First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo

Beyond the caves and fear of domination, God empowers us to imagine and create a world better, brighter, and more beautiful than the struggle and suffering we are experiencing now.

God is willing to re-order the world to seek out and welcome everyone who is far from home. The Story of the Prodigal Son says to us: No matter where we are on the journey – no matter how far from home – no matter who we are – no matter what we’ve done – there is One who is willing to bring us back home.

 In bewildering times, empowered by the Spirit, “what we can do” is the steady work that flows out of our baptism.  

In baptism, we enact what has always been true: God loves and welcomes everyone.

With the women at the empty tomb, we proclaim this Resurrection truth: Everything that lies ahead is life.

On Palm Sunday, as we turn toward the cross, Jesus joins us in the deep suffering of the world, with tender mercy there, too.

As Mary anoints Jesus, they embody for us a world based on sharing, reciprocity, and tender mercy.

We consider the call of the Parable of the Lost Son, with Rev. Floyd Thompkins preaching (Pastor, St Andrew Presbyterian Church, Marin City)

In our fear, God comes to us with the gifts of presence and possibility for a future in which we are not alone.

Our world these days can feel utterly disorienting. As we cry out in lament, we find God not far off, but near... in the midst of the suffering, joining our lament, and calling us into life. Psalm 22 invites us to lament (loudly); to listen for lament (the suffering of the world); and to draw near (to God and to each other).

In his testing in the wilderness, Jesus turns from evil and turns toward the Way that will lead to the cross – a way that leads us to life.

The glory of God in Jesus comes to life on the mountain top, and in everyday acts of healing, and in us.

In a world fueled by enmity and retribution, Jesus commands love: Love God. Love others. Love yourself. Love your enemy. Love everyone. No exceptions.

In these days of turmoil, God’s grace meets us where we are and empowers us to be both humble and bold, in the name of Jesus.

The Body of Christ lives out love for the well-being of all people. It’s the love we see in Jesus Christ – “the kind of love that longs for the well-being of the beloved.” It’s a love that never forgets the vulnerable. It’s a love that always seeks the common good. 

Grounded in Christ, empowered by the Spirit, we engage the work that is ours to do in the world. The Spirit gifts each of us with particular gifts that together we embody for the common good.

In the waters of baptism, we find our identity with and in Christ, in a community of mutuality and sharing. In a tumultuous world, we ground ourselves there.

The prophets look to what God is doing in the world: Always, God is bringing new life for a new day. Let’s begin every day there.

In the ache of our world, God enters into the lowest places, comes alongside the most vulnerable, and makes God’s home there.

With the angel, Mary proclaims that God is turning the world rightside up. With Mary, will you say “yes” to being turned rightside up?

In the clamor of the world, God gives us a holy hush – quiet to listen and watch for God’s tender mercy setting the whole world free.