Category: pastor’s notes

Pastor’s Notes 3/28/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“As members of the Christian Church, We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.”

This confession is the opening sentence in the Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It, or a version of it, is used by many Disciples congregations in worship as an affirmation of  faith and a sign of commitment to faithfully serve within the body.

Last Sunday eleven of our faithful stood before the altar and made this proclamation, and in so doing, reaffirmed baptismal vows and claimed Sun City Christian Church as home.

This wasn’t a planned or premeditated arrangement. It all started when Jo Ann Wood, the newest face to enter our doors, arrived and inquired about what she needed to do to belong, to become an active and vital part of the congregation. In five minutes and a wave of conversations, a handful of folks felt compelled to do the same.

Many would have assumed that for most of the 11, this was a confession professed here, long ago. It was a beautiful reminder of the amazing way the Holy Spirit is moving in our midst and that for the love of Christ to be shared, we must willingly step forward and make the proclamation. We are doing that!

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey by reflecting on Joseph of Arimathea, the man who stepped forward to care for Jesus’ body after his death. In Luke 23:50-56, Joseph, a quiet but faithful disciple, takes great care in preparing Jesus for burial—an act of both love and devotion. Even when others had fled, Joseph remained.

His actions remind us that faithfulness doesn’t end with death. In fact, how we prepare for and respond to death—our own and that of others—can be one of the clearest expressions of our faith. As Romans 14:7-9 reminds us, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

This Sunday, we’ll explore how final preparations, whether making arrangements, honoring a loved one, or even considering our own legacy, are sacred acts of faith. Joseph teaches us that discipleship extends beyond life; it is seen in how we honor Christ and one another, even in times of loss.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 3/21/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  —2 Corinthians 5:6

 As we continue our Lenten journey, we turn our hearts toward the promise that “the end of life is not the end.” This Sunday, we reflect on Finishing Faithfully, drawing from Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:1-9, “We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven” and Jesus’ assurance in John 14:1-4, “I go to prepare a place for you.”

Lent invites us to walk with Christ toward the cross, but it also calls us to trust in the hope of resurrection. In a season of reflection and preparation, we are reminded that our faith is not only for the present but for what lies ahead. How do we live with the confidence that God’s promises extend beyond this life? What does it mean to “finish faithfully” in our relationships, our commitments, and our trust in the Holy?

Recently in worship and fellowship time, we joked together about the risky investment buying ripe bananas can be for an aging congregation like ours! We have earned the right to crack such jokes but there is a reality to be embraced, in that the planning for the future, whether in this early life or life eternal, is never fully complete.

Here are a few questions to ponder between now and worship on Sunday. What gives you assurance when facing uncertainty about the future? How does the hope of God’s eternal presence shape the way you live today? Who has modeled for you what it means to finish life’s journey with faith?

Join us this Sunday as we explore the promise that, as faithful followers of Jesus, death is not the end.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 3/14/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Jesus began to weep. -John 11:35

As we journey together in faith, we are reminded that our calling is not only to live well but to finish faithfully, to trust in God’s presence through every season of life, including its closing chapters. This Sunday, Rev. Al Beasley will lead our reflection through John 11 and the story of Lazarus. It is a passage that speaks to grief, hope, and the power of resurrection.

When Jesus arrives at the tomb of his dear friend, he does not rush past the sorrow. Instead, he weeps. In that moment, Jesus shows us that grief is not a failure of faith but an expression of love. He stands in the pain of death, fully present with those who mourn. Yet, he also speaks life into what seems beyond hope: “Lazarus, come out!”

What does this story teach us about finishing faithfully?

  • Jesus honors the reality of death. He does not dismiss its pain or pretend it isn’t hard.
  • Jesus is present with us in grief, reminding us that God walks with us in every loss.
  • Jesus calls us into new life, pointing to hope beyond death, both now and for eternity.

As we consider our own journey of faith, may we be people who face life and death with trust, who weep with those who weep, and who hold onto hope, even when the tomb seems closed.

Join us this Sunday in person or on YouTube! Many blessings.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 3/7/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. –Deuteronomy 34:4-5

We all know the classic fable of the Tortoise and the Hare—the speedy hare dashes ahead, confident he’s got the race won, while the slow, steady tortoise keeps moving forward. But the hare, full of overconfidence, gets distracted and loses focus. In the end, it’s the tortoise, persistent and unwavering, who crosses the finish line first.

This timeless story reminds us that how we start isn’t as important as how we finish. Endurance, faithfulness, and preparation matter far more than hubris, unsustainable zealousness, and lost focus.

This Sunday, officially kick-off the first Sunday of Lent and our theme, “Finishing Faithfully.” We turn to Deuteronomy 34, where Moses stands atop Mount Nebo, gazing into the Promised Land, a land he has led the Israelites toward for forty years, yet will not enter himself. His journey was long and filled with hardship, but his faithfulness never wavered. Though his role was ending, his preparation ensured the people would continue forward under Joshua’s leadership.

Like Moses, we are all called to prepare for what comes next, not just for ourselves, but for those who will follow. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation, urging us to think about what it means to finish faithfully as Christ’s beloved. This season we will put our penitential energies into ensuring that we finish this earthly life as faithfully as we can. Whether our journey has been smooth and steady or full of detours and distractions, the invitation is the same: keep going. Stay faithful. Prepare well. And trust that God’s promises extend beyond what we can see.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube Sunday as we explore what it means to finish faithfully—to live with purpose, prepare with care, and leave a legacy of love and faith.

Brett

The importance of telling our stories, learning from them, and sharing them with one another.

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” Luke 9:33

As I think back over the memories of my life, there are thousands of times where I wish it could have lasted longer: loved ones laughing, listening to favorite stories, birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. These are pitch a tent and stay a while, kind of moments.

In Luke 9:28-36, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus’ radiant transformation on the mountaintop. Overwhelmed by the moment, Peter wants to build a dwelling place—to hold on, to remain, to preserve. We, too, long to hold onto the meaningful moments of our lives. This longing isn’t a bad thing, because our stories matter. Our memories shape us.

This Sunday, we will reflect on the importance of telling our stories, learning from them, and sharing them with one another.

As we begin our Lenten series, “Finishing Faithfully,” we invite you to think about the stories of faith, love, and transformation that have shaped your journey. Where has God met you on the mountaintop? How have those moments carried you forward? On Tuesday, March 5th when we gather for our first “Lenten Lunch & Learn,” a writing instructor will guide us through exercises to help us put our stories on paper.

Join us this Sunday for worship in person or on YouTube and stay a while—dwell in the beauty of memory, the power of story, and the presence of God.

Brett

C is for Compassion

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

On Sunday we will continue our sermon Series “Following Jesus From A-Z” and the theme word will be Compassion. It is most fitting that it is also the time of year to receive the Special Day Offering that supports Week Of Compassion.

For 80 years, Week of Compassion has represented our denomination by responding to the needs of God’s people in our country and around the world. The shared work of Week of Compassion matters – to people in crisis, and as people of faith. The gifts we give make an impact around the world, ensuring that the stories, needs, and celebrations of vulnerable communities are heard and seen – and that our whole church is equipped to respond.

According to Rev. Vy T. Nguyen, Executive Directory for Week of Compassion,
“the scriptural qualities that are to be our focus this year– what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable – are readily found among the people we serve, and the partners with whom we do the work. We praise God for the resilience of people recovering from disaster, navigating resettlement, and surviving the onslaught of war, political and climate crises. With long-standing partnerships around ecumenical tables, especially in times of conflict and division, recovery is a steady and deliberate process. Through Week of Compassion, Disciples commit to the long haul, and keep on about the work before us, undeterred and undistracted.”

Our shared work together as Disciples continues to extend compassion to those in need. This is the reflection of Christ that Paul was modeling to the church in Philippi and it is our calling and purpose as the church today. With compassion, may we continue to faithfully serve God and community together.

I look forward to worshipping with you on YouTube or in person on Sunday,

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 2/14/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:3                   
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  Luke 6:20

This Sunday, we continue our “Following Jesus from A-Z” sermon series by exploring what it truly means to be blessed. The world tells us that blessing looks like wealth, success, and ease—but Jesus turns that idea upside down. In both the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-26), Jesus proclaims that blessing is found in humility, mercy, justice, and a heart open to God’s kingdom.

Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes presents a vision of discipleship that is deeply spiritual, emphasizing attitudes of the heart, poverty of spirit, a hunger for righteousness, and the call to be peacemakers. Luke’s version, however, is strikingly direct, addressing economic and social realities. And while Matthew speaks only of blessings, Luke adds a series of warnings. Together, these passages remind us that God’s blessing is not about status or wealth, but about trust in God’s justice and mercy.

Recognizing the truly blessed means seeing the world as Jesus sees it. The blessed are not just those who have much, but those who know their need for God. The blessed are not just those who laugh, but those who weep and are met with compassion. The blessed are those who hunger, not just for daily bread but for righteousness.

