March 23, 2014

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (Kathleen Thomerson)

I want to walk as a child of the light;

I want to follow Jesus.

God set the stars to give light to the world;

The star of my life is Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all;

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the brightness of God;

I want to look at Jesus.

Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path

And show me the way to the Father.

In Him there is no darkness at all;

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I’m looking for the coming of Christ;

I want to be with Jesus.

When we have run with patience the race,

We shall know the joy of Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all;

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

March 22, 2014

Psalm 34:1-8

I will bless the Lord at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

March 21, 2014

Stillness

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:18

"Stillness" by Paul C Thomas

If time stood still for just one day

Then we’d have enough space to say

What it is to those we love so much

Seeking those we promised to keep in touch

Dining with those that we’ve admired

And pursuing those that we’ve desired

Stepping outside our four walls

And hanging our hats in our neighbors halls

Time to grow gardens and plant our trees

So our cities will burst with lushness and greens

We’ll wait for days end and the towns that hush

For the setting sun and the colors that flush

Into the sky while it drops off the map

As grandpas tell tales to those in their laps

And brothers ‘goodnight’ and lovers hold tight

To the moments that are amplified from the first light

Of the moon as it rises and stars from the sky

That blesses those born and guides those who die

But would we take advantage of this extra day?

Or into history would we let it fade?

The truth is that this cannot be done

More time? Get real, you have one life, just one.

Ecclesiastes is about the author sharing his thoughts on the meaning of life. He uses sayings, proverbs, and poems to illustrate his point.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Help us to be still, and connect with you, listening, carefully, for your whisper, your guidance.

March 20, 2014

Joy and Faith in Action

“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20

“A little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6

Twenty-six plus two day visitors gathered for the 25th time for a winter retreat at Lake Louise Retreat Center, part of Lake Louise United Methodist Camp. Over 200 families have attended this event with highest attendance being eighty-nine people. Ages from 5 months to 85 years of age have experienced the magic of Lake Louise.

Large or small, the group gathers each year for the same purpose, to come together in faith for fellowship, friendship, fun, and food. New friends are made and old friends are cherished. Prayer and worship experienced in a relaxed but spiritual way. The camp provides acres of outdoor fun, freedom to play hard or rest, and a gathering place for families and friends to be together without the pressures of daily life. Conversation is constant, texting is not.

Six youth, ages 5-13, led the retreaters through a weekend of joy and faith. When asked to serve in this capacity they readily agreed. Two girls announced the activities prior to each meal, gathered volunteers for grace, and communicated with the camp staff the needs of the retreaters. Two boys volunteered to keep the wood box full for the fireplace. They never failed us, hauling wood by sled from the woodpile and carrying many arm loads of wood up the steps to the wood box. The remaining two girls joined with the others to lead the worship service as member of the “Lake Louise Choir,” under the direction of Miss Tamara. All participated in the talent show with innovative skits, offered to lead grace before meals, were Olympic champions on the sledding hill, and were willing to play a game, work the community jigsaw puzzle, or weave a bracelet with anyone who was interested.

Three senior “Senior High” girls were in attendance. All are recent college grads. What a joy to have their company.

The camp staff asked me if a “Leadership-In-Training” program was part of our weekend. He was amazed by the examples of good leadership and communicating skills that were displayed.

How grateful I am to have witnessed the kindness, joy, and volunteerism these children displayed. What a display of faith in action.

Hope you can plan on being a part of this wonderful weekend next year!

Lynn Van de Putte

March 19, 2014

A Tree Whose Roots Go Deep In Love

Read Luke8:4-15

Greetings to our friends at Grosse Pointe from your friends at the Avenue Church in Newton Abbot, Devon, England.

Have you heard this story?
It was told to our Junior Church by Martin, our Family Worker.

First of all he held up a drawing of a tree and talked to the children about it. 

Then the story began:

“There was once a man who had a beautiful garden of which he was very proud. Unfortunately on one side of his fence was a rubbish tip, but on the other side of the garden, through a little gate, was a sparkling stream with grassy banks on either side.

“One day the man thought to himself, ‘I will plant two trees, one to hide the rubbish tip and the other to provide shade by the stream.’ This he did and the trees grew and flourished until they produced fruit. The fruit on the tree near the rubbish tip ripened first so the man picked on to taste it – and it was horrible – bitter, sour, dry; and disappointed he threw it away.

“Soon the fruit on the tree near the stream was ripe and with some hesitation he picked one to try – it was delicious – juicy, sweet, and crunchy.”

Martin stopped here and asked the children why this was so. Many varied answers came, then Martin gave his drawing a flick and then this happened. 

Yes roots appeared!

You do not need me to tell you what his explanation was to the children, only to remind ourselves that lives which are rooted firmly in God’s love and redeeming Grace, through prayer, meditating on Scripture, and serving others can only produce good fruit.

Dorothy Williams

March 18, 2014

Sing Your Song in Your Own Way

Read Isaiah42:10-12

In 1997, the Pope paid a visit to the United States. A memorable part of that occasion happened when a young man with no hands played a guitar and sang a song he had composed. These thoughts came to me as I watched the event on television.

He sang his song, in his own way.

No hands could hold his music

Nor flip a page with ease,

Nor wipe the tears that flowed on his cheeks

While he lifted up his praise.

His feet would hold the instrument that waited to be played,

Because someone said, “Something can be done,

“Let's use the gift God gave.”

So someone taught,

And someone cared, and

Someone led the way.

Then someone said, “Will you sing a song to celebrate this day?”

So he sang his song, in his own way

With a voice that thrilled those who heard.

And his gift was brought and sanctified, and

A blessing went round the world.

So, sing your songs in your own way.

Use voice, or hands, or feet.

Use the gift you have in your journey,

So the journey can be sweet.

“Unto whom much is given, much is also required.”

Lois Bailey Leineke

March 17, 2014

“Please, I’d Rather Do It Myself!”

Read: 2Kings 5:1-14

It can be hard to ask for help. I want to do it myself – I don’t want to admit that I can’t.

Naaman needed help to be cured of his leprosy, but when he was told it was something as simple as washing in the Jordan, he went away angry. He expected something special from Elisha and his God; after all, he was the commander of the army! His servants reminded him that “if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it?” He relented and washed and was clean, but I think the interesting point is that he would have jumped at the chance to do something difficult.

I think I understand Naaman. Like many of us, he went to God prepared to say, “OK, God, what do you want me to do to be healed?” We often go to God saying, “OK, God, what do you want me to do so I can be with You?” When God says, “I’ve already done it; accept My gift and come be with Me,” we hesitate. There’s got to be something for us to do, it can’t be all His doing. We’re offended by “done” when we want to “do.”

It all comes down to pride, I think, and that’s one hard thing to get past.

As the hymn says:

Jesus paid it all,

all to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

There’s nothing I can add to what Jesus already did on the Cross; I just have to accept the gift of salvation, and let Him make me into who I am meant to be. It’s a hard thing to do, to admit that I can’t do anything.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 16, 2014

Just a Closer Walk with Thee (Anonymous)

I am weak, but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I’ll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o’er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o’er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

March 15, 2014

Psalm 40:1-11

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear.

Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;

behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!

March 14, 2014

The Flame

John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” - NRSV

During worship I often meditate on the flame of the altar candles.

E. Byron Anderson states in, WorshipMatters: A United Methodist Guide to Worship Work, Vol. II, "The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus’ coming into our world and into our lives. The light is carried into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Many congregations use two candles on the altar to point out that Jesus was both a human being and God. At the end of the service, the light is carried out into the world to show that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere…The acolyte leaves the worship service carrying out the lighted candle lighter. This symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are to serve."

I reflect on the symbolism of the flame. Not only the light of Jesus but the trinity of the flame. For me, the flame helps describe God’s Trinity;
    God the Father
    God the Son
    God the Holy Spirit

There are many illustrations for the Trinity, such as H₂O being water, ice and steam. All different forms, but all are H₂O. Another illustration is an egg having a shell, egg yolk, and egg white, but the egg illustration shows that there would be "parts" to God, which isn't the case.

When I view the candle’s flame I first see the Flame, God the Father, as in the burning bush or pillar of fire. Then the Light of Jesus, God the Son, the Light of the World. With the burning of the candle there is heat. The warmth and comfort of the Flame, God the Holy Spirit.

On May 24, 1738, John Wesley recorded in his journal, “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

Along with Rev. John Wesley I am grateful for the presence of God through the comforting warmth of the Holy Spirit and the light of Jesus in my life.

Rejoicing,
Denver Higley

March 13, 2014

To Every Thing...

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

 

For many years now my Lenten devotions have been about our dog, Toby. Well, this will be the hardest to write because he died of a very aggressive lymphoma a couple months ago at only 8 years old. Toby was not a perfect dog. He was really quite a wimp at the vets office (ask Heidi), but he was poetry in motion when he ran. He took a firm hand to control when walking and didn’t greet other dogs in the friendliest manner, but he was my best friend on 4 legs and stayed by my side during this long recovery from head injury. 

 

He was an omnivore: the only thing he wouldn’t eat seemed to be raw mushrooms, but his quirky habits made Dave and me laugh every day and boy, did we need it in 2013. He hated anyone messing with his feet, but his ears were like velvet when you stroked them. Toby wasn’t a show quality Vizsla, his back was a little bony, but he loved to race around the backyard in crazy mode chasing Dave. He did not like toys, but he loved to lie in the chair with his head in my lap. He loved to roll in smelly stuff, but he was so fast he once caught a bird by the tail feathers. 

 

In spite of all his imperfections, we really, really loved him. I think its probably the same with Gods love for us. He sees the imperfection and loves us anyway, finding all the good that there is to see in each one of us. 

 

One thing I know for sure, Toby is up in heaven with our former dogs, Casey and Tucker and hes sniffing around and running for joy with his good buddies Kooder, Campbell, and Bonnie. 

 

God bless our dear friend, Heidi, for finding us a new pup, Jax, to love. 

 

Prayer focus: Dogs and those who love them

Sue DeWitt

March 12, 2014

Some of Us Want to Write

Read: Romans 1:1-7

During my Winter vacation in Florida, GPUMC is often in my thoughts and prayers. Our office manager, Carol Sarvello, mails the Pointer; Carol Ann Maleitzke sends the prayer concerns of the Prayer & Study Fellowship and the Lenten Study booklet created by Charlie van Becelaere.

I especially enjoy the Lenten study booklets because each article is a written gift members share with one another. As I read each one, I thank the author for taking the time to put their thoughts and prayers on paper and giving them to Charlie.

Some of us want to write, but think we have nothing others would find uplifting. It’s too hard to write. The deadline for copy seems to come faster than expected. But remember your efforts are appreciated. I thank congregation members for sharing, and hope you will share again.

Betty Durkin

March 11, 2014

2013 – Glad to put you behind!

Read: Philippians 3:8-14

2013 was a tough year. My 90 year old larger-than-life Dad died in Ohio after a long two months battling a multitude of illnesses that finally came together in a bad way in Mid-February and Susan, my wife, had to fight with the medical providers on obtaining a new long-term treatment for her concussion. We lost a tenant (and were able to find a replacement) in our small industrial building after making some major repairs, and Susan’s only uncle passed away in mid-summer due to pervasive cancer. Our beloved 8-year old dog, Toby, passed away at late in the year to a fast-acting lymphoma, and I had the continuing business battle to gain against the slow recovering economy. 

 

We are not alone with the curves that life throws to us all; taking one step at a time we prevailed and worked our way through each of the issues. With the wonderful support of my 3 brothers and their wives and the continuing care facility where my parents had lived for over 15 years, we got all the funeral arrangements accomplished, and got Mom settled in the her new one-room suite where she was welcomed and supported by her friends in the facility (and enough funds for her remaining years, thank goodness!). Sue did get the authorization for her year-long concussion treatment, and her uncle’s affairs were in order and required only a small amount of our attention. Our new industrial tenant seems to be working out okay and we are on-the-hunt for a dog, probably of the rescue variety. 

 

In 2014, our kids all have new adventures such as Andrew’s new GM marketing job, Katie is due in June with our first grandchild, and we hope Sgt. Ben will be safe for nine months in Afghanistan as a clerk with his Michigan National Guard transportation unit. They will be located in a long-established US Military base (his third deployment in the Mideast over the years) where they will be involved in getting our military equipment out of the country. Sue is looking forward to developing a relationship with a new dog, and 2014 is looking better on the business front. 

 

This sounds like a family Christmas letter, sorry Charlie, I will get to the Lent perspective now. 2013 was tumultuous and difficult. One affirmative constant in 2013 was GPUMC. The friendships and religious support over the entire year was something that Sue and I could count on to provide the bedrock to lean upon when many things in our lives were in disorder. We tried to give back during the year, particularly with our choir membership, and that focus gave us some ability to concentrate on the positive and pro-activeness. 

 

Thank you GPUMC!

Yours in Christ, 

Dave DeWitt

March 10, 2014

The Periphery

Read: Luke 2:8-20

The Periphery –
That’s where the Inn at Bethlehem really stands.
Rather, that’s where the Innkeeper stands:
     We find him never in the Bible, but
     always in our pageants.
It’s there, with him, that we can stay and watch.
Not quite taking part, but     unable to leave such a scene – such a tale.
We, like the Innkeeper, watch and wonder:

     Who has come to stay with us?     How are we to greet Him?

The One who made us now joins us:
He lives with us      to die for us      to live in us      that we might live.

That visitor, that Child, that Savior, that King

Calls us away from the periphery.
Calls us to Himself.
Calls us to be loved, to live, to love.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 09, 2014

O Master Let Me Walk with Thee (Washington Gladden)

O Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
tell me thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care. 

Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way. 

 

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong; 

 

In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way,
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.

March 08, 2014

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

March 07, 2014

Can Our Lenten Experience Be a Transforming One?

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

As those who bear the name of Christ, we Christians have a natural desire to study the life and ministry of Jesus so that we may pattern our lives after his, thus carrying on the work that he began in a time long past. His astonishing Earthly ministry was prepared for by a period of fasting and prayer in the wilderness that lasted forty days (a number thought to signify completion). The Lenten season, which we can use as a period of intense focus on our spiritual lives, corresponds to the number of days Jesus spent apart (and Moses and Elijah in their wilderness experiences, as well).

Fasting, in various ways and to different degrees, has for centuries been a Lenten practice for many Christians. I recall as a child some of my classmates asking one another: “What are you giving up for Lent?” (a practice usually prescribed by their faith). What was given up was always something appealing (a favorite food was a prime example). It went without saying that this was just a temporary “doing without.” Life would soon enough return to normal, with no permanent damage done – and no permanent change, either. Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) and a certain highly-sought-after doughnut allow a celebratory indulgence before a Lenten fast begins – a fast sometimes held to, misunderstood, or barely undertaken at all. To put aside a few favorite foods for a time may prove interesting if we come to realize that we can live happily without them. Items given up usually relate to the senses and appetites of the body.

Another approach to a Lenten fast would prove far more valuable and have a lasting, transformative effect: the setting aside of unhealthy and unhelpful thinking. The unholy thoughts that we entertain do not reflect the holiness of the Mind of God, out of which we were created. Mind-wandering and a lack of mental discipline hinder our spiritual advance, both personally and as the larger human family. The concept of “idle thoughts” is contradictory if all thought has power. They either align with God’s truth or further the world of our own making, far from where God would have us be.

According to Matthew’s account, Jesus was thrice tempted in the wilderness, turning away from materialism, the winning of people by a spectacular display, and becoming a political / military figure. Through days of concentrated prayer, Jesus emerged with a clear vision for his ministry. After overcoming temptation, he quoted scripture in a decisive statement: “Worship the Lord, your God, and serve only Him.”

If Christ appeared to us in majesty and glory and asked us to take our place among the saviors of the world, how would we respond? Would we choose the strength of Spirit within us or allow our weakness seen apart from Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions? As we walk the face of the Earth, we are presented with opportunity after opportunity to bring the gifts of God to those who hunger for them consciously or unconsciously. Until we waken and come to our senses, we have the freedom to choose which master we serve. But we cannot serve two, as the Bible says. Our tolerance for pain is great, but not without limit. The world is hurting and, therefore, so are we. Why, then, would we delay? Jesus’ faith in us, however, is not misplaced. He knows our essential nature intimately, for he knows the Source out of which we were brought into being.

So let us use these Lenten days wisely and begin to open our minds to the new age Jesus introduced. And whenever we falter, let us take heart and remind ourselves and each other of Jesus’ words: “Be assured, I am with you always, to the end of time.”

Doug Dykstra

March 06, 2014

Christmas Magic

Luke 18:16 Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

As many of you know, I spent Christmas in Aspen looking after my two grandsons, Ethan, 6, and Charlie, 3. On Christmas Eve we attended the Aspen United Methodist Church, built in 1890. Since we had squirmy children, we got to church really early and staked out the very back pew in case we needed to usher noisy kids to the Fellowship Hall. We got to church so early that I had a chance to chat up the minister and she mentioned that she was extremely pleased with her organist and that we were in for a treat. (Not wanting to “one up her” and being a tourist, I didn’t mention our own amazing organist, Douglas). (I not incidentally helped put out their luminaria. Did I say we were early?!).

So the service started with a lovely prelude, as good as the minister had promised. And when the music stopped, the church was breathlessly silent. And then Charlie, age 3, never known to let silence last more than 2 seconds if he can help it, cheerfully chirped “thank you.” And since the church was so quiet, everyone heard him. And most people chuckled but I am sure I was not the only one who thought of the expression, “out of the mouths of babes.” 
 

The service continued and the minister announced Children’s Time so both boys went up to the altar where there was a manger with the minister’s very own doll from childhood laying in the manger. Ethan was so taken by the minister’s comments about the doll that he reached in and cradled the doll in his arms and looked intently into his eyes. Frankly it was almost as if Aspen UMC had hired my grandchildren to be adjuncts to the service, players in this pageant called Christmas Eve.

Prayer Focus: That we all too may experience the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus.

Vivian Anderson

March 05, 2014 – Ash Wednesday

Ways to be Unhurried During Lent

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

Lent...forty days plus six Sundays...a time to prepare ourselves for the day that defines who we are as the people called Christian...Easter.

There are many ways to observe this season of the Christian year. Often, we think about giving up something that we enjoy....making a sacrifice of sorts. I would like to suggest that we observe this Lent by making room for something. Yes, I know, we are all very busy people, so making room for something else may feel as if it's just too much to ask. But in a few easy steps, with as much or as little time as you want to offer, here are five ways to help you focus on the season of penitence, repentance, and new life.

1. Create a sanctuary outside of the sanctuary...your bedroom, an office, your kitchen table...a quiet place.

2. Light a candle to symbolize the presence of God's spirit in that place.

3. Listen to some meditative music.

4. Be silent. Find the quiet center. As the hymn says: "Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace and simply be."

5. To help you find the quiet center, silently repeat simple contemplative refrains such as "O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me. O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me."

Prayer: In this holy season, O God, quiet my spirit so that I may drink from the well of your life-giving water, feast on the gifts of your Son's sacrifice, and find rest for my soul in you. Amen.

Rev. Judy May

Introduction - 2014

Introduction

    Once again, it’s been my honor and privilege to edit this book, and as always, it’s been a real Joy to me. As usual, we cut it very close in getting the devotions in – as usual, much closer than I would really prefer! (I’m writing this intro a bit after 2:30 AM on printing day!)

    One thing that is different this year is that there are no repeats of any devotions from years passed. You’ll note that once again each Sunday holds a hymn, and that this year each Saturday serves up a Psalm.

    Well, you may notice that one Saturday holds a devotion from Ron Draper, but if you were at Lake Louise (which you’ll find in these pages a few times as well), you’ll know that our worship focused on the idea that we can each write our own Psalms – prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, awe, love, fear, just about anything we need to tell God about, so consider this a new Psalm.

    Speaking of new things, along with the temperature and the piles of snow outside, the devotion from Vivian Anderson on March 06 gave me permission to include a piece I had written for Christmas, but that I think fits quite nicely any time of the year.

    Just as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions of well over thirty years ago:

Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.

One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments. From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.

The Lenten Committee

Again, we can but say, “Amen.”

Charlie van Becelaere, Editor