April 6  – Fifth Sunday in Lent

righteousness & mercy | Luke 19:1-10 & Matthew 5:2-12

The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with the empire, using his position to oppress his own people. It is important to call out oppression, and yet, Jesus offers mercy. That mercy then begets more mercy as Zacchaeus, unprompted, offers to return what he took, and then some.

We will share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion at the chancel rail this morning. The Rev. Kirstin Shrom-Rhoads will lead worship and offer a reflection. The Senior Choir will share a cantata, ‘Blessed: A Holy Week Journey Through the Beatitudes’ with music by Joel Raney and words by Pamela Stewart. We will also add to our Prayer Tree, placing symbols and prayers in honor of the strength and beauty that come from immigrants and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

April 6 Worship Bulletin

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

March 30– Fourth Sunday in Lent

lost & found | Luke 15:1-7

Herding sheep is a never ending task. As soon as one is found, another may go missing. Our lives have a similar ebb and flow—in one moment we might feel like we have it all together, and in the next, we’re struggling to survive. The promise of this parable is that no matter how “lost” we feel, the Good Shepherd is by our side.

We will welcome Camryn Huenger through the Sacrament of Baptism. We will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering and celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people in recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31). The Senior Choir will sing.

Livestream 10:30 AM Worship Service

March 30 Worship Bulletin

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

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.