Song for Sunday (Belated): O Come, O Come Emmanuel

My church didn't sing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel this year." It's my favorite advent hymn-- a wonderful melody and a message of hope and reassurance.

So I share it with you, linking to a version sung by the Pentatonix. May God bless you through it and give you a joyous Christmas holiday!!

Belated (again) Song for Sunday

Hopefully, I'll get back on track with Sunday posts soon.

I heard about this arrangement yesterday. As I am fan of both Labyrinth and White Christmas, I am not sure why I wasn't aware of it before, but there it is.

I hope you enjoy it.

Patience

Tomorrow

That's when they will start moving the rubble away from the site of the church building.

"We have to be patient" 

That's been the refrain of the members of the congregation. And we have been, though it's been hard to see the pile of wood, stone, metal, glass, and plastic sitting there for six weeks. Finally, it looks like things will start to happen. It'll be weeks before they are done.

So we will have more of a chance to practice the spiritual gift of patience.

We hope they find our bell, our time capsule, our two safes. We look forward to having an empty lot rather than the remains of the building.

In the meantime, we are grateful: grateful to the community that surrounds, to the church that took us in, to the fire, police, and DPW, to God. No one was hurt; we remain a church. A lot to be thankful for.

For those who don't know the story, here are links to what happened.

Painting Survives Fire
The Day After

I will post updates as we move forward, with patience.

Wordless Wednesday: Jesus in Flame and Frame

*Photo credit: David J. Parry

Jordan's Creche 2018

My son uses his imagination to create unique manger scenes. Over the years, some have been extraordinarily fanciful, stepping outside of the story. Others have added creative bits within the overarching theme of Christmas.  This year's has a new wrinkle. It's one that it is possible to relate to, if you engage your playful side. 

The animals who live in the barn have gathered around a roman soldier seated in front of his horse. They have chosen the soldier because they figure his authority carries weight with other people. They are asking the soldier to tell the innkeeper to find room for the humans in the Inn so that they can have their sleeping areas and feeding trough back.

The soldier simply looks "bored and oh so done with this." Perhaps he realizes that the city has had such an influx of people that there are no more spaces anywhere for humans, never mind animals. You really don't know who to feel sorry for, the animals or the soldier. 

Mary and Joseph are there in the stable, awaiting the birth. The Shepherds and Angels are in their places. All is well. Unless you live in that barn full time.

What is your creche like?

If you are curious about Jordan's other creches, check these out. I wasn't blogging the year Jesus got stolen though.

Jordan's Strange Creche
A Broken World ... Seeking Peace
Jordan's Creche for this Year 
Creche 2014 Edition
Jordan's Creche 2015 Edition

Song for Sunday (Belated) Mary's Lullaby

 I tried to post yesterday, but had trouble with my computer.

This is the advent week dedicated to peace. What could be more peaceful than a lullaby?

What holiday song song speaks "peace" to you? 

New Start

Been a long time since I mused about anything here. But this is the day I often re-start. The first day of Advent. So, time to give it another go.

I'll have my traditional post about Jordan's creche set this week. And I have some memes to comment on and many posts about youth ministry.

I'll also blog about my church's recovery from a devastating fire.
We have hope; that is the focus of the First Sunday of Advent.

For now, I'll just say. I'm back!  and

Happy New Year!!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

              1 Peter 1:3

Song for Sunday: Come Ye Thankful People Come

This week's Song for Sunday is a hymn that takes as back to the original meaning of Thanksgiving, back to before the pilgrims, to the idea of giving thanks for the harvest. In England, they called it "Harvest Home." It was a civic, not a religious holiday, though many took the time to acknowledge God as provider.

We tend to focus on the pilgrim's and think of theirs as the "first" thanksgiving, but many cultures have harvest celebrations. It's even in the Bible. Our American holiday has become a reminder of  our shameful historical and current treatment of Native  Americans who, like all of us, deserve justice, consideration, and respect. And perhaps it should be. There is work to be done there.

But that also shouldn't take away from thanking and acknowledging God. Or simply being grateful that we have enough.

Let us remember.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. 

Song for Sunday: God Help Me!

This song by Plumb is a reminder that faith and Christian life isn't all happiness and light. There are struggles, failures and difficulties. We all get sunshine, we all get rain. Faith doesn't protect us from the bad stuff. It was never meant to.


I cam across this song last week in the midst of a spiritual struggle. It helped a lot. I hope it can be of help to others.


Here's the link:

What songs help you? 

Song for Sunday: Piano Man

I really have no reason to share this, except that I am in a Billy Joel mood and it's a good one.

I hope that you enjoy it and it's hopefulness.


May your manager give you a smile!

Parenting Journey: New Step

My son turns 18 today. I am officially the parent of an adult.

I guess we are never ready for this. It feels like there is much more to do.

This is another beginning. A new path. 

I have to keep reminded myself that this is a legal designation and he's not planning to run off an leave me. He's still in high school, for pete's sake!

Still, it brings some changes. And, emotionally, this is new territory.


How's things at your house?

Have a blessed day!

(and if you see my son, wish him a happy birthday!)

Hallowe'en Reflection

The other  day, as I was celebrating Reformation Day, it was also Hallowe'en. This isn't a coincidence. Martin Luther actually chose the eve of All Saints Day (All Hallow's Eve) to nail his 95 theses on the church door. It was a statement on his part about false saintliness, apparently.

Ever since I have lived in my own place, I have been excited to welcome trick-or-treaters, even though this really isn't my holiday. Well, I enjoy the fun parts of it, but I am not a celebrant of All Saints Day,  Dia de la Muerte, or Samhain.

Still, I like trick-or-treating and seeing families out visiting their neighbors.

The thing is, I seem to always live in places that don't get trick-or-treaters. When I lived on Main St, people would go to the houses but skip the apartment buildings, so I'd get maybe one knock at the door. Now I live on a dead end street. A big year is when five or six young visitors knock while their parents wait in the street.

Last year, I went out and sat at the bottom of my steps with candy bowl. This year, I even put paper lanterns (not as good as the one pictured) out in a line down my sidewalk, hoping for more kids to come asking for candy. We got one.

It makes me sad. I feel left out.





I don't know why the fact that families didn't turn down our street of eight houses, of which only three had the lights on, makes me feel rejected. It can't be personal these people don't know me. It just isn't worth the time to come to our house. Or they don't see it.

But it does. There you go.

I guess I just want to feel like I am participating in my community.


Ah well. I did visit a "Haunted House" neighbors around the corner setup. That was fun, but it was just me, my son, and the homeowners.

I think I long for the days when small neighborhoods did things together and neighbors knew each other. Holidays all had a communal aspect. We were together.

Maybe someday, I'll be part of that again.

Anyway, have a blessed day!

500 Years Ago Today

 Martin Luther had hoped to reform the Catholic Church from the inside. Instead, the 95 theses this monk nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany sparked the protestant reformation, a movement which has grown and diversified over the past five centuries.

For those of us who are protestant this is a birthday celebration. It is the story of our brands of Christianity. It's had it's challenges, it's heresies, it's hiccoughs. But overall it is the story of a struggle to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and to bring him to our communities. We share that mission with Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, but today is our day to celebrate our own heritage.




For those who have a historical bent, here are some links:


Luther's 95 Theses

Women Leaders of the Reformation

The Protestant Reformation

500 Years of Protestant Christianity


For everyone else, celebrate with us!

And have a blessed Reformation Day!

Song for Sunday: God Who Touches Earth with Beauty

We sang this hymn in church this morning. It was written by Mary Susanne Edgar as a Sunday School Hymn, but is now very suitable for adult worship. The link I am posting to involves a Children's Choir, however.


The verse that struck me was:

Like the arching of the heavens 
lift my thoughts above, 
turn my dreams to noble action: 
ministries of love.

Time to stop procrastinating on some things, I guess. 


Anyway, enjoy a moment of worship with this beautiful song and have a blessed Sunday.

Song For Sunday (a day late): Oh That Will Be Glory for Me

I had been participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and trying to revitalize this blog with a temporary theme of "Beginnings". Then a perfect storm of responsibilities, family needs and the like hit and this project took a back seat. But now I am trying to be back.

I heard this hymn for the first time yesterday at a funeral. It had been chosen by the deceased for use at her memorial service. It  touched me. It also fits where I am now, so it becomes today's Song for Sunday. May it inspire you!

Song for Sunday: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

We sang a version of this song in worship this morning, and it resonated. I sang it a lot with Bible study groups in college, so memory plays a part. Also,  it seems like a good reminder.

So, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - an updated version --becomes today's Song for Sunday. May it be an encouragement to you.

What songs are resonating with you?

What songs help you worship?





I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost 

In Need of Ideas

I am planning a dinner and I need ideas.


The main course is sausage stew and biscuits. The dessert is birthday cake and ice cream, with homemade caramel sauce.


I have no idea what to serve as an appetizer/first course.


Not exactly the problem of the year, but any ideas?


Any other food questions out there? 




I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost 

Lentil Sloppy Joes

This is what we are having for supper tonight. We aren't vegetarians, but try to do meatless meals a few times a week for the sake of the environment and our health. Lentils work well for this because they can be made to almost look like ground beef. 

Enjoy!

Serves 6

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 to 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped (about 3/4 to 1 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon organic brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon  vinegar
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust according to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or more as needed)
• 6  buns
• Toppings of choice (Tabasco sauce, sriracha, pickles, onions, sauerkraut, coleslaw, avocado slices, etc.)

1. Place lentils in a large pot, and cover with water (enough so that there's at least a full inch or two of water above the lentils). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are chewable, but still have some firmness to them. Drain them and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion is soft and clear, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, chili powder, and paprika,  and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the garlic is quite fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, tomatoes, brown sugar or maple syrup, vinegar, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add more broth as needed. Simmer until the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 15 to 20 minute, until as thick as preferred
4. Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Divide sloppy joes onto the buns and top with toppings of choice, including some Tabasco or sriracha for heat, if desired. Serve. 

What are you having for supper?  

I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost

A Faithful Soul

My church has suffered a loss. A woman has died who served us in many capacities.


She joined our faith community when she took on the directorship of a local home for retired women, but she had a varied and interesting career. She served as a nurse at a children's hospital, a missionary at a children's home, and as the Minister of Christian Education at a church in a nearby town before starting at the home here.

After here retirement, she became our volunteer minister of visitation. She has also offered pastoral care when our pastor was on vacation, written a devotional book, and helped organize various mission and service projects. She was a frequent visitor at our house as we faced losses.

She was a valued member of our church family. 

This is of course, a beginning for her. She is in Heaven -- has gone Home. She was ready to do so. We will remember her, mourn her, celebrate her life and then move on keeping a piece of her alive in our hearts. We will look forward to seeing her again.  For the moment we are sad.

We look to God and each other for comfort, and to the sure and certain hope of resurrection for those who know Jesus.

Who are you remembering?




I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost

Tragedy

Sometimes, when I can't find the words to say about something I seek other's words. I have done that in the wake of the Las Vegas disaster.

I first heard about the tragedy shortly after I woke up yesterday morning. I saw a post from a friend who works at concert venues in Las Vegas saying he was safe. I had to look for why he needed to tell us that.

I really can't find the words for this. I looked for prayers to use in times of tragedy and found this page: Prayers in Times of Tragedy and Disaster.  I think perhaps they couldn't formulate the words either so they went straight to the best source of all, God's word itself. The first prayer is taken straight from Psalm 46:

Prayers in Times of Trouble and Disaster 

God is our refuge
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
(from Psalm 46)

An affirmation that God is with us, holds us keeps us. Not a final answer. There were hundreds not physically safe, thousands traumatized. But God is there and we can run to Him. Like a father, he will open his arms and hold us close.

Another appropriate prayer:

A Prayer in a Time of Distress
Almighty and everlasting God, You are strength to those who suffer and comfort to those who grieve. Let the prayers of your children who are in trouble rise to you.
Hear our prayer.
We claim your promises of wholeness as we pray for those who are ill or are suffering loss and long for your healing touch.
Hear our prayer.
Make the weak strong, the sick healthy, the broken whole, and confirm those who serve them as agents of your love.
Hear our prayer.
To everyone in distress, grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment.
Hear our prayer.
As we begin to rebuild, we commend our neighborhoods to your care. Give us strength of purpose and concern for others, that we may create a community where your will may be done.
Hear our prayer.
God of compassion, you watch our ways, and weave out of terrible happenings wonders of goodness and grace.
Hear our prayer.
Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may they find you and be comforted;

Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you. Amen.


I want to do something. I want to stop this from ever happening again. I want to change things. But the solutions won't come over night. So I pray. I hope you will, too.







 I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost