Sharing the Story

As a body of believers we are all learning God’s story and how our lives intersect with it. My name is Sandy Smith and I’d like to share today about how God’s story has been intersecting mine. I’ve been a believer and follower of Jesus Christ for over 30 years and when I first believed, my life was changed forever. Since then there have been many milestone times of learning and healing and I’ve recently experienced another one.

Benevolence Offering: Prayer of hope and Thanksgiving

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday on June 29th, 2008

My name is Cherie Trondson, and today the benevolence offering will be used to support my friend, Christine Francisco, and her children. After I take a short moment to tell you more of her story, I will pray for her family while the offering is collected.

Remember that this offering is in addition to the regular offering which will be collected at the end of the service

Christine’s name may be familiar to you. Maybe you have heard it on the news, seen it in the papers or glanced at it on the Harambee prayer request sheet you get when you come to church on Sunday morning. If you do not know who I am talking about, let me share a bit about her with you.

On February 13 of this year, Nicholas Francisco, Christine’s husband, called her from his job on Queen Anne, mentioned that he would be making a short stop on his way home from work, but would get home to SeaTac in time to make cookies with their young daughter.

Nicholas never came home…there is no word as to where he is today.

Christine’s responsibilities have changed tremendously since Nicholas disappeared. She is the abruptly appointed leader in her home over her two small children, and is carrying her third child, a son, who is due in October.

The internet is swarming with people who have their own ideas as to where Nicholas is, what happened, even going so far as to speculate on how Christine may have been a participant in his disappearance. Not only does she bear the instantaneous burden of being the sole caregiver in her home, but she carries a burden placed there by public opinion on how she responds to every aspect of Nicholas’ disappearance.

Christine’s former home in SeaTac is very close to where I live, and being in such close proximity allowed my family to be able to care for Christine’s bunny until a family was found for him, to rally the very willing people of Harambee for a night of yard work and to do upkeep on her overgrown yard. Coming up this Saturday, there will be another opportunity for more yard work for those who can help. (Please see Megan VanHouten for more details) And, the NE Tacoma/federal Way home group will be hosting a yard sale in just a couple of weeks as was mentioned earlier in the announcements.

In addition to the needs surrounding her former home in SeaTac, Christine is facing another challenge as she has been placed on bed rest at only 26 weeks along in her pregnancy. The opportunities to help are limitless and diverse.

In the midst of the growing number of challenges in Christine’s life, God has continuously provided in amazing ways for her family. He has kept her children healthy, has provided her with a good family and friends to support her, has given her a free place to live, has stirred the hearts of those in the community to help by donating treasure and talents, has provided food and clothes for her kids and homes for her pets, neighbors who keep an eye on her vacant property in SeaTac, and lots of prayer and support.

So I would like to pray for the Francisco family, not only with hope for healing and provision, but in thanksgiving for all that God has provided already. While I pray, the offering will be collected so you will need to keep an eye out for the basket as it comes your way.

Telling the Story

Presented by Nadia Moore as part of our corporate worship on Sunday May 11th, 2008

Hi, my name is Nadia Moore and I've been a member here at Harambee for several years. Sandy Smith who works with liturgy and prayer asked me to talk about how the Lord has blessed me with my new job, and with that I have to briefly mention the whole job thing over the past year.

This story really began the end of last Spring when I became the main provider in my home for myself and my children. Since then, several amazing events have happened.

In the beginning, I had a plan, and was confident that I’d be okay, because of it, until my plan didn’t work out. I had to question if I had confidence because I had a plan or because I had God. I literally was in the position of being steps away from being out of my house, without a provisional job when some pivotal things happened. And though delving into that subject is a whole other story, I will say, I’ll never forget what that felt like, and I do feel a pull to some type of ministry down the road with women in those circumstances.

But as for the work story, the first part is that 7 years ago, I took on teaching a friend of mine, my business of doing film and photography make-up and hair styling. She really wanted to get into it, so I worked with her for awhile, did some jobs with her, had her work for me etc... So, life went on and we stayed in touch now and then while she built her business and I raised youngsters and still worked occasionally. Well last summer when I was mulling over my options, I called her and told her what had happened and let her know if she had any extra jobs I’d be up for taking some on. Since then she’s given me clients and jobs consistently every month. It’s been truly humbling and amazing, that all these years later God used my help for her, to turn around and support me and my children. This work along with financial provision from family who were able and willing to share it, has helped me to pay my bills and stay in our house and maintain my home with my children. In addition to the financial provisions, friendships and mentoring and prayer with friends here from church and my Harambee group has also been amazing to see and be a part of. In a time when some days feel like you’re watching life slip away, I’ve been supplied with a living faithfully every month, and every day. It’s been a trial, but one that has hope none the less, and good days with the bad, just like everyone else.

My goal during that time was to find a job that provided some consistency and had more freedom to work from home, so I could better arrange time with my children. Years ago another single mom friend of mine went through a similar situation. God had provided a year at home with her child and though she was blessed, she told me she wished she'd grasped more of the blessing of that specific time by not worrying about the big or long-term picture so much, when God was providing daily. I remembered that, and it was also on my heart to find the job I believed would be best for my children. I decided to give myself a year to explore what would be best, through prayer and trying things that fit what I wanted for my family.

I did try to get into publishing or writing, and God did provide some success but nothing consistent as a career. The end of the year was looming and I did feel like I was on the right path, but during one of the more financially challenging days I was frustrated - not mad at God, but the rubber was hitting the road and I was like “Okay, I’m trying here, I’m doing resumes, I’m going out there and I’m not getting anything, what are you going to do. I can’t do anything else here, if this is the way I'm going to go, what are you going to do?”

And no kidding, not 2 hours later, I get this phone call for this newspaper advertising job that will let me work from home, still do some freelance work, has benefits, commission plus salary and the opportunity to later write for the paper. And with all that, the people there are great, and bring lots of yummy snacks to share at the office.

I know enough to know things can change, but as this new path continues, I’m trying to stay level headed about it and appreciate the opportunities every day. It’s given me a lot of hope for my dreams for myself and my children and taught me that when things are far from perfect, to still keep trying. I believe God honored my hopes for my family life because eventually, after all the time trying things and sending out résumé’s, what needed to happen did. I did get writing jobs and eventually the publishing job. The Lord did it for sure, but I'd tried to keep living in the belief that He would, up until that day, even though I had been rejected so many times.

So what I’ve learned thus far is to lean on the Lord in struggles, as he knows it all anyway, and be open to the struggles myself. They'll happen, and tough as it might be sometimes, better to face them head on. I’ve learned that God really is watching over me and my family and I’ve learned to let good people truly into my life, as it really does make all the difference.

Prayer of Hope for Native Americans

Presented by Sandy Smith as part of our corporate worship on Sunday December 29th, 2007

Prayer of Hope for Native Americans

 Teen suicide in Native American communities is the highest in the Western Hemisphere

 Alcoholism is 10 times greater than all ethnic groups combined.

 With alcoholism comes destructive abuse of all kinds, high crime, poverty and despair.

 Unemployment on some Reservations is 90%. Poverty is rampant.
 Native youth have the highest school dropout rates at every level of education.

 Cycles of family dysfunction remain unbroken, children grow up with despair of a better future and children become parents long before they’re ready.

This is the time in our service where we pray for hope for those who need it, here at home or around the world. My name is Sandy Smith and today I would like to pray for Native Americans.

Several years ago while I was working at World Vision, a Native American man came and spoke during our weekly chapel service. His name was Richard Twiss.


Richard is a Lakota/Sioux American who was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. He and his wife, Katherine began a ministry to native peoples in 1997 called Wiconi International. Wiconi means Life in the Lakota/Sioux language. Richard said many things that really impacted me that day. One of the things he brought to our attention was that although Christian people have been trying to evangelize Native Americans since Europeans first arrived in North America, there has been very little fruit from those efforts. He also reminded us that the Body of Christ will not be complete until there are representatives from every tribe, tongue and nation. Every people group has a part to play in the mission of God. I grew up in a small town in Montana and had several classmates who were Indians but I had never cared about the fact that so few of them if any were Christians. I’d never stopped to think that the church is lacking if they are not with us.


The following information is from Wiconi’s web-site www.wiconi.com. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that The thief comes only to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Indigenous or First Nations people know what it means to suffer the loss of land, dignity, self-respect, life and a way of living. Though this has sadly become the normal every day reality for many of these people, the aim of Wiconi International is to find ways to help them experience the promise of hope Jesus has painted with his words – the abundant life.

That is what Jesus brings. He does not bring religion, legalism, shame, oppression or paternalism, though sadly, Christianity often does. The prayer of Wiconi is that these people may live, and live in abundance, spirit, soul and body!

They want to see Indigenous people come to know and experience ultimate freedom, and deliverance from the powers of darkness that still prevail in their lands and communities; this evil is seen in the alcohol and drug abuse, incest, suicide, poverty and despair that are rampant. There are dark and evil spirits that are stealing, killing and destroying Native people every day. In addition, there are oppressive and unjust economic and political systems that continue to prolong dependency and control.

At Wiconi International, they are diligently working and praying hard to find better ways to communicate this opportunity to find true freedom in Christ for their people. It is a freedom that affirms, embraces and respects the unique and God-given cultural realities of people, not rejecting or demonizing them.

The Wiconi Web-site is an endeavor to inspire in Christians a fresh vision about the possibilities that exist to make a dynamic positive impact for Christ by walking among Native American and Indigenous peoples worldwide “in a good way.” Their "living color dream" is to see First Nations/Indigenous believers recognized and embraced as vitally needed, coequal servant leaders in the Body of Christ throughout the Americas and around the world.

On their site you will find some of the best teaching resources available for those interested in walking among Native people in a good way that represents Jesus Christ in a culturally relevant and contextual way. They have books, cassette tapes, videos, CDs, VBS curriculum workbooks and youth comics to help reach out affectively.


The Mission of Wiconi International is:
• Equipping Indigenous people to fulfill their God-given destiny through faith in Jesus Christ.
Their purpose is:
• To glorify God the Father – the Ancient of Days – among all tribes, tongues and nations, by exalting the Lord Jesus Christ – Bright and Morning Star – creator and sustainer of all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
• To network with Native and non-Native leaders to develop a Christ-centered, culturally appropriate style of ministry that upholds Biblical Truth while honoring the cultural expressions of Christian faith for First Nations peoples.
• To see the Indigenous expression of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom recognized and embraced as an integral contributing participant in Christendom throughout the Americas and nations.
• To serve the global Church as a bridge builder and consulting resource for developing genuine community, unity, consciousness of social justice and mutuality among diverse peoples.
Dear Lord,
We pray for your hope and blessing on the Native peoples of our country and around the world. Please open their eyes to Your presence in their lives and Your salvation through Jesus Christ. Please deliver them from the high incidences of suicide, alcoholism, crime and poverty that plague them. Help us to have insight, discernment and wisdom to reach out to them in ways that are culturally appropriate. Help us as Your Body on earth to recognize that we are not complete until every tribe, tongue and nation is represented in our midst and to value their unique contributions to Your Kingdom . Continue to bless the ministry of Wiconi International and provide resources and opportunities for them to affectively minister to these people that You love.
Amen

Prayer of Hope by

Presented by Clay Davis as part of our corporate worship on Sunday December 7th, 2007

Hi, my name is Clay Davis and I’m interning with Harambee to help our international pastors and to be a reminder for you that we are working in others parts of the world and to be in prayer for that.

I’m also working with Acts29. For those here who are fairly new, Acts29 is a network of churches including Harambee church, that have a vision for training-up and facilitating pastors to plant churches and replant dead and dying churches in North America. This vision was started several years ago with Mars Hill church in Seattle as its base and today has grown to over 100 churches in the U.S. alone.
About a year ago something kind of unexpected happened; emails started coming in from pastors all over the world that wanted to plant churches and be trained, until Acts29 was just swamped with these emails. About the time that the Acts29 leadership began asking themselves “how the heck are we going to process these emails and handle the applications,” I unwittingly came along and got trapped, I mean took the job. And so now Acts29 has a major international focus as well. Mike Gunn is the director of Acts29 international and you’ll hear more about this in the future, but Mike is primarily doing conferences in different countries where we have contacts; he just got back this week from doing a conference in Pakistan with some native pastors there. The main focus for the international work is to partner with existing ministries that are run by local and native people, to plant churches.

One question to ask is: Why does Acts29 international and Harambee Church care so much about God’s global work and why do we send 10% of all Harambee money to international church planters? Since the gospel is already in China, and in the countries of Africa, and nearly every geographical nation; isn’t it possible that the local churches can spread the gospel on their own?
To answer this in short, Harambee and Acts29 realize that there are great cultural gaps, not only in our country but throughout the world that the gospel hasn’t reached. What I mean by this is that even though the gospel has gone into all the national boarders, it hasn’t gone into all the cultures within those national borders. To illustrate just how big this is, if all the individuals of the world who live in a culture that doesn’t have the gospel were put on a chunk of land and made into a country, that country would have double the population of China. And so the task is surprisingly large and Harambee and Acts29 don’t overlook the fact that the gospel should be in every people group.

So I’ll give a quick summary of what we are doing internationally as a church and then we’ll pray about it. Right now Harambee is supporting Vision Nationals in India, which is a theological college and children’s home. Harambee supports Bidur Singh and Pemba Sherpa who are currently at the Vision National’s college and will be returning to Nepal to plant churches, with Samuel. We also support Gabriel Kisanga in the Congo as well as two new guys Gerald Mwebe and George Paolo who are also indigenous pastors in Africa.

PRAYER: If you’ll bow your heads, I’ll say a quick prayer.
Lord Jesus, we remember that you have work to do both here and around the world. Lord we thank you for our internationals pastors in India, Nepal, and Africa. We pray that you would work through their lives and help them plant churches in their countries and cultures that you’ve called them to, and that you would help us at Harambee to be missionaries along with them, to places and people you’ve called us to, so that we could love people well and magnify Christ greatly. In Jesus name, Amen.

World Aids Day is December 1

Presented by Eline Nelson as part of our corporate worship on Sunday November 18th, 2007

Every day, 6,000 children lose a parent to AIDS. Imagine living without mom or dad. For many children, it's both — all because of this killer called AIDS.
World Vision is planning a 24-hour worldwide vigil in advance of World AIDS Day to read the names of 6,000 children who have lost a parent to AIDS. Powerpoint

A Stone, A Tomb, An Angel By Matt Vermeulen

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 23rd, 2007

I remember the day in missing pieces. Was it raining? A mist. My father
walking up the driveway—garbage-
can trailing like a victim—
a slip and his big body falls like a mudslide;
lumbering and terrible, like the world being swept away.
Sharp cuss. The garbage-can wheels spinning
in the air. I closed my eyes, in case he saw me
staring through the window.
Or the night asleep
a noise so loud and sudden
that the goose bumps hurt,
and I thought, for half a second
that my mouth was bleeding,
and the other half, just a dream.
Neither of which the claw hammer
could stop from happening again,
clutched in my warm hand,
long after I fell back asleep.
But then again, with cut-up pianos
and xylophones playing their ether music
and candle flames swaying in the aisles,
orange light pouring down from stained windows:
my bride, adorned in sunbeams and announced in incense,
turned a corner, resplendent in diamonds and ivory,
love seeping from the wooden arches and apses like warmed amber,
came to me.
And maybe the same, or a little bit more
the time I saw stars falling;
my heart swelled so big
I could see it beating through my fingertips
and my eyes felt too big and laughter was
a part of breathing; and I heard the words,
"Not for you, but I Am."
Which is to say, that must have been what
it was like to see the stone rolled away,
an empty tomb,
and an angel.

Prayer of Repentance by Sandi Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday on August 19th, 2007

How dare I come into Your holy presence
With any offering or praise
How dare I face a Holy Holy God
When I’m not walking in Your way

Matthew 7:1-5
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Forgive me, Forgive me
Hearing words that give me life
Doing what my flesh delights
Forgive me, forgive me
Foolish houses on the sand
Built with my own sinful hands

Forgive me, forgive me
Dancing through the gate so wide
Can you forgive my pious pride?
Forgive me

Mathew 7:21-23 21
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

How dare I come into Your holy presence
With any offering or praise
How dare I face a Holy Holy God
When I’m not walking in Your way
Forgive me, Forgive me

Hearing words that give me life
Doing what my flesh delights
Forgive me, forgive me
Foolish houses on the sand
Built with my own sinful hands
Forgive me, forgive me
Dancing through the gate so wide
Can you forgive my pious pride?
Forgive me

Prayer of Repentance by Cherie Trondson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday April 22nd, 2007

Dear Lord,
We confess that though we have eyes, we do not see the needs around us.
We confess that though you have brought us out of the darkness and into your light, we often choose to hide in the darkness.
We confess that though we have ears, we do not listen to Your Holy Spirit as You instruct us in pursuing righteousness and forsaking sin.
We confess that though we have hearts that have been filled with Your love, we don’t give it freely back to You and to those around us. Please forgive us for choosing to be blind, disobedient, deaf and unloving.
We praise You that You always see, always forgive, always hear and always love us.

Amen

Prayer of Hope by Sandy Smith

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday on August 12th, 2007

Prayer requests for Persecuted Christians
TURKEY
Turkish Prosecutor Demands Christians' Acquittal - Compass Direct News
On July 18, a Turkish prosecutor demanded the acquittal of two Christians on trial for "insulting Turkishness," under the nation's controversial Article 301. State Prosecutor Ahmet Demirhuyuk told the court there was "not a single concrete credible piece of evidence" to support the accusations filed against Hakan Tastan and Turan Topal, former Muslims who converted to Christianity more than a decade ago. In court Demirhuyuk said, "There is absolutely no system or practice to consider it a crime for Christians to learn or spread their religion or gather for worship. Exactly the contrary, within the scope of freedom of religion and belief, everyone is guaranteed the right under the constitution and laws of Turkey, to live and spread his chosen faith." Pray the charges against these believers are dropped. Ask God to touch the lives of Christians in Turkey and that their lives would be a testimony to their accusers. Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6,7
INDIA
Christians Beaten by Police Inspector; Pastor Beheaded - VOM Sources
• KARNATAKA - On July 15, while a group of Christians were gathered for worship in Thadesa, a police inspector assaulted two believers and took them to the police station. The police inspector continued to beat them for another three hours there. Pray for healing. Ask God to encourage believers in India and for their love to draw non-believers into the knowledge of Christ.
• MANIPUR - On July 5, Pastor Pau Za Khen, a Burmese pastor of the Upper Myanmar Evangelical Lutheran Church, was beheaded by an unidentified group in the town of Churachanpur, Manipur. Pastor Khen was abducted from his daughter's home by four men on July 4. His decapitated body was found in a field outside of town the next morning. His hands were tied behind his back and he was blindfolded. Pray for Pastor Khen's family and ask God to touch the lives of the killers so they can find forgiveness in Christ like Saul did. Acts 9:1-19, Romans 8:11
CAMBODIA
Christian Evangelism Banned - VOM Sources
On July 10, Cambodia's Ministry of Cults and Religions, distributed a directive banning Christian groups from door-to-door evangelism on the grounds that it "disrupts society." The directive also said distribution of religious literature should be confined to church buildings, which can only be built with government approval. Government officials said the ruling was aimed at reducing Christian evangelism thought Cambodia. Pray Christians in Cambodia will remain steadfast in their faith despite government opposition. Pray the testimony of believers will draw non-believers to Christ. Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 54:14
KAZAKHSTAN
Home Confiscations to Follow Massive Fines - Forum 18 News
On June 22, a mother and her young child were barred from their home as court executors sealed the Baptist church premises in Shymkent where they live to prevent the church from meeting. According to Forum 18 News Service, the move followed the church's refusal to abide by a court order halting its activity merely because it does not wish to undergo state registration. In Semey, Baptist Pastor Viktor Kandyba, his wife and their 12 children were threatened with the seizure of half their home after the pastor refused to pay a fine for leading unregistered worship. Pray for Christians in Kazakhstan. Ask God to give them courage and encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith despite pressure from authorities. Pray for safety and provision for the families. Psalm 27:1, Psalm 91

Material provided by The Voice of the Martyrs
PO Box 443
Bartlesville, OK 74003
1-918-337-8015

www.persecution.com
thevoice@vom-usa.org

Prayer of Faith by Charles de Foucauld

Presented as part of our corporate worship on July 15th, 2007

Lord, grant us faith, the faith that removes the mask from the world and manifests God in all things, the faith that shows us Christ where our eyes see only a poor person, the faith the shows us the Savior where we feel only pain.

Lord, grant us faith

Lord, grant us faith that inspires us to undertake everything that God wants without hesitation, without shame, without fear, and without ever retreating; the faith that knows how to go through life with calm, peace, and profound joy, and that makes the soul completely indifferent to everything that is not You.

Lord, grant us faith.

Prayer of Repentance by Jennifer Kennedy Dean from the book “Heart’s Cry”

Presented as part of our corporate worship by Jalene Johnson on July 8th

Lord, we are Your body on this earth. Your physical body was not sleek and pampered, but broken and spilled out for us. Forgive us for assuming that we are to be comfortable and rich and spoiled. Forgive us for not wanting to be bothered with that which concerns You. Forgive us for trying to put you on display instead of taking You into the world. Forgive us for using You as a marketing tool, and not being willing to be broken and spilled out too.

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Kayla Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday April 15th, 2007

Father God,
We were dead in our transgressions and sins in which we lived when we followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

But because of Your great love for us, You who are rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in sin – it is by grace we have been saved. You have raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in order that in the coming ages You might show the incomparable riches of Your grace, expressed in kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace we have been saved, through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Thank you.

I bow before my King by Nancy Cassell

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday March 11th, 2007

I bow before my King on the eve of battle, humbled by my own lack.
Besides my allegiance, I have nothing to offer.
I have heard that the Lord, my King, values human hearts.
I willingly give my heart to you.
Though broken, sick, weak and faint, I entrust my heart to you.
I am hollow, dark and empty inside.
Shed your Light in my darkness.
In your mercy, fill my emptiness with your Spirit.
With my armor on, I ride into battle carrying His light within me.
My heart is in safe keeping with my Father in Heaven.
If the enemy should strike me, to destroy my heart,
he will come face to face with the Spirit of God--who will strike terror
into my enemy
And if I should fall in battle,
I trust in God to resurrect me and bring me into His Kingdom.

Not about me by Charin Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday February 18th, 2007

PowerPoint Presentation: Download

A Conversation with God

Do you really think you should have said that?

Ya, I know I probably shouldn’t have… but come on, you know it’s true.

Where was your heart at when you said that?

Uh… I don’t know…

Did you ever stop to forgive that person? To trust me? I am stronger I could have

Adapted by Kayla Youngren from “Brokenness” by John Collinson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday February 11th, 2007

Leader:
When to do the will of God means that even my Christian brothers and sisters will not understand I forget that "Neither did His brethren believe in Him" (John 7:5)
Forgive me Lord for failing to bow my head and obey and accept the misunderstanding

Leader:
When I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, I forget how Jesus was falsely accused but He "held His peace"
Congregation:
Forgive me Lord for failing to bow my head and accept the accusation without trying to justify myself
When another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, I forget that they cried, "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas" (Luke 23:18)
Congregation:
Forgive me Lord for failing to bow my head and accept the rejection
When my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by the ambitions of others I forget that Jesus allowed them to lead Him away to crucify Him (Matt. 27:31) and he accepted that place of failure
Congregation:
Forgive me Lord for failing to bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness

When in order to be right with my God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution, I forget that Jesus "made Himself of no reputation" and "humbled Himself unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8)
Congregation:
Forgive me Lord for failing to bow my head and readily to accept the shame of exposure

When others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and treat my belongings as public property, I forget how "they stripped Him and parted His garments, casting lots" (Matt. 27:28,35)
Congregation:
Forgive me Lord for failing to bow my head and accept "joyfully the spoiling of my goods" for His sake (Hebrews 10:34)

When one acts towards me in an unforgivable way, I forget that when He was crucified Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)
Congregation:
Forgive me for failing to bow my head and accept any behavior towards me as permitted by my loving Father
When people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength can give, I forget that Jesus said, "This is My body which is given for you." (Luke 22:19)
Congregation:
I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self-giving for others

Congregation:
Forgive us Lord for forgetting the work you did on the cross and the way you have shown us to live. Continue to transform us by the power of your spirit and the strength of your word.

Father, The clouds in the sky today by Eline Nelson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday January 28th, 2007

Father,
The clouds in the sky today looked like the contours of sand at the bottom of the ocean floor.
We praise You Lord for Your wisdom in creation.
Your love endures forever.


Rainier is majestic today too and it is only a hint, a forecast of Your grandeur size.
We love Your Lord today.
Thank you for opening the door to heaven and giving us access to Your Father.
Your love endures forever.

The heavens declare Your glory, the skies proclaim the works of Your hands. You will be praised with the rising of the sun and the setting of the sun, and all the time in between.
We praise Your Lord for Your mercy in giving us time.
Your love endures forever.


Inherent in the nature of Your creations is the ability to image,
with our highest glory to image You!
We praise You for renewing us in Your image.
Your love endures forever.

Worthy are You to receive honor and power and glory because You created all things by your will. In your will, we have our being. You sit on the throne and You live forever!
Worthy is the lamb who was slain and whose blood purchased men to be a kingdom and priests for You.
Thank you for the creatures, elders, angels, all of heaven and earth that entreat and sing praise to You.

Truly, all the earth will be filled with the knowledge of Your glory. Every knee will bow, every tongue confess that You, Lord Jesus, are Lord!
Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
His love endures forever.

The Face of God by Nancy J. Cassell

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday December 10, 2006

I stare into this clay pot
My eyes cannot withdraw
I behold such beauty, such light,
Perfection without flaw

This pot has cracks and holes in it
of no value to the world
but it contains the colors
of precious gems and pearls

A light so brilliant, a love so pure
It captivates my heart
To think a jar so used and worn
Could be such a piece of art

This fragile work of dust
Is more than enough
To hold the precious promises
of God’s unfailing love

When darkness swirls around me
And pain rolls in like fog
I place my gaze inside my heart
To see the Face of God.

Weeping in the Underbrush by Nancy J.Cassell

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday November 12, 2006

There is weeping in the underbrush
On the sides of the road
Where travelers have crawled
Weighted down by their loads

There are blood-stained rocks
Leading to souls
Who’ve been attacked and wounded
By friend and by foe

The wounds are the same
They bleed and they hurt
There is no strength left
So they hide in the dirt

Unheard pleas
And prayers unspoken
From the weight of their curse
Their spirits are broken

Hope is not to be found
Under leaves of despair
Only weak, desperate souls
Battered and bare


“Oh end, come quickly.
I’m tired of breathing.”

But there is One whose breath
Bears the Words of Life
Whose Spirit rises
At dawn to fight

Who sends out His servants
With aide and supplies
To search and to rescue
With fire in their eyes

They pierce through the brush
Each person they find
For God has a motto
“No saint left behind”

Wake up! Oh sleepers!
Come out from the shame
Open your eyes!
For God calls you by name

Restoration and healing
Have come to your heart
Breathe in the Spirit
And make a new start!


“Oh Jesus, come quickly.
I’m living for you.”

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Eline Nelson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday November 5, 2006

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
(A reading from the Psalms)

O Lord our Lord,
How majestic is your Name in all the earth!

You have set Your glory above the heavens
From the lips of children and infants
You have ordained praise
Because of Your enemies
To silence the foe and the avenger

O Lord our Lord
How majestic is Your Name in all the earth!

When we consider the heavens
And the work of Your fingers
The moon and the stars that You have set in place
What is man that You are mindful of him?
The son of man that You care for him?

O Lord our Lord,
How majestic is Your Name in all the earth!

Where can we go from Your spirit?
Where can we flee from Your presence
If we go up to the heavens,
You are there.
If we make our bed in the depths,
You are there.
If we rise on the wings of the wind,
And settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there Your hand will guide us,
Your right hand will hold us fast

O Lord our Lord,
How majestic is Your Name in all the earth!

We will praise You O Lord with all our heart
We will tell of all Your wonders
We will be glad and rejoice in You
We will sing praise to Your Name O Most High!

Poem by Heather Merrils

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday October 29, 2006

The squishy soil
Brown from its roots of knowing
Embraced me in the fall
At a time when I,
(When the brown earth crackled with the shattering of defeated leaves)
Lie there lonely and afraid
Sandwiched between the forlorn sky
And the moody earth
I lie there
Afraid to move
Afraid that the earth might somehow
Betray my silence and my unwillingness
To speak
Betray my inadequate failures
That swallowed me whole
And left me there wantonly
In silence
And unwilling to speak

But sometimes
Sometimes something whispers to me
Once
And comes back again
And blends in with the rain
And the sound of the rain
And the rain soaks in
And the whisper begins
And the whisper soaks in
And begins again
You are here declares whisper
You are here because I made you
And I’m starting to think
That it’s true.

Obedience Without Understanding by Jalene Johnson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday October 22, 2006

Me: God I want to pray for Zoe, that she would keep gaining weight like she needs to. I pray for Jenny that she would have patience and wisdom, also that she would be able to have time for herself…..

God: You don’t seem sincere.

Me: Oh? I do want all those things, but…. It’s just that…. Well, who am I to be praying to You? Everything I say You already know. I could pray for the oppressed, for the grieving, for all the sadness in the world, but You already want what’s best for them. What could my simple words add to their aid, to put Your grace and mercy into action?

God: Prayer is for peace and guarding of your heart and mind. Prayer is for your relationship with me and with others.

Me: I know what you say in Your Word. I know what you did. But I don’t get it. Sending Your Son for the likes of me? How is it that You can love me so faithfully? So beautifully? I am a betrayer, a liar, a cheater… I am an empty shell. There is no life left in me.

God: You are a sinner. Let me be the life in you.

Me: Yeah, I know I am a sinner. That’s what I was saying. And yet… You still pursue me with relentless love. It’s so overwhelming and because of my sin it’s uncomfortable. I don’t deserve your love. I can’t give you what You deserve.

God: What is it you think I deserve?

Me: Someone who can love You with all their heart. Someone who won’t lie to You or cheat on You or betray You.

God: But that is not what I am asking for.

Me: What do you want from me?

God: I want IT.

Me: What? That? I gave that to You.

God: I want it ALL.

Me: But it’s nothing now, not anymore. The reasons why it happened aren’t issues anymore. You answered that prayer. I know that my identity is in You and not in the lies that I use to believe. Besides, if I say anything now it could hurt my business… You know, the one that YOU wanted me to start? And people will judge me… they won’t understand. Besides, there are kids that look up to me, what about them huh? ….. why do you want this now?

God: I have wanted it all along. If you gave it to me, as you said before, then it is mine to do with as I please. If it really is nothing, why do you fight against me so hard?

Me: I don’t want people to judge me. I don’t understand why this is so important to You.

God: My ways are not for your understanding. Is it only when you have things figured out that you trust Me? You have kept some of it, withholding it from me. That is what is causing your feeling of emptiness.

Me: But how can it be doing that?

God: My creation of man is no simple thing. There is more to every aspect of man than man will ever understand. I don’t expect you to get it.

Me: What do You expect?

God: Obedience.

Me: OK.

(I walk up to the podium and address the congregation.)

Hi, my name is Jalene. There is a quote I like from Piper’s book Desiring God, “Sin is like spiritual leprosy. It deadens your spiritual senses so that you rip your soul to shreds and don’t even feel it.” That is what has happened to me, a process that began when I was 12. I stand before you scared witless, but out of obedience… obedience without understanding why telling you about this is so important. I have struggled with an addiction to pornography. Actually, I believe it was more an addiction to a lie and pornography was just the vehicle used to continually deliver it. The lie was about my identity, that I wasn’t good for anything but to be used at the whim of men. The more God pursued me with His Truth, the more I ran to what I believed for so long. It was easier to be comfortably numb than to go through the pain of getting healthy. God chased me with a persistent love, relentless like water smoothing out a jagged rock over many years. I can look back on the past and see God’s stepping stones of sovereignty that brought me to this place. God’s timing is perfect and I hold to his promise that He will finish the work He began in me. His omniscience is where I rest.

Please bow with me as I pray……God I am sorry for turning to pornography to validate who I thought I was, what I thought I deserved. I am sorry for not believing that You love me or that Your love is strong enough to diffuse those lies. Thank You for delivering me from the addiction that supported those lies. I thank you for your sovereign timing and I ask You to help me remember it as I enter this season of healing in my life. I pray that my confession would bless others. Please use it to Your glory. Amen.

Truth Speak Challenge By Jalene Johnson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday October 6, 2006

Hi, my name is Jalene… Good morning! I want to share something with you that has been on my heart lately. In recent months I have been in conversations with different members of my Harambee family and a theme of sorts has presented itself. Lies creating doubt and fear. I wondered what I could do about it. Obviously I prayed, but when I would pray lies flooded my mind. Lies that asked why bother praying when my prayers are useless. Lies that say I am a horrible parent and I should use my time to become a better one. I am the only one that sees a problem and I should mind my own business. As I prayed I envisioned our Harambee family sitting in the very seats you sit with black oozy stuff separating everybody from each other. It then seemed imperative I needed to create a liturgy piece about it. I heard more lies, stronger this time. “No one cares! People will think you are stupid!”

