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Prayer for those impacted by the fires on the West coast

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Lord God, this year continues to batter us and we wonder when there will be relief. Even as the pandemic persists, natural disasters do not stop. We see images of smoke-filled skies, leaping flames and the carnage of fires ravaging the West coast, and we grieve for those impacted by these tragic events. We pray for firefighters and first responders putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others. We ask for your strength for all the people reeling from the loss of property and possessions. We plead for you to comfort those mourning the loss of life. No matter the cause of our siblings’ suffering, we yearn to participate in bringing them respite and hope. You promise that springs of living water will flow from believers’ hearts. Open the flood gates of our hearts now. May rivers of your grace and mercy overflow into creation bringing healing and restoration to every corner of your beloved world. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. … [Read more...]

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15th Sunday after Pentecost — September 13, 2020             

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Exodus 14:19-31; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 Ordinary 24A; Proper 19 The early Christians quarreled over opinions. The members of the church in Rome judged each other, disagreed and failed to fulfill all those marks of Christian community spelled out in Romans 12. Peter quizzes Jesus on the limits of forgiveness within the Body of Christ. What is required? Seven times? That sounds generous, right? Disciples of Jesus struggle, perennially, with how to get along and demonstrate the love and mercy of the One we follow. Is this a relief or a disappointment to us? Perhaps it is simply a reality each generation of Christians must confess and address. While we know we are united in, with and through Christ, demonstrating our oneness takes work and we will inevitably fail and need to ask God’s for help. Living in community requires commitment, humility, patience, every fruit of the Spirit and Christ’s constant prayer — perhaps especially now, when we are stretched, stressed … [Read more...]

September 13 — Forgiveness: Family faith formation at home

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Welcome  Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together.  One:    Come, let us gather around and see how the Spirit will nurture our faith today. All:      Who is with us? One:    Christ, the light of the world. (Place a candle on a table in your gathering place and light it.) All:      Who is with us? One:   The Love of God, who came to meet us in the world. (Place a cross on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Wisdom of God, who speaks through the Scriptures. (Place an open Bible on a table in your gathering place.) All:      Who is with us? One:    The Grace of God, who proclaims we are children of God. (Place a symbol of baptism – a bowl of water, a seashell – on a table in your gathering space.) All:      Who is with us? One:    Our risen Lord, who meets us at the table. (Place a symbol of communion – a plate and cup, a loaf of bread, grapes – on a table … [Read more...]

Advent devotions — 2020 (Year B)

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Advent time: Devotions for the congregation Are you looking for theologically sound, inspiring and affordable Advent devotions for the congregation? The Presbyterian Outlook is once again offering accessible and inspiring daily devotions for Advent written by editor Jill Duffield. This year the focus is on the time of Advent for the church. Buy 4 weeks of Advent devotions: $20 About these devotions:   We hear often these days that we are living through unprecedented times. Our experience of time has been altered in recent months. Our routines and rhythms, milestones and rituals, are upended. As we enter the liturgical season of Advent, when we are to eagerly prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ and also anticipate his return, how will we mark this time? What will we do to be good stewards of our time?   We will explore being aware of God's presence in the moment even as we anticipate Jesus' incarnation. These devotions will seek to help us recognize … [Read more...]

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Be thou my protective barrier — Christian education at home

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Teaching our children procedures for avoiding germs has always been part of being a parent.  Wash your hands with soap for two rounds of the “happy birthday” song.  Cough or sneeze into your elbow.  Keep your hands out of your mouth.  Until about six months ago, this was enough.  Now we’ve added a whole new set of protective barriers to the mix.  Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth.  Stay six feet away from others.  While these practices are incredibly important, it can be difficult for kids to fully understand why they are so important.  The more opportunities we have to connect them to other important aspects of their lives, the greater their acceptance becomes.  In this lesson, your children will think about the protective measures they are taking to stay healthy during the pandemic through the lens of God’s protection of the Israelites as they escaped from Egypt in Exodus 14. Begin the time with your children by asking each of them to get the mask they wear when going … [Read more...]

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