A COLLECTION OF DEVOTIONSVOLUME XXII

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WAITING FOR THE DAWN

Lent is a time for letting go, releasing, and allowing God to speak into our lives. In a recent conversation with my wise and insightful spiritual director, I received a gentle but firm reminder that one must be attentive in order to hear the often still, small voice of God.

Lent is a call from the beloved to those loved for moments of unparalleled, sacred communion. As those made in the image and likeness of God, we are being called to embrace the joy and challenge of listening.

A consistent, unrelenting battle rages for our attention from our first conscious moment of the day until we experience our last conscious thought before sleep. How tempting it is to treat the days of Lent as though we are not being summoned. Yet, the consistent and persistent love of God is bidding us to come and find the quiet center that exists in God alone.

As you read, ponder, and pray each day’s offering, may you hear from the One who knows you best and loves you most those messages that remind you of just how amazing grace really is! Remember the words attributed to the theologian Thomas Fuller, the darkest hour is just before the dawn.– The Rev. Dr. Dorothy A. White SCHOOL CHAPLAIN, ST. CATHERINE’S SCHOOL PRIEST ASSOCIATE, ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Introduction

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DUST THOU ART, AND UNTO DUST THOU SHALT RETURN

I have always found great comfort in these words. To me, they are not whispers of mortality. They are promises of connection and relationship. Every year, as ashes are placed on my forehead, these words remind me that I am connected to you. I am dust. You are dust. We are all dust. And to dust we shall return.

Our holy scriptures tell us that Adam was created from the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7). From him, Eve was formed from a rib. And, from them, scripture tells us that humanity began. Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.

My hands are usually in the soil in spring and in summer. As I plant flowers and my garden, the smell of earth is rich, and moist, and deep. I am connected to God’s holy creation. I am part of God’s creation. I am created in God’s image. As are you. As is she. As is he. As is everyone. Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.

These words remind us that we are part of a whole. We are created out of the very substance of the earth. And the earth was formed with the same materials as the universe. Perhaps Joni Mitchell was right. Perhaps we are not just dust. Maybe, just maybe, we are stardust.

Dust we are, and unto dust we all shall return.

– David Curtis, CHAPLAIN PASTORAL CARE

Ash Wednesday JOEL 2:1-2, 12-17PSALM 103

MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-21

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SEASONAL MUSINGS

Writing about Lent in the midst of Thanksgiving weekend presents some challenges and numerous contrasts. Relishing the bounty of a harvest table surrounded by family and friends, our hearts are grateful for the nourishment of body and spirit. We go out of our way to be sure we tell family and associates how we treasure their presence in our lives. Special thanks to harried checkers and baggers in grocery stores bring smiles of gratitude in return.

Before the last turkey bone has been gnawed, however, a glance at the calendar tells us that next Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, and that means that Christmas is near. It often seems that the caring warmth of Thanksgiving leaves as the last turkey bone is discarded. It is easy to forget that, liturgically, Advent is the season of expectancy, of anticipating the birth of a baby, a savior, whose life will change the history of the world. We dash through amber traffic lights or tap our fingers on a counter waiting while the clerk answers someone else’s inane question, all in frantic efforts to find the perfect decoration for the house or the perfect gift for a loved one who already “has everything.” Where are the thankful hearts and words of gratitude flowing so freely a few days ago?

How can we avoid the traps and pitfalls of the commercial Christmas “spirit” and retain the elevating, embracing warmth spread by expressions of gratitude during Thanksgiving weekend? Perhaps by using self-imposed disciplines during the forty days of Lent, we can re-align our behavior to more accurately reflect our ideals. Lent can be a time for introspection, for exchanging bad habits for healthier alternatives. It’s a time to have a serious talk with ourselves about our behavior and our interactions with others.

During the bleak cold of winter’s end, we can visit the depths of our souls and devise a plan to keep alive and to share the warmth of a grateful, Thanksgiving heart, through all the seasons of the year.– Nancy Scoggins, RESIDENT

Thursday after Ash WednesdayDEUTERONOMY 30:15-20PSALM 1

LUKE 9:18-25

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Friday after Ash Wednesday ISAIAH 58:1-9APSALM 51:1-10

MATTHEW 9:10-17

“THANKS”A PRAYER BY DR. ARMISTEAD TALMAN

Dear God,In these exciting and unpredictable times in which we are

each privileged to live, help us to keep our perspective – and remind us to give thanks:

Thanks for the fragile gift of life, the marvel of the human body and the miracle of this planet.

Thanks for mankind’s instinctive awareness of goodness and truth amidst much evil and random chaos.

