Worship Update 5/8

From Jay

Worthy of Holding the Gun
For awhile in my life I thought I was going to be a police officer. I am so grateful
God steered me away from that vocation. I can barely handle the drama of life
inside a church let alone things like domestic violence or other issues our law
enforcement faces. It also turns out I’m color blind, so if I suddenly had to “cut the blue wire” or shoot at the guy in the green jacket, well, there could be some fallout.

One of the scariest things to me about a police officer I don't know is that they are human, capable of corruption, greed and evil. Even people who may have started out with good intentions, can, over the years, begin to use their badge and gun for their own gain. (I know… I watch too many movies.) But a good person, a trustworthy person, an honorable person who is holding the power of that gun, is a good thing, and I thank God that many good men and women serve in that role for the betterment of our society.

Because I believe in Christ, I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe He is far more powerful than any gun or weapon man can create. And I often wonder why I don’t see or witness or am unable to tap into this power more. The same power that raised Christ from the dead… that same power lives in me.

Today I was reading Acts 3. I read about how Peter and John used the Holy Spirit’s power to heal a crippled man. There were people gathered around just staring at Peter in amazement, jaws dropped, floored by the power they had just witnessed. Peter could have said, “Thank you very much. I’ll be here all week.” Or, “I’m not a hero folks, just doing my job.” He could have soaked in the moment, reveled in his own righteousness, patted himself on the back, and savored a little of the glory of the moment. But he didn’t. In fact he said,

“Brothers, why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”

I think often times the Holy Spirit’s power is not manifested in me, because I want it for the wrong reasons. I would be like a crooked cop with a gun, not knowing how to use that type of force to benefit others, but only wanting selfish gain.

Peter didn’t want the glory, he truly wanted Christ to have it, and was therefore worthy of using it. “God, please give me a heart that only wants Your glory to shine, and make me someone worthy of your Holy Spirit’s power.”

Opportunities To Serve

Safety at Sunset
One of the “holes” left after our recent layoffs is the need for a representative from W&CA on the Safety Team. We’d like to fill that hole with a volunteer. Safety on our campus is a responsibility of the Operations team, but they need input and support from all the other teams to handle the variety of needs at Sunset. Those needs range from maintaining a safe work environment for our staff to handling an emergency that might occur on our campus.

If you’re interested in representing W&CA and being a part of Sunset’s Safety Team, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org. The Safety Team meets once a month on the fourth Thursday from 10 to 11am; however, they may be open to changing the time.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
Service Director
Lighting
Graphics
FOH Camera Op Week
Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Work Party is May 12th, 6-8pm
Please rsvp to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org so the team can plan projects!

Upcoming Events

California Baptist University Choir and Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
Get ready for a night of amazing music from this 145 member choir and orchestra, led by Dr. Gary Bonner. If you love music, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear this phenomenal choir. Dr. Bonner is an internationally recognized conductor whose choirs have performed at events ranging from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the White House Holiday Open House, and now that list will include SPC! Come experience what 47 years of Christian ministry through music sounds like. Please join us on Wednesday, May 13 for the Cal Baptist concert.

May 17th -"Time To Celebrate at Sunset"!
On Sunday, May 17 we are having a Pancake Breakfast after the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services in celebration of all the generous contributions to the Legacy Campaign building fund and our successful departure from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC).

May 13 – California Baptist University Choir & Orchestra Concert 6:30pm
May 17 – (Sunday) Kidtropolis Choir
May 25 Memorial Day
May 31 – (Sunday) Infant baptism/dedication and Choir & Orchestra
June 7 – (Sunday) Communion