Category: pastor’s notes

Pastor’s Notes 6/13/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Now to the one who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. –Ephesians 3:20-21

This week, we move into our summer worship series inspired by the upcoming General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, where our wider church will gather around the theme Beyond. On Sunday, our guiding scripture will be Ephesians 3:14–21, the powerful closing words of a prayer that echoes through generations:

According to DOC pastor and teacher Shannon Dycus, these words feel like the “Amen” at the end of a prayer we’ve whispered through tears and shouted in hope. They come after the kind of deep conversation with God that feels personal, even intimate. And then comes one small, striking word: Now.

Not later. Not when everything is fixed. Not when we’re stronger. Now.

This prayer trusts that God is already moving—in us, through us, and often despite us. That God hears the needs we name and the ones we don’t know how to say. That even on the bumpiest roads, we are not alone.

So what comes after “Amen”? What do we do when we realize the prayer has been heard—when we are filled with a Spirit that invites us beyond what we could imagine as possible?

This Sunday, we’ll reflect on that very question as we gather in worship, grounded in the love and power of God that is already at work within us. Come ready to explore what it means to live in the now of that promise, to imagine the great possibilities the Holy Spirit continues to breathe into us.

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

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 6/6/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
– Acts 2:2-4

This Sunday, we celebrate the vibrant and world-shifting event of Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit rushed in like wind and flame, uniting a diverse crowd of people and birthing the Church as a Spirit-connected community.

The Spirit didn’t just come to comfort the early church; it came to send them. To give them a voice. To unite them in purpose. The Spirit came so that the faithful might bear fruit, fruit of love, peace, courage, and compassion. Pentecost happened so that in the light of Christ, we might witness the love we know to the world beyond our doors.

As we gather this Pentecost Sunday, we’ll ask:

What fruit is our congregation called to bear?
How might we bless the community beyond our walls?

Come dressed in red if you wish in the traditional color of the Spirit, and be ready to be renewed, connected, and inspired.

We’ll also gather at the Lord’s Table, where our connections are deepened and where Christ feeds us, not only for personal strength, but for the shared mission of love.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/30/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.   John 15:4-5

In a world that often tells us to work harder, do more, and produce at all costs, Jesus offers a surprising alternative: abide. Not hustle. Not perform. Not manage. Simply abide.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower… Abide in me as I abide in you.”

Our text for Sunday is one of the most beautiful and organic images in all of Scripture, the vine and the branches, reminding us that we thrive not by striving, but by staying deeply connected to Christ. Fruitfulness isn’t something we force. It grows when we remain rooted in God’s presence, love, and truth.

We’ll also reflect on what it means to be pruned by God, cutting away what no longer serves, not to punish, but to make room for greater growth. Just as a gardener lovingly prunes a grapevine so it can flourish, God tends to our lives with care and purpose.

As we continue our “Thriving” series, this week invites us to slow down and ask:

  • Where is God inviting me to abide more deeply?
  • What might God be pruning in our church or community?
  • How can abiding lead us toward real fruit—like compassion, justice, joy, and peace?

Our tree connection this week, the vine and branches, reminds us that growth isn’t always visible at first. But when we stay rooted in the Spirit, new life will come.

Come join us this Sunday in person or on YouTube as we learn to thrive by abiding. Please also continue to consider the role you desire to play in Sun City Christian Church and check out the ministry fair tables and sign-ups in Cobbs Hall!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/23/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.   
– Ephesians 4:15-16

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? 🌳🌲🌴

In Bible study on Tuesday, we explored this question and realized that most of us are graphs of several different traits and qualities- hybrid trees. God created us with the potential to be diverse individuals with a variety of gifts, interests, and skills often changing with the seasons of our lives.

This Sunday, May 25th, we continue our series Planted to Thrive, focusing on the practice of “Growing Together.” A thriving congregation is one where gifts are shared and nurtured in community. Our guiding texts this week are Ephesians 4:11–16 and Romans 12:1–8, where we’re reminded that “we who are many are one body in Christ.”

As part of worship, we will open our “Ministry Fair” inviting you to discover where your gifts might meet the church’s needs. From hospitality to leadership, shopping to hands-on service, every act of love matters. Together, we grow strong — like a grove of trees, interconnected and rooted in love.

