating Soren’s birthday by providing lunch today! 
    • Coffee with PJ & PD: We’d love to meet you for a cup of coffee soon! Please reach out to connect! 
    • Thank You Cho Family: And thanks to our Youth Group for the beautiful Valentine’s Cards you made yesterday!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Ask Seek Knock

    Worship Song

    Isaiah Song w You Are Good

    Oh, oh, oh
    You are good
    And Your mercy endures forever

    Sing, sing oh barren land
    Water is coming to the thirsty
    Though we are empty, You are the well
    We draw from You and You will provide

    This is the Word of the Lord, our Creator
    God stands from age to age
    The ancient of days

    God, You’re the Holy One
    The Fairest of ten thousand
    And those who call upon Your name
    They shall be saved

    We won’t fear
    For You will be our song

    You’re the river in the desert
    Pouring Your Spirit on the broken
    Giving beauty for our ashes
    Joy for our sadness, heaven’s open

    Scripture Reading

    Numbers 21:1-9

    1 When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negeb, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. 2 Then Israel made a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will indeed give this people into our hands, then we will utterly destroy their towns.” 3 The Lord listened to the voice of Israel and handed over the Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed them and their towns; so the place was called Hormah.

    4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, but the people became discouraged on the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6 Then the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the snakes from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous snake, and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a snake of bronze and put it upon a pole, and whenever a snake bit someone, that person would look at the snake of bronze and live.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a desert with a single plant blooming with text overlaid, "Hope in Unexpected Places"

    Hope in Unexpected Places

    Pastor Jeya

    Discussion Time:

    Share a picture on your phone that represents one (or more!) of these things: 

    • Mystery and the everyday coming together 
    • God’s presence 
    • Hope in an unexpected place
    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

  • January 19, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice
    • We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself
    • In 2 Chronicles 7:14 the Lord speaks to the people of God, saying, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  
    • We invite you to hold a posture of humility for a few moments as we remember our calling on behalf of our communities, nation, and world 
    Call to Worship

    God is doing a new thing,
    making a way in the wilderness
    and creating streams of Living Water
    in the wasteland.

    God has created and formed us,
    calling us precious, honored, and loved.
    We receive the love of Christ
    and share it with our neighbors near and far.
    Amen. 

    Worship Song

    Be Thou My Vision w/ 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

    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

    Prayer of Confession

    How precious is Your steadfast love, O God.
    We take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
    In Your light, we see light.

    Though the new year has just begun,
    many of us are weary in heart, soul, mind, and body.
    We need Your love to strengthen and transform us.
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    God of light and life,
    Shine through us, we pray,
    that we would bear Your light
    throughout the world You love.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    Every generation faces challenges unique to their own times. In many ways, even as a new administration is inaugurated tomorrow, our nation is deeply divided. Stories of violence, war, and natural disasters happen far too often around our world.

    We are reminded of Dr. King’s timeless words, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” As the people of God, we are not without hope; we are called to face the darkness and hold up light — to join Jesus in creating a world where all can experience the fullness of God’s love. So today, after each phrase, we invite you to pray aloud and from your hearts, Lord, have mercy:

    For those suffering from violence, war, and natural disasters… 

    For our country and its leaders, to govern with wisdom and integrity…  

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

    For ourselves and our loved ones,
    to be strengthened, healed, and renewed… 

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

    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!
    • Prayer Meeting: In remembrance of MLK Day, we will have a special prayer meeting tomorrow via Zoom at 5:30 pm. Please check your email tomorrow for the link. 
    • Monthly Prayer Walk: We will meet in the parking lot of Sandburg Elementary on Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 am for our first prayer walk of 2025! 
    • Church Without Walls: On Sunday, February 2nd, we will not gather at Sandburg but will have a Church Without Walls gathering at the EcoVivarium in Escondido at 10:30 am! Suggested donation of $20/person to cover the costs of admission 
    • Run Club: Please give a follow to @anchorandhoperunclub — we’ll be launching a page on our site, a Strava group, and regular gatherings soon.
    • Sunday School Volunteers: We’re still looking for volunteers, so please talk to Tae today if you’re interested 
    • Coffee with PJ & PD: We’d love to meet you for a cup of coffee soon! Please reach out to connect! 
    • Special thanks to the Kim family: The Vista Kim’s are celebrating Noah’s birthday by providing lunch today!
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Jump, Jump, Jump

    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

    Psalm 65:1-8

    1 Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
    to you our vows will be fulfilled.

