While many profess to follow Jesus, do we get around to it or is there a firm commitment on our part? In Luke 9, Jesus again reminds the disciples of his upcoming death. The Gospel writer reminds us to, “keep the main thing, the main thing.” Rev. Bernie invites each individual to keep moving forward with faith. By moving forward, we experience new levels of happiness, fulfillment and joy. Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

God breaks through our individual walls to meet us where we are, freeing us to then break through the walls that separate us from each other. Includes an adapted reading from Dawn Marie Turner’s “Let the Walls Come Down,” and an adapted reading from former National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director and past MCC Interim Executive Director Kerry Lobel, from a keynote address given at the 5th International Bisexual Conference held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in April, 1998. Also an adapted reading from Kristen Ingram’s “Slowly Waking to Justice” from Weavings Volume XVII, Number 6 November/December 2002.

To be mindful is to take the intent of love and make it real through remembering, honoring, and cherishing. The cosmic becomes intimate through God’s mindfulness of us. Our response is to become mindful of God and others, thereby releasing love in tangible ways. This message was inspired by and includes adapted readings from Mark Ralls’ “Mindful”, a reflection on Psalm 5 published in the May 15, 2007 Christian Century. An adapted reading from “Morning With God” from the Spiritual Formation Bible’s reflection on Psalm 5 is also included. Rev. Dwayne shares a story from “About Alice” by Calvin Trillin. Scripture: Psalm 5

What is a “Spirit Life?” It is a transforming life that reveals Christ to others. It also a life lived on God’s “Plan A,” even when recovering from bad choices or facing difficult situations. Life takes many twist and turns that may not seem to make sense. This message will help you to “connect the dots” and recognize that the Holy Spirit is with you on the journey. This message includes adapted readings from “Rise to New Life,” by Melanie Lee Carey, and May Angelou’s “In the Spirit” from Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now. Scripture: Galatians 1: 15-24

Jesus invited the disciples to follow him. They did. Now Jesus is leaving them. Who will they follow now? The Spirit. Rev. Dwayne offers three “spiritual tools” to follow the Spirit and make stronger choices for stronger lives. This message includes adapted readings from Pierre Wolff’s “Discernment: The Art of Choosing Well,” and Roberta Bondi’s “The Word of God and the Stillness of God” from the January/February 2007 Weavings. Scripture: John 16: 12-15

The fire and wind of Pentecost make for great drama—yet it all may seem a bit overblown and surreal for our real lives and real fears. Jesus presents another approach to the Holy Spirit in John 14. The Holy Sprit that Jesus presents doesn’t blow and burn around us...rather, this Spirit lives within us. This is a real Spirit of Peace for real lives. This message includes a reading from James McGinnis’ “Go Out into the Deep” from Weavings, March/April 1999. Also included is an adapted reading from Joan Puls book, “Every Bush is Burning.” Scripture: John 14: 25-27

We don’t need to be behind bars to be in prison. We can be confined by our attitudes, limiting beliefs and circumstances. The greatest “prison” of all is fear. Rev. Dwayne presents the very practical “Spiritual Breakout Cycle” as a way to move towards well being, even during difficult circumstances. This message includes adapted readings from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message,” Henri Nouwen’s “Turn My Mourning Into Dancing,” and Rev. Nancy Wilson’s Public Statement a “Call to Vigilant Prayer and Action on Behalf of Jamaica’s LGBT Community.” Scripture: Acts 16: 22-34

May 13, 2007, Sunday Worship, The Fountain

It all boils down to love. Yet it is difficult to choose for love at each moment...especially when we are not treated lovingly. Yet with practice, we can learn to love more completely and forgive more fully. Rev. Dwayne offers practical strategies to make love a constant and consistent choice. This message includes adapted readings from Philip Gulley’s “For Everything a Season,” Pamela Hawkins' “Holy Friendship” and Don Miguel Ruiz’ “The Mastery of Love.” Scripture: John 13: 31-35

Saul had a purpose: to arrest Christians. Yet on the road to Damascus, Saul experiences a “re-purposing” that eventually leads him to change his name to Paul and become a powerful witness for love. The scripture is Acts 9: 1-6 with readings from “Nothing is Wasted By God” by Rev. Dwayne Johnson, and a quote from USA Today, October 7, 2006. Includes a brief interview with Winifred Boyd about the death of her son, Andy, from AIDS.