As part of the day’s festivities, you’ll be invited to reflect on your spiritual gifts using a simple, engaging exercise. Are you more like a Strong Oak, Shelter Pine, Flowering Dogwood, or Helpful Willow? This fun and meaningful exercise will help you discern where you might grow next in ministry.

After worship, visit the tables in Cobbs Hall to learn more about our ongoing ministries and sign up for what fits you best. We should all be excited to watch how the Spirit grows something beautiful among us! I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday.  

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/9/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him.
Exodus 15:2

From the prophetic witness of Miriam and the devoted trust of Mary the mother of Jesus to the stirring hymns of Fanny Crosby and other modern poets of prayer, women have a profound impact upon our faith. Our worship this Sunday will honor the legacy of women whose gifts have helped the Church sing, pray, and live the gospel more fully.

Mother’s Day worship will feature hymns and musical offerings, each accompanied by short reflections or stories about the women who wrote them—women like Phoebe Knapp, Katharine Lee Bates, Natalie Sleeth, and Cecil Frances Alexander. You’ll hear a medley of Fanny Crosby’s beloved gospel hymns, sing “America the Beautiful,” and lift your voice in favorites like “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

To open the service, you will recall the song that may be the most famous and bold of all: Mary’s Magnificat—her cry of praise and justice sung while carrying the Christ child. That revolutionary hymn of a young girl from Nazareth reminds us that music has always been central to our faith—not just to praise God, but to proclaim God’s justice, reversal of power, and care for the lowly.

In her spirit, we’ll also remember Miriam, who led her people in song after God delivered them from Egypt, and modern voices like Miriam Therese Winter, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, and Joyce Rupp, who continue to write hymns, prayers, and blessings that awaken our souls.

Whether you are a mother, have known a mother’s love, or grieve one who is no longer here, this Sunday is a celebration of presence, of the voices that have walked with us and shaped our journey of faith. We hope this time of music, memory, and meaning will uplift your spirit and stir your gratitude.

I am currently on vacation but if you need anything please contact the church office or any of our elders. Many blessings!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/2/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:36-38

Signs of new life are all around us this Eastertide! When you drive into the church parking lot from 98th street, be sure to check out the prickly pear cactus as it has been in full bloom! Each pink flower only lasts for a couple of days before it is gone, but a plant will produce new flowers over a once-a-year bloom period of 4-6 weeks. Appreciate it while we can!

Similar sentiments were embraced by Jesus’ disciples in that period after Jesus’ resurrection and before his ascension. This Sunday, May 4th, we continue our worship series “Following Jesus from A–Z” with a theme word for the letter D that might surprise you: Disbelief.

Our scripture from Luke 24:36–49, is the continuation of the Road to Emmaus story we shared last week. Here, the risen Christ appears to his disciples—not as a ghost or a dream, but in flesh and bone. Even as he stands among them offering peace, joy, and purpose, the disciples are startled. Luke says, “In their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering.”

Isn’t that so deeply human?

We, too, carry moments when we rejoice and doubt. When we trust and question. When we celebrate the resurrection and still wonder what it means for us today. Disbelief is not the opposite of faith—it is often part of the journey toward a deeper one. Jesus doesn’t condemn the disciples for their disbelief; instead, he meets them right where they are, offering peace and commissioning them with love.

This week in worship, we’ll reflect on what it means to be honest about our doubts while still living into resurrection hope. We’ll sing with joy, pray with intention, and hear again the good news: Christ is risen, even when we don’t fully understand it.

Come as you are—questions, wonder, joy and all. There’s a place for you in this story. I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday in person or on YouTube.

Brett

Holy Humor Sunday

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Weekly Church UpdateApril 25, 2025“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
 “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

This Sunday, we’re celebrating Holy Humor Sunday, a tradition with deep roots in the early church. In Europe, the Sunday after Easter was once known as Bright Sunday, when Christians gathered to laugh, tell stories, and celebrate the “divine joke” God played on death. After all, what greater reversal could there be than the empty tomb?

In the spirit of that joy, we’ll gather this Sunday for a worship service filled with stories, hymns, and holy laughter. We will journey with the disciples as they unpack what life with Jesus has been like and claim their relationship with the risen one.

We will find joy in our God who continues to surprise us with grace, and we will reflect on how the Risen Christ walks with us, even when we don’t recognize him and how joy often arrives when bread is broken, and stories are shared.

