Blogging through December

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." During Advent we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ in his first Advent, and we anticipate his return as Christ the King. Without a doubt there is something magical about this time of the liturgical year that is filled with waiting and longing and hoping. This year, during our waiting time, we will examine THE STORY of our faith while engaging several children's story books written about some of our Christmas traditions. So make plans to be with us as we consider the legends of the Christmas tree, the Christmas stocking, and others. 

In addition, you may wish to prepare for worship by reflecting on the readings provided in our Advent devotional by Henry Nouwen, Wait for the Lord. May the following prayer written by John Bell bless you along the way. 

You keep us waiting.

You, the God of all time,

want us to wait

for the right time in which to discover

who we are, where we are to go,

who will be with us, and what we must do.

So thank you…for the waiting time.

You keep us looking.

You, the God of all space,

want us to look in the right and wrong places

for signs of hope,

for people who are hopeless,

for visions of a better world which will appear

among the disappointments of the world we know.

So thank you…for the looking time.

You keep us loving.

You, the God whose name is love,

want us to be like you—

to love the loveless and the unlovely and the unloveable;

and, most difficult of all,

to love ourselves.

So thank you…for the loving time.

And in all this,

you keep us.

Through hard questions with no easy answers;

through failing where we hoped to succeed

and making an impact where we felt we were useless;

through the patience and the dreams and the love of others;

and through Jesus Christ and his Spirit,

you keep us.

So thank you…for the keeping time,

and for now,

and for ever,

Amen.

I look forward to accompanying you on the journey through Advent. 

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through November

"Fagus sylvatica JPG2a" by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT ; via Wikimedia Commons

We start the month of November by celebrating All Saints' Day. As we gather, we will remember loved ones who have gone before us upon whose shoulders we stand. Later in the month, on November 23rd, we will review the entire church calendar year in a "lessons and hymns" style service. Finally, November 30th marks the beginning of Advent. 

In preparation for worship throughout the month, take time to prepare by referring to this post each week. Reflect on the readings and questions or comments. Then, let us gather on The Lord’s Day to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our Holy and Loving God.

November 2, 2014

Read 1 John 3:1-3 and consider the following:

1. How is God's love made known to us in this text?
2. Because of this, what do we know?
3. In honor of All Saints' Day, recall those who have passed from this life to the next, who impacted your life in a meaningful way. Then spend some time in prayer, giving God thanks for their life and witness. 

November 9, 2014

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

1.    What strikes you as most important about this reading?

2.    In the parable, what is the Kingdom of God like?

3.    Why is it important to “keep awake”?

November 16, 2014

Read Matthew 25:14-30 using the spiritual practice of lectio divina. Read the text once and sit quietly, giving yourself time to absorb the parable. What is the context in which the story is told? Read the passage a second time and prayerfully consider what talents God has given you? Finally, read the text a third time. Then sit in prayerful silence, listening for what word the Holy Spirit might have for you today.

November 23, 2014

Christ the King Sunday marks the end of the church year. During the week reflect on how Christ is King of your life. In addition, spend some time in meditation. As you do, prayerfully consider how you might share the story of Jesus’ life and ministry with someone who has never heard about our Lord. Then join us for worship as we “tell the story” through Scripture and music.

November 30, 2014

Read Mark 13:24-37 and consider the following: 

1. Herein is a prophecy about the Son of Man. What is the prophecy? 
2. How does this story tie into the Season of Advent? 
3. In our spiritual lives, how can we “keep awake”?

One of the most important things we do as Christians is to gather on The Lord’s Day to worship our Triune God. Come, let us worship the Lord!

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through September

After completing the Sermon Series: Questions Jesus Asked, we return to the Lectionary as our guide through the ordinary days of Jesus' ministry. In preparation for worship each Sunday, be sure to refer back to this post each week and reflect on the readings and questions / comments. Then, let us gather on The Lord's Day to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our Holy and Loving God.  

September 9

Read Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20

1. From the Romans passage, what does Paul teach about fulfilling the law?
2. From his perspective, what time is it?
3. Turning to the gospel reading, reflect for a moment on verse 20. What happens in the midst of two or three gathered in Jesus' name?

September 14

Read Romans 14:1-12 and Matthew 18:21-35 

1. From Romans, what stands out for you as important about this reading? Why?
2. Turning to Matthew, who poses the question that Jesus answers with a parable?
3. What is the question?
4. How does Jesus' answer go against the grain of what we would expect?

