Easter Monday, April 17

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150

Up the stairs to the Music Department (as a member of the Chancel Choir, I take this trip frequently) a banner greets you: “Make a Joyful Sound Unto the Lord.” One of our anthems, “O Praise God in His Sanctuary,” says in part:

“... Praise Him in the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him upon the lute and harp; Praise Him in the cymbals and dances; Praise Him up on the strings and pipe. Praise Him on the well tuned cymbals ...”

I must have been born hearing music. It was always there. The story is that when I was about a year old, I would hear music on the radio, go to the piano, and try to pick out the melody. I began lessons as soon as a teacher thought I was old enough.

Music is a gift from God, though it took me a long time to realize it. In school, I was embarrassed when people would refer to my "talent." I didn't think it was anything special -- I could always hear music, sing and play, so I thought everyone could! It was part of my growing up when I began to realize that everyone couldn't, that it was a God-given gift for me to enjoy and treat accordingly.

I joined Summer Choir the year I affiliated with First Presbyterian, and became a member of the Chancel Choir right after that. I’ve enjoyed singing under two dynamic directors -- Jerry Crawford and Mark Wickens (both of whom have remarkable talents to share). Although not a true anthem, the following Oscar Hammerstein III lyrics (from “Carousel") carry me through many times (happy, sad, trying). I hope they may do the same for you.

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm is a golden sky with the sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind; walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on -- walk on with hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone. You'll never walk alone. Amen.

Barbara Gowans, 1996

Easter Sunday, April 16

 Why do you seek the living among the dead?

Luke 24:4

It seemed like a rather absurd question.  The women had come to the tomb not looking for the living but to complete the process of preparing Jesus’ body for its final rest.  They would anoint it with spices and perfumes.  It was a ritual act of honor. A way to honor their friend, teacher and mentor; the only one who had seen them not as lowly women but as followers and disciples.  They had come looking for the dead, not the living.  So when the men in dazzling white appeared and asked the question, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” their answer would have been, “We’re not.”  So it would have seemed like a rather absurd question. 

The good news for the women and for us is that this was not an absurd question.  It was a question rooted and grounded in reality.  In other words, if they were looking for Jesus in the place of the dead, they were not going to find him.  They needed to re-enter their search parameters and look among the living, for that is where they would find him.  They would find him there because God had broken both the power of sin and death and raised Jesus.  He was alive.

This Easter morning, you and I have the opportunity to once again find the living Jesus.  Granted we will not find him wandering around our columbarium, but we will find him at work all around us; at work loving, forgiving, encouraging and empowering us.  We will find him in the quiet of our prayers and in the music of worship that soars around us.  We will find not a deceased icon but a living Lord who calls us to lives of mission, inclusion and community.

This morning then, let us give thanks and declare that Jesus is not dead but risen.  Hallelujah!  

Living God, we give you thanks that you raised your Son Jesus from the dead.  Give us the ability to experience his living presence this day and always.   Amen

Rev. John Judson

Holy Saturday, April 15

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

Mark 15:42-47

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

  Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;

  and by night, but find no rest.

Yet you are holy,

  enthroned on the praises of Israel.

In you our ancestors trusted;

  they trusted, and you delivered them.

To you they cried, and were saved;

  in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

…

To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;

  before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,

  and I shall live for him.

Posterity will serve him;

  future generations will be told about the Lord,

and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,

  saying that he has done it.

Psalm 22:1-5, 29-31

Good Friday, April 14

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.

Psalm 139:1-18

I truly remember “feeling” God for the first time when my dear friend, Elizabeth, died on Mackinac Island. Liz and I were working on the Island after our Freshman year in college. We had been best of friends at Marian High School. We went to different colleges and were looking forward to spending the summer together. The Detroit Pistons were in the Championship, it was June of 1990 , and Liz and I and some other friends were meeting to watch the big game. Liz never made it. She was in a bike accident coming down the Grand Hotel hill and died right outside Little Stone Church. She was flown to Traverse City and then to the University of Michigan where her organs were donated, such a generous and giving gesture by her parents.

