March 31, 2019

The widow as heroine

Read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
For everything, there is a season and a season for every matter under Heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

The annual UMW women’s retreat is a remarkable gathering of women of all ages. I have not been able to attend for several years, but I carry with me the lessons I’ve gleaned from each year I have attended.

2013 was the last time I was at the retreat. Of the 22 women who attended the women's retreat that year, seven were widows. You know all of them because they are at church almost every Sunday. They are the helpers, the faithful ones whom we all count on in so many ways.

They have confronted the hardest moment in any woman’s life, the loss of a beloved.

They don’t know it, but I have watched them closely since that retreat. These women are living a life they did not choose. Although this was not their choice, they have embraced life with an energy and confidence that inspires me. I marvel at their dignity, at their grace. I marvel at their faith.

During the retreat, I confessed to one of them that, as I looked toward retirement, I was wondering who I would be when I stop being a writer and an editor. What identity would I have when I no longer have a professional persona that had identified me for 40+ years?

She said she understood. When she stopped being someone's mother and then someone's wife, who was she?

She said she learned that she had a whole lifetime of experience, that she had had many more experiences than being just a wife and mother. I could choose to be whomever I wanted to be. I could discard some of the experiences. I could decide that they would not be part of who I would be going forward, she said.

You can do the same thing, she told me. You get to choose what kind of life you want to live. You get to choose what kind of person you want to be. You get to make that choice every day.

I know that the change in my life is nothing compared to the change in her life. I will get to choose the time when I make changes. That’s not a choice that she and the others had.

I am profoundly grateful to be in the company of so many women who have the courage to live new lives as the old ones they loved fade away. They are my heroines. Every. Day.

Joan Richardson

March 30, 2019

Just Do It

Read: 2Timothy 1:3-4

If God's going to take you – then Just Do It! No more lingering for days, weeks, or even years.

My aunt went shopping and while she was gone, my uncle was in "his chair" probably to take a nap. He did, but it turned out to be a "dirt nap." No lingering – no prolonged suffering, just do it. Way to go, Uncle Art!

Since there is no understanding here of God's plan, I can only surmise Uncle Art was in good to excellent standing or, perhaps, knew where the express line was. I would like to know about that too.

Does talking to someone who isn't there make any sense? Especially when you know that person isn't there and won't ever be there? Or is it a way to hang on to what sanity is left after that person has departed? Sometimes there are enough memories to make it seem that person never left. Thank Heaven for memories.

Jack Van Becelaere

March 29, 2019

Adversity

"My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything." - James 1 2-4

I picked this verse because it has to do with adversity which is something I just learned about this year and went through a period in which God was testing my strength. At the time, I did not understand, but now when I look back, I have come to realize that what I went through has made me stronger and a much better person wanting to help people come to realize why we are put through tribulations and trials like we all do. Every time I talk to someone in our church, they talk about hard times for themselves or for someone close to them. I found some prayers on Adversity posted on www.postivechristianatity.org/adversity.php which I want to share a few of here for people to say in times of trouble. There are many more at this site but in order to keep this short I will write a few of my favorites which helped me get through this horribly hard time.

“Dear God, I pray that I understand what is going on now in my life. May I have Your higher Mind come through my human mind to give me insight. My human mind, dear God, is confused, and does not understand. I do no comprehend the reasons for the happenings and, God, I need to ask You, why? I know that You have the answer God, and I pray that I am given that answer. I pray that I can see from a higher vantage point.”

“This event is now past. It has no power over me. It no longer exists in my life. Only You hold power over my life, and I know You love me. I realize, God, that through my free will I am the one that has to make the decision to walk towards a brighter tomorrow. Therefore I dust off my feet of this unwanted experience and I willingly walk forward. Dear God, I ask for You to empower me as I move in positive directions in mind and in body. I pray for the insight to know when, and how, to make my journey towards Your good. I pray that You will give me understanding so that I can utilize the best traits in myself from the knowledge of studying the good and bad in those that have been in my life in this experience. I know that I can learn from the bad as well as the good.”

In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Judy Wilcox

March 28, 2019

Grandparenting and the Church

Read: Proverbs 17:6

It has been 4 years now that I have been a proud grandparent…….really fun, cool, and a realization that there is a REASON why parents of young children need to be young!

One set of two are in metropolitan New Orleans (thanks, Facetime) and the other is right here in the Grosse Pointes.

They are all really great and energetic and have very separate distinct personalities.

The respective parents of the grandchildren are loving, engaged, caring, smart, and focused on their offspring, but also have active successful careers. Their parenting styles respond appropriately to their child’s personality, and with each level of development, they adjust and mold to the new characteristics. As a grandparent, watching slightly from afar, it is quickly apparent that one, same, “management” style applied to the three would be a disaster, or a least not in the best interest of each distinct child.

Of course, as the grandparent (and happy Uncle Ben and Aunt Chris), we are allowed to have a more flexible and fun supportive influence (with some consideration of the parent’s wishes).

One commonality between the two parenting families, are their active church affiliations. Both are Methodist churches, with the two churches having approaches that are tuned into the characteristics of their individual communities. Both congregations are of moderate persuasions.

Regardless of the two Church’s methodology, the fact that the grandchildren are getting some deeply-rooted religious philosophical life guidance is the crucial consideration. Regularly seeing a community of all ages worshiping, learning together, and giving-back as a group will have huge positive influence on their entire lives. The face-to-face appropriate interactions (counterpoint to less face-to-face time in today’s world) will help make them comfortable with themselves, with other people, and more effective, caring, and productive citizens.

You never know, as a parishioner, the incidental, but potentially huge influence, you might have with a child just by being a part of Christ’s church.

Dave DeWitt

March 27, 2019

A School For Growing Souls

Read: Colossians 1:9-10

People I pray for often are church members. The love in the prayer for the other person is evident. Usually in my prayer, I ask that God would fulfill the needs of the person. After that supplication, I pray for the person’s spiritual growth.

Problems in life do not cease when you are walking with Jesus, but the problems that come up are easier to deal with. Going to worship on Sundays and small groups during the week when I first became a Christian made all the difference. Whether it was my work hours being cut, my bad luck with my vehicles, or just having a bad day, having a relationship with Jesus put everything into perspective.

I am grateful for those who prayed for me when I was going through the hard times. Church has always been about caring for the people in the community, helping one another to know and be filled with Godly wisdom. Then helping one another walk in a way that leads to bearing fruit and good works. As we grow in the faith, the basic building blocks stay the same: In a personal way know the trinity, walk in love like Jesus, and never stop growing.

Pastor Keith Lenard, Jr.

March 26, 2019

Holy Yoga

Read: Psalm 150: 6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

I have practiced yoga for 20 years, and have greatly enjoyed the physical and mental benefits. Yoga practice provides an opportunity for mind and body to be in unity through the breath. Be aware of your breath moving in and out of your body and calm your mind. I have also learned many lessons through my yoga practice, such as how to be patient, how to focus on myself and not compare with others, how to persevere, and how to recognize my own strength.

I believe yoga was developed a thousand years ago (?) to provide postures for people to be in, while they practiced meditation. The actual poses are secondary to calming and centering the mind. I have found the practice to be extremely restorative to my spirit, and it has enabled me to have stronger faith and greater will to do God's work.

Holy Yoga came to GPUMC recently, and we practice Saturday mornings at 10 am in the Great Hall, the old sanctuary to me, where I spent many happy hours in worship over many years. It feels so wonderful in that space, where I believe the walls and ceiling are "coated" with prayer, scripture and song. It's a perfect place to practice, where the leader can be up a carpeted step from the rest of us. The instructor leads us through a slow flow of poses with music, but begins with a scripture and a prayer. How powerful to have that scripture in mind through the practice! It's a focal point, a place to return with our breath, and something to take with us through the rest of our day. It's repeated at the end of class, before and after our final rest. It feels so good and right to praise God through this practice!

Holy Yoga Detroit is working with the under-served in the metro area, bringing the healing power of breath, stretch and scripture, to children and women who have been in abusive situations. They work in schools, shelters and centers to bring Jesus and yoga to people in need. What an awesome ministry! We are so lucky at GPUMC to be a part of it!

Dear God, thank you for opportunities to serve you and praise you. You are amazing! You surpass our expectations! Help us to appreciate our good health, and to help those in need. Amen

Anne Sullivan

March 25, 2019

Thankfulness Series, Entry 2

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:2

Birds of a Feather… A year or so before the Charlie episode in Entry 1, Heidi came and helped me through a similar day. Jeri was still in Intensive Care in an induced coma on a ventilator and was suffering from a bad infection in a recent leg amputation. She had already passed away twice and the Lord sent her back both times, but she was just barely alive.

Three teams of doctors were advising me to take her whole leg off to save her life. I was still in a wheelchair and going into the throes of a traumatic brain injury myself, and I had to make a decision. Something inside kept telling me not to agree. Then an Air Force Veteran Nurse overheard the conversations between me and the doctors. He brought another doctor with a new idea that could save her knee. Initially I was warned that the chances of her even surviving the procedure were as low as 20% and no optimism for keeping her knee. But deep inside something kept telling me to go with it, so I approved the new avenue.

Heidi came and spent the whole day with me in the waiting room. We prayed all day together. When the doctor came to us, survival wasn’t even an issue anymore and he gave us a 60% chance for success in the leg. In a matter of 3 hours we were up 80% on survival and 60% on keeping the knee.

I remember Delbert Schneider most for his beer-boiled Wisconsin Bratwurst. But I thank the Lord every day for Del and Betty who gave us Heidi. She helped me through the most grievous decision of my life. To my dying day, I’ll always thank God for you.

Ron Draper

March 24, 2019

Pirates and Jesus

Read: Luke 14:12-14

The College Students and Young Adults of the GPUMC were passionate about assisting the families in need. The team traveled to Myrtle Beach to offer assistance to two needy families.

One of the families we helped was Angie Howard, her daughter, Jasmine, and son, Jarell. Angie was homeless and living in a shelter until a short time ago. Jasmine is a sophomore in high school. She is an excellent salesperson, having won an award for outstanding sales from her high school. She is also enrolled in the ROTC program at her school and she's considering the military as a future career option. Jarell is an energetic 9 year old who loves video games, especially Minecraft. He is an excellent dancer and loved playing Uno and Trouble with the mission team.

One evening the team took the Howard family out to a dinner show. The family has no car and a limited income, so as a Christmas present, the team wanted them to have an exciting night out and a family photo from the show. The team hosted the family at the Pirates Voyage Show. Everyone was treated to a great meal while they watched a Pirate Show.

The Howards were so overjoyed during the performance that it was recognized not only by the team members but by some of the performers as well.

The show had an amazing set around a giant swimming pool. At each end a pirate ship was facing the center of the pool. In the center was a stage where the performers dazzled us with singing, dancing, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, relay racing, trampolines, high diving, sea lions, trained dogs, camels, and donkeys.

It was fitting that this was the Christmas Pirate show which had a number of scenes about the birth and love of Jesus.

This night with the Howards was key to the mission because it allowed us to show the love of Jesus to them.

Tom Cobau

March 23, 2019

Where’s Moses?

Read: Hosea 6:6

Is there a present day Moses? Does God talk to us the way He did to Moses? Are we on our own to "know right from wrong" based on the ten commandments?

We no longer bring unblemished cattle or sheep or goats as burnt offerings, so what is the modern equivalent? After all we still have the same God as the one who spoke to Moses and to whom all the burnt offerings were made! Are our tithes and offerings the modern day equivalent? Their purpose and ultimate use supported the clergy of old, ours go to support the ministry and ministries world wide. Is this our fulfillment?

Where is Moses when we need him?

Jack Van Becelaere

March 22, 2019

All Things Come of Thee

Read: James 1:16-18

As Americans we treasure our independence, our freedom, our CAN-DO attitude. We honor the self-made person, the high achiever, the successful person. We sometimes look down on or criticize people who seem to need help to survive.

Even as practicing Christians, we seem to embrace these feelings. Yet in them is the very denial of the God we profess to believe in. There are endless Bible verses telling is to trust in, depend on, follow, listen to God. An example: Jeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit."

The Bible constantly reminds us that ALL we have comes from God. But the Bible also shows us that God's people kept forgetting this over and over. And we still do! Our society promotes the myth that we can and should do everything on our own. "But the reality of Christianity is that we are supported, protected, and sustained by the living God every moment of every day. Taking credit for our successes without reference to God is a denial of the truth of God's action in our lives. Maybe, even worse, if we deny God's action in our lives, we have no one to call on in the dark times" (Martha Mayer).

An offertory response I grew up singing at Christ Methodist Church was: "All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee."

Noelle Landin

March 21, 2019

Missing Mom
Read: John 14:1-4

As I sat down to this topic, I told myself that I needed to write this, even if it didn’t go into the devotions; and I was right, I really did need to get this down on paper (and it didn't get into the devotions book last year when I wrote it).

Lent feels strange to me this year. I’m soliciting and collecting devotions from the congregation, but I know I won’t be getting one from my Mom again this year.

One of the things folks have mentioned to me most about Mom is how much they liked her devotions – they were short, to the point, and memorable.

I think my favorite devotion of hers (and it's one that she didn't really like very much) was the one about a snowman at Christmas. He opens his present and finds coal. Then he puts them in his face and has eyes. “Sometimes you get coal. Sometimes it’s a blessing,” was the final line. That kind of picture – something that you know is true after you see it, but you wouldn't think of it beforehand – that kind of picture was in my mind the day after Mom died.

When she was first in the hospital, the doctors had told us that often people wait until they’re alone in their rooms to die – that it's almost as if they didn’t want anyone to see them go.

Picture this:
A woman lies in a hospital bed, teetering on the edge of life. Her family has stepped out of the room for a moment. She opens her eyes and sees Jesus standing at the foot of her bed, beckoning and whispering, “Hey! Shirley! Quick, come with Me before anybody sees!”

Prayer: Father, thank you for the comfort of the Holy Spirit as He reminds us that we're never alone; You are with us and in us – even to that moment when we can hold hands with Jesus and run home to be with You eternally. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 20, 2019

Q: What? Me a teacher? A: Yes, indeed you are!

Read: John 1:1-13

Education is an important subject for people the world over. It is thought to be the key to a brighter, happier, and more prosperous future. We begin to teach our children in their earliest years, and, for many, the stream of education continues into college and graduate school. For some, a mid-career change may necessitate re-training. Even in retirement many folks enhance their lives by taking a variety of enrichment classes. It seems there is always something new to learn in our complex, fast-paced, and ever-changing world. Yet all the value of the world’s learning comes to end. For it is temporal, and serves but in the time/space framework.

Beyond what the body’s senses perceive, beyond all the images we have made and all the familiar things of Earth, lies another world – not lit by lamp or Sun, but illumined with a perpetual, spiritual light. This is the light of Love Itself. Here a hymn of praise is sung from the created to the Creator. If in perfect stillness and quiet we momentarily forget the world the body’s eyes perceive, we may recall a wisp of this beautiful melody and catch a glimpse of the holy light that encompasses all that is there experienced. Its contrast with the darkness and density of the temporal realm could not be more striking. As we look about our world with honesty, we see one that is weary and worn. Strife, competition, pain, and hopelessness are found in every corner of the globe.

Into this world God sends His teachers. Who are they? Any and all who choose to become teachers of God. Somehow, somewhere they have made a deliberate choice to be part of God’s answer. They have not perceived their interests as apart from another’s. They have seen the light and responded to God’s call, choosing to serve not themselves alone, but the great Creator and Sustainer of all that is.

In both Matthew and Luke, Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters. We will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. We have but two choices: to serve God – or not. Let us not be tempted to believe there are alternatives from which to choose. If Jesus Christ appeared to us today in all his glory asking us to join the ministry he began some two thousand years ago, how would we respond? For Christ is here, and he is asking.

To teach is to demonstrate, and we accomplish this in everything we say or do, even in what we think. It is a process that goes on continually. Bearing in mind that there are only two thought systems, we commit to one or the other: the way of the world, or the path that leads back to God. It has also been said that to teach is to learn. We reinforce in our minds that which we teach, so that teacher and learner are actually the same. We need, then, to ask ourselves one very significant question: “What is it that we want to learn?,” remembering that this will determine what we teach. If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive. If we want to be loved, we must love. If we want to be blessed, we must bless. In Galatians we read: “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, so shall one reap.”

We are all children of light. As the creations of God, how could our essential selves be otherwise? But first we must accept that the light is in us. Once we have accepted this fact, it makes no sense to “hide it under a bushel.” Letting our light shine forth is a sign that we have remembered our Creator and our relationship to Him. As it kindles the light in others, they, too, will remember their Creator and shine on us in gratitude for the gift we have given them. Thus does the light grow brighter still, becoming ever more attractive. The world’s meager offerings compare to it not at all. As Paul states in Ephesians: “For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

Summarizing the work of the Master Teacher: teach only love, for that is what you are.

Sincerely,
Doug Dykstra

March 19, 2019

Words are not all of my life

Read 2 Corinthians 4:18

We look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

My family jokes that words are my life, and they’re not far off. I’m a professional writer and editor, and I’ve written thousands and thousands of words over a 44-year career and edited thousands and thousands of words written by others. I have high regard for the way words are used to share ideas and for the people who use them well.

That goes for church too. On Sunday mornings, hundreds and hundreds of words wash over me. The ministers speak words. The liturgist speaks words from the Bible, and I try to read along to ensure that I grasp the message of those words. The choir sings words, and I listen closely. All of us sing words and speak words. The words just overwhelm me.

And then Doug plays the organ, and the words go away, and I am grateful. I close my eyes, and my heart just listens. There is nothing that I have to try to understand or figure out. I only need to feel.

Without words, I’m on my own. I give myself up to the music as I give myself up to faith, to believe in what I cannot see. I cannot see the music, but I know it is there. I cannot see God, but I know He is there. I cannot see love, but I feel it all around me. And in those moments when my eyes are closed and Doug’s music drifts across the sanctuary, I am at peace.

Joan Richardson

March 18, 2019

Thankfulness Series, Entry 1

Read: Proverbs 18:24

Well, Charlie, it’s been a while, but to my dying day, I’ll never forget the time you and Jack came to McLaren Macomb Hospital and yucked-it-up with me in the surgical waiting area all afternoon and well into the evening on January 2, 2015 while a surgeon worked on Jeri.

A year after a bad car crash, she took a bad fall while learning to walk on her new legs. Jeri needed a total hip replacement, no big deal, however, she also needed to have her right femur straightened out. It was compound fractured in 2 places a year prior and bone splinters caused it to heal badly. Additionally, her left femur which was also compound fractured in 2 places had lost 1-1/2” in length due to missing bone fragments so her legs were way out of sync and walking was always a safety hazard.

What the surgeon didn’t know was that her bone density was severely diminished, he said later it was like working on frozen butter rather than a bone. He had to cut her femur into 4 parts, remove one piece 1-1/2” long and reassemble the remaining 3 parts to align exactly with her left prosthetic knee and thigh bone which had already been replaced. All this while considering the extra effects of an amputated leg below the knee he was working to save.

The operation was scheduled to take about 3 hours. 5 hours into it, we got word the hip was done, and the femur work was about to begin. After about 9 hours it was done. In all that time, Charlie and Jack never left, and they kept me from coming completely unglued many times.

So here you go, Charlie. If ever you’re feeling extra blessed, it’s because a casual friend never misses a day of thanking God for Jack and Shirley, because they gave me a friend, Charlie, who is like no other.

Ron Draper

March 17, 2019

Slightly Imperfect

Read: Romans 5: 7-8

“.....but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5: 8

Today I received an email ad from a Christian on-line bookseller stating that they were having a special on “slightly imperfect” books and Bibles. I’ve purchased “slightly imperfect” books from the seller before, because it usually means a good deal discount on the price of the book or Bible. The on-line seller always explains the imperfect nature of the item (binding not perfectly sewn, overprint on cover design, creased pages, etc.). But, otherwise the item is perfectly usable and readable. The price is less due to the imperfections.

It started me thinking about my own “slight imperfections.” I can be selfish on occasion, irritable, impatient, or prideful. But, God who created me in His own image, a little lower than the angels, doesn’t view me as less valuable and doesn’t offer me salvation at a discount. I am completely valued as His child. And, just to show me how valuable I am, though “slightly imperfect,” he offered up his Son for my imperfections and the imperfections of the world. Let all of us continue going on to perfection, as John Wesley urged, knowing that even as “slightly imperfect,” we are loved all the way.

Mike Bernhardt

Prayer: Lord, guide us on the road to perfection in union with you in Heaven and continually remind us that though “slightly imperfect,” we are your loved children.

Prayer Focus: Those caring for loved ones

March 16, 2019

Time to Review?

Read: James 1:22-27

A while ago I lost my cell phone. A thorough search of anywhere and everywhere turned up nothing. Calling the number and listening for the ringing of the phone was also no help. The loss of the phone was not a big concern – phones are easily replaced (and mine was). The real loss is the information on the phone.

Modern technology certainly has some blessings. At the AT&T store the tech (Kyle) used my Apple ID and password and as if by magic (and the iCloud) everything from the lost phone was on the new one. As I scrolled through things like phone numbers and doctor appointments and pictures, I thought it was like reviewing my life. How similar, I wondered, is this to (supposedly) seeing your life pass before you at judgment time? Will the good outweigh the bad? How many things will appear, good and bad, which you have no recollection of or did not attach importance to?

Realizing deeds count near the end of life does not mean there is no hope, it just means it is more important than ever to do what is right now and show repentance. We have a forgiving God! (but remember, He has no statute of limitations)

Jack Van Becelaere

March 15, 2019

Grief Is Love

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love.

It’s all the love you want to give but cannot.

All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes,
the lump in your throat,
and in that hollow part of your chest.

Grief is just love with no place to go.”

- submitted anonymously

March 14, 2019

A Quiet Place

Read: Psalm 46:1-11

In grade school I never got very good marks in citizenship. Looking over old report cards, I find the same comment year-after-year, teacher-after-teacher: "TALKS TOO MUCH!" And unfortunately, that is still a fault of mine. The surprising thing is that another part of me needs - indeed craves - quiet. The best hour of my day is the hour I get up early for when there is no radio or TV, and I can sit with my coffee and write in my journal, read the Bible, or just BE!

One of my favorite Psalms is #46, especially verse 10: "Be still, and know that I am God!" In the ever increasing chaos and noisiness of our world - bombarded with cell phones, I-pads, TV streaming - it seems to me we are all becoming addicted to constant contact and distraction. We are becoming a people who cannot be alone with our selves - our own thoughts, our own feelings. Silence seems to offend us, to scare us.

But it is only in silence that we can hear God, that we can discern HIS plans, HIS desires for us, HIS words. And also find the peace and centering that are available to us as children of God, no matter what is happening in the world around us.

Shirley Irena Murray wrote these words for a hymn in "The Faith We Sing":

"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."

Noelle Landin

March 13, 2019

Pastors are Disciples Too

Read: Luke 6:39-40

As a pastor it is so important to lead the people of God. However, I cannot lead as a teacher or a shepherd without knowing the teachings of the Teacher, or how to shepherd like the Great Shepherd of our souls. Pastors are just like a regular disciple. We have to pray, read our Bible, tithe, serve, fast, and many other things, not always in that order.

How can I lead disciples without being a disciple? I don’t think I can. Like many of you, pastors participate in Lent. We want to grow and be a part of following Christ. There is always a caution to be a leader found in James 3:1a “for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Remember to pray for your pastor this Lenten season!

Pastor Keith Lenard, Jr.

March 12, 2019

The Labyrinth

Read: John 14:15-17

Labyrinths have had many uses over the centuries - from being a confusing structure containing the Minotaur, to being a way to participate in a pilgrimage when you couldn't leave your town. My experience with labyrinths has been more contemplative, restorative, and calming. One week, on a beautiful summer night, a few ladies met at a local outdoor labyrinth. The pattern of this particular labyrinth is such that the path doubles back on itself for one half of the circle until you find yourself in the middle, then you walk back out to the edge and all the way around the outside to the other half and that doubles back on itself until you reach the entrance/exit. The meditation guru of the group led us in a guided meditation, talked about the history of labyrinths and then invited us to walk the one before us as we felt led.

Some of us took off our shoes before we started. The dry grass crunching under our bare feet. I was the first to start and as I walked, I will confess, I didn't 'feel' anything. It was a lovely night and I was surrounded by friends so I was enjoying my time, but I wasn't experiencing anything overly 'spiritual' or life changing. Our meditation expert said we might not have an earth shattering experience, we might just take a very circular walk on a nice evening in the company of wonderful women. So, I wasn't concerned.

But as I kept going and more of us started walking, it struck me. Walking this little path was like walking through life. There were moments when I was by myself, no one around me. There were moments when someone was ahead of me (even though I was the first person in!). Sometimes someone was coming up behind me or walking toward me, but the path would turn them around and they would head off in another direction. While our paths never crossed, there were times when we would walk side by side. Both going in the same direction, shoulder to shoulder. That was my favorite. What a wonderful thing to have a companion with us on our journey, if only for a little while. And what a wonderful thing to be reminded that we have a Spiritual companion with us always, even when we are alone on the journey.

Daphne Coffman

March 11, 2019

Even in Leftovers

Read: Luke 10:36-37

All is set, we are going to Tennessee for a family Thanksgiving celebration. Not so fast, as my husband’s back flares up, so he cannot sit on a plane that long (one packed suitcase was already in the car for an early morning drive to the airport). So plans must be canceled at the last minute. It appears we will have no Thanksgiving event.

Friends came to the rescue, offering us the opportunity to join their Thanksgiving dinner, but he felt he just needed to stay home in his own comfortable chair.

What could have been a sad holiday became a happy celebration because we have been blessed with such caring friends. We were given enough delicious food for two great meals.

God’s hand can be seen in many ways, through good friends and neighbors.

Sara Wooton

March 10, 2019

For True Singing – UMH #69

Read: your favorite hymn(s)

Glorious God, source of joy and righteousness,
enable us as redeemed and forgiven children
evermore to rejoice in singing your praises.

Grant that what we sing with our lips
we may believe in our hearts,
and what we believe in our hearts
we may practice in our lives
so that being doers of the Word and not hearers only,
we may receive everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fred D. Gealy

March 09, 2019

Blessings

Read: Psalm 144:15

Every day is beautiful, just some more so than others. As I write this it is foggy and I had the thought – I'm up in the clouds without having to go anywhere. Is it God's way of transporting me?

Paul W. Smith often says "Every day is a gift." I think he shortened it from "Every day is a gift from God." A while ago I woke up in the morning and nothing hurt. My first thought was maybe I was dead. Then I thought this is one of the days that is more beautiful than most.

I find it easy to count my blessings, I just round it off to the nearest multitude!

Jack Van Becelaere

March 08, 2019

Lent, A Time of Remembering

Read: Luke 18:31-34, John 19: 28-37, Romans 5:6-11

“Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (TLB)

In the Daily Guideposts, I read about a church that prepared for Lent by having a large basket filled with black antique, two sided nails with flat heads. Members were asked to take one or two nails to remind them of the sacrifice that Jesus made for them on the cross.

One woman put a nail in her coin purse where she kept her credit cards and cash. “Every time she was out shopping or eating out or buying anything, she saw the nail and was reminded what Jesus endured for us. It helped keep her aware of God’s infinite love and the painful sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.”

This story reminded me of the most meaningful Good Friday Service I have experienced. When we entered the sanctuary, we saw a large rustic wooden cross with nails and hammers. We were encouraged to hammer nails into the cross by the ushers while the organist played. Since this was an interfaith service with four services there were people coming and going. The hammering was at the beginning and end of each service.

At the end of the final service the cross was carried out as the worshipers followed. Next the cross was used to seal the front door of the church shut. Easter morning, our MYF group took the cross down. They carried it in and begin our Easter sunrise service with He Lives!!!

“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us”. (Romans 5:8) “Forgiven much, we can now forgive and thereby discover a human expression of what God is like.” (Arden Mead)

“Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your only Child to teach us how to get along in this world and that all good things come with a price.”

Karen Bromley, with inspiration from Patricia Lorenz in Daily Guideposts

March 07, 2019

God, Move Our Hearts

Read: Matthew 22:36-40

On the Monday morning after Palooza 2019 I was on vacation walking along a beach, my iPhone in my pocket, ear buds in place, listening to our church service from the day before.

I looked at the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico thinking about the magnificence of God's works. I remembered the awe I felt watching the Northern lights and I recalled one of my favorite hymns, "How Great Thou Art." The setting by Haydn of Psalm 19, "The heavens are telling the glory of God," started playing in my head.

About then, in my ear buds, I heard Pastor Ray leading the congregation in prayer. He was speaking to God saying "...we all are called by you to do something for the good of the other."

God's glory surely shows in the visible aspects of his creation. It shows just as surely in the love he has for each of us.

When, later in the service, it was announced that the Palooza had made $20,000 Pastor Ray reminded us, "We didn't make any money last night. God moved our hearts to share what God had already given us." Through that sharing, God's love is manifested to some of those who may be less fortunate than we, or different than we, but are no less loved by God.

The physical gifts of creation are spectacular. God's unconditional love for each and every one of us is spectacular. Wouldn't it be spectacular if we all loved each other that same way?

Fred Van de Putte

April 19, 2019 -

March 06, 2019 - Ash Wednesday

Building Community

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” - Romans 15:7

As I embarked upon writing something of worth for this year’s Lenten devotional, I was reminded of a lunch meeting that I had with a colleague some time ago. The name, church, and even the denomination that this person serves in will remain private – it’s really not that important as you will see. This friend had been raised in a church (a child of a pastor), serving in all of the positions that one might expect. Upon graduating from college, decided to dedicate their life to serving God as a clergy person. Entered seminary, completed that, and embarked upon a life of pastoral ministry.

During our lunch time conversation, I discovered a person that struggled with a sense of loneliness due to the “walls of isolation” that had been built even as the various ministries were engaged in. It seemed as though the more this person “lived into” their call to ministry, the more isolated they felt. Each new endeavor, each new “position” brought with it a real (or perceived) need to protect one’s image until today, this person, this friend, this colleague and even more important – this sacred child of the Living God feels lost and lonely.

My question is this – Is this really what God intended when Jesus called the disciples to go into the entire world and be witnesses for a greater good? Has the church, as an institution of God, forgotten the example of Jesus Himself who was willing to make himself vulnerable so as to lift another from their sin, hurt, or isolation? Or has the church, over the centuries, created an isolated and isolating fraternity that discourages a person from realizing the full potential that God intended for each person?

In our United Methodist Book of Discipline, one can find this statement:

“Primary for us is the gospel understanding that all persons are important – because they are human beings created by God and loved through and by Jesus Christ and not because that have merited significance.”

So, our task, as a church and as individuals is to:

1 – See ourselves as loved and accepted
2 – See others as loved and accepted
3 – And work to create an environment that all are welcomed by God and God’s people.

In closing, may each of us serve the Lord with all of our hearts, minds, and strength, and allow God to love us for who we are and whose we are! May we all discover new ways to build community for one another as we journey through this season of Lent.

Pastor Ray McGee

Lent 2019 - Introduction

Welcome back to Lent! As always, it has been an honor and a joy to edit this book; and as almost always, you made me wait until the last moment again this year. In the end I had a new problem to solve: there were more devotions submitted than official days in Lent! What a great problem to have, and I thank each of the writers (including at least four first-time contributors) for making my job so difficult by sharing their thoughts, time, and insights with our church family, as we make our slow but sure journey toward the glory of Easter Sunday.

Back when I was worrying about getting enough devotions, I was especially missing my Mom – I could always count on her for a couple pithy, heartfelt pages. I was also missing Ron Draper – another prolific writer – and when I reached out to him he replied, “Fear not! The Lord is with you, and so am I.” With that kind of assurance, how could I worry?

Next – as they so often do – a theme or two emerged as I collected and arranged your contributions. This year there were some darker thoughts – themes of Loss, Grief, and Anger at God, but accompanied by themes of Acceptance of God’s Will, Realization that “my Father knows best.”

It’s pretty amazing. I don’t know how these “themes” appear each year (although I think it’s the Holy Spirit prompting us to write on what our readers will need!), but I am always comforted and excited when they do.

Now, as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions, published in 1974:

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