September 21

Read Philippians 1:21-30 and Matthew 20:1-16

1. In his letter to the church of Philippi, what does Paul see as "gain"?
2. In the reading from Matthew, what does Jesus say the kingdom of heaven is like?
3. What is counter-intuitive about this parable?
4. How does the story end?

September 28

Read Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32

1. In his letter to the church of Philippi, what does Paul urge the people to do?
2. How do you seek to "let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus"?
3. From the gospel reading, who questions Jesus' authority?
4. What meaning do you garner from the parable of the two sons?

As always, I look forward to our time of worship each Sunday. Come along and bring a friend!

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging through August

Sunflowers in Israel

The summer sermon series, Questions Jesus Asked, continues through the month of August. Be sure to refer back to this post each week to help you prepare for worship. Then, let us gather on The Lord's Day, to sing, pray, listen, and commune with our wondrous Creator.

August 3: Do you want to get well?

Read John 5:1-18. 

1. On what day of the week does this miracle story occur? 
2. Why is this important?
3. What obstacles must the sick man overcome to be made well?

August 10: What are you looking for?

Read John 1:35-42.

1. What has happened in the Gospel of John immediately before this?
2. What role do the disciples play in spreading the word about Jesus?
3. How is this applicable to us today?
4. When you approach Jesus, what are you looking for?

August 17: So, can you not watch with me for one hour?

Using the spiritual practice of lectio divina, read Matthew 26:36-46 three times, allowing moments of silence between each reading. For the first reading, consider the historical context or setting. What is happening? To whom? For the second reading, reflect on what the text has to say to you. Finally, for the third reading, respond to this question: What difference does this text make today, for me in my own spiritual life?

August 24: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Read Matthew 27:45-56.

1. What specific details are offered in this reading and why do you think they are included?
2. What happened at the temple when Jesus breathed his last?
3. How did nature respond to the death of Jesus?
4. When, in your own life, have you felt forsaken by God?

August 31: Do you love me?

Read John 21:15-23.

1. What has happened in the recent past to damage Peter's relationship with Jesus?
2. How does Jesus model love for Peter in this story?
3. Take some time to meditate on this question throughout the week: How could Jesus commission us to do his work when it's quite obvious that we love so inadequately?

Finally, plan to join us and invite a friend for our annual "Blessing of the Hands" service, August 31st. We will conclude our summer sermon series being blessed and being sent to do the work God has given each one of us to do.

I hope to see you each Sunday! 

Shalom,

Glenda  

Blogging toward Sunday

I hope you will join us for worship this Sunday when the CHPC Choir presents "Breath of Heaven." In the meantime, as your journey through Advent, one question and two tasks are before you. First, during the week, meditate on how the God-given gift of music enriches your life during Christmas and throughout the year. Then, I hope you will enjoy two musical treats. The first is a video a young friend shared with me recently. It is truly amazing. The second video is "Hallelujah Chorus" presented in an original and powerful way. Enjoy!

May the Lord bless you and the people whom you love during the Seasons of Advent & Christmas.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Image of Psalms from Dead Sea Scrolls via Wikimedia Commons

On your journey toward Sunday, first read Paul's writing to the church in Galatia from Galatians 3:23-29. In the last verse Paul writes, "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise." As heirs of Abraham and as Christians, we are particularly blessed that the Hebrew Scriptures are included in our own sacred texts. In light of this, the sermon for Sunday will focus on the Jewish "songbook," if you will, specifically Psalm 42 and 43.

The Psalms, or the Psalter, is a collection of prayers and songs composed and collected throughout the history of the people of Israel. While these poetic songs include songs of thanksgiving and praise, there are also a large selection of songs of lament or prayers for help. In some cases it is an individual who is crying out to God. In others, the entire community is responding to overwhelming distress by pleading to God.

Since Psalm 42 and 43 are actually only one psalm, we will be considering both readings. Through the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, slowly and prayerfully read Psalm 42-43. What do you notice from the reading? Does something specific get your attention? Now, try to place yourself in the story by imagining that you are one of the people of Israel who has been in Babylonian captivity. Read the text again, slowly and prayerfully. What new learning do you notice this time? Finally, read the passage one last time, but this time pay particular attention to metaphors and images of water. You may wish to close your time of study and reading by saying The Lord's Prayer or Psalm 23 either silently or aloud.

