POSTLUDE MONDAY, APRIL 9

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the
power and the glory, forever.
Amen.

Let All Who Pray the Prayer Christ Taught

(Thomas H. Troeger 1986 – Presbyterian Hymnal 349)

Let all who pray the prayer Christ taught
First clear the cluttered heart.
Make room to breathe the living thought
Those well-worn words impart.

Dismiss the fear that this world drifts
With no one in command.
Your pulse and breath are signs and gifts
From God's attentive hand.

Refine and test each passing aim
Against this final one:
Has your life hallowed heaven's name
And has God's will been done?

Discard each vengeful hope that's fed
The dreams of wars you'll win,
Then freely ask for daily bread
And pardon from your sin.

Examine how temptation breeds
Inside the mind's dark maze,
Acknowledging that your life needs
Deliverance from its ways.

By faithful discipline prepare
An inward holy space
That when you offer Jesus' prayer
Your heart may fill with grace.

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Mark 16:9-11 After rising from the dead, Jesus appeared early on Sunday morning to Mary Magdalene … . She went to his former companions … and told them. When they heard her report that she had seen him alive and well, they didn't believe her.

It was a daring bank robbery. A man came to the teller’s window, pretended to want to cash a check, then claimed to have a gun and demanded money. The robber got his cash and quickly left. The only problem was that he had left something behind – his ID. The police were waiting for him when he got home. This is one of those things that happens in this world that is so strange that no one could have possibly made it up – sort of like the resurrection.

The resurrection story is strange. It is strange because Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. It is strange because a dead messiah was a failed messiah. It is strange because Jesus first appeared to women and not to the men. It is strange that Jesus appeared to a woman who had once been demon possessed. It is strange because God doesn’t raise convicts from the dead. It is strange because the resurrection was only supposed to happen at the end of time when God renewed the world.

This is a strange story – a story so strange that it has to be – well – true. It has to be true because no one was expecting Jesus to be raised. It has to be true because the disciples would never have invented the fact that Jesus first appeared to the women. It has to true because no new religious movement would ask people to follow disciples who had not believed in a miracle about its founder. It has to be true because no one would have made it up.

The resurrection story is strange. Yet the resurrection is the heart of our faith. It is the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth that shows us that death and sin have been defeated and that radically new life is possible. It is Jesus’ resurrection that shows us that eternal life is possible for us as well.

So on this Easter day, let us give thanks for this strange story that it might continue to give us hope day in and day out as we strive to faithfully follow the risen, reigning Christ.

John Judson

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 6

Hebrews 10:16b “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

The death of Jesus Christ marked a monumental and cataclysmic event. At that moment, the relationship of humankind with the God of history, the creator of the universe, changed. The separation between God and humanity was removed and replaced by a new reality in our midst: the kingdom of God. Human beings would henceforth live with two realities.

In one (nothing new), our reality is defined by human self-interest; in the other (seen through the eyes of faith), reality is defined by the self-sacrificing love of God with Christ at the center. One measures success by personal gain; the other measures success by self-giving love to restore broken communities. One depends on self-initiative; the other depends on God’s initiative. Both demand a response. With Christ at the center, one always looks out for the interests of the least powerful and most vulnerable; otherwise, one seeks to preserve ones own interests as a primary goal.

When we look at Jesus crucified, we should ask ourselves whether we see God’s love poured out to create a new reality with Christ at the center. Or, do we see business as usual? For those enabled to see the world with the eyes of faith, our self-interest has been crucified with Christ, and we have been set free to be God’s agents of love in a world full of brokenness and pain.

God of grace, open our eyes to see your reality. Take away the narrowness of a vision limited by self-interest. Bless us with the capacity to serve you and the world you have placed in our care with the laws you have placed in our hearts and written on our minds. Amen.

Ernest Krug

MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 5

Matthew 26:40 Jesus came to the disciples and found them sleeping; "Could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you might not come into a time of trial; the sprit is indeed willing but the flesh is weak."

