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God of all goodness,
You have been our refuge from generation to generation.
Your will is that peace should shine on all people everywhere.
With your spirit, guide the efforts of humankind to bring peace and
justice to the nations of the earth, and give strength to rulers and all
who work to establish peace and justice in the world.
Inspire those who come together in search of ways to bring about
peace, and through your word, change the hearts of all people so that
we shall strive for:
Peace, and not war,
The Common Good, rather than individual wellbeing,
Your Justice, instead of our own glory.

You have given us your peace. Enable us to share that peace with those around us, so that love and harmony may be always present in our lives, that all the world may know happiness, that we may live with dignity as brothers and sisters, and that all may rejoice in your presence. United in diversity, we call upon your infinite grace, humbly asking you to receive our prayer and make us instruments of your peace.
Amen.

MCC Gives Back!
The entire month of September we are collecting non-perishable items to be donated to our partners at the El Paso Rescue Mission. Please bring your donations every week and mark Saturday, Oct. 13th on your calendars so we can hand deliver God's blessings to those who need it most.

Spirit Connection
National Day of Prayer for Peace September 21st.

A Service for ALL creatures, great and small
Please join us on Sunday, Oct. 7th for a special event in honor of our beloved pets. During a condensed service your pet will be blessed in First Presbyterians' Courtyard. The public is encouraged to attend.

****A special offering will take place benefiting the El Paso Humane Society****

El Paso Sun City Pride Presents
11th Annual Pridefest Celebration Scheduled for May 28th, 2018 - June 4, 2018.

Sunday, May 20, 2018 10:00 AM 11:00 AM San Jacinto Plaza
Join El Paso Sun City Pride with the Metropolitan Community Church on Sunday, May 20, from 10 am to 11 am for the annual Pride Service at San Jacinto Plaza downtown. The Briar Patch will open their doors at 12 following the service for a barbecue till 2 pm. The barbecue that follows will be an all age event and pets are welcome as well. Those who attend the festivities after our service and plan to drink must also be eating per Texas regulations. So come and join us in celebrating faith and community for this special event.

Pride Parade Saturday June 2nd 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Begins at Houston Park.

Sun City Pride's week of pride events concludes with a parade for several reasons. It helps celebrate who we are as LGBT citizens and highlight the support of our LGBT allies in the community. MCC of El Paso will be entering the parade. We look forward to creating a special float that demonstrates who we are so others can join us in expressing our Vision Statement; "To be a diverse faith community demonstrating our Creator's love for all." For many, the parade is a chance to be reminded that you are not alone. The El Paso community has historically been progressive on human rights issues and this is evident at the parade. It is a chance for families, parents, and LGBT individuals to come together in a showing of love and support and we cherish this opportunity each year.

"Drag Bingo at the Prickly Elder" Monday, May 28th - 9PM - 11PM
This event kicks of the nightly weekday pride events and we are thrilled to bring it to El Paso. It is a chance to enjoy a night out with friends, play a few games and, of course, win prizes! -FREE

"Taco Tuesday" at the Alamo Draft House. Tuesday, May 29th - 6:30PM - 9:30pm
To Wong Foo? Yes. Come watch the the cult classic movie with all your friends! This year will be our first year partnering with Alamo Drafthouse for a special night focused on our lesbian community. It is a chance to enjoy a movie and mingle. Of course, an event like this would not be complete without a little kitsch so we will be serving special order tacos all night! Tickets are $20 for the showing and we will have a little entertainment before the movie starts. (Family friendly.)
ALSO: There will be regularly scheduled trivia night at Alamo Drafthouse before the movie. Trivia this night will be LGBT pride themed and all proceeds from the $5 buy in will benefit El Paso Sun City Pride!

"Hear Me Roar" (Family event at the El Paso Zoo). Wednesday, May 30th - 6:00pm - 10:00pm
This event occurs at the El Paso Zoo yearly and is our flagship family event. It is a chance for people to all join and enjoy an evening with animals, exploring and of course a little drag. The event also hosts a live auction to help raise money for future pride events and scholarships. Friends and family of all ages are welcomed to join in on the fun. Come enjoy a beautiful summer evening with wildlife from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Cool off in the Hunt Family Desert Spring Splashpad. Like slides? We've got those too at the Foster Treehouse Playground... for children and adults! DJs throughout Zoo Grounds will fill the air with beats for music lovers of all types. Sip on wine or enjoy a cold beer and watch as folks feed the giraffes, ride the train, and much more. Hungry? Nibble on tasty gourmet street food brought to you by local food trucks! El Paso Sun City Pride Sponsor Reception will be located in the heart of the Zoo, close to inflatables for all to enjoy! And after you've visited all the animals, get ready for the wildest drag show in the newly opened Wildlife Amphitheater! There's lots to do, but even more to celebrate as we proudly continue our PRIDE celebrations! $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 yrs and under.

"Out at the Park" (Chihuahuas Pride Game)
Since the Chihuahuas came of El Paso, they have been a wonderful partner to pride. This is a great event for families, couples and singles to come enjoy a night out at the park watching baseball and wearing their best pride shirts. This year will mark the fourth year of this great event & partnership with the Chihuahuas-El Paso's favorite team! Chico will be in attendance and there to show his support for Pride and help pump people up for the weekend's events which you surely won't want to miss. (Photo Credit: Michaela Roman, The Prospector)
Tickets $17, link coming soon on Chihuahua's website. Buy tickets: code SCP2018.

God always calls at the right time. The only challenge is, you may not be ready. I have experienced this on more than one occasion in my life so I do have faith in God for this particular time as well.
It is time for Melanie and I to retire. God is sending us to Edmond, Oklahoma to be with family and to discover new ways of expressing our gifts. MCC of El Paso has been a life changing gift to our lives. This was not an easy decision. We are looking forward to celebrating the time we have shared. Melanie and I will be departing at the end of June. We love all of you and will continue to pray for this church.
Peace! Rev. Kati L. Houts

"Blessed be all mothers
Who have come into our lives
Whose kindness, care and loving
Remain with us to guide.
Your inspiration in us
Made us strive in every way
Especially to remember
Helping others makes our day.
Mothers, this little tribute
Flows directly from my heart
You are so loved and cherished
Invaluable, one and all, you are. Amen.
By Susan Kramer

Let's Get Ready to Unmask the Beauty of Who We Are!

El Paso Sun City Pride Presents 11th Annual Pridefest Celebration Scheduled for May 28th, 2018 - June 4, 2018.
Our Church will be the kick-off for this Celebration on Sunday, May 20th. This year we will have our Service at a special location. As soon as it has been confirmed, I will announce this most incredible place to celebrate.

Sun City Pride's week of pride events concludes with a parade for several reasons. It helps celebrate who we are as LGBT citizens and highlight the support of our LGBT allies in the community. MCC of El Paso will be entering the parade. We look forward to creating a special float that demonstrates who we are so others can join us in expression our Vision Statement; "To be a diverse faith community demonstrating our Creator's love for all." For many, the parade is a chance to be reminded that you are not alone. The El Paso community has historically been progressive on human rights issues and this is evident at the parade. It is a chance for families, parents, and LGBT individuals to come together in a showing of love and support and we cherish this opportunity each year.

