2018 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL

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INTRODUCTION TO OUR LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

The period from Ash Wednesday to Easter, known as Lent, is a season for self-examination and

repentance. Clergy and parishioners of The Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul have prepared

devotional readings for the days from Ash Wednesday through Easter since 2001. We hope that this

daily devotional guide will be a blessing to you and help you to deepen your Lenten practice.

Eternal Lord, of love behold your church

walking once more the pilgrim way of Lent,

Led by your cloud by day, by night your fire,

moved by your love and toward your presence bent:

far off yet here-the goal of all desire.

So daily dying to the way of self,

so daily living in your way of love,

we walk the road, Lord Jesus, that you trod,

knowing ourselves baptized into your death:

so, we are dead and live with you in God.

If dead in you, so in you, we arise.

you the firstborn of all the faithful dead.

and as through stony ground the green shoots break,

glorious in springtime dress of leaf and flower,

so, in the Father’s glory shall we wake.

Thomas H. Cain, Hymn 149

Blessings,

Marci Thomas

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ASH WEDNESDAY, February 14, 2018

Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.

These are the words that are spoken by the clergy as the faithful gather to observe Ash Wednesday, the

beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day that calls us to remember our limits, the

transitory aspects of our lives. It is a day when we recall all our weaknesses and remember just how much we

need God’s unconditional love and grace. This day reminds us that no matter how much we’ve accomplished,

no matter what circumstances surround us, and no matter what lies ahead, we are dust.

Ash Wednesday draws us into a process of examining our lives. Do our values and beliefs reflect how we live

our daily lives? Are we realizing our potential or are we just wasting time? Are our lives full of self-

centeredness, or do we walk in humility? Do we hold tightly on to our wealth and spend large sums of money

on personal pleasure, and then turn around and get offended when we are asked by a homeless person for a

couple of bucks for a hot meal. Do we spend a majority of our days mesmerized by our computer screens, while

the beauty and wonder of the world around us goes unseen?

It is easy to get caught in the illusion of self-importance. Believing that the way you spend your time and the

things you give your life to are actually meaningful and worthwhile. But when we take a few steps back and

examine our lives through the lens of our limits, everything suddenly comes into focus. Maybe you don’t need

to win that argument with your spouse. Maybe you could forgo the daily Starbucks and give that money to

someone who could use a bite to eat or a warm place to stay. Maybe you could actually survive without looking

at Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a day. Maybe our lives really do have so much more potential and value

than we ascribe to them by our actions.

How do you spend your life? What are your priorities and values? Do they line up with the way you use your

time each and every day? These are the questions that Ash Wednesday calls us to ask. The ashes on our

foreheads are a bold reminder that our time is limited, that privilege, success and the social and corporate ladder

are nothing but delusions that we create, that we all begin our lives and will end them in the same exact way.

They remind us that our time here is limited and that our lives hold tremendous value and potential. What will

we do to redeem our time?

May each of us stop and reflect on the folly and beauty of our lives. May we use this season of repentance to

refine our rhythms and amend our actions. And may we know, deep down in our being, that we are dust.

Beautiful, precious, mysterious, dust. And may that realization help us live our lives as people who measure our

time wisely, give our lives freely, and love each other boldly.

Prayer:

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen (BCP pg. 265)

Reverend Elisa Harres

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THURSDAY, February 15, 2018

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Lent is a penitential season, and I have many questions about the process of being penitent. Are we entitled to

God’s grace without first sincerely seeking forgiveness? Is our confession rote? Do we really take it to heart?

Do we seek God’s forgiveness and reconciliation at the moment we sin, or do we wait until Sunday to say the

Confession? Do we even remember our sin by that point? Is one of the ‘things left undone’ our absently relying

on the Confession as a catch-all for our sins? Isn’t true repentance being sorry and remorseful for our actions

and specifically asking forgiveness, reconciling with God and others? Wow! So many questions.

Many avoid closely examining the topic of reconciliation. It’s very confusing, what is sin, anyway? We tend

look at our actions, thoughts and beliefs through secular eyes. We too easily give ourselves a pass when it

comes to

sin. It wasn’t so bad, everyone does it, it’s not like I killed anyone… When we take the ‘easy’ but wrong path,

we let it go without confessing to God or anyone else. Somehow, we end up thinking that we are in control of

our relationship with God. We get to decide what’s right or wrong and how bad or how nominal our sins are.

We somehow boil it down to end up thinking if we are good, God loves us and if we are bad, God won’t love

us. God’s love depends on our behavior. This kind of wrong thinking puts into a dangerous cycle of sin that

separates us from God.

Asking for and receiving forgiveness and living a life of redemption always seemed like a matter between me

and God and was no one else’s business. The old saying, All May, Some Should, None Must, resonated with me

and I always considered myself to be in the ‘None Must’ category. That is, until I read Joy in Confession by

Rev. Hillary D. Raining. Her book specifically explains how confession and reconciliation are based on the

Bible and the BCP. She explains in very straightforward terms sin, shame, guilt, forgiveness, resurrection,

incarnation and growth from forgiveness.

Then it happened, I wronged someone. I was devastated by my actions and I honestly and deeply doubted my

judgement. I sought out Mtr. Elisa to hear my confession. As I received the sacramental forgiveness, I learned

how to reach out and reconcile with the person I wronged. It was truly a life changing experience. My guilt and

shame were wiped away as were the tears that came with my remorse. My experience was deeply joyful and

freeing. Hillary Raining said, ‘God doesn’t love and forgive us because of how good we are, God loves and

forgives us because of how good God is.’ Reconciliation is how we accept God’s grace and start fresh without

looking back. I was able to move forward and start again, so grateful for the grace and mercy I received.

Hillary Raining is the rector at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Gladwynn, PA and will be our guest

leader at the Parish Women’s Retreat in March during Lent. I hope you will join us to explore confession and

reconciliation as a life changing spiritual practice.

Peace+ Amy Stillwell

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FRIDAY, February 16, 2018

Matthew 26:39

Going a little further, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup

be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the

cross, scorning its shame…

Jesus knows what’s ahead yet He, as a human being on this earth, is able to say, “yet not as I will but as you

will”. Jesus could have walked away, and I think that’s what I would have done because the cruelty of the cross

is way too much to bear. Yet He could still say, “as you will”. The will of God, is this what I seek no matter

what is going on in my life?

Sadly, I must admit that often my first reaction is not to seek God but to think I have only myself to rely on.

That in turn gives me a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness because I know I do not have any power. Yet

at the same time I sincerely do have a true belief in God and in the knowledge that Jesus lives in me [John

14:20]. In my Christian journey I have come to learn that those times when I only rely on myself, much of what

I feel is something like panic. In the verse above in Matthew what I see is that it is the same with Jesus, He

does feel weak too, these earthly burdens are just too much to bear. I am beyond grateful that Jesus walked this

earth just like me and felt just like I do. But the verse above also shows me that it is only through prayer that

He is able to accept whatever God has put in front of Him, that is, God’s will. Imagine Jesus in his agony “fell

with his face to the ground and prayed” and what did God give him for his time in prayer? Joy! In His agony

He had Joy, wow. (If you know me, you know Joy is one of my favorite words.) Yes, we know He had joy

because in the verse in Hebrew above we are told that, “for the joy set before him, endured the cross”. Yes,

Jesus was only able to bear all His earthly burdens by prayer. It is only through prayer that we also are able to

not only bear our early crosses, but in addition have a peaceful sense of Joy and not feel helpless or hopeless.

Indeed, we have all hope. When I keep my life focused in spending time with God/Jesus and am able to truly

say “your will”, that is when my burdens do not become too heavy for my shoulders, easier to bear, no sense of

panic.

May you and I always know that we are not alone. He shares and lifts our burdens. All we have to do is pray.

Note to self: it is only through prayer, it is only through prayer, it is only through prayer.

Joy, Rachel Rojas

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SATURDAY, February 17, 2018

Psalm 51:11-13

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence

and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your

bountiful Spirit.

One day right after Christmas, I was waiting for Stuart when a sales clerk asked if I needed any help. I told her I

was waiting for my husband and we got into a conversation about Christmas. She told me she was trying to

show her kids how difficult choosing gifts can be, especially with limited resources. Somehow, the conversation

led me to mention Must Ministries. She said, “Must has provided so many meals for me and my kids.” There it

was, right in my face. I realized that this was a struggling single mom. I never would have known had she not

opened up to me. I was so moved by her honesty and appreciation of the help others had provided to her and her

family. Our conversation ended with a warm hug and her request that I pray for her. Just like the families that I

have met with Family Promise, this was a woman that is working hard to support herself and her family and she

just needs a hand up from time to time.

One of my worst and most embarrassing character flaws is that I am judgmental. It happens in an instant and

often I lose my filter and think things that are mean and would be hurtful if overheard. My judgmental self says

that anyone can succeed if they are willing to work hard, just like I have. At Easter last year, I fell and fractured

my left ankle in two places while seriously spraining my right ankle at the same time. For six weeks I was very

limited in my ability to get around or to stand for any length of time. I am so appreciative of everyone who

helped us out during this period. People filled in for me by doing things I was responsible for, by bringing us

meals, sending cards or just stopping by to chat. No one judged me by saying, “You need to slow down,” “Were

you wearing high heels?” or, “Just pop something in the microwave for your dinner,” etc. You saw I needed

help and you lovingly gave it to me. I have finally come to realize that there are so many people who have real

need, who are working as hard as they can, and are doing the best they can, trying to get by. Giving them a hand

up in the form of a meal, a conversation, a lead for a better job, or praying for them can make a difference in

their lives. Yes, there are those that take advantage of any free handout available. What I have come to realize is

that there are so many more than I realized needing the help and they are around us every single day.

During Lent, we are to fast, to give alms and/or to take on something. When I give to those who are in need, I

will think of this young single mother and families I have met, that need a hand up to a better life. With them in

mind, can we ever give enough?

Anne Wright

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SUNDAY, February 18, 2018

Luke 2: 8-12

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And,

lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were

sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which

shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

OK, so what does the Christmas story have to do with Lent? Stick with me. I read an amazing article about the

classic Charlie Brown Christmas Story. We all remember Linus, the little boy who had to have his security

blanket at all times or else he would totally freak out. Look at the video of him giving his soliloquy explaining

the true meaning of Christmas. As soon as Linus says the words “Fear Not” HE DROPS HIS SECURITY

BLANKET. It is as if that acknowledging the new King, he feels that he no longer needs it.

The Shepherds were afraid. But upon the angel’s words of “Fear Not” they lost their fear. Fast forward to the

Sunday after Jesus’ execution. Mary goes to the tomb. Imagine how afraid she must have been to not see Jesus.

But an angel was there and said, “Fear not” (OK, technically he said, “Do not be afraid” but it’s the same thing).

Mary was filled with hope and joy. Jesus appeared to the disciples, which must have been scary. But he always

started with “Peace be with you.” And the disciples were always filled with optimism.

Easter is all about giving up our fears. No matter how wrong we are, we can ease our fears knowing that we

have forgiveness through Jesus. No matter how much in trouble we are, we can have peace through Jesus. And

even that time when we, or someone very close to us, faces death, we know that they will overcome death

through Jesus and be in Paradise.

FEAR NOT! These are words I have been trying to live by. No matter what situation, travesty, confusion, or

misunderstanding I find myself, I try to utter these words. It keeps me in check knowing that God is taking care

of me at all times. And that gives me great peace.

For this Lent, I implore everyone to simply mutter these 2 magical words – Fear Not – whenever you face times

of trouble. If you are like me, you will find them to be the 2 strongest words in the dictionary. And, you may

just find that you do not require your own personal security blanket.

Peace be with you,

Stuart Wright

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MONDAY, February 19, 2018

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but

have eternal life.

“At bedtime, my children turn into dehydrated philosophers who need a hug.” Internet truism

Daughter (from the top bunk): Daddy, it’s hard to believe in God.

Me: Yes, dear, it is. Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s hard. The good news is that even if we don’t

believe in God, he is right there with us, loving us.

Daughter: Why does the devil make it easy to be bad?

Me: Sometimes, it’s the devil, but usually we don’t need help. We all make mistakes and get angry or hurt, and

then we tend to hurt other people. That makes him happy. And it’s hard to not do that. We all mess up or sin

and then we need to apologize to the person and to God and to ourselves, and try harder next time.

But remember that “God loves you and the world so much, that he sent his only Son, to live with us. He came to

teach us to love God and love each other. And if we believe in God, then he promises to bring us to heaven with

him.” (John 3:16, JIV- Jay’s Improvised Version)

Daughter: So, God heals us!

Me: Sometimes. But what he really promises us is that he will always be there with us, walking with us. He’ll

love us no matter what.

Daughter: So, it’s like that Dear Evan Hansen song, “Even when the dark comes crashing through/ When you

need a friend to carry you/ And when you're broken on the ground/ You will be found.”

Me: I think that’s what God wants us to do for each other. But remember that with God, you don’t need to be

found. He’s already with you, even in the hardest parts. Even if we don’t see him. He wants to talk with us; he

wants to be with us, and he wants us to trust and love him. And even if we are having a hard time believing in

Him, it’s OK. He still loves us.

Other Daughter (from the bottom bunk): Daddy, I think I feel God.

Me: Me, too, darling. Right now, I really do.

What about you? This Lent, do you find it easy to believe in God, or is it difficult right now? Do you feel close

to God or does He feel far away? What is going on in your life that might be contributing to that distance? Is

there sin you need to apologize for? Do you feel lost, or like you need to go seek out the lost and help them feel

found?

Dear Lord, we thank you that you sent your Son to live among us, to walk with us, and to guide us. We thank

you for seeking us out when we feel lost. Use this time of preparation to open our eyes to things that separate us

from you. Help us when we feel weak. Guide us when we feel lost. Help us to listen for your call, and give us the

strength to obey when we hear it. Amen.

Jay Pongonis

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TUESDAY, February 20, 2018

Isaiah 58:1-12

… Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to

set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the

poor wanderer with shelter -- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh

and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your

righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the

Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

As a Christian, I have often become disillusioned with the “love” we are to profess. I often have thought that

modern Christians confuse love with “going along to get along” when facing a difficult decision. Christians

sometimes view those facing addictions or other troubles as unworthy or incapable of leading others to Christ.

Sometimes as Christians, we’d rather be silent than draw the ire of our neighbors. These views are not what

Christ endured nor professed. This is not how salvation was purchased for those that believe in him nor how he

lived his own mortal life among us. Yet, we continuously profess love to those in need in the hope that no

sacrifice is required and attempt to twist it into some sort of summer camp love affair that ends when summer is

over.

Growing up, I always perceived Lent to be a time of self-deprivation. A time in which the devotee gave up

something dear to them in order to become closer to God. This was an erroneous perception. As Christians

hoping to break forth like the dawn, rather than focusing on a potential failing or “sin” to give up for a season,

we should focus on turning away from something more significant and closer to our own heart…such as lack of

confidence in our ability to serve others, lack of “professionalism” or “education” to serve others. Perhaps as a

new or even seasoned Christian, there are still thoughts of unworthiness of ability or value for service to others.

These are all thoughts given by darkness, and not from the light that Christ has provided to us through his

sacrifice. These are the times when we must trust in the Lord’s ability to be our rear guard and advance our love

in devotion and support to our neighbors as Christ instructed.

Lent should not merely be a season of determining what we can “live without”. Lent must be a season of

determining what we have been “living without”. Talents hidden under a bushel do not provide light to the

world. Only by serving and suffering as Christ did, will we as Christians be able to lead others to his light and

into his service. Here am I!

Corey Babb

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WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2018

James 4:14

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little

time and then vanishes.

I was asked by someone once – “If you could live your life over, would you want to?” Very interesting

question. Like a lot of us, for me life has had its ups and downs, moments of joy and moments of loss,

moments of wow what a pleasant surprise and moments of gee I wish I would have done . . .., days of dreams

and days of dreams not reached. One learning for me is that life must be lived forward but it is only learned

looking back. My initial reaction to the question was no – one trip through life is enough. A second trip would

have different ups and downs, different challenges – but I have never viewed this time through as a dress

rehearsal.

As I look back on my 70 years, I see several things that could have, should have, been done differently and

better – maybe not being over focused on career aspirations and more focused on family, maybe not being as

directed toward accomplishment as towards spiritual development, maybe not being as impulsive but more

thoughtful and planning focused, maybe understanding consequences before a decision is reached and

implemented, maybe just taking more time to see life as it really is and not always live on the surface, maybe

making more time to help others.

My basic mission in life is to have every thought, word, and action I think or do be what Jesus would think, say

or do- it becomes fully internalized and instinctive. At the end of several days for me upon review of that day’s

activities, I find there is always ways to improve living into that mission and I hope I always have the desire to

live that way and internalize Jesus deeper into my soul. I am not what I want to be, not what I am going to be,

but love the challenge of discerning what Jesus would have me be and strive towards that target.

This Lent provides another opportunity to really take stock and plan for more spiritual development and

openness to guidance from our God on how life should be lived. I am very thankful for my Saint Peter and

Saint Paul Church family and the environment I find there that helps me with my spiritual development and

growth.

As I thought about the opening question more – I would like to try life again with 4 qualifications

I would want to know Christ deeper and earlier in my life,

I would like to have a Church family similar to my current one,

I would want the same parents, and

I would want the same life partner.

Tom Martin

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THURSDAY, February 22, 2018

1 Peter 1:22-25

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another

deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and

enduring work of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers

and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

I’ve spent so much of my life in fear. Tangible and intangible fears… but at the end of the day, those fears come down to

control and my sense that I have it… a lot of it, like “I can control my own destiny”, “I can control my life”… completely.

In my 20s I could do anything: if I made wise, good choices then, logically, the universe would reward me. Thirties

brought our first child and took our second and third; and I felt responsible for the success and deficient for my “failure”.

As I neared 40, I knew, intellectually, that bad things happen to good people and that we can’t control everything, but the

weight of my world was still on my shoulders.

Three years ago, my cousins’ dear wife, at the age of 26 and with a 6-month old baby, was diagnosed with Peritoneal

Mesothelioma. Try as they might, the doctors, researchers, and powers-that-be poked and prodded her, put her through

painful interviews to establish cause, and in the end, came up with no answers. Meanwhile she fought and armed herself

with research, information, and her faith. In the beginning her positivity and hard work were what I noticed most, and the

faith part seemed inconsequential as she fought for control of her disease. But as the disease progressed, her calm

acceptance, her faith, and her trust in God fascinated me. Her faith was genuine, not lip service. She was peacefully facing

something she couldn’t control—don’t get me wrong: she was a FIGHTER and wasn’t giving up— but she always

expressed confidence in and acceptance of God’s plan. In the final month of her life, she was distressed at the thought of

the pain her family would experience when she died but not for entering her eternal life with God. Her sister-in-law said

to me, “you hear of people who are dying being at peace, and she IS. It was the most amazing experience to witness.”

This young woman uncovered the power of faith for me. Faith in God does not make our life pretty, painless, or

comfortable. Having faith doesn’t mean good things will always come to you. Having faith means letting go of the fear of

our impermanence and imperfection. Having faith means never walking alone through the good or the bad. Having faith

means realizing we must strive to be and to do our best, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to live with gratitude and

forgiveness constantly in our hearts, and to stay true to the word of the God.

Since her death, I strive to not “sweat the small stuff,” to be grateful for our good fortune, and to appreciate the blessings

of this life. I am so grateful to share this journey with my family, to be a part of a loving and generous Christian

community, and to be reminded regularly and to remember fearlessly that the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the

word of the Lord endures forever.”

Beth Florence

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown,

things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life,

to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BCP Prayers of the People Form VI

I love this prayer of petition/confession we say together before receiving communion. During Lent we go a step

further, bewailing our manifold sins and wickedness which we have grievously committed in thought, word and

deed, and vowing to serve and please God – all still in newness of life. That we are given the chance to renew

the conversation, recommit the connection and are given a new lease on life each week (even daily) is amazing.

It means we are given the gift and the ability to be more aware of the things we are doing as we move through

that day.

During Lent I plan to be more conscious of those things I think, say and do. To mitigate the things done and left

undone (and fix some things left in the wake of the previous year). To look at the misdoings in my life and

heartily repent for them. Some were misunderstandings, some due to being pulled in too many directions at one

time, and some because of how I chose to prioritize my list of things to do. Whatever the reason or excuse I

give, there are still things that were done and left undone (and said and left unsaid) that I can try and fix over

Lent. It isn’t about explaining/excusing things, but about realizing I have hurt people, even though that was

never (and would never be) my intention.

The great mercy given in this is in the things unknown. It is always the unknown unknowns that trip me up,

because I cannot see them, cannot name them, and therefore cannot fix them. Only God can, and I can ask for

forgiveness for all that is past and realize the newness of life (the new lease on life) I am given to amend and

correct the path.

It is never too late to fix things, to make them right, to reconcile. I might not be able to do them all, but I don’t

know unless I try. It is made easier knowing God is on my side and that he has a path in place to help me.

Forgive me my sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone.

In newness of life, Amen.

Bernadette Watts

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SATURDAY, February 24, 2018

Ephesians 5: 1-2

Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us,

a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

As Fr. Tom reminds us every Sunday, our church’s mission is “Growing disciples of Jesus Christ….” If so, in

our call to discipleship we must work to become “imitators of God” as demonstrated to us by Jesus. Lent is an

appropriate time for me on my spiritual journey to focus on how I can become more intentional in practicing, as

best as I can, what Jesus taught us.

