March 23  – Third Sunday in Lent

rest & growth | Luke 13:6-9

The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time—and it also needs to produce fruit. Both things are true, which is also true for us. If we are always striving for more growth without taking time to rest, we will burn out. But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow. The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time—of nurture before fruit—can be where transformation begins.

The Senior Choir will sing. 

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

March 23 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

March 16  – Second Sunday in Lent

faith & works | Luke 10:38-42

In many translations, Jesus says that “Mary has chosen the better part,” which has been used to create a divide between Mary and Martha. However, in the Greek, Mary has chosen the “good portion,” and Martha’s tasks are called “ministry.” Therefore, perhaps Mary represents our faith, our desire to know God intimately, and Martha represents our good works, our desire to transform the world. Both are needed, and both are good.

The Senior Choir will sing. The Cambridge Handbell Choir and the Chancel Handbell Choir will offer special music.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

March 16 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

March 9  – First Sunday in Lent

stranger & neighbor | Luke 10:25-37

This parable begins and ends with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and the answer is, surprisingly, “the stranger.” The Samaritan, whose place of worship and customs are different from the lawyer who questions Jesus, is both a stranger and a neighbor to the man who was beaten and left in a ditch. In our world, many of our physical neighbors are strangers to us, and many of our neighbors—those closest to us—feel like strangers in divisive political climates. If we align our intentions and actions, then maybe we need to reconsider who we label as “stranger,” and ask ourselves if we have acted as good neighbors.

We will recognize the contributions of Scouts and adults to Scouting. All Scouts are invited to come in uniform. Spirit will share in music leadership.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

March 9 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

Wednesday, March 5 – Ash Wednesday
Sanctuary, 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM

intention & action | Luke 9:51-62

Ash Wednesday Worship Bulletin

On this Ash Wednesday, we join Jesus as he “sets his face toward Jerusalem.” As Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, he is approached by people from local towns who promise to follow him. Jesus’ response is harsh, but urgent. He needs real commitment. He needs disciples who are willing to be rejected and persecuted—and who will embody hope, compassion, and peace along the way. It becomes apparent that these potential disciples aren’t quite ready for the task at hand.

And so, as Lent begins, let us also ask ourselves: are we ready? Are we willing to be transformed? Will our actions reflect our best intentions?

Services will include the Imposition of Ashes. At the 7:30 PM service, the Senior Choir will sing and we will share in the Sacrament of Communion.

Ash Wednesday for Families
Given that the imposition and wearing of ashes is a significant part of our faithful expression of church life, Pastor Kirstin will be available between services, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, just inside the back parking lot doors to share ashes and a blessing with anyone who wishes to participate in this sacred tradition. This opportunity is especially meaningful for families or those who may not be able to attend our worship services at noon and 7:30 PM.

The ash placed on our foreheads is a powerful symbol of grief, sorrow for our sins, and repentance through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. On this day, we name the journey between intention and action.

March 2  – Transfiguration Sunday

2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2  |  Luke 9:28–36, (37–43)

As we draw closer to God and absorb God’s commandments to love, our countenance shines on others. This glimpse of glory is not to wield power over others but to free all of us of the limitations we put on our hearts, our bodies, and our social structures so we may follow Christ into the resurrecting power of self-giving love.

We will share in communion at the chancel rail this morning. The Senior Choir will be sing and Children’s Music and Movement with offer special music.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

March 2 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

February 23  – Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42–50  |  Luke 6:27–38

The imperatives of this Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6 set high standards, but Jesus is not asking us to be perfect on our own. Our holiness cannot be achieved alone but only through a merciful relationship with one another. Holiness, as God has created as our birthright, is wholeness. We cannot do it apart from divine love.

Seminarian Jenna Duranko will preach and lead us in worship today. The Senior Choir will be singing and the Cambridge Handbell Choir will offer special music.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

February 23 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

February 9 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

1 Corinthians 15:1–11 | Luke 5:1–11

Approaching life with the willingness to be surprised is a spiritual practice. We often think we know the results. When we believe we can predict the outcome, we start to underestimate ourselves, judge others and withdraw our faith from God. Sometimes, God asks us to be open to the possibilities, to take another look, and to try again.

The Rev. Sheresa Simpson-Rice will preach and lead us in worship today. Spirit will be sharing in music leadership and Young Spirit will offer a special anthem.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

February 9 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

February 2 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 | Luke 4:21–30

God’s Word has the power to create, curtail, refine, shape, challenge, build, and plant. The power of God’s Word has been described over and over in scripture, yet we can forget to leverage its strength in our efforts to transform our lives and our communities. This week’s scripture readings call us to consider the ways that God’s Word could create, refine, strengthen, and replant our lives in a way that enlivens the Spirit, pleases God, and makes the reign of God more visible for all who seek hope in a hurting world.

We will share in communion at the chancel rail this morning. If you are worshiping virtually, we invite you to prepare bread or crackers and water or juice. The Senior Choir will be singing. Children’s Music and Movement will share special music.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

February 2 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.

January 26 – Third Sunday after Epiphany

1 Corinthians 12:12–31a   |  Luke 4:14–21

As we follow the light of Christ into the world in the Season after the Epiphany, this week’s scripture readings offer guidance about how to live in a way that pleases God. These passages reveal how those who “hear” can live into the fullness of who God created us to be.

The Senior Choir will be singing.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

January 26 Worship Bulletin

ERUCC also holds a healing worship service with Holy Communion at 8:30 AM.