Pilate’s Reverie
They just wouldn’t let him stay where he belonged.
Dead, down in that cave,
Where he couldn’t stir up any more trouble.

It was all settled.
He couldn’t be tolerated; not now, not here.
‘Too much tension about the occupation.
‘Too many foreigners around Jerusalem.
‘Too many zealots wandering the streets.

(Even his people agreed with me.
I couldn’t have done it if they didn’t let me . . .)

Now some claim he is raised from the dead.
Wonderful. Just what I need.
I hoped for a rebellion so I could slaughter them like the Galileans,
and got a resurrection.
With what force can I stop that?

What will I do if he shows up here
(my worst nightmare)?
Crucify him again?
Negotiate a treaty?
Ask his forgiveness?
Worship him?

And what will they do?
This is not good - not good at all.
Tiberius will have my head.

Joseph’s Lament
I bore a son that he might thrive
Keeping our lineage alive with his passion.
They even say I was from David,
But I don’t know now.

I could have spent more time with him,
But I thought his passion was a youthful flame,
Reducing itself with time
To the wisdom of glowing embers
And he would be back with me
Joining and framing with mallet and pin.

Now he is gone,
Leaving me to wonder
If I might have done more.
But there was work to be done here.

They say he was the son of God,
And not really my son,
But I know what I know.
I only know he grew as a wise and passionate rabbi,
Too wise for Rome to tolerate.

And now we are left to continue,
Joining and framing with mallet and pin.

Mary’s Rage
I am angry with this God
Who inspired my son to call him father,
But would not save him from
The Emperor who calls himself God.

I do not know this God
Who took our son from us
Who they say planted him in me
But I know what I know.

What does it matter any more
Except to carry on his work
With the remains of his people
Who have not fled or denied him
Sealing their fate as well?

Will I lose more sons?
Am I the one God is after?
Rome will not waste a cross on me,
A tearful woman.

I will not grieve.
I will not give them pleasure.
I will continue with the women who knew him.
We will prevail.

Monthly gathering on first Tuesdays for dinner, table shuffleboard, and conversation, at the sports grill owned and operated by NCC members Mike and Sherry McCoy.  Among the treats featured on the menu are Mad Mike’s gourmet sausages.

The Certificate of Ministry Studies Ministers will lead worship.

The Rev. Dr. Bill Peterson will lead worship.  Sermon: “Rolling Stones”.
Music will be provided by Karen McBride and the Occasional Singers.

The Neighborhood Congregational Church’s annual Easter Sunrise Service will feature a casual service led by the Certificate of Ministry Studies Ministers.

Stories of the passover foods will be told by Nick Weisenfeld, after which a community meal will be served, featuring the foods of the 1st Century, e.g. figs, almonds, chicken, grapes, lamb, wine, hummus, and pita bread. Communion will be served and foot or hand washing will be offered to those who choose to participate. Note: “Maundy” is from Jesus’s command [mandatum] to ‘love one another’ as he washed his friends’ feet.

Palm Sunday at NCC will feature a Procession of Palms and a Humble Beast.  As part of the Church’s is focus on “forgiveness” during Lent, the “Forgiveness Tree of Life” will be available for the addition of green paper leaves inscribed with messages of forgiveness by those who wish to participate.  The Rev. Dr. Bill Peterson will preach on “Entering Jerusalem” and Cheryl Crandall will be featured soloist.

The JOY (Justice, Outreach and You) Ministry is asking all from NCC and their friends who are willing and able to participate in Concern America’s Eleventh Annual Walk Out of Poverty. You can participate either by walking, or, if unable to do that, by contributing financially to the walkers’ pledging. Registration begins at 6:45 AM, and the walk begins at 7:30 AM. This walk takes less than two hours! Over $65,200 was raised in 2007 to providing access to decent health care to thousands of impoverished people through the training of village health care teams in Bolivia, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Mozambique.
Pledge forms for this year’s walk will be available in early March and will include exact location details. For more info, see Sally Barron at NCC.

The New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson will be discussed at the March Book Club meeting. Tom Brokaw says, “Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world.” Join in on the discussion

Neighborhood Congregational Church is hosting the Laguna Beach Cold Weather Shelter from January 31st through March 13th this year.  Members of NCC and the community are generously giving of their time to serve the homeless.  Family-style dinners are served many nights, thanks to the efforts of Don Black, who collects items from local restaurants and catering companies.  Trader Joe has also provided some items.

The Rev. Dr. Bill Peterson preaches on “Being Forgiven: The Jesus Question” and Music Director Pam Wicks provides inspirational music. The Lenten Forgiveness Tree of Life will be at the altar, ready to receive even more green paper leaves with their notes of forgiveness.

Monthly gathering on first Tuesdays for dinner, table shuffleboard, and conversation, at the sports grill owned and operated by NCC members Mike and Sherry McCoy. Among the treats featured on the menu are Mad Mike’s gourmet sausages.

Chris Prelitz, Certificate of Ministry Studies Minister continues the church’s Lenten sermon series on forgiveness with “Global Faith Communities Speak of Forgiveness.” This is the Sunday for One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, an offering that makes real the love of Christ for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disasters, conflict, or severe economic hardship, and for those who serve them through gifts of money and time. The Lenten Forgiveness Tree will be available for the addition of more green paper leaves, inscribed with messages of forgiveness by those wishing to participate.

Worship Leader and Preacher: Ruth Ann Krisa, CMS and
Music by Soloist: Evran Ozan, Flute

Evren Ozan was six years old when he discovered the native flute on a cross-country road trip. At the first stop, the Grand Canyon, Evren went straight to the native instruments counter and picked out a cedar flute. He paid for it with all of his trip allowance and has been playing native flutes ever since.

Listen to this track, Alpenglow from his album ALLUVIA, named BEST INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING by the 9th Annual Native American Music Awards, 2007.

It’s the Sunday before Advent… so be sure to put it on your calendar. We hope to see you at this special service.