    2 You who answer prayer,
    to you all people will come.

    3 When we were overwhelmed by sins,
    you forgave our transgressions.

    4 Blessed are those you choose
    and bring near to live in your courts!
    We are filled with the good things of your house,
    of your holy temple.

    5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
    God our Savior,
    the hope of all the ends of the earth
    and of the farthest seas,

    6 who formed the mountains by your power,
    having armed yourself with strength,

    7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,
    the roaring of their waves,
    and the turmoil of the nations.

    8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
    where morning dawns, where evening fades,
    you call forth songs of joy.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a sunrise reflected over a lake with text overlaid, "A New Way"

    A New Way

    Pastor Dan

    Reflection Question:

    • When have you found beauty or joy in a thin space? Or in an unexpected way? Or in navigating a threshold?  
    Worship Song

    Open Up

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

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

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

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

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

    Hope for the hopeless
    Your love is

    Strength in our weakness
    Your love is

    May we love
    As You love

    Benediction

  • January 12, 2025 • Worship liturgy

    Centering Practice
    • We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself
    • Last week, we heard from staff and our core team rep about dreams & visions for the new year 
    • 2025 has just begun, but so much has already happened. We invite you to sit & breathe, to hold your hands over your eyes, and to ask for God’s vision for your life (and ours) for the new year 
    Call to Worship

    God is doing a new thing,
    making a way in the wilderness
    and creating streams of Living Water
    in the wasteland.

    God has created and formed us,
    calling us precious, honored, and loved.
    We receive the love of Christ
    and share it with our neighbors near and far.
    Amen. 

    Worship Song

    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

    Have My Heart

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

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

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

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

    My heart is Yours forever
    My heart is Yours forever

    Prayer of Confession

    Light of the World,
    Your creativity and love brought forth
    the sun, the moon, and the stars.
    By Your Spirit, You lead us in new directions.

    Haver mercy on us,
    and upon our broken world,
    as all creation groans;
    Hear us, O God, we pray: 

    — Moment of silent prayer — 

    Voice of Love,
    You know us and call us by name.
    Restore us and the world You love.
    Amen.

    Assurance of God’s Love
    Prayers of the People

    As San Diegans, we know firsthand the pain, disorientation, and devastation caused by rampant wildfires.

    Today, as we lift up those who are suffering in the greater Los Angeles area, we invite you to pray one sentence out loud for those affected, especially if there’s someone you know personally, and we will respond together by saying, “Lord, have mercy” 

    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!
    • Congrats! Thanks to everyone who ran in the Resolution Run yesterday! Special congrats to our two champions, Jin and Arya, who both placed in their respective divisions! Please pray for our Anchor & Hope Run Club this year as we hope to connect with others in the community 
    • Church Without Walls: On Sunday, February 2nd, we will not gather at Sandburg but will have a Church Without Walls gathering at the EcoVivarium in Escondido! More details to come soon 
    Passing of the Peace

    Let’s greet each other at this time!

    Family Praise

    Light of the World

    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

    Scripture Reading

    Isaiah 64:8

    Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.

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

    Sermon
    Image of a cutout shape collage with text overlaid, "The Shape of Things to Come"

    The Shape of Things to Come

    Pastor Jeya

    Reflection Activity

    • Reflect: What (or who) is God shaping me to be? Where and how might I be called to participate in the Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Healing of this world?
    • Take some time to think about how a literal shape might represent the answer to your reflection and cut out that shape.
    • Take a moment to share your shape with your neighbor.
    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

    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

    Benediction