Almighty God, As we face these uncertain times in our nation, we ask you, to dwell among us. We are comforted by the knowledge that You alone are our Savior and Lord, and the ultimate Master of life. We trust our nation to Your loving care. Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation's leaders. Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it. Give us Your light and Your truth to guide us in our ways so that we may seek Your will in our lives and impact the world around us for Your Dominion. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Brought to you by the "National Day of Prayer Task Force"
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

Prayer brings people together. Prayer builds bridges between opposing persons and even political parties. Prayer reminds us that we are created in God's image and He desires for us to represent Him everywhere we go. Prayer brings UNITY. In 2018, our theme will be Pray for America - UNITY, based upon Ephesians 4:3 which challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer for America, "Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Our hope is that individuals, churches, and spiritual leaders in America, will humble ourselves and unify in prevailing prayer for the next great move of God in America. We can come together in clear agreement that this is our greatest need. We can become a visible union, standing together in prayer. We can pray more than ever before, and practice extraordinary prayer for the next great move of God in America that will catapult the message of the gospel nationally and internationally.
"There is no great movement of God that has ever occurred that does not begin with the extraordinary prayer of God's people."
Dr. Ronnie Floyd

Loving God we come to you today deeply grateful for your creation. As we look around us we are amazed at the greatness and majesty of all that you have made. Nature around us speaks of your greatness - the vast expanse of the sky, the mountains, trees, lakes and streams speak of your great design. You have given us such beauty in the colors of the rainbow, the beauty of flowers and fields. Words cannot adequately express the magnificence of all you have created. We join in praise with the writer of the psalms when he says, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." May we show our love and reverence to you, our Lord, by caring for all that you have created. We humbly give you praise and thanks. Amen

Unmask Your Inner Self: Queer Prom 10th Anniversary

Public · Hosted by Metropolitan Community Church of El Paso and Queer Student Alliance at UTEP - QSA Order your tickets now! Don't miss out on the best event of the year!

One of my favorite quotes concerning the importance of connection comes from the author Brene' Brown. In her book "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead", we hear these words; ""Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering."
Let's take a look at the word "race" as it is defined by Wikipedia, "Race is a social construct or group of people who share similar and distinct physical characteristics." Well then, humanity is a race isn't it? Most of us have similar physical traits such as arms, legs, a heart, hair, teeth, eyes, a nose, a tongue, skin, we all go to the bathroom and need water, food, shelter and clothing.
Bullying, racism, homophobia, sexism, religious extremism and all those "isms" which are so common today in organizations and nations are caused by the lack of understanding that we are all the same race living on the same planet wanting and deserving the same basic things. It is really simple to understand.
Human connection brings complex values to our lives: relationships give us a sense of belonging in the group, a sense of identity in contrast to others in that group, an almost therapeutic-support system, and reason not to feel lonely. We learn from others' experiences and insight, and we learn together by pursuing new experiences alongside those we befriend. And on a very basic level, therapy involves this principle as well. It's the interactive exchange that makes all the difference.

So let's start connecting. Connection begins within you.

Lord, help us to maintain a reverent attitude towards nature, threatened from all sides today, in such a way that we may restore it completely to the condition of brother/sister and to its role of usefulness to all humankind for the glory of God the Creator. Amen.

Lord of Life we pray for all who bring your word of life. As a light to those in darkness, for those who bring your word of peace, to those enslaved by fear, for those who bring your word of love, to those in need of comfort, Lord of Love and Lord of Peace, Lord of resurrection life, be known through our lives and through your power. Christ the Lord is Risen today! Amen.

Easter Sunday brings us the message that it is time for us to move from fear to freedom, from the past to the present, from winter to spring, from death to life. Jesus invites you and me to come out of our own tombs into the light of his life.
In the end, all of this is fairly simple: nothing can separate us from the love of God-not time, not space, not even death. Because God was faithful to Christ, God will be faithful to us. Today, Jesus has already rolled the stone of our tombs away. All we have to do is to come out....step through that doorway into a new and more satisfying life.
For everyone present who feels their dreams have been destroyed, their hopes dashed, their spirits crushed...here is the good news of Easter morning: The risen Christ can take our tired heavy hearts and put back that key ingredient...
...so that our spirits are not stuck on the ground,
...so that our spirits are not dictated by human pain or loss or disappointment,
...so that our spirits are not mired in a tomb of fear,
Easter brings each of us a second chance;
a chance to see the life force in our midst; a chance to recognize the risen Christ within us and a chance to start again. Amen.

Loving God, We thank you for sending your Son and paving the way for our lives to be set free through Jesus' death on the cross. Thank you for what this day stands for - the beginning of Holy Week, the start of the journey towards the power of the cross, the victory of the Resurrection, and the rich truth that Jesus truly is our King of Kings.
We give you praise and honor for your ways are righteous and true. We worship you, for you are holy and just. We will declare that your love stands firm forever.
Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways, your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Thank you that you had a plan to redeem and to make all things new. Thank you for listening to our prayers for you know our hearts. Help us to stay strong and true to you. Help us not to follow after the voice of the crowds, but to press in close to you, to hear your whispers, and seek after you alone. Amen.

We can't always choose the cards we have been dealt, but we can learn to play them. Like a flower that grows through a crack in the concrete, sometimes we have to make the best of our situations and bloom where we have been planted.
You may not be where you want to be in life just yet. You may be working a day job that is not your passion and working on your dream through the night.
Keeping our dreams alive is what uplifts the human spirit. But how can we deal with the fact that sometimes we may have to tolerate something that we do not like to eventually get to where we want to be?
Not everyone can quit their jobs and follow a dream. Sometimes our dreams take time. So instead of getting bitter and upset at your situation, why not try blooming where you have been planted?
Here is how I think we can do that and why it makes a difference:
1) Every step in life prepares you for the next one.
You may not realize it, but where you are now is providing you with vital life lessons for your next adventure.
2) Stop complaining.
To truly blossom, you must stop complaining.
3) Be a blessing.
Look for ways to be a blessing to somebody. Your struggles have prepared you to be in the path of someone that needs what you can give.
4) Bloom through the concrete.
You may be in a situation where other people are not doing their best. Instead of expecting others to change, learn to change yourself. Don't let small things get to you. Like the eye at the center of a tornado, keep your tranquility even when the world around you is swirling.

{article by Smita Malhotra, MD.}

Today is International Women's Day
It is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.
Since those early years, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women's movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women's conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women's rights and participation in the political and economic arenas.
Started by the Suffragettes in the early 1900's, the first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911. International Women's Day belongs to all communities everywhere - governments, companies, charities, educational institutions, networks, associations, the media and more. Whether through a global conference, community gathering, classroom lesson or dinner table conversation - everyone can play a purposeful part in pressing for gender parity.
So make International Women's Day YOUR day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women. Press for Progress!