And if we are to follow Jesus, we are called to stand alongside them and one another for the gospels make it clear that nobody is exempt from being God’s beloved. This means caring for the poor, comforting the grieving, working for justice, and embodying mercy in a world that often prizes power over grace. When we do so we are extending the blessing of God as followers of Jesus.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. Don’t forget to come back at 3:00pm for the Monday Players in concert in Cobbs Hall!

Pastor’s Notes 2/7/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus,
Phil 2:3-5

This Sunday, I will introduce a new, ongoing sermon series: “Following Jesus from A-Z.” Through this series, we will explore the many ways we live out our faith, word by word, action by action, as disciples of Christ. We will ponder together what it means to follow Jesus in every part of our lives and how we embody the love, humility, and purpose Christ calls us to.

Our journey centers itself around Philippians 2:1-8, a passage that calls us to the very heart of Christian discipleship: the mindset of Christ. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not just about belief, it is about transformation. Christ emptied himself, humbled himself, and took on the role of a servant. In doing so, he set the example for how we are to live, grounded in love, unity, and sacrifice.

Each ordinary time Sunday, we will reflect on key words that shape our faith and deepen our walk with Christ. From A for “awareness” to Z for “zeal”, we will discover how the Holy Spirit leads us to embody the gospel in the world today.

I invite you to join us this Sunday in person or on YouTube as we begin this journey together. Let’s seek the Spirit’s guidance, grow in faith, and follow Jesus—one step, one word, one act of love at a time. Don’t forget that after worship of February 9th will be our congregational meeting to approve leadership and budget for 2025.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 1/31/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God, for those who enter God’s[a] rest also rest from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. 
-Hebrews 4:9-11

In the busyness of life, we often treat rest as a luxury, something to be earned after all the work is done. But scripture reminds us that rest is not just a necessity—it is sacred. In Hebrews 4, we are invited into God’s rest, a rest that is deeper than sleep or stillness. It is a trust-filled resting in God’s presence, a release of our burdens, and a reclaiming of the peace that only God can provide.

This Sunday, we will reflect on what it means to honor rest as a gift from God. Rest is not laziness; it is faithful obedience. There is an intentionality about our actions that is healthy and connected with the Holy. When we pause, worship, and make space for God in our lives, we are stepping into the sacred rhythm God intended for us.

As you prepare for worship, consider this: What would it look like to receive rest as a spiritual practice, rather than a last resort? How might honoring rest help us better serve God and one another?

Join us in person or on YouTube as we explore these questions together and seek the renewal that God graciously offers. 

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 1/24/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”

– Disciples of Christ identity statement

This Sunday, we are honored to welcome Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as our guest preacher. Rev. Owens is not only the spiritual leader of our denomination but also a visionary voice calling Disciples to embody the love of Christ in transformative ways.

What a joy and honor it will be to have her with us, and I hope you are able to join in the celebration. I share with you now her official bio in anticipation of her arrival:

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens is the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is the first person of color and second woman to lead the denomination, and the first woman of African descent to lead a mainline denomination. Elected in 2017, Rev. Hord Owens was re-elected to a second term as General Minister and President in 2023.

Elected in 2017, Rev. Hord Owens was re-elected to a second term as General Minister and President in 2023. Her ministry actively reflects the Disciples’ priority of being an anti-racist church, being a movement for wholeness, and welcoming all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us.

 Her exhortation to the church is “Let’s be the church we say we are. It is in being who we say we are that we actively bear witness to God’s limitless love for all.” Rev. Hord Owens earned her bachelor’s degree in Government with a minor in Afro- American Studies from Harvard University. Hord Owens’ resume includes more than 20 years in corporate America leading diverse teams in data management in health care and other industries before she entered seminary.

A graduate of University of Chicago Divinity School, Rev. Hord Owens served 12 years as the Dean of Students at her alma mater. Rev. Hord Owens also served as the pastor of First Christian Church of Downers Grove, Illinois, where under her leadership, FCCDG became an open and affirming, antiracism, pro-reconciliation congregation.

Hord Owens is widely sought after as a preacher, speaker, and workshop facilitator. Her ministry and intellectual interests include spiritual development, a theology of reconciliation, cultural intelligence, developing inclusive and multi-cultural congregations, and the mentoring of young adults. In addition to collaborative service with Disciples ministries and congregations as they seek to make justice happen, she has been active in leadership in the Poor People’s Campaign, Repairers of the Breach, and other ecumenical and interfaith collaboratives.

In keeping with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, she serves in leadership at the National Council of Churches as the Treasurer of the Governing Board and a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee.

Rev. Hord Owens is married to Walter Owens, Jr. They are the proud parents of an adult son, W. Mitchell Owens, III and daughter-in-law Adriana Owens. She is also the joyful grandmother of Zachary Owens.