EASTER has burst into bloom again.  Everywhere new life is urging itself past old bark, through mushy ground, springing into rigid minds, and herding hard hearts to happiness.  Easter has burst into our wilderness!  And maybe that makes the prospect of living every day as an Easter even more exciting and challenging.  Resurrection can still be ours, enabling us to live as Easter people! 

Join us for EASTER WORSHIP at First Christian Church… Continue reading

HOLY SATURDAY
Matthew 27:57-66

Jesus died.  That is obscured in a lot of our churches, the fact that Jesus died, and it is not really faced.  Of course the angels tell us not to be afraid, but that’s easy for them to say, they are angels.  

We as humans we basically have two fears…  One is that if we don’t slow down we could all have heart attacks.  The… Continue reading

GOOD FRIDAY
John 1:1-17, 31b-35
Matthew 27:32-37

John 1:5 promises us that when our lives are experiencing times of darkness, the light that God has given to the world will never be extinguished.          –  Don Latimore… Continue reading

MAUNDY THURSDAY at FCC Orange
6:30 p.m. Soup Supper     7:00 p.m. Worship

John 1:1-17, 31b-35
John 13:3-5

John 1:18 reminds us that we need not be overwhelmed by the majesty of God.  God’s Son gives us a perfect example of love and grace.             –  Don Latimore… Continue reading

Holy Week Wednesday
John 13.1-17, 31-35

Tomorrow night is ““Maundy Thursday.”” It’’s a night of ‘‘lasts’’ –– last suppers, last teachings, last betrayals. Interestingly, in Matthew, Mark and Luke, the focus of the Last Supper is Jesus’’ instituting Holy Communion. In John’’s gospel, the most sacred event of the Last Supper is the foot washing. In fact, nothing at all is even mentioned about Jesus instituting Holy Communion. Instead, John records the… Continue reading

Holy Week Tuesday

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, Grant that we may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To

Holy Week Monday
Matthew 21:1-11

This final Sunday of Lent was marked by a celebratory parade, which was also a protest march.  Only Jesus knew that the same event was also a funeral procession.  The Twelve should have known; on three occasions Jesus had told them of his approaching death in Jerusalem.  Their response after each prediction makes it evident, however, that they did not comprehend his words.
It is important for us… Continue reading

Matthew 21:1-11

As we come to Holy Week we put our landing gear down for final approach.  It all began on Ash Wednesday when we placed ash on our foreheads and wandered into the wilderness.  The journey has been long… 40 days and 40 nights.  But now we enter Jerusalem, the city of possibility and hope.  We begin with palm branches and loud hosannas!  We begin by recognizing the “passion” that… Continue reading

Matthew 21:1-11
The Triumphal Entry

Jesus could have asked anything of his Disciples, and what did he ask? Go find a donkey with her colt and bring them to me.  There is an endearing humility about this request from Jesus.  How many leaders today, much less King of Kings or Lord of Lords, would dare be seen in public riding a donkey?  After all, donkeys are sassy, stubborn and quite smelly.  Yet… Continue reading

Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus was not entering a foreign city, nor entering the city of ‘the Jews’.  He was a Jew.  He was entering the city which symbolized in his faith and his scriptures God’s promise to Israel.   Think of how painful this must have been.  And think of the collision that was about to take place…           — Stan Smith… Continue reading

Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29    

It’s Palm Sunday friends and the procession has begun. The gates are opened and you, like David, are invited to enter and give thanks to God. Traditionally, the gates were closed for all but the most powerful and holy. Then, Jesus entered and opened the gates wide for all who chose to believe in a new way of faith-full living. It is

Releasing persons and communities from the clutches of death also demands something of us, as did the raising of Lazarus of his community. Though Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, he urged those who were

John 11:44

“The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’”

These are the marching orders of the church. Where people are willing to make a first step toward new life, our task is to be there to assist. To unbind. To set free. Trust

Psalm 130

This beautiful Psalm shares with us the beautiful truth that in our struggles of every day life, God hears us, is always with us, and is constant in His love for us.          — Donna Gladson

John 11:1-45

Ephesians 5:8-14

Psalm 23

Even in the deepest darkest paths that you might be forced to stray, God is at the end of that path to love you and give you direction. God is a great friend and listener. Be always ready to create a special place in your heart to commune with the spirit of God daily.       — Linda Tuman