As we continue to understand the importance for finishing life faithfully, Holy Humor Sunday reminds us that resurrection joy is meant to last. So come ready to smile, to explore, to try something new, and maybe even to laugh a little.

You are welcome to wear bright colors or something that brings you joy. And if you have a good, clean church joke… you just might get a chance to share it!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Join us in person or on our YouTube page this Sunday.

Brett

Preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter morning

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  –Matthew 28:1

As we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter morning, we come to one of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture—Matthew 28:1–10, where two faithful disciples arrive at the tomb expecting to find death, and instead encounter new life.

This Sunday, we will celebrate with joy and wonder under the theme: “Finishing Faithfully: Death Is Not the End.”

Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that God’s story doesn’t end at the grave. The faithful witness of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary reveals a powerful truth: even in our deepest grief, even when the future is uncertain, God is still moving stones, still surprising us with life, and still calling us to go and tell the good news.

Easter is a Sunday for hope—for proclaiming that endings in God’s story are never really the end. Whether you are coming in joy or carrying sorrow, Easter morning invites you to stand on resurrection ground and hear again the angel’s words:
“He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.”

Come ready to rejoice. Come ready to be renewed. Come ready to believe again that love never dies. Come ready to walk with Jesus as he shows us once more how to finish faithfully. I look forward to celebrating Easter with you in person or on YouTube.

Pastor’s Notes 4/11/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” –Matthew 21:8,9

Our Journey through Lent is drawing to an end. I am most grateful and moved by your willingness to face end of life questions with our series, “Finishing Faithfully.” Here is a reminder of the weekly themes that we covered:

“The Dwelling Place of Memory.” “Remember, you are Dust.” “Preparing With Purpose.” “This Will be the Day.” “The End of Life is not the End.” “A Day of Preparation.” “Letting Go is Okay.” This Sunday we will conclude with “Leaving our Legacy.”

Stories of Jesus, Paul, and other Biblical ancestors have reminded us that death is a part of life and there is a faithful way to embrace the process that leads to eternal life. It has been a reflective and intentional season of study, knowledge, reflection, and sharing. Our Wellness Ministry team has gifted us with tools and resources to help us put our plans in place.

Our team will continue to encourage us to put our plans and wishes into place by offering individual and group opportunities to talk through and think about our plans and wishes for when we die. I will be signing up sessions with anyone who would like to meet with me one on one to discuss your memorial service plans and/or record your stories on video!

Our text for Sunday is Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as depicted in Matthew 21:1-11. Preparations are made for Jesus’ final return to the Holy City and the large crowd gathers to cheer on the one who has come to save the people. With palm branches waving and shouts of “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” anticipation mounts.  

Things turn quickly and the events surrounding the Passover feast will lead Jesus to his crucifixion. As a congregation we will join our UCC colleagues for Maundy Thursday worship and communion at 5pm at Church of the Palms, on April 17. You are also invited to join me for a service of scripture and prayer on Good Friday at 12 noon in our sanctuary on April 18. Many blessings as we continue of committed journey with Christ. 

Pastor’s Notes 4/3/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. – 2 Timothy 4:6

There’s an old story about a monkey who finds a jar filled with treats. Eagerly, he reaches in and grabs a handful, but when he tries to pull his hand out, he discovers he’s stuck. The jar’s opening is too small for his clenched fist, and though freedom is just a simple release away, he refuses to let go. Trapped by his own grasp, he remains stuck, unwilling to loosen his grip on what he wants.

So often in life, we find ourselves in a similar struggle. We hold on: to plans, to expectations, to past hurts, loved ones, or even to roles we have played for years, because letting go feels like loss. But what if letting go is the path to freedom, wholeness, or resurrection?

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey with the theme “Finishing Faithfully: It Is OK to Let Go.” In Luke 9:43-45, Jesus begins preparing his disciples for the road ahead, but they struggle to grasp what he is saying. In 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Paul, at the end of his ministry, writes with peace and confidence, declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Both passages remind us that faithfulness is not just about perseverance; it is also about trust.

What might God be inviting you to release? What burdens are keeping you from moving forward? I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on these questions together, seeking the courage to trust God with open hands and open hearts.

Brett