Satan likes us separated! If I am separated and feeling alone I am more likely to feel defeated. As I thought about this my busy life came to mind. I don’t know how many times I have been doing something and someone pops into my mind for no reason at all. I think about calling, but stuff gets in the way and by the time I remember I wanted to call, I figure it is pointless. About a month ago Jenny Rygel popped to mind. I almost didn’t call her at all. I decided regardless of how much time had passed I was going to call her. So I called her. She wasn’t home and I left a message. The following week I still hadn’t received a call back so I called her again. Again, left a message. She called me the next day. I reminded her that God doesn’t make mistakes, He does what pleases Him and He wants her to be Andrews’s mom. The conversation was less than five minutes and I figured for sure she thought I was a loon! I found out later she REALLY needed to hear that Truth on that particular day.

Imagine for a moment what would happen if when we heard a lie, we chose Truth! I am not talking about simply deciding to remember Truth, (said ho-hum, not really believing it) “OK, so I’m not worthless. Yeah…. I’m co-heir with Christ.” I don’t know if it is the same for you, but I hear so many lies that when I finally hear Truth, it thuds flat in the emptiness that is left over. What can we do about it? What does the bible say? I found many verses, but I will summarize with three of them.

Zech 8:16 “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment.

Ecc 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 says, “… speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work.”

We need to work together to hear Truth more. My challenge for all of us is this: Call someone this week and tell them truth. It doesn’t have to seem profound, it just has to be truth. Remind someone that God knew who they were before they were born, that nothing passes by God without His approval, that God doesn’t make mistakes! If someone calls to bless you with a tidbit of truth, then be encouraged to do the same for someone else. Maybe someone has blessed you, call and tell them about it! I hope Truth Speak becomes a big part of our community of people fighting to be “together pushing forward.”

A Poem by Erin Bell

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 24, 2006

I’m avoiding you even though I’m not quite sure why. I feel like if I don’t speak to you long enough that maybe I won’t feel anymore. This pain looming within not wanting to be touched. The cause; only a distant memory. The scar; fading into the background but still always there. A wall stands firm, on guard so that even you can’t see what lies beyond. And yet you know my inner most being.

No, I don’t want you to understand, I want you to fix it. Either fulfill my yearning or take it away. I’m tired of feeling this way. I’m tired of crying myself to sleep at night.

So thankful for what I don’t have, and yet desiring for what didn’t come to pass. Feeling like Adam in a garden all alone surrounded by everything I need. Afraid to go forward and not willing to go back. I pray and hear “wait,” I sing and hear, “wait.” I get on my knees and hear, “patience my child.”

Like a melancholy daughter, I choose not to speak, not knowing what else to say. And yet I know and trust your perfect timing. You chisel my heart, sculpting me out of miry clay. A shapeless form designed into beauty created to do your will. Each scratch, chip, or notch collected along an ever winding road. So that, by avoiding you, I’ve ended up back in your arms as you carry me through every impassable step.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD…

Prayer of Smugness by Greg Wright

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 17, 2006

Hi! My name is Greg, and this is the Prayer of Smugness, the part of
our liturgy in which we congratulate ourselves on how superior we are
to everyone who isn't just like us. And obviously, I'm up here
talking to you because I'm far more righteous than all of you
(except, perhaps, Pastor Mike, since he gets to talk a lot longer
than I do). Otherwise, you'd be up here and I'd be down there. But
that would look pretty silly. There's a reason that stages, podiums,
and soapboxes are small.

Ordinarily, for the Prayer of Smugness, I would lead you through the
text of something along the lines of Luke 18:11: "God, I thank you
that I am not like other men -- robbers, evildoers, adulterers -- or
even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of
all I get."

Don't laugh. It's biblical.

But since the righteous are pretty much in a state of constant
communion with God, prayer often looks less like a conversation than
a monologue. So today I will share with you the top five things
about people that come really close to making me use potty language.

Number one. I hate greedy people. I hate selfish people in all
their forms. I hate people with 10,000 square foot vaction homes. I
hate people with stretch Hummers. I hate people with private jets,
two swimming pools, classic car collections, a spare Rolex watch,
funded annuities for three kids in Ivy League schools, and maids who
polish the doorknobs. I hate people who take 25-day excursions to
Antarctica and drive down to Portland to pick up a new Lamborghini.
Greed, Mr. Gekko, is NOT good.

Number two. I hate people who want my stuff. Back off, man!

Number three. I hate people who don't say what's really on their
minds. "Oh, I just love your hat!" "No, that's okay. It really
didn't hurt when you poked me in the eye." "How am I today? Oh, I'm
fine!" "What's happening in Darfur just makes me sick!" "Yes, oh,
yes! Jesus is LOOOOORD!"

Number four. I hate talking heads on cable news networks, precisely
BECAUSE they say everything that's on their pathetic little minds.

Number five. I hate people who interfere with my own precious little
plans, whether it's the cell-phone addicted driver who cuts me off so
that I miss the light, the airhead activity assistant who wants me to
plant precious little handmade Burma-shave signs in the lawn when
I've got two yards of mulch to get down before quitting time, the old
coot with bad eyesight who runs his mower over the sprinkler heads
just two hours after I've left the jobsite, or the supposed editor
who mangles my prose and uses two hypens where there ought to be an
em-dash.

Yes, it's a good thing I'm not God. If I were, some heads would
roll, I can tell you.

Prayer of Hope by Gayle Silagyi

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 17, 2006

“This is the time in our service where we pray for hope for those who need it here at home or around the world. Today I am going to be talking about bul-ly-ing.
To BULLY is to intimidate or subject a person to hostility or ill treatment. It involves actions which cause another person to feel afraid, humiliated, embarrassed, threatened or shamed. Bul-ly-ing is an abuse of power.
Bullying has reached epidemic proportions in American schools and communities.
• nearly one-third of today’s youth are bullied at least once every month.
• 60% of American teens witness bullying at least once each day.
• Approximately 3.2 million children in grades 6–10 are victims of bullying each year (this is nearly one in six children)
Bullying is linked to prejudice and ignorance.
• Over the course of a year, nearly one-fourth of students across all grades reported being harassed or bullied on school property because of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or their disability.
• Studies show that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students are at disproportionate risk for bullying and harassment. They hear anti-gay slurs such as “HOMO,” “FAGGOT” and “SISSY” about 26 times a day, or once every 14 minutes.
• For every gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender student who reported being harassed, four straight students said they were harassed for being perceived as gay or lesbian.
Bullying has serious physical and mental health consequences for youth.
• An estimated 160,000 children miss school every day out of fear of attack or intimidation by other students.
• 10% of students who drop out of school do so because of repeated bullying.
• Victims of bullying are more likely to suffer physical problems such as common colds and coughs, sore throats, poor appetite and night waking.
• Those who are bullied are five times more likely to be depressed and far more likely to be suicidal.
• The effects of bullying can be long-lasting. By age 23, children who were bullied in middle school were more depressed and had lower self-esteem than their peers who had not been bullied. Unchecked bullying can escalate to more serious violence.
• Harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school-shooting incidents, including the fatal shootings at Columbine High School near Littleton, Colorado, and Santana High School in Santee, California.
• Nearly 60 percent of boys who were classified as bullies in grades 6–9 were convicted of at least one crime by the age of 24 (40% of them had three or more convictions by this age).
• Among boys who said that they had bullied others at least once a week in school, more than half had carried a weapon in the past month, 43 percent had carried a weapon in school, 39 percent were involved in frequent fighting, and 46 percent reported having been injured in a fight.

In preparing this piece for today, I communicated to my roommate that “bullying” seemed so miniscule when I considered the hardships of children in other countries. Her response to me was that ‘not all kids have positive reinforcement at home and to get hit again at school breaks them.’ And then I was reminded of Proverbs 15:4 which says, “A soothing tongue is a tree of life but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” In addition, James 3:5-6 says, “So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.”
Please pray with me.
Dear God:
You hate bullying. Help us to hate it too. Help us to be aware of bullying and protect our children who are recipients of it. Cause school administrators to take bullying more seriously and be proactive in guarding against it. Help us to raise children who know You and who they are in You. Help us to love our children so that they may love others and comfort those who need it. Please turn the hearts of bullies to You, God. Grace them to see the death of their words and the death of their actions toward others. Bring adults into their lives, O God, who will love them and teach them well. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Prayer of Hope for Students by Brad Pratt

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 10, 2006

Hello, for those of you who don’t know me I’m Kim’s Husband and my name is Brad Pratt. I work at Foster High School as a math and physics teacher. I’m here this morning to talk about the youth of our community. Although I am most familiar with the students of Tukwila, their needs mirror those of Renton’s youth and some of the surrounding area’s.

According to Maslow and his hierarchical needs:
“a person’s basic needs, security, food, shelter, health, need to be met before they’re able to learn,” –, with struggling families, single-family homes, parents working multiple jobs, kids run the risk of not having their needs met. As a teacher, we struggle to not simply teach, but help meet those needs.

The youth or our community face challenges that most of us can’t imagine. But the saddest thing about what the youth of our community are facing is the age at which they are facing them. The following are quotes gathered by our own Gayle Silagyi who is a Middle School teacher at McKnight middle school.
• “Can you take me to get a pregnancy test (8th grader)?”
• “Her mom died of breast cancer this weekend (about a 7th grader).”
• “She’s been seeing the drug counselor for drug abuse (about a 7th grader).”
• “One of our 7th graders died last night playing the choking game.”
• “My dad’s in jail.”
• “We can’t afford to buy Kleenex for the classroom. I’m sorry.”
• “I’m stupid. I can’t do this.”
• “I went to the cemetery for Mother’s Day (7th grader).”
• “I’m gay (from the mouth of an 8th grader).”
• “My mom will beat me so bad if I fail this.”
The older a child is the harder they become to reach. As they enter high school, their minds are going through a chemical change that will begin to enable them to move from a child’s mind to an adult’s mind. The adolescent begins to search for what it means to be an adult. They begin modeling behaviors of whom they perceive to be adults. Youth start modeling behaviors of people from many different sources; media, movies, TV, magazines, parents, classmates, and teachers.

I once heard an influential person say on national television that in the time of crisis, it is important for the teachers to discus what is happening because the teachers typically spend more time with the children than the parents do. That’s messed up.

A local principal in our community recently said this to a staff member,

 “In order to be a good teacher at this school, you also have to be a parent to these kids”.

Our youth need role models. They need to see adults being Godly adults, and men and women being involved in Godly relationships, and marriages where men are Godly husbands and women are Godly wives, and fathers and mothers are Godly parents. They need Godly role models.

Please join me in prayer . . .

Father God . . . we thank you for the way you are moving in our community. We praise you for the many individuals and organizations that are beginning to dedicate their attention to the needs in this area. We pray for wisdom for the adults working with the teens who are struggling from emotional and physical abuse, parents in prison, parents with addictions, their own addictions and anything else that weighs heavy on their hearts. We would like to pray for the kids in the area that are feeling lost and alone, that they would come into contact with peers or adults that they can trust and would be a positive influence in their lives. Most of all we pray for your will to be done. God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to show us how to live and die on the cross for our sins, and thank you for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide us and comfort us. In Your name, God, we pray . . . Amen.

Prayer of Hope for Teachers by Sandy Smith

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 3, 2006

This is the time in our service where we pray for hope for those who need it here at home or around the world. I’m Sandy Smith and today on this week-end before the beginning of a new school year, I’d like to pray for hope for teachers.