As always, I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday. May God bless you and those you love.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Image via Wikimedia Commons

The gospel reading for Sunday, March 3, is Luke 13:1-9. This is a text that lends itself to the spiritual practice of lectio divina. As you likely remember, this is a term meaning "sacred reading." Sacred reading is not done quickly like gobbling up a plate of fast food. Oh no! With sacred reading the words must be consumed slowly, and with care, like savoring a delicious meal prepared by your mother's own hands. So find a comfortable place to sit with your Bible, along with paper, and pen and let us savor God's Word together.

For the first reading, simply read through the passage. Afterward, sit quietly for a time. Note what word or phrase stands out for you.

For the second reading, we will focus on the parable alone in verses 6-9. This time try to put yourself in the story. You are the gardener. Now, read the text. Again, sit quietly and prayerfully before God. After a time, consider what it felt like to play the role of the gardener. What did it feel like to be asked to cut down the tree? How much effort are you willing to put into saving it? Why do you care? What other thoughts and questions come to mind? Take time to jot them down.

Finally, read through verses 6-9 again, but this time you will attempt to place yourself in the story as the fig tree. Read the text. Sit quietly and prayerfully before God. What did it feel like to be the tree in the story? If you imagine your own spiritual life as the tree, are you in good health? Are you bearing fruit? Are there areas where you might need tender care in order to flourish?  If so, bravely lift them in prayer before the Lord.

I pray that you are making yourself available to the Gardener during your Lenten journey. May God bless you and those you love in every way.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Readings for Sunday, January 27 include Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 and Luke 4:14-21.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

It is helpful to remember that the text from Nehemiah comes during the time of the rebuilding of the Second Temple wall. Herein, Ezra summons the people to a reading of the law. Read the passage carefully; then consider the following:

1. Who is present at this gathering?
2. How long is the reading?
3. What is the response of the people to the reading of their Holy Scriptures?
4. What instruction do Nehemiah and Ezra give to the people?

Now turn to the gospel lesson. Read through Luke 4:14-21 once. Sit quietly in prayer, listening for what the Holy Spirit might reveal to you. Read the text a second time. What jumps out at you? What new learning did you experience? Take a moment to consider:

1. How is Jesus empowered? 
2. Is Jesus already well-known?
3. Why is Nazareth significant for Jesus?
4. What day of the week is it?
5. What is Jesus' routine or custom on this day?

Jesus is faithful to Israel's religious practices, here observing synagogue worship on the Sabbath. What religious practices do you employ as a faithful Christian? Is worship attendance a spiritual discipline in your life? Do you make yourself available to the work of the Holy Spirit through daily prayer, Scripture reading, meditation or other practices?Are there certain practices or disciplines you would like to know more about? If so, you may want to attend upcoming Celtic worship services in which spiritual disciplines will be highlighted over the next few months.

I pray your journey toward Sunday will be blessed with good things...things that will enrich your life...things you may use to enrich the lives of others.

Shalom,
Glenda 

Blogging toward Sunday

This week I have been enjoying our Advent Calender 2012 devotional. Although the readings are short, they seem to pack quite a punch. Today's title, for example, is "Party Time," with the following comment: "The Giver of Life invites you to a banquet in honor of his Son's birth. Please respond." (Immediately I had an image of an RSVP in response to party invitation.)

The suggested biblical text is Isaiah 25:6-9:

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation (NRSV).

Herein we see the promise of God's ultimate defeat over death. Walter Brueggemann says of this text, "The imagery here of death is not simply the fact of mortality. Rather, "death" is understood as a great devastating monster who stalks the earth and seeks to undo all of the structures of life. In the imagery [of verse 8], it is argued that God is an even stronger power who, with great force and brutality, will simply swallow death, chew it up, and spit it out in complete nullification. (The Life with God Bible, from the commentary on Isaiah, pg.1014)

It's no surprise that this Scripture passage is often used in the Church to celebrate the wondrous accomplishment of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter, an accomplishment that began at the Savior's birth.

During the Season of Advent, we are invited to be a part of the most wonderful story ever told. We are invited to sit with God, consider the wonder of it all, mark time together and seek out ways to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Although the world would entice us to turn our focus elsewhere, we will surely be better for choosing to turn toward the Light of the World on our journey toward Bethlehem.We will surely be better if we RSVP "Yes!" to the greatest invitation of all.

Sunday we will gather to listen to "Light and Life ," a Christmas Cantata performed by our Colonial Heights Presbyterian Choir. Hope to see you here!

