Blogging toward Sunday

Image via Wikimedia Commons

This Sunday is Easter. What a wonderful day to gather with our church family to worship and praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May the following "Easter Prayer," written by Kathy Galloway bless you on your journey toward our celebration of the Resurrection!

Christ our life, you are alive

in the beauty of the earth

in the rhythm of the seasons

in the mystery of time and space

Alleluia

Christ our life, you are alive

in the tenderness of touch

in the heartbeat of intimacy

in the insights of solitude

Alleluia

Christ our life, you are alive

in the creative possiblity

of the dullest conversation

of the dreariest task

the most threatening event

Alleluia

Christ our life, you are alive

to offer re-creation

to every unhealed hurt

to every deadened place

to every damaged heart

Alleluia.

You set before us a great choice.

Therefore we choose life.

The dance of resurrection soars and surges through the whole creation,

It sets gifts of bread and wine upon our table.

This is grace, dying we live.

So let us live.

May the Lord bless you during this Holy Week.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday with the Easter Cantata. 

I hope you enjoy the following poem by G.K. Chesterson on your journey toward Sunday. 

Icon via Google Images

The Donkey

When fishes flew and forests walked

And figs grew upon thorn,

Some moment when the moon was blood

Then surely I was born;

With monstrous head and sickening cry

And ears like errant wings,

The devil’s walking parody

On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,

Of ancient crooked will;

Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,

I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;

One far fierce hour and sweet:

There was a shout about my ears,

And palms before my feet.

As always I look forward to being with you during worship. 

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Image of Mary Anointing; Wikimedia Commons

The Gospel reading for Sunday comes from John 12:1-8. Take some time to read and meditate upon the story of Mary anointing Jesus. What interests you most about this story? What might you learn from Mary's extravagant love for Jesus?

May the following poem written by Shirley Erena Murray give you food for thought as you journey toward Sunday.

Let me love you
Take my gifts and let me love you,
God who first of all loved me,
Gave me light and food and shelter,
gave me life and set me free,
Now because your love has touched me,
I have love to give away,
now the bread of love is rising,
Loaves of love to multiply!

Take the fruit that I have gathered
from the tree your Spirit sowed,
harvest of your own compassion,
juice that makes the wine of God,
Spiced with humor, laced with laughter--
flavor of the Jesus life,
tang of risk and new adventure
taste and zest beyond belief.

Take whatever I can offer--
gifts that I have yet to find
skills that I am slow to sharpen,
talents of the hands and mind,
things made beautiful for others
in the place where I must be:
take my gifts and let me love you,
God who first of all loved me.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship. May the Lord bless you and those you love this week.
Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The gospel reading for Sunday, March 10, is Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

Rembrandt, "The Return of the Prodigal Son," via Wikimedia Commons

In preparation for worship, read the parable of the Prodigal Son. Using the practice of lectio divina, read through the story at least three times, slowly and prayerfully. Afterward, meditate on the painting above. You might wish to write down your thoughts and insights, as well as a prayer to our Loving God.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship.
Shalom,
Glenda