tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50083518255856750472024-03-12T22:09:52.410-05:00The SacristyA community for Wesleyan sacristans.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-92128862707890459032020-04-10T16:43:00.001-05:002020-04-10T16:44:05.672-05:00Together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, the virtual choir turned out to be a virtual ensemble. That's okay because the folks who are in the ensemble were passionate about sharing their witness in song. My sincerest appreciation goes to Ken, Amy, Tammy, and Jon for making this project a success. And it is a success because, even though we are in completely different homes, on Easter Sunday morning, we will be singing "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" together. Thanks be to God.<br />
<br />
Listen here:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4Jia4KbgfIi1Of-2F4h-kBTieeXxmfb/view?usp=sharing">Christ the Lord Is Risen Today</a><br />
<br />
May the peace of Christ bring you joy this Easter.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-61398158158876201992020-04-03T08:11:00.000-05:002020-04-08T13:51:06.270-05:00Virtual Choir for Easter 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let's begin this Easter, as always, with "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!" Even though we will not be able to sing in the same physical space on Easter, we can sing together in a virtual choir. The process is simple:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1) Download the new <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kXbufGrIknqoaYSAuyBfxqt6cdZ0ppEc/view?usp=sharing">piano accompaniment </a>and listen several times.</div>
<div>
2) Download <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=12nlzyCzsQkjp4GQyoorM291GlKhCTlJZ">the music</a> and read over the words.</div>
<div>
3) Practice several times before recording:</div>
<div>
verse 1: unison</div>
<div>
verse 2: parts</div>
<div>
verse 3: unison</div>
<div>
verse 4: parts<br />
verse 5: parts<br />
verse 6: parts</div>
<div>
4) When you are familiar with it, using headphones to listen to the accompaniment, sing along with the piano and record your voice part using any recording device you have available. A cellphone will work great!</div>
<div>
5) Email your voice file to <a href="mailto:thesacristan582@gmail.com">thesacristan582@gmail.com</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Deadline for files is Friday morning, April 10. I plan to have them mixed later that evening. The resulting file will be posted here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-30081159625122605552013-01-20T19:17:00.000-06:002013-01-20T19:17:36.419-06:00Listen to Him!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo8SWcONNLL-sWl2wO_tE7lJ_4ywMQO4OheGQ8ASkuH5u8GNeO_qixodmm9Mj6j4I9ucL9-0xa9Eyw1j6he_qadXjsyW35jAEnwXc9Zf88_U30z1Oqzr_hYWgTX2U4Bj5uGuc5-5Eb1mP/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo8SWcONNLL-sWl2wO_tE7lJ_4ywMQO4OheGQ8ASkuH5u8GNeO_qixodmm9Mj6j4I9ucL9-0xa9Eyw1j6he_qadXjsyW35jAEnwXc9Zf88_U30z1Oqzr_hYWgTX2U4Bj5uGuc5-5Eb1mP/s320/IMAG0152.jpg" width="191" /></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now let us do this little at the
beginning of our Lent, that we strew ashes upon our heads to signify
that we ought to repent of our sins during the Lenten fast.</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
Aelfric (c955-1020 CE), <i>Lives of the
Saints</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The dreary month of February will be a
busy one in the life of the church. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday,
February 13, and continues 40 days (excluding Sundays) until Easter.
Lent, the seasonal name derived from the Anglo-Saxon <i>lencten</i>
which means spring, began as a time of fasting and preparation for
baptism of converts on Easter. It has become a time of penance where
wordly practices are sacrificed in favor of increased prayer and
contemplation. While the season is a somber one, the Sundays <i>in</i>
Lent are not Sundays <i>of</i>
Lent. Although each may reflect some of the penitential tone of the
season, the early church celebrated all Sundays as “little
Easters.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Sunday prior to Ash Wednesday, February 10, is most definitely <i>not</i>
somber! It is the Sunday which celebrates the Transfiguration (Luke
9:28-43) during which Jesus is transfigured beside Moses and Elijah.
Not surprisingly, Jesus's companions—Peter, James, and John—want
to set up camp in this holy mountain, but very quickly a cloud
engulfs them. It is only in the cloud that God speaks to them,
declaring, as He did at the river Jordan, that their friend, their
companion, was both human and divine. Further, in the midst of the
cloud, and the confusion, God ordered these disciples to <i><b>listen</b></i>
to Jesus.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Think
about the disciples on the mountain: Peter, the rock, bold and
stubborn; and James and John, the “sons of thunder” who likely
earned that nickname. These are men who are accustomed to giving
orders, to speaking their minds forcefully, but, in this instance,
they are instructed to <i><b>listen</b></i>.
For once, according to Scripture, they kept their mouths shut. But
it wasn't until the next day that Jesus spoke, and it wasn't to them.
It was to heal a demon-possessed boy. Scripture records that they
were astounded at the greatness of God.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Really. The
disciples who had seen Elijah and Moses with Jesus, the disciples who
had heard God from the cloud, these disciples were “astounded at
the greatness of God.” (Luke 9:43) They might have heard, but they
certainly were not listening!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How often do we
hear rather than listen intently? May we, during this Lenten season,
repent of merely hearing and seek to listen intently to the voice of
the Father.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-19446414360793359672012-07-26T11:26:00.001-05:002012-07-26T13:45:47.725-05:00When Is It Good To Be Selfish?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hYzYaeq6yxZQYS5QUi_e2h3jGrDjGfS-VksEGJS9866jfrW-T_0eUMMpgEloWSv6MiSOVuZFuI9qrN-6kU1CQOru9-tBoWlL4ZRGU7XdSlYVaef2HcI1GsIfuts3OnlyBjpU03vm7edO/s1600/IMAG0153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hYzYaeq6yxZQYS5QUi_e2h3jGrDjGfS-VksEGJS9866jfrW-T_0eUMMpgEloWSv6MiSOVuZFuI9qrN-6kU1CQOru9-tBoWlL4ZRGU7XdSlYVaef2HcI1GsIfuts3OnlyBjpU03vm7edO/s320/IMAG0153.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are we willing to do the work?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many congregations find themselves in the throes of "worship wars" where different groups within the faith community lobby to have worship changed into a particular style. Many are enamored with technology and just cannot imagine a worship service without a screen to focus on. Others want no part of the screen and wish worship to remain unchanged. Still others insist on a "contemporary" service. Such competing agendae can fragment a faith community to the extent that there are basically, multiple churches within one church.<br />
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Recently, a dear brother in Christ, who has been one of the most vocal in insisting on worship changes in his congregation, asked a heart-wrenching question:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Am I being selfish to expect worship to fit my own ideas?</h4>
<div>
Now there's a question. And I have not been able to stop thinking about it. Having recently joined what might be called the "worship team," it mirrors questions and concerns I have about structuring worship.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At heart, I am a traditionalist--not because it's easiest, but because the lectionary, images, the corporate prayer, the recitations, the music, the standing and sitting, and the responsorial readings are all designed to provide a spiralling, multisensory curriculum for the faith community. If we follow the liturgical year, we follow Christ's life, over and over, deeper and deeper until it becomes the marrow of our spiritual bones. That's its purpose, and all the vestments, banners, music, and liturgy serve that purpose.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqHjlr1a9DVC4bTYBMVB9Bq2PjquyR2iAvIiPMymrciNvlJr0ANWwDPaxLA4kP_mt6lChTU570sj4RhQ5pz70jYxhhgGxeP7pkUKFFk-75xFeheO5fAlCuu6uMKPc4-Tf0zJCxAfBtOue/s1600/IMAG0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqHjlr1a9DVC4bTYBMVB9Bq2PjquyR2iAvIiPMymrciNvlJr0ANWwDPaxLA4kP_mt6lChTU570sj4RhQ5pz70jYxhhgGxeP7pkUKFFk-75xFeheO5fAlCuu6uMKPc4-Tf0zJCxAfBtOue/s320/IMAG0165.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banners provide visual cues.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The traditional form of worship dates back to the medieval church when most parishoners were illiterate and needed the repetition, as well as the multisensory cues and symbols, to inculcate their faith. The banners, glass art, musical instrumentation and style, and vestments were reflective of the technology and culture of the time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only in the early-to-mid 20th century could the general population be considered literate enough to actually read Scripture for themselves. <span style="background-color: white;">Education, along with a proliferation of translations, transliterations, and paraphrases of Scripture, would indicate that the educational purpose of liturgy should be of lesser importance, but it has never been more important. The many competing voices of "authority" can lead to confusion and disharmony. Only in congress (little c) can the faith community resolve those conflicts and establish a culture. If liturgy is the work of the people, then the people must work to create the liturgy and the culture in which it serves.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Now, to answer the question: Yes and no.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If one individual in the faith community expects the liturgy and worship to conform to the individual's taste in music, technology, and language at the exclusion of the consideration of the other members of the community, then, <b>yes</b>, that individual is being selfish.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC28LP5B1VXgVZvrc9-VvmTJfZIbG1xU6oU3fSgF0BbA8D7LETU1QXyiLkQa-29-EtVfbF42yrENz-rM5yFaAXKAPUBJnh3uC7CJOFVBv56OLA1AyEK1CSwl96IwU9C5tYBuUeYYb2ajOi/s1600/IMAG0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC28LP5B1VXgVZvrc9-VvmTJfZIbG1xU6oU3fSgF0BbA8D7LETU1QXyiLkQa-29-EtVfbF42yrENz-rM5yFaAXKAPUBJnh3uC7CJOFVBv56OLA1AyEK1CSwl96IwU9C5tYBuUeYYb2ajOi/s320/IMAG0156.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in the midst of the storm,<br />
pray.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If, however, one individual longs for worship to be a Spirit-filled time of restoration and transformation for all members of the community, then, <b>no</b>, the individual is not being selfish. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When faced with the need for change, we often "go with what we know" and find like-minded folks with whom to link arms against "them." This leads to fractious factions and division within the community. Could we, instead, approach change with open minds and open hearts, listening intently and prayerfully to those with different ideas?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Will it be easy? Competition (winning) is easy, but divisive; consensus is difficult, messy, protracted, and, in the end, the better way to preserve the community. It's how a community <i>should</i> function.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, the work is before us. Let us proceed with listening ears, open minds, and prayerful hearts. Lead us, Lord.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-12571161930005780162012-04-07T05:17:00.000-05:002012-04-07T05:17:00.656-05:00Easter Sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ubTsjl7ZTlQ-0d-DHDP__aspTzYg0xOuLW9n3h9RxE0hnHYYXNqGJYgwXw7TWFXrTkjDUdtMLgej6SFiZoNDGUEOn5mvnCBRp2u8QEptm55Sd8dOJyi0DWnTfrH21xzsE6vG4jDqhDlx/s1600/IMAG0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ubTsjl7ZTlQ-0d-DHDP__aspTzYg0xOuLW9n3h9RxE0hnHYYXNqGJYgwXw7TWFXrTkjDUdtMLgej6SFiZoNDGUEOn5mvnCBRp2u8QEptm55Sd8dOJyi0DWnTfrH21xzsE6vG4jDqhDlx/s640/IMAG0154.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<i><b>Scripture</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2025:6-9&version=NIV">Isaiah 25:6-9</a><br />
<br />
<i><b>Prayer</b></i><br />
<br />
What were they thinking, Lord?<br />
As they approached the tomb,<br />
Laden with spices to, in a final filial act,<br />
Prepare Your earthly body for its final rest,<br />
What were they thinking?<br />
Did their earthly sorrow and devotion to this final task<br />
Blind them?<br />
They had heard your prophecies, and yet<br />
Their first thought, seeing the open sepulchre,<br />
Was of earthly mischief.<br />
<br />
Not until your messenger explained it, yet again,<br />
Did the scales of their earth-bound eyes fall<br />
And their souls see with eyes eternal.<br />
Wash the mortal clay from my eyes,<br />
Merciful Father,<br />
And let me see, with those eternal eyes,<br />
My Risen Redeemer.<br />
<br />
Alleluia!<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-58950918386016788182012-04-06T23:59:00.000-05:002012-04-06T23:59:00.384-05:00Holy Week: Saturday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKXu32orK-Ez4NNCw0ESVjaeSg-hgrKU2uBTeeH79F8F-QBMQ4I2ovMT_WpeCiUEnqw206LyfbHJE5dNPQFJTeMNrdgLCUCxD4doWlv-_39aV26Dr2cX_ZknMUgX9Ms95BsmK3GzCIFN_/s1600/IMAG0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKXu32orK-Ez4NNCw0ESVjaeSg-hgrKU2uBTeeH79F8F-QBMQ4I2ovMT_WpeCiUEnqw206LyfbHJE5dNPQFJTeMNrdgLCUCxD4doWlv-_39aV26Dr2cX_ZknMUgX9Ms95BsmK3GzCIFN_/s320/IMAG0169.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<b><i>Scripture</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2014:1-14&version=NIV">Job 14:1-14</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Prayer</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
Seed of my salvation,<br />
My soul is fallow ground, barren,<br />
Waiting for the Light of the World<br />
To quicken it.<br />
Throughout this dark, empty Saturday,<br />
My fallow soul is waiting,<br />
Waiting,<br />
For the Son to Rise.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Meditate in Silence and go in peace.</b></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-24305384985149616332012-04-05T00:00:00.000-05:002012-04-05T00:00:02.481-05:00Holy Week: Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDw3e4fR7uJnU8RH8WystNpMwyJ8kKPAiQB-owML33yoxZa82nQdaS3CR5uy7rjHyWlACqB_UxiPoB5DCtr4bfUdNJKbme0fTqmDQdDv68WslHtGMFfk6yILk-mk5x0wICDe55Zc4z5OF/s1600/IMAG0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDw3e4fR7uJnU8RH8WystNpMwyJ8kKPAiQB-owML33yoxZa82nQdaS3CR5uy7rjHyWlACqB_UxiPoB5DCtr4bfUdNJKbme0fTqmDQdDv68WslHtGMFfk6yILk-mk5x0wICDe55Zc4z5OF/s400/IMAG0155.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<b><i>Scripture</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2022&version=NIV">Psalm 22</a><br />
<br />
<i><b>Prayer</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><br />
Alone.<br />
You died<br />
Alone.<br />
Abandoned by your disciples.<br />
Forgotten by the throngs.<br />
Abandoned by your God.<br />
<br />
For me.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-73407824636011926322012-04-04T23:59:00.000-05:002012-04-04T23:59:00.163-05:00Holy Week: Thursday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe3fSCU4kSWHa-tLr_LuDFJpgFp7vmJzNRtgaZl3rw75NP8wa1EfAgpUdYGFUEedn9OiBf4JLi_xBTd876HGdOHRW7T1FXXjiKxexU_RZG_Q9-EF5Eh7I1EWIrLK1G0Lqi7CtGuXF7b-_/s1600/IMAG0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe3fSCU4kSWHa-tLr_LuDFJpgFp7vmJzNRtgaZl3rw75NP8wa1EfAgpUdYGFUEedn9OiBf4JLi_xBTd876HGdOHRW7T1FXXjiKxexU_RZG_Q9-EF5Eh7I1EWIrLK1G0Lqi7CtGuXF7b-_/s320/IMAG0174.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Scripture</i></b></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20116:12-19&version=NIV" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 116:12-19</span></a><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">As a father
teaches a child, you show us how to live in God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">As a child obeys
a Father, you willingly follow the path to judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">As a man
fulfilling His calling, you walk the path to sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Willingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Knowingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Painfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Gloriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">You give your
life to give us eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">May we give our
lives to your eternal service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, hear our
prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Silent meditation
and go in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-77691171211859188052012-04-03T23:59:00.000-05:002012-04-03T23:59:00.597-05:00Holy Week: Wednesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY7SJrFtLnV1LmoO8WfoPZUFb3tijmgeueVOnURlPYQEcSd27TsGkcahEKKHvs916AbKculjAoavsPcmRDPMZwDKl6HvuFmdCxImhoEaqqTQLmm6jFVgMrzhT0kVi-DZHIXPYUQern2bT/s1600/IMAG0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY7SJrFtLnV1LmoO8WfoPZUFb3tijmgeueVOnURlPYQEcSd27TsGkcahEKKHvs916AbKculjAoavsPcmRDPMZwDKl6HvuFmdCxImhoEaqqTQLmm6jFVgMrzhT0kVi-DZHIXPYUQern2bT/s320/IMAG0183.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holy Wednesday<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2050:4-9&version=NIV"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah 50:4-9</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God
of all creation, you left your throne to walk among us,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
work with us,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
eat with us,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
worship with us,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
care for us,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
be, in all ways but one, just like us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And
after all of that, knowing us, you chose to die for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How
can we do anything less than live for you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord,
have mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christ,
have mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord,
have mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Silent meditation and
go in peace.</span></i></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-13952686613282918432012-04-03T04:53:00.000-05:002012-04-03T04:53:10.193-05:00Holy Week: Tuesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdcYzhqryN4KmHijLxJV2_vr8t9_O3YTJahsR1mVG2YZUM-FQWsYuwy_U7UZMT_MntuH4v2DwvgKNpiZVPFfQU-7FatNgbpu_WOu3TXZ68nJPSRC-dEcEFWTMbGQyQpz2Hlj14bdZ5XuX/s1600/IMAG0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdcYzhqryN4KmHijLxJV2_vr8t9_O3YTJahsR1mVG2YZUM-FQWsYuwy_U7UZMT_MntuH4v2DwvgKNpiZVPFfQU-7FatNgbpu_WOu3TXZ68nJPSRC-dEcEFWTMbGQyQpz2Hlj14bdZ5XuX/s400/IMAG0159.jpg" width="238" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Scripture</span></em></strong></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2049:1-7&version=NIV"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah 49:1-7</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">P<span style="font-size: 12pt;">rayer<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God of justice,
your law provides your children with clear instruction for living a life
pleasing to you, and yet we find myriad ways to fail you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God of mercy,
your love ordained, before the foundations of the earth, a way to redeem your
children from our sinful lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God of us all,
you offer your mercy, not only to those who call you Father, but to anyone who chooses
your way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks be to God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Silent meditation
and go in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-25135436291332475272012-04-02T15:35:00.002-05:002012-04-02T15:35:59.928-05:00Holy Week: Monday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2036:5-11&version=ASV">Psalm 36:5-11<o:p></o:p></a></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you taught
your disciples, teach us, Lord, to see beyond accolade and pageantry to the
mission you have for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prepare us, Lord,
as you prepared your disciples, for whatever challenge lies before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grant us faith,
Lord, to accept your will even when we do not understand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grant us wisdom,
Lord, to align our wills with yours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord, hear our
prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Silent meditation
and go in peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-27438848165745188592012-03-16T11:16:00.000-05:002012-03-16T11:16:00.722-05:00In focus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEgqkBB7JsqISp6jxmoPFq1HEQKcnvx6A6kjs1KamSu0PdUSypt9fIe-8w5i3QMn5EKaYM2RsvHTou135_bz8wrCuiEEqNtTZ-fMm_8Z3Gx5Yj-ftPWWWkGFjiBdOOXAmfRB7nlieqxay/s1600/Photo_111510_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEgqkBB7JsqISp6jxmoPFq1HEQKcnvx6A6kjs1KamSu0PdUSypt9fIe-8w5i3QMn5EKaYM2RsvHTou135_bz8wrCuiEEqNtTZ-fMm_8Z3Gx5Yj-ftPWWWkGFjiBdOOXAmfRB7nlieqxay/s400/Photo_111510_001.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When dark, this space is like any other, drab, utilitarian. But when the sun shines, the room vibrates with a crazy quilt of color, seemingly random, but still beautiful. Only when you turn your eyes toward the sun does the picture come into focus and the intent of the artist become clear.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so it is with faith. While we might revel in the beauty caused by the Son, only when we turn our eyes to Him does He come into sharp focus. And only by fixing our eyes on Him can we begin to understand, through faithful study, his artistry.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Stir me with with discontent, Lord. Keep me from blithely basking in the rainbow of colors that radiates from your presence. Draw me to the look directly into the Light, Lord, that I may focus on understanding your artistry in me, in the world, in Christ.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-34424248548234616772012-03-12T11:32:00.000-05:002012-03-12T11:32:36.463-05:00Hope Dawns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkQ9UONEY0Rlyd3whOddSE30RTKOQ4_5tkWT1j-Y3rIfsyVoYU7TkT0zPqLKx1cD1ZQQPBDWrJ6fhEr4z97PWpoOc6aO3kothQGko4OAziy6kFHrppUotOaq1XS8PNFoZdqpAOwF33PY-/s1600/165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkQ9UONEY0Rlyd3whOddSE30RTKOQ4_5tkWT1j-Y3rIfsyVoYU7TkT0zPqLKx1cD1ZQQPBDWrJ6fhEr4z97PWpoOc6aO3kothQGko4OAziy6kFHrppUotOaq1XS8PNFoZdqpAOwF33PY-/s320/165.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immanuel Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Tennessee<br />photo copyright N. Y. Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once a place of hope,<br />
<br />
In time of peace a place of worship,<br />
<br />
In time of slavery a place of divided communion,<br />
<br />
In time of war a place of death,<br />
<br />
In time, in God,<br />
<br />
Hope dawns again.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-57419177786746484082012-03-09T11:05:00.000-06:002012-03-09T11:14:15.986-06:00Knowing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJ0Vdb-BCp0/Ty9CmV8iG6I/AAAAAAAABOc/IID9XwMYX9U/s1600/IMAG0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJ0Vdb-BCp0/Ty9CmV8iG6I/AAAAAAAABOc/IID9XwMYX9U/s400/IMAG0156.jpg" width="238" yda="true" /></a></div>
We spend so much time focusing on his divinity that it's really hard to imagine the temptations Jesus must have felt as his time on Earth was drawing to a close. His humanity was as complete as ours. <br />
<br />
He knew hunger. <br />
<br />
He knew jealousy. <br />
<br />
He knew anger. <br />
<br />
He knew fear. <br />
<br />
He knew them all, but always resisted them, knowing that they would become distractions on his journey. He continued on the right path. He turned his face away from his old life and toward Calvary. He listened to his Father, then took the path necessary for the redemption of his lost lambs.<br />
<br />
What wondrous love.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-61285043820421132842012-02-05T19:00:00.000-06:002012-02-05T19:00:48.805-06:00Real Heroes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are a society obsessed with heroes. We lionize athletes, actors, entertainers--anyone who has achieved widespread, even if temporary, notoriety. Protestant Christians are strangely loath to observe the sanctoral cycle, the annual commemoration of the lives of Christianity's pioneers. The feast days in honor of the saints are not occasions to worship the honoree, but are perfect occasions to remember the stories and examples they provide us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The <em>Handbook of the Christian Year</em> describes the importance of remembering the saints: "Properly understood, however, the saints are manifestations of the continuing work of Jesus Christ in human life. Holy men and women are not testimonies to works-righteousness but to the transforming grace of God." The saints are the ordinary men and women who believed God enough to dedicate their lives to Him. The saints are the ordinary men and women to believed God enough to die for Him. These ordinary men and women did more than achieve personal, fleeting fame; they were instruments of God in their world. Now those are real heroes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This calendar can help you remember when to study the heroes of the faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">February 24 Matthias</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">March 19 Joseph</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">April 25 Mark</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">May 1 Philip and James the Less</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">June 11 Barnabas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">June 24 John the Baptist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">June 29 Peter and Paul</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">July 22 Magdalene</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">July 25 James</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">August 15 Mary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">August 24 Bartholomew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">September 21 Matthew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">October 18 Luke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">October 23 James, brother of Jesus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">October 28 Simon and Jude</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">November 1 All Saints</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">November 30 Andrew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">December 21 Thomas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">December 26 Stephen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">December 27 John the Evangelist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">December 28 Holy Innocents</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Resources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hickman, Hoyt L.; Saliers, Don E.; Stookey, Laurence Hull; and White, James F. <em>Handbook of the Christian Year.</em> 1986. Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-27472865555100162922012-01-30T21:57:00.000-06:002012-01-30T22:09:48.261-06:00Book Review: A Year With Jesus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nettlehorst, R. P., <em>A Year With Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections on Jesus' Own Words</em>. Thomas Nelson, 2011.<br />
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<em>We can understand Jesus' message best when we approach it with humility and openness.</em><br />
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R. P. Nettlehorst</div>
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In many ways, R. P. Nettlehorst's <em>A Year With Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections on Jesus' Own Words</em> is a typical devotional collection. It follows the usual formula: a daily scripture passage labeled "Day 1" through "Day 365" followed by a brief (approximately half page) reflection on the meaning and application of the scripture. The daily readings are grouped into sections with names like "Love and Hate," "Truth and Lies," "Arrogance and Humility," "Friends and Enemies," "Belief and Disbelief," and "Patience and Impatience."<br />
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Several things set this book apart from other devotional collections. The theme is unique in that the scripture selections are Jesus's words from the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. They follow a rough timeline of His ministry and conclude with the crucifixion and resurrection. The reflections that follow the selections are straight-forward and action-oriented, designed to impel the reader forward in his or her faith journey.<br />
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Another attractive feature of <em>A Year With Jesus</em> is that the scriptural interpretations are very straightforward and would appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.<br />
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Perhaps my favorite feature of the book is that each scripture selection is preceded by a brief contextual explanation. This is a great help since the scripture selections are non-sequential.<br />
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<em>A Year With Jesus</em> would be a good selection for newer believers or as a basis for a long-range targeted study of Jesus's words.<br />
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<a href="http://booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/23659?ref=badge"><img alt="I review for BookSneeze®" border="0" height="125" src="http://booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge_sm.png" width="125" /></a><br />
<em>In interest of full disclosure, I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing reviews but have full editorial discretion regarding the content of these reviews.</em><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-68553413347664455102012-01-29T20:59:00.001-06:002012-01-29T21:00:48.327-06:00Daily Readings for Season After Epiphany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The daily lectionary readings for the Season After Epiphany are available. Download them from this link:<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T4Rhbn8IjM8kiG5tR07LBol55SAxIJ2s5YoR7CmnCJ0/edit">Season After Epiphany Daily Readings</a><br />
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Happy New Year!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-69437157719388434262012-01-29T20:55:00.000-06:002012-01-29T21:01:39.808-06:00We've joined the Blog Bunch!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/">Thomas Nelson Publishers</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-18308742055048720352011-10-07T13:59:00.000-05:002011-10-07T13:59:10.316-05:00Advent & Christmas Readings 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! Carols pervade the malls, Santas twinkle from every window. But there is a season <em>before</em> Christmas. Advent's message is very simple: Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord. The lectionary readings for the season lead us, step by step, to a manger in Bethlehem. Prepare your hearts for the coming of the King!<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9MJeue0MDEOOTllZTNkMGQtZGIzOC00ZjQ1LWJiNTctYWExNjBmNjg4NGU0&hl=en_US">Advent Reader 2011</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-60792899331484121822011-06-21T15:54:00.000-05:002011-06-21T15:54:01.353-05:002011 Readings for the Season after Pentecost<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Join me in study of the Lectionary texts for this season of growth. Find the daily readings here:<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9MJeue0MDEONWJjNWFhMjctZTNhMi00OTRjLTgxZWItMGRiMmQwYzdlZjRi&hl=en_US&authkey=CMPh2tcM">2011 Readings for the Season after Pentecost</a><br />
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May this time be one of growth for you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-72492645690081732252011-02-21T07:59:00.000-06:002011-02-21T07:59:14.377-06:002011 Lenten and Easter Readings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The Holy Season comes soon. Immerse yourself in the Holy Scriptures through reading the Daily Lectionary. With dates assigned to the Year A readings, the <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9MJeue0MDEOZGYxYjQxNzItYjZiMi00OWIxLTk5NDAtZGIxZGQ1Y2RhMDc5&hl=en">2011 Lenten and Easter Readings</a> makes it easy. Print off the reader (it contains one page for Lent and Easter Sunday and the second page for Eastertide), and slide a copy into your Bible for a handy reference. May this be a season of growth for you.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-26906936028560402802010-12-20T12:42:00.000-06:002010-12-20T12:42:15.642-06:00Come to the WaterWith the close of Christmastide on Epiphany—Twelfth Night or the twelfth day of Christmas, the community of faith returns again to Ordinary Time for nine Sundays until Lent begins. With the exception of the first and last Sundays after Epiphany, the chancel is again vested in green. On those “bookend” Sundays, however, the chancel is vested in festive white for two festivals: Baptism of the Lord and Transfiguration. Christ's baptism by John the Baptist marked the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17) and this feast day offers believers the opportunity to examine again the covenant embodied by the sacrament and to reaffirm their commitment to that covenant.<br />
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The provisions of this covenant include the renunciation of sin, the acceptance of God's freedom and power to resist sin, and the confession of the Christ as Savior. While this seems innocuous enough, it is in the remaining provisions of the covenant that the mission handed to Christians becomes apparent. Because of the salvation professed, the Christian covenants to serve Christ as Lord in union with the Church, to remain faithful members of Christ's holy Church, and to be God's representatives in the world. Being God's representatives in the world means that each Christian has a unique ministry ( I Corinthians 12:12-31) which may be demonstrated singularly but, more often, in conjunction with others.<br />
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This supposedly minor feast, often ignored, offers the Christian the opportunity to again examine how his or her own personal ministry manifests God in the world. It reminds the believer to form an answer to the following: “What difference does Christ make in my life? What difference does Christ in my life make in the lives of others?”<br />
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Let these nine Sundays of Ordinary Time become a period of growth as you examine how your own personal ministry is the presence of God to those around you. Literally or figuratively, dip your hand again into the water which washes away the sins which impede a personal ministry: doubt, fear, self-consciousness, lack of education, lack of motivation, pride. <br />
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Come to the water; Christ awaits.<br />
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Resources<br />
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The United Methodist Book of Worship. 1992. The United Methodist Publishing House: Nashville, TN.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-22797109870844280252010-11-21T19:31:00.000-06:002010-11-21T19:31:29.839-06:00An Advent Reader 2010Make this Advent a holy season by steeping yourself in the Word. <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9MJeue0MDEONDFhZGVlYWMtZGE2Yy00ZmJlLTkwNmQtYTIzMTI5MzczZWVh&hl=en"><em>An Advent Reader 2010</em></a> lists the daily lectionary readings for Advent through Epiphany and includes space for personal reflection.<br />
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Dowload your copy at <em><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9MJeue0MDEONDFhZGVlYWMtZGE2Yy00ZmJlLTkwNmQtYTIzMTI5MzczZWVh&hl=en">An Advent Reader 2010</a>.</em><br />
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<em>An Advent Reader 2010</em> is intended for personal use only, and not intended for sale.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9MJeue0MDEONDFhZGVlYWMtZGE2Yy00ZmJlLTkwNmQtYTIzMTI5MzczZWVh&hl=en"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-53358809620035557442010-11-21T18:35:00.000-06:002010-11-21T18:35:58.862-06:00Setting Our House To RightsYou can tell a lot about a person by the way they read a book. Some read carefully, page by page, to the very end. Others read very quickly, skipping over the details, to get to the end. Some are not even that patient. Some read the last chapter, then go back to the beginning, secure in the knowledge that all will end well. Advent is a lot like reading a book. You already know what's happening at the end: Christmas and Epiphany. Since you already know the ending, what is the purpose of Advent?<br />
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Advent has often been referred to as “little Lent.” It shares, traditionally, the same parament color—purple—which indicates a time of reflection and penitence. This tradition echoes the message of John the Baptist whose teachings about his cousin were more warnings than celebrations. (Matthew 3:1-12) At first glance, John the Baptist seems like the classroom “lookout” who stands at the door and warns his misbehaving classmates, “Teacher's coming!” And he was, in a way.<br />
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But let's look at this from a different angle. How many of us, when informed that an important guest would be arriving soon, would diligently work toward “setting our house to rights”? It's just the normal thing to do. How different is our earthly house from our spiritual “house”? The King is coming; we know of a certainty. In the time before His arrival, we can set our souls to rights: we can put aside the fear and anger that weigh us down; we can marinate ourselves in His Word; we can share the light of the King in a darkened world; we can be the voice of love and praise in our communities of faith; and we can, amid the carols and the concerts and the shopping and the “busyness,” find that “thin space” where we feel the real presence of our Heavenly Father.<br />
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The King is coming; we believe it. Let's believe it enough to prepare for His coming.<br />
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Resources<br />
Mershman, Francis. "Advent." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 21 Nov. 2010 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01165a.htm>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008351825585675047.post-8068542658095563662010-07-16T23:13:00.002-05:002010-07-16T23:23:19.290-05:00Creeds: Not By Rote But By HeartEvery worship, many churches in Christendom recite some sort of creed (a statement of beliefs). When something is done regularly, it can become routine, meaningless. The recitation of a creed was not meaningless to early Christians. In the early years of the Church, believers used the recitation of a creed as a symbol by which they could recognize each other. The Nicene Creed was recorded by the Council of Nicea in the fourth century but is believed to have been in practice earlier. The so-called Apostles Creed, traditionally, was compiled from statements of belief by each of the twelve apostles. Since it did not appear in its present form until the eighth and ninth centuries, its origin as being from the apostles cannot be verified. Each of the various creeds recorded in the United Methodist Hymnal is a powerful encapsulation of Christian beliefs.<br /><br />In a recent Sunday School lesson a class explored the concept of belief as a culminating activity on the study of faith. Rather than rehash the Apostles Creed, the students were encouraged to express their beliefs as statements which answered the following questions in their own words: <br /><br /> I believe that God (talk about who He is, what He's like)<br /><br /> I believe that Jesus (talk about who He is, what His role is)<br /><br /> I believe the Holy Spirit (talk about who the Holy Spirit is, what His role is today)<br /><br />In one of the earliest books of the New Testament James, the brother of Jesus, explains to the believers that their faith will manifest itself in actions. (James 2:14-26) The students answered the following questions in their own words:<br /><br /> Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my own life by<br /><br /> Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my church by<br /><br /> Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my community by<br /><br /> Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my world by<br /><br />As they shared their answers, they outlined specific ways in which they could live out their creed. What about you? Could you write your own creed? How could you live out your creed? It would be easy to answer abstractly but be concrete in your responses. Make your actions specific and measurable. Be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He directs you in the dedication to ministry of your own talents and skills.<br /><br />Finally, put your sentences together to create your own creed and record it. It can be a powerful means of focus in the practice of your faith.<br /><br />Sources<br /><br />Leclercq, Henri. "The First Council of Nicaea." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 16 Jul. 2010 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11044a.htm>.<br /><br />Thurston, Herbert. "Apostles' Creed." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 16 Jul. 2010 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01629a.htm>.<br /><br />Wilhelm, Joseph. "The Nicene Creed." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 16 Jul. 2010 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11049a.htm>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0