There is probably no greater insult than the time someone is sharing something important with you and you fall asleep in the middle of it. So it has happened countless times in the Borchardt household when the old man is trying to listen to a tale of joy and excitement where Judy, in response to the question "How was your day, dear?" lays it all out in detail. In the middle of a sentence, she stops and asks "Are you listening? No you are NOT!" In an attempt to cover my tracks I repeat the most recent sentence she said, but the ruse doesn't work. So, the relationship has to be re-built and we start over.

How do you think Jesus felt when his disciples fell asleep at the moment he is seeking personal support in a life-threatening crisis?

Jesus breaks into our lives in the middle of the New Testament lesson on Easter morning when we are asleep before the sermon even starts. John Judson notices but so does God, which is what really matters.

God, please grant us the strength and persistence to hear your word and feel your presence with us as we worship you in this trying time for our faith. We have heard this Easter message so often that we are anesthetized and tend to fall asleep upon hearing it again. Don't let that happen. Instead, use the reading and preaching of this season to renew our commitments and make us more than just names on the pew pads. Amen.

Hank Borchardt

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

During the time of Lent, I try to give something up that would help me follow Jesus' teaching to better myself and my surrounding community. Yes, I give up complaining.

This is a whole lot harder than you think. Each day I ask for forgiveness from my negativity and a fresh, positive start. By Easter, my heart is fuller, lighter and overflowing with Christ's love. My complaining has lessened and I truly feel better. Having a wonderful family, friends, neighbors and church community has been a gift from God. I rejoice and thank you First Presbyterian for helping me follow Jesus and strengthen my faith. I am filled with sincere thankfulness!

Dear Lord, I offer You each moment of this day. Whatever comes, the unexpected problems, diversions from Your work, the need-filled self indulgences and all of my complaints, I know Your love for me is limitless. Guide me to seek Your love and draw me closer to You. Amen.

Kim McGlynn

MONDAY, APRIL 2

Luke 22:19-20 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Los Manos de los Americanos

As a Presbyterian, I have always been challenged by the significance of the last supper. Without the literal concept of transubstantiation, I find myself wondering what Jesus meant when he urged the disciples to partake of his body and blood. The allusion to food must suggest some form of sustenance, but how is something as frail as a body supposed to sustain the divinity of a savior?

The answer quite literally fell into my hands in Leona Vicario, Mexico. Several times, actually:

As an offering plate passed around a tiny church construction site in Tres Leches.

As I overcame language barriers and taught knitting by demonstration, rather than with words.

As I pressed dough into tortillas.

As a member of our group massaged tired limbs.

As we clasped hands and prayed at our last Mexican supper, I found my meaning. Through our hands, we were able to give, to teach, to cook, to soothe, to pray. If our hands alone can do so much, then the body of Christ is the body of mission, and what a glorious vessel of good work it is.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)

Katie Blair

PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 1

Mark 12:29-31 “The most important commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”

The PW Mom's Circle asked our children "How do you show God's love to others?" Here are their responses:

"By helping and spending time with my siblings." (Madeleine, age 17)

"When someone is not included, I ask them if they want to be a part of this." (Francesca, age 7)

"I hug everybody!" (Sophia, age 5)

"By going to my friends houses and having my friends come to my house." (Magnus, age 4)

"I show God's love to others by being nice to them." (Gwendolyn, age 6)

"By just playing and sharing." (Benjamin, age 3)

"I make crafts for others." (Nicole, age 5)

"I share my toys." (Megan, age 3)

"I show God's love by helping others." (Colton, age 9)

"I show God's love by being nice and more peaceful in the world. I recycle to show love to the Earth and I am kind and loving to animals." (Emerson, age 6)

"I show God's love by taking care and loving animals like dogs and cats, and by not giving up when bad things happen." (Logan, age 5)

"By friending, accepting and helping everyone around me." (Sam, age 15)

"By being nice and positive to everyone – everywhere." (Emily, age 10)

"I like to make love cards to make people feel better." (Sean Patrick, age 5)

Dear God, Help us to do the things we should, to be to others kind and good; in all we do in work or play, to grow more loving every day. Amen.

PW Mom's Circle

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.

October 15, 2007: It was a beautiful fall day in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I had met Kevin Calloway about a week before, and we had chosen to meet for lunch on this day. The independent film I was working on was wrapping October 23rd, and then, back to Los Angeles for me.

Lunch was wonderful. Conversation flowed easily and I was very impressed with Kevin. After lunch, we drove up the mountain to the aspens which were at their golden peak. We talked of film, music, our dreams, our families – the connection was instant and seemed destined from the start.

As the week passed and we spent more time together, a conflict arose in me. I was 32 years old, almost 33. My undertaking of producing and acting in this small film was somewhat of a swan song effort. I had been in Los Angeles since 1992, grasping and reaching for success in the industry, with varying degrees of success. But I always knew there was something deeper and much more profound to be experienced. Why was this amazing man coming into my life at exactly the most inopportune time? Is it time to abandon this "dream" that really, if I were totally honest with myself, never really seemed fulfilling enough? Or, should I snap out of it and make my way back to Los Angeles where I belonged, and resume my life as it once was?

Well, we all know which path I chose. It was the best decision I have ever made. Up until October 15, 2007, it had only been me, Julian Howland, navigating LA as a free agent. I had many friends, some deep, most surface and shallow. I decided to trust my heart for the first time in my life, instead of my mind (and my ego). It was all entirely new for me, but I have learned so much in the past four years. I have learned that love and faith are important. I have learned to risk wisely for lasting, honest commitment. I have learned about partnership, gratitude, and sacrifice. I have learned the joys of relationship with a partner who believes in me fully – and how to do the same – even if it means going places (literally and figuratively) that I thought I never needed or wanted to go. I have gained a partner who loves me unconditionally, friends that mean the world to me, and a community at FPC of the most ethical, passionate and compassionate people I have ever met.

Julian Howland

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Acts 4:31 When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim God’s message with boldness.

“And then a scholar said, Speak of Talking. There are those among you who seek the talkative through fear of being alone. The silence of aloneness reveals to their eyes their naked selves and they would escape. And there are those who talk, and without knowledge or forethought reveal a truth which they themselves do not understand. And there are those who have the truth within them, but they tell it not in words. In the bosom of such as these the spirit dwells in rhythmic silence. When you meet your friend on the roadside or in the market place, let the spirit in you move your lips and direct your tongue.” (Kahlil Gibran: The Prophet)

When I first lived alone after 23 years of marriage, I had to have “noise” in the house all the time. The radio, television or my favorite music was always on. Perhaps I did not want to experience the “silence of aloneness.”

Over the years I began to appreciate the “alone” time. At first, it was appreciating the silence after a hectic day at work. Gradually, the sounds in the house did not matter to me at all. I never feel lonely – and I am always comfortable in the silence.

I have to say that I’ve done my share of talking as well “without knowledge or forethought,” perhaps hurting those I’ve encountered with my words. And a few times in my life I’ve kept silent when I know I’ve had the “truth within” me but was not courageous enough to speak the words.

The gift of the Holy Spirit, given to us by Jesus following his death and resurrection, is extremely powerful when we open our eyes to see and our ears to listen. In this Lenten season, I hope we take time to hear God’s voice in the silence, to think before speaking, and to be courageous enough to speak the truth.

God of compassion, preoccupied with ourselves, we fail to see your work in the world. We speak when we should listen; we act when we should reflect. Empower us to walk in your ways for the sake of Him who is the light of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Sandra Nicholls

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

Matthew 18:12 “What do you think?”

In pondering Christ’s death and resurrection, many feelings of wonder, fear, and longing arise. The youth of our church share their wonders, fears, and longings in the hope that you might also take time to consider what images these feelings arouse in you. Their responses range from pensive to playful, demonstrating the breadth of human feeling.

Scripture: Luke 5:26 They were filled with wonder.

I wonder...

• why we rush to judge others
• why some people are bad
• where the universe ends
• why we sleep at night and are active during the day
• how to get rid of bad dreams
• why we cook bacon but bake cookies

Scripture: Isaiah 43:5 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

I fear…

• clowns

• needles
• dying
• others dying
• fear
• drowning
• sharks
• guns
• dark
• snakes
• spiders
• failure
• thunder and lightning

Scripture: Mark 10:51 “What do you want me to do for you?”

I long for...

• an end to bullying
• peace
• a loving family
• selflessness
• friends
• world peace

I give You these stirrings inside me. I give You my discontent, I give You my restlessness, I give You my doubt. I give You my despair, I give You all the longings I hold inside. (The Northumbria Community)

FPC Youth Groups

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere, but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere, but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere, but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful.

Rev. Sue Montgomery, one of the four Disability Consultants for our denomination, consults with churches on inclusion issues especially in the areas of mobility/accessibility and developmental disabilities. She recently recounted an experience of driving through the desert in Tucson, Arizona with several other people when they spotted a saguaro cactus that was quite different from the image we typically have of that variety of cactus with its two “arms reaching toward the sky.”

For this group of people accustomed to people wanting to “fix” them, she described it as “a marvelous moment of “ah ha.” She says they “all sat there looking at it thriving in the desert. With no attempts to ‘rehabilitate’ it – no braces, no reconstructive surgery, no judgment, not even a social worker or counselor – just as it was. It was beautiful as it danced!” So we all are in God’s eyes.

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is. God has made each of us to shine in our homes, our schools, our communities as beacons of God’s own self with all of our uniqueness. In this season of Lent, may we see ourselves and others with new eyes as the beautiful gifts of God we were created to be – just as we are.

Creator God, thank you for the variety of gifts you breathed into us even before our birth. Help us to recognize you as the Source of those gifts and to use them to show who you are. Amen.

Cindy Merten

* See picture on preceding page.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27

Philippians 4:11 For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The advantage of having lived awhile is to be able to look back over my life and to begin to see my past journey from today's view. To me it is amazing to look at both my joys and my struggles and to see how they all fit into the entire pattern, and most especially to see how each experience has been necessary to my ability to move on in my journey.

For this I feel great gratitude to God, very often after the fact, I must admit. I feel that gratitude to God is most important each day of my life and in each experience, especially throughout the greatest trials and the special joys.

Dear Father Mother God, may I recognize you as the Supreme Being in my life, and may I recognize with joy and gratefulness your presence in each moment of my life. Amen.

Barbara Lewis

MONDAY, MARCH 26

Matthew 4:1-2 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness … He fasted forty days and forty nights.

IDEAL FAST for LENT

(anonymous)

Fast from criticism, feast on praise.

Fast from self-pity, feast on joy.

Fast from ill-temper, feast on peace.

Fast from resentment, feast on contentment.

Fast from jealously, feast on love.

Fast from pride, feast on humility.

Fast from selfishness, feast on service.

Fast from fear, feast on faith.

Gracious, loving God, may Your Spirit, lead me into my own wilderness where I will be inspired, motivated to keep an IDEAL FEAST throughout these forty days of Lent. This I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Risen Christ. Amen.

Patricia Lindroth

2 Corinthians 1:8,9 We do not want you to be uninformed about the hardships we suffered … but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God

I got up too fast from the floor and hit my head on the bed frame. I said, “Thank you God for the pain because pain helps us to be aware.” I will remember next time not to get up so quickly. I checked to see if I had a dent in my head. Pain leaves a dent in our lives for good. When we look at our desk or our stack of bills, we may say, “I have hardly made a dent in it” –or– “I have not removed any of the papers and made this pile any different than when I started it seems.” But when we suffer, God promises to use that pain to turn to Him, to trust Him and not ourselves, and to be changed by Him for good.

Dear Father, Thank you for Jesus whose dents in His palms are a permanent reminder of the pain he suffered for us on the cross. Thank you that you don’t leave us in our pain and suffering alone. I pray that we might turn to you, to trust you in all our sufferings. Amen.

Melinda Smith

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

Psalm 78:1-4 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching, incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

The Emergence of a Visual Storytelling

Following in the weeks since our basement flooded as we have renovated the rec room, I have been able to work on continuing to “scrapbook” many more of our photos which were salvaged from water damage. These are from so many great times over such a long span of years. They were shared vacations and happy celebrations of special occasions and holidays. In reclassifying these pictures and trying to enhance their presentation, they seem to become a form of storytelling that would be a kind of chronicle of events. It came forth to me as a wonderfully fun gift that was given to me. I will be looking forward to having everybody else share in these memories.

During this process, I encountered my book, “Dancing with Words: Storytelling As Legacy, Culture, and Faith” by Ray Buckley. His learning was part of his heritage as a Native American. In their oral language they were often religious. They found their stories were often like songs and were “gifted” as they were shared. There were often examples of people with disabilities who became exceptional storytellers. They discovered so many ways to descriptively connect their communities and culture. It seems such a good way to augment a journey by expressing it orally and visually in pictures.

Gracious God: Help us to listen and look. We are trying to tell a story that was your Creation. A Story of all stories, begun long ago. And by remembering, tell someone else, so that they will know. Amen.

Carol Morrill

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?

1 Corinthians 15:24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father.

THE KINGDOM

The four synoptic gospels have frequent references to the Kingdom. However, the scriptures quoted above are some of the only references to it in Paul's letters. Why is it that Paul says little about the Kingdom while the gospels are eager to tell us about it? N.T. Wright explains that in the Apostle's view, Christ had already introduced “the Kingdom of the Messiah. What remained to come was the Kingdom of God. Paul's audience was eager to hear about the real Lord of the world. The Kingdom of God had been part of the explanation of what Jesus had already accomplished through his death and resurrection which now had to be implemented.”

But are we (were they) so generous that we (they) could look around and say “See that's an example of what the Kingdom is like”? Maybe not always. What the professor implies is that we need to imitate Jesus' values in the world to be able to glimpse the essence of the Kingdom of God on earth. And through those glimpses, we may be able to think of the Kingdom that lies beyond us. Paul's future vision is one of selflessness that promotes generosity unconcerned with competition or status. But, why were his examples so few? Maybe the same reason that we see so few. Why did the gospel writers list so many? Maybe because Christ saw so many ways that we can do more for each other.

Father God, help us to imitate the behavior of your son. We pray that we may come closer to your Kingdom. Amen.

Ross Stuntz

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

Exodus 3:4 When the Lord saw that Moses had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the burning bush.

Three things you should know. One: I do not hear voices in the night … even God’s. Two: Almost all of my prayers are “thank you’s.” I do not ask God to help me win the lottery. Three: God does talk to me. No voice. But every bit as clearly as a shout.

Some examples. I prayed for guidance on how I might help out with things that need doing here on earth. The first thing he said to me was, “Feed the children.” He didn’t add, “dummy.” But the message was so powerful and clear that I sure felt like a dummy.

So I donated some money I didn’t think I had to help feed children. And I will keep doing it. Again, no voice. But God’s message was as clear to me as a smack on the side of my head.

Another example. I again prayed for guidance on how to help our world. Another smack. “Do something to help fight the injustice done to the LGBTQI community.” I put in many hours as a “heterosexual, straight, ally” (that’s what they called me) at the Gay Community Center (Affirmations) in Ferndale. I am still trying to work on that kind of social injustice through our Communities Connect Ministry right here at FPC.

Why do I feel compelled to tell you this stuff? Probably, because I’m very excited about it. But also because I hope it might help someone else.

God has probably “talked” to me all of my life. I simply wasn’t listening. It also took me a long time to understand that God’s “talk” can come through a flower, or a bird, or a smack on the head, or a burning bush. The key is being ready to listen and to accept whatever he has to say … whenever he chooses to say it.

So please listen. Because when you hear God talk, I guarantee it’s going to make you one very happy person.

Dear Lord, Thank you for talking to us … often when we need it most. Please help us all to listen and to follow through with whatever it is you would have us do. Amen.

Hal Bay

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

Hebrews 4:12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

When I was with Presbyterian Women in India last October, I had a brief conversation with a woman who taught university courses on the Bible as literature. Most of her students were not Christian (only about 2.3% of Indians identify themselves as Christian). She told me that occasionally students would express their concern that the text seemed to be speaking to them. Was this book supposed to do that? We smiled as we talked because we know that the Bible does speak to us.

I am sorry to say that I am too disorganized to practice daily devotions. The internet kindly provides me a daily reminder, though, through a subscription to the daily lectionary (http://pcusa.org/subscriptions/lists/daily-lectionary/). Sometimes I'm too busy to read the message in those emails, but when I open one, I often find scripture speaking to me. And I stop and remember that I am a child of God. I am reminded again ...

• to be thankful every day
• to treasure the gift of faith that comes from God, nurtured by my family and my church
• to see good and to see God in everyone
• to remember my obligation to care for all of God's creation and all of God’s creatures
• but most of all, to feel my connection to this living Word, this Word that became flesh and dwelt (and continues to dwell) among us.

Lord, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Continue to remind me every day to seek your word in scripture. Help me to hear and respond to your word so that it does not return to you empty. Amen.

Charlotte Fischer

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

Proverbs 22:6 Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.

Talking With Our Children

Something has changed in our lives while raising our young children. We are talking to them less and listening to them less than in earlier years. Instead we are intent on talking on our mobile devices and listening to them as well.

Meanwhile we are DIS-CONNECTING with our children – our most valuable asset. They see and hear us talking; but not with them!

The consequences of these changes are mind-boggling!

“Teachable Moments” are lost to idle chatter. Rather than engaging our child in conversation, we are indirectly de-valuing their existence or their interests.

Worse yet, we are modeling this disinterest – this detachment.

In the same vein I wonder if we still read to our children from good books. Books with pictures and conversational topics. Or has handing him/her an iPad replaced even that depth of togetherness?

I worry about what this type of omission will create in the socialization skills of our children.

Show me how to listen and to really hear my children, dear Lord, I pray. Amen.

Janet Munson

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Psalm 103:1,4 Bless the Lord, O my soul … Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

TENDER MERCIES

The story takes place in rural Texas on a desolate highway in a cheap motel. Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall) has just spent the night there having fallen asleep after a drunken brawl. He awakes to a trashed hotel room. A former country western singer, he is an alcoholic and has lost his fortune. Having no money, he offers to work to pay for the room. Rosa Lee, a widow whose husband died in Vietnam, owns the motel and lives there with her boy Sonny.

She accepts his offer and provides him with meals, a room and $2.00 an hour – which is all she can afford. But she gives him much more than this. Because of Rosa’s lovingkindness, Mac chooses to leave his self-destructive lifestyle behind. He is baptized in the church that Rosa and Sonny attend and becomes a father to her son.

Thus unfolds the plot of the movie Tender Mercies, a simple film, a story about human and heavenly mercy. My favorite line in the film is spoken with innocence and humility by Rosa: “Every night when I say my prayers and thank the Lord for his tender mercies to me, you and Sonny head the list.”

There are memories in all our lives that hold regrets, some may even make us cringe and think, how could I have ever done that? During these 40 days of Lent let us remember that if we approach our God with penitent hearts, he who knows us all by name will crown us with his tender mercies, lift us up and bring us ever closer to him.

Gracious Lord, in this season of repentance, as we reflect upon your Son’s suffering and sacrifice, may we approach you in prayer always certain of your lovingkindness and tender mercies. Amen.

Colleen Fisher

MONDAY, MARCH 19

Jeremiah 18:6 O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? says the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

To Be Used by God

I love the hymn “Spirit of the Living God,” penned by Presbyterian minister Daniel Iverson in 1926. The quiet plea, the measured cadence, the direct address of this hymn says it all. “Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me!” A mantra in its simplicity, with a haunting melody that seems to wait, poised on Bb, for God to breathe.

Iverson doubtless knew the older hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” by Adelaide A. Pollard (1907), another old favorite from my childhood.

Iverson’s rising prayer “Melt me, mold me, Fill me, use me,” echoes Pollard’s “Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still. Power, all power, surely is Thine! Touch me and heal me, Savior divine. Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway! Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me.”

Once again I am reminded it is God’s will, not mine. I need to be still, to wait, to yield. I need to let God hold me in God’s hand as a potter does the clay. What shape will I take? How will I be used by God? Only God knows.

Thank you, God, for creating us new each day, forgiven and empowered by you to do your will. Send your Spirit to guide us. Amen.

Diane Falconer

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Acts 2:5-8 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?”

I think that it is often tempting to believe that including and being included are very easy things to do, and they aren’t. You could easily understand the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit as God somehow “spot welding” us all together into one great loving family, but it simply isn’t that way.

I’m reminded of this whenever I walk into ETS where I encounter people of the same faith but very different approaches to it. At ETS there are Baptists, Lutherans, charismatic’s, and people from non-denominational backgrounds. I’ve even encountered a Jew, and the seminary has started a chaplaincy program for Muslims.

Although very diverse, ETS doesn’t even cover the entire Christian water front. For instance, ETS does not currently have any orthodox Christians that I’m aware of or many of the other types of Christianity that I’ve left out.

To add to that, there was a class I took last year that made us try to understand how Christianity was understood in other cultures, especially those that had reason to believe that it had been imposed on them such as the American Indians.

Including is more than inviting people into our little bubble and expecting them to love it because we do. Inclusion is about leaving our bubble, listening more than talking, sometimes saying that we are sorry for things we didn’t personally do, and always being willing to try to change as we are lead by God.

Gracious God: Help us to see each other as your unique children. May we celebrate the ways we find you even though they may not be what we are familiar with. Be with us on this journey of inclusion; may we judge less and live in joy more as we seek to love all of your children. Amen.

Terry Chaney

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

My Aunt helped me through many difficult times soothing me with the words “This too shall pass.”

When I think of the toughest times during my life, I know how true these words are and know I would not be who I am had I not experienced tough times. Now, as an adult, the difficult times may seem insurmountable, and so many people I know are experiencing something in their lives which is weighing heavily on their minds and in their hearts.

Know that the community of this church is here for and with you. Don’t be afraid to reach out and open up to someone. There are so many caring staff and parishioners ready to help and befriend. You are not alone.

Getting involved in church activities opens up opportunities to meet more of these wonderful people. Chuck and I volunteered to assist in reviewing a book on parenting with the confirmation parents. Through these Sunday meetings we have met and experienced insightful discussions with a great group of parents whom we never may have met if we had not volunteered.

I wish for you to find joy and a reason to laugh and smile each day!

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

(The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Neibuhr)

Heidi Wilkinson

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

1 Samuel 2:1 My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.

POWER OUTAGES

In Canada at our cottage the power often goes out during storms. Sometimes the darkness lasts for only a minute or two until a master engineer somewhere flips a crucial switch.

In Bloomfield Hills at our condo, however, when the power goes out during a storm it is often out for hours, days… even weeks before it is restored.

How long does it take when your power goes out? What does it take to re-generate it?

It’s customary to lose our personal power due to life’s unexpected twists and turns: In families, in relationships at work, at home or even at play.

Where can we turn? Where do we turn?

My prayer is that my restoration times become shorter, dear Lord. When I lose power within, help me to regain it. Become my Master engineer, restoring me by Your Grace; reminding me to seek Thy help in my darkness. Amen.

Janet Munson

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

1 Corinthians 13:13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

LOVE WINS

What a lovely title for a book! As we look at our world and see all the strife around us, we wonder will we survive. The answer is YES! because of God's plans for us and Jesus' teachings to manifest these plans through love. How many times does humanity have to go to war and when will it stop?

This is a quote from the book The Young Lions by Irwin Shaw depicting the second World War. A minister spoke after services in France in 1943:

"Love," the old minister was saying, "is the word of Christ, and it admits of no divisions, no slyness of calculation, no diversity of interpretation. We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, and our enemy as our brother, and the words and the meaning are as plain as an iron weight in the scale in which our actions are balanced."

Dear God, please help us to remember that Christ gave his life for us on the cross so that we would have salvation, and we must remember his teachings … love thy neighbor, both here and around the world. Only LOVE will bring PEACE. Amen.

Barbara Buchanan

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

Mark 1:12-13 The Spirit drove him out into the wilderness where he stayed forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels waited on him.

There is a group of around thirteen "mature" men who gather on the third Thursday of the month to study scripture and drink a brew or two. As a text for study, they use the scripture from the worship service on the previous Sunday which provided the basis for John's or Amy's sermon that morning. It has been my privilege to join them and provide some leadership. Recently we got onto the subject of temptation.

Jesus was in the woods to sort out questions about how he would do God's work, whether there was a way to present good news without getting killed over it. Could he avoid the pain of taking on the powers of the empire and losing the battle? He was faced with hard choices.

How are we tempted? We good faithful church people try to live lives in accord with the Gospel. We, too, face hard choices. Does the end justify the means? Do we confuse Christian faith with American nationalism? Do we follow a good idea so long that it becomes a bad idea by thinking too highly of it?

We attempted to integrate our discussion with John's sermon which was titled Even Heroes Need Help. What rescued Jesus were the animals, which were good animals protecting him from fear of the unknown, and the angels who supported and guided him. When we listen to other faithful voices we become corrected from falling into the excesses that turn good motives into bad tactics.

Creator God, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Help us to keep our faith at the center of our lives, and keep it there. Amen.

Hank Borchardt

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Many of my friends from seminary seem to have such wonderful “call stories.” Some of them seem like they belong in a Cecil B. DeMille movie. Mine was much less dramatic…just this feeling of being nudged for seven years. And unlike many of these friends, I was very uncertain as to where this call was taking me. So many people heard God’s voice so readily and clearly, it seemed, and I was envious.

I prayed so often to hear God speak to me, to let me know I was on the right path, and give me a clue where this was headed. I often joke that I’m looking for a billboard in the sky with blinking lights and God’s message to me. After all, I’m not getting any younger, God!

One particular night after rushing out of work to get to school on time, I was standing in the pouring rain, 113 pages behind in reading for class, and I couldn’t get the code to open the seminary door. All I could think was, “God, what in the world am I doing?” I was so frustrated! And God spoke to me. There was no doubt about it. God said, “Go in and get to class.”

I laugh when I think of it. No angels, no drum rolls, no pat on the back or encouragement – just “Go in and get to class.” And I realized then that I had gotten exactly what I had asked for. An answer. Stay the course.

It’s hard when answers don’t come in the form we are looking for, or packaged the way we want. And I have learned that although God answered me clearly that night, I receive answers to questions all the time if I just open my ears to hear and my eyes to see.

Loving and ever faithful God, Help me to remember that you often light our paths with a little spark; a spark that gives great light if we just open ourselves to be led by it. Amen.

Joanne Blair

MONDAY, MARCH 12

Mark 10:14 “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

Elizabeth and I went through life’s challenges raising three wonderful children. Our youthful energy substituted for lack of a guidebook. I vaguely thought my later years would be for relaxing and exiting gracefully. But God had other plans.

Grandchildren awakened my urge to teach them about the world. Everything they want to experience excites me. And I dedicate myself joyfully to share what I know, and learn alongside them when I don’t know. At a local science museum, I find the same deep satisfaction leading young children to understand the world around them.

Family friends lost their 9-month old baby, Delaney Rose, this year. Her parents tell how much she taught them about life in that brief time. They also say they will now see every child as God’s blessing to us. That message guides my life.

God of clarity, thank you for putting children in our lives. May their amazing open hearts and minds move us to share ourselves fully. Amen.

Dexter Snyder

Psalm 119:76 Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant

Today is the 12^th anniversary of my young grandson’s death. Today I read my daily devotional. The subject was God’s loving comfort.

Coincidence? No. God’s blessings come in many ways. Be aware. Be receptive. When we are in need of comfort there is no better time to realize the power of God’s presence within us. He has told us the Holy Spirit is our comforter.

Talk to God. Ask God. Trust God. Thank God.

Father, in our time of tribulation you are always with us. In the name of Jesus we thank you for your steadfast love. Amen.

Nancy Therasse

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

Matthew 26:74,75 Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.”

The words for one of our recent Lenten hymns were written in 1965 by David W. Romig who served several Presbyterian churches in New York and is honorably retired from Downtown Presbyterian Church. They seem appropriate for our Lenten Book this year.

When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son

(The Presbyterian Hymnal #86)

When we are tempted to deny Your Son,

Because we fear the anger of the world,

And we are few who bear the insults hurled,

Your will, O God, be done.

When we are tempted to betray Your Son,

Because He leads us in a harder way,

And makes demands we do not want to pay,

Your will, O God, be done.

When we forget the cross that held Your Son,

And would avoid the burden of this life,

The cry for justice and an end to strife,

Your will, O God, be done.

When doubt obscures the victory of Your Son,

And faith is weak and all resolve has fled,

Help us to know Him risen from the dead;

Your will, O God, be done.

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed beyond your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Irv Poston