Tag: Lent

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

Lenten Workshop: Finishing Faithfully

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The Wellness Committee of Sun City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is offering a special series on Wednesdays during the 2025 Lenten Season (March 5 – April 16) entitled “Finishing Faithfully.” Each of the seven sessions support living faithfully to finish faithfully. Participants with learn how to document their beliefs, values and preferences, along with suggestions on how to start a conversation with their loved ones about their wishes. All are welcome and attendees are welcome to attend one, several, or all the sessions:

Week One – March 5th – we will learn how to write our own story

Week Two – March 12th – we will discuss the information we all need to record and share in case of emergency (e.g. emergency when not at home, accident or hospitalization, death) and how to talk with physicians about your healthcare needs and desires at end-of-life.

Week Three – March 19th – Patti Sheridan of Hospice of the Valley will share about Comfort care, including palliative and hospice care.

Week Four – March 26th – Ryan Couch of SG Insurance and Estate Services will share information about financial and legal needs.

Week Five – April 2nd – Nancie Scalercia of Menke Funeral Home and Crematory will explain funerals, cremation and processes.

Week Six – April 9th – we will discuss with our inhouse experts how to start the discussions with our family members and others.

Week Seven – April 16th – with our inhouse experts we will formulate our personal, family, and spiritual plans.

A light lunch will be provided each week with a suggested donation of $3 per person.

For information about this program, please call Sun City Christian Church at (623) 972-6179.

The Wellness Committee of Sun City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at 9745 W. Palmeras Dr, Sun City offers educational sessions collaborating with qualified internal and community professionals. The mission of this project is foremost to empower individuals to be self-advocates for their medical care and wellness, as well as that of their loved ones through the programs and information provided by the project. A secondary goal is ensuring trusting relationships are built between participants that help alleviate isolation and loneliness. In addition, individuals are encouraged to seek way to remain active, better understand the aging process, community resources, and the medical system.

Pastor’s Notes 3/22/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

As our Lenten series shifts into Holy Week, sometimes Peter will play a major role and at other times he isn’t mentioned at all, leaving us to fill in the gaps with our imaginations. The Palm Sunday story in John 12:12-16 leaves us imagining where Peter might be and how he is participating.

On the day when Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time, we are often charged to consider where we would be in the crowd. Are we singing praise? Are we joining in, or standing back? This year, we are invited to imagine where Peter is in the parade. To do that, perhaps we must remember all the events that have led up to this point.

Our series began with an abundant catch, and a charge to drop everything and follow. Peter has walked on water and clung to Jesus for rescue. He has pronounced his faith confidently and been called Satan and told to get out of Jesus’ way. He has asked questions and learned about the expansiveness of grace.

And now, the end is near. Peter stands among the crowds as they sing songs of loudest praise. The odds are good that Peter is experiencing the full spectrum of emotions and feelings. This roller coaster ride of Spirit won’t get any easier for him in the days ahead.

Following Jesus requires strength, courage, patience, and trust. Peter’s Holy Week journey runs the gambit of human experience. And yet, Jesus builds his church upon the faith of disciples. May we, as followers of Christ, live and love to the best of our ability.

Just a reminder that we will worship at Desert Garden UCC on Maundy Thursday at 5 pm and then on Good Friday we will be in our sanctuary at 4 pm. 

Pastor’s Notes 3/15/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

In the commentary from our Lenten Devotional by A Sanctified Art this week, Dr. Terence Lester teaches us:

In Matthew 18:15-22, Jesus teaches about community and repair. Peter, eager to learn, asks him a follow up question. Jesus gives an expansive answer, emphasizing the abundance of forgiveness. This story shows the importance of asking questions and expanding our faith, especially when we’re comfortable not having all the answers and we’re open to seeing the world in more nuanced ways.

Jesus’ response to Peter’s question about forgiveness highlights the ambiguous math of grace. Peter learns about abundant grace. It’s about letting go of rigid limits and embracing the limitless possibilities of forgiveness and repair.

If I have learned anything about faith, it is that I always seem to have more questions than I do answers. In fact, my questions tend to lead to more questions. The good news is that I am comfortable with the mystery of belief.

For faith to truly work, we must always be open to learning something new. The best way to learn is through asking questions and then staying open to whatever answers we receive.

Peter continuously asks questions and seeks deeper understanding. In this text, it is the topic of forgiveness that causes him challenge. May we keep our hearts open to the possibilities God presents to us and may we learn something about ourselves and our relationship with the Holy.

See you Sunday.
Brett