A Franciscan Prayer to Mark International Women's Day 8th March 2013Adapted from a prayer by Deborah Hirt, Intern at Franciscans InternationalMost images used in this presentation are taken at Sambhali Trust-Empowering Abused Women in Rajasthan (India)

Lord, make me an instrumentof peace:Bless all women who strivedaily to bring peace to theircommunities, their homes andtheir hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into plowshares. Where there is hatred, let me sow love:We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take. Where there is injury,pardon:Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war,violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace. Where there is division,unity:Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world. Where there is darkness,light; where there is untruth,truth:Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment. Where there is doubt, true faith: We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands,fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith. Where there is despair, hope:We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty,violence, trafficking, slavery,and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope. Where there is sadness, new joy:Help us to see the strength and goodness in all women and men. Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people. We pray for ourselves, that each of us will discern ways that we can more fully live as God calls us to live. Gracious God, hear our prayer. AMEN

Wisdom is different from learning: Learning is achieved by acquiring information; Wisdom is acquired by letting go of previously learned ideas and information. None of us is born with prejudice towards another - discrimination is a learned behavior. We begin with a clean slate onto which we slowly and cumulatively etch our prejudices and judgments. Unlearning this information, letting go of our frozen perceptions an knowing that they do not represent reality, but only our view of it - this is wisdom. Seeing the gifts in all humans, and the sacredness in each other, requires us to unlearn our long-held beliefs and behaviors. By becoming aware, by opening the windows of our mind to the fresh outside air of wisdom, we refresh and replace the stale air of our fixed opinions. This is a liberating activity. It is through this act of letting go that we acquire wisdom. Wisdom is the graceful practice of challenging our old habits, inviting opposing ideas into the rooms of the mind, and allowing them to enrich our existence. Wisdom and learning represent the fuel of the Soul. Both are necessary for us to grow, and grow we must, for without growth, our Souls wither.
(by Lance H. K. Secretan from "Bringing Spirit and Values to Work")

Spirit of renewal, God of many names, and one transforming and abundant love, we turn this month, in our nation's life, to reflect on the stories, the heritage and the struggles of the women through out the ages. We seek to learn from all those voices that have been left unheard. May we pause before the silences of the ages, find who has been left out, and craft new ways of inclusion for every week, and every month. May this spiritual practice, bring out the voices of all those struggling, all those left apart.
May we let go of our assumptions and cold comforts, of what is the normal to live by, unless it be a standard that is rooted in compassion, in inclusivity, in diversity. May this month of reflection teach us to search for those stories that are different from our own. Mother of possibility , in the finding, may we come to know ourselves changed. Renewed where we are dry, Hopeful where we are lost, and open where we are shut. Amen
by Rev. Jude Geiger

Self-esteem functions as the Soul's immune system: the greater our self-esteem, the more robust our Soul. It is one of the most critical elements in determining the outcome of one's life because self-esteem dictates how we relate to ourselves and therefore how others relate to us. It is a prerequisite for truth-telling. If we do not feel self-assured - that is, at ease with the self that is expressing our views - we will distort the truth.

We all have a powerful and constant need to feel good about ourselves. Treating people with harsh criticism and judgement undermines their self-esteem, and undermining self-esteem, chips away at the quality of life which endangers our Souls. We need to create a lifestyle of treating one another with as an important part of God's creation. After all, God's love is for all.

Merciful Jesus, during Your life on earth You showed great concern for the sick and those in poor health. On this special day dedicated to all women suffering from heart disease we ask for your compassion and healing touch to be upon them. Grant them a healing of mind and body and restore their strength and spirit. Comfort them with the knowledge that we are praying for them, and give them peace with a sense of Your Presence.
Amen.

Have you ever misplaced your phone-which is on vibrate of course-and then asked someone to call it? We get really still and really quiet. Our ears perk up in all directions in order to be ready to hear that little buzz. Itis a quieting down and high alert all at the same time. This Lent we will quiet things down and heighten our attention to the "still, small voice" of God and our own True Self. Listening through prayer as well as meditation on holy texts is an ancient Lenten practice. Come and rest, come and listen.

Join Us on Ash Wednesday - Finding your Life: Listening Deeply
Wednesday, February 14th Service is 6:00pm - 7:30pm
"...repent and believe in the Good News." - Luke 1: 9-15
As we prepare for our 40-day journey of Lent, we "turn around" (the root meaning of the word "repent") from the distractions of daily noise and focus our attention on listening in a deeper way. Writer Parker Palmer suggests we must listen "to what our life is telling us"-in other words, to listen to the deep wisdom God gave to us as a birthright, connecting to God's purpose once again.

Border Interfaith & El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization Invite you to attend an ACCOUNTABILITY SESSION.
Sunday, February 18th 2:00 P.M. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church 7424 Mimosa St.
We will have Candidates for:
County Judge
U.S. Representative
County Commissioners
State Representatives

For more information contact Adri Garcia 915.867.1707 or Stephanie Espinosa 915.778.3200

On March 11th, University Presbyterian Church will be sending down volunteers in vans to help the people of Rockport, Texas and FEMA in cleaning roads and debrie. The housing would be in churches sponsored by FEMA. If you are interested and need more information please University Presbyterian Church {915-584-5822.

God of Power and might, thank you for the gift of love this Valentine's Day, and for all the people whose love shines in my life. Continue to fill my heart with your love and let me share that love with the world this Valentine's Day and always. Amen.

Creator of all life, whose Son Jesus incarnated in time and whose Spirit enlivens our lives today, may we honor the height of your creation, the Human Family. In every hue that you chose to give each person of our family human, each people with its history of your love, each people created in your earthly garden seen from above, a people's story woven in struggle and triumph, tears of pain and shouts of joy, the journey of a people in its history's flow, the divine weaver's loom hand does show. Spirit of God in the month of appreciating the gift of your children of African descent may we be inspired to see your kingdom mystery in one facet of the jewel of our Human Family's descent. Unity the prayer of your incarnate Son, disciples praying the prayer Jesus taught us, that we may all be one, one in love of the family human, one in hope for the family human, one in faith in the family human, this month, next week and into eternity.
Amen.

By LILY ROTHMAN January 31, 2018

There are as many different kinds of war stories as there are people who have been called to fight. There are inspirational war stories, gruesome war stories, sad war stories. But in all of them, necessitated by the very nature of war, there's some kind of sacrifice. Understanding those sacrifices and why they were made can change the way we see the whole history of war - and of ourselves.
At least, that's how NYU professor and journalist Yvonne Latty sees it. Her father was a veteran, but it was not until after his death, as she worked on the 2004 book We Were There: Voices of African American Veterans, from World War II to the War in Iraq, that she was able to reframe the stories he had told her during her childhood. She came to understand more deeply how the sacrifices made by African Americans who had served in the U.S. military affected the opportunities that she herself would have in civilian life. She also saw how that deeper understanding could change the way she, and other people of color, saw the world.
"It makes me feel like I want to be the best version of myself that I can be, that I didn't squander the sacrifices my father and so many others made so that I could have the opportunities I have," she says. "And that's the thing. If you know what your people have gone through - if you really, really know - there's no stopping you."
That's just one reason it's a problem, as she sees it, that far too many people don't know. In the lead-up to this year's February Black History Month observance - the theme of which is "African Americans in Times of War" - she spoke to TIME about that past and why it's so often overlooked.

TIME: Speaking to veterans who served over the course of many wars, what were the big changes you noticed between stories from decades ago and more recent accounts?
LATTY: In World War II, the military was segregated. The black men who served were treated like second-class citizens. They weren't, in many cases, even allowed to fight. Now it's an equal-opportunity employer, you know? Anyone can fight and the military is integrated. That's the really big change.
TIME: Do you think the nation is getting any better at listening to the black men who served in the military?
LATTY: In some cases. The mood of the country right now is very polarized. The people who want to hear them are completely open to hearing them. But then there's another part of the country that doesn't want to hear. And you know, war is hard on anyone, it doesn't matter what race you are, what gender you are. But honestly, some of these black men - I just don't know how you go and fight the enemy, and then you're also having to fight everything else around you. I mean, one of them told me that's what was told to him when he was a prisoner of war in Germany: "How can you fight for a country that lynches your own people?"
What was his answer?
He said, "I fight for my people, for my American people - for all of us."

{This was only an excerpt from her article which is rich with history about black men serving in the military. I encourage you to read it. It was in last month's Time Magazine.}

Eternal God, giver of joy and source of all strength, we pray for those who will be competing in the Winter Olympics in PyelongChang, South Korea. We pray for their families, friends and the for the many thousands who will support them. We also pray for the country that is hosting the games. In a world where many are rejected and abused, we pray for a spirit of tolerance and acceptance, of humility and respect and for the health and safety of all. May we at the last be led towards the love of Christ today and forever. Amen

Jesus was very clear about who his followers were to be in this world. His words are, in fact, a statement of God's view of who we are:
* v.13 "You are the salt of the earth..."
* v.14 "You are the light of the world..."

What a powerful thing for God to say about who we are! These were astonishing statements to make - especially in Jesus' day. Salt was so valuable in the ancient world, that the Greeks called it divine. A Latin jingle, "Nil utilius sole et sale." "There is nothing more useful than sun and salt." There were times when Roman soldiers received their wages in salt... In fact the Latin word for salt is the word origin of salary.

In other words, here's what Jesus saying...
"If salt isn't salty, it's of no use... and ... If light doesn't shine, people can't see!"

So let's all go out and be an inspiration to others, light the way for all to know the love of God.

Peace!
~Rev. Kati~

God of wisdom and strength, we pray for our government and for community leaders throughout our, towns, cities, states and nation. We ask that you give those in authority wisdom in every decision and help them to think clearly. Grant them discernment and common sense so they will be strong and effective leaders. Help them to lead and govern with integrity and may their integrity guide them and keep them on track. Be merciful and give us leaders who are spirit filled and follow your principles. Direct their steps according to your word for their decisions have a great impact on our lives. Be their defender and protector. Encourage and strengthen them in their daily challenges. We ask this in your most holy name, Amen.

Let me sing in hope.
Let integrity, honesty, truthfulness, and Mastery Be my guides.
Help me live out who I am, Knowing that my actions are congruent with my Soul.
These gifts flow through me giving respect, earning respect,
Inspiring self-respect in those I touch,
Respecting all life, respecting the Planet."
(by Marie Knapp)

Respect is at the center of all civilized behavior - at home or at work. Respect is the act of treating others as sacred. In honoring them, we accord them the Respect they deserve. We are all divine, and when we fail to respect each other, we are abusing the divinity that each of us embodies. Respect is the acknowledgement of our oneness with the Universe, the understanding that we are all connected and port of one system of life. Therefore, if we disrespect others, we disrespect ourselves.
(an excerpt from Lance K. Secretan)

God of heaven and earth
From the breath of your love came your creation of the world.
We are amazed at the vast beauty of the night sky and of the intimate nature of the love you have for us.
Be our daily star,
Guiding our lives to search for your love.
May we always follow your light of truth in all that we do,
forever trusting, hoping and believing in your word.
Lift our eyes tonight to see your eternal light shining brightly,
leading us to you. Amen.

On the 6th day of January in the church calendar, we observe annually the day of Epiphany.

We celebrate the belief that in the birth of Christ, God has entered into our world and into our lives. Epiphany asks the question: Where do we see God to be present among and in us? What are the signs of the sacred among us? It is with that quest, that search, that discovery, that we are first introduced to the amazing journey this life has to offer.

Using Matthew's story of the Magi as a guide, let's think together about this quest.

Matthew wants us to see something beyond the familiar. Every one of us has a longing for God deep within us.

Our spirits hunger for meaning, our souls for hope, and our hearts for love. Our amazing journey originates from this longing in our souls. We are all on an amazing journey individually and as a church; and 35 years later we still have a message of God's love for all. God calls us to go forward in our amazing lives. The Christian faith is not a set of beliefs, but a willingness to travel, to pursue God's gentle light. Christianity is not a place to stand, but a direction in which to move. God invites us to follow the star.
(excerpt from a sermon by Rev. Kati L. Houts)

God of renewing grace,
Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.

We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you've said "no," "not yet," or "wait." We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you've put within our hearts.

We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. Amen.

The last page on the calendar is about to be turned. Soon it will be January. We will have a blank slate, a new start.
We will be standing at the apex of a new time. This is the place of what was and what will be. This "in between" place is moist and fertile; a ripe and amazing place to stand. It is when we stand at such places, that Spirit comes to us and asks important questions. It is Spirit who will knock on the door of our souls and demand our response.
As we stand on the precipice of a new year, let's choose to share the light of Christ with all we meet. By doing so, we can help to bring light to another soul; enable them to see the beauty within themselves; help harmony to exist in people's lives, which will allow order to dwell in the nation; and above all, share the peace of God with all the world. Jesus is our hope in this world which we are to share with others. Let us be about bringing in the New Year spreading the good news of God's love for all.

God of love, Creator of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Savior. Amen.

"A Prayer for Christmas Day"

Angels Among Us -Do Not Be Afraid!
A new fully-scripted Advent/Christmas series featuring the stories of the winged messengers to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds. The angels that appear in the story of Jesus' birth would have been very comfortable in our world of tweets and hashtags. Their messages were often short and to the point-their favorite line being #DoNotBeAfraid. As we look at the stories of these winged messengers to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds, we will contemplate what messages we can offer that will fly in the face of a culture of fear and bring more hope, more peace, more joy, and more love to the world.

December 24th - Advent 4
Christmas Eve
"This Will Be A Sign: #morelove"
The sky was brighter than usual making it easier to keep track of the sheep. And then it got really bright! You would have thought that all that glory shining would have been the "sign". That's what most of us look for--great big obvious clues about God's presence. But instead the angel says that a baby....a newborn helpless baby in a feeding trough was it-the sign. In a flash the message was that #morelove is found where you least expect it and perhaps is already there residing in the ordinariness of your life.

The most wonderful gift from God came in the form of a baby, God incarnate, Jesus the Christ. He was to bring the world a love that not only filled our souls to overflowing but, because his name is Emmanuel, we know God is with us. God is always with us and loving us just for who we are.

Love came down at Christmas to save us, to give us new life, to give us hope that all the world would be different, made new and reflect this life saving light full of hope, peace, joy and love.

This is Christmas.

Have you ever wondered what true peace is? I am quite sure we all have different understandings/definitions. For the most part, peace is understood as an unexplained inner quietness that leaves the soul and mind at perfect rest even in the midst of an intense struggle. The ability to find and maintain this sense of inner stillness is a lost art in the fast paced world that is enamored by neon lights and four-way multi-tasking.

There are two important things we need to remember about peace, (1) it is active, not passive and (2) all peace is only from God. There's a beautiful passage in the Gospel John, Chapter 14, where Jesus talks about peace; "I am leaving you with a gift," he says, "peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid."

The world cannot give us peace. It promises peace, but cannot deliver. Only God can give us peace. All peace is God's and it comes through Christ. So let us remember as we travel with Jesus, the key to true peace is to keep our relationship with God healthy and strong. Jesus will bring us peace no matter how hard the challenges of life may be. He will always be there for us, granting us the peace to live our lives fully. As John Lennon said in song, "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I am a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one." Amen.