This profession is becoming increasingly difficult especially in public schools to the point that there is actually a shortage of qualified people for the openings that are available.

Teachers must achieve a high level of education and then deal with long hours of extra work preparing lessons and grading assignments for pay that is often not commensurate with their educational status. Many teachers also coach or over-see extra-curricular programs on their own time and spend money from their own pockets to supplement classroom needs.

And for their efforts they are woefully under-appreciated. Many kids are disrespectful and even vulgar and belligerent. Parents often not only do not support the teachers but actually encourage the disrespectful attitudes of their students.
According to Vicki Caruana, an education writer consultant and speaker:
“Teachers many times wonder if they maintain the balance expected of them. Teaching to the state test dissatisfies some parents. Not teaching to the state test dissatisfies the principal, district and state. Enforcing discipline in the classroom brings parental complaints. Not enforcing discipline results in lower student achievement. Teachers are discouraged due to a variety of factors, but student behavior, the attitudes of others and little, if any, support rank at the top of the list.”
Most teachers recognize that they have a very important responsibility in the education of our youth but Ms Caruana further notes that:
“Often teachers go through their days never quite sure if they did what needed to be done. Did they reach all their students with their lessons? Did they respond to certain parents the way they should have? Does their principal value their efforts? Do their colleagues respect them?”
This profession more than many others requires dedicated, self-sacrificing people who feel called by God to serve in this way. And yet, it is often a hostile environment for Christians who aspire to these qualities. Every word and action is scrutinized by students, parents and other teachers. Any mention of God can bring on a back-lash of criticism and complaints. They stand daily before a generation that desperately needs to hear the words of comfort and truth that they possess but they are in most cases prohibited from speaking them.
I am very proud of the fact that we have several teachers who attend church here. I’d like to take this opportunity to pray for them as well as those who are in the process of becoming teachers. Would all teachers, including home school teachers, retired teachers, school administrators and people in the process of becoming teachers please stand where you are? And would those of you who are seated near them please place a hand on him or her as I lead in prayer. If you are not seated close to one of these educators, please feel free to extend your hand in their direction as we pray.
Lord, thank you for these people who are dedicating their lives to this important endeavor. Please help them to grow and mature in their relationship with you and in their teaching abilities. Help them to be good witnesses of You in their relationships with their students, colleagues and principals. Help them to turn to you to alleviate the stress that comes with their job. Give teachable spirits to the students they will have this year. And give them wisdom for dealing with difficult parents and co-workers in a way that honors and glorifies You so that their actions will speak volumes about Your grace and goodness.
In Jesus, name. Amen.

Out Of The Box by Cherie Trondson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday September 3, 2006

(Read by Cherie) “What you are about to witness is a battle, a wrestling for the control of the mind of a believer.”
(Voice of condemnation – VOC) “Ah yes, another day. It’s a wonder you found your way out of bed this morning. After a day like yesterday, haven’t you had enough? Why did you even get up? Nothing will ever change…same people, same crap, same issues.”
(Voice of Truth – VOT)
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; I wait in expectation.”
Psalm 5:2-3
“His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
Lamentations 3:23
(VOC) “Today will be different. Yesterday got started on the wrong foot. What can I do to make today be what I want it to be? I’ll make a list, organize, stay on track.”
(VOT) “For I know the plans I have for you.” Jeremiah 29:11
(VOC) “They’re right, you know. You are really capable of so much more. What kind of a “calling” is this anyway? You wasted a college degree to do this?”
(VOT) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
(VOC) “No matter what I do, I can’t make this work the way I want it to. And I can’t help but wonder if I have created this mess myself. After all, it’s obvious I don’t have a clue what I’m doing. And everyone else knows that, they see that, they sense that. This certainly doesn’t fit into my plans for today…I’m losing control quickly…if you would just cooperate…I’m so bad at this. This wasn’t the way that I planned it to go today, the way my life was supposed to be.
(VOT) “But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure; then peace loving, submissive…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 3:17, 4:10
(VOC-with much sarcasm!) “Yeah, brilliant idea! What good is calling anyone going to do? They’ll probably laugh or shake their heads. Or they’ll empathize on the outside but be so fed up on the inside. After all, how many times are you going to get to this place? You’ve dumped enough. They probably won’t even answer once they see your number flash on their caller ID. No, no, no, this is not the answer. These people are dealing with problems you couldn’t even begin to handle, so you need to learn how to deal with yours and let them deal with theirs.”
(VOT) “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
(VOC) “Now you’re on the right track. Distraction is good…don’t even think about it. Just do it! You need relief from this maddening life you’ve got goin’. Numb the pain, feed the pain. Finally, a refuge…a place to hide…it’s quiet and inviting and dark and away and…You deserve this after all you’ve been through today.”
(VOT) “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50
(VOC) “This is too much!” “I can’t take this!” “You deserve more!” “Try harder!” “Too afraid to die, too afraid to live!”
“Wait…are you listening to me?! Do you hear me?!”
(VOT) “Oh people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help ! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, you teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30: 19-21
Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you (fade to woman reading Bible – color)
that you may serve Me.” Jeremiah 15:19
“He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those with young.” Isaiah 40:11
“If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” I Peter 4:11b
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:2-3
(VOC) “Ah yes, another day!...”

“We will choose the way of truth; we will set our hearts on your laws.
We will hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let us be put to shame.
We will run in the path of your commands, for you have set our hearts free.” Psalm 119: 30-32

Zoe's family says thank you

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday August 20, 2006

Watch: Link

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Amie Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday August 20, 2006

Please join me in a corporate prayer of thanks for some of the things God has given
us.
Canceling our sin, you’ve invited us in to your holy presence
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
You make us anew through both your death and life
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
You fill us with joy and hope in believing
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Our daily needs of physical sustenance you faithfully provide
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Healing our inner and outer wounds
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
In your great care, our anxieties you carry
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Your surpassing greatness provides us strength
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Granting us perseverance and encouragement
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Faithful to fulfill all the words that you speak
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Surrounding us with enormous beauty in nature
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Sharing more of yourself through our fellow believers
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
We are one part of the many who abide in you, Christ
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
We share our burdens within this body
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Patiently working in our heart of hearts
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude
Hallowed is your name and presence in which we now stand
For this, we stand in awe and gratitude

"Telling the Story" by Autumn Norse

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday August 6, 2006

I grew up with God in my house. He was a fixture for sure I guess you could say but not the foundation. My dad wasn't a believer and my mom was. My brother and I went to Sunday school, church and vacation bible school. I was an angel in the Christmas play. My mom was the Pastor's secretary. Then, my dad left. I remember my mom praying to God every night. But he had a new girlfriend and dropped us like a hot potato. I remember thinking to myself that God must not be that big if he didn't come back. I mean my dad wasn't a believer and he was happy. Here was my mom over here with God and she was miserable. Satan was pleased in my decision to separate myself from God. The funny thing is, I had years and years filled with bad choices. My mind was literally Satan's playground, But somewhere in my heart I never felt right depending on empty relationships to fill my void.

Fast forward 10 years. My friend invited me to Harambee in Tukwila. That was good right? I mean I was going to church. That was what I tried to tell myself even though deep down I hadn't accepted the truth. It sounded better sugar coated. "I'm a decent person" I thought and in my mind I would compare myself with others and selfishly decided I was better. Satan used this golden opportunity to whisper to my conflicted mind. "You don't belong here, so in so is looking at you funny." I convinced myself I didn't fit in. But it wasn't Harambee, it was me. Satan again celebrated my decision to stop going to church, limiting my intake of positive conversations and immersing myself into the depressing reality of the world. Sudan, Iraq, bird flu, terrorism, the list goes on and on. I saw everything in a negative light. I finally decided that religion was bad. I put my Bible inthe attic. It did affect me physically and my dr. diagnosed me with depression and anxiety. But I once again thought I had it all figured out. I wasn't happy because of my situation, if my husband made more, if we had less debt, if I had a different job, etc. things would be better. Ha! Those things changed and I was still miserable. Then my husband left. Satan of course reminded me of my dad years earlier and I came to all kinds of conclusions except the truth. I was jacked up. I was a cynical, hypocritical, negative self-hating indecivice person. I simply can't list them all. I spent a few days crying, not eating or sleeping. Something told me to call Harambee because it finally hit me. I couldn't go on like this. Bryan answered and discussed religion and God with me through my tears. Religion is about rules I couldn't keep. With God, it's okay that I can't. He knows I'm jacked up. But he made me. Jesus came for that very purpose. I finally realized I was accepted as broken as I am. Then I really cried. But these were tears of relief. I got my Bible out of the attic. To Autumn from Mommy Christmas 1982. Wow. 24 years. As I was sitting looking at a picture of my brother and myself as toddlers I know the Spirit came to me. I am loved now just as I was then. Smile again. You don't have to do this all on your own.

A few days later I ran into a friend of mine from LA that I had no idea was doing a TDY in Seattle. Matter of fact, he just found out the day before so he hadn't either. He had with him a laminated sheet of affirmations from the Bible and a bookmark with the serenity prayer. He told me he had just prayed for me a few days earlier and something told him to bring this stuff with him. I cried. God never let go of me. I just turned away. Yet in the midst of my denial and pain, he still held me. He wants me to succeed for his glory and I can do it with his Son.

I would like to add that my dad has started going to church.

Not About Me by Charin Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 30, 2006

A Conversation with God

Do you really think you should have said that?

Ya, I know I probably shouldn’t have… but come on, you know it’s true.

Where was your heart at when you said that?

Uh… I don’t know…

Did you ever stop to forgive that person? To trust me? I am stronger I could have

what’s the big deal?
Everybody sins right?
Who gives a rip about a lie here and a bad-mouth there…
EVERYBODY does it.
I mean, come on now, I would have to be a complete freak
NOT to let it slip once or twice.
Besides, you don’t want to be bogged down with all that little stuff any way right?
Admit it, you know you’re good for the mental break-downs, but that stuff?
Seriously, shouldn’t you draw a line somewhere?

Did you ever think that I lived the

(groan) you know what, it’s just too much work alright? Let’s just let bygones be bygones and come to some sort of agreement about this. I have too much to do right now, I know you have a lot on your hands, so just let me tip-toe around you, do as little as possible to scuff by into your grace, and well, sorry to sound kind of harsh, but just please, mind your own business. Okay? Okay.

Excuse me?

Look, I’ve gotta go to work, I can’t think about it now. Tomorrow… tomorrow we can work it out.

That was the perfect time, what stopped you?

I just didn’t want to get into it, alright? You know, there would be this whole awkward conversation where we battle our opinions about life… and there will be other times right? Other opportunities? I’m sure they wouldn’t have listened anyway.

Do you realize what you are saying?
I spoke the universe, the rolling hills, the ivory mountains, the depths of the sea, the beasts that roam land, air, and water into being.
I love mankind and died for you so that you may enjoy an eternal life of peace in me,
and you are telling me that you don’t even want speak of this miracle?

Uh… look, I’ve told you this before,
I’m too busy.
I’m too tired.
I don’t LIKE preaching at people, okay? So just find a 21st century Paul or Peter out there, someone who has the gift for it. You’ve got connections, why the hell are you asking me? Find someone else who is better at it. You know, someone who’ll explain it more eloquently, fight it more vehemently, and enjoy doing it. Just trust me, you don’t want me to speak for you, I suck at it.
I’ve got my stuff to do, see I am doing good things, you can’t deny that, can you? I am helping out as much as I possibly can! What more do you want from me?

