Tag: Jesus

Moving from commandment to calling to embodiment

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Jesus said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
–Matthew 22:37-40

Many thanks for your participation last Sunday in working with our Thriving Team to identify the verbs that represent who we are as the living body of Christ. The catered meal was great, and the conversations were thoughtful. All the ideas collected will be used by the Thriving team in the finalizing of our current identity statement, mission, and congregational vision.

I was moved by the blessings you wrote during our final activity. Your words were beautiful and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Not only will they influence the work of the Thriving Team, but we will share them together as spoken benedictions to end our upcoming worship services.

For the next several Sundays we will continue our work of “Living Our Verbs” by highlighting the words that appear most representative of who God is calling us to be right now. This Sunday will center ourselves around loving. Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:37-40, and John 13:34-35 will remind us how we are to love.

In Deuteronomy, we are commanded to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.” Jesus later lifts up that same commandment, adding that we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves, declaring that all of God’s law and purpose hang on this. And then, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus takes love one step further: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Through these three texts, we move from commandment to calling to embodiment. Love begins in God, is expressed through us, and becomes visible in our relationships and actions.

As we gather this Sunday, we’ll reflect on how love isn’t just a feeling or a virtue, it is an action that defines who we are and how we live. I look forward to worshipping with you in the sanctuary or on YouTube!  

Brett

Our shared meal becomes a mission of love

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’  – Luke 14:12-14

Last Sunday, we gathered around the Lord’s Table in the spirit of World Communion Sunday. We are reminded that Christians everywhere, in all times and places, share one bread and one cup. But if we take that moment seriously, it calls us to something even deeper: to live communion, not just receive it.

This week’s scripture from Luke 14:12–24 is one of Jesus’ parables about a great banquet. This feast table imagery mirrors the communion table we gather around each week. In the story, those who were first invited make excuses as to why they cannot attend, so the host sends servants out into the streets to bring in the poor, the blind, the lame, and the forgotten. The table becomes a place of radical welcome, widened again and again until every seat is filled.

It is a reminder that the blessing found at the Communion Table doesn’t end when the worship service does. Every act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness, every time we make space for another, that is communion, too. The Holy Spirit empowers us to keep communion a verb, an act we repeat throughout our week by doing as Jesus would.

This Sunday, we’ll continue reflecting on what it means to live as the body of Christ in daily life. We will explore how our shared meal becomes a mission of love that continues long after the bread and cup are passed.

Come ready to gather, to grow, and to go forth in service together! I look forward to worshipping with you on YouTube or in our sanctuary!  

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 10/3/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?  Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. –1 Corinthians 10:16-17

This coming Sunday, October 5, we will join with Christians all around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday. It is one of those holy days that reminds us we are a part of something greater. It is a day when our table feels a little bigger, our prayers reach a little farther, and our fellowship stretches across languages, cultures, and traditions. It is the one Sunday a year when Christians, no matter our denominational or local church practice, take Holy Communion.

Our scriptures for Sunday, 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 and Matthew 13:1–9,  help set the tone for our belonging and connection together. Fittingly, our choir ensemble will offer the hymn Seed, Scattered and Sown as special music. This hymn, written by Dan Feiten in 1987, was inspired by these very passages of scripture. It poetically ties together Jesus’ parable of the sower with Paul’s teaching about the unity of the church through bread and cup. The hymn invites us to see ourselves as seeds scattered throughout the world, yet brought together as “one bread, one body.” Its imagery reminds us that while we come from many places and experiences, at Christ’s table we are gathered and made whole.

On World Communion Sunday, we will break bread and share the cup with the awareness that we are part of something larger than ourselves. From small congregations in rural villages to large cathedrals in bustling cities, believers everywhere will echo the same words of blessing, share the same bread of life, and drink from the same cup of blessing.

Let us prepare our hearts this week to come to the table with gratitude, humility, and joy—remembering that in Christ, we are never just scattered, but always gathered and bound together in love. I look forward to meeting you at table in the sanctuary or on YouTube.

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 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!