I will never forget as we were walking out of Holy Name Church for her funeral how her grieving father said to me, “God needed Elizabeth more than we did.” Think about that, she was 19. Her dad felt that and said it out loud leaving the church. What faith. That is when I KNEW she was with God and he was beside me.

I stayed on the Island that summer and enjoyed and experienced life to the absolute fullest, a gift I always give credit to Liz. And then God showed me his power again.

I returned to U of M to start my second year in the nursing program there.

I was assigned for my first Fall clinical on a transplant floor at the University Hospital. I was in shift change report with my fellow classmates  when I heard “ there is a man here who received his heart back in June but has a slight fever so is here for observation. He received his heart from a girl who died on Mackinac Island.”

What? I couldn't believe it.

I immediately went to my instructor, told her my relationship with Liz and she received permission for me to meet to him. I walked into his room and said, “I think you have my friends heart.”  He replied, “ Elizabeth’s?”  My heart skipped a beat.

What are the chances, the odds, the possibilities? I met the man who received my dear friends heart. He and I stayed in touch for a few years but then lost touch when I graduated from nursing school.

This is a story I have told over and over. I get chills and tears every time I retell it.

I learned at 18 years old, and I still believe with all my heart, that God is with us, even when we don't think so.

He is, he always is.

 Julie Kunz

Maundy Thursday, April 13

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 5:12, 13

One of my favorite pieces of music is the MESSIAH by G. F. Handel. This beautiful music tells the story of God's gift to us in Jesus. Although we usually hear the MESSIAH at Christmas time, some of the most moving pieces are those about Christ's death and resurrection. Handel ends the oratorio with this wonderful statement found in Revelation. My favorite part is the ending piece. The beginning bass note followed by the majestic choral voices singing "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain" affirms the greatness of God's gift and Christ's sacrifice. If you are able, listen to this music this season and reflect on the greatness of God.

Lamb
Submissive, Vulnerable
Trusting, Giving, Redeeming
Slain for our Sins
Sacrifice

Thank you for your great gift in Jesus that redeems us from our sins. Amen.

Laurel Kauffman, 1996

Wednesday, April 12

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

Isaiah 6:8

One of my very favorite hymns is "Here I Am Lord". This beautiful hymn, written by Dan Schutte in 1981 was inspired by Isaiah 6:8, where God calls Isaiah to be his servant and messenger to the people:

I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I believe I was called about two years ago to serve as a Stephen Minister. Through this ministry we walk beside someone through a difficult time. We learn to “meet the person where they are”, how to listen and how to support our care receivers in a confidential, non-judgmental way. The impact of this ministry on my life has been amazing; my faith has deepened, I pray more often, have made wonderful friendships with my fellow Stephen Ministers, and I hope I am kinder and a better listener to others I meet.

I pray you will listen for your call this Lenten season, whatever that may be, and that when called you will answer “Here I am Lord”!

Gracious and loving God, help us to listen and to open our hearts for your calling, that we may bear your light into the world and hold your people in our hearts. Amen

Cindy Lanzen

Tuesday, April 11

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

Psalm 8:3-4

According to Wikipedia, "How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn based on a poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940) in Mönsterås, Sweden in 1885. It was translated into German and then into Russian and became a hymn. It was translated into English from the Russian by English missionary Stuart K. Hine, who also added two original verses of his own. The poem became matched to an old Swedish folk tune and sung in public for the first known occasion in a church in the Swedish province of Värmland in 1888. It was later popularized during the Billy Graham crusades.

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

(Repeat Refrain)

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

(Repeat Refrain)

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

Amen!

Monday, April 10

But a Samaritan while traveling … saw the one who had been robbed … and was moved with pity...

Luke: 10: 33-35

The Good Samaritan

During the past year, I've experienced the GOOD SAMARITAN again and again, and again:  attempting to place a bag of groceries on the rear seat of my car, I was blown down by a strong gust of wind. Two good Samaritans came to my aid, helped me into the driver's seat and placed my purchases on the back seat of my car.

While raking leaves in my front yard, a neighbor walking past insisted on completing the task.  Her help was greatly appreciated.

As I was placing a suet cake in a cage for birds, I fell down in several inches of snow. After much effort, another neighbor came to my rescue.

Indeed these were Good Samaritans who showed mercy.

Dear Lord, help me be a Good Samaritan to others in need of mercy.

Pat Lindroth

Sixth Sunday, April 9

This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Jeremiah 31:33-34(NIV)

that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

John 17:21(NIV)

I was browsing among the new books at Barnes & Noble one December Sunday afternoon and came upon The Book of Joy: ( no, not the Joy of Cooking) Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with author Douglas Abrams.  I was intrigued and started reading it in January at bedtime each night, savoring the conversations of these two spiritual leaders. They met for a week in April 2015 in Dharamsala, India to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s eightieth birthday and from their conversations, they desired to write a universal book that included not only their Christian/Buddhist teachings/experiences with joy, but also research findings on the science of joy and other qualities that are believed to be essential for enduring happiness.

Reality is that we all face difficult circumstances, tragedies, natural disasters throughout life, we cannot know joy without suffering, and we make choices about how we respond to suffering. These friends identified and shared personal obstacles(fear,anxiety, frustration/anger, grief, despair, loneliness, envy, suffering /adversity, illness/fear of death) and qualities of the mind and heart (perspective, humility, humor, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, generosity) that help us cope with life’s challenges. Scientists are finding in their research studies that the choices we make in our hearts and minds during difficult times directly impact our ability to know joy in the midst of suffering when tears are shared and we reach out to one another.

The weavings I see in the scriptures coupled with the perspectives of  these wise souls is that God invites us to live each day in His peace and joy in community with one another. Yes, I will have trials/tribulations and will seek healing, but as I learn to emulate Jesus more each day, I move beyond my self-centeredness to become more compassionate and generous in our care of humanity.  

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

1 John 1:7

Our Father, creator of the universe and all your children throughout time, thank you for these scriptures that guide our learning to better understand suffering/grief and the opportunities you offer us to experience joy as we learn how to give ourselves away in service with others. Thank you for letting me see your presence in our daily lives especially through our ministries at Alcott and with Stephen Ministry. In the name of your beloved son Jesus and with the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, thank you, God. Amen.

Barb Linnenbrink

Saturday, April 8

 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.  

Phil. 1:3 KJV

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity

Prov. 17:17 New American Standard Bible

Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold.  

Girl Scouts song

"Friendship" is not a major theme in the Bible, though there are several examples of extraordinary friendships---Naomi and Ruth, David and Jonathon. I have found, however, that friendship can be one of the many fruits of church membership and participation.  My husband Dave and I joined FPC in about 1984.  We had our three children baptized by Pastor Roland Perdue and made Sunday School a priority. We enjoyed participating as a family in Christmas Hand in Hand, served at soup kitchens, went on mission trips and youth outings, tried choir and summer camp.  With every activity we met more church members and felt more connected to the church.

It was after our three left for college, though, that participation by me and Dave really took off. When we were invited to join a small Sunday evening book group, we developed some very special friendships.  We did more than discuss books: we shared our joys and frustrations, we prayed with and for one another. We gave and received amazing  support in tough times. We formed deep and lasting bonds.  Soon Dave and I followed the example of our friends and became deacons and elders, joined Esther Circle, worked on Bread for the World, Crop Walk, Advent by Candlelight, organized Dinner for 8.

At church, we connect with people who share some fundamental beliefs.  We don't always agree.  We are still diverse in many ways. But we are open to and respectful of other points of view.  We come together to question, learn, and grow.  We find friendship and support. We get to know people on a deeper level. We learn how to handle life's trials, how to make a difference, how to live as true Christians by working with others on the same path with us.

This past November, the time came for Dave and me to heed the call of our little grandsons: "Come West, Nana and Papa!"  We rejoice in the opportunity to live just 10 minutes away from our daughter's family in Littleton, Colorado, now.  But it was difficult to leave our vibrant Everybody's Church, the dedicated and endlessly creative pastors and staff, and our many wonderful friends. We cherish the special times together, the loving care that gave us the courage to share honestly and to lean on others when we most needed to, the opportunities we hoped we could also bless and encourage and support others in turn. I wish I could thank each person who reached out to us, who made us feel welcome, who shared life stories and connected with us, who led by example and inspired us in so many ways.

The old hymn says, "Blest be the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above." We are grateful for email and Facebook and cellphones, the myriad ways we can keep in touch with those who have meant so much to us and our children for over 30 years.

When my parents or grandparents departed on a trip, we would share a prayer together first.  This is my prayer for all at First Presbyterian Birmingham--"The Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one from another." (Gen. 31:49 ERV)  Like good Girl Scouts, we will make new friends in our new home, but we will "keep the old" too.  

The Lord be with you.  Amen.

Diane Falconer

Friday, April 7

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalms 51:10

My star word for the year is renewal. As I meditate on what that means for me, especially as we enter the Lenten season, I am reminded how hard it is to keep the attitude of discovery alive when sometimes Lent can feel like just another routine part of the Christian calendar.

Where should I look for renewal during this time?

Renew in me a sense of awe and curiosity. Move my faith beyond the routine. Let there be discovery throughout my journey

Renew in me a sense of humbleness. Let me be unassuming and open to what God has to say. Be still and know. Be still and learn.

Renew in me a sense of openness. Remove confining barriers to my faith and give me freedom to serve.

Lord, renew in me the splendor of your love, the wonder of your power, the fullness of your joy, and the promise of your grace. Amen.

Diane Amendt

Thursday, April 6

 Jacob woke up and said, “The Lord is here! He is in this place, and I didn't  know it!” He was afraid and said, “What a terrifying place this is! It must be the house of God; it must be the gate that opens into heaven.”

Genesis 28:16 (Good News Bible) 

Forming Families on the Fly

Families can be great, and they can be painful, often at the same time. If you think that things were better long ago, sneak into your kids room, borrow the "Good News Bible" they were presented with when they were in the third grade, and read from Genesis, starting at Chapter 12 until the end. You'll be reading one of the very first family sagas, and even if you judge it as  just literature,  it's not all bad as a complex and challenging story.  Of course, you can use your own Bible, but the Good News was done to tell stories and consequently might be just a more fun read than other Bibles.

Anyway, at the point where the above verses occur, Jacob is in the process of figuring out who he is, and who God wants him to be. He's on the run from his brother Esau and is starting out alone.

I think that many of us have found ourselves alone in a new place  like Jacob. We may not be on the run, but work, school, or other life situations have made it necessary to leave our families and go elsewhere to be with people we don't know and maybe can't trust. Since we are social beings, we look for family replacements, people we can enjoy being with, people that we can trust, people who will love and accept us.   I call this "forming families on the fly."

One of the great resources for forming "Families on the Fly" is your congregation, especially one like FPCB with our commitment to inclusion and community.  One reason is that we are all, in some way, trying to understand the God who is here and that we don't see.  A God who calls us and forms us using the people around us.

Is it a silver bullet, will you just automatically click with everyone in the congregation? Well, probably not, after all we are all human but the odds are better than a random choice and if your experience is anything like mine you'll find some real people treasures along the way. Who knows, you might have some really interesting, caring and loving brothers, sisters, cousins, grandparents and more if you make the effort to reach out and connect.

Loving God, be with us when we believe that we are totally alone. Help us to see the people around us as the gifts you want us to have, and to be the gifts to others that you want us to be. Help us to live in this complex world as we form families on the fly with people who may only be with us briefly or who might be lifelong caring family members.  Either way, help us to accept your gift and to be that gift to others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Terry Chaney

Wednesday, April 5

  You must love (care for) one another, just as I have loved you.

John 13:34

... that whosoever loves God must also love his brother and sister.

1 John 4:21

I seem to be at another crossroad in my life. This time it has to do with taking care of an elderly parent.

Sometimes I find myself wishing for a little relief -- a little freedom from it. And then I realize that as Christians we have no relief from caring. We are all frail and come to our God from a position of weakness, not strength. It is through this very weakness that we are indeed given the gift of grace and ultimate salvation.

That period of our lives when we need care is frequently the period when we become even greater teachers than when we are full of strength and ourselves the care givers. Without care, our society makes us believe that we are what we have, what we do or what people think about us. With such a belief, our death is indeed the end because when we die all property, success and popularity vanishes. Without care, we forget who we truly are: children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Oh Lord, help us to care for one another as though our very life depended upon it. It does. Amen.

Marilyn Bura, 1996

Tuesday, April 4

 Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Life's journey has many twists, turns, reversals, confusing pathways and really muddy places. Many times have I turned to God's Word looking for passages to find understanding. Sometimes answers have been immediate and clear. Most of the time, answers have been less obvious, often coming from unexpected sources. Only faith that they will appear someday has kept us moving faithfully forward.

Minnie L. Haskin's poem says this so well, It begins like this:

God Knows

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

...

For a person who always wants to know all the details and have a good map before ever embarking on anything, these words remind me that sometimes the best journeys are the unplanned ones begun in faith.

Dear Father, help us to look for your lamp that will surely guide us -- whether it be at the beginning of the path or somewhere along the way. Help us to know that your words may be written or spoken by others or may be felt merely in the quiet moments of our souls. Help us to be faithful in our trust that you will be our friend and guide and will never leave us. We ask this in Christ's holy name as we journey to meet him. Amen.

Libby Dickinson, 1996

Historical Note: According to Wikipedia, Elizabeth the Queen Consort made her husband George VI aware of an obscure poem. He included the poem's preamble in his Christmas 1939 BBC Radio broadcast to the British Empire. The opening words of the poem "The Gate of the Year" struck a chord with a country facing the uncertainty of war. These words were from Haskin's poem "God Knows" written in 1908 and expanded in 1912. However, she was not named as author by the King and no one was able to identify the poet at the time. Finally at midnight on Boxing Day the BBC announced that the author was Minnie Louise Haskins. Haskins, by then 64 years old, did not know that the King would quote her words, and did not hear the broadcast. On the next day, she was interviewed by The Daily Telegraph and said: "I heard the quotation read in a summary of the speech. I thought the words sounded familiar and suddenly it dawned on me that they were out of my little book." The 'little book' was The Desert published in 1912.

Monday, April 3

Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Mark 8:14-21

"Do you not yet understand?"  The Gospel of Mark is TOUGH on the disciples.  Over and over again, including this passage, we see Jesus' frustration that the disciples are not grasping his purpose, which ultimately is to become their purpose (and ours).  I find a lot of comfort in these passages.  These 12 guys were with Jesus day and night, some for as long as three years, and even they were clueless sometimes.  They seemed especially confused about his prediction that he would die and rise again (… for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Mark 9:30-32).  If the disciples didn't "get it", surely we can be excused from having all of the answers all of the time.  In fact, I think that might be the reason Mark reveals the disciples' confusion to us: It gives us permission to look at the amazing mystery of God and admit that sometimes we just plain don't know what the plan is or how it works.  Instead of being ashamed or embarrassed about that, let's rejoice in a God whose ways are higher than our ways.  Especially during the Lenten season, let's take some time and bow before the mystery of Jesus, divinity incarnate, who came to die that we might be reconciled with God.  Then, having admitted to not fully comprehending what it all means, let us be about the work of reconciling the world to God's Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we admit that we don't always understand.  In fact, we rejoice that we don't always understand the ways of a God whose thoughts are higher than our own.  We thank you for giving us models in the disciples who show us it's OK to lack certainty in all things.  In this freedom to be uncertain of your thoughts and ways, may we be certain of and dedicated to the things which you have made clear: that we would love you with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, and love our neighbor as ourselves.  We pray this in the name of the mysterious Christ, Amen.

Ben Kohns

Fifth Sunday, April 2

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.

                                                                       I Corinthians 12:14

I joke and say that I am amazed I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, because I cannot carry a tune and often can’t remember names!  But the truth is, I sometimes feel inadequate.  Some of us are given gifts that serve best more publicly - with a loud voice, like bright bold colors.  Some of us are given gifts that serve best in the background - with a quiet voice, like soft neutral colors.  And so I share this story, to remind myself and others, that the gifts God gives us are uniquely important and valuable.

This Aesop’s fable is called “The Fable of the Belly.”

“One day it occurred to members of the body that they were doing all the work while the belly was having all the food.  So they held a meeting (presumably without inviting the belly) and after a long discussion decided to strike work until the belly consented to take its proper share of the work.  So for a day or two the hands refused to take the food, the mouth refused to receive it and the teeth had no work to do.  But after a day or two, the members began to find that they themselves were not in very active condition.  The hands could hardly move, the mouth was all parched and dry, while the legs were unable to support the rest of the body.  Thus they found that even the belly in its dull, quiet way was doing necessary work for the body and that all must work together or the body will go to pieces.”

Giving God, As I seek to celebrate and affirm the gifts of others, help me to remember that I have gifts also.  You equip and call each one of us to be a part of the body of the Christ.  Guide me to nurture and share those gifts so that I might serve you better.  Amen.

Joanne Blair

Saturday, April 1

 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

When my oldest child was born and I struggled to comprehend all the expectations and responsibilities motherhood brought, a friend of mine gave me a copy of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's A Gift From The Sea. Although finding time for myself was a challenge, I managed to steal a few moments each day to enjoy and recognize the wisdom of this priceless book:

For to be a woman is to have interests and duties, raying out in all directions from the central mother-core, like spokes from the hub of a wheel. The pattern of our lives is essentially circular, we must open to all points of the compass; husband, children, friends, home, community; stretched out, exposed, sensitive like a spider’s web to each breeze that blows, to each call that comes. How difficult for us … to remain whole in the midst of the distractions of life, how to remain balanced, no matter what centrifugal forces tend to pull one off center; how to remain strong, no matter what shocks come in at the periphery and tend to crack the hub of the wheel.

During this Lenten Season, it is truly wonderful to recognize that as Christians we have Jesus as “the hub of our wheel.” Through Him we have no need for anxiety, even if at times we are overwhelmed by all that is expected of us. We never have to “do it all” alone. All we have to do is ask and the Good Shepherd is always there to guide us.

How often I turn to you, Gentle God, when I feel overwhelmed by all that is required of me. I am always amazed at the peace Your presence brings when I am overcome by stress or exhaustion or frustration. All I need to do is turn my thoughts to you to feel refreshed and renewed. You are always there for me, shepherding me through my daily work. Open my eyes to the ways I can serve you best. And in this season of Lent, let me keep you and the gift of your Son the focus of my days, for it is only with you that any of us find the balance we need. Amen.

Liz Sheridan, 1996

Friday, March 31

… Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Mark 12:31  New English Bible

Several years ago a woman had office space in the high school library where I worked as the media specialist.  A constant stream of students crossed the library to see her throughout the day. More gathered there after school, too.  Curious, I introduced myself and learned that Mona was a parapro from the County, assigned to work with ESL students, those for whom English was a second language.  Indeed, virtually all the students who visited her were Muslim teens from Bangladesh.  Mona was an immigrant herself, moving with her family to the USA from Egypt after graduating university, marrying, and having two children. And Mona was Muslim, too.

Mona asked me for resources for her students and we struck up a friendship.  Soon we were walking the indoor track after school together, getting in a little exercise while we shared family stories and our faith journeys.  No one else in the high school made an effort to make Mona feel welcome, even though she did a terrific job helping those ESL teens struggling with chemistry or history or English lit.  Mona would read the assigned novels--The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, Shakespeare!-- and work through the themes, characters, plots, and so on, so she could help her students make sense of these foreign writings. Mona worked long hours, sat in on her students' classes, rarely took a lunch break without six kids hovering around asking for help.  

As we walked and got acquainted, I told Mona that I had always been interested in world religions and was happy to get to know a Muslim woman personally.  We found we had so much in common--love of language, devotion to family, interest in travel.  What a surprise to learn we shared the same birthday!  Mona loved to analyze people according to the Zodiac signs.  She was delighted we are both Leos and would let me know how a Leo responds to various situations.  "Of course you are doing six things at once, Diane," she would laugh. "You are a Leo! That's what we Leos do!"

After 18 months, I was transferred to the elementary school and Mona eventually left the district and pursued special certification at MSU.  She worked and traveled to classes in East Lansing for three years. She now teaches Arabic at an Arabic school in Sterling Heights.

Back in the grade school, I made it a point to be more aware of the many Muslim students.  I bought books written in both Arabic and English so any non-English-speaking parents could read with them.  I learned more about Ramadan and taught lessons about the holy month and its tenets.  I reminded teachers ordering pizza for a class treat to be sure some were cheese only, no pepperoni.  Small things.  But they seemed to mean a lot to my students.

Lately I find myself wondering how many of our country's leaders have a personal friend who is also a Muslim.  Have they shared family stories?  Swapped recipes?  Walked together? Exchanged holiday greetings? Shared a hug?

Jesus said, "Love thy neighbor."  Couldn't be more direct or simple.  Why is it so hard?

Dear God,  help us to find ways to love, to show our love, to share our love. Real ways that make a real difference in the world.  Amen.

Diane Falconer

Thursday, March 30

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

Deuteronomy 6:5 "

When I was young I had a red autograph book with different colored pages that people had signed. I took this book to the hospital when I had my appendix out. My Dad wrote on a green page: "Your cheerfulness is catching the same as love that's true. Remember this, my darling, whom you love, loves you.” That has stayed with me all these years and I realize how true it is. Relationships with people are so important. As Christians we know we have the LOVE of Jesus with us and in us. God loves each one of us. He gave us Commandments to live by and sent Jesus to teach us to love one another.

I do believe we are filled with the Holy Spirit and I do believe in miracles, but reality set in when I learned the sad news about my sister, Nancy. Her cancer was terminal. My sister and I traveled to see her and I thought "what shall I take her?” Then I remembered my favorite verse my Dad wrote. Yes, I took cheerfulness.

Dear God Our Heavenly Father, this Lenten Season, help us to stay in closer touch with You. Help us to realize how precious life is and to remember how important cheerfulness and love are for one another in our relationships. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Kerry Butters, 1996

Wednesday, March 29

  Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

Psalm 119:50

It is Well with My Soul!

Recently I attended a memorial service and one of the selected hymns was “Peace Like a River, It is Well with my Soul”. I was comforted singing the words knowing that the person whose service it was for was now at peace. His soul was “now well.”  My thoughts drifted back to my own father’s funeral service when the very same hymn was chosen. Alzheimer's no longer plagued his soul and precious peace was now his! Then at mom’s funeral, a few years later,  the same hymn came to mind, no longer would her mind be ravaged by such an unforgiving disease.  This was a cause for rejoicing despite our family’s sorrow. Our Savior as He suffered on the cross achieved that same peace, His soul returning to His Father.

These words also speak to us in our own lives, not just at death. Regardless of our plight, we are promised peace as we seek the support of our Lord through prayer. He will comfort us through the darkest times and light our way with his love. Be confident knowing our souls can be at peace, it is a promise.

Our Heavenly Father during our darkest times illuminate our paths so that we are reminded of your love for us. Give us strength to follow your ways, comforting others in need as you have comforted us. Thanks be to God.

Lyn Martens

Tuesday, March 28

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 RSV

TRUST in HIM

My daughter is a senior in high school this year.  Today is her 18th Birthday.  She is an amazing young lady and wrote this poem six years ago.  I treasure every moment of her life.  There was a time I was not sure I would ever have a child.  But God’s voice inside of me kept telling me to TRUST GOD.  I trusted him through all the procedures for eight years.  It was the hardest struggle we shared together as a couple.  It seemed like everyone was having children but us.

Appreciate You

If you don’t like how you look don’t change
You should love how you look
When you don’t do your best work
Try harder next time

You should love how you act
You should realize how amazing you are
Try not to care what others think
Just be the way you are

Appreciate You

By Grace Sleder

Sometimes we fail to trust God and let this world distract us from God and HIS love for us. I trusted God and HE brought us this AMAZING daughter into our lives.  She is the answer to many years of PRAYER and TRUSTING.  We gained strength from our faith in God who is always with us on this journey.  Trust is at times a struggle between this world and God’s world.  Some days it is a challenge to wake up to so much uncertainty.  Trusting God has always been a challenge and I know I have to trust him today and only today.  Try to go to a quiet place and shut out the noise of this world. Try everyday to just trust him.  Give him your worries and challenges today, and let HIM make straight your path, Just Trust.

Dear Lord, help us to TRUST you more.  Give us the strength to get through this day praising you with thoughts, words, and deeds as we journey through this world of uncertainty in need of hope, love and joy!   

Kathleen Sleder 

Monday, March 27

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3a

There is a Robert Burns poem that has been a favorite in our family for many years. It is titled “A Grace Before Dinner” and we often use it for that, but it is useful in many other ways as well. For example, it often seems appropriate as a request for help or an expression of appreciation. It goes as follows:

O Thou, who kindly dost provide

For every creature's want

We bless thee, God of Nature wide,

For all thy goodness lent;

And, if it please thee, Heavenly Guide,

May never worse be sent;

But whether granted, or denied,

Lord bless us with content

These words took on new meaning for me when our daughter, just turning fourteen, faced a life-threatening illness. During those terrifying weeks she was in the hospital, the line, “for all thy goodness lent,” went over and over in my mind. I then realized our blessings are lent to us by a loving God and we have to accept His will, whatever may come. Fortunately, he blessed us with her full recovery.

As this prayer helped us through that great difficulty, it is equally effective in expressing great joy such as witnessing some beauty of nature which is beyond words.

Nancy Barker, 1996

Fourth Sunday, March 26

 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior … Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.            

Selections from Isaiah 43:1-5

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH

Some memories from childhood make such lasting impressions.  When I was around ten or eleven years old, I saw a television program with a woman in a choir robe. She stood before one of those painted stained glass church windows movie sets. She had a page boy hair style.  She sang with such clarity and conviction, “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.”

At the time I didn’t know that this moving music was an aria from Handel’s Messiah.  Nor was I aware that the phrase came from Job 19:25.

But I vividly remember how I wondered, “How does she know her Redeemer?” “ How does she experience the way that her Redeemer lives in her everyday life?”

This has been a perennial question that’s stayed with me throughout these years. So, how do people know that their Redeemer lives???

Over the years, I’ve found that this assurance can come in a variety of ways.

I know that My Redeemer lives when I see children in foster care find their forever families—and experience people’s lives redeemed in tangible, everyday ways.

Our worship services are filled with meaningful scriptures, prayers, sermons, moments for mission. All witness to the reality that Our Redeemer lives!

In those quiet, solitary times of prayer, I sense the Presence of our Redeemer who lives in ways so beyond my understanding.

I know that my Redeemer lives when I hear or read scriptures like “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name.” (Isaiah 43:1-5)

And, I know that my Redeemer lives when my heart, mind and soul are moved by the music and words of hymns—especially as sung together by our congregation like, “I Sing of Love Unknown, My Savior’s Love to Me”.. or ”Love Divine, all Love’s Excelling, Joy of Heaven to Earth Come Down..”  During some Sunday mornings, I stop singing to hear these words come from all the others around us.  Such faith is contagious!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 19:4)

Kate Thoresen, Parish Associate, Foster/Adoptive Families Partnerships