You don’t get it do you?

It’s not about you.

Please join me in repenting from our selfish heart

God please forgive me, I forget to look at the big picture, the picture that is outside of me.
I stand by day in and out making excuses for my behavior instead of stopping and putting your glory first.

Like the man who received one talent from his master and dug it deep in the ground for safekeeping,

I too have hidden the treasure that you have given me

So that I may live a life of fellowship with you, you bore the horrific pain of every hate, every rape, every murder, every lie, every unwholesome act ever committed by mankind.

And I live my life as though I have no time to acknowledge your beauty and glory to
those that I care for.

God please forgive me.
Have mercy on me.
I know exactly what I do.

A Living Prayer by Maria Lowry Music written by Ron Block

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 23, 2006

In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home
But there’s one who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there

In Your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee

(Take my life and let me be
a living prayer my God to Thee)

In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives

At least my teeth are clean By K. Carter

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 23, 2006

My first order of the day is to vomit.
My heart is dead and I think my body wants to eject it.
Can I come home today Lord? I don't want to be here anymore.
This is my daily routine for what seems to be an eternity.
I brush my teeth and head out the door.
Another day under the loom and gloom of divorce.

My first order of the day is disbelief.
Am I alive or am I dead? Is this jail or is this hell?
Can I come home today Lord? I don't want to be here anymore.
This is my daily routine for what seems to be an eternity.
I brush my teeth and stare at the profane walls of my concrete cell.
Another day in solitary confinement.

My first order of the day is to stop fasting.
I don't trust anyone or anything, not even my own eyes.
Can I come home today Lord? I don't want to be here anymore.
This is my daily routine for what seems to be an eternity.
I eat some protein and brush my teeth.
Another day combating the delirium of hypoglycemia.

My first order of the day is to be courageous.
All the evidence is in my favor, but still no one believes me.
Can I come home today Lord? I don't want to be here anymore.
This is my daily routine for what seems to be an eternity.
I brush my teeth and head into court.
Another day battling false accusations and unfortunate misunderstandings.

My first order of the day is to be faithful.
Unable to read my Bible I have to listen to my heart.
Can I come home today Lord? I don't want to be here anymore.
This is my daily routine for what seems to be an eternity.
I brush my teeth and join a body of nomads.
Another day feeling excommunicated and desperately seeking understanding.

You comforted me in gloom.
You visited me in solitude.
You nourished me in hunger.
You vindicated me in court.
You communed with me in isolation.

Now You have allowed me to soar above Your mosaic and see the tiles of my trials...

I can smile knowing You have always been there.
I can rejoice knowing You will always be there.
I can laugh knowing You have given me experience.
I can dream knowing You have given me hope.
I can march knowing You have given me faith.
I can run knowing You have given me perseverance.
I can change knowing You have given me wisdom.
I can teach knowing You discipline me.
I can forgive knowing You have pardoned me.
I can fight knowing You armed me.
I can risk knowing You will be my shield.
I can be vulnerable knowing You will heal.
I can share knowing You will provide more.
I can fail knowing You forge providence.
I can carry knowing You strengthen me.
I have embraced knowing You hold me.
I will go knowing You are my shelter.
I will lead knowing You are my compass.

:congregation:

We will sing knowing You have given us joy.
We will dance knowing You live in us.
We will love knowing You have always loved us.
We do believe knowing You showed Thomas...
... Perfection has scars.

Letting Go of a Dream . . .by Kayla Youngren

Letting Go of a Dream . . .

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 16, 2006


I had a dream that I was perfect. A perfect daughter, sister, student, friend, Christian, wife mother and pastor’s wife.

In my dream I had an answer for everything. I knew all the words to say. People everywhere were amazed and blessed by my very existence.

It seemed like such a very nice dream.

Then I woke up.

I felt the imperfections of reality rising up all around me. I saw the real me. I was rebellious, mean, undisciplined, backstabbing, prideful, lazy, resentful, and unsatisfied.

This was not how it was supposed to be. This was not the world I wanted to live in.

In the world I wanted I felt no fear or anxiety
I had peace and confidence
I was humble and kind
I gave to all from the great wealth of love I had

My struggle with depression has been one of learning to let go of my dreams.

I have believed myself capable of all things on my own power and in my own strength but the truth of who I am has taken away my hope in myself. I have been up and down this roller coaster of dreams and reality as my mind switched from mania to depression. The cycle of belief in myself and knowledge of myself has often left me hopeless and broken.

But God has called me into a new world. He has drawn me by his grace to a world where reality and belief are not at odds with one another.

It is a world where HE is perfect and I am not.

A world where HE has an answer for everything and the right words to say. People everywhere are amazed and blessed by HIS existence.

A world where He has freed me from fear and anxiety
Given me peace and confidence
Where I am humble and kind because His blood covers me
He gives freely to all because he is love

In this world I must lay down my dream and instead hold onto the belief that though I am lacking in everyway He is sufficient.

This is a better world than I could ever have dreamed.

Depression Rant by Jenn Wright

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 16, 2006


There is a knotted rope hanging from one wall and a pair of handcuffs on a stand at center stage. I walk onto the stage with my feeding backpack on, take note of the rope, take note of the handcuffs, then grab the handcuffs and voluntarily cuff myself, apparently pleased with the fashion. Soon finished with the novelty, I try to remove the cuffs, but they are locked tight.
What the…?
I continue to try to wrestle free from the cuffs, to no avail. I speak to no one in particular.
What is this? Look, I have places to go, things to do.
A few more tugs.
Come ON! Let go!
I try various maneuvers and twists and yanks, obviously with no success.
What is this? Come on, let go! This isn’t fun anymore. I’ve had enough! ENOUGH already!
Getting more frustrated, I try to ignore them and straighten my clothes, fix my hair, but the cuffs are clearly an impediment.
I return to my helpless pulling and tugging. I turn to address the rope on the opposite wall.
What is this? Why don’t You do something? Can’t You see I don’t want to be cuffed anymore? I can’t do anything like this. Why don’t You DO something?
I gesture to the backpack.
And this—what about this? I didn’t ASK for this. OK, maybe I picked up these cuffs myself, but THIS? What’s up with that? I don’t deserve this! Do You have any idea what it’s like to watch the whole damn world eating its way through life, while I have to be trailed by a stupid backpack or an IV pole 24 hours a day? You think I can’t smell the barbecues? You think I don’t feel isolated? Don’t You understand how alone I am in this? WHY DON’T YOU DO SOMETHING? THIS ISN’T MY FAULT!
I wait for an answer, but not for long. I walk closer to the rope, addressing my comments generally upward.
What—I’m supposed to just blindly grab Your lead and go who knows where? What’re You going to do—give me ANOTHER backpack to lug around? Maybe another IV pole? How about another surgery? After all, I only have two extra holes in my gut—why not add a few more? Or maybe some more complications?
No—sorry. Not gonna buy into that again. I may be cuffed, but at least I can go where I want. I’m not wandering into some unknown abyss, telling everyone You’re giving me the strength to keep following Your lead, when I’m not even sure You remember that I’m dangling at the end of YOUR rope—not mine!
More wrestling against the cuffs.
Don’t You think I’ve suffered enough? Isn’t it enough that my own body has turned against me—now the cuffs, too? I know You CAN do something—why don’t You?
I’m TIRED! It HURTS! I can’t MOVE! What—do You want me stuck here? FINE! I’ll be stagnant—what do I care! It’s not like I haven’t tried!
Why don’t You help me?!?
I—WANT—OUT!
Growing more and more exasperated, I frantically tug, yank, twist—anything to budge the cuffs. To help the effort, I attempt cast off my backpack, though it just gets hung up on the cuffs.
LET GO! LEAVE ME ALONE!
To the rope:
HELP ME! I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE!
Spent, I stop, completed defeated. I pick up the backpack and sling it over one shoulder. I sink against the wall where the leash hangs. After a moment, I reach up with my cuffed hands and weakly grab the rope.
WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?!?!
More quietly:
Where on earth are we going?

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Cliff Jackson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 9, 2006

Audio: Download MP3

“I’ve decided to sell the house” is how the e-mail began. Joe, the landlord for the boy’s home my wife and I operate, said he wanted to cash in on Seattle’s housing market. I was surprised to say the least. After a three year relationship, he had chosen to break up by e-mail. Joe gave us 30 days to move the boys out or buy the house. I told Joe that we were not in a position to buy the house. I asked for a year to develop a down payment, I asked for a lease to own, his response was always the same…buy it or get out.

My first reaction was to curse the very air that he breathed, with all Christian love and piety. Once passed, I prayed. I prayed like the Israelites with Pharaoh in hot pursuit. I prayed like David the morning after Bathsheba, I prayed….and God moved.

I was able to buy the house for the boys, they were able to stay in what had become their home, continue in their familiar schools and enjoy their neighborhood.
I stand here to give thanks to God, to give praise to God.

Pray with me:

Thank you Lord for the shelter you provide, the roof over my head, the shadow of your wings. Thank you for providing food for my belly, water for my thirst and humor for my soul.
Thank you for the family that surrounds me.
Thank you for guiding me and the daily miracles you give that sustain me.
In praise of you!


amen

Prayer of Repentance by Cherrie Tronsdon

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday July 2, 2006

Audio: Download MP3

Prayer of Hope for WACAP by Sherry Jackson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday June 25, 2006

World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP), founded in 1976, is one of the most respected and experienced international nonprofit adoption agencies in the United States. We’ve placed nearly 9,000 children with loving adoptive parents. We've also provided food, medical care and education to over 200,000 children in 10 countries. More info can be found on their website: wacap.org

Listen
Download PowerPoint Presentation (6 MB)

Season of Waiting by Jen Faultner

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday June 25, 2006

Audio: Download MP3

Season of Waiting

Our story starts a lifetime ago. Home was Spokane with our son Noah. I had just recently started counseling at a pregnancy center though Paul and I began talking about looking for a new job, most likely in a new city. It wasn’t very long before God whispered we were going to Seattle; the place I swore I’d never live….and so I waited. For three months I spent my day a week at the pregnancy center being bathed in the truth that life is precious even when your circumstances are not. My supervisor and I saw so clearly God had intended for me to work there; confusing when you consider I already knew we were moving. In September Paul accepted a job in Bellevue giving us a month to move and sever our life. God was good and told me I would know why we were moving to Seattle when I got there; I just needed to obey and go.

We got here in October when the monsoons hit and I couldn’t imagine what I was doing here….and I waited. I got pregnant and we started looking for a house. On February 16th, I had my ultrasound and they found our daughter’s heart was broken; it was an agonizing 11 days before we were given her initial diagnosis. Her diagnosis coated me and the uncertainties overwhelmed. Was there a genetic abnormality; was her brain damaged; would she get worse; would she even live through the first surgery? The answer to all these questions was, “you have to wait”.

