A Word from the Pastor
Journey to the Cross and the Empty Tomb
LENT
Lent is a time to take the time
to let the power of our faith story take hold of us,
A time to let the events get up and walk around in us,
A time to intensify our living unto Christ,
A time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
A time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem
or to walk along the sea and listen to his word.
A time to touch his robe and feel the healing surge through us,
A time to ponder and a time to wonder...
Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God!
(Ann Weems, Searching for Shalom)
Here we are, just on this side of Easter. Where do you find yourself? Have you taken time out of the hectic pace to contemplate God’s leading Spirit? Or instead, do you feel like you are being carried by busyness or dejection? Are you overworked or under whelmed? It isn’t too late. In fact, it is never too late. Begin anew. Read again the poem above on Lent. Let the words wash over you. Now is the time to let the events of the Passion story “get up and walk around in us”. I just love that! Now is the time to walk the journey with Jesus: breathe in the smells, see the sights, feel the dirt under your feet (remember sandals only!), feel the cloak of Jesus and the weight of the cross. Now is the time. Our journey has begun. We’ll take it together, ever under girded by God’s gracious hand. Here these words of Zechariah: “Not by my might or power, Lord, but by your Spirit, I will entrust my dreams to you, and walk the pathway of success.” Look out; God is making all things new, not by our power or might, but by God’s good grace through Jesus Christ our Lord, now and forever!
I look forward to celebrating World Day of Prayer, Maundy Thursday, and Resurrection Day with each of you!
May God’s peace dwell in you richly,
Lucia
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
LIFE LESSONS: WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2008
MARCH 7TH 10am
PSALM 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
I had absolute joy when I came to Bridgeport for the first time and “discovered” the World Day of Prayer. I had for some years celebrated National Day of Prayer in May gathered around the flagpole in Trophy Club near Metroport Meals On Wheels, where I worked, but had never heard of World Day of Prayer. But God had something to teach me (lots of things, actually!) The first year I was here, we went to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paradise. Last year, to First Methodist, Decatur, and now this year our church has the privilege of hosting this annual event for a second time. This is a sacred opportunity to come together as one body, to ask for God’s blessing all across the globe and locally, to seek God’s guidance, and to worship with our whole selves, meeting God in what ever way we need to that day. My prayer is that you will come, that you will invite others to come, and that you will experience the love and peace of God that no rain, fire, wind, loss, or anything else can destroy.
Teach us your paths, O God!
May God’s peace and grace be yours, now and always!
Lucia
LIFE LESSONS: WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2008
MARCH 7TH 10am
PSALM 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
I had absolute joy when I came to Bridgeport for the first time and “discovered” the World Day of Prayer. I had for some years celebrated National Day of Prayer in May gathered around the flagpole in Trophy Club near Metroport Meals On Wheels, where I worked, but had never heard of World Day of Prayer. But God had something to teach me (lots of things, actually!) The first year I was here, we went to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paradise. Last year, to First Methodist, Decatur, and now this year our church has the privilege of hosting this annual event for a second time. This is a sacred opportunity to come together as one body, to ask for God’s blessing all across the globe and locally, to seek God’s guidance, and to worship with our whole selves, meeting God in what ever way we need to that day. My prayer is that you will come, that you will invite others to come, and that you will experience the love and peace of God that no rain, fire, wind, loss, or anything else can destroy.
Teach us your paths, O God!
May God’s peace and grace be yours, now and always!
Lucia
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
“ARISE, SHINE, YOUR LIGHT HAS COME!” Isaiah 60:1
Who knows where we are going unless we take a look back to where we have been? There is no easier way than to look at the pictures (big surprise!).
We began 2007 with a visit from Grace Presbytery’s Rick Carus who was here for the Lord’s Supper and our Annual Congregational Meeting! We elected two new elders: Avis and Marie (thank you for saying yes!). Avis was ordained and both were installed. February brought a Valentine Party and farewell to Bindu, Royce, and Joel Victor who returned to India after graduation in May. March began our Lenten Devotional Luncheons all the way to Easter in April, preceded by our annual Maundy Thursday service with First Methodist Church. Easter brought Resurrection Celebration and a visit from the Rabbit! An Easter egg hunt and lots of goodies were delicious!
In May, we celebrated Mishi and Becca’s graduations with Master’s Degrees! Congratulations! Both are working in the Metroplex. Praise be to God! June brought a trip to Mo Ranch (Mishi’s first; now she’s sold on it!) Let’s plan to go in 2008. Also in June, we enjoyed our annual picnic and swim party. Thank you, Jimmy and Janis July wrapped up with Vacation Bible School where volunteers and children gave in love to one another. The theme was “Lift Off: Soaring to New Heights with God” Main verse was Psalm 25:5 “Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. August and September were delicious with our Annual Ice Cream Social and Men’s Breakfast (Yum!) October brought Blood Bought and Heaven Bound Live Gospel Trio and Fall Festival, costumes and all! The photos are priceless!
Thanksgiving was celebrated with homemade pumpkin pies by Von and her family and music by guest soloist Drenda McComb. Thank you, Von and Drenda.
We were called to be the church in the lives of many this fall and winter in the loss of their loved ones: Charles Bridges, Virginia Slayden, Lou Raley, Mabeth Raley, and Bonnie Joseph. We continue to pray for comfort and peace. Our Christmas Candlelight Service was beautiful as was the 60th wedding anniversary party given for Howard and Martha by their children! What fun!
Thank you all for your love and service this year. I look forward to sharing the joy in 2008! Arise, shine, your light has come!
May God bless you,
Lucia
“ARISE, SHINE, YOUR LIGHT HAS COME!” Isaiah 60:1
Who knows where we are going unless we take a look back to where we have been? There is no easier way than to look at the pictures (big surprise!).
We began 2007 with a visit from Grace Presbytery’s Rick Carus who was here for the Lord’s Supper and our Annual Congregational Meeting! We elected two new elders: Avis and Marie (thank you for saying yes!). Avis was ordained and both were installed. February brought a Valentine Party and farewell to Bindu, Royce, and Joel Victor who returned to India after graduation in May. March began our Lenten Devotional Luncheons all the way to Easter in April, preceded by our annual Maundy Thursday service with First Methodist Church. Easter brought Resurrection Celebration and a visit from the Rabbit! An Easter egg hunt and lots of goodies were delicious!
In May, we celebrated Mishi and Becca’s graduations with Master’s Degrees! Congratulations! Both are working in the Metroplex. Praise be to God! June brought a trip to Mo Ranch (Mishi’s first; now she’s sold on it!) Let’s plan to go in 2008. Also in June, we enjoyed our annual picnic and swim party. Thank you, Jimmy and Janis July wrapped up with Vacation Bible School where volunteers and children gave in love to one another. The theme was “Lift Off: Soaring to New Heights with God” Main verse was Psalm 25:5 “Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. August and September were delicious with our Annual Ice Cream Social and Men’s Breakfast (Yum!) October brought Blood Bought and Heaven Bound Live Gospel Trio and Fall Festival, costumes and all! The photos are priceless!
Thanksgiving was celebrated with homemade pumpkin pies by Von and her family and music by guest soloist Drenda McComb. Thank you, Von and Drenda.
We were called to be the church in the lives of many this fall and winter in the loss of their loved ones: Charles Bridges, Virginia Slayden, Lou Raley, Mabeth Raley, and Bonnie Joseph. We continue to pray for comfort and peace. Our Christmas Candlelight Service was beautiful as was the 60th wedding anniversary party given for Howard and Martha by their children! What fun!
Thank you all for your love and service this year. I look forward to sharing the joy in 2008! Arise, shine, your light has come!
May God bless you,
Lucia
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