(excerpt from a sermon in 2010 given by Rev. Kati L. Houts)

December 10th - Advent 2
"Nothing is Impossible: #morepeace"
Last week we witnessed Zechariah freaking out when the other-worldly angel creature appeared to him at the altar of the temple. But Mary was simply "perplexed" by her encounter with an angel. Why would such an incredible message come to a common girl just barely a woman? Then her reply to such a foretelling about her purpose in life was also simple: "Let it be so." For nothing is impossible with God.

December 17th - Advent 3
"Do Not Be Afraid: #morejoy"
Every angel seems to use "do not be afraid" as an opening line. But perhaps no one needed to hear it more than Joseph. What was happening to him was the stuff that ruins lives. As a man in that time, he had all the rights to abandon Mary and preserve his dignity when he learned of her pregnancy. The stakes were high. But the angel's message of encouragement was to see a difficult circumstance not with dread, but with joy.

Lord, in a season when every heart should be happy and light, many of us are struggling with the heaviness of life-burdens that steal the joy right out of our stockings. Tragedy arrives as innocent victims suffer, and an inner voice whispers, "Be afraid!" We need your peace, Jesus. We confess that our hearts are too often filled with wonder of a different kind: wondering when the bills will be paid, when the terror will stop, when rest will come. Will it ever? Is the message still true? In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, stir up that good news again. This Advent, make it real in our hearts. Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Emmanuel, the Word made flesh. We not only need Your peace and joy; Lord, we crave it. You've promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for those with broken hearts, not just at Advent, but every day of every year. Your name is still called "Wonderful," "Counselor," "The Mighty God," "The Everlasting Father," and "The Prince of Peace." We know that peace on earth can only come when hearts find peace with You. You are still our Joy. You are still our Peace. You are no longer a babe in the manger. You are Lord of lords and King of kings. And we still celebrate You as Lord this Christmas and always. Amen.

On Friday, December 1st, Join Borderland Rainbow Center for a very special free screening of "Silverlake Life: The View From Here" plus "Selah" an independent short film. It will be held at "The Foundation Room" on 333 N.Oregon 6:00 P.M. Refreshments to be served. MCC of El Paso is one of the sponsors of this event.

December 3rd - 11:30am -Join us for our "Social Time" in the Conference Room where we share coffee, cookies and conversation. 12:30pm - Join us for Worship Service as we begin our Advent Series. This Sunday it is "Make Ready a People-#morehope"

1:45pm - We will begin our annual Congregation meeting where we review the past, examine the present as we determine God's vision for this church. We will also be electing new board members. There will be 3 positions available. One is a two year term and the other two are one year terms. We want to thank Jim Coulter and Alex Moore for the sharing their time, talent and finance to support the mission and vision of this church.
Joshua Hobbie's term is up but he decided to run again. If you feel called to be a part of the Board of Servants please speak to a Board member for more details. We will also be approving the budget for 2018.

Loving God, you show yourself to those who are without help, and make your home with the poor and weak of this world. Warm our hearts with the light of your spirit that we may accept the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Strengthen those who care for the sick, enlighten those doing research, protect the healthy, calm the frightened, encourage those in pain, comfort the dying and give eternal life to the dead.
From the Church of the Province of Southern Africa

God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace: We thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. We thank you for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that the eye can see, for the joy that the ear may hear, for the unknown that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder, for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves. We thank you for setting us in communities: for families who nurture our becoming, for friends who love us by choice, for companions at work, who share our burdens and daily tasks, for strangers who welcome us into their midst, for people from other lands who call us to grow in understanding, for children who lighten our moments with delight, for the unborn, who offer us hope for the future. We thank you for this day: for life and one more day to love, for opportunity and one more day to work for justice and peace, for neighbors and one more person to love and by whom be loved, for your grace and one more experience of your presence, for your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these, and all blessings, we give you thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

God of Light and Life, we thank you for the freedom you have given to us, and for the price that was paid by Christ so that we could live free. We remember today. The cost of it all. The great sacrifice for freedom.
We thank you for the brave who have fought, and continue to fight, so courageously for our nation. We ask for your blessing over them and their families. We pray that you would be gracious and encircle them with your peace. We pray for your great favor and goodness to be evident in their lives.
Please be with the men and women in uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day. We ask that you provide your protection, that you would be their guiding force who leads the way, and their rear guard who keeps them safe from behind. We ask that you would draw them to yourself amidst the dangers they face in a dark world, for you are the Truth, you are the Way, you are the Light.
When the voice of hate rises up against them, we ask that you would silence it. When the plans of the enemy rise up to cause them to stumble, we ask that you would thwart it. When the forces of evil rise up to strike them down, we ask that you would stop it. Lord, we know how powerful you are, all have heard of your Great Name, and we ask that you would indeed be the wind beneath their wings, the power behind their efforts, the heart behind their service, as they are on the front lines against evil in our world today. Help them to walk wisely. To stay covered in your armor. Give them godly discernment. Make them constantly aware of what lurks close by. Help them to be men and women of prayer, realizing that this is where their greatest help comes from. Help them to stay united and strong, bold and resolute, determined and unwavering.
Lord bless all those who wear the uniform, who serve our cities, our nation, our people. Bless their families. Bless those they love. Give them your great favor, this day, and every day.
Thank you that in our nation today, we are free to worship. We are free to pray. We are free to read your Word. We are free to speak. We are free to share. For this, we are incredibly grateful. Yet, we understand how quickly these freedoms can be taken away. Give us an increased awareness of the spiritual battle we're in. Help us to stand strong in you and for your purposes.
Thank you that as believers, we can be assured, you never leave us, and you are with us always, in this life, and the next.
In the Powerful Name of Jesus,
Amen.

The subject of the MCC Women's Conference this year was "The Heart of the Spirit". There is a wonderful book entitled "Discover Your Spiritual Self" by Corinne Ware. She says "the purpose of her book is to enlarge the reader's consciousness of God, of others who worship God and of oneself. Specifically it asks why some people worship one particular way, while others choose a very different way of expressing religious devotion. Why do we feel as we do about worship and our God-connection, often yearning for something we cannot describe? Finally, this book is about types of spirituality."
Being able to identify the spiritual style of your worshiping group and knowing your personal style of spirituality will help you see how you fit within the group; it may suggest ways to care for unmet spiritual needs. Understanding spiritual types can also provide insight to the church board, different ministry groups and pastors trying to identify strengths and opportunities within the church.
There is a special test to help you determine your own personal style of spirituality. There are four basic spiritual types: 1) A Head Spirituality, 2) A Heart Spirituality, 3) A Mystic Spirituality, and 4) A Visionary Spirituality. In her book, Corinne Ware gives the basic test, how to draw your own personal style of spirituality and how to work with others of diverse spiritual types. The book can be found at most local book distributors. I found it most enlightening to learn more about my own spiritual type, to discover how best to develop it, and to incorporate my type with others so that working together can become a more positive experience with amazing spiritual growth for all people.

Soon we will be celebrating the lives of those special people who acted as our mentors and have transitioned to their new lives with God. As mentors, they encouraged us in our spiritual growth, which added quality to our lives through positive change. They were examples of quality leaders by how they lived their lives. No, they were not perfect but they helped to bring out the best in us to share with others. They made their mark on the world and gave us what we needed to do the same.

"If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased."
- Maya Angelou Mark 16:15

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
-Jesus

"Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won't. it's whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere."
-Barack Obama

Faithful God, source of every blessing: teach us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who persecute us, to turn the other cheek, to share our possessions, to give to those who are in need, and to do to others as we would have them do to us,so that we may join that company of blessed saints and souls who feast with you in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Just for fun, with the help of Google, I did a search for the word "love." I found there were at least 54,700,000 sites, well ahead of "hate," with 6,400,000. "All You Need Is Love" was a stunning Beatles' hit in 1967, and the Centrum Silver set is lulled by Perry Como's "Love Makes the World Go Round." Jesus tells us that the "whole law and the prophets" depend on the commands to love God "with all your heart, with all your soul, all your mind" and "your neighbor as yourself."
The word love and being a Christian should go hand in hand. Being Christian is about loving God and loving what God loves. Life's experiences have convinced me that being Christian is about passion. It's our passion for God, that passion that St. Augustine spoke about when he said, "Our hearts are restless until they find their home in you."
Christianity is also about God's passion for the world---that the world itself, the humanly constructed world in particular---be transformed in the direction of God's dream, a world of justice and peace.
At the end of the day, being Christian is about loving God and changing the world. It's as simple and challenging as that, and it is the way of life. The Beatles had is right, "All You Need is Love."
{excerpt from a sermon by Rev. Kati L Houts}

"God we pray for those who have been sexually assaulted or harassed. We pray that you will restore what has been stolen or broken. What seems to be hopelessly shattered, in you can be redeemed. We ask you for grace and healing. For those who have suffered, come to them tenderly and with overwhelming and powerful love. We join Jesus and borrow his words, "Be free from your suffering." God, heal the victims of sexual abuse and harassment, in Jesus' name, Amen."

County Judge Veronica Escobar will be speaking on "Social Justice" when she visits MCC of El Paso on October 8th at 12:30 P.M. Afterwards there will be a reception for her at the church in the "Center."
October is LGBT history month. The history the LGBT community experienced and still does today is all about "social justice". We are honored and welcome her to MCC of El Paso as she shares with us her views and experiences in the area of social justice. All are invited to attend.

Holy Spirit, please reveal the cure for breast cancer. Increase the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of medical doctors, nurses, researchers, technicians, and healthcare personnel who conduct breast cancer research and studies and administer treatment to breast cancer patients. Fill those who are undergoing breast cancer treatment with Your strength, courage, and patience. Strengthen their immune systems and protect their bodies as they undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, cryosurgery and other procedures. Holy Spirit, comfort and strengthen their family members. Help them to cast their cares upon You, because You are the One who cares for us all. Remind their loved ones to have faith and to believe God for healing and a cure. With people, some things are impossible. But, with You, all things are possible. Amen.

I felt called to share this article as we have all at one time or another been accused of being stubborn as if it is a bad thing. This article gives a more positive spin on being stubborn. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
"Stubbornness has a bad rap. The stereotype of a stubborn personality has garnered a false perception of negative characteristics that include the following: too much ego, unwillingness to be wrong, hot-tempered, self-centered, fearful of the unknown, controlling, overly competitive and defensive.
Where is the other side of the spectrum? Stubbornness carries too much of a negative persona, but it can be quite the asset. Here are a few great things about being stubborn: Stubborn people know what they want and what they don't want.
Just because a stubborn person isn't easily swayed by opinions, or resists the path of pleasing others, does not mean he or she is self-centered. It is good to be able to have a stubborn side so you can stick to your true values without allowing the opinions of others to move you.
Stubborn people tend to be more decisive. Stubborn people know what they want and tend to be more decisive and quick to the point. For more passive personalities, this can come across in the wrong light. Stubborn people can easily burn a passive personality, and make the person feel like a victim or like decisions are being forced on him or her, but that is only the faulty choice of the passive.
Stubborn people are not always strong-headed in their effort to control others, but in their knowingness of what is better for them or the situation. Unless it's a pure act to rebel or hurt the other person, doing what you know is best for yourself isn't a bad thing. In fact, it can be a very healthy act. Stubborn people aren't close-minded; they have a mind of their own.
When I searched stubbornness, I found headlines like, "How to Stop Being Stubborn," "Ways to Manage Closed-Minded People" and "How to Deal With Stubborn People." It was as if stubborn people are all in the category of being close-minded individuals just looking out for themselves. Being stubborn does not always mean you are close-minded. I know plenty of stubborn people who open their ears to other perspectives; they just may choose to not be swayed due to their own values, opinions or upbringings.
Whatever the case may be, stubborn people have a mind of their own, which can be a valuable quality in life. This life is our own, and being stubborn can be a very charming quality because having the willingness to listen only to your heart creates a particular magnetism. Deep down, people want to have the willpower to do exactly what their hearts call for, and stubborn people tend to chase their passions more wholeheartedly. Stubborn people persevere.
Stubborn people have fewer tendencies to give in or give up on their dreams. If you are stubborn, you can use it to your advantage in all areas of your life. If you go through a hard breakup, failed business plans, dream job or whatever it is, you can be stubborn for yourself. It will be good for your well-being to persevere through the rough patches of life and keep moving forward. Don't give in to the overly critical types saying that you are too hard on yourself. As long as you are in tune to your values and pursuits, you can go far. Just know that being stubborn does not always mean you are completely rigid in your ways; it just means you know what you want and where you stand. Stubborn people never settle for less than what they want.
Everyone is blessed with a very special gift: the gift of individuality. Stubborn people are not all controlling because a person can choose to be controlled or not be controlled.
(Article by Susan Kokab in "Culture" 9/24/14

Most merciful and compassionate God,Giver of Life and Love, hear our prayers and let our cries come unto you. We weep with your people We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones We behold the silence of vanished villages. We see the devastation. We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb. Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb. God of the universe, Open our hearts to feel your compassion Galvanize in us the act of continued giving Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray. Amen.

Great leaders develop a vision so compelling that it becomes a magnet for passion. They do not really try to motivate as much as they invite inspiration. They combine an intuitive energy with a clear and focused vision founded on strong spiritual beliefs and values. This combination radiates a light so bright that followers find it irresistible.
Given the global condition of the human spirit, we can no longer afford small, self-serving missions or visions. Small missions and visions are already too commonplace; they lack luster and are dispiriting. It is said that "We need to give ourselves permission to act out our dreams and visions, not look for more sensations, more phenomena, but live our strongest dreams even if it takes a lifetime."
It is important for a visionary to inspire Souls who yearn for a new generation of evolving leaders who will assume their true roles as custodians of the human spirit. We long for leaders who offer a soaring vision for humanity's purpose on earth. It is important as scripture says: 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Let us go to our individual places of worship as we give our best to God's vision of this world.