Thanks for the awesome power of human freedom and the priceless value of individual dignity;

And finally, in man’s unending search for meaning, continued appreciation of the need to serve some cause higher than one’s self.

During our day to day challenges and aggravations, help us to raise our sights to the larger picture – and rejoice in the world of blessings.– Caroline Brandt, RESIDENTwith the permission of Dr. Talman’s widow, Peggy Talman

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Saturday after Ash Wednesday ISAIAH 58:9B-14PSALM 86:1-11LUKE 5:27-32

I AM RESPONSIBLE

I must admit that sometimes in the past, as Easter was approaching, I would find myself detached from the basis for this holy celebration. Jesus was tortured, killed, and rose from the dead. I accepted this, yet I didn’t connect to his sacrifice. All believers were saved by his actions, not just me—so, while participating in a big group hug might be ok, I didn’t feel a unique, personal connection to this 2000 year-old event.

Then I became exposed to, and learned to love, the musical genre known as the Requiem Mass—a mass offered in Latin for the repose of the dead. Many requiems are large in scale, with vocal soloists and chorus, symphony orchestra, and organ. They may be bombastic, serene, terrifying, lush, or simple. In the hands of Berlioz or Verdi or Brahms, a requiem can be one of mankind’s most glorious creations.

An integral part of most requiems is the Recordare (in English, “Remember”) in which the singer, as everyman, acknowledges direct culpability for the life and the death of Jesus.

Remember, merciful Jesus,That I am the reason for your time on earth.Do not cast me out on that day.

In seeking me you sat down wearily:Enduring the cross you redeemed me.Do not let these pains to have been in vain.

Just judge of punishment,Give me the gift of redemptionBefore the day of reckoning.

Every time I hear it or think about it, the Recordare reminds me that, not only am I connected to Christ’s life and death, I am at least in part, responsible. Easter is about Jesus – and me!– Bob Clewell, RESIDENT

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FAITH IN ACTION OR INACTION

“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord.” Luke 1:38aMary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the strongest examples of

faith in the Bible. She believed the angel, then followed the hint and went to Elizabeth who would know her story. She left before John was born with faith in the result. She went back to Joseph with faith he would accept and protect her.

When the Roman edict took them to Bethlehem, she went with faith that all would be well. Faith went with her into Egypt and through the next thirty-three years.

She stood at the foot of the cross and watched her son die. She took his body to the tomb and saw the stone rolled into place. She did not go back on the third day to tend that body. The chief duty of tending the dead lay with the mother, but none of the four accounts of Easter morning have reference to Mary, his mother.

In all his life, he had never broken a promise. She had heard his promise to rise on the third day. She knew there would be no body there, and she would see him again. Proof? Where else did he get the bread for that seaside breakfast?– Grayson Foy, RESIDENT

First Sunday in Lent DEUTERONOMY 26:1-11PSALM 91:1-2, 9-16

LUKE 4:1-13

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Monday First Week of Lent LEVITICUS 19:1-2, 11-18PSALM 19:7-14

MATTHEW 25:31-46

A GENTLE NUDGE

When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:3-5).

Amidst this great first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee of turning water into wine, we take note of Jesus’ mother, Mary. In the exchange between Jesus and his mother, we see a mother’s urging and the power of encouraging others. Jesus was encouraged and even nudged to perform the first miracle by his mother, who saw that he had it in him. I wonder what she saw in him or how she knew this type of miracle was possible.

One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is to help them believe in themselves. I know as a mother that this will be one of my greatest achievements if I can instill that idea in my girls as they become independent in this world.

As we journey through Lent together, let us take time to encourage one another and offer a gentle or even resounding “nudge.”

Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”– Jessica Corbitt, MANAGER CULTURAL ARTS

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DON’T LITTER

We live in a wonderful facility – Westminster Canterbury Richmond. Our horticulturalist and her team spend many hours working on our grounds - pruning, planting, mulching, etc. She does much of the work herself. Why, then, would anyone litter our campus? I am sure most of it is unintentional. At least, I hope this is true.

The renovation and construction of our facility have presented many challenges. There are pieces of styrofoam, nylon bindings, and other debris to contend with. I feel, it does not hurt any of us, if we are able, to pick up and dispose of what we can.

I have often wanted to collect the litter on either side of the exit ramp from I-95, but have been told it would be dangerous to do so.

Recently, I have discovered a newspaper clipping in my file. The title “Gentleman Gathers Bottles for Health, to Prevent Litter, to Aid Rescue Squad.” It was accompanied by a picture of my father with a basket for litter, bottles, etc. In retirement, he walked miles each day to collect bottles and cans for which he got coins from the drink manufacturer and which he in turn would donate to the local emergency rescue squad.– Glenn Hurt, RESIDENT

Tuesday First Week of Lent ISAIAH 55:6-11PSALM 34:15-22

MATTHEW 6:7-15

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GRIEF…GRACE…GRATITUDE

Our marriage late in life, filled with love, laughter, and adventure, was ended too soon by his death. Since then, I have struggled each day to overcome the grief of losing this very special man and to move on with my life, as he would have wanted me to do.

I have prayed and prayed, trying to discern God’s comforting grace. Slowly, without my realizing it, God’s grace began to overcome my grief. Then, astonishingly, my grief, while not going away, began to feel more like gratitude. Gratitude for the lovely memories I have; gratitude for having him and my first husband, of 60 years, in my life; gratitude for my family and his, all of whom came to his 90th birthday party, and then surrounded me with love at my 90th party after he had died; gratitude for the dear friends here at Westminster Canterbury who have enriched my life.

At times, the tears still come, but the memories are sweet and funny and fill my heart with joy. I strive to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude,” as David Curtis urged us to do in his Thanksgiving Day sermon. Part of that is living each day being happy for tomorrow because of the strength I gain from yesterday, looking ahead, not back, seeing blessings and new experiences each day.

Thanks be to God whose grace has changed my grief to gratitude.– Betsy King, RESIDENT

Wednesday First Week of Lent JONAH 3:1-10PSALM 51:11-18LUKE 11:29-32

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JOHN 3:16

“For God so loved the world” – wow, what inspiration! In a world that sometimes seems so dark and full of hatred, pain, discourse and sadness, we remember that God is there loving us and we are not alone in this existence. But as the verse moves on, it gets even better and more hopeful: “…that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” What hope in times of grief, anxiety and confusion! As we struggle some days to see the bigger picture; as we see lives ended too soon and wonder what life will look like for us; as we see those around us leave this life; we are reminded that there is hope through the Son of God, and this life is not our home. We will again be comforted, be reconnected and be happier than ever before! The pain and struggle we go through in this life is only temporary—leading to a beautiful life full of light and love. When we are feeling down or empty, sad or anxious, let’s remember where we’re headed and how hopeful our future really is! As verse 19 goes on to say: “…Light has come into the world!”– Zachary Townsend, PERFORMING ARTS TECHNICAL COORDINATOR

Thursday First Week of Lent DEUTERONOMY 9:23-10:5PSALM 138

MATTHEW 7:7-12

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THE TRUE VINE

John 15:1-11; Galatians 5: 22-23

Several years ago I enjoyed an English holiday that included a tour of Hampton Court Palace, built for Henry VIII. The palace was breathtaking, however, the image that remains with me is the Great Vine, 250 years old and still producing grapes.

The roots of this vine, planted in 1768, are 15 feet deep, seeking stone-free earth and water; the vine is protected, trained to twine inside the aluminum greenhouse. The woman vinedresser prunes the branches daily, removing dead branches that no longer bear fruit, wild shoots that are weak and purposeless, and stunted fruit that falls short of the intended verdant fruit. The purpose of this pruning endeavor is to assure that the expected production of fruit does not ever diminish.

As I viewed this wonder, I recalled the eternal true vine, Jesus, and God our Father, the vine-dresser who shapes and prunes us that we might increase our fruit, and the persistent but loving invitation to abide.

Jesus teaches the last of his seven “I am” statements in John 15 with, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.”

Lord, we pray that you hold us close as you lovingly shape us for your service, gently removing from us anything that does not bear your fruit. Water our roots with your Word that they may grow ever deeper, our lives reflecting the fruit of your love. As we abide, one with the vine, produce in us the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of Christlikeness. – Ann Neidow, RESIDENT

Friday First Week of Lent

EZEKIEL 18:21-28PSALM 130

MATTHEW 5:20-26

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THE MYSTERIOUS WAYS OF GOD

My father died when I was a young teenager. Our family doctor became advisor to my mother and me. He recommended that I learn to be a lab technician. The local hospital agreed to teach me in exchange for my assisting the pathologist with autopsies. My first experience was the autopsy of a 12 year old boy who had died of liver disease. As the pathologist made his first incision on the naked yellow body, I knew I was going to be sick to my stomach, but I did not know where the bathroom was….so I stayed. I was able to put myself through college by working nights and weekends as a lab technician. God works in mysterious ways. I firmly believe that he used my, “not knowing where the bathroom was,” to pave the way for my medical education and my being able to live at Westminster Canterbury Richmond.– Catherine Ray, RESIDENT

Saturday First Week of Lent DEUTERONOMY 26:16-19PSALM 119-1-8

MATTHEW 5:43-48

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IN WHOM HAVE YOU PLACED YOUR TRUST?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

There are examples throughout the Bible in reference to obedience and disobedience to God and what can happen as a result of both. Most of us have read, or have heard, about Adam and Eve. God had prepared this wonderful garden for them to dwell in and, unfortunately, they betrayed the trust God had placed in them. Needless to say, they were thrown out of the garden and sentenced to “hard labor” for the rest of their lives. Have you ever been in a situation where you knew that you were not supposed to do something, but you did it anyway? How did that work out for you? It probably did not go as well as you would have liked. God gives us those built-in mechanisms that tell us when we are headed in the wrong direction, and when we fail to adhere to them we fail miserably. Because God has given to us “free will.” We can choose to obey him, or we can reject him.

A lot of frustration and misery comes from trying to do things our way and in our own time. Frustration occurs when we try to figure out what we do not understand and are incapable of understanding. We must learn to follow the “promptings” of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and gently lets us know when we are headed in the wrong direction. While we wait for him to fulfill our desires, we must use that time to mature in faith. Learn to trust him when we don’t know what he’s going to do, how he’s going to do it, or when he’s going to do it. God has the perfect plan (Jeremiah 29:11), and his timing is not like ours. Let God Be God! In whom have you placed your trust?– Bessie S. Taliaferro, RESIDENT

Second Sunday in Lent GENESIS 15:1-12. 17-18PSALM 27

LUKE 13:31-35

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GOD SPEAKS – HOW IS OUR HEARING?

Psalm 46:10aI Samuel 3:1-10

For several months now, I have been discovering the gift of meditation – for me a time of quiet contemplation, reflection, and renewal. It’s a time when I seek not to bombard God with my needs but to silently listen to what he is seeking to say to me. As scripture says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I ask myself, “Are your ears open to hear?” The silence has so much to say when we hear that still, small voice. Frederick Buechner, in his book, The Remarkable Ordinary, says that one way we hear God speak to us is in the daily events of our lives, and we can listen to whatever it was that was holy – where in the day did we discover the presence of God? Perhaps it was through the life of someone we encountered, or through a tragic event and God’s call to help, pray; or through the life of a little child; or the need to forgive or be forgiven. In quiet listening, we can hear what God is calling us to be and do. Praise God that he still speaks to us in the 21st century!

Prayer (excerpts from Diary Of Private Prayer by John Baillie):

I remember with bitterness the duties I have shirked;I remember with sorrow the hard words I have spoken;I remember with shame the unworthy thoughts I have

harboured;I remember with gladness the beauties of the world today;I remember with sweetness the deeds of kindness I have

today seen done by others;I remember with thankfulness the truth Thou has enabled

me to learn.”– Dot Apperson, RESIDENT

Monday Second Week of Lent DANIEL 9:3-10PSALM 79:1-9LUKE 6:27-38

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LIMERICKS

A limerick is a short poem, usually humorous. It has five lines, the first, second and fifth line rhyme, and the third and fourth lines, which are shorter, rhyme.

In 1985, the Writing Circle of Westminster Canterbury Richmond printed a pamphlet, Animal Limericks. The sixteen ladies of the Writing Circle found an unfinished manuscript of Decatur Jones’ (1898-1976) limericks. Each letter of the alphabet has a verse of animals with human characteristics. Marguerite T. Wingo filled in the missing lines and Margaret J. Perritt created the illustrations. My aunt, Anne Page Brydon, was on the publication committee and gave me a copy that I cherish. I was disappointed that I couldn’t find a copy in the Westminster Canterbury library.

Here is one of the verses:D was a Diligent Doe.In winter she shoveled the snow;In the spring and the fallShe did nothing at all,And in summer the grass she would mow.

Why don’t you try writing your own limerick? Pick a word that’s easy to rhyme and get started. Here are my attempts.

Jeannie was quiet and mellowShe was quite a storyteller;Stories short and sweetShe couldn’t be beat,But she was no match for Longfellow.

A Westminster Canterbury resident is JeannieWith delicious meals, she is not teeny,To lectures, shows and classesShe always wears her glasses,Sometimes she wears a headdress or a stylish beanie.

– Jeannie Brydon, RESIDENT

Tuesday Second Week of Lent 2 SAMUEL 7:4, 8-16PSALM 89:1-29

LUKE 