Author Archives: Rev. Judith Maynard

Under Pressure? Try a Practice.

January 29, 2010

Small GroupsLent is a time to learn, re-learn and practice what it means to be a follower of Jesus, especially in times like these.  At MCC of Albuquerque we will have small groups you can connect with during this season of Lent.  Do something different this season, join a small group!  Call the church office for more information.  268.5252.

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Collection for Haiti

January 28, 2010

MCC Churches are collecting funds to support the MCC Congregation in the Dominican Republic, for those members who are Haitian and their families with direct support. Funds will also go to support a HIV & AIDS organization in Haiti that has been devastated by the earthquake.  To contribute through MCC of Albuquerque, please indicate on your check or envelope “Haiti Relief.” Thank you for your generosity.

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 10pm

December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve is a time for candlelight.

Who can say what passes through our hearts on Christmas Eve?
Strange thoughts.
Undefinable emotions.
Sudden tears.

Christmas Eve is a time to be quietly glad.
It is a time to wonder, to give thanks,
and of quiet awakening to beauty
that still lives on through the strife
of a war-torn world.

And Christmas Eve is also a time for memories and remembering.

For some, the memories are of loved family members
who have died, and the festive season
makes the pain of those losses ever more real.

For others, the memories are of happier times than we know now,
felt as the anguish of broken relationships,
the insecurity around employment,
the anxiety of illness or poor health,
or the emptiness of loss after drought or bushfire.

All these feelings are with us this night as we gather in this sacred place.
Here we are safe to feel what we feel:
to acknowledge our sadness,
to share our concern,
to release our anger,
to face our emptiness,
and still to know that God by what ever name,
is made present in the caring thoughts and deeds of others.

So let us be and share and remember and receive,
assured that we are not alone in our life experiences as we gather for worship this Christmas Eve.

You are invited to join with us for worship on Thursday, December 24 at 10 pm, as we make that journey which leads to a manger, which leads us to God’s love.  Invite your family and friends to come and experience the miracle of Christmas.

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Have You Seen the Angels?

December 3, 2009

Last week we began Advent with the story of the angel Gabriel bringing an important message to the Priest Zechariah.  Like so many of us, Zechariah was just going through the motions of his faith.  He and his wife Elizabeth had lost hope that one day they would have a child.  Yet, God had a plan for Zechariah and Elizabeth – and Elizabeth would later give birth to John, who would be the one to “prepare the way for our Lord.”

Maybe this year the idea of Christmas seems more like work than wonder.  Maybe you are just going through the motions of preparing for Christmas.  It is my hope that you will remember that God came to us through the birth of baby Jesus and every year we celebrate this miracle and gift.

Angels bring us important messages - and remind us that God is still involved in our world and in our lives.

This week come to church at MCC of Albuquerque and hear about a young woman – Mary – who would give birth to Jesus – the Savior of our world.

I hope to see you this week as we continue our Advent journey.

Peace and love,

Pastor Judy

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A Light to the World

November 25, 2009

The nation watched in disbelief as Diane Sawyer reported on American’s children living in poverty in Appalachia in her primetime special, ‘A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains.’
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Notice of Fraud Alert

November 24, 2009

Many of you may have received notice that someone is asking for money – using names of MCC people.  Please do not respond and check with your Pastor before you give any money or assistance out.  The person usually calls a church member pretending to be another church member that is stranded and needs help.

This is the of year when scams seem to increase so please be aware!

Blessings and peace to all.

Rev. Judith L. Maynard

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Stepping Stones

November 24, 2009

An evangelist known through the country would use a phrase countless times when he spoke and in his writings-he would refer to, Stepping Stones.

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Fellowship of Suffering

November 23, 2009

Instead of wallowing in his trails and sorrows, Paul encourages the Christians in Corinth to comfort one another in their sufferings, even as God has comforted them in their time of need. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

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Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 22, 2009

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is held annually to remember those gender variant or transgender people who have been attacked during the year because of their gender identity or expression. This year the number of sisters and brothers who have been murdered has more than doubled with two of them here in Albuquerque.

Even in our more progressive communities, gender variant and transgender people continue to suffer the pain of misunderstanding, abuse and murder.   By coming together to remember those we have lost, we also take steps toward awareness and compassion to the hearts and minds of our societies.

An Interfaith Service will be held on Sunday, November 22 at 6:00PM at MCC of Albuquerque.  Please join us for this important time to remember and honor lives lost.

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Pick a Peck of Produce

November 22, 2009

You don’t have to be a farmer to understand what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church when he said, ‘Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what she/he  has decided in her /his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’

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