If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
(Lao-Tse - 6th Century BCE)

One Sunday morning as I was watching "Super Soul Sunday", a show produced by Oprah Winfrey, I heard her guest speaker say, "What the word 'ego' means is 'edging God out'." This intrigued me so I began searching for articles about this new way of looking at the word "ego." I am sharing with you an article from Rev. Ellen Debenport. It is excerpted from the Unity Book, Sacred Secrets.
"A provocative question has arisen about the law of attraction and the idea that our thoughts and feelings create our experience: If we believe that we create our own reality, where is God? How presumptuous, some might say, to imply that we are in charge! Isn't that just running rampant with our egos, thinking we can control everything, when in fact we should be seeking God's will? When I first heard the idea that I was a co-creator with God, it sounded grandiose and blasphemous. I was being encouraged to relocate God as being within me instead of out there watching and tending to my needs. But that made me feel I was praying to myself, which seemed wrong! And when ministers and teachers told me I had all the answers within, I felt bereft. Obviously, I thought, if I had the answers, I would be using them. It took years of self-reflection and spiritual study to learn that I was laboring under a mistaken impression of who I truly am-my true Self. I am a spiritual being having a human experience. I am an expression of God on earth. I am divine at my essence, my core, and I am never separate from God. As Jesus said, the Father and I are one.
That means I have access to infinite divine wisdom, guidance, love, and strength, like a desktop computer tapped into the Internet. I have a higher self or inner being-my God-connection-that knows exactly what I need and draws it to me. I simply set an intention, and the universe rushes to support me.
We are made in God's image, and God is nothing if not creative, so we are creators too. What an amazing aspect of Creation that we can draw anything into our lives with our thinking! What we hold in our hearts and minds appears in our reality. I have come to believe that we are never more spiritual, never more in touch with God, than when we are co-creating our lives with the Divine. It is exactly what we came to earth to do."

God of all generations: We thank you today for those who are grandparents. We especially thank you for those who are grandparents to us, those who are grandparents by blood relationships, and those unrelated but older than we who generously share their love and wisdom, their time and traditions so that we have roots, stories and hope. We bless you for the gift of grandparents, and we ask your blessing on them, that their days may be filled with delight in their grandchildren. May their giving and grace toward younger generations bring fulfillment to them and may they be a blessing to all they love and call grandchildren, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.God of all generations:

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
I always knew work was important and that the vocation you choose should be one that corresponds to the passion within you. Some refer to this as your "calling" in life. I honestly feel that "laboring in love" is a gift from God as it brings you a sense of purpose, allows you to use the talents you have been given and it builds on connecting important relationships with people. It leads to a rewarding and happy life which is what I believe God wants for all of us.

Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through this devastating hurricane that is bringing unprecedented destruction, harm and death to all of life along the Texas and Louisiana coastline. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer, Amen.

Sunday Worship
August 27th - 11:30am - Join us for our "social time" in the conference room for coffee, cookies and conversation.
12:30pm - Join us for Worship Service with Rev. Kati L. Houts as we consider the following, "Living the Good Life".
Lost coming to service? Map HERE or Jeremiah keeps his phone on into the service, 915-706-6599.

Dear God,
We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we've carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen

We all have cause for celebrating the growing number of people who are awakening from their deep sleep, realizing that they are experiencing an acute spiritual hunger, an inner sense of restlessness, and a desire for a greater sense of "purpose" in their lives.
The purpose of our work is not material but spiritual. We do not go to work solely to manufacture widgets or to produce reports. We go to work because it is part of our life "purpose" and our "cause" - to contribute to the healing and recovery of the Planet, to create greater wholeness throughout life.
If we wish to live on "purpose" we need to take advantage of opportunities to provide for the Soul to express its voice.
Living on purpose brings inspiration and renewal to our souls. So when we act purposefully, we are fulfilled. Amen.

The word community means "a series of relationships". The Soul seeks to belong, to create relationships, and to be a part of a community. In building churches we are seeking to build communities to which we contribute and by which we are nourished; a holistic, symbiotic relationship built on acceptance and permission among members that offers not only survival, but leads to much more: growth and evolution. Most important it must lead to spiritual nourishment, to a deep and mutual caring of the Soul - the Soul of every member of the community. This is the essence of the Sacredness of relationships in a community.
Some may recognize the above picture. It was taken in 2008 when MCC of El Paso gathered to record a special song for our denomination's 40th anniversary. You can find it on www.youtube.com under MCC's 40th Anniversary (meaning the denomination). The Interim period was just beginning and learning "the sacredness of community."

We were made to be courageous.
In trials, our first response is to run.
We were made for trouble.
Stand for what matters.
Courage cannot be separated from action.

In her book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway", Dr. Susan Jeffers says " If we wait to stop feeling scared before trying to do what frightens us, we could wait forever; pressing ahead is the only way to erase fear." I read this book several years ago. Its message was imprinted upon my heart and mind. If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it.

I read an article called "Why Courage Requires Fear" by Michael Hyatt who says "Courage is the willingness to act in spite of your fear." He also says "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather requires fear." Sounds a little odd probably to most of us since we equate one to be the opposite of the other and the two shall not meet.

Consider these statements about courage and fear:
We were made to be courageous.
In trials, our first response is to run.
We were made for trouble.
Stand for what matters.
Courage cannot be separated from action.
Rev. Ed Litton takes our view of courage and fear a step further as he makes a connection between them when says: "Fear is just a call to exercise courage."

In essence, without fear, we can't have courage. We cannot act courageous in any situation unless we have something to protect, something to honor, something to prove, or something to commit to. Fear is a call to action and that action should be courageous.

But lets keep in mind that there needs to be a healthy level of fear. "All things in moderation" is a saying I try to apply to most areas of my life. Don't let fear take over and cause inaction. That would be cowardly.

Ask your self this question;
Are you afraid of making decisions . . . asking your boss for a raise . . . leaving an unfulfilling relationship . . . facing the future? Whatever your fear, here is your chance to push through it once and for all.

God is there for all of us if we but ask. Remember this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7;
"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline."
No one said life was easy but with God all things are possible. Amen.

Faith is more than believing. Faith is more than thinking, talking, or having convictions about Jesus. Faith is action. It is movement; it is activity. Faith is something you do. In fact, the Bible says in James 2:14, "If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing" (NCV).
God will never be finished taking you deeper into faith. There is always a next step.
If you don't take the next step, you're going to get stuck in a rut - and the only difference between a grave and a rut is the length. If you don't move forward in faith, you will die. Your heart will grow cold, and you will feel more distant from God. He isn't going to help you with step three, four, and five until you take step one. If you're asking God to help you with something, he's asking you, "Why haven't you done what I've already told you to do?" You may have "been aiming to" do something. Stop aiming and pull the trigger.
Where do you get the faith to begin a fresh start? There's only one source: Jesus Christ.
"Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:30 MSG).

So take the next step! (Excerpt from an article by Rick Warren)

MCC of El Paso continues to provide this unique opportunity of martial arts and spirituality to the community. With a history dating back to 16th century Japan, Bushido Yamashita, Akis, Budu Ryu is a traditional Japanese Martial Art with its origin based in Christianity.
All classes begin with physical training in martial arts and conclude with spiritual reflection and discussion on how our faith can guide our lives.
This class gives students a taste of history as well as a strong will for their journey toward the future. At this time all classes meet at 7:30 pm.

God, help me trust myself
And grow in my ability to trust others.
Let me see the holiness that resides in every Soul.
Give me the wisdom to connect deeply,
Unpeeling my defenses carefully and uniting in purpose with those around me.
As grow in trust, we strengthen love,
We reawaken our spirit,
We inspire the world.
(by Marie Knapp)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding". (Proverbs 3:5)

To trust in the Lord means more than believing in who he is and what he says; the word here for trust can also mean "to have confidence in." Having confidence in something means having an assurance that leads to action. Trust in the Lord is a faith that lets us boldly serve. This confidence should infuse our whole being. Amen.

Whether it is "Gay Pride" month, or not, diversity should be appreciated and celebrated everyday. It was created for a reason. Since God is the Creator of all life, then the diverse nature of God's world is of value to us all. The definition of diversity is something like this: the concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Here are some example of diversity to consider.

