Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
Worship Focus for November 17
Rev. Karin Hejmanowski, preaching
Greetings!

Thanksgiving is nearly upon us once again. And while our area may not boast the brilliant colors of the northeast or the deep snows of Colorado, we do have much to be thankful for. We thank God for the mild weather and beautiful days. And we reflect upon this amazing land—our specific area which was once inhabited freely by the Ohlone people. As we prepare for gathering just over a week from now at church or in homes with family and friends, we acknowledge that our present plenty came at great cost to them.

This week we’ll look at scripture where God speaks to a transformed future. Even in our land of plenty, we have those who have great needs. It’s why we partner with organizations like Downtown Streets about whom you’ll be hearing more soon. It’s why we want to be people who are informed and always learning.

Because wouldn’t it be lovely if the proverbial wolf and lamb could feed together?

Let’s keep learning and growing together. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 7:50 a.m., 10 a.m., or 5 p.m. It’s good to be in community with you!

Peace,
Karin
Theme for Sunday

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.

I hear you say “Why? ” Always “Why? ” You see things; and you say “Why? ” But I dream things that never were; and I say “Why not? ”

—Quotes from George Bernard Shaw
Questions for Reflection
This week ’ s passage calls forth our imagination. Take a moment and picture the following:

  • What might a new heaven and new earth look like if God were to create it now?
  • What might a world look like in which no one labors in vain?
  • Hold those images in your mind. Is there some role, no matter the size, that you might play in moving toward this?
Isaiah 65:17-25

For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—and their descendants as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.