Tag: Jesus

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

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

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 11/29/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:28

Advent is upon us once again. A Sanctified Art, a publishing team, will provide the direction with their curriculum: “Words for the Beginning: Advent Reminders for New Seasons.”

As Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity explains the theme in the materials:

“As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new.

Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for  our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

We have crafted an Advent series filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. We imagined the words Mary would speak to her newborn son.

What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults.”

I look forward to setting out on this Advent journey together with the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 paving the way. Gabriel spoke with efficiency and grace to convince Mary that she was not only blessed and worthy of God’s blessing but was herself, a blessing. May we take these words to heart in our own ministries and calling. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. 

Pastor’s Notes 9/27/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” 
John 10:11

This Sunday’s “Faith through our doors” offering will guide our attention to the Cobbs Hall entrance door we utilize every Sunday. The theme story we will spend the most time with, is the upper inside panel. It might just be the most comforting image in Scripture: Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

This powerful metaphor illustrates not only Jesus’ deep love and commitment but a desired fulfillment for his followers of knowing that we are never separated from the Divine.

Jesus knows each of us by name, guiding us through life’s valleys and celebrating with us on the mountaintops. His voice calls us to follow Him, offering direction in times of uncertainty and peace amidst chaos. Just as a shepherd tends to his flock, providing for their needs and protecting them from danger, Jesus nurtures our spiritual growth and safeguards our hearts.

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus leads us. We are a part of the flock, and as those connected with Sun City Christian Church, we know that the lost will be found. It is a Spiritual gift of our congregation, to be there for each other. The Holy Spirit is moving through us in ways that comfort, guide and support when it is needed most.  

On Sunday we will reflect on how we can listen more closely to His voice and follow Jesus’ example of love and service. As we gather for worship and fellowship, may we encourage one another to embody the characteristics of the Good Shepherd—compassion, care, and a willingness to lay down our own interests for the sake of others. Together, let us strive to be shepherds in our community, extending Christ’s love to those around us. 

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

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: May 17, 2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The premise that Jesus seemed to teach from was: Tell them, then tell them what you told them. Once you have told them, then explain it to them before showing and telling them again.

Well, the time for all of that is behind him. Last Sunday we read where Jesus revealed that the Holy Spirit has come upon his followers and that they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. He said this then ascended to the heavens. This was his final earthly encountered with his beloved.

In Acts 2:1-21, for Sunday, Luke gives us the story of Pentecost. Jesus’ disciples didn’t have to wait very long for this gift of the Holy Spirit to breathe upon them like a mighty wind with tongues of flame dancing about their heads.

They were able to express the good news of God in the languages of the foreigners who happened upon the house where they were. This truly miraculous and God inspired moment sets the stage for the birth of the church and the amazing ministry the followers of Jesus, throughout the ages, would embark upon.

The Holy Spirit is still with us as Sun City Christian Church continues to share the good news of the resurrection Promise to our neighborhood and beyond. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or over Facebook Live Sunday as we celebrate Christ with us. Wear red (orange and yellow works too) and come be moved by the Spirit!

Pastor’s Notes 5/10/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.
Luke 1:6,7

This coming Sunday is often celebrated as Ascension Sunday. It marks the moment when Jesus physically left this earthly life. The ascension is the defining event between Jesus’ resurrection and the day of Pentecost that sets up the “God will continue to do new things but now through the followers of Jesus who come together as church” movement.

It really was time for Jesus to go. If he was still with them, his followers would rely upon him- the ascension needed to happen. The disciples needed to let go and so did Jesus. It was time for them to claim their identity, to practice what he preached, to be the body of Christ that would extend the love of God beyond borders.           

Jesus needed to trust that his followers did get the message he was trying to live, breathe, and preach. They may not do things exactly like Jesus did, but they would find their way together. The love of God would be shared. Sunday’s tip for living into the resurrection promise on this earth, calls us to let go. Let go of thinking we have it all figured out and make room for God to work in a way that is appropriate for what is next.