Next weekend we celebrate Gay Pride which will continue through this month. As a nation consisting of different races, religions, political views and sexual orientations, we honor those who have given their lives and continue to fight for our freedom as we observe Memorial Day this Sunday. In a few weeks we will continue this celebration of freedom with fireworks, parades, picnics, etc., on the 4th of July. In spite of whether we agree with the politics of what is happening in the world today, we are continuing to defend our nation and at the same time, helping others to benefit from this gift of freedom. God has given us the responsibility to bring about freedom from hatred and injustice and establishing God's reign of love and peace through the sharing of the Good News and to bring about healing of both the soul and the body. However, in the face of the real problems of the world, we may feel that we are too insignificant to make an important difference in the middle of such political and seemingly meaningless chaos. I challenge you to look at your dreams. Those seeds of potentiality are in all of us. God does not discriminate. What you plant today, others will reap from the harvest tomorrow. You see, whatever seed we sow into our lives determines the harvest we will have. We always get back more than we sow. In answer to the question in the title of this article, yes, each one of us working together make a difference as we are an important part of what makes this world a truly better place for all. We make a positive difference when together we follow the example of Jesus in our lives; making a positive difference in the lives of those we meet. As we say at the end of the service, "Go in peace to love God and one another!" We have been chosen and we are being sent. This is a great time to be the church! Amen.

Creator of All Life,
Please hear our prayer as we go along each day, trying to run our lives our own way. We forget to let go and give you control. We wonder why things aren't going the way we want them to go and forget to stop and ask what you want, Lord. Please help us to give you control, for our desire is to follow you. Help us to trust that when you close one door, you open the one you want us to walk through. Help us to realize that what we desire may not be what is best for us. Lord, let us accept each day as a gift and to follow the path you chose for each of us. We thank you for what you have given us; trusting you will take care of all our needs. Guide us, to follow the path you have chosen for us. Give us strength, faith, hope, and most of all, give us guidance each and every day as we let go and give you control.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

It is a fact that commitment to the church seems to be at an all time low. Also, due to economic reasons many churches have had to close or merge with like minded denominations in order to continue. This is a tragic shift, and nationwide figures seem to be showing the exact same trend. People just don't seem to be all that "into" God anymore. People are clearly busier than ever, and that does not help the situation. Others have been hurt or disillusioned by churches or "religious" people, so they use that as a "reason" for why they do not attend church often. However, most people just seem to be looking for something better to do on Sunday mornings than go to a church to worship and learn about God and His ways. Golfing, sleeping, sports, and many other things turn out to be that "better option" for them than church.

I came across four reasons why church matters in our lives. Consider these reasons and see if they relate to your situation.
Why You Should Make a Huge Commitment to Being in Church Whenever the Doors Are Open . . .

1) The local church is a central part of God's strategic plan for your spiritual growth. I have often heard the statement, "Well, I don't need to go to church to be a Christian." On a slight technicality, that may be true, but it is certainly far-removed from God's true plan. Jesus said, "On this rock [Peter's statement that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God] I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not be able to stand against it" (Matthew 16:18). You see, the church is Jesus' idea, not humanity's idea. It seems like we should pay attention to His plan since it came directly from Him. When a person says they don't need the church, that is a departure from God's plan. I would advise against that.

2) It has been said that we are basically a composite of the five people with whom we spend the most time. Friends can influence people, no matter their age, for either good or for bad. It is important, therefore, that we choose those people well. This is why it is so valuable for us to be in church every time the doors are open. We need to expose ourselves as much as possible to other followers of Christ who will draw us nearer to God. We need the support of other believers if we are truly going to grow in Christ.

3) We need the voice of the church to counteract all of the deception that is crammed into our minds all throughout the week. Paul warns believers in Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of humanity, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (NKJV) The word for "cheat" in this passage refers to kidnapping another person. We need to be careful that we are not "kidnapped" by false ideologies, by wrong thinking. The term "traditions" refers to teachings. Do you realize how many ungodly teachers are speaking into your life every week? Internet. News media. Hollywood. Music. Co-workers. Friends and family. The list seems never ending. With so many messages streaming into your life every week that can "kidnap" you and take you away from God, it is extremely critical that you spend as much time in church as possible to fill your mind with godly wisdom and discernment. Soak in all you can whenever you can!

4) Weekly ministry in a local church helps to build up your spiritual muscles. In Ephesians 4, Paul says that we all are gifted in different ways. When we use our own particular gifts to serve within a church, it is a like a body with many body parts that all work together for a common goal. As Paul discusses serving in this chapter, I find it interesting that he threw in the comment in Ephesians 4:14 in which he says, "... that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of humanity, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting...." In other words, when we use our spiritual gifts by serving within the local church community, we somehow become better-grounded theologically. It will be more difficult for us to be deceived into thinking things that are not true according to God's Word. Isn't that amazing? Serving makes us more theologically astute. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but I do know that I have observed it to be true in my own life as well as in the lives of so many I have watched to grow in their journey with the Lord.

Commitment certainly is not what it used to be. But I hope for you, you will go all out in your commitment to Christ and His church.
See you at church this Sunday!

Sunday Worship

June 25th - 11:00 - Join us for our annual "Pride Sunday Service". We will be listening to new music by our Music Ministry, hearing God's message of "Radical Love" and enjoying fellowship and lunch as well.
Lost coming to service? Jeremiah keeps his phone on into the service, 915-706-6599.

We read about freedom, dream about freedom, rejoice in the notion of freedom, teach, advocate, and hope for freedom, but what do we mean by freedom?
Freedom means many things to many people. We can view freedom politically, as having the opportunity to vote for particular ideas, people, or parties which best represent our views. Closely tied to this is the notion of freedom of speech, where one has the liberty to voice their personal opinion or perspective. Others understand freedom in a financial context, where people seek to free themselves of financial debt, outstanding credit, and burdensome loans.
We also think of freedom in a military sense-a war is won, soldiers return home, prisoners are freed, and bullets no longer fly. People walk their streets in safety, and citizens enjoy such rights as free speech, voting, and worshiping as they choose. From this perspective, liberty is achieved through force-combat or a military presence and maintained through laws, governing bodies, judges, and men and women who fight against those who oppose freedom.
This is certainly a simplistic representation of liberty, because true freedom is so much more than living without war-freedom goes far beyond mere outward order and nominal compliance. Dr. Henry Morris III addresses this in his feature article "Genuine Liberty" (pages 5-7). He points out that true freedom is found at a spiritual level, saying, "The ultimate freedom that is promised is freedom from the rule of evil secured by the salvation granted through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus."
Through the love of God, Jesus was sent to come to earth and willingly die for each of us for our salvation.Therefore, all who entrust their complete life to Jesus Christ are saved and given eternal life in Him and enjoy an intimate and personal connection and relationship with God.
This is true freedom. And true freedom only exists in Jesus Christ. How does it happen? God changes our heart through the Holy Spirit. God makes us spiritually alive by giving us a new heart. This heart desires to love God. It sees Jesus Christ as beautiful and desires to love Him as the Lord and Savior of our life. By faith, we give our life to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and freedom from sin. Not only this, but we are now free to do the very thing we were created to do - to honor and enjoy God forever. And this joy in God is from our heart - our new heart given to us by God. Amen.