Order of Worship for February 23, 2025: Love your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Hurt You

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Who Am I? - Need to Breathe - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Be Thou My Vision - St. Dallán Forgaill, Eleanor Hull- El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this week with Chapter 15 (Psalms)

No matter your heritage, culture, or racial background, Black history is EVERYONE’s story. Here are 29 ways you, your family, and your congregation can celebrate and participate in Black History Month. - The UMC General Commission on Religion and Race

  1. Patronize a local or online Black-owned business. 

  2. Attend church, Bible study, or worship at a historically Black church and experience the Gospel from another vantage point. 

  3. Sing hymns or songs during worship by a composer from the African diaspora. Include the history of the song or hymn in the church bulletin or on your website. 

  4. Attend or co-host a Black history or Black culture event in your community, in partnership with a Black congregation. 

  5. Take a church family field trip to a Black history site or museum in your area.  

  6. Learn more about “Black Harry” Hosier (c. 1750-1806), an African-American Methodist preacher and evangelist.

  7. Research other Black United Methodist leaders from our church’s heritage. 

  8. Fearlessly learn more about how racism has and still affects Black people around the world and start confronting racism. 

  9. Donate to a Black nonprofit or empowerment organization in your community. 

  10. Watch a film by and about the heritage and lives of Black people. Titles to consider: “Antwone Fisher,” “Malcolm X,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Hidden Figures,” “The Hate U Give,” and “One Night in Miami.” 

  11. Watch and discuss documentaries about the Civil Rights movement and other series on the challenges and triumphs of Black people. Suggestions: “Eyes on the Prize,” and Henry Louis Gates’ recent series, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.” 

  12. Visit a landmark about the lives of local Black heroes in your area. 

  13. Read a contemporary book by a Black author. 

  14. Read a story featuring a Black hero to your children, grandchildren, or to a local school class. 

  15. Seek out and talk with a Black elder (75 or older) about their experience in your community. 

  16. Study one of the 54 nations on the continent of Africa, including the language, culture, current events. 

  17. Donate to one of the 12 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities in the United States and Zimbabwe. 

  18. Learn about an unsung hero of Black history. 

  19. Attend shows featuring local Black artists, actors, poets, local musicians, or dancers. 

  20. Explore the breadth of Black music, from jazz to hip-hop, and gospel to southern African folk songs. 

  21. Call out racism and prejudice aimed at Black people and other People of Color in your church and community. 

  22. Learn about “colorism” and how it plays out in our society. 

  23. Learn more about the Black UMC caucus, Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

  24. Subscribe to and learn from Black media and the Black press.

  25. Engage in positive, supportive conversations about Black history and culture on social media.

  26. Learn the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”.

  27. Read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The letter can be found here: Letter from Birmingham Jail (csuchico.edu)

  28. Read a biography of an influential Black figure, such as Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisolm, Kobe Bryant, Michelle Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Rev. Joseph Lowery.

  29. Register and vote.

Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry Team

Sanctuary churches are no longer a tool we can employ due to the executive order giving ICE permission to enter schools, religious buildings, and other places traditionally considered ones of sanctuary.  If, however, you are interested in taking part in this work in other ways, some of them are listed below.  Please reach out to Rev. Denyse dbarnes@calpacumc.org if you would like to add your church or missions group to the list of those taking part in this work.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you'd like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

TARGET GIFT CARDS

We are collecting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

WILDFIRES RESOURCE HUB NEXT WEEK:

Meet with national, state, and local community based organizations collaborating to provide crucial resources and information to those impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires. 

DISTRICT SUPPORT CONTACTS

If you or your church needs support or would like to offer help, please reach out to a designated contact from your district below for coordination:
WEST: Rev. Allison Mark, communications@faithsouthbay.org
NORTH: Rev. Alex Powell, info@bfumc.net, 818-845-1531
EAST: Dorman Jung, depjung9@gmail.com
CALPAC: Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, dbarnes@calpacumc.org

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

CALL TO PRAYER: Just a Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional Gospel - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Genesis 45:3-11; 15, NRSV

Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come closer to me.’ And they came closer. He said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, “Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.” And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 6:27-38, NRSV

Love for Enemies

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Love Your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Hurt You, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Paradoxology- Temitope - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate