February 28, 2013

Living Water

Read: John 4:4-15

Greetings to our friends at Grosse Pointe from your friends at The AvenueChurch in Newton Abbot.

Twelve months ago I moved into my new house – smaller, but not too small, with a pretty garden. In the garden was a little pond covered in algae but full of tadpoles, frogs, and newts, much to the delight of two of my great-grandchildren. To one side was a large flat shrub which overshadowed the pond, and limited the view of the pond from the house. Thinking this might be dangerous with the little ones about, I asked my good friend Chris to come and dig up the shrub for me.

To our amazement, it revealed a stone edifice with a hole in the top. “Ah ha!” we thought, “a fountain,” time to call in Mr Cockall, the pond-man. He came, looked and said, “Not, it’s not a fountain but a waterfall.” Then he set to work – put the newts and frogs in a holding tank, cleaned out the pond, repaired the pump, refilled the pond, and added new water plants. Finally he switched on the pump, and the waterfall sprang into action. No more algae and the prospect of flowering plants in the Spring.

Now as I walk thro’ the garden and hear the sound of splashing water or look out from a window to see a blackbird drinking from the running water or a robin bathing in the clear water of the pond, I am reminded of Jesus’ promise to the Samaritan woman.

How many of us are like my pond? Covered with the algae of worries, anxieties, and pressures of the daily routine, our inner being not functioning properly because our links with God are weak and hidden beneath the detritus of the years is the silent waterfall. When Jesus truly comes into our lives, He empties us, cleanses us, and reconnects us to God, the source of all power, so that the living water flows into our lives, purifying and beautifying us for His service.

During this time of Lent, why don’t we call in “THE pond-man” that what He gives us becomes “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

In Christian love,

Dorothy Williams

February 27, 2013

The Cross on My Collar

Read: Matthew5:14-16

I got my first cross pin on my first official Father’s day at worship at GPUMC, and now all my shirts have a hole in the collar. I remember how much it surprised me the first time it didn’t close up in the wash. Yes, nearly every day for 27 years I’ve had a cross on my collar.

It's strange, but I can only remember a few conversations about it. There have been coffee hour comments such as “that’s a pretty cross” or “your cross is upside-down” and so forth, but other than simply noting the particular cross, there have been almost none.

Two of those few were employment-related. When I was looking for a job, years ago, the guy who was helping me said that I might not want to wear it on interviews, because it might make someone hesitate to hire me. I told him that if they wouldn't hire me because I had a cross on my collar, I didn't want to work there anyway. Then, when I did get hired, my new boss asked, “Now that I've hired you, what’s that cross on your collar all about? Are you a minister or something?” I was happy that he had noticed it, and that he wanted to know about it.

Two others were in elevators. A different boss asked me if I were Catholic, because I was wearing a Celtic cross that day, but that was like the coffee hour conversations about the style of cross. Another time, a guy who was riding with me, and whom I had never seen before, asked me if I were born again, and we had a good, but short conversation about how difficult it can be to share our faith with others.

My real surprise is that, just like the fish on my car, the cross on my collar hasn't started many conversations. In fact, my ARGOS SUCK bumper sticker starts far more than my fish.

Still – the fish and the cross both set expectations of my behavior, and I have to be mindful of that. I’m His ambassador, after all; we all are, really. I know I'm not always very good at modeling Christ – far from it – so the cross on my collar reminds me that I need Him every hour, I need His light to shine in my life, so all will see the glory of God, rather than me.

Charlie van Becelaere

Lord, may we always reflect Your Light to all who seek You, and help us to remember never to hide it under our bushels. Amen.

February 26, 2013

O Darn

Read: Luke 10:38‑42

My wife, the lovely and gracious JeriLynn, is a homemaking genius, Martha Stewart's got nothing on her. I could give her a paper bag full of grass clippings and she'll turn it into the most beautiful centerpiece you've ever seen.

When we were courting though, I didn't know this, and one day I inadvertently tested her. A guy like me needs a woman of superb domestic prowess.

In the winter I always wear 100% wool socks. The heels of the socks tend to wear thin too quickly for my liking. One day I asked her if she would darn a pair of my socks.

Without a second's hesitation she said, "Of course I will." She lovingly took the pair of socks, walked over to the wastebasket, dropped them in it, turned to look at me, and said, "Oh darn."

I knew I had a keeper.

Lord, thank you for sending me a keeper, and for giving me the sense to recognize it.

Ron Draper

February 25, 2013

The Doxology

Read: James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from…the Father.” - KJV

Have you ever wondered about the Doxology we sing every Sunday morning?

The short statement of praise, glory, and thanksgiving to God that is sung as the offering is brought forward. It starts with, "Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow."

The lyrics to the Doxology are credited to Bishop Thomas Ken of England.

The decade of the 1660's in England was a disaster. A plague in 1665 swept through London leaving 70,000 dead in its wake. A year later, a fire destroyed four fifths of the city. Bishop Thomas Ken knew that in hard times we need the encouragement that comes from thanking God for His blessings. In his nation's most desperate hour he wrote these words for her people to sing: "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Every Sunday during the Doxology, I am thankful and realize that Christians before me were glorifying God through praise and thanksgiving during unimaginable hardship. 

 

Rejoice for God is good.

Denver Higley

February 24, 2013

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near

When my life is almost gone

Hear my cry, hear my call

Hold my hand lest I fall

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near

And the day is past and gone

At the river I stand

Guide my feet, hold my hand

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I'm tired, I’m weak, Lord I’m worn

Through the storm, through the

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Thomas A. Dorsey

February 23, 2013

Loved, Cherished, and Accepted

Read: UMH #560

My sign-language teacher has experienced much discrimination and adversity in her life. She has been deaf since birth and grew up during a time when there were few services and little societal knowledge regarding deaf individuals. It is obvious by her stories that her adverse experiences with the hearing culture have deeply affected her life. She tells stories of being accused of drunkenness when she could not verbally respond to the police and of being unable to communicate her symptoms when seen at a hospital emergency room. My teacher was also placed in a classroom for hearing individuals during her elementary school years and was made to feel “stupid” for being unable to keep up with her classmates.

Many of those experiences with the “hearing culture” have made her suspicious of the hearing community and somewhat isolated. She stays within the deaf community, has difficulty with social interaction, and certainly carries many scars from her negative experiences.

But in the year since I first stepped into her classroom, I’ve witnessed a remarkable change in her. The three of us who are now taking her 10-week ASL class for the fourth semester have always been extremely patient and kind, even after receiving her always blunt and sometimes negative comments. In turn, our teacher is beginning to show us that she cares for us and values our friendship. Her face lights up when one of us tells her a story about our life situations, and she shows real concern when any one of us has a problem. The patience and caring that we have shown to our teacher have helped her to realize that she is indeed loved, cherished and accepted.

We can bridge the gap between cultures by being true disciples of Jesus through our words and deeds.

Jan Versical

February 22, 2013

Renewing Our Spirit

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord my God

And renew a right spirit in me.

Cast me not away from thy presence, O Lord

Take not thy Holy Spirit from me

Restore to me the joy of thy salvation

And renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm51, Verses 10-12

There is a musical arrangement of these words which I have long misplaced, but when I was younger my sister and would sing it at church as a duet. It’s one song that can literally get stuck in my head on any given day—and I don’t mind. It’s a prayer that helps me focus on God and reminds me that I need Him, His love and His salvation.

Lent is a time of preparing and renewing our hearts and minds for Christ. Most prepare through sacrifice and meditation. One thing I’ve decided to sacrifice for Lent this year is my habit of procrastination. Specifically, my delay in saying thanks to a few people I know. Two years ago, I made a mental list of the people who were important influences during the younger years of my life and I told myself I was going to write them each a thank you note. Since my list is fairly short, I’m hoping and praying that I will be able to silence the ‘busyness’ of life for a few minutes each day to focus on this task.

This list includes people from different cities, states and backgrounds, but their belief and faith in God left a lasting impression on me. I’m pretty sure some of them don’t even realize how much they helped steer me in the right direction spiritually. But I’m hoping a small, simple thank you will brighten their day and bring a renewed spirit to them.

Say ‘thank you’ to someone today and lift their spirits.

Kristy Irrer

February 21, 2013

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE LORD

Read: Psalm 100

It has been said many times that those who sing pray twice. I sing in the choir for a number of reasons and that is one of them – at least that is my story and I am sticking to it. 

 

There is no question that I, with my tin ear, love the music we sing – the chords, the harmony, the dynamics, rhythms and all that goes into the music but the words in some of our music are exquisite, profound, sometimes just plain fun and other times highly emotional and moving. 

 

Recently we sang a piece with the words which were found written on the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany after World II.

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining;

I believe in love, even when I feel it not:

I believe in God, even when He is silent”

Most of us can only feel awe when contemplating that kind of faith especially in the wrenching, dark times of war.

I have often thought that the congregation misses out on the experience of singing words like that and many times the words are sung fast and unfortunately not articulately enough that they are missed all together by the congregation. And yes once in a while the words are in the bulletin but that is rare. I have often thought we ought to change that.

So in the meantime come and sing with us and you too, can pray twice

P.S. Notice, folks, the psalm does not say that we all are going to sound wonderful when we sing but only that we be joyful. Making a trained bel canto sound is what we all strive for but that sound is not essential. Oh, but yes, you do need to pay attention to Patti G because she puts it all together and makes it happen on Sunday a.m. Her talents and those of Charles are a true gift to our congregation

Vivian Anderson

February 20, 2013

Giving Up

Read: John 15:12-14

We think of Lent as a time to "give up" something or not do something. Unfortunately, it can be something as nothing as "giving up not eating chocolate." Instead of "giving up," we may also pledge to do something or provide a service.

In the bulletin and Pointer we list 21 names of those who are serving our country and thereby preserving our freedom and our very way of life. What we do pales by comparison to what they do and what they give up (and not just for Lent). Even those stationed in the US have given up friends, family, and some comforts on a daily basis (certainly they develop new friendships), but the demands on their time and attention means there is little time to contact those they have left behind.

There is even more contrast when we think about those serving in harm's way in many places around the globe. They are giving up personal safety daily, and perhaps suffering great physical harm and even death.

While we may think of them often, Lent is a special time to think of those protecting us.

May God bless us all.

Jack Van Becelaere

February 19, 2013

A Chance Meeting

Read: Proverbs 31:10-31

Every once in a great while, a few times in a lifetime if you’re lucky, you may meet someone and right away you know you’re looking into a face sent to you from God. Such was the case many years ago when I went to see a marina service business owner to pay an invoice. While I could have mailed a check, I wanted to do it in person. The owner mistakenly thought I was there looking for a job and made me an offer. Thinking quickly I negotiated a better deal than I’d ever had at that time and he voided the invoice I came in to pay. On the way out I had to stop by to see his secretary to make the arrangements and clear my debt. That’s when it happened.

We had seen each other around the marina before but had never formally met. After the paperwork, we talked and I learned she was raising 2 boys on her own. She left a better job at a bank to come to the marina because it was closer to home. When she was done at the marina she went to a 2nd job she worked to make ends meet. In the weeks and months that followed I learned she was the one who actually ran the place. She handled all the day to day operations, HR work, budgets, inventory, payables, receivables etc. Everyone in the harbor kept an eye on her and helped out if she needed something done around the house.

The younger of the 2 boys was born with a hole in the base of his spinal cord. The doctors gave him a good chance to live, but said he would never walk. The poor doctors didn’t know she’s Irish on one side and Italian on the other and nobody was going to tell her what her boy couldn’t do.

Scared and alone, haunted by the possibility the doctors could be right, saddled with a mortgage and two hungry mouths to feed, she went out into the garage, found some old scraps of lumber, some nails, and a small hammer. She didn’t have a saw, but she had a Ginsu knife. Using what she had, she built tiny gym equipment in her living room and with the help of his slightly older brother she taught the lad to walk. Growing up was harder for him, but if you met him you’d never know. While he didn’t win many foot races, nothing on God’s green Earth can stop that boy today.

She eventually left the marina for a better opportunity at the world’s leading packaging company. Even though she left the marina behind, you could say we stayed in touch. It was tough but she climbed the corporate ladder to become the Comptroller of the local branch of a Global Fortune 500 company. After 11 years though the company made an unfortunate decision and eventually closed all 7 branches in Michigan and left the State. Somewhere along the way she met a sailing charter boat captain in between sojourns and he taught her to drive a boat. Now she’s back in the old marina on her own boat and became the envy of the old crew because she can handle a twin engine Chris Craft as well as anyone in the business.

The passing of parents and the trials and tribulations of daily life have slowed us all down now and the moments we share together are more and more treasured each time I see her.

Even though she can finally have pretty much whatever she wants, she still won’t buy anything unless she has a coupon, and she still gets all excited when the right coupon comes in the paper.

Through it all she’s maintained a smile and laugh such that she can light up any room simply by entering it.

And that boy who wasn’t supposed to walk?? He just made me a grandpa.

As the late great Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the RRRRRrrrest of the story.”

Ron Draper

P.S. Please continue to pray for JeriLynn.

February 18, 2013

Lent Is a Time for Giving Things up

Lent is a time for giving things up. Fasting is also related to this idea of self-sacrifice.

It sounds as if it could be very negative, but just read these lines by an American bishop, Arthur Lichtenberger of the Episcopal church:

Fast from criticism, and feast on praise;

Fast from self-pity, and feast on joy;

Fast from ill-temper, and feast on peace;

Fast from resentment, and feast on contentment;

Fast from pride, and feast on humility;

Fast from selfishness, and feast on service;

Fast from fear, and feast on faith.

Highly practical thoughts, not only for Lent, but for any time of year.

February 17, 2013

Abide With Me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;

the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;

earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;

change and decay in all around I see;

O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;

ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;

shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.

Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;

in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Henry F. Lyte

February 16, 2013

I needed my back row today!!

Read: Hebrews 1:23-25

I guess I need to explain. I took the semester off of choir at GPUMC. My back row is not what you all see while we are up there singing our anthem each week. The entire group is a family that we can always turn to in our time of need and in good times.

I am feeling a lot of loss in the last few months. I know my daughter Lindsey is graduating from GP South, and most likely playing soccer at Hope College. I am treasuring each second with her and her friends, making lunch when I can and waiting up till all hours of the night for them to return safely.

My father in law is in hospice and took a turn for the worst last Friday. They came to our house on Friday to celebrate Moms 88th birthday, I knew things were bad when he ate little, and felt sick (he can eat like crazy; but he did have a healthy piece of ice cream cake!!) See this man has been my DAD for the last 26 years. He taught me to dance before my wedding (the traditional polka) and was like Marie on Everyone Loves Raymond trying to get into the delivery room when Mitch and Lindsey were born. They were our saviors when we needed a date night and took such good care of our kids, at OUR beck and call! He made the loveliest wooden toys for the kids that will be passed down to generations of Makos children.

Then there was the news of Ron and JeriLynn’s accident. I am scared for them, and I am praying hard for them. Ron is such a wonderful and entertaining guy, and a friend since high school. JeriLynn is his heart and soul. I hurt for them and for the teen that was texting before he hit them. (We all need to learn NOW to put the phone down!!!) I know that the church family will be there for them.

God said to keep a memorial rock for the beautiful things he has given us;

Let us find our rocks and be thankful for all the glory he has given;

Thank you, God, for my wonderful Husband and Children Mitchell and Lindsey.

Thank you for My Mother and Father in Law that have served as MY parents for the last 27 years

Thank you Lord for Ron and JeriLynn; Please Bless Them and Keep them.

And Thank you Lord for My back row; AKA; My Church Family to which I can always turn to and get a Kleenex!!!

Gail Makos, January 20, 2013

February 15, 2013

The Hands and Feet of Christ

Read: Romans 12:3-8

On February 2nd about 140 people came together at our church for the eighth edition of paloozas, in the case a Palooza-a-rama, to have a good time together and to raise money for Volunteers in Mission’s work with Cass Community Social Services. (Originally called Gumbopalooza, we haven’t served gumbo the last three years, going with jambalaya instead in order to retain the New Orleans/Mardi Gras theme. Because Jambalayapalooza was just too many syllables in the same made-up word, we broke it up with hyphens, hence “Palooza-a-rama.") Anyway, this isn’t about the etymology of the title, it’s about the amazing community spirit that was evident at the event.

There was lots of good food to eat, lots of fellowship to be shared and lots of spirited bidding that ended with lots of people spending lots of money for lots of calories most of them (including me) didn’t really need. However, we do this not because of what we need, but because of the needs of others who haven’t been as fortunate in life as most of us. This year after expenses we will have raised close to $9,000 to help Cass do their work of providing housing for people who couldn’t otherwise afford it. Therefore thanks go out to everyone who was involved with this year’s palooza: those who procured the supplies and food, prepared it, served it, made desserts to auction, and bid ridiculous amounts of money for the auction items, knowing that all that money was far from ridiculously intended.

But one thing that stood out for me at this year’s event was the willingness of everybody who was there to pitch in with one more task, and that was the after-event cleanup. In past years we’ve had a few people lined up to clean up, break down tables and chairs, put them all back where they came from and get all the dishes and utensils washed. This year, for various reasons, a lot of the “regulars” weren’t available so at the end of the event we made an open call to those present, asking that anybody who was physically able lend a hand; the results were amazing. Virtually everyone there pitched in, including guests who don’t even attend GPUMC, and the cleanup was accomplished in record time. It was truly inspiring to see the teamwork that exploded into action to get all of the work of returning the building to church-readiness for the next morning’s service and activities. After last year I was about ready to say I’d never do this again; I was tired, my knees hurt from all the trips up and down the stairs carrying tables, I’d missed most of the auction because I was working, I was sweaty and, probably, a little bit grumpy. After this year and the spirit I felt from the crowd, I can’t wait to see what happens next year! We are all the hands and feet of Christ and, with His help and guidance, we can do wonders.

Art Van de Putte

February 14, 2013

My Presence Will Go With You

Exodus 33:14 says, “My presence will go with you….”

When I read this passage for my early morning devotional I had no idea of the day that was ahead of me. It was a chilly January day with sunshine and blue sky. I knew I would be spending the day at church. It was a Power Express day and that means I have the pleasure of having the snack ready after school and a meal ready at dinnertime. I also knew that I needed to set up the Great Hall for a memorial reception that was scheduled for the next day.

I arrived at the church about 9 in the morning with the necessary groceries and supplies and started to unload them at the kitchen door. Lois was there and kindly offered her assistance. She was busy setting up for many different activities. (Our church is a very busy place) but she stopped to help me. I told her how lucky we are to have her on our church staff. Then I said a quiet prayer thanking God for bringing her to us. We compared notes about the table arrangements I would need in each room and how we would convert Fellowship Hall for Zumba after dinner. I headed to the kitchen and Lois was off to her projects.

Snacks and dinner were readied, eaten and cleaned up. The Great Hall was set and the trays, pitchers, and other serving pieces were located and made ready. I finally arrived home a few minutes after 7 in the evening. I unloaded my things, cleaned them up and put things away. It was just after 8 when I sat down at my computer to check email and the phone rang.

It was the nurse calling to tell me that my father-in-law was headed to the Emergency Room as per the doctor’s request. By this time I was grubby and tired and now I had a 100- mile drive to Ohio to meet the ambulance at the hospital. I said “OK God! I am so tired. How am I going to pull this off?” I thought about the morning’s passage and less than 10 minutes later I had changed clothes and was in the car headed west on I-94. As I drove down the ramp I remember asking God to help me through this because I was tired and it was going to be a long night. A calm seemed to join me and soon I was pulling into a parking space at the hospital. It was just before 10 PM. Usually at this time I am looking for my pjs and winding down but I was alert and headed into the hospital. The staff directed me to his cubical as he headed off for X-rays. A while later, more tests and just before midnight the doctor came in with the news, a bad case of bronchitis that did not need hospitalization. 45 long minutes later we headed to his home. I thanked God for medicines that would keep my father-in-law out of the hospital. At 93 he does best in his normal routine. The staff met us at the door with a wheelchair for Dad. They took him, the paperwork and medication and sent me on my way. It was late and I had to drive back to Grosse Pointe. I had expected to take him to his room and get him settled before heading home. When I started to say, “I’ll park the car and come in,” the staff told me, “Everything will be fine, drive safely.” It was like an angel got in the car with me and said lets go home. I headed back to Michigan. I kept thinking it is late and I need to stay awake. How am I going to do this? I checked the car for any goodies I may have stashed and found a small bag of those super crunchy potato chips. By this time I was on the highway and there was a little bit of traffic. Just enough to keep me focused. I thought about those chips and knew I could devour them in less than a mile but for some reason the thought came to me that if I ate “just one” at each 10 mile marker they would last until I got home. I looked up and a mile marker was in sight. It ended with a 0 and I could easily remember that. At each 10 mile marker I reached into the bag, pulled out 1 chip and nibbled on it listening to the crispness of the crunch and savoring the saltiness. One chip lasted almost 2 miles. Others not so long.

God’s presence was with me in that car as I drove home. At 2:30 in the morning I pulled into my drive. I had asked for God’s help and he came through. Not in the ways I expected but in special little ways that were just what I needed at each moment. I know I could never have made that trip as calmly as I did without God’s presence. Some people would tell me it was adrenaline and maybe there was some of that but I know God was right there in that passenger seat with me and I am glad he was.

Let us pray… Thank you God for your presence. Thank you for keeping us safe and sending us thoughts and feelings to keep us on your path. Thank you for giving us the wisdom to be quiet and listen. Sometimes our busy days and nights muddle our brains and we forget to come to you. Please help us to remember that you are there 24/7 and all we need to do is ask. Amen

Gretchen Brammer

February 13, 2013 – Ash Wednesday

Procrastination Pays Off

Read Psalm 133

Today in worship service Charlie made one of his many treks up to the lectern to appeal to our church family to write something for the annual Lenten Devotion Book. Immediately the guilt settled in because every year I say I’m not going to wait until the last minute to write a devotion and every year I am writing it just days before the deadline.

This year my procrastination may have worked in my favor because he offered that we could look back on the church website and see writings from prior years. I took him up on that and re-read may of the devotions written by others over the last several years. But more importantly I re-read my own. One of them was about getting involved at GPUMC and the blessings I had received from doing that.

Four years ago I was appointed president of the CPA firm that I work at and am a part owner in. That was the beginning of the end for me and getting involved. It was the beginning of getting involved in every nook and cranny of the business but because that was so time consuming it was the end of me getting involved in anything else. As I was reading the devotion I had written I reflected back on coffee hour the last few months and realized that I was losing that connection that makes GPUMC such a great church to be a part of; and why you say! Because I am not really very involved! I used to be but not so much anymore. Reading that devotion made me realize that I need to be because I miss the blessings being a real part of our wonderful church family brings.

So for once my procrastination paid off.

Prayer: Lord thank you for my church family.

Cathy Lorenz

Introduction - 2013

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!

 

One thing that was different this year as I waited for more submissions to trickle in, was that I couldn’t count on my go-to devotion guy, Ron Draper, for a couple extra devotions. Well, that’s not exactly right, I got his permission to pull out some old favorites to help fill in the empty days.

 

You’ll see a request for continued prayers for JeriLynn at the end of his devotion on February 19, and the whole idea of God’s presence with each of us was a thread that wove through many of this year’s devotions – and also of the hymns you’ll find here each Sunday.

 

We have much to treasure and celebrate in the pages of this little book; it’s hard to believe that just fifty or sixty pages can contain so many thoughts and emotions and experiences. I don’t know how it works, I just know that it does.

 

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