The Gathered Church - Our Vision
February 2021
Abiding Fruit
February 28, 2021 • Bill Williamson • John 15:1–5
To be a DISCIPLE of Jesus is more than simply following Jesus, or even giving allegiance to Jesus. There were many followers of Jesus when He was on earth. Unfortunately, not all of the followers continued on the journey once Jesus was crucified. To be a disciple of Jesus requires learning how to become like Jesus. It is a lifelong process that happens while we abide in Christ. It’s an ongoing process where we are transformed from death to life, from barrenness to fruitfulness. Lent is a great time for us to consider how we might not only follow in the footsteps of Jesus, but to allow ourselves to imitate Him who came to be a servant of all. Lent is a time for us to be more intentional in our pursuit of God as we invite the Holy Spirit to speak into those places in our lives that are keeping us from becoming like Christ. It’s a time when we can be more conscious about what the Holy Spirit needs to keep cutting away from us that is preventing us from loving God and loving others.
The Gathered Church: Our Hope In Christ, from St Paul Cathedral
February 21, 2021 • Monsignor Ecker
As the Gathered Church we desire to live out God’s call for unity within our walls (Gracia de Cristo and Grace of Christ no longer co-tenets but one church), and also beyond our walls. As we work toward unity we will not agree with other Christians on all points theologically, but we will agree on what is most important: Jesus Christ, Lord, Savior, Immanuel: God with us. We affirm that we are called and saved by God’s Grace through Christ alone. That is our foundation, God’s promise, our hope. We are His Gathered Church. This morning we welcome our dear friend Monsignor John Ecker, priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Yakima. Monsignor is a title of honor granted by the Pope. He first served in Yakima in 1958. After his service as a Navy Chaplain he returned to Yakima. He then spent 8 years in Kennewick, and then back to Yakima, serving at St. Paul’s since 1988. Monsignor Ecker has been with us before and we are grateful for his return. He is one of the most beloved Christian leaders in Yakima. He is respected and honored throughout our community. He is also a personal friend to many of us.
Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2021 • Bill Williamson, Curt McFarland, Alex Rule
We begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 17 - a season to pause and grow closer to God and to reflect on His Sacrifice and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Online prayertime begins at 6:20p. RSVP to attend in person - prayertime begins at 6pm and the service starts at 6:30.
The Everyday Church - Acts 2.46-47
February 14, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Acts 2:42–45
One day each year is placed on the calendar as the day of love. This morning is that day … Valentine’s Day. Valentines is actually difficult for many of us. For a variety of reasons: the loss of a loved one, the pursuit of love without return, isolation, mistreatment, expectations unfulfilled, betrayal, rejection … you can likely add a few more to this list … Valentine’s Day brings more heartache than a fluttering heart. Thankfully today is also a celebration of God’s love. That’s not one day a year, it’s every Sunday, and every Monday thru Saturday too. We are the Gathered Church this morning, coming together to celebrate His love for us. There is no love like His love, no power like His power, no mercy like His mercy, no compassion like His compassion. His love breaks down every barrier to reach us. No matter how Valentine’s Day makes us feel, God’s love for us is unshakable and inescapable. He loves the lonely, the grieving, the broken. Together we sing about His love, we hear about, and find comfort in, His promises to us, we pray in thanksgiving and in need, we offer our friendship and support to each other whether we are in church or online. We are the Gathered Church, not for one day a year, or even one day a week … We are His, and we gather together, every hour, every day. “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”.
Why Church?
February 7, 2021 • Bill Williamson
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” It is an invitation to come to the One who loves you, the One who died for you in order to forgive your sins, the One who alone can give you the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus also said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus not only takes away our burdens and our sins, but He walks with us, and at times carries us in our time of trouble. We were not meant to live this life on our own. Jesus wants you to have a relationship with Him in order that you and I might be able to “run the race with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Because of Christ, by His death and Resurrection, we can live with the assurance that we are not alone – OUR GOD IS WITH US! We were created to be in relationship, with God and one another. When we accepted the invitation to live our lives in surrender to and in dependence upon Jesus, we were then adopted into the Family of God. We were united to our brothers and sisters alone. We are not meant to live our faith alone.