Coming up on Sunday, October 1: A Hymn Celebration! Add your voice to a beautiful, Sunday special service of song and fellowship.
Hymn Celebration on October 1
Author: Wende Gonzales
Blessing of the Sleeping Mats
On September 10, Rev. Brett Winters blessed over 200 crocheted sleep mats for the homeless made from recycled plastic bags. Each mat is added to a backpack which is supplied with water, personal hygiene supplies, and snacks.
Caring Angels, a volunteer organization founded and directed by Jody Swank, collects the donated plastic bags and cuts them into strips to be made into plarn (plastic yarn) to be crocheted. It’s a community effort with friends, family, and neighbors contributing to the project.
The Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) of the Sun City Christian Church meets every fourth Monday at 9am to cut bags, make plarn and crochet mats. All are welcome to join this group and can call 602-972-6179 for more information.
Caring Angels is requesting plastic bags. Additional help and donations are always appreciated. Director Jody Swank can be reached at yarning8@cox.net.
(Pictured: Carol Finch, Marcia Hollingsworth, Charlene Hunt, Kendra Kaye Moore, Tish Alicki, Rev. Brett Winters, Jody Swank, Yvonne Finnegan, Mary Harper, and Jane Seidl)
Pastor’s Notes 9/1/2023
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for our struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
–Ephesians 6:10-12
In her commentary for this series, Mary Hinkle Shore tells us:
The last reading in our series (Ephesians 6:10-20) gives voice to our sense that many of the problems our neighborhood, our world, and we ourselves face are beyond our capacity just to roll up our sleeves and muscle our way to a solution. Throughout Paul’s letters, sin is a power rather than a type of human action, and Ephesians continues this idea: “Our battle is not against enemies of blood and flesh…” (6:12). Christian life, individually or collectively, means persevering in the still-contested arena of human life, standing when we would prefer to fold, or fight, or flee.
Old Testament prophets used the same armor metaphor to speak of how God would defend against injustice and evil (see, for example, Isaiah 59:15-17). In Ephesians, God’s own armor is available to believers; we have God’s own protection as we stand against the “powers of this present darkness” (6:12). The armor pieces are all defensive, with the exception of the side arm “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (6:17).
In conclusion in this text from Paul in his jail cell, he asks for prayer that he, an “ambassador in chains,” may speak freely. Like what we see at the end of Acts, Paul is proclaiming boldly the kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus. Paul was constantly adapting to the movement of the Spirit. Lest we forget, at first Paul was a chief persecutor of Christianity. Plans change, and to withstand the evils of the world we must adapt and trust God to be present with us.
Before signing off for this week, I wish to thank Karol Priester for sharing her amazing gift of office coordination with us. Working with her for the past several months has been a delight and a gift as we settled in as congregation and pastor together. She and Mike are a wonderful blessing to Sun City Christian Church, and we are most grateful for all they have done.
Karol has been most helpful in training our new Office Coordinator, Michele Lundborg! Michele is a delight with experience and a true compassionate spirit that will serve us well going forward. Be sure to welcome Michele when you contact the office next. Her office hours will be on Monday and Tuesday.
Many blessings and I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.
Brett
Pastor’s Notes 8/25/2023
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…
– Ephesians 4:1-3
Our sermon theme (Eph 4:1-16) for this Sunday is that the plan of God has implications not just for past estrangement but present and future growing up into Christ. The point being, we must choose to give of ourselves as Jesus did in servanthood to others. We must do it! Our initiative is the major implication of God’s plan: humanity will need to carry the load of loving like Christ in the world. The choice of how to live is ours to make. Are we making choices grounded in a Christ-like love and grace?
In her commentary for this series, Mary Hinkle Shore mentions that Ephesians is ostensibly written by an imprisoned apostle Paul, and here the prisoner in the Lord implores his readers to live worthily of their calling to life without dividing walls or prison bars. The center of the text, however, is not an imperative, but the story of Christ’s astonishing freedom and willingness to descend to earth with the gifts of heaven. We know this plot line from Philippians 2. He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. He emptied himself.
May we as a congregation continue to discover those ways in which we are willing to empty ourselves for the fulfillment of others.
See you Sunday and if you haven’t told me, texted me, called, or emailed the office to let me know you have been reading this weekly column, do so to receive a prize!
Brett
“Happy Together” concert
You’re invited to “Happy Together” — a FREE concert at Sun City Christian Church on Sunday, September 17 at 3 pm.
Enjoy iconic songs of the ’50s and ’60s by Sosco Duo with Laura Strickland on flute and Alex Mack on guitar. Stay afterward for the ice cream social!
Everyone is invited even if you’re not a member of the church! Please call to make your reservation now: 623-972-6179. It’s free and donations are welcome.
See you there.
Pastor’s Notes 8/18/2023
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. –Ephesians 2:13-14
Sunday in worship we will continue our series on Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. Last week we explored the fullness of God’s plan that is mentioned in the first chapter of the letter to the Ephesians. As the Bible unfolds, we can interpret God’s plan to involve, creation, covenant, Christ, church and consummation.
We know that God’s plan is based upon a deep love that not only knows no boundaries but is never limited to a certain group or demographic of people. This week we will explore the fact that God’s plan is necessary.
The hope we find in Jesus’ ministry and mission was to bring a unifying understanding of God’s love intended for Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free. This was a part of God’s plan and the necessity for unity binding all people together in love is just as pertinent today as it was when the church first heard from Paul about it.
God’s intention is for peace and unity, not conflict and division. Together we will explore the role we can play as the body of Christ called to love and witness.