I know that in my human feebleness I cannot come anywhere close to imitating Christ fully, but I am

determined to make a beginning. I have selected three aspects of Christ’s ministry on earth for my devotional

focus this Lent as I strive to grow as one of His disciples.

LOVE – the overarching theme of Christ’s life on earth. He encouraged us over and over to love, love God,

love our neighbors, love our enemies and love ourselves. How can I put that into action? I will remember to

make love the central theme of all my interactions, no matter how challenging the situation. I will do so with

loved ones, family, friends and strangers, whomever I interact with each day. It can be in the form of kind

words, a smile to brighten a stranger’s day, a helping hand to someone who needs it, my presence and support

where that is appropriate.

FORGIVENESS – No matter how hard I try to be an “imitator of God” I know that I will err and fall short on

this one. But that will not stop me from trying! When I fall short, I will ask forgiveness and redouble my efforts

to do better. The greatest act of forgiveness was Jesus saying, “Father forgive them for they know not what they

do”, while he hung from the cross. I will try to do a better job as a disciple of Christ to forgive those who

trespass against me. I will not hold grudges but will do my best to let go of anger and resentment knowing that

God has forgiven me whenever I have asked His forgiveness. So too, I must forgive.

PRAYER – even as Jesus frequently went aside from his disciples to pray, I will set aside time each day for

prayer. In the silence I will not only bring my petitions to God but will also lift others up in prayer as their need

indicates. These times of prayer will enable me to be still, listen more closely to what God is directing me to do,

and asking Him for the wisdom and strength to do it. In particular, I pray that God will show me ways to infuse

my life and actions with His love.

I will do my best during this season of Lent to translate these aspirations into daily actions and interactions that

bring me closer to growing as a disciple of Christ, as an imitator of God. I will continue these practices after

Lent and for the long term.

I will remember that perfection in these efforts is not possible in my earthly existence, because I am only

human. But I do have the Christian hope that guides me on this journey and with Jesus at my side I will do my

best to come as close as I can to be an “imitator of God”, a disciple of Jesus Christ. Please join me on this

journey to discipleship. Together we can help each other.

Winsome Hawkins

14

SUNDAY, February 25, 2018

Matthew 23: 3-4

So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they

teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

I’m in San Diego at a Tax Conference for CPA’s and Enrolled Agents (EA’s) learning a lot of loopholes and the

new Tax Law for 2018. I am knee deep in a kind of Federal Tax Law -Pharisaic edition if you will. (Pharisaic

Law was practiced by the Pharisees)

The Pharisees of course were a band of supposedly pious men who were famous for interpreting Jewish Laws

and customs for the masses. In Matthew 23:3 Jesus said of them, “So practice and obey whatever they tell you,

but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable

religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.”

How often do I in my own faith walk follow the trappings- the traditions of Christianity – the rules and

regulations, and ignore the Spirit? How often am I looking for loopholes in the rules and regulations of my

faith walk?

Lent is here for us to remember that God wants us – all surrendered and without reserve. Surrendered not

because the “Bible tells me so” but because I love my God and want a closer relationship. The closer we are to

God the less we worry about Chapter and verse. The more we follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the

shackles of “Compliance” are replaced with a calmness, a peace. Our faith walk will not always be joyful and

free of pain, but it is richer with God’s presence and loving countenance.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to grow closer to you. Help my wandering and searching heart. Help me to

want a closer relationship with you. Help me to be mindful of your will in my life. May your will be done. We

ask this in your Holy Name, Amen.

Justin D. Streeter

15

MONDAY, February 26, 2018

Luke 4: 17-20

One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from

every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the

sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before

Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered

him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith,

he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

When I consider the themes for Lent the one that means the most to me is forgiveness. As a perfectionist I find

it easy to look at my shortcomings, count them up and ask for forgiveness. But accepting God’s love and

forgiveness is another matter entirely. That’s why I love the scripture where Jesus forgives and heals a

paralyzed man.

As the scripture goes, a paralyzed man’s friends knock a hole in a roof and lower him down on his mat so that

he is face-to-face with Jesus. The paralyzed man makes no declaration of faith, prays no sinner’s prayer. Even

so, Jesus tells him his sins are forgiven. Miraculously, a few minutes later his body is healed, and he is able to

walk. What strikes me is not only that the man did not say a memorized prayer, he also accepted the

forgiveness and went on his way.

Clearly the same faith that Jesus could do something for the broken body, faith which was desperate enough to

break open a roof to get to Jesus, is faith enough also to do something for the broken soul. Jesus recognizes no

distinction. Nor does he require a certain protocol or precise verbalization. He knows whether we have staked

everything on him or not. It is that, and not trusting to formulas that others have packaged with directions on

how God saves or heals, that makes all the difference in the world.

Can it be that simple? My tendency is to think that the things that come to me must be earned with immense

effort, continued measurement and a corrective action plan. Perhaps the forgiveness and healing is part and

parcel of God’s nature and my desire to return to Him after having sinned is my desire to be a disciple of Jesus

Christ.

Marci Thomas

16

TUESDAY, February 27, 2018

Psalm 4

Verse 2: You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory? How long will you worship dumb idols and run

after false gods?”

Verse 4: Tremble, then, and do not sin; speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.

One of my favorite spiritual activities is to pray the beautiful service of Compline, found on page 127 of the

Book of Common Prayer. I sometimes will do this by myself at home right before turning off the lights for the

night. It was by praying the Compline service that I first became well-acquainted with Psalm 4, from which I’ve

quoted two verses above. I encourage everyone to read this beautiful psalm prayerfully.

Psalm 4 is fairly short, with just eight verses—and it is somewhat unusual in that the second verse gives a rather

stern sounding rebuke to the psalmist or petitioner, with this rebuke set in quotes to show that it comes directly

from God: “You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory? How long will you worship dumb idols and run

after false gods?”

It is easy for us in the 21st Century to read those words and feel smug, thinking of how they applied to the

people of Old Testament times who (we might think, at least!) knew less of God’s ways than we do. But not so

fast! Those words can (and perhaps should!) apply directly to many of us right here and right now in Lent 2018.

How do we dishonor God’s glory? We dishonor God’s glory whenever we lead lives unworthy of followers of

Christ. How do we worship dumb idols and run after false gods? By letting other priorities and other pursuits

push aside our devotion to Our Lord and weaken our resolve to be faithful disciples of Christ.

Being an incorrigible “night owl,” I am personally touched deeply by verse 4: Tremble, then, and do not sin;

speak to your heart in silence upon your bed. It is often in the quiet, hushed hours of the dead of night when

God’s “voice” can be detected most clearly—for me, a rebuke will sometimes come from God by way of my

own conscience in those still, quiet night watches, if I will “speak to my heart in silence upon my bed.”

In those times, I am grateful beyond telling for a God whose heart is filled with love, compassion, and eagerness

to forgive. This is why, I firmly believe, we are told to “tremble, then, and do not sin.” It is not that our

Heavenly Father wants us to cringe in miserable fear, but that He longs for us to repent of our sins (whatever

they may be for each one of us individually or for all of us collectively) and seek His forgiveness. Isn’t this

exactly what the wonderful season of Lent calls us to do, my friends? May it be so for each of us and for our

whole church family this Lent!

George Chesnut

17

WEDNESDAY, February 28, 2018

Hebrews 11: 1, 6

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ... And without faith it is

impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those

who seek Him.

There are two specific experiences in this most recent year that have very much become part of my life’s

journey and have shaped who I am. These ongoing experiences have helped to increase my faith and have also

strengthened my prayer life.

The first involves the college search for our daughter, Caroline. While it is possible to easily get caught up in

the stress and demands of the college search, it made sense to focus my time and energy on praying that

Caroline would find the “right” school for her. This included trying to let go and to rest in the hope, and

ultimately the assurance, that God would help her in this discernment process. As we embarked on this journey,

I amazed myself at the calm and peace that I could maintain (most of the time!) as I firmly believed that God

would continue to lead not only Caroline, but our family as well. Our prayers were answered for this first step

in the journey that will take her to college next year.

The second experience deals with one of my friends who is not yet forty and was diagnosed with breast cancer

last fall, after giving birth to her second child. When she came to share the news, we cried together but then we

also did something we had not previously done together – we prayed together. While I am not walking in her

shoes, I am blessed to walk alongside her and to witness her faith in things hoped for, but also her acceptance of

whatever this journey may bring for her and her family. Her faith has increased, and she has made connections

and blessed many people with whom she has come in contact. In one of her recent blogs, she shared the

following: “I feel very blessed by this experience which has already enriched my life.”

Two different people (and families!), two different journeys, but both have God at work in very visible ways.

As I prepare for this upcoming Lent, I think about these experiences as it relates to my own journey. We do not

know what is ahead of us in life. What we do know is that God is with us, and that he gives us faith….and that

faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This faith – and prayer – sustains

us, hopefully to give us the ability to give thanks in all circumstances.

Susan Prout

18

THURSDAY, March 1, 2018

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Often, during the day, it is hard (at least, for me) to find ways to give thanks and rejoice in all things. Spending

eight hours at either school or work is not where I want to be spending my time, and I’m thinking it is not how

you want to spend yours either. This has become especially true for me now being a senior in high school as

graduation feels just around the corner. However, I still have months to go until I reach that date, so I continue

the monotony of attending school five days a week. Throughout this monotony, however, I have been able to

find places in which I can rejoice as the verses above instruct. I’ve listed just a few of the tactics I use below

and hope these will help you during this Lenten season!

1. Give thanks for waking up in the morning. I know this sounds ridiculous because no one likes waking up,

and we all want just an extra few minutes of sleep. What I always keep in mind, though, is that God chose to

wake me up this morning and chose to wake you up as well meaning that He has a plan that He wants us to

complete today. Because of this, why shouldn’t we rejoice that our Maker woke both you and me up?

2. Try to release feelings of anger or hurt. I know this is easier said than done, but, yes, it can be done. All it

requires is practice. I used to bottle up feelings, and let them stew all day finally exploding and hurting

someone else’s feelings. However, I have begun to mentally release those feelings, and allow myself to

relax and let go of those feelings. Once I do, I find myself rejoicing both in that I was able to let go and that

I did not let those emotions ruin the rest of my day. Every day is a gift from God so why should you or I

waste it being angry or upset?

3. Give yourself at least one small victory per day. I have found that accomplishing something small still gives

me the same satisfaction that accomplishing something big gives me. It doesn’t matter whether other people

think of it as a small or big victory; it is yours to choose and yours to accomplish. A small tip from me

would be to make a physical checklist. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy nor am I saying go out and buy a

nice checklist; it can be made from a simple piece of paper. I am not just saying this either! Studies have

found that checklists make you more likely to complete the small goal. Checklists provide a bigger sense of

victory when you physically check it off your list and can say, “I did that today!”

4. Eat! Now, I know these other suggestions are more serious, but this one is just as important. Eating is

incredibly important because it provides you with the ability to get through the day with energy. How you

can expect yourself to do God’s plan for the day and accomplish a small victory without having the energy

to do it? As well, food is delicious. How could eating not be one of your favorite parts of the day? When it

gets to your favorite meal (for me, that’s dinner) enjoy what you are eating! If you are eating squirrel food

(such as nuts or berries), you can’t expect to be motivated to get to the next meal let alone complete God’s

plan and a small victory. God gave us, so many food options so take advantage, and enjoy that easy

motivator!

5. Finally, every night before you go to bed, think or write down something you were thankful for that day. It

can be as simple as being thankful for the dinner you had () to being thankful for getting to see a friend or

family member that you don’t often get to see. Even if your day was terrible, finding something of which to

be thankful enables you to find the one bright spot in that day and smile because of it. God gave you this

day and everything in it so rejoice!

Caroline Prout

19

FRIDAY, March 2, 2018

John 6:37-40

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I

have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him

who sent me that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed

the will of my Father that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up

on the last day.

As we enter the time of Lent this invitation of faith becomes even more of a focus and reflection on how to

prepare ourselves to be ready to follow and give ourselves up to Christ. This lesson had an even more powerful

voice for our family this year as we said our final goodbyes to our parents and fully comprehended the closure

of an earthly life is not the end but a continuation and transition to serve in a new way.

For us the time of focus on the celebration of life for Mairead allowed us to gather and inject our views of how

we had seen Christ direct and impact the work she did to reflect the will of the Father. In fact, in May when she

had a lucid hour during a hospitalization stay the clouds cleared from her dementia and that was what we talked

about – had we done enough to impact other’s lives to make a difference for them and done right by a

relationships with our neighbor. That brief time of communication indicated to me that even in the fog of 5

years of Dementia the Holy Spirit is fueling thoughts of Love and that regular prayer, worship and study

support. We discovered even more amazing ways at the funeral that people had seen God working through our

parents to impact and bring Gods love to them in a very real and tangible way using John and Mairead as

instruments. I pray that we all could become such servants.

The all essential relationship that we choose to make the center of our life will be the only determinant of how

we can lead a life in Christ. Surely if we keep ourselves in the center and not Christ we can never do the will of

the Father. We cannot change our life, and definitely not impact the lives of others.

My prayers and commitment this Lent will then be to add a discipline each day to go away for 15 minutes in the

start, the middle and end of the day to center my contemplation on Christ centered life and how that can

continue to grow my ability to see the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and those around us with whom we are

neighbors. When I have been intentional in the past such as in Stephen Ministry prayer times and interactions, I

have been strongly impacted by the sense of direction of the Holy Spirit in many of the changes, healing and

strength that I have seen in these prayerfully supported relationships.

My Prayer this Lent:

Dear Heavenly Father, let me have the regular discipline to set aside time to prepare each day to be open hear

to your call. Direct my thoughts, and choices this day so that all that I do and say brings glory to You. Let me

grow in my ability to share the joy I experience in my life in relationship with Jesus Christ, and allow others to

enter into the same. Please fill the quiet times with awareness and knowledge that the Holy Spirit will light a

fire in my heart to be more courageous in my life. Amen

Peter Williams

20

SATURDAY, March 3, 2018

Mark 14: 3-9

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an

alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his

head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have

been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her

harshly. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to

me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always

have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

Truly I

tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory

of her.”

I have always struggled a bit with this verse. Mainly because a part of me wants to side with the guests at this

dinner party who cringe when the woman pours out this expensive perfume. This perfume was very expensive

– worth as much as an entire year’s wages. “What a waste!” they say. Think of what could have been done

with that money…

But then, nothing was too expensive, too much for this woman to give to her Master. This woman was most

likely Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. Martha and Mary loved Jesus very much. Nothing they could do

would ever repay Him for raising their brother, Lazarus, from the dead.

So, this got me thinking. What do I value most in my life? What do I spend my time doing? What do I spend

my money on? What am I doing with my talents? Is Jesus at the center of these things in my life? Am I using

the things that I value most to glorify Jesus? Nothing I could do would ever repay Him for the sacrifice He has

made for me – to give me freedom from death, just like He did for Lazarus. But, I can use my valuable

blessings of time, talents and treasure to worship and glorify Him.

My prayer for Lent:

Dear God, I pray that you will use all that I have and all that I am to glorify and serve you in the world, in the

name of your son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Kim Nancarrow

21

SUNDAY, March 4, 2018

Matthew 5:44-45

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your

Father who is in heaven.

This seems pretty easy to do. After all I don’t have any real enemies. I don’t really hate anyone, anyone I know,

that is. It’s okay for me to hate Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran or Kim Jong Un of North Korea; they are both

really bad people. But no, that’s not right either. Jesus’ command is pretty simple, simple enough for humans to

understand. Love your enemies. Pray for them. No wiggle room there. It’s not even okay to hate them because

they are bad people. So, my point is this; there is probably no danger at all that I’ll truly hate someone, because

in my life I almost exclusively interact with good people, people that no one is going to hate. Whew! Safe there!

But I want to address a more subtle issue; things I know that I do. Maybe you are guilty of this behavior too. I

see something on social media or TV or in a newspaper editorial that I do not agree with and I immediately say

under my breath (sometimes out loud)”What an idiot! How can anyone be so stupid as to believe that?” Tell me

brothers and sisters, where is the Christian love in this behavior? I might disagree with that person’s position,

and that’s okay, but it is not okay for me to attack them personally for their beliefs. I’m not talking about

political correctness here; attacking an idea is fine, but personal attacks on someone who thinks differently from

me is nothing but thinly disguised hate. Where is Jesus in this behavior?

Some might attribute this type of behavior to the anonymity of the Internet and some might excuse this behavior

by suggesting that since it’s not face-to-face, then it’s not really bad behavior. But it is really bad behavior. It is

in direct conflict with Jesus’ words to love one another. No wiggle room here either.

And just what am I doing when I attack someone for his or her political beliefs? When I make it a personal

attack on someone, what I am really doing is attacking a person created in the image of God. Where is Jesus in

this? And who am I to judge others?

Lent is a time for preparation, a time for atonement, a time to prepare our hearts for the Risen Lord Jesus. Lent

is a time for self-examination, a time for prayer, a time to turn our lives around. “Prepare ye the way of the

Lord”. We know what is coming – the Resurrection. Shouldn’t we be ready?

John Patton

22

MONDAY, March 5, 2018

Mark 12:28-31

Jesus was asked, “…Of all the commandments, which is the most important?

The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the

Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

It is funny how Jesus’s response to the scribe’s question from two thousand years ago so elegantly answers not

only the question posed but also a deeper question that still calls out to us today. What does it mean to walk in

relationship with God and the world He created? In a nutshell, what does it mean to be Christian?

While I will certainly not try to guess why God chose to create us, I do believe that we were created with

relationship in mind. I think that Jesus is trying to tell us is that we cannot be completely in relationship with

God without being completely in relationship with each other. Why? Sometimes the answer is just because

that is the way God wants it. How we value each other must transform from a worldly ideal into a heavenly

one. And most importantly God is the pivot point and driving force for that transformation.

It is human to distrust and push away people and ideas that are alien to us; however, the barricades we build to

keep the Other away also prevent the fullness of God from living with us as well. Jesus’s words show us that

we cannot truly love God with all that we are, without tearing down all the walls, filling in all the pits and

finally loving our neighbors as ourselves.

The world tries its best to tear down all of our relationships. We are truly blessed that God continues to pull us

back into relationship with Him and each other.

Joseph Hegedus

23

TUESDAY, March 6, 2018

Romans 1:17

The righteous will live by faith.

I have a little typewritten note on my refrigerator door that says, "Faith means not worrying". I'm not sure

where I got the quote, but it is my reminder that my faith that God will keep his promises to us means that I

don't need to worry. Worry and faith do not go together. Worry can be immobilizing. When we focus on our

miseries and hold on to petty things that happen to us, they impact our hearts and minds. The Random House

Dictionary defines faith as "belief which is not based on proof". It also defines faith as "the trust in God and

His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which man is justified or saved". Worry can be a

lack of faith.

When you face difficulties, remember that spiritual resources are there, even if you can't see them. We can see

God's resources through the eyes of faith. Thomas Aquinas said "To one who has faith, no explanation is

necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible".

Jackie Leslie

24

WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018

II Corinthians 5:26-21

Brimming with big ideas…brimming with exciting plans…brimming with must-do’s, best practices (where can I

take a master class on____?) …brimming with schedules, meal planning, returning books before they’re

overdue, fixing that hole over there, I love this song! car maintenance fees, just a walk for goodness’ sake,

volunteering, Bible study…!

Breathe, lest this be about anxiety or out-of-whack priorities rather than relationship, reconciliation, and gentle

reminders of renewal in these beautiful, often challenging, ponderous (Lenten) days.

Have you, like me, ever felt so “brimmingly” that your thoughts and actions (etc.) become one with

Overwhelm? Is it just me or do you, too, ever pause and listen to yourself think? What’s that about? Why

bother? What’s next?

I’ve learned that one of our many most powerful blessings isn’t necessarily answering “What’s next” or “What

now,” but it is the unequivocal assurance before we even utter the questions that God’s love is an all-

encompassing stronghold; in other words, His grace, mercy, and fatherly affection (to name a few of my

favorites) for us knows no bounds. Knowing that strong loving relationships require both seeking and finding, it

follows that allowing ourselves room—picture epic scale here—for an interactive growth relationship with

God IS our constant answer. He is right here. He is integral in our waking; He is the soft breathing of a sleeping

child. He epitomizes the gift into which a loved one put great thought (we are hardly settled from Christmas

yet). In choosing to open our hearts and minds to be actively connected with our Lord God, we become quieted

from extraneous distraction—really loud, chaotic streams of consciousness, for example—and primed for

engaging in a new moment with purpose and peace, rather than, say, crumpling from anxiety and an

overwhelming sense of cluelessness. Furthermore, as with any handy answer, in order to maximize our

relationship with God we have multiple implements for reinforcing this truth, including prayer and Scripture

study.

With this in mind, some wisdom from our verse above emerges as we are encouraged by the fact that

reconciliation and relationship intertwine within (and through) God’s loving presence. When we are consumed

by circumstance, “Be reconciled to God.” When our noisy thoughts threaten to swallow us and spit out a

shriveled wreck, let the still-shiny newness of our creation in Christ “Be reconciled to God.” When we are

panicked and questioning our very place in this world and the you-must-do-it-now-and-be-really-awesome-at-it

societal attitude, “Be reconciled to God.” And, when our day is long and lovely in the joys it brings, “Be

reconciled to God.” When we feel as if we could burst from the pure goodness of love in our lives, “Be

reconciled to God.” When we just can’t seem to hug, hold, laugh with, and enjoy our families and our beloved

pets enough, “Be reconciled to God.” Clearly, this leads us in new directions with loads of possibilities, quite

appropriate for new thinking in a new year during a stretch of inward consideration.

Restoration of a priority or two might just be a no-brainer for Lent after all.

Robin Pongonis

25

THURSDAY, March 8, 2018

James 5:7-11

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of

the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish

your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you

may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers,

take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained

steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord

is compassionate and merciful.

My life … both personal and professional … requires A LOT of patience. I am an eighth-grade teacher and

mother of a three year old. I must have patience with a 14 year-old as they dig through a pile of papers looking

for last night’s homework. Patience with my 3-year-old as she continues to play after being asked repeatedly to

put her toys away and come upstairs for a bath. Patience with that eighth grader who, on Monday morning,

seems to have forgotten everything we learned the week before over the course of the weekend. Patience with a

tired toddler who refuses to eat her dinner. I have been told repeatedly that I have the patience of Job. Perhaps I

do.

But I lack patience in one very important area of life: my relationship with God. I lack the patience to listen. To

pause and hear that still, small voice within me. The one that whispers, “Everything is going to be all right.” I

lack the patience to wait for an answer. Or guidance. Or a sign of the next step to take.

I know Little Johnny will find that elusive homework paper, and Little Susie will make a mind-blowing

connection between what we are learning today and what we covered last week. Audrey will find her way to the

bathtub, and will get the nourishment she needs to fuel another day of play.

Just as I know these things will happen, I should know that my prayers will be answered. God will be there for

me in times of celebration and times of tribulation. In thankful times and in anxious times. God is always there,

but he makes himself known on his own timetable. As 2 Peter 3:8 says, “But do not forget this one thing, dear

friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

Leigh Mickalonis

26

FRIDAY, March 9, 2018

John 3:16

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son,

so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but

have eternal (everlasting) life.

The lynch pin verse that neatly summarizes the message of Christianity. For many of us this is the first (and

sometimes only) verse in the bible we’ve memorized. We sinned and fell short, so God sent His son to die in

our place. A considerable sacrifice to be sure, but many of us think, well, after all, we’re sinners, but we’re not

that bad. Not so fast. “Because the people have forsaken Me and have estranged and profaned this place

[Jerusalem] by burning incense in it to other gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah ever

knew, and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents...which I commanded not nor spoke of

it, nor did it come into My mind and heart” (Jeremiah 19:4-5). In other words, our sins are depraved indeed.

One can feel the revulsion of the Creator of the Universe as He details the violence and wickedness in which we

routinely engage and stands back and declares “It did not come into my mind and heart that my beloved

creation could behave thus toward each other and Me.” Oh.

So, the fix. God sends His son. But don’t miss the point. We poisoned our relationship with God by our

disobedience, but God so greatly loved and dearly prized us that He sacrifices in our place. How do you heal

brokenness? Love. Where there is brokenness more love is required. It bears repeating. Where there is

brokenness MORE LOVE is required. Our tendency when wronged is to insist on our own way, be irritable

and resentful, rejoice at wrongdoing, and in general, violate every instruction of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. But

Jesus’s sacrifice shows us another way. John 3:16 is a template for how to heal the brokenness in our lives.

Whatever needs repair in our lives – relationships, behaviors, temperaments – requires more love, not less.

Love and sacrifice heal.

Amy Cassaniti

27

SATURDAY, March 10, 2018

Revelations 21:1-4

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there

was no more sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a

bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s

dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself

will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or

mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

In studying the bible in many classes: adult, children, and coffee hour groups, I don’t recall ever having a bible

class on Revelations. When you do bible study with various groups, not too many groups want to take up

Revelations. Why?? I believe most of us or for me in particular find the book of Revelations to be

overwhelming. There are a lot of symbols and various wording that make it difficult to understand. Or maybe,

I am chicken!!

Revelations is a scary account of what our future might come to, if we don’t follow the Lord our God’s word. I

guess the fire and brimstone is somewhat daunting to us mortals. In many of our classes there are passages that

reference Revelations. So, you touch on passages, but not the whole book.

So today during our holy season of Lent, I would like to touch on these very powerful verses. A new heaven

and a new earth, we are going to see God’s glorious city. We are going to be living in the new creation or the

new order. God will be with us and living among his people. No more pettiness or jealousy! God is bringing

in a new Order. Human beings will be in glorious harmony with God and each other. What a glorious day that

will be!

As Lent approaches, we need to mindful of God’s promises to us. I need to look deep within me to see if I am

doing what God wants me too. Am I listening to his directions? Am I taking time to pray and study his word?

He has told us many times, he is going to prepare a place for us. Isn’t it time we get ready for that meeting.

Let’s make sure we take his words seriously. We should be mindful in the upcoming Lenten season to listen for

God’s directions in prayer, study and the way we treat others.

In this Lenten season of 2018, I hope that everyone takes time to pray fully consider these verses that John

referenced in the book of Revelations. God has promised us a New Order for our Earth and Heaven, everyone

living in harmony and peace. As for me I will Try, try to follow Jesus! What will you choose to do?

Caroline Woodruff

28

SUNDAY, March 11, 2018

Matthew 6: 25-27

Therefore, I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, or what you

wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the

air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you much

more valuable than they? Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Worry seems to be all around us. We are exposed to worry from the news media and every move we make

seems to cry out “be careful.” Do your children belong to the right social groups? Are your children being

bullied at school? Will there be enough money to pay for the car repair or go on a nice vacation? Will our

clothes we wear fit in? It seems like as parents we have an abundance of things to worry about, yet lack the

resources to “fix the problem.”

In the above scripture, Jesus is telling us not to worry so much. Jesus is saying look at what He has created; the

lilies of the valley are adorned with beauty and aren’t we more important than them. As parents it seems almost

natural to worry about our children and our families. Jesus is saying that we need to have more faith. To use

the West Indies jargon as a catch phrase Jesus says, “DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY.” Put your faith in God.

Just think of all the millions of things God makes happen daily in our universe. If God can keep this giant thing

we call the universe in working order, he can surely help “little old me” make important decisions and make

significant actions.

The cure is simple (but we seem to ignore it). As your plan, place your faith in God. Let him guide your life.

Seek his will and let God be the compass that keeps us on the straight and narrow path. Too many times I try to

take the steering wheel out of God’s hands and “do it myself.” Ask for God’s help and have faith he will guide

you. After all, “God runs a great big universe and he has had billions of years of experience.

Jim Woodruff

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MONDAY, March 12, 2018

Psalm 131:2

But I have calmed and quieted myself,

I am like a weaned child with its mother;

In a typical day, I may go to the store for groceries, make a quick stop for gas, pull through the Starbucks for

coffee, or grab lunch at a local restaurant. I am used to directing my day according to my wants and needs. And

when I pray, I am quick to think of all the things I want and need God to do for me and others before I rush off

to the next thing.

If I am not careful, it is easy for me to slip into a one-sided and self-centered relationship with God. Like a

bratty child, I am guilty of using, manipulating, and bargaining with God to get the things I want, and ignoring

the things that God might want. I wonder how God feels when we come to Him this way. When people treat me

like this, I run the other way. I know that Scripture is full of promise that God is near to the cries of His people

and He delights in answering our prayers, but sometimes I wonder if God is waiting for us to lay aside our

wants and needs to simply be content and enjoy His presence in our life.

How can you take some time to lay aside your wants and needs to focus on God and enjoy His presence in your

life today?

Matt Martin

30

TUESDAY, March 13, 2018

Philippians 2: 5 – 18

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,

by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and

gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on

earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the

Father.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my

absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for

it is God who works in you to will and

to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may

become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you

will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast

on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink

offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So, you too

should be glad and rejoice with me.

In October of 2016 I was approached by several people, independently, about serving on the Vestry. At the

time, I couldn’t imagine taking on one more responsibility – between family, work, existing commitments at

church and in life in general, serving on the Vestry just wasn’t an option. The answer was a very clear “one day,

but not right now”.

As we went through 2017 I found myself increasingly reflecting on the fact everything I wanted to do in life

was met with a “I’ll do it in the future…when the boys leave home…. when I have more time…. when I have

more money”. But as a friend pointed out – there never is a perfect time, at least not by our earthly standards.

The perfect time for everything is determined by God alone.

In the Women’s Sunday School class, we have been studying the book of Philippians using N. T. Wright’s

study guide. The fact that a book in the Bible of only four chapters can support an eight-week bible study is a

testament to the words of wisdom Paul has to share, but it is Philippians 2:5 – 18 that is particularly poignant.

Paul teaches us that we should share the same attitude as Christ adopted here in earth. Jesus took on the role of

the servant and we in turn are called by God to serve. We are asked to humble ourselves as Jesus did and put

others before ourselves, even consider them better than ourselves. Verse 12 and 13 remind us that our salvation

depends on our work on this earth – our salvation and God’s work are entwined, they are the same thing. We

are saved by God’s grace, but it is God’s will that we do his work and we need to do this with “fear and

trembling”, translated by many to mean “with utter seriousness”.

If we are to fulfil God’s wish and his work, we must open our minds and hearts to him, to step out of our

comfort zone and trust the path down which he leads us. I often worry that I am not using my time and talents in

the way God would wish me to, to do the work he would have me do and to serve him the best I can. However,

Paul’s words are there as a guide and as encouragement to keep us focused. And so, after some prayerful

consideration, I said yes to serving on the Vestry for the next three years. Nothing in my life has changed to free

up any more time or energy than I had twelve months ago – however, I have been called to serve in this way

and trust that God will provide. I am excited to see what God has in store for these next three years!!

Rachel Buhler

31

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know

what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any

and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether lving in plenty or in want. I can do all this through

him who gives me strength.

It’s funny the way life works. There are many times when our Sunday morning bible study group is reviewing

a lesson that is so appropriate for the things going on in my life, that I truly believe it is not a coincidence, that it

is the Holy Spirit working in my life. I have been praying for several big things going on in my life.

Sometimes I feel those prayers are falling on deaf ears, or maybe I’m praying “wrong” ….is there a right or

wrong way to pray? I find that I sometimes question why God is doing something in my life that I don’t agree

with. I think if I pray harder, or pray a different way that God will somehow hear me better and say

“ohhhhh……that’s what you meant? I didn’t understand it the first 200 times you asked.”