As the weeks went on we learned how to wait in peace; for amniocentesis results, for the next fetal echo, for the surgeon’s recommendations and finally for our meeting with the transplant specialists. Every visit was a new source of information, and almost never good. After Zoe’s diagnosis she became a tragedy, then a to-do list and soon she’ll be a cause; her babyhood lost before it could ever really begin. I have felt stolen from and mocked, cursed but not abandoned; feeling God drawing me to Him even when I’ve lost the capacity to praise. My grief is so potent I can’t face it all at once and so I shrink away into my lonely corner of “busyness”, put up my “do not disturb sign” and feel the lovely numbness wash over me, like another woman’s vodka tonic, pulling me away from God and Man. I’m grateful He won’t let me go too far, for too long, because He’s in my grief waiting for me, beckoning to me; mixed with its toxic waves like in the fire with Shadrach.

I have found when I face my grief there is much to be grateful for. Always there was the realization we suddenly found ourselves living near the region’s foremost heart clinic with medical benefits we never could have dreamed of in Spokane, in a church that immediately felt like home, with friends who couldn’t have been more devoted if we’d been with them for years. This woven tapestry was so organized and cohesive no one could deny it was specifically orchestrated for us. And yet I couldn’t help but ask, “wouldn’t it have been better to just fix her heart?” Faith is easier for us all when the outcomes make sense because they fit our cookie-cutter view of how God works; a child finally being conceived, a well-timed job offer, a depression lifting; and we all say together, “of course, we all knew it would work out”. But what if you don’t understand what the Purpose of the outcome could be? You’re asked to have a different kind of faith; a faith that the outcome is as it should be or as it has to be. An outcome where there is no logical understanding; one you can’t wrap your mind around. And it ends up being a faith that one day, not now, not even soon, you’ll understand that symbiotic relationship between God’s desires, man’s freedoms and the resulting reality. It’s stripped down; bare, not always pretty; where I give up needing this to make sense. Mike is right, faith is the complete reversal of your mind; logic cannot explain Zoe to my heart. I have to give up the idea God exists to fix this for me; that if I just believe the “right way” He’ll be forced to help me; but He’s not my voodoo jukebox and ultimately Job never knew “why”.

I’m grateful she’s with me and I hold her 24 hours a day; I can often identify her body parts protruding from my belly. The skin between us is paper thin. And whether we’re in California or Seattle; in surgery or in wait for a heart; at home or scattering ashes we will know He has fulfilled His promises to us and although not saved from the tragedies of a broken world, He has stood between us as a buffer. That in a time of crisis, he was waiting too; for us to join Him in our grief, to find faith that stretched us and to praise in agony. And so we ask you, Harambee, to remember us as we allow our faith to be cut open, exposed and replaced much like our daughter’s heart.

Telling the Story by Clif Jackson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday June 18th, 2006

My doctor called and gave me the news. If it had been music, it would have been a Springsteen tune, Darkness on the Edge of Town. But it wasn’t Springsteen, or Miles, it was just news and he gave it to me straight, no chaser. My doctor told me that I was infertile. I would like to say that I didn’t expect it, but I did. It had been the same thing when my wife and I had adopted my son Zachary. However somewhere in time I had hoped that things had changed, but they didn’t.

I wanted to be angry with God, but I had tried that and found it to be futile. So we took a different tact, something more practical. We tried prayer, acupuncture, bribes and promises, but the verdict remained the same.

I was infertile.

A Father's Prayer by Michael Smith

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday June 18, 2006

Now that I am a grandfather, I can look back at God’s work in our family with the clearheaded knowledge of experience and long term incapability. We think we are raising our kids. Nope, we are being taught new lessons by our loving Heavenly Father. As Dads we’re learning how much God loves and cares for us.

As a new Dad I can remember my heart flip flopping immediately when I saw my first daughter born. There was a physical change inside of me that moved me from a completely
self-centered 21 year old kid, to a self-centered 21 year old kid with a burden of responsibility, and an overwhelming affection for my fledgling family. I remember that the change was profound and certain. There was a line drawn in the sand and I walked over it never to look back at the person I was.

I remember thinking “This is how God must feel about us” My heart was so full of warmth for my wife and new child that I could hardly contain it. It almost hurt, but in a good way. Imagine my surprise when our second daughter was born and the space for love in my soul doubled in size.

I also began to realize that The Lord was there for us. I understood that if I loved my little family this much, what infinite care must He have for us?
This new affection gave me a deep sense of responsibility to provide for my family. (No more goofing off, time to be a professional parent)!
I did my best to provide for my family as my love for them motivated me.

In time I took comfort in scripture like this:

Hebrews 13:5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."
And Duet. 31:8 "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Please say these prayers along with me.

Lord help us to raise our kids in your wisdom.

Protect us from allowing the good things of the world to take the place of the greater things of God.

Convict us to be honest, open and humble in dealing with our children.

Soften our hearts to be sacrificial in our examples to our children.

Teach us to discipline in love.

Show us our own inconsistencies so we don’t exasperate our children.

Lead us to fellowship with other men of the faith who can encourage us to be courageous dads.

Train us to be people of Your Word.

Give us compassion to fulfill our mission in this life.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Telling the Story by Eline Nelson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday June 11, 2006

Audio: Down Load MP3

“Strengthen your feeble hands and weak knees so that the lame may not be disabled but rather healed”

I have a sickness in my feet. They’re called bunions. I have faulty joints in my feet that are going astray and need to be broken and pinned down. It is like a wild horse that needs to be tamed. Like sin. My calf muscles are too short, contributing to the straying joints. The doctor tells me that this problem is genetic. Basically, it’s my mother’s fault. On March 8th of this year, the doctor cut open my left foot, broke my bone, patched it up with three screws and lengthened my calf muscle.

I have a hard time sitting still. I have been this way my whole life. When the doctor said I had to be on crutches for two months, without the ability to run for three months and a full recovery taking a year, I knew I was in for some pain. A verse that God often brings to my mind is ‘Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth’. I have known these words since I was a child and am often comforted by them when I’ve come to my wit’s end. In the case of my injured foot, the Holy Spirit had good timing. He reminded me that I had not been still enough to know my God and had strayed in my own way to exalt myself.

During my time of inactivity, I prayed that God would draw me closer to Himself. Although I knew that I would have a hard time being inactive, I realized that it would be even more difficult having to ask for help. One thing my father always told me was to never trust anyone or be dependent on anyone. I never knew how much I actually believed this until God put me into community and I was forced to see the shallowness of my relationships with others.

After my surgery, it was essential to my well-being and survival that all the strong parts of my body were protective of the weak part. My arms helped me walk on crutches. My left thigh kept my foot off the ground. My right leg bore all my weight. When one of these parts failed to do their part, my body suffered. Two weeks after surgery, I was attempting to go down some stairs in our house, and right on the top step of twelve, my balance failed and I fell down all the stairs with my head stopping my fall by hitting a concrete wall at the bottom of the stairs. Yes, it hurt a lot.

Corporately, the ‘body’ around me was also helping to protect the vulnerable or weak. In this case, I was the weak one. Chicken soup, Jambalaya, Chocolate chip cookies were welcome gifts and sustenance. My husband cleaned, cooked and did laundry. It was wonderful!

The body is an amazing thing. It keeps us alive, has the capacity to heal, and each part is so necessary. When all the parts work together, it can accomplish great things.

Working to help the ‘weak’ is not easy. It requires patience, strength and energy from the strong parts of the body. God is wise in calling us to strengthen our weak arms and feeble knees so that the lame may not be disabled but rather healed. I am grateful for God’s wonderful plan and story that allows for the lame to be healed, the weak to become strong and the last to become first. Where would we all be if only the fittest survived and the weaker species died away? The King of Heaven sitting at the right hand of God with the names of his weak and lame people etched on His heart and his enemies trampled under His feet is definitely the better story.

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Amie Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday June 4, 2006

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Lead: We give you thanks for the promised one who has come.

Congregation's Response: We receive your Son, by faith, knowing that the men of old embraced him from afar.

Lead: We give you thanks for the purpose that you’ve given to each and every life.

Congregation's Response: We receive your will above our own, as we’ve witnessed Your glory in the lives of those who have lived by faith.

Lead: We give you thanks for the grace you’ve shown as we often fail to trust in you.

Congregation's Response: We receive the hope that comes through faith in you alone.

Lead: We give you thanks for trials of various kinds.

Congregation's Response: We receive these, knowing they produce endurance, as they did in our fathers of faith.

Lead: We give you thanks for a life that does not end here.

Congregation's Response: We receive your kingdom, the inheritance of faith that Abraham walked in.

Prayer of Hope By Justin Trondson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday May 28, 2006

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Thanks for Justice By Kelly Haner

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday May 28, 2006

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A Prayer for Mothers: By Alecia Kleiner

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday May 14, 2006

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Infinite Divine

Studio Mix
Words and Music by Micah Kelley
Arrangement by Matt Topping
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Always

Live service recording
Performed by The Outpatients on April 30, 2006
Words and music by Sandy Smith
Arrangement by The Outpatients
Vocals by Sandy and Mike Smith featuring Doug Cassel on guitar
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Confessions of a Coffin Maker by Matt Vermeulen

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday May 7, 2006

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Here are my hands.
They build fantastic coffins.
This one's shaped like a jalapeno pepper.
That one like a bull. Another as St. Basil’s--
bulbous, sinuous.

That Guy by Jalene Johnson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday April 30, 2006

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Hi, my name is Jalene Johnson and I wanted to share a moment in my life where God spoke to me. For those who don’t know I have just completed massage school. One of the reasons I chose Brenneke for my education is because as part of the curriculum, community service is provided to different settings from a nursing home to an addiction recovery unit to the oncology floor in a hospital. My first field experience was at an AIDS hospice. At the end of the term we were asked to answer two questions.

Dear Father

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday April 23, 2006

Hi, my name is Clay and this is the time in our service that we give thanks to God for what he’s done. This topic will be a bit of a transition and isn’t easy to approach appropriately, but I definitely feel it isn’t irrelevant.

A while back I went through an episode of demonic nightmares. In one dream, everything was the same as normal life until the sun went down and dark beasts would maraud the night seeking me. As long as I stayed where there was light, I was O. K. I could feel their hatred as they watched me, until inevitably the light would fail and they overcame me, scattering my remains in a wild rage. Even in the morning I felt a heaviness that crept into my mind whispering that their power wasn’t just in my dreams, but one day they would find me in waking life. I could hear their mocking laughter in my search to resist them.

But these oppressing threats weren’t new to me, only another part of their life long work on me. Early in my childhood and throughout my teens, my family had an awareness of the spiritual realm and loved discussing ideas, but our talk didn’t always lead to the Word and when it did, there were always doubts to whether I could really trust what the Bible said.

Talks with my brother brought demonic issues to the table, and even though it was to try to understand Christ, they often would still leave us with a sick feeling of hopelessness. Jesus held little interest to me and His poor and weak seeming death on the cross did little to encourage me when I found myself depressed or living in fear by the power of darkness that seemed to rule over me.

The roots of Satan’s work crept further into my life manifesting themselves in depression and confusion. For 4 yrs of high school the effects of apathy and anger defined my character until hope for a better life seemed to evaporate.

In an effort to start a new, I packed my bags and headed to Montana for Bible College. The struggles of confusion and anger seemed stronger than ever and soon poisoned all my ability to cope especially around other people.

Nothing seemed a strong enough escape to get me away from my own thoughts. I remember the times in my dorm alone at night that seemed to be the worst. During one such time in a spout of heaviness and confussion, I forced myself to do the most disgusting thing I could think of at that moment, I opened the Bible and began to read.

Slowly as I read, my pain seemed less and I actually felt strangely compelled toward the words and character of Jesus Christ. I couldn’t believe it, had I found an escape in the least likely place? Again and again in those years I felt compelled especially to escape my depression by losing myself in the accounts of Jesus and his followers. More and more, my eyes became open to what a beautiful and powerful being Jesus is and no longer did he seemed weak or undesirable.

Now do I claim to think Satan is to be taken lightly or that he is weak or that his power should be ignored? No, say rather we need to know the greatness of Jesus Christ. And I thank God for the unbearable oppression of Satan that I might come to know Christ more.


Now I’m just going to finish with a prayer.

Dear Father, is there anything comparable to your Son? In this world, it may seem foolish and weak to hope in a king that was arrested, beat naked and humiliated dying on a tree. But the world doesn’t know your wisdom or your power, for they have yet to know Jesus Christ who is the supreme measure of both. For in what seemed the pitiful moment of defeat, he turned death back and delivered a multitude of captives to life and freedom in Himself, purchasing unsearchable riches of joy for all the people groups of the world. As it says, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them…” (Col.2.15).

O’ what can compare to the life giving knowledge of Jesus Christ in your Word. Lord, to know that the unstoppable darkness that ruled my life was made a spectacle by Jesus Christ as he put Satan to open shame.

Open wide my heart to know this incomparable Son of yours more. May my life count to bring this news to the world and put Satan to shame by magnifying the greatness of Jesus Christ.

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Cherie Trondson

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday April 23, 2006

In Hebrews 10:24-25, it speaks of considering how we can encourage one another toward love and good deeds. One of the ways I am encouraged is by knowing that something that I have shared through word or deed has helped someone else. This Prayer of Thanksgiving is an opportunity for me to thank God for those who have done the same for me.

Please join me in a personal yet corporate prayer of thanks.

My Confession by Charin Youngren

Presented as part of our corporate worship on Sunday April 16, 2006

My Confession

This is my confession to you:
I mess up and shift the blame. Owning up to my mistakes, taking shame, disappointment, or disgrace that comes with being the one at fault is the last thing that I do. Instead I make excuses, lie, become defensive and worst of all, blame others for my wrongdoing. Ifs, Ands, Buts fly out of my mouth, but I’m sorry, You’re right, and Please forgive me, are the phrases left hiding in the closet.

Prayer of Hope by Kayla Youngren

Presented during our corporate worship on Sunday April 9, 2006

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Equality

This word has been on my mind a lot lately. I think we often forget who we have equality with. A recent story that brought this to mind is the preacher who has been protesting funerals of people who have died in Iraq saying all this is because America has been too nice to homosexuals and God is punishing us. When a man thinks he is right in judging sinners he must feel some sort of equality with God.

Prayer of Repentance by Alecia Kleiner

Presented during our corporate worship on Sunday April 2, 2006

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I spent years fashioning my own religion. Trying to placate the horrendous guilt I felt. I kept lists of things to do to make myself seem Holy. I kept lists I didn’t do begrudgingly to make myself appear righteous.

Fix My Eyes

Studio Mix February 2006
Words & Arrangement by Matt Topping
Vocals by Maria Lowry
Recorded by JJ Nelson
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Savior Sunrise

Basement Recording 2004
Words by Aaron Youngren
Music by Various Harambee Musicians
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Cloudbreak

Basement Recording 2004
Words by Aaron Youngren
Music by Various Harambee Musicians
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Rain on the Sun

Basement Recording 2004
Words by Aaron Youngren
Music by Various Harambee Musicians
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Cord Not Cut

Basement Recording 2004
Scripture Reading by Bryan Zug
Music by Various Harambee Musicians
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Prayer of Hope: India Trip 2006

This past March, Harambee sent a team of 11 people to India to work with Vision Nationals. During our corporate worship on Sunday March 26, several members of the trip shared their experience during the prayer of hope.

Prayer of Repentance By Justin Trondson

Presented on Sunday March 26, 2006

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Heavenly Father, You have spoken in your word, that cannot be changed, that you would purify your children as precious metals are refined in fire. You have assured us that you discipline us through hardships because of your wise love. You promised to us that if we would follow you with singleness of mind, and live obediently and in faith, that we would face persecution in this world. For we are your possession, and you care for us deeply, and you want us to put our trust in you alone.

Lord, forgive us, because we have shrunk back from hardship, we have rejected suffering, though our King, Jesus, suffered as an example for us to follow.

Forgive us-

…when we throw off the yoke you have fashioned for us. Forgive us who have fallen into laziness in our work, and those of us who have compromised your good name because of a cynical attitude.

Forgive us-

…who have feared to change in our marriages and caused You grief because we refuse to love sacrificially. Forgive us who have clung to our pride at the cost of walking in truth and gentleness.

Forgive us-

…who have taught our children by example that you are unavailable, unable to please, or uncaring of our weaknesses.

Heavenly Father, forgive us all for our fear and unbelief. Please renew our minds so that we can see clearly and learn the way of Your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Love Letter to Harambee By Chantel Turner

Presented during our corporate worship on Sunday February 12, 2006

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I love Harambee Church. But, not in a four walls, roof over my head kind of a way. How do I love Harambee? Well, let me count the ways... It's in more of a Meche shakin' what her maker gave her kind of a way. Yeah, it's in more of a preach that word, Pastor and while you're at it, teach me a little bit about illegal defense kind a a way. I guess it's in more of a , "no worries, I got your back" kind of a way. I know it's in more of a ubiquitous Kleiner family kind of a way. You know, her a Kleiner, there a Kleiner, everywhere a Kleiner, Kleiner...

YES, I love my Aaron rockin', Matt groovin', baby makin', obscure pop culture referencin', small group havin', sometimes ghetto fabulous, come as you are, agape lovin', reach out and touch the "world" church; because that's exactly what you are, Harambee, in every New Testament sense of the word, a CHURCH!

Telling the Story By Sandy Smith

Presented during our corporate worship on Sunday February 12, 2006

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Hello my name is Sandy Smith and I would like to tell you part of my story and how God’s story has intersected it.

When my husband, Mike and I started attending Harambee over 3 years ago, we were in the midst of a business failure. The company we started did well for awhile but then the bottom dropped out and we were left with insufficient income and mounting business debts. We were concerned that we might have to declare bankruptcy. We shared our situation with the leadership of the church and asked for prayer.

Soon after, Mike was offered a new job that provided very well for us and helped us to lower our indebtedness substantially.

During our time of prosperity, I recognized how easy it is to trust God with finances when they are coming in regularly in large amounts. We were very thankful for His provision but mindful that this might not be permanent and so prayed that we would also trust Him and be grateful to Him during any lean times that might come about in the future.

Several months ago, due to many circumstances at Mike’s company, he decided to quit his job and start a partnership with 2 other men in a new business venture. The company was founded in September. Things went very well at first but business dropped off sharply toward the end of October. Eventually, a mutual decision was made to close out the partnership and go separate ways. As a result we have not had any income since early November.

We had been trying to save money during the fat times and had a few thousand dollars in the bank. Somehow that money has lasted these past months – even with Christmas – and all our bills have been paid. Also, because of refinancing we did last year with Kris Zehm, we have the option of paying much lower mortgage payments than we were paying and our money has gone a lot further as a result. We are finally eating all the food that’s been stock-piled in our freezer, I even found some steaks.

The true miracle and where God’s story intersects ours is that we have had peace beyond understanding during this time. We have really enjoyed the “vacation” while Mike has been home looking for a new job. We had a wonderful Christmas break that was not clouded by worry about what would happen when the money ran out.

It is good to have our faith tested. When you don’t use your muscles they atrophy and I believe faith needs to be exercised as well. So we can be grateful for this opportunity to exercise ours. It’s entirely possible that we will run out of money soon and then the real exercise will begin but we have been strengthened by God to persevere. It’s even exciting at times to think about how he will take care of us when we have no where else to turn.

He’s the one who has taken care of us so far. He’s the one who had me buy more groceries than we could use and so have our freezer full. He’s the one who enabled us to have any money saved at all as we are not usually good savers. He’s the one who provided a way for us to be able to make smaller mortgage payments. He’s the one who has made what I thought was one month’s wages last for more than 3 months. And He’s the one who prompted us to pray that we would still have faith even if things became less stable financially. I can honestly say that we have just as much joy without an income as we did with a substantial one.

I know there are more tests to come and we may not pass them all with flying colors but to be passing through this one with peace is amazing to me.

Our situation is not as extreme as the one described in Philippians 4:12 – 13 but God is teaching us to say along with Paul, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Telling the Story By Beth Easter

Presented during our corporate worship on Sunday January 29

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Celebrate Recovery Question:

“How have your past expectations of others been unrealistic?”

As I really thought on it with honesty, God shed light on a thick framework of sinful veins running coursing through my mind of:

Entitlement issues,
Inappropriate expectations of others,
Things I felt I deserved,
Things that I am inclined to believe are my “needs and rights.”
That my (Friends and Family-) should
Meet my standards of courtesy, thoughtfulness, generosity, and punctuality
Reciprocate the investment I felt I’d put into the relationship

That I wanted my (Son-) to
Not to embarrass me with his public melt downs of frustration, lack of obedience, need for socialization and training(not hitting),
Or exhaust me with lack of sleep

That in my (Marriage-) I’d get embittered if I started to mull over how I deserved
To feel valued, fulfilled, appreciated, romanced and affirmed
To meet a standard of living I wanted
To do things my way
To do things when I want to
“My time. My Space.”

Feeling I should be served, not inclined to serve others

My Comfort and security

God should fix my problems instead learning to embrace the sanctifying process in which He uses them to change and shape me. These dangerous trains of thoughts poison my life and give way to vile bitterness, resentments, rampant selfishness and entitlement issues emerge as a result. Then I become a moody, uptight and angry woman, a person who’s critical, judgmental, easily offended ,dissatisfied... instead of one who is joyful, free, learning to embody the Fruits of the Spirit.

(Gal 5:16-17, 22-26) “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature... But the fruit of the Spirit is

Love,
Joy,
Peace,
Patience,
Kindness,
Goodness,
Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and
Self-control.

Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it’s passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

(Romans 8:5) “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Let the Word and Truth of Christ transform these cycles of the mind to clarity, truth, and perspective.

The 4 chapter book of Jonah: I identified and was convicted by how his emotions were controlled by what he was determined he wanted to do, his insistence made him unstable, isolated and estranged from God and others. He directly defied God’s instruction and fled the other way. When God’s hand moved and steered him back to where he was instructed to be his heart was still filled with wickedness and inability to participate and take joy in the amazing things God was doing. He was angered by God’s compassion on the people he despised and was sent to warn that their wickedness was offensive to God. I love when God asks him (4:4) “Have you any right to be angry?”

Prayer of Hope : Harambee Cafe

Danelle Dillon and Matt Vermeulen explain how their vision is to provide the diverse city of Renton with a place to gather and enjoy excellent coffee and redemptive community while delighting in beautiful art and provocative music.

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Responsive: Advent Welcome by Bryan Zug

A responsive reading of welcoming to the Advent season featured at Harambee as we lean into Christmas.

We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought

Live Service Mix from 03/14/2004
Words by Thomas Benson Pollack
Arrangement by Sola Dei Gloria
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