Postlude

WINDOWS OF THE WORD

I Am the Resurrection and the Life – John 11:17-27

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away,and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31

And they (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) went out and fled from the empty tomb for trembling and astonishment had come over them; they said nothing to anyone because they were afraid. (Mark 16:8)

This is the original ending to the Gospel of Mark. There are no sightings of the risen Jesus. There are no happy reunions between the women and the Risen One. The Gospel ends on a note of fear and trembling.

There has always been speculation about why the Gospel ended so abruptly…but the one I like is that the people who first read this Gospel were surrounded by men and women who had seen the risen Jesus. There was no need to retell the resurrection story because it was a part of the life of the community. As time went by however, and those original witnesses became fewer and fewer, there was a need for a written record so that the story would not be lost.

You and I are the beneficiaries of these story tellers. We are made aware of the love of God not only in the death, but in the resurrection of Jesus. We are made aware that life does not end here but carries on forever. As we celebrate Easter Sunday the challenge for us is to keep the story alive; to tell the next generation that we do not need to live in fear and trembling, but that we can live in the joy and hope that comes from the Risen Jesus.

Living God, we give you thanks for the love you have shown to us in raising Jesus from the dead. Give us the confidence that this same resurrection awaits us all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John Judson

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Truly This Was the Son of God – Matthew 27:50-54

Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’

GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over...my kingdom is not from here...I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is the truth?”

(John 18:36-38)

Listening to the Right Voice

I recently heard a lecture by Professor James H. Cone, whose most recent book is entitled, “The Cross and the Lynching Tree.” He draws a parallel between the lynching of black Americans and the crucifixion of Jesus. In both situations individuals are seen as “other” and as a threat to society’s structures. Such structures favor some persons but marginalize others. It can be a short step to ignore justice and crucify or lynch someone who poses a threat to the basic structures of society we believe we depend on.

Prof. Cone asks us to listen to the voices of the marginalized persons in our society. Can we see their God and correct our own warped perceptions of who God is? Pilate believed truth was defined by those in power. He couldn’t begin to listen to Jesus’ voice. Can we hear Christ’s voice among the marginalized in society so that they and we become Us – children of God – equal, and equally beloved by God?

Dear Lord, our God, forgive us for placing more trust in structures of power than we place in you. Forgive us for any part we have in crucifying what is good. Forgive us for failing to appreciate your presence in people we ignore or belittle. Amen

Ernest Krug

MAUNDY THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning with­in us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:31-32)

What must THAT have felt like? Seeing the risen Christ, listening to him, asking questions… Heart burning within! When have I felt my heart burn like that? The disciples saw and spoke with him and then he disappeared; how did that happen? Perhaps he just walked out as a normal person. And in his absence, they recognized what they had experienced as holy.

We have all experienced those pivotal moments; being with a dying parent, standing alone in a breathtakingly beautiful place… moments when the world seems to stop, to pause, in holy expectation. Moments alone or in a crowd when we just know there is something special about the moment. We cannot create it or capture it or hold on to it. And then it is gone. And we remember the burning heart.

Thou shalt know him when he comes,

Not by any din of drums,

Nor his manners, nor his airs,

Nor by any thing he wears.

Thou shalt know him when he comes,

Not by a crown nor by a gown,

But his coming known shall be, the holy harmony

By Which his coming makes in thee.

Thou shalt know him when he comes.

(FPC Choir Anthem, January 13, 2013)

O Lord, You alone are holy. Help me to recognize You in my special moments and my mundane moments; to stop, to take off my shoes, to worship You in my heart. Amen.

Charlotte Fischer

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Jesus said to them, (the Apostles), “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)

First Presbyterian’s Vision Statement truly speaks and touches my heart. It is very easy for me to humbly “show off” our church and members to guests that come and visit and want to know more about the beliefs of our congregation.

Allowing ALL that believe in Jesus Christ to participate in communion, having ALL ages of ushers, including families and youth to lead in worship is something FPC almost takes for granted – I know that I have come to expect ALL to be a part of the life of FPC.

Are our children and youth too young to participate? Few people succeed in school work, professions and leadership positions without practice. My mother always told me while I practiced the piano that “practice makes perfect.” I’ve not used this line with my children because it truly grates me – but my mother was right – by practicing, making mistakes and learning from them, you become comfortable and polished in a skill.

I’m proud to be a part of a church that openly welcomes our youth to practice their mission, inclusion, and community skills in a loving and supportive environment. Remember that Timothy became a spiritual leader in his early 30’s and that we at FPC are giving our youth an early start to be bold and confident spiritual leaders either in our FPC community but also then to spread and share these gifts to outside our FPC community.

They will understand Jesus’ teachings of mission and inclusion and impact the world and preach his good news to all!

Lord Jesus Christ, you are alive in ALL that believe in you. Help show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for ALL your children. Amen.

Kim McGlynn

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. (Acts 13:49)

GOSPEL (Webster’s Dictionary): “Absolute truth…any one of the first four books of the New Testament…the Word of the Lord.”

John 3:16 “For.God so loved the world…

                he gave his.Only

                    begotten.Son, that whoever believes in Him

                    shall not.Perish but

                           have.Everlasting

                                    Life.”

I feel we are so blessed to have known so many great pastors with their spiritual knowledge to teach God's Word. FPC has always been our home church despite two out-of-state moves. We were fortunate to find a winter church we've loved as much in Coronado, California.

While there, we had the opportunity to hear Dr. David Jeremiah. This was at the suggestion of Shirley Reece, my husband Bruce's secretary of a dozen years. Shirley was my first angel on earth – always giving us spiritual material, Bible, books – at just the right time.

The title, "God Wrote His Love in Red", is the lead of the fifth chapter of Jeremiah's latest book, GOD LOVES YOU; HE ALWAYS HAS; HE ALWAYS WILL, which is the most important fact of our lives.

In 2001, when Shirley and her husband Claude vacationed in California we attended services at Jeremiah's Community Church in EI Cajon. We were hooked. Bruce comments that he could be this generation's Billy Graham.

Our winter church friends in Coronado introduced us to Jeremiah's Sunday TV sermons We also learned about his radio broadcasts on the Faith channel.

Over the years we have listened to many outstanding pastors. How encouraging it is to know these articulate ministers are broadcasting the Word worldwide.

Dear Awesome, Wonderful, Everlasting, God ... thank you for all your faithful teachers that have spread your Word “to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea ... and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Amen.

Sheryl McCristal

MONDAY, MARCH 25

And even the hairs of your head are all counted. (Matthew 10:30)

In his new book, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife, Dr. Eben Alexander M.D. describes his encounter with his “guide” during the seven-day coma that took him to the brink of death:

“Without using any words, she spoke to me. The message had three parts, and if I had to translate them into earthly language, I’d say they ran something like this: ‘You are loved and cherished, dearly, forever. You have nothing to fear. There is nothing you can do wrong.’ The message flooded me with a vast and crazy sensation of relief. It was like being handed the rules to a game I’d been playing all my life without ever fully understanding it.”

Dr. Alexander, trained at the best undergraduate and medical schools had devoted his life to studying the brain and our consciousness. Like most scientists, he believed that without a working brain, you can’t be conscious. “Pull the plug, and the TV goes dead. The show is over.” Because of his training, he was uniquely suited to analyze and interpret what happened to him.

And now he is telling his story.

“My experience showed me that the death of the body and the brain are not the end of consciousness, that human experience continues beyond the grave.”

His story affirms much of what we believe, and that Love is the most powerful force in the universe.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for loving us, and for all of the ways you demonstrate that love. Strengthen our faith, so that we can live into what you will for us. Amen.

Carl Fischer

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27) And be assured, I am with you always, even to the end of time. (Matthew 28:20)

Not Alone

The first quarter of a new year is a busy time for us, a time of reflection and rededication, of list making and determining what has been accomplished and what needs to be accomplished in the coming months. It can be a delicate time.

The 40 days of Lent stand between us and the joys of Easter. Advent and the Christmas Season are long gone and we look forward to weeks of a late midwinter – that season Christina Rossetti called bleak and hard as iron.

Bills and taxes a wait our attention. Another year has slipped by and not every goal has been achieved. We’re another year older and, as Tennessee Ernie used to intone, possibly deeper in debt. What should we give up? What should we do? How can we make our lives most beneficial for ourselves and for others?

We can choose to look to the future positively, confident that challenges will be met and that all will be done that needs to be done. Or, wrongfully feeling overwhelmed and alone, mindful that some problems resist our choice of solution, we can expect defeat and failure. A popular song lyric says it well: Some days are diamonds, Some days are coal. (John Denver)

When my coal days hit, I recall prayers from two very different men, men who faced trials and tribulations every bit as serious as any I am likely to face. And they faced those trials with full confidence and faith that they were by no means alone and that they had every reason to expect success.

The first prayer is that of Sir Jacob Astley, a Royalist Officer in the English Civil War:

O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day.

If I forget Thee, do not forget me.

The second is that fabulous prayer of Reinhold Niebuhr:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Lent truly is a time of reflection and dedication for all of us. We are not alone. Easter is at hand. Be of good cheer. Thanks be to God.

Mary Kay and Paul Sparre

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

You fathers must not goad your children to resentment, but give them the instruction and the correction which belong to a Christian upbringing. (Ephesians 6:4)

Boys, Girls, and Snow

Once upon a time our three carefully nurtured boys and their friends walked to a local school. Also a time when mothers of neighborhood girls came to our door to let me know in no uncertain terms that our boys were throwing snowballs at their daughters as they crossed an icy slippery street.

A very firm discussion resulted!

Several years later, when we had girls, mothers of boys made a discovery. At least, I did.

The girls crossed the same street as their brothers had. They arrived home after school complaining about nasty boys, giggling as they chatted.

And mother learned the awful truth. Our daughters taunted boys as they came to that same street corner. And you know the rest of the story.

There is a message here.

Oh well, at least our sons did not dare to throw snowballs at that site -- I think!

But I do wish that our son, Peter, had not made an excellent recording of his sisters having a fight!

Thou are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you created all things; by your will they were created, and have their being! (Revelation 4:11)

Carol Held

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

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

Stillness

One of the many blessings in my life is the opportunity to live at this time surrounded by the beautiful expansive woods and fields of Skyline Camp and Retreat Center. Yet even here, even in the calmer, cooler months of the year, the noise and busyness of our world bullies its way in.

The following words, a few lines excerpted from a Wendell Berry poem, remind me with such economy and simple rhyme, of the need to seek opportunities for silence and stillness. I see in his phrase “borne, preserved, and comprehended” a beautiful Trinitarian parallel.

The mind that comes to rest is tended

In ways it cannot intend,

Is borne, preserved, and comprehended

By what it cannot comprehend.

Sometimes, like Berry, I need to seek the “mind at rest.” At all times, I need to be open like Elijah to the unexpected moments of sheer silence in which God’s presence can be.

Give us silence so that we can hear the word of the Lord, like Elijah, through a still small voice. Amen.

Matt Henry

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

He Taught Them Saying – Matthew 5:1 – 7:29

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

Follow Me – Matthew 4:14-20

… so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,  on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake - for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Please Turn It Off

The restaurant booth was occupied by a son, daughter, and their Mom. They were all sitting at the table with their heads looking down at their phones and no one spoke throughout the entire meal. Yes, maybe they were texting, tweeting, face booking or emailing each other. We hope, but highly doubt it. It made me sad and at the same time worried about the future of relationships.

The verse above asks us to teach and talk with our children about God’s commandments…Not through an App or the internet.

Talk is the key word in the verse. During this Lenten time please make an effort each day to communicate face to face without your phone, TV, and any other distractions. Let us not forget the basic and best form of communication.

Dear God, guide us to spread your word and love through the use of our eyes to really see each other, our ears to really listen to one another, and our mouths to speak with one another. Help to us maintain and strengthen our relationships with our family, friends, and all whom we meet through all means of communication but primarily face-to-face. Amen.

Heidi Wilkinson

MONDAY, MARCH 18

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Power of Prayer

The birthday of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. was recently observed with great celebration and promoting of courage to overcome injustice in the world and bring peace. He encouraged us to pray as he did for God’s will to be done.

His prayers raise questions about our own prayers — To whom do we pray? What do we pray about? What do we ask for?

Thomas Merton taught us the apophatic prayer of sitting in the void, in darkness, while St. Ignatius Loyola taught us to use our imagination and fantasize about the gospel (pick a story, image you are in it, feel what it’s like, notice what Jesus looks like, listen to what he says to you).

Medieval Monks taught lectio divina, reading scriptures prayerfully, while others emphasize the prayer of communal liturgy and hymns. One could use all of these methods from time to time to feel God’s presence in different ways.

As Christians, we should never ask to whom do we pray; God has never concealed his light from us. He wants us to show justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with him.

Many times we try to make our Christian life far more complicated than it is. If we strive to be completely obedient in the basics, the more complex assignments will become clear and our prayers will be answered.

O God, give us the intelligence to know your will, give us the courage to do your will, give us the devotion to love your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Rosy M. Latimore

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Be joyful of all things. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for it is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)

A few years ago I showed up for my shift as a cashier at the rummage sale. It was the last day of the sale and the building was still brimming with rummage and not quite enough customers. We always work in teams of two, and after an hour, since it was so quiet, the woman that I was assigned to work with gave me a reprieve from my duties so that I could go shop the sale. Fun! I could walk the corridors and talk to people, while nosing about for treasures.

When I walked into the area called "Jewelry" I noticed a small monogrammed pin. I have always loved monograms, and it looked like the monogram was ARD. An "A" for Anne, an "R" for Reeves, and a "D" for Dan, my husband. I asked the ladies who were working in the department for a consultation. "Could this be an A?" "Don't you see an A?" We laughed that I was wiggling the pin a little to skew the results. "Sure, it's an A," they finally conceded. Wonderful! I bought it, pinned it on my sweater, and headed back to my work.

When I approached my teammate, Barb, she actually gasped. "That's my pin! You bought my pin!" In an entire building full of rooms of mismatched, well-worn rummage, I had found "the needle in a haystack" and bought something that my partner had donated!

It had belonged to her Mother-in-Law (a woman that had lived to be 101 years old!) and it was a gift that Barb herself had had monogrammed for her. Her name was Agnes (It IS an A!) and Barb donated it to the church not really knowing if anyone would want a monogrammed item.

Can you believe it? The whole experience felt magical, like I was meant to have this pin. I think this story is a wonderful example of the Holy Spirit in action. A little nudge to bring me closer to a fellow church member and to signal that I was indeed in the right place.

Dear Lord, thank you for the fellowship and commu­nity of the church. Help us to make connections and to share our experiences with one another. Help us to feel the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives and to rejoice in it. Amen.

Anne Reeves

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time. (Ephesians 5:15)

Running in the Halls

Slow down you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last. These words to the 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) raced through my brain on a recent Sunday morning when I was running through the hallways trying to be several places at one time and keep up with the pace of all that goes on at FPC with children and adults. In a world where multi-tasking has become the rule, and speedy service is the expectation, it’s not easy to slow down. I seldom order children to stop running in the hallways because I don’t model it myself.

The seasons of the liturgical year remind us that there is a rhythm of life that doesn’t depend on that linear span of time we know as Chronos. In this season we are reminded to live intentionally, to slooooow down, breathe deeply, to watch, wait, listen and pay attention to the Spirit of God at work in our midst so that we might experience those Kairos moments.

Terry Chapman, Presbyterian pastor and author of the book Sabbath Pause: Seven Weeks of Daily Meditations, tells of a Peanuts cartoon in which Charlie Brown is complaining that life is passing too fast, and Dr. Lucy responds with “Try slowing down around the corners.”

One small way I have experienced a slowing down is by praying in color (or in black & white) a form of prayer that you can explore at www.prayingincolor.com. Sybil MacBeth, the author of Praying in Color, introduces an active, visual, and meditative way to pray. Active because you draw your prayers, visual because you see your prayers, and meditative because you revisit your prayers throughout the day.

You do not need to be artistic at all to do this. I have found that a few Sabbath moments spent praying with a pen or marker in hand help me to slow down, to focus, and to pay attention to God’s working in and around me.

Dear God, help us to slow down in this season of Lent, to take Sabbath moments each day so that we might pay attention and recognize your grace at work in our lives. Amen.

Cindy Merten

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. (Psalm 118:27)

Here is a poem that I wrote after hearing Kate Thoresen’s story about grace lights being used to bring out subtle details in a photograph. And the glory of the Lord may shine on us in the same way.

Grace Lights

How did I not know

There were grace lights

That those who love me

Were holding them all along

framing me in the best possible

of all lights

That I might, without being always

the center of attention,

be seen as I am.

No excuses;

Though I longed for the blinding light

on the road to Damascus

I'd feared it too.

The obligation,

the monster that would devour me.

But, Be, she says.

Not to be, but now

This moment.

Acceptance that shows one in the triune,

what better light?

The light

That lets me learn

finally, how to hold it up for others,

The light

that welcomes us all

To do the same.

O God, thank you for shining your light on me so that I may shine it on others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Alinda Wasner

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in God. (Psalm 34:8)

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. What does this picture taken with a photographer’s “grace lights” say to you?

Sometimes pictures serve as reminders of meaningful events in our own lives. When has the Lord’s Supper touched you in a special way? Where were you? Who were you with? What happened?

(The original color photograph taken with grace lights can be seen in parish associate Kate Thoresen’s office across from the sanctuary. Come on by and take a look)

Dear God, as we journey through this season of Lent, help us draw closer to you. Thank you for the visible reminders of your community of love, sacrifice and abiding presence in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Tom Thoresen

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

Now unto God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20)

Grace Lights

“Hey, Pastor Kate, could you help me with some pictures that I’m taking for the church’s calendar?” “Sure, Betty. When do you want to get together?”

“How about next Wednesday afternoon? We’ll meet in the sanctuary. For this shot I want to show our Communion Table all set up like we have it when we have The Lord’s Supper. I think it would be a cool picture to have a woman’s hands breaking the bread.”

I was delighted with the invitation. We placed the bread and cup on the table and Betty asked, “Rev. Kate would you hold these grace lights for me while I take a few shots of just the table itself?” “What are grace lights, Betty?” “Oh, they are an extra set of lights that photographers use to bring out certain characteristics of the scene.” “Interesting name.” “Yeah.”

So I held them as she snapped the scene from different angles. When the pictures were developed, we were both astounded. The scene where the grace lights shone on the bread and cup transcended what we designed. The bread was reflected in the chalice and the flagon. Lights reflected off of the polished silver pitcher like candles. The red of the Communion tablecloth—a powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit—danced in the red reflections caught in both vessels.

That day I received a valuable lesson in being asked to simply hold the grace lights. They helped to point to those glimpses of sacramental moments. It didn’t matter that I was not at the center of the picture. Yet, as it so often happens with grace, I got to contribute to a larger picture of profound, timeless meaning. I felt I had experienced how God’s grace dances in our lives in so many unexpected ways—far greater than we could ever imagine or orchestrate ourselves.

God of such grace and God of glory, thank you for all those people who hold up those grace lights in our lives that enhance the meaning and beauty in our everyday lives. Help us to be aware of your invitations to bear those lights of your grace to others. Amen.

Kate Thoresen

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Luke 6:38)

Give Love Today

I try to be positive and greet everyone I meet with a smile and a quick chat about the weather or a reference to God’s wonderful moment today. It could be a windy day and I will say “It’s great to feel God today, giving us just what we need.” It is not always easy to say something, but I feel I want to let the other person know I care and acknowledge that person. Sometimes I feel God places that person in my view to send some joy or positive energy in that person’s direction.

I have been reading the book “Secret the Power” by Rhonda Byrne, where she quotes many famous people through history, who give great advice about living a positive life. What you give you receive. Our lives are full of give and take, sometimes we give more and other times we take more. It is a daily balance of give and take that seeks to challenge us.

When my daughter was in kindergarten, I would see another mom dropping off her daughter always in tears. I would say “Hello” and give her a smile. Later that year our daughters were friends that met after school to play. She told me that she was going through a difficult time with her family. When I said “Hello” with a smile it made the experience easier for her to face school.

We all have challenges. I believe that if we care a little more about someone else, whether it is family, friend, or stranger, it makes our woes easier to handle. I know when I try to spread some joy, ever so small, it comes back to me in many unexpected ways. When I let the negativity in, it grows like a storm gaining strength, and bad things seem to happen.

Today, use your power of positivity and spread it around. You will be amazed at what God can do with a little caring love. You may meet a new friend or Joy will find you

Dear Lord, help us to give more Love to those all around us. Help others to see your light within us and to shine our light to others in need. In your precious name Jesus. Amen.

Kathleen Sleder

MONDAY, MARCH 11

Give me a clean heart, O Lord, and a right spirit. (Psalm 50:10)

Regrets

In his book, If You Want to Walk On Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat, John Ortberg writes about the cave named Failure. Everyone goes there some time or other. Even David and Jesus knew failure and spent their time in the cave. We go to the cave for different reasons. I felt like I was in the cave after Jim passed. I ventured out one step at a time, but I know the cave. When you come out, things are changed.

It had been a rocky marriage. We did not see eye to eye and frequently argued, but in recent years we were making progress. That’s why it hit me so hard when I heard the words, “He will not recover.” I knew what that meant and I was not ready. There was so much left unfinished. Regrets? I had a few. Should we have married? That was not one.

The cave I was in is called the cave of Regrets. He was a big bear of a man, gruff not refined. Still I had seen something in him long ago when we first met. Maybe it was still there but we stopped looking for it. Would it have made a difference if we had found it, or were we too far apart? I don’t know, but at least I would have tried my best and accepted him as he was, flaws and all. Instead, I tried to make him into someone he was not. I regret that I lost a friend, not an ex.

O Lord, give me a patient and accepting heart. Keep me from trying to change others. Let them be themselves, as we all want others to accept us for who we are, not should be. Amen.

Maggie Garza

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)

I know someone who, when asked to say grace, begins with, “Thank you for the beauty of this day.” I am reminded that every day is beautiful, no matter the weather or the schedule of activity (or no activity). As Glen Tyndall would say, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Spontaneous prayer may be requested of any of us at any time. I have learned that a few phrases kept in mind minimizes the dry mouth and shaking voice syndrome. Giving thanks is first, then an acknowledgment of the day or occasion, followed by specific petitions.

One unit of my catechism instruction was devoted to prayer with a suggestion that the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer guide us to include, in our prayers, a spirit of cheerfulness and confidence, reverence, expectation and cooperation, thanksgiving, strength, forgiveness, courage, and praise.

Our study of the Trinity taught that the Holy Spirit “intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” Sometime my prayer is simply a request for intercession, in Jesus’ name.

No matter the form or words of prayer, God hears and blesses us with her comfort and peace.

Thanks be to God!

Loving God, thank you for your Spirit within us and for your many blessings this day. Help us to do your will and be better Christians. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ginnie Spurr

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

And the Word Became Flesh – John 1:14-18

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

It Shall Come To Pass – Isaiah 6:1-13; Isaiah 63:1-3

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’ 

…

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ 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!’ 

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

Restore Unto Me The Joy of Thy Salvation – Psalm 51:10-14

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. 

Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. 

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 

Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, 

and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

As Moses Lifted Up the Serpent – Numbers 21:4-9

From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

When I was a competitive swimmer, and now as I watch my grandson, Alexander, begin his competitive swimming journey, there is practice, more practice, and more practice. There is constant learning and refinement of strokes. Then in the races, we have losses and sometimes victories. Through it all, we persevere and then see improvement, and eventually, we realize that we have changed and grown to be better swimmers and better people through the hard work with our teammates and with the guidance of our coaches who really cared about helping us succeed.

I then look at my life and remember the days of running free and health challenges, the business successes and failures, wonderful times with Donna and some disagreements, the joy of my children and days of worry, my faith journey with unanswered questions and then knowing where I am going. Throughout my life, I have persevered under the guidance and grace of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and now have “hope of sharing the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

As we approach Easter, we know that our sufferings, trials, and even our sins do not separate us from God's love and that as we persevere, we are “reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

Dear God, give us the peace through our Lord Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit that has been given to us will lead us through our sufferings and successes and strengthen us to persevere and give us hope until we share in the glory of God. Amen.

Dave Zimmer

MONDAY, MARCH 4

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

(Luke 6:31)

Take My Hand

Each time I come into the parking lot here at our church, I see the sign of children holding hands at the Christian Education entrance and I remember our church’s gift to the community at Christmas Hand*In*Hand. Mike and I loved and worked at the endeavor which brought many people to our doors.

My mind wanders to the Sistine Chapel at St. Peter’s in Rome. The ceiling takes hours to envision, but it begins with God extending his hand to Adam. During our church services, we bless our fellow Christians with the words “May the Peace of Christ be with you” and an extended hand.

Taking a person’s hand can mean many things. “I’m with you.” “Let me help you.” “You are not alone.” “I care.”

It gives you strength, trust, courage, confidence, and an offer of friendship.

Jesus taught his followers to care for one another. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Offering your hand is a powerful act. Let us remember the needs of others as we take theirs, letting in warmth, love, comradery, and service.

Taking my hand is magic to my soul. Amen.

Betty Rosenberger

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. (Luke 10:39)

Moments With God

As the story is told, while her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus, Martha let herself feel overwhelmed with the work that was left undone. Jesus said to her, “Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

My mother named me Colleen, but I think she surely should have called me Martha! I have responsibilities to my family, friends, employer, coworkers, and church that require my constant attention. However the Bible story of Martha reminds me that there are times when it is necessary to put tasks aside and spend quiet moments with God.

Often when I pray, it is in supplication asking God to open a door; however, I forget that the door opens both ways. I need to be the one who lets God in.

Recently I read “Some Unspoken Thoughts of F. Morgan Roberts” dated January 17, 2001:

“There is a deeper Life and Presence seeking to be known and loved at the depth of our being. When we welcome that other Life within our life and allow it to take over our life, we become our most authentic selves and discover that uniquely lovely and haunting melody that can be sung only through our life. Let us be in conversation with that Someone within us. Let us say to that Presence on every day of our lives, “I shall try to make You at home.”

I would like to invite all of you to attend the retreat “Doors of Grace: Opening Our Hearts to God’s Presence” at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan on Saturday March 9, 2013 The retreat is sponsored by Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Detroit, and all are welcome! Please come and join us!

Loving God, as I step away from the busyness of life and listen to your Presence, my soul is nourished. Help me to make You at home in my heart. Amen.

Colleen Fisher

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1: 3-6)

Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here. (Ephesians 2:16-22)

Hospitality

Christian hospitality can be quite an experience whether you are the insider or the outsider. For several years we have spent Easter with strangers at a small Church on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As travelers we found ourselves invited to share the familiar Easter message with our Christian family.

As the people gathered by the beach for the sun rise service, we became part of the beautiful environmental surroundings. Just as the sun peeked out from the distant horizon and glistened across the ocean, we could feel the presence of God. The welcoming strangers made us feel accepted and comfortable through warm honest interaction. As we left the service we realized that we are all children of God through Jesus Christ.

God has adopted us all through the suffering of Jesus Christ. So where ever we travel we will not find isolation but a home where we’re not strangers or outsiders. We’ll know we belong there.

What a wonderful gift God has given us to celebrate!

Dear Father in heaven: We are grateful for your amazing home and family that you have established in this world. Where ever we travel we will find a Christian family through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Carol and Bob Morrill

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every­thing, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7)

Today is World Day of Prayer, an international day of prayer celebrated in 170 countries around the globe on the first Friday of March. Sponsored by ecumenical Christian women with the theme “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” women and men of various races, cultures, and traditions are brought together with a common day of prayer. They recognize that prayer and action are inseparable with measureable influence in the world.

Please join in the local community service this morning at 10:00am at Franklin Community Church, 26425 Wellington, in downtown Franklin. Today’s emphasis is “Prayer For All Seasons.” All are welcome.

Have you noticed how much Jesus prayed in his ministry? Jesus went off alone to pray, went to the hills, the mountains, to the wilderness. He taught the disciples to pray, and even gave an example of what to say with the text of the Lord’s prayer. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, prayers to God were continuously being offered.

How does prayer have meaning in your life? How do you connect with God? Do you pray without ceasing? When you promise to keep someone in your prayers, do you?

“Seek the Lord and his strength. Seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4)

O God, you taught us to pray and asked us to pray. May our prayers nurture us so we may more closely follow you. Today draw this world together, and draw us to you in prayer as we seek you and your presence. Amen.

Lois Poston

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in. (Revelation 3:20)

There is a beautiful stained glass window in the church I grew up attending, was baptized, married, and returned for the baptism of my daughters. This window shows Christ knocking at a closed door, something many of us have been on the other side of until one day we stop keeping up with life’s necessities and hear him knocking, patiently waiting for us to open the door to welcome Christ into our daily life.

What a life changing event that event becomes.

The artist used the beauty of stained glass to tell this all important Bible message of John’s story of the Good Shepherd portraying Jesus’ loving patience and determination as he waits for each and every one of his flock to become true members of his flock.

Dear Lord, help us to hear the knock and open the door so that we can become truly enriched. Amen.

Vera Harkin

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)

Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. (Matthew 4:10-11)

I have a confession to make. I hate Lent. I really do. It’s cold, gray, dark, gloomy, and downright depressing. Six weeks of soul-searching, self-deprivation, and repentance leave me depleted and defenseless. And as much as I hate to admit it, that just might be the point.

Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness - wandering, hungry, thirsty, lonely. When he is finally depleted and defenseless, he is tempted by comfort, by immortality, by power. It doesn’t seem fair. It doesn’t seem to make sense.

Until you get to the crucifixion. Forty days of fasting in the wilderness seems like tough work until we experience the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. Again, Jesus is tempted with comfort, immortality, and power. And again, he rejects them all in favor of God’s world-transforming work.

Apart from the somber barrenness of this season, I must admit that my real aversion to Lent stems from the fact that this season holds me accountable to all the ways I give into temptation every day. The temptation to cling to what I know, what I have, and what I can accomplish. The temptation of prideful perfection.

Every Lent, I realize I couldn't have survived temptation in the wilderness, much less on the cross. I’m debilitated after a few weeks of just thinking about it all. God said to Paul, as he struggled with weakness, that “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Perhaps this is where God wants us. Weak, uncertain, ready to give in. The hope of Easter is the only thing that keeps me going through Lent. Perhaps it is in weakness that we are truly prepared to receive the miracle of the resurrection.

God of grace, turn our weakness into your strength, our insufficiency into your abundance, our mortality into eternal life, as we await with longing the final redemption of your creation. Amen.

Amy Morgan