And then I read these versus in our final lesson of Philippians… “be content, whatever the circumstances”. In

other words, it is not in my hands, it is in God’s hands. God hears our prayers, but His plan is greater than

mine…and it is in His timing…. not mine. For this Lenten season, I am doing my best to be content in any and

every situation and trust that I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Eileen Mittleider

32

THURSDAY, March 15, 2018

Isaiah 58: 6-12

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to

set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the

poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh

and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, then your righteousness will go before you, and the

glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help,

and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious

talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your

light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he

will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered

garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the

age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

So often I have wondered why I am where I am. What is my purpose on earth? It doesn't make sense to me to not be used

in the manner in which I think I should be used. Most often I assume that one area of my life is "reserved " for use in

God's kingdom here on earth, while other areas are not important at all. Isn't this belief more than a little arrogant? What

about the value of my sufferings? Are they not more valuable than my gifts?

My girlfriend/coworker shared her trials with me, after someone made an offhanded, shallow remark. She said that upon

buying a house, Kelly now had "everything." I watched, as Kelly incredulously and tearfully reacted, by saying that she

didn’t have everything life had to offer. She wanted to commit suicide during chemotherapy while having to care for a

newborn son. Then she asked me, "Why? Why was I saddled with all this pain? Why was a death sentence looming over

me like a swinging axe, while I was given the life of a child?"

I responded that we were given great depth of wisdom as a result of our suffering. As imitators of Christ, it is our duty

and privilege to walk with others while they go through their own personal hell. We can demonstrate that God is with us

through our suffering. He will give us everything we need to endure; but we must also remember that we are His hands

and feet. And so, we are Heaven on earth to the suffering. We are the healing balm to a hurting soul.

A few weeks ago, Kelly's dear friend Cathy also learned that she has cancer. Inwardly, I oddly felt great excitement,

because I knew that this was an excellent opportunity to implement Kelly's experience to help Cathy. I suggested to Kelly

that she absolutely must walk Cathy through this process, every step of the way. Kelly has authenticity, because no one

else can uniquely reach her friend. I also asked her to enlist her husband Shawn, to minister to Cathy's husband. Upon

witnessing the beginning of Cathy's unfolding journey, I am richly rewarded. It is delightful to see the ripple effect of

God's providence of care through my little corner of the world.

Linda C. Kepler (Linda Cable Shute)

33

FRIDAY, March 16, 2018

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod

and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup

runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

I love this Psalm and like many, memorized it as a child. I was so proud that I could recite this in Sunday

School as a young girl but reading it, reciting it, knowing the words by heart is not enough. I was a young

married mother when I learned what it means to live this Psalm. My grandfather was very ill and in the

hospital. I had flown home to Savannah, Georgia, with my baby daughter to visit him and support my mother

and grandmother, Nana. I was staying at my family home—the home in which I had grown up in. My Nana

was staying there also while Pop was in the hospital. Mother had gone to work, and Nana was resting in bed

when I got a phone call from the hospital saying that I should bring my Nana to the hospital. It sounded grim.

When I went in to wake Nana, I told her about the phone call and that we should go to the hospital. She

immediately sat up and began to recite Psalm 23. She knew where her help would come from and Who was her

Companion as she walked through this valley. I have never forgotten this time when the scripture came alive

and I saw faith in action! I am happy to say that my Pop did not die that day, but my Nana knew she was not

alone and never would be! Thanks be to God for loving and faithful grandparents and parents who helped me in

my spiritual journey.

Marilynn Mueller

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SATURDAY, March 17, 2018

Mark 4:26-29

This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps

or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first

the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it,

because the harvest has come.

I am comforted with Jesus’s first sentence of this parable, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.” My mind

is anticipating and visualizing what is to follow, and my imagination races as I read the remainder of this short

parable. This Parable seems to be an extension of “The Sower” in Mark 4:2-9. Emphasis is on “the good soil”,

or possibly a receiving heart, a heart that is open and receptive to God’s Word, the “Seed” growing within us,

and extending beyond us into the world. In this parable “all by itself” the soil produced the grain. I remind

myself about the importance of nourishing my soul through prayer, reading of scripture, study, and positive

interaction with friends, family, and community. I continue to work on myself, knowing that the “seed” grows

within me, and hopeful that God will fulfill His purpose for me, even when I fall short.

I feel that God has crafted a unique creation in each of us, and we are each guided differently, and each respond

differently to “The Seed” within us. And, that Seed works independently of human effort; although, my

receptive awareness of “The Seed” acknowledges His presence, and guides my choices and actions. I find that

at this stage of life that I am preparing for the “Harvest”, the time when the “Seed” has grown, and ripened,

fully within me, and He has accomplished all that He planned for me in this life. (Note that “preparing” is the

key word here!) I like to think that we each impart, sow, some of our own seeds that will remain behind after

our Harvest, possibly part of our eternal life in this life. God’s unique way of weaving mankind together,

creating familial closeness through the generations, and each life making a difference, be it large of small, and

all for God’s glory. Thanks be to God for our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Blessings to each of you this Lent on your individual journeys.

Merrilee Allen

35

SUNDAY, March 18, 2018

Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of Christ Jesus for

you.

I have a friend who sends me uplifting e-mails. Here is one I received recently titled “The Black Dot”. A

college professor announced a snap quiz to his class, much to the dismay of his students. He handed out the

papers with instructions to leave them face down until notified to start.

Once all quizzes were distributed, the professor had them turn the pages face up. To their surprise, all that was

on the paper was a single black dot in the middle of the page. The professor then instructed them to write down

everything they observed on the paper. As time passed, the students feverishly wrote down their observations.

Once everyone had finished, the professor collected all the papers and stood in front of the class and began to

read aloud each of the student’s thoughts. One by one, every student, without exceptions, defined the black dot

trying to explain its position in the center of the page.

After all, had been read, the classroom was silent. The professor began to explain. “I’m not going to grade you

on this quiz. I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper.

Everyone focused on the little black dot.”

The same thing happens in our lives. With God’s blessings all around us, we always seem to focus on the black

dots in our lives. God has graced us in his image with this incredible life; we always have reasons to celebrate.

Nature renewing itself each day, beauty all around us. Our families, our friends, our homes, our church, our

health and the list goes on!

The small black dots in our lives are minute compared to the riches of all the white surrounding our lives. This

past year, Susan and I have had many reasons to celebrate the whiteness in our lives. Me, surviving pancreatic

cancer, our love for one another. Our families, our many friends, the love of our church and especially our faith.

We hope to do everything we can to rejoice, pray, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of Christ

Jesus for us all. So, starting this Lenten season, ignore the black dots and focus on the rest of the beautiful

surrounding whiteness of your lives.

Steve and Susan Hadley

36

MONDAY, March 19, 2018

Isaiah 30:15

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in

quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’

For so many, myself included, it can be difficult to be still, and silently alone in God’s presence. Yet God

deigned time for us to do so not just weekly, as in the Sabbath, but also daily. Why then can it be so challenging

to take that time once a week and in a day to break regularly in stillness? For me the answer can be various

ones; guilt, distractions, time, others’ perceptions, to name a few. That is the enemy wanting me to believe there

is weakness in rest. But were we really meant to live stretched beyond our limits associating relaxation with

irresponsibility?

The Bible doesn’t seem to think so. Instead it views rest as a sign of reverence. He told Moses and the Israelites,

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so

that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed” (Exodus 23:12).

Wow, to be refreshed! But what about this task and that errand and the kids, and the household, it’s budget,

groceries, laundry, work???? What if something is missed?

God promised to supply the Hebrews with manna each day. But He told them to collect one day’s supply at a

time. Those who disobeyed and collected enough for two days, (that probably would have been me!) found

themselves with rotten manna. The only exception was the day prior to the Sabbath. Other than that, God gave

them what they needed, at the appointed time. When we trust God at His word, I believe we can see His

strength in many ways.

The following quote by author Mark Batterson, to me suggests that silence is critical to our spiritual vitality:

“God often speaks loudest when we’re quietest”. How can one know true tranquility? Max Lucado proposed in

a recent devotional that we should face today’s problems and no more, meeting them with God’s strength. I

don’t believe that he means to suggest not planning for the future, but attempting to deal with the future’s

problems goes against the grains of tranquility and true rest. God offers us an invitation daily to lean on Him

instead of our own means.

It may be uncomfortable to think about being still and quite for 15 minutes or more. If so, this Lenten Season

you could even begin with taking just one minute to disengage, detach, unplug, quietly relaxing in His Peace.

Then each day add on another minute. When those distracting thoughts of unfinished items, unresolved

problems try to encroach your mind, know that you are taking these moments to entrust your labors to God.

And thanks be to God, we can relish in knowing that with the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always alongside us in the

journey. 1 John 3:19-20, “This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in

his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

Peace of the Lord,

Lisa Doss

37

TUESDAY, March 20, 2018

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know

what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any

and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything

through him who gives me strength.

It is difficult to be content. Why is this? As we discussed it in Sunday School class, our world in East Cobb

creates an environment of discontent. We are constantly bombarded with visual ads, Facebook photos, tweets

and sound bites that show us how a happy, perfect life should look. We see images of these things of world-that

are “necessary” for us to be content. However, if we stop and consider what makes us content, it looks much

different than your neighbor’s picture of their last vacation.

Contentment starts from within. To be content we need to be mature, have a little bit of perspective, live in the

present, and have our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter met. However, what aids in that contentment is

love. Love of others, love from others, love of self, and most importantly the love of God.

These words above from Paul, written to the Philippians, were written from prison. Most of us would not be

content if we were in prison. However, Paul found that contentment because he was not looking at his

circumstances at the time. He kept his eye on the bigger picture. He saw God as a loving father who is

forgiving enough to love us with all our faults, who rejoices with us in our successes and cries with us in our

sorrows. He is the loving parent, who cries when we make the bad choice, and celebrates when we successfully

navigate difficult times. God gives us his love and his forgiveness and his support always. He never deserts

us. We are never alone.

This Lent as we are reflecting on our lives, reflect on your blessings. What do you need to be content? Do you

have a place to sleep inside? Did you have 3 meals today? Do you have a car? Then move onto other areas of

your life. Have you experienced joy? Have you experienced sorrow? All of us have. But who has walked

through both the joys and sorrows with you? Who loves you unconditionally? Who promises you eternal life?

Lord, help me to count my blessings daily. Help me to be content in my circumstances, and to push aside the

images of the world. Thank you for your abundant blessings and the promise of eternal life with you. In Jesus

name I pray. Amen.

JoAnn Gotschall

38

WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to

be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you’ll

be able to endure it.

We may not have heard this verse before, but we’ve probably heard similar wisdom: “God never gives us more

than we can handle.” The verse sounds good, yet can be difficult to remember in tough times. Sometimes we get

so caught up in our problems that we forget the Lord.

For some reason or another, we get determined to dig ourselves out. We want to “pull ourselves up by our boot-

straps.” We’re afraid we’ll look weak if we reach out for help. Our situation can appear be so dark, we forget

God is in the room with a flashlight! God is here for us. Jesus was tempted too. Who would want to endure what

he did? Betrayal, humiliation, torture, crucifixion, and death was no picnic. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for

strength to do his Father’s will, and an angel strengthened him!

Just as Jesus’s Father was there for him, that same Father, our Father, is here for us. All we must do is

remember that he’s there, and ask him for help so we can endure. This Lent, remember this verse. Whatever

turmoil or temptation is wearing you down, be it the treat you swore off, the task you swore you’d do more

often but don’t want to, or even if you’re about to make some horrible decision, because you “just can’t take it

anymore,” God is waiting at the door for you; will you let him in?

Carl Mickalonis

39

THURSDAY, March 22, 2018

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

It was February 11, 2012. I was on a business trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, and I found myself in the Winter

Palace of the Tsars, now called The Hermitage Museum, standing in front of Rembrandt’s The Return of the

Prodigal Son.

For most of history, the Prodigal Son’s return has been captured by showcasing the joy of the father. The

clothes are arriving, the fatted calf is being led to the kitchen for the meal. Everything is decided, and joy has

won. But the moment that Rembrandt caught is the moment before all of this happens. He captured a powerful,

emotionally charged moment where everyone sits balanced on a fulcrum, awaiting someone to act and shift the

balance.

The artist shows the prodigal kneeling, his face buried in the chest of his father. The moment is tense with

potential. The Prodigal Son, in the same position as the viewer, his face obscured. Rembrandt doesn’t provide

us with the emotions of the son, he is asking you to insert your own emotions.

The father stands before his son, strong hands on his shoulders, his face caught in the blooming of compassion,

the moment before joy—but the son can’t see that. The elder son stands to the side, detached. He hasn’t had a

chance to be outraged by grace yet. The servants look on in inaction, anxious to see how their master will react.

A woman (the mother?) looks on from the background, her face unreadable in the shadows.

This tension is like the tension of Lent – a time for us to reflect on our sins, and to repent, return, and reconcile.

What will be the reaction as you repent? Does the fact that you can’t see the expression on the Father’s face

stop you from coming home?

Just like Rembrandt captured in this painting, Lent is the moment of held breath, where we kneel before God,

waiting for his response. Thanks be to God, His response to us is Easter. He has already ordered the new robes

for us, and behind the scenes, the preparations for the party are already beginning.

But this painting is also a reminder of how we are to respond to each other. How will you react when someone

comes to you asking forgiveness? With the grace of the Father, or the elder brother’s self-righteous dismay?

Like the servants, will you wait to be told what to do, or be proactive? Or will you be like the residents of the

foreign land, taking advantage of those who are down on their luck?

Jay Pongonis

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FRIDAY, March 23, 2018

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so

that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Many years ago when asked what I planned to give up for Lent I would proudly state “chocolate”, or “wine” or

something similar. After all, not eating chocolate for 40 days was a difficult but worthy sacrifice to God --

right? Oh, the hardships of it all! How could I last that long without chocolate? But, I would ultimately

achieve my goal and could check this off my “religious things to do” box. I held to this very narrow focus

because I didn’t have a solid understanding of Lent or of the teachings of the Church. During this period of

time my involvement with the Church centered on attending a Sunday service and occasional Sunday School

class.

I finally realized there was more to Lent than being some type of religious season that was situated between Fat

Tuesday and Easter where I had to give up chocolate. It was a time of self-examination and repentance; by

prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word (BCP p. 265). Lent was a

time to ask myself, “Am I where I need to be in my spiritual life and how do I judge myself to know if I am or

not?” Fortunately, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 provided me with the answer.

I must admit I am not a very good “self-educating” type of person. I need others to help guide me and I found

these “others” in Sunday School as well as in Bible studies, EFM, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. As I

listened I identified the gifts God had given me and learned how to put those gifts into practice through service.

An important benefit I gained from studying was that my service came about because I wanted to give and not

because I “had” to.

I’m still in training (as stated in 2 Timothy) and hope to continue for the rest of my life. It’s has been a fun trip

to which I give praise to God and His son, our Lord Jesus Christ for making this possible.

I read the following paragraph while preparing my devotional and wanted to share it with you. Unfortunately, I

don’t have the name of the writer in order to give credit to the earthly author; however, I can give credit to God

who is our heavenly author.

“Lent is a time when Christians separate from the world; when we find out our faith is not just a feel-good, self-

help religion but one that answers the deepest questions of life and eternity. Those who journey through the

Lenten season will enter the Easter season with an increased appreciation for who God is and what He has done

for us. And the joy of Resurrection, as well as the promises of eternity, will not be soon forgotten.”

Larry Kelley

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SATURDAY, March 24, 2018

Exodus 3: 2-5

Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this

strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God

called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am. Do not come any

closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Elizabeth Barrett paraphrased this:

“Earth's crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God,

But only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”

Outside my kitchen window lives a Japanese maple. Every fall it is afire with God. When I get outside of the

Atlanta glow and look up into the night sky the beauty is overwhelming. How can people look at this world and

not see the beauty everywhere? How can they see the beauty and not believe that God is responsible?

But the real secret is to see the miracle and recognize holy ground!

Anyone who has given birth or has stood by as your partner gave birth would see the miracle. That such a

wonderful being came into the world is inexplicable as anything other than a miracle. I’m sure all of us who

have experienced this thank the Lord that we saw this miracle.

My Great-Grandfather fought in the Civil War at the battle of Shiloh. The morning that the Confederates

attacked he was serving as a drummer boy in Sherman’s Division in the 72nd

Ohio Volunteer Enemy. He was

wounded twice that day. Both times the Minnie ball hit a drumstick, slowing it enough that he was only slightly

wounded otherwise I might not be writing this. (He saved the drumsticks and I’ve got them.)

On the subject of miracles I always think of a sermon I heard. The priest had taken a tour in Turkey which took

her to a town near Mt. Ararat. The day they were touring the area had been rainy and clouds had obscured the

mountain. The next morning she was having breakfast. Clouds still wrapped the mountain, but just as she was

finishing she looked out the window and saw the clouds break and sun hit Mt Ararat. “… and I was lucky to see

the mountain for a few seconds.” Talk about sitting around picking blackberries!

Be aware of the holy ground you may walk on and the miracles that occur there.

Jay Croft

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SUNDAY, March 25, 2018

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a

clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and

though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow

all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave

rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the

truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether

there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it

will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then

that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I

thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, darkly,

but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith,

hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

This past New Year’s Day, I found myself in the middle of a major suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia,

walking my dog in solitude on the village green in between bowl games on the TV. During my walk, I saw

beautiful, snow-capped mountains in the distance, planes taking off from the nearby international airport, signs

of new construction all around me, much of it with architecture designs from foreign Asian cultures. I passed

by many people originally from China, India, Japan, Korea, and, no doubt, many Middle Eastern, African and

Caribbean cultures during my walk as well. During this trip, I shared Christmas mass and Christmas dinner with

a family that was originally from Chile, and I learned a few things about their culture in the process. Vancouver

struck me as one of those great “melting pot” cities of the world, like New York or London or Paris. During my walk, I thought that to have this kind of melting pot and to thrive as a city, there needs to be a lot of

understanding of culture and of the differences in the many cultures that live together there. Then I thought of

the famous 1 Corinthians passage that is used in probably 50-75% of the weddings I have attended over the

years.

That is the one that focuses on the concept of “love”. I thought that it takes a good deal of “love” for all of us

in this melting pot world of ours to live in harmony and to accept and embrace one another and our different

cultural backgrounds and customs and ways of doing things.

During this tumultuous political time, when much of the popular discussion seems to be centered around

nuclear threats, terrorism and different forms of hatred, I strongly believe that most people in this world are

more focused on “loving” one another, understanding one another and in loving God, albeit in many different

ways in many different cultures. I take pride in my experience at St. Peter and St. Paul, where the love of God,

the love of Jesus and the love of one another is among us at all times and is often a focus of what we do in our

various ministries.

I’d like to take this period of Lent to really focus on my own “love”, not only for my family, friends, God and

Jesus Christ, but also for those I may not know, but that I interact with or influence in some way during my

everyday life, no matter what their cultural origin or customs or belief set. I believe that if more people

continue to do that, our melting pot world will continue to be a wonderful place where “love” drowns out the

forces of hatred that we hear about so much in the daily news.

And… If you’ve never been to Vancouver, you must visit that wonderful city someday. I am sure you will love

the experience!

Rich Walker

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MONDAY, March 26, 2018

1 Peter 1:5-9

And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting

him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even

though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it

is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God

than gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise

and glory and honor on the day of his return. You love him even though you have never seen him; though not

seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself.

And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”

It was now crunch time, planning out a studying schedule and staying up way to late studying for exams that

make or break your grade. This time of year was not only stressful just because of an exam but also because it

seemed as if everything bad possible was raining down. I fractured my leg and could not run for the track team,

I lost my best friend, a close friend went off on me, my grandma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my

grades were on the line, plus the normal stressors that had to do with life in general. How could I not be

stressed!!! I was pulling a late nighter to get in the details for the next day’s honors World Geography test. A

senior Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader of mine, knowing what I’ve been going through, sent me this

quote with the line “this made me think of you.. I bet you could use it.” A wave of calmness poured over me.

God has his timing. Whether if you’re going in between a job, a failing relationship, worried about college

applications, I promise that God has timing. This quote really speaks to me that your faith is more valuable than

anything, and even though we may not be able to see God, we still need to believe in him and choose to rely on

him in times of trouble. God puts us through hell so we can get to heaven.

I love what Tim Tebow says in his book “Shaken.” In this, Tebow quotes “Faith is not being consumed with the

emotions that come with the highs and the lows while being able to grow in the process. Though you might feel

afraid, sad, or disappointed, faith is not being shaken at your core but moving through your struggle one step at

a time.” But it's true!! He walks alongside you through these times and will guide you if you simply reach out

for Him. He's got this and I promise you that you can't handle it on your own.

But here's the thing: jobs are temporary, people come and go, bones heal, more sport opportunities come. You

can only control so much. You can’t change the curveballs that life throws at you, but you can change the way

you hit it. God’s got it. Coming from a 9th grader: I promise. Maybe it's time for you to take a leap of faith.

Maybe instead of running, come to Him. Let your faith not be shaken to its core. God would rather have you

vent to him than not be there at all. Take a deep breath and remember these things. It’s all handled in His plan.

After all, be glad, there's joy ahead!

Emme Black

`

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TUESDAY, March 27, 2018

Isaiah 46:4 I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will

care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior.

Proverbs 16:31

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path.

FIFTY… The BIG 5-0. This is the year that we both reach the much celebrated and often dreaded half-century

mark on this earth. As much as we bemoan getting older, it’s better than the alternative of not being able to add

another candle to our cake. Be it 15 looking back at our childhood; 50 looking back on our youth; or 95 and

reflecting on a life well lived, we as a society tend to frequently have mixed feelings about aging.

There is something about this particular milestone birthday of ours, though, that calls for some introspection and

self-evaluation of where we are in life. It might have something to do with us being in the unique position of

watching our aging parents trying to figure out how to gracefully close out their time on earth and at the same

time preparing our teenagers for flight as they are on the cusp of entering their adult lives filled with so much

promise and adventure. And here we sit in the middle – as if in some type of surreal lifeguard chair watching

both generations around us figure out their next steps, while we stand by to help as needed!

But what about us? How do we enter into this next step of our lives? Unsure how to feel about being older, we

considered the many wonderful people we know at St. Peter and St. Paul who have celebrated a few more

birthdays than us. We also took some time to notice what the Bible and God have to teach us about aging. In

both of these cases, one thing is loud and clear: God does not care how old you are! His love for us does not

discriminate based on age. He has plans for us, right up to the last minute.

We love the example that has been set for us, by the more senior members of our church. And that is how our

role is to share the Good News and spread His love. We can continue to serve the Lord, continue to try to live

as examples of good Christians, continue to beg for forgiveness when we stumble and continue to help those in

need. We are excited about what the next half-century brings for us. We’ve done so much already – but there

is so much still to come. This time around, we have the advantage of some accumulated wisdom, increased

patience, and better knowledge of the importance of God’s gifts of grace, kindness, and understanding.

Noah, Abraham, and Moses all had grand adventures (and large families!) and served vital roles for God at a

time when their friends were settling into retirement. We hope we can follow the examples they, along with our

fellow parishioners at St Peter and St Paul, have provided and live in a way that God has intended us to do.

Dear God, Please grant us the strength and courage to treat every day as a gift from you, to be renewed by you

daily, and to grow older with grace and humility in a way that continues to serve you in a pleasing way. Amen.

Ed and Elizabeth Black

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WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul gives us great advice in these verses and he explains that this is God’s will for us. This means we need to

practice rejoicing, which is to show or feel great joy or delight, to be happy or thrilled. Paul also advises us to

pray without ceasing. We were taught to pray by Jesus when he taught his disciples. The book of common

prayer has many wonderful examples. Giving thanks is different for each person and can be very individual.

This seems so simple. Three little things we need to do every day, all day. Why as Christians do we not

practice these recommendations. Could it be just too hard for us in today’s world? We live in very difficult

times, watching television, listening to the news, always revealing tragic events for the week. If Paul is right,

and this needs to be done, we as believers need to practice these principles even when life doesn’t seem to work.

I know that sometimes it can be very hard to feel joy or be delighted in life. It takes great effort to find even the

smallest thing to be joyful about. This is where prayer can help! What happens when we don’t feel like praying,

our circumstances are overwhelming, and it’s hard to find something to be grateful for?

The information in these verses does not end with just 3 tasks for us. It reveals the how and why we can do this

even in the worst situations. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. God’s will – this means that God

himself has willed this to happen. It is His plan and He is in control. In Christ Jesus means He is in us and we

are in Him. We have everything we need inside of us. The Holy Spirit resides within us to give us the strength

and to comfort us – giving us the ability to rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in everything giving

thanks. We have the ability to find joy and delight in his creation. We have the strength of the Holy Spirit to

pray without ceasing, starting with small prayers throughout our day. God also gives us the ability to give

thanks in every situation.

It is God’s will. He never asks more of us than we can handle. Rejoice in all situations, good and bad. Pray

continuously even when you don’t feel like it, and thank God for all circumstances. He’s asked us to do it.

Trust Him for the strength to faithfully carry out this, His will.

Lisa Rozeboom

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MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 29, 2018

Luke 22: 42-43.

“Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” And there

appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him.

Oh, Maundy Thursday! Such a holy night! The night of anguish and prayer for all of us. The beginning of

shame for all of us. The beginning of our understanding of hope for all of us. Jesus has just spent the last

several hours teaching his disciples in earnest. If we read chapters 21 through 25 of St Luke’s Gospel, Jesus has

been teaching his disciples all day, through parables, before He has them prepare the Passover Meal. And He

continues to teach them throughout the meal: washing their feet as a servant; breaking the bread - his body;

blessing and passing the cup - his blood. He has done all of this throughout the day and evening out of love for

them, even knowing what awaits him the next day.

And after all of this work of teaching and taking care of those given to Him, the time comes for Jesus to think

about what awaits, and He goes to Gethsemane. Even here Jesus teaches His disciples that evil and separation

from God is never far away. Even when it is time for Him to turn to His own needs, his love is so great for

them (for us), that He implores them to pray not for Him and what will befall Him tomorrow, but that they may

escape the temptations of evil. (Of course, they cannot pray for sleep overcomes them; and they cannot escape

temptation to separate themselves from God, for they flee from Him and Peter denies His existence three times

within the next few hours.)

So, finally Jesus takes the time to contemplate the earthly trial that is to befall Him. He finally takes time for

himself. And He prays that these horrible events will not happen to Him – that he will not be betrayed by all

that He loves and has cared for; that He will not be publicly harangued and physically tortured by flogging and

having a crown of thorns smashed down on His head; that He will not be put through the most heinous

execution known to man of having large nails driven through His hands and feet and his body hung from a cross

until He finally loses the strength to support Himself and slowly suffocates. He knows before He utters the

words of this prayer that His father’s will for Him has to control these events, not His own, and He

acknowledges that. But He still knows that all things are possible with His Father and He prays this prayer of

supplication two more times. And what does His Father answer in response to His prayers: he sends an angel

to strengthen Jesus for the trials ahead of Him, and he is with Jesus throughout the next day, even unto death.

How often do we separate ourselves from our Lord and find ourselves facing trials that threaten our well-being

in mind, body or spirit. And when we have tried everything else on our own, we finally turn to God and ask for

help – ask that these consequences may pass from us. For when we finally get to the point of realizing that our

own feeble attempts are doomed to failure, we turn to God as our last hope, without realizing that he was our

only hope all the time to begin with. And what is God’s answer to our prayers: he sends his angels to comfort

and strengthen us, and he is always there with us in the midst of our trials – in the midst of our loss of a loved

one; loss of a job; loss of a friend; loss of our financial well-being; any injustice or harm that befalls us. As he

was with Jesus, if we turn to him, our Lord is always there and sends his angels to support us in our times of

trouble.

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Lord, we pray that in our trials and tribulations of this life, we may always remember that our true hope and

peace lie in our connection to you. Help us to know you in the midst of our trials and give us the wisdom and

knowledge to discern your presence in our lives and to recognize your angels that you send to help us, the same

as you answered the prayers of your son on this most holy night. In His name we pray, Amen.

Billy Harrison

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GOOD FRIDAY, March 30, 2018

Every Good Friday, I am reminded of the legend of the Thorn Bird.

According to the legend, the thorn bird sings just once in its life.

Leaving its nest, it searches for a bush with long sharp thorns. Upon

finding such a bush, it impales itself on the biggest thorn. At that

moment it begins to sing. The bird outcarols the lark and the

nightingale and the world pauses to listen. God smiles with pleasure at

the captivating melody. What is the message of this sacrificial music?

Life’s most satisfying moment can be purchased only at the price of

great pain—so says the legend.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus spoken from the cross on Good Friday are like the song of the thorn bird. The

Word of God left the “Nest” of divine love and glory and communion to become incarnate in Jesus Christ; the

LOGOS (the Word) made an act of sacrificial love intended to draw all people back into harmony with God. In

the first Sermon on the Mount Jesus outlined the attitudes that would make reconciliation with God and one

another possible. Impaled on the thorn of the cross, Jesus acted out his teachings. His last words constitute a

song of love as well as an act of redemption.

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. “(Lk 23:34a)

“Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:43b)

He said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son. Then he said to the disciple, Behold your mother.”

(Jn 19:26b-27a)

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46b)

“I thirst.” (Jn 19:28b)

“It is finished.” (Jn 19:30b)

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk 23:46)

DABAR (word in Hebrew) and LOGOS (word in Greek)…words were considered to have power! You will

recall that the Word was the creative force which brought the world into being. Jesus spoke these words in a

culture that understood that his utterances had the force of action. The “Seven Words” comprise a song of

salvation and a melody of the deepest meaning for Divine Love.

May God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit assist and guide these words in your thoughts and meditations so that the

core message of Christianity—the life, passion, death and resurrection—may truly become the very foundation

of your faith so in your witness, your words may have the power to create and sustain our wonderful song of

salvation.

The Rt. Rev. Don Wimberly

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HOLY SATURDAY, March 31, 2018

John 20:24-27

But Thomas, (who was called the “Twin”), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other

disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his

hands, and put my finger in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and

Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be

with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it

in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”

Because my name is Thomas, I feel a special connection to the Apostle Thomas. I have visited the Holy Land

three times (1961, 2014 and 2017). Our tour guide greets us as we arrive at the airport in Tel Aviv with a warm

“Welcome home! Welcome home to the place Jesus called home during His life on this earth.” This reminds

us that we are not visiting ordinary tourist sites, but the very places described in the Bible, and not that much

changed in 2,000 years except for modern Tel Aviv and the modern part of Jerusalem.

We begin in the Grotto of the Annunciation in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she

would give birth to Jesus. We move on to Bethlehem to the Church of the Nativity where we kneel and touch

the place where Jesus was born. We travel to Jerusalem and walk the Via Dolorosa following the 14 Stations of

the Cross into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which was originally built by the first Christian Emperor

Constantine between AD 326 and 335. Inside the church we kneel and touch the place where Jesus was

crucified on Calvary. Descending from Calvary, we kneel and touch the Stone of Unction where Jesus’ body

was prepared for burial. We move on to Jesus’ tomb where we kneel and touch the place where his body was

laid. Finally we travel to the place where Jesus ascended to Heaven. Once again, we kneel and touch the spot.

We are left with Thomas’ response to Jesus: “My Lord and my God!”

Thomas Mimms

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EASTER SUNDAY, April 1, 2018

But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has

been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. Mark 16:6

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

In Lent and Holy Week, we intentionally walk a dark journey. We wrestle with sin and death, starting with a

sign of our mortality on Ash Wednesday, lamenting our sins and learning about repentance, forgiveness and

reconciliation. In Holy Week, we see the impact of all that darkness as we experience the drama of Jesus’

torture and crucifixion.

But those were not his last days! Jesus is risen from the dead—death does not have the last word for Jesus, and

therefore not for us either. When we place ourselves in the hands of Jesus, we find the safety and security to do

all that wrestling in Lent because we know that Jesus has the victory over that darkness in our lives. When we

place ourselves in the hands of Jesus, we find the joy that God made us for. Redeemed, renewed, restored, we

have more life and more to live for.

God bless you this Easter Season with a fresh vision of the presence of our Lord in your life, and of his power to

bless you.

Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

The Rev. Tom Pumphrey