“And while he was speaking, he was lifted up and a cloud carried him beyond their sight.” And in that moment the church starts to take shape and days later when the Spirit descends upon them, the church is truly born but this moment of transition was necessary for them to remember and recognize and claim a path that was carved out for them.

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday live in person, and/or live streaming through our YouTube channel.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 4/12/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Knock – Knock.”

“Who’s there…?” “

Arn.”

“Arn who?”

“Aren’t you going to come and celebrate holy humor Sunday at Sun City Christian Church?”

This Sunday we will begin a new series about tips for experiencing resurrection.  The first bit of advice for truly undergoing new life in Christ on this earth is to laugh. Scripture tells us directly that Jesus wept but whether he had a sense of humor is more implicit, but surely, he had a sense of humor.

How could Jesus not laugh? Some of his favorite people to hang around were children and they had no trouble relating with him. Children are playful, filled with wonder, and don’t take themselves or life too seriously. He had to exude these virtues to relate so well.

How else could one speak of a camel going through the eye of a needle unless they had a light-hearted take to life.

In our sermon time together, we will explore stories that confirm Jesus’ sense of humor. We will give ourselves permission to look at scripture through a lens that sees Jesus capable of sarcasm or replying in jest. The theme scripture for Sunday is John 21:20-25 and is the continued conversation between Jesus and Peter after he appears to his disciples on shore.

So come on Sunday with your best jokes in mind as we get through life together with laughter.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 4/5/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Our text for this Sunday is John 21:1-19. Our series of “Wandering Heart: finding our faith with Peter” is concluding Sunday and will come full circle. I am grateful for the creators from A Sanctified Art who had this to say about Sunday’s story:

“This week’s text could be read alongside our first text for the series (Luke 5:1-11). The parallels and connections between the two are palpable and powerful. Once again, Jesus offers Peter abundance. His journey—like ours—is not linear, but God’s grace continues to circle back to him again and again like a familiar chorus played on repeat. In this text, we primarily want to focus on Peter’s threefold redemption granted to him by Jesus’ question: “Do you love me?” We might imagine Jesus asking us the same question. As we move forward in our faith journeys, how can we let love lead the way?” 

I also want to let you know that our new automated Phone Tree messages will begin next week. Through this system we have the capability of sending audio versions of my weekly email update, meeting reminders, announcements, prayer concerns and other communications to your cell phone or landline. It may take us a bit to work the kinks out so please be sure to let us know if you have any questions or phone number changes.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday! 

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 3/29/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Focal Scripture Luke 24:1-12

As the Sanctified Art team wrote in the notes for Sunday’s text, we might expect that, after denying Christ, Peter would cower in shame—or perhaps even run away in an attempt to leave his past behind him. Instead, when he hears the news from the women, he doesn’t dismiss them like the other disciples. He gets up and runs to the tomb.

When Peter peers into the empty tomb and sees the linen cloth, he is filled with awe. Even after the biggest failures, even after the worst-case scenario has happened, can we run toward hope? Like Peter, will we keep going? Will we keep looking for God in our midst?

In our reading from Luke 24:1-12 on Easter Sunday we will experience the promise fulfilled in resurrection. Resurrection is the gift that continues to provide followers of Christ with purpose, meaning, and that persistent little word that we call hope. Hope prevails on Easter morning and continues to fuel us in our pursuit to be the living presence of Jesus in this world.

If you are reading this post on Good Friday or Holy Saturday, may you find a moment to sit in prayerful reflection. Without crucifixion there is no resurrection. Light is brighter after the darkness. Hope springs from that which is certainly lost. Sit for a moment with the anguish of Jesus as the brokenness in our world is great. Allow yourself to sink into the heaviness, trusting that you will not be consumed. Hope is coming!

I look forward to shouting Hallelujah with you on Easter Sunday. 

Brett