Saturday, February 27

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:1-2

SHOW HOSPITALITY: YOU MAY ENTERTAIN ANGELS!

Christ is the supreme example of love. When I reflect on the meaning of that and on these verses in Hebrews, I think of Ida, an elderly woman in our former church in Iowa. In the years I knew Ida she held no "important" positions in church such as elder, committee chair or even Sunday school teacher. But Ida, an avid quilter and a very warm and loving person, displayed the gift of hospitality to friends and strangers alike. Many foreign students at the University of Iowa were entertained in her modest home and through her experienced the love of Christ. The following was written for a church service, after her death, in which we celebrated her life:

We are ever so much like a patchwork quilt-- each of a unique color, each a unique pattern, each a unique texture and yet all a part of a whole. Separate from one another it is difficult to conceive how such a motley group of materials could be pieced together as a unit; yet, when knit together by the common thread of Your Grace and Love, we form a quilt, a community of unique beauty, purpose and function which surpasses that of any single patch.

(written by Mike Massanari - April, 1984)

Loving God, help us each to use our unique gifts to reach out in your love.

Lois Massanari

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Friday, February 26

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:10-11

ABIDING LOVE AND JOY

Arreana came to our church about five years ago. She was one of the youth aging out of foster care. They wanted to work in the kitchen with Pam Smith and others during the PW rummage sale. People gravitated towards her with her winning smile, positive attitude and can do spirit.

Several members celebrated her high school graduation party with gifts and many well wishes. Then she got ready to drive from Detroit to start her university career as a John Seita Scholar at Western Michigan University. Just as she finished loading up her car, she was robbed of everything.

One of our families generously contributed a lap top computer for her after hearing that hers had been taken. Funds from our Foster/Adoptive Families Partnerships (from a First Foundation grant) covered her costly student parking dues for the entire year. She later came back and spoke at one of our Moments for Mission to thank the congregation for their care and support.

Recently she graduated with honors from Western Michigan University. She now serves as a social worker. By God’s grace she is using her own gifts and experiences to benefit others in similar difficult conditions.

Members and friends of this congregation and other congregations are providing a huge safety net of well-being for our 13,000 children and youth in foster care like Arreana. Because of sharing God’s love in action, we are now seeing transformed lives that are reaching out to help others.

When I get to experience these positive, life-giving happenings, I cannot help but sense: “Christ IS alive!” Thanks be to God.

God of grace and hope, thank you for the ways you are connecting us in so many networks of caring through Everybody’s Church here. Use us each day to help cultivate Christ’s mission, inclusion, and community. Amen.

Kate Thoresen

Thursday, February 25

So God made the sky, dividing the vapor above from the water below...

Genesis 1:7

GOD MADE THE SKY!

If you had asked me before 1983 if I often looked at the sky, I would have responded in the negative. It was only after George and I returned from a month in Australia and I seemed comfortable again that I realized my disorientation had been the unfamiliar sky.

In 1987 when we returned for a three month stint, one of the first things we did was get library cards. We checked out books on astronomy. Once I became familiar with the Southern Cross and could find familiar stars from our Northern Hemisphere sky (though in different locations) I was fine. I seemed to understand where I was.

I’m reminded of Psalm 8:3-4 - When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places--what is man, that you think of him; mere man, that you care for him, and verse 9 - O Lord, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world!”

I am trying to remember, and to record in my journal, times when I clearly needed to be in touch with God to understand where I was and what was happening around me. Life’s journey takes us down many paths. Aren’t we blessed to know that our God is always there?

Creator God, thank you for the gift of curiosity that you've given me, for the sense of adventure that enriches me, and for the

promise of everlasting life that sustains me. Amen.

Pauline Davidson

from the 1995 Lenten Devotional

Wednesday, February 24

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:23-24

Last summer, my eighth great grandchild, Hugo, was born. I know people who have many more “greats” than that, but for me, it was a kind of milestone, and reminded me of the great blessing of family.

When I saw him, only a few hours old, I marveled anew at tiny fingers and toes, and big dark eyes looking up at me, and I gave thanks for the precious gift of his life. When he opened his eyes, I was reminded of his grandmother’s eyes when she was born.

Recently, at a gathering of extended family, I met for the first time, and enjoyed visiting with, “in-laws.” and I expect to meet additional relatives as time goes by.

In contrast, I currently have neighbors and friends who have few, or no, family members, nearby. For them, the people around them have become their family, including staff people, grocery store personnel, even the mail carrier(s).

One day I was looking for manila folders while shopping. The store manager asked if I was finding everything I wanted and I told him I wanted manila folders. There were none on the shelf, but he went back to his office and found some, which he gave to me. This was really a small thing, but it meant a lot to me (I was sorting documents for tax purposes).

The experience reminded me to to be aware of ways, whether small or large, that I can be of assistance and, if possible, to respond by helping.

Dear God, please help me to notice my surroundings and to offer help as best I can, according to the situation and specific needs. Thank you for the strength and energy to respond. I ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.

Ginnie Spurr

Tuesday, February 23

“For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

Matthew 25; 35 & 40.

One of the most heartbreaking images I saw on the news in 2015 was that of a little Syrian boy, a toddler with Velcro sneakers who was found face down on a beach in Turkey. The photo was captioned “Humanity Washed Ashore”. The little boy’s name was Aylan Kurdi. His mother and five-year-old brother also drowned when their dinghy which was provided by smugglers capsized. The father stated that the life jackets they were wearing were fake.

When I saw Aylan’s sneakers I thought of the many times I have knelt and fastened a similar pair on my grandson Leonardo’s feet. I was with him recently in Boston for three months. When he woke up from his afternoon nap we would cuddle on the couch with Leo wrapped in his blanket, holding tight to his favorite stuffed animal “Rocco” the raccoon. Those moments are so precious, sharing the coziness and warmth of home. “Home” is cherished by each of us, especially young parents who lovingly create a safe, warm, secure place for their children. How very desperate one must be to leave that behind because of terrorism and war.

I recently listened to a tape of a sermon by Reverend Morgan Roberts – (2/17/85 “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star … Some thoughts at the beginning of Lent”):

“And so we come to another holy season of Lent, and we turn the focus of our faith upon that cross. Let us glory in it, but let us remember what it means to glory in the cross. It means to identify ourselves with all of those and with all of that in this world that breaks the heart of God, and to let our hearts be broken in compassion and identification with such people.”

Loving God, watch over the refugees of this world, fleeing bombed out cities, facing perilous seas and exhausting journeys. Show us the way to help and welcome them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colleen Fisher

Monday, February 22

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29 English Standard Version (ESV)

So often we hear 'Seeing is believing.' I say, 'Believing is seeing.'

I will never forget an incident with my son, Matt. He is now 22 years old. He was probably 4 years old at the time. We were driving through town and he was securely fastened in his car seat in the back seat of our car.

As I was driving he said, "Mom, I am very sad." I asked, "Why are you sad?" Then he said, "Because I am forgetting what God looks like!" I looked in the rear view mirror and saw my little boy who just rocked my world with his words. I pulled over and asked him to repeat what he said. After repeating his statement I asked that question we all would of asked, "What does God look like?" He could not describe God for me.

I wasn't disappointed because at that moment I realized my belief helped me to share his sighting and I did not need to see to believe!

God, please give each of us to have a strong 'belief to see' you and know that you are with us at all times. That you love us and will be there when we ask for you and even when we don't know we need you to answer our innermost needs. And if there is ever a time when we truly feel that we need to 'see to believe,' please give us the sight of a child to see you in the simple things occurring in our daily lives. Amen

Heidi Wilkinson

Sunday, February 21

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts …

Hebrews: 3:7-8 (NRSV)

…For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

Matthew 13:15-17 (NRSV)

Let anyone with ears to hear listen!

Mark 4:23 (NRSV)

Is that you Lord? Are you speaking? 

Let me hear you Lord. Let me listen.

In the morning or evening, or anytime especially when you are rushing, go outside and stop. Be quiet and hear My creation. Read My Word and hear My word personally spoken for you.

When your life feels full of trials and troubles. When you feel the pressures of this world, cast your burdens on Me and hear Me give you peace. When you are tempted and want to embrace this world, know My presence and hear Me tell you My Kingdom is yours.

When you feel your needs are great and you want much, hear Me say not now or here is My plan. Look where I walk, follow and listen to Me.

Listen for the Lord to speak directly to you. If you call me Lord, let me go. The Lord wants you to listen for him, hear him and talk to him. When you sin and say I am sorry, hear the Lord say you are forgiven. I died for you.

Listen, as I tell you I love you!

Dear Lord: Let me slow down and be still and listen for You. When you speak let me hear You. Let me know that You are speaking to me and let me follow you Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

David Zimmer