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 4: 5-42

How many wars have been started based on differences in religious beliefs?  There are several large and small going on right now.  It was the same when Jesus met the Samarian woman at the well.  He told her that by the power of God’s Spirit the differences in the Samaritans worship on the mountain and Jews worship in Jerusalem would not matter.  Let the Spirit of God show… Continue reading

John 4:5-42
The wilderness in which the Israelites wandered was a dry desert.  They looked for water.  Generations later, Jesus would say, “Whoever drinks this water will get thirsty again; but, whoever drinks the water that I will give them will never be thirsty again.”  (John 4:13)  When lost and thirsty, take care to find the water which gives more than a temporary respite.         — Wayne Arnold… Continue reading

Exodus 17:1-7

When the Israelites wandered the desert of Sin they thirsted for water.  At the Lord’s direction Moses struck a rock and cool, fresh water poured forth.  Today the desert may be in the midst of a modern city and we thirst for more – peace, love, acceptance.  The answer is still the same – the answer is the Lord.                          — Della Gabelsberg… Continue reading

Exodus 17:1-7

As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they worried that they would die of thirst.  Then, God instructed Moses to strike a stone, and water poured out for the people to drink.  When we find ourselves in the wilderness, we too thirst — for answers, for direction, for comfort.  I suggest that you carry a stone and remember that, even in the wilderness, God can sate your thirst —… Continue reading

John 4:15-20

“What we are all most thirsty for is to belong.  Pray that you might offer a safe place for all others, for those whom even you judge harshly.  May they find in your presence the warm, gentle embrace of God.”… Continue reading

John 4:5-42

All of our lives have been broken, bruised, shamed, in despair.  We all have struggled, had our failures, been misunderstood, judged, labeled, yearned for acceptance.  So where do we find safety?  Where do we find grace?  Where do we find an acceptance in spite of our shortcomings?  I would like to think that it is in this congregation…  What has been your experience?           – Stan Smith… Continue reading

March 24

How I wish I could believe this scripture. I wonder what it would be like to exchange my fears and anxieties and the need to toil and control my world, with the expectation that God will provide and that I would be satisfied.       — Jim Gabelsberg

March 23 

I am relieved that it is not my responsibility to create a world in seven days. Trying to create order from the rocks, sand, and tumble weeds seems a lifelong task. May this Easter season bring enough moisture to create at least a few blooms.                                          — Jim Gabelsberg

John 3:1-17

Two huge points!!  1) Our second birth is from God; and, 2) If we believe in Him, we have eternal life with Him.  Either way, the message is the same.  When we realize God is our Father, we have life eternal with Him.                

                                                               — Suzanne Vaugine

Psalm 121

The Lord will protect you.  But, first, you must remember to look to the Lord, to ask Him for protection and guidance.  He will never desert you.   

                                                                            — Suzanne Vaugine… Continue reading

John 3:1-17

Allow yourself to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Take a few deep, peaceful breaths, clear your mind, and allow the Spirit a place within you.
                                                                            — Estelle Worden… Continue reading

Psalm 121

As you struggle through your life’s journey and find yourself in a personal wilderness, remember to pray. Your prayer will remind you that God is walking beside you through this wilderness, just as God was with Jesus.

— Estelle Worden… Continue reading

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength.”  What more needs to be said?  Talk about all the great things God has done for you everywhere you go and in each day you live.                                                           — Brian Shrout Continue reading

Matthew 4:1-11

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

   4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the… Continue reading

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

If a commitment is important enough, we will be willing to go to any length to keep the goal before us. To never forget is the way, the path to achieve the final fulfillment. — Clarice Friedline… Continue reading

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Observing Commandments as guidelines, alone, is a cop-out — anyone can measure their behavior against these Commandments and can make a lifetime of excuses. A sojourn requires that we make every opportunity a worshipful experience. — Jason Burris… Continue reading

Matthew 4:1-11

Wilderness is not always a barren place.  There may be strange things growing everywhere.  Temptations in easy and seductive images will be confronted, and decisions need to be made and expressed.                           — Clarice Friedline… Continue reading

Matthew 4:1-11

When presented with two options, the people who consistently choose the path of least resistance will be consumed with disappointment and regret — they will constantly wonder why they struggle to find peace.    — Jason Burris… Continue reading

Welcome to the first thought of the day as we begin our Lenten journey.  The Elders of our congregation have written many of these, and others will come from various sources.  We hope that you will use them as stimulus for your our thoughts.  Comments are welcome. Please be aware that this is a public forum.

Today is Ash Wednesday.  Wilderness is where the journey begins.  Read Matthew 4:1-11.  Richard Rohr… Continue reading

Beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 9 the First Christian Church of Orange invites you on a Lenten journey called Wilderness 101.  Jesus was the first, and we follow in his footsteps.

THE SEASON OF LENT 2011   “WILDERNESS 101″

Welcome to the FCC Orange BLOG site for Lent.

Each morning those who have covenanted to be a part of the Lenten Journey are sent a Thought for the Day. You are able… Continue reading

JOHN 19:14-30

14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, ‘Here is your King!’ 15They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; 17and… Continue reading

JOHN 13:1-17; 34-35  Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing… Continue reading

Isaiah 50:4-9a

4The Lord God has given me
   the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
   the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens—
   wakens my ear
   to listen as those who are taught.
5The Lord God has opened my ear,
   and I was not rebellious,
   I did not turn backwards.
6I gave my back to those who struck me,
   and my cheeks to those who pulled out the… Continue reading

Isaiah 49:1-7  The Servant’s Mission

49Listen to me, O coastlands,
   pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
   while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
   in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
   in his quiver he hid me away.
3And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
   Israel… Continue reading

Isaiah 42:1-9  The Servant, a Light to the Nations

42Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
   my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
   he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2He will not cry or lift up his voice,
   or make it heard in the street;
3a bruised reed he will not break,
   and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
   he will faithfully bring… Continue reading

It is not just through scripture that we hear “ancient” words when we worship. We find scripture and inspired text in the music that we sing.

Sometimes people (no one who is reading this) do not pay attention to the scripture or the words being sung. These people go through the motions of worship and miss some of the most inspirational insights being offered.

Instead of scripture, today, I invite you to… Continue reading

Psalm 118:28

New Revised Standard Version: You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.
The Message (Version): You’re my God, and I thank you. O my God, I lift high your praise.

Is there a right way or a wrong way to extol the Lord? (That is today’s question.) This weekend we will be blessed with the Palm… Continue reading

Psalm 118:24

New Revised Standard Version: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
The Message (Version): This is the very day God acted— let’s celebrate and be festive!

Sometimes the Bible covers everything that needs to be said. This verse is one most people know (even Disciples) and all you need to do today is remind yourself that this… Continue reading

Psalm 118:1-2
New Revised Standard Version: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever!  Let Israel say, “God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
The Message (Version): Thank God because God’s good, because God’s love never quits. Tell the world, Israel, “God’s love never quits.”

Have you ever had a bad day where you go to The Bible and open it up to see… Continue reading

Psalm 118:19-20
New Revised Standard Version: Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.
The Message (Version): Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates! I’ll walk right through and thank God! This Temple Gate belongs to God, so the victors can enter and praise.

HBO has… Continue reading

40 DAYS and 40 NIGHTS

John 12:1-8

1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.  3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house

40 DAYS and 40 NIGHTS

John 12:1-8

7 Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.’

Jesus is sharp and clear in his defense of Mary.  In the gospels of Mark and Matthew, she is not even named, but it is clear his defense of all whose voices and gifts are stifled by the church.  He defends her as he did… Continue reading

40 DAYS and 40 NIGHTS

John 12:1-8

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said,  5 `Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’  6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into… Continue reading

40 DAYS and 40 NIGHTS

John 12:1-8

3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

As John’s story turns to the final days of Jesus’ life, here is Mary, a faithful follower and now model of Christian discipleship.  She doesn’t utter a word, but her extravagant act, the use of… Continue reading

40 DAYS and 40 NIGHTS

John 12:1-8

1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

There are few passages so packed with beauty and truth as this anointing scene at Bethany. Jesus has resuscitated Lazarus, which often gets misinterpreted as resurrection. But the very fact that Jesus could do this points to “the resurrection and the life” that Jesus embodies… Continue reading

THE SEASON OF LENT
40 Days and 40 Nights

John 12:1-8

Mary Anoints Jesus
1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.  3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them… Continue reading

The order of the three parables is not haphazard. Jesus begins his stories talking about shepherds and women, those on the lower end of the social ladder. He then moves to a family that the Pharisee’s listening can relate.

For some people, it is difficult to relate to biblical events and stories that happened so long ago. The pattern in this story reminds us that Jesus wants to find ways to… Continue reading

Luke 15:8-9
New Revised Standard Version: Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’
The Message (Version): Or imagine a woman who… Continue reading

Luke 15:32
New Revised Standard Version: But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
The Message (Version): “…but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’”

All three parables in this week’s lectionary end… Continue reading

Luke 15:4
New Revised Standard Version: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?”
The Message (Version): “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until… Continue reading

Luke 15:1-2
New Revised Standard Version: Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
The Message (Version): By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not… Continue reading

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3So he told them this parable: 4“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG   Week 3   Friday, 3/5

Is 55:1-9;  Ps 63:1-8;  1 Cor 10:1-13;  Luke 13:1-9

“My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
   and my mouth praises you with joyful lips…
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”    Psalm 63:5, 8

This Psalm is meant to inspire us to surrender our wills, so that we can become enveloped by and in God. Like the… Continue reading

LENT 2010    “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG   Week 3  

Is 55:1-9;  Ps 63:1-8

“O God, you are my God, I seek you,
     my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
     as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”   Psalm 63:1

Psalm 63 is a leaf taken from the songbook of the Second Temple.  We don’t know who it is who is speaking, but this is the collective… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG   Week 3    Wednesday, 3/3
Is 55:1-9;  Ps 63:1-8;  1 Cor 10:1-13;  Luke 13:1-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts
   Nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”  – Isaiah 55:8

Lent challenges us, to look at our own life and attitudes and beliefs, in order to focus more upon what God wants us to be and do.  It seems so easy for us… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG   Week 3    Tuesday, 3/2
Is 55:1-9;  Ps 63:1-8;  1 Cor 10:1-13;  Luke 13:1-9

“Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price.”  Isaiah 55:1c

This seems like a funny statement.  How can you buy without money?   How can you purchase without price?  I picture Isaiah sitting in a marketplace, busy with commerce, people rushing to by, struggling to sell, and some with no assets… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG   Week 3   Monday, 3/1
Isaiah 55:1-9;   Psalm 63:1-8;   1 Cor 10:1-13;   Luke 13:1-9

“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters…”   Isaiah 55:1a

Isaiah 55 is a central passage in a series of passages proclaiming hope and salvation to the exiles in Babylon. 
“In the modern world, even on Sunday, even in Lent, people crave satisfaction.  Perched alertly and anxiously on their pews, the devout seek… Continue reading

SCRIPTURE TEXTS FOR WEEK THREE OF LENT

Is 55:1-9
1 Ho, everyone who thirsts,
   come to the waters;
 and you that have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
   and your labour for that which does not satisfy?
 Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
   and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline… Continue reading

Scripture for the day: Genesis 15:4-5
New Revised Standard Version: But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
The

Scripture for the day: Genesis 15:12
New Revised Standard Version: As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.
The Message (Version): As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

We associate visions with biblical prophets, not with patriarchs in The Bible. Even… Continue reading

Scripture for the day: Genesis 15:1-3
New Revised Standard Version: After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have

Scripture for the day: Genesis 15:15-16
New Revised Standard Version: As for yourself, you shall go to your ancestors in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
The Message (Version): You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good

Scripture for the day: Genesis 15:6
New Revised Standard Version: And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
The Message (Version): Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

This scripture verse is a turning point in Abraham’s journey and is the main idea for the entire chapter. Within this one sentence the relationship between God and Abraham becomes… Continue reading

Genesis 15:1-18

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

2But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”

DAILY BLOG Week 1 Friday 2/19

Deut. 26:1-11; Ps 91:1-16; Rom 10:8b-13  LUKE 4:1-13

The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’

One of the most popular notions of Lent is to “give up” something. Red meat, sweets… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG   Week 1  Thursday 2/18 

Deut. 26:1-11; Ps 91:1-16; Rom 10:8b-13
LUKE 4:1-13

 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished.  The devil said to him, ‘If you are… Continue reading

LENT 2010 “40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS”
DAILY BLOG    Week 1
2/17 Ash Wednesday

PSALM 51
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin…

A blessed Ash Wednesday to you.
This Psalm is a treasured expression of the need for God’s forgiveness.  We need that.  So today we will wear ashes on our foreheads, to remember that… Continue reading

THE SEASON OF LENT

40 Days and 40 Nights

Welcome to the day before Lent. The Day of Not Yet Lent. It’s today. It is Shrove Tuesday, or “Fat Tuesday,” or “Mardi Gras,” the day we clean out our cob webs and baggage. The name is derived from the word “shrive” meaning to confess. The tradition is to eat pancakes, feasting on all the leavened flour and eggs in the… Continue reading