November 20, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for generosity. Many folks donated canned/non-perishable food items to be sent to four area school food banks. The congregation calls it the "Can Do" project and it is an annual event.
However, the generosity does not stop with just collecting food - there are also financial donations. And then several folks (only a few are pictured here) gathered today to sort and pack the items for delivery.
Blessings. And prayers.
November 19, 2021
I saw this today (I am not the “me” - John Roedel wrote this) and leave it here for all of us:
Me: Hey God.
God: Hello.....
Me: I'm falling apart. Can you put me back together?
God: I would rather not.
Me: Why?
God: Because you aren't a puzzle.
Me: What about all of the pieces of my life that are falling down onto the ground?
God: Let them stay there for a while. They fell off for a reason. Take some time and decide if you need any of those pieces back.
Me: You don't understand! I'm breaking down!
God: No - you don't understand. You are breaking through. What you are feeling are just growing pains. You are shedding the things and the people in your life that are holding you back. You aren't falling apart. You are falling into place. Relax. Take some deep breaths and allow those things you don't need anymore to fall off of you. Quit holding onto the pieces that don't fit you anymore. Let them fall off. Let them go.
Me: Once I start doing that, what will be left of me?
God: Only the very best pieces of you.
Me: I'm scared of changing.
God: I keep telling you - YOU AREN'T CHANGING!! YOU ARE BECOMING!
Me: Becoming who?
God: Becoming who I created you to be! A person of light and love and charity and hope and courage and joy and mercy and grace and compassion. I made you for more than the shallow pieces you have decided to adorn yourself with that you cling to with such greed and fear. Let those things fall off of you. I love you! Don't change! ... Become! Become! Become who I made you to be. I'm going to keep telling you this until you remember it.
Me: There goes another piece.
God: Yep. Let it be.
Me: So ... I'm not broken?
God: Of course Not! - but you are breaking like the dawn. It's a new day. Become!!!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 18, 2021
Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. Yet something that can help with making the transition of life without them is a funeral or Memorial Service. I know they can be difficult and wrought with emotion, but the gathering of the community is important. It is also a tangible way for God to reach out to us to remind us we are not alone.
So for the family I was honored to walk with today, I hope you remember you are not alone as you travel this path. Prayers go with you. As does God.
Blessings. And prayers.
November 17, 202
On a really long day filled with joy and laughter, but also many concerns, there is celebration - seven years serving this congregation. Thank you so much to the one who remembered in such a beautiful way:
Blessings. And prayers.
November 16, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Revelation chapter 1, verse 8: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (NRSV)
From A to Z - beginning to end - everlasting to everlasting. God always was, is now, and always will be. What a blessing that the same God who created the world, sent Jesus, brought my parents and grandparents to this world, and comforted me when they passed, will comfort and be with me in whatever comes. Whenever it comes. And that God is not simply any god, but is the Almighty. The Omnipotent, who knows all and is in all. Who is Supreme. In that understanding is not only comfort, but promise, and Who we can rely on, no matter what.
Perhaps the rest of the book of Revelation contains images that concern you. Remember the promise and how the book begins - God is with us. That is a promise to hang onto and remind ourselves of every single day!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 15, 2021
Snoopy gives some very good advice here:
Blessings. And prayers.
November 14, 2021
We may not have been able to gather in person for worship service today, but we were still together for Confirmation Class. What a wonderful group of youth. We talked about kings and David and Psalms - even singing some contemporary tunes inspired by words written ages ago.
The best part, however, was gathering for prayer at the end of class. Today’s request was something we each hope for in our world. Peace, health, and forgiveness, were just a sampling of the things on these young minds.
Lord, you hear these prayers and know these youth. Have mercy on each one, through Christ we pray. Amen.
Blessings. And prayers.
November 13, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I am grateful for leadership. Those who are willing to go the extra mile with their time, talent and treasure. Without a doubt, God’s work is accomplished much more easily in community. And the community is amazing.
God uses every one of God’s children through the gifts God gives. So thank you for letting those gifts shine!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 12, 2021
The word for the day - thankful. For improved technology and willing folks/staff to make things happen.
As we are having the congregation’s sanctuary painted, the best option for worship this week (and maybe a couple more) is a recorded service only. Before, when we did this during the early COVID shutdowns, recording was cumbersome and time consuming. VERY time consuming. So much so, I have tried to forget. But thanks to updated internet, programming, equipment, etc., today was a cinch.
Oh, I am so grateful!!! And thankful!!!!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 11, 2021
This prayer may be a repeat, but is so very appropriate:
Prayers for all Veterans on this Veteran’s Day. Thank you so much for your service!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 10, 2021
The word for the day - busy! Studies, conversations, meetings, etc., kept me going from one thing to the next. But….it is Wednesday, one of my favorite days, so it was wonderful, life-giving and affirming.
How thankful I am for those who help make Wednesday special by showing up! You are appreciated!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 9, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Hebrews 10:12: But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God.” (NRSV)
When I read this line, I thought of Jesus saying, “it is finished,” as he breathed his last on the cross. His coming to earth to teach, heal, and show has ended. With the work done, Christ returned to where he was before, in the beginning as a person of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because of that promise, of that assurance, we also are returned or reconciled to God. And that promise is permanent, forever!
On a Sunday when we will be reminded that nothing on this earth is permanent (the gospel includes Mark 13:1-2), the assurance that Christ has made our life with God everlasting is comforting. We can trust that when our temples (whatever we falsely consider strong enough to save us like our health, our bank account, our relationships, etc.) fall apart, our constant and eternal hope is intact. Thanks be to God!!!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 8, 2021
The smile for the week is this wish for Montana’s birthday.
Happy 132nd!
Blessings. And prayers.
November 7, 2021
For all the saints, who from their labors rest, goes the hymn, and also the prayers of thanksgiving, not only for those who now rest from their labors on this earth, but the current saints and the future saints. For yes, God makes us all saints, not because of what we do, but who we are - God’s. Thank you to our Intern who reminded us of that promise on this All Saint’s Sunday.
And for all the families and friends of the dozen saints of our congregation who now rest with God for eternity, prayers of peace and comfort continue.
Blessings. And prayers.
November 6, 2021
On this Satisfied Saturday, I give thanks for rest. The ability to allow the body to take a break following our booster shots. And, yes, I also give thanks for immunizations. May the rest and the vaccine restore and protect our bodies, and those we come into contact with.
Blessings. And prayers.
