The Table

A song for Easter Sunday ... https://youtu.be/33yN4HZABjs As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; a...nd they were alarmed. 6But he said to them, Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. (Mark 16:5-7) As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27-28)

Last night's "Service of Sorrows." A service celebrating Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. https://youtu.be/XO0BBIE6Qp0

Thanks to everyone who came out for our Palm Sunday Service Sunday! We hosted a wonderful service and we helped gather up lots of jelly for all the peanut butter in the Caring Hands Pantry! Check out the drive thru service ... https://youtu.be/AcoYBtLbiOs

A song for Holy Saturday .... https://youtu.be/b_7C5NmcHCE For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:5)

A word from our Bishop regarding returning to in person worship!

Here's a devotion to "prime the pump" for this Sunday's Holy Conversation!

A song for Good Friday .... https://youtu.be/akPIP4UvNe4 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the s...un’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46) See more

A song for Maundy Thursday. https://youtu.be/-za5WdWfy1Y. . "For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when... he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) See more

March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility and we celebrate the divine diversity our trans siblings. Thank you Rev. Asher O'Callaghan for this reflection: In the beg...inning, God created day and night. But have you ever seen a sunset!?!? Well trans and non-binary people are kind of like that. Gorgeous. Full of a hundred shades of color you can't see in plain daylight or during the night. In the beginning God created land and sea. But have you ever seen a beach?!?! Well trans and non-binary people are kind of like that. Beautiful. A balanced oasis that's not quite like the ocean, nor quite like the land. In the beginning God created birds of the air and fish of the sea. But have you ever seen a flying fish, or a duck or a puffin that swims and flies, spending lots of time in the water and on the land!?!? Well trans and non-binary people are kind of like that. Full of life. A creative combination of characteristics that blows people's minds. In the beginning God also created male and female, in God's own image, God created them. So in the same way that God created realities in between, outside of, and beyond night and day, land and sea, or fish and birds, so God also created people with genders beyond male and female. Trans and non-binary and agender and intersex, God created us. All different sorts of people for all different sorts of relationships. Created from love to love and be loved. In God's image we live. God is still creating you. You are no less beautiful and wild than a sunset or a beach or a puffin. You are loved. You have a place here.

A Message for the Friends and Members of the Pacifica Synod from Bishop Andy Taylor God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1... I never thought I’d live to see what I have seen today. Our Capitol stormed by its own citizens. Lawmakers of both parties threatened by violence. Members of our democracy believing that the only way to seek justice is to repudiate the peaceful transfer of power that has been the hallmark of the American system of governance for over 200 years. The solution to this crisis seems far away. Those who have illegally entered the Capitol truly believe that the election has been unfairly stolen. So do many others who would never have joined in a violent protest but who are feeling aggrieved, nonetheless. Others are distressed that these protestors would disallow votes that have been certified by state governments, by men and women whose vocation is to ensure free and fair elections. Their work has been upheld by US courts, presided over by judges that have been appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents including President Trump, which have failed to find any evidence that the counted votes are invalid. No matter the outcome of today, these two groups will continue to struggle with each other for some time to come. What does God call us to do about this? First, we are to remember that God is our refuge and strength. God will be with us to help us give witness to God’s justice, love, and hope, in the midst of our national division. We stand against violence and hatred, and we do not do so alone. God stands with us. Second, we are to pray. We are to ask God to protect those trapped in the Capitol complex from being subject to violence. We are to pray that God will give us wisdom to find our way through this current crisis. Third, we are to remember that we are called to love our enemies. Somehow, we must find ways to listen to each other, even at points of serious disagreement. Those who are upset by the outcome of this election have the same recourse Americans have always had: to mobilize voters for the next election, and to work peacefully for change. For today, I ask you to pray for our country, and particularly for those who are threatened by the current violence. Please pray with me the following prayer for our nation, from page 77 of Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in education, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil course of action. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. May God bless and guide us through these days in justice and in peace.

Let us pray. Rise up and come to our help, merciful God, for we are in need. Our spirits are weighed down with fear; our bodies feel as fragile as the dust from which we came. All that we have trusted seems hidden from sight. Although this moment has come upon our nation, you have not forgotten us. We do not trust in our own power or strength, but in your steadfast love in every generation. Show us your face in this time of trial, remind us of your faithfulness, and save us for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -All Creation Sings, p. 49, "A prayer for a time of civic distress"

The Table continues to gather weekly for worship and service. This Sunday January 3rd our theme will be "The Great Reversal." If you would like to join us please send us a private message and we will extend a zoom invite to you! Peace The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2)

Unfortunately we're not gathering together this Christmas. But we are pleased to share this pre-recorded Christmas service from First Lutheran! Merry Christmas.