Category: jesus

2013 Senate Committee Testimony SB 38 “Marriage Equality”

Ten years ago last month I had the opportunity to give testimony before the senate committee of the RI state legislature in support of the SB 38 bill making same-sex marriage legal. I had no idea this existed on YouTube until my daughter, who is making a documentary film about our family’s story called it to my attention today . . . So I thought I’d share.

Christmas Eve Reflection 2022

Gde Sukana Kariana (Indonesian, 1974-), “The Nativity,” 2011. Oil on canvas, 50 x 70 cm. Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28145592@N07/5240147847/; http://perkantasbaliartexhibition.com/lukisan3.php; http://gedesukana.blogspot.com/2011/03/kelahiran.html. Tags: Southeast Asia, Indonesia (Bali)

Sermon by Rev. Dr. Todd Grant Yonkman at First Church of Christ in Saybrook 24 December 2022

Worship Resource for Galatians 2:11-21

Call To Worship (from Psalm 32)

One: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

All: Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. 

One: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.

All: Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy all you upright in heart.

Gathering Prayer

We thank you, God, for offering us new life in Christ. Each of us comes to this time and place facing challenges whether in our work, our families, our finances, our health, or the fact of our own mortality. Show us how we can experience a life-changing relationship with you through the person and message of Jesus. We thank you for this community of faith, which for many generations has been your hands and heart of love to countless people and to us. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication

God of love, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus, who died and rose again that we might have abundant life now and eternal life in the world to come. We make our offerings with joy and confidence knowing that your abundant provision knows no bounds. Amen.

Worship Resources 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C

* Call To Worship (from Psalm 30)

Leader: Sing praises to the LORD, O you faithful ones, and give thanks to God’s holy name.

           All: For God’s anger is but for a moment; God’s favor is for a lifetime.

           Leader: Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

           All: O LORD, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

* Gathering Prayer (Unison)

God of joy, God of adventure, give us the courage to try. Not every endeavor works out the way we plan. Sometimes we feel awkward trying new things. Because you are the master, we can join the adventure of lifelong learning. Thank you for the example of our ancestors in faith who fell down nine times and got up ten. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication

God of abundance, we too often act out of an attitude of scarcity. Teach us to give freely so that we might live freely. Amen.