Our worship team seeks your assistance. We would like to hear which of your favorite hymns whose backstory you would like to learn more about. Please list them on the back of orange prayer sheets in the worship space and place them in the basket at the back of the chapel.
Also, we are desiring to have folks share a story in worship responding to the thought, “I am a disciple because __________.” Please let me know if you would be willing to participate in an upcoming worship service, we would love to hear from you!
Lastly, I am curious to know who has been reading these weekly updates. Anyone who can say to me, “Yes I read the email, may I please have a prize?” will receive one!
I look forward to worshipping and fellowshipping with you on Sunday!
Brett
Pastor’s Notes 8/11/2023
God has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. – Ephesians 1:9-10
I love a good plan!
All right, so if my wife were standing behind me as I type these words, she would be rolling her eyes at that comment. Rev. Trish is the planner in our family. She is a great researcher and can formulate on paper a concise course of action. A person (like me) doesn’t necessarily need to be a good planner to appreciate a great plan.
The beautiful thing about plans is that they are intended to be fluid. Plans change, it is a simple fact of life. If we were asked to tell a story of a time when our plans changed, we could all come up with a full library of options. Plans are good and sometimes backup plans prove to be great.
This Sunday we will begin a sermon series around the Epistle to the church in Ephesus. As we dive into Chapter 1, we are reminded that we don’t know the answers to all of life’s questions. God, faith, and how we interact together is a mystery. But God makes known to us a will for good according to way of Jesus, as a plan for binding all things of God’s kindom of heaven and earth.
We will explore together how the stories of our faith found in the Bible defend Paul’s argument for God having a plan. I look forward to worshipping with you in our chapel this Sunday!
Many blessings, Brett
DWM making a difference to students in need!
The Disciples Women’s Ministry service group of Sun City Christian Church delivered over 400 affirmation cards for student backpacks and over 300 pairs of socks on Monday, July 31, 2023 to the Assistance League of Phoenix. This organization operates Delivering Dreams buses which visit schools in underprivileged areas of the county to outfit students with brand new clothes and school supplies. The children are invited into the buses to select shoes, outfits, underclothes and more.
On the fourth Monday of each month at 9 am, the Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) works on service projects including affirmation cards for school students, sleep mats for the homeless, quilts, and more. Everyone is invited to join this group. No experience is necessary!
Sun City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is located at 9745 W. Palmeras Drive, Sun City. To learn more, call 623 972-6179 and visit the website at docsuncityaz.org and our Facebook Page Sun City Christian Church.
Pictured from left to right are Kendra Moore, Michelle Peralta – Assistance League Volunteer Program Director, Ginger Lanier, and Timmie Wilbur.
Pastor’s Notes: 7/30/2023
“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21.
This weekend begins the General Assembly for our denomination. It is the first time the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has gathered together in person in 4 years.
Over the last several weeks we have studied together the theme, “Kindom of God: within us, among us.” We are not alone in our faithful pursuits. God is present in so many relevant and revealed ways. It is always good to remind ourselves that we are a part of something more than our personal pursuits. (Please welcome Rev. Dr. Bob Howard as he will remind us of this simple truth from the pulpit this Sunday.)
The reign of God is revealed within our communities. For nearly 50 years we have thrived as the body of Christ in Sun City. Because of our denominational identity as ‘people of the chalice’
And the vision of the region to expand our witness, we were born.
As Luke wrote, “the kingdom of God is in our midst.” God is here and is using us to be an extension of love, grace, justice, and peace. We are the embodiment of all Jesus came to be and his hope lives on through us.
I invite you to join our greater collective for online worship together as a church. We are a part of something significant and life giving. May the Holy Spirit bind and remind us of this truth as we prayerfully welcome our inclusion together as a Church.
The link to worship is found at this link.
SATURDAY, JULY 29
Preacher: Cha. Maj. Owen Chandler
Offering: Pension Fund’s 13th Check
SUNDAY, JULY 30
Preacher: Rev. Yolanda Norton
Offering: Reconciliation Ministry
MONDAY, JULY 31
Preacher: Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker
Offering: Week of Compassion
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1
Preacher: Rev. Terri Hord Owens
Offering: Disciples Mission Fund
Pastor’s Notes: 7/23/2023
Hymn: A poem praising God, typically sung.
Hymnody has been, for centuries, the collective response to relationship with a living and present God. Our modern word hymn is derived from the Greek”Hymnos” meaning songs of praise.
Hymns have been a “modern” expression of faith across every generation.
Scholars note that until the 18th century, most hymnody in churches consisted of singing of the inspired Psalms. During the Protestant Reformation, some reformers, like Martin Luther, began to include hymns. The British hymnodist Isaac Watts has been called the “the liberator of the English hymn” for helping to move from exclusive psalm-singing to hymns.
According to Christianity Today, Charles Wesley wrote 8,989 hymns (at least three times the output of poet William Wordsworth). Dr. Frank Baker calculated that Charles Wesley wrote an average of 10 lines of verse every day for 50 years! He completed an extant poem every other day.
“Amazing Grace”—Americans’ favorite hymn according to the Gallup Poll—was written by the former captain of a slave ship. That “wretch,” John Newton, eventually became an Anglican minister and worked to abolish the slave trade.
On Sunday we will hear these stories and more as we celebrate the importance of the stories behind the hymns that are enlightening our faith. Our worship team has crafted a beautiful service of music and story. Don’t forget that summer worship will happen in the chapel. As I am out of town the next couple of weeks, please contact the church office or elders with any pastoral needs or concerns.
Many blessings, Brett