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Widow's Mite by James Tissot via Wikimedia Commons

Scripture readings for Sunday, November 11 include Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 and Mark 12:38-44. It is interesting to note that both readings involve widows. Take a few moments to read about Ruth and Naomi. Then consider the following:

1. What is Naomi's plan?
2. Why does she even need a plan?
3. What is the result of Naomi's plan?

Now, turn to the gospel reading. As you read, what stands out for you? About what would you like to know more? After giving these questions some thought, sit a while with the artistic rendition of "The Widow's Mite" that is provided. What do you notice? Has this creative interpretation caused you to ask different questions? If so, what?

I pray that you are having a blessed week, and that in your spiritual journey you are being a blessing to others. Come, let us worship together on Sunday!

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday, May 6th include Acts 8:26-40 and John 15:1-8.

We are approaching the 5th Sunday of Easter. The Season of Easter allows us to consider, over a period of weeks, the ways in which the Resurrection effects our life of faith. In light of this season of hope, read through John 15:1-8. Prayerfully consider what word God might have for you. You might wish to jot down your thoughts and questions. Now, in preparation for a second reading, try to imagine yourself as a branch in the vine of Christ. Prayerfully ask God to reveal to you what is in need of pruning so that you might be more fruitful in your Christian life. Read through the passage and meditate upon God's response. As you complete your time of meditation, ask God to help you accept with a humble and grateful heart whatever "pruning" might be in order.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, consider the following:

1. Who is the True Vine and who is the Vinegrower?
2. Who are the branches?
3. What is done to the branch to make it bear more fruit?
4. Do you think pruning is painful? 
5. How many times is the word "abide" (or its synonym) used in this text?
6. What does it mean to bear fruit?
7. Is abiding in Christ an individual or a community experience? Is it both?

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. I hope you are having a lovely and "fruitful" week of living the Christian life wherever God has planted you.

Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary Readings for Easter Sunday include Acts 10:34-43 and Mark 16:1-8.

We are in the midst of Holy Week. I hope that you are able to attend one or more of the services we have planned for the week: Maundy Thursday & Tenebrae Service on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., the Celtic Worship Service on Saturday at 5 p.m. (Harpist, Louise Daniel, will be joining us for this service) and, of course, Easter Worship, Sunday morning at 11:00. This Easter is particularly special in the life of our church because during worship we will have a Profession of Faith by our Confirmation candidate, a Reaffirmation of Faith by two adults, the Baptism of their three children, and we will celebrate Communion at the Table of our Lord. It is sure to be a wonderful Resurrection Day!

As you journey toward Sunday, I offer you the following poem written by Joyce Rupp. 

"Awaken Me"

Risen One,

come, meet me

in the garden of my life.

Lure me into elation.

Revive my silent hope.

Coax my dormant dreams.

Raise up my neglected gratitude.

Entice my tired enthusiasm.

Give life to my faltering relationships.

Roll back the stone of my indifference.

Unwrap the deadness in my spiritual life.

Impart heartiness in my work.

Risen One,

send me forth as a disciple of your unwavering love,

a messenger 

of your unlimited joy.

Resurrected One,

may I become

ever more convinced

that your presence lives on,

and on, and on,

and on.

Awaken me!

Awaken me!

Blessings on your Holy Week. I look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, this Easter morn.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday include Exodus 20:1-17 and John 2:13-22.

As we journey toward Easter, our gospel reading from John provides a unique perspective of Jesus. This is not Jesus, meek and mild. No this is Jesus, furious, outraged, overcome by emotion. The story of Jesus cleansing the Temple provides a perfect text to meditate upon using the practice of lectio divina. 

Pull up a comfy chair, open your Bible, and have a pen and notebook handy so you can write down your thoughts.  Now, read through the passage. Imagine the scene being played out in the Temple at the time of the Jewish Passover. Sit silently for a couple of minutes.  What do you notice on this first reading. Write down your thoughts.

Now I invite you to read the passage a second time, but this time try to focus on your senses. As you put yourself in the story, what do you see, smell, hear... Sit quietly for a few moments, and then record your experience.

Once more, read the passage, but this time you get to play the part of the money changer. You are sitting at your table, counting coins, stacking up coins, exchanging coins. Now read the passage. What thoughts come to mind? What do you think of Jesus, coming into your place of "business" and turning things upside down? 

Near the end of this chapter of John, Jesus tells the Jewish leaders, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Here Jesus is speaking of the temple of his body. Because of the sacrifice Jesus makes, no longer will God be "housed" in a man-made structure, as if God ever was! No, now, because of the work of God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, God is with each baptized believer, forever and always.

Last year my spiritual director gave me a lovely book by John Moses, The Desert: An Anthology for Lent. An entry written by Theophan the Recluse speaks of God's home in each of our hearts:

You seek the Lord? Seek, but only within yourself. He is not far from anyone. 

The Lord is near all those who truly call on Him. 

Find a place in your heart, and speak there with the Lord. 

It is the Lord's reception room. 

Everyone who meets the Lord meets Him there; 

He has fixed no other place for meeting souls.

May God bless you in your comings and goings this week. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Shalom,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Sunday we have the honor of a visiting pastor bringing a good Word into our midst. Scripture passages that will be read are Joshua 4:1-7 and Mark 1:9-15.

Our Lectionary Group of area pastors met again on Tuesday, and using the ancient practice of lectio divina, we read the gospel text for Sunday. We always end our time together with some spiritual practice. This week was quite special for me. As ministers beginning the season of Lent, we talked about our own Lenten intentions, the happenings planned for each of our churches, and then we prayed for one another. How good it is to be a pastor and have the opportunity to pray for other people, leading prayers, etc. But what a joy it is to BE the one being prayed for by another brother or sister in Christ. What a blessing to hear your own name, your own situation, your own church family, being lifted up like incense before the Lord.

Today is Thursday. Ash Wednesday has come and gone. Have you been asked THE question yet? You know, the question, "What have you given up for Lent?" It seems to be the most asked question of the season. But, as we discussed in our Lectionary Group, it's just as important to ask another question: "For what purpose are you giving up or fasting from something?" Although often overlooked, the answer is simple enough. We fast from something (like fasting each Friday or perhaps one meal a day) or give up something (like TV or desserts) not for the sake of "fasting" or "giving up" alone. No, whatever we choose to stop is only for the purpose of having more time to meditate upon Jesus the Christ. Giving up something may help us be more aware of ways in which we indulge ourselves so readily, but the greater good is to "fill up" on the things of Christ.The Cross, Easter morning, is, after all, our destination.

So if "giving up something" is for the purpose of "taking on something," in what ways might you add the things of Christ? How might you focus more on Jesus in the coming weeks? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Take time to ponder our Lenten devotional, From Death to Life, each day.
2. Start a new spiritual practice, like meditating or beginning a prayer journal.
3. Determine to read through one of the gospels during Lent. (Mark is the shortest:)
4. Plan to spend more time in prayer.
5. Plan to spend more time in nature enjoying God's creation.
6. Each day, pray through our church directory.
7. Fast from watching television.
8. Fast each Friday during Lent, recalling Good Friday throughout the day.

Of course, the list is endless. The important thing to remember is that giving up something for Lent is only part of the story. Replacing whatever you choose with increased mindfulness of Jesus' sacrifice for all of humanity, in whatever way you choose, is the even greater purpose.

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. Come and support our visiting preacher.
Shalom,
Glenda

Blogging through Advent

During worship on Sunday, December 11th, the

Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church Choir will present

"On Christmas Day: A Choral Celebration of Jesus, the Wonderful One."

On the journey toward Advent, consider these Suggestions for Giving the Present of Presence as offered by Joyce Rupp in Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems, and Reflections for Every Season.

There are two possible ways to be with someone: (a) to be physically present with someone or (b) to be present "in spirit" by deliberately sending prayer, compassionate thoughts, and kind feelings toward another person or group. Either approach could be appropriate for each of the following suggestions.

Be with someone who needs you.

Be with a person who gives you hope.

Be with those who live in terror and fear.

Be with an older person.

Be with someone who has helped you to grow.

Be with one who is in pain.

Be with a war-torn country.

Be with yourself.

Be with someone who has written to you.

Be with a child.

Be with a refugee who is fleeing from harm.

Be with an enemy or someone you dislike.

Be with a farmer losing his or her land.

Be with someone who has terminal illness.

Be with the homeless.

Be with those who suffer from substance abuse.

Be with hungry children.

Be with a coworker.

Be with those whose hope is faint.

Be with world leaders.

Be with someone in your family.

Be with men and women in prison.

Be with someone working for justice.

Be with those who are abused and neglected.

Be with your loved ones.

God of love, you were so generous, sending the presence of your Beloved to dwell among us and to tell us who you are. Encourage me during this Advent season to continue in the sharing of this loving presence through my attentiveness, given in prayer and in deeds. You who dwell within me, remind me often to let go of my busyness and my hurriedness so that I can be with others in a loving way. Convince me that "being" is as important as "doing." Thank you for your strengthening presence. Thank you for being with me. Amen.

I look forward to seeing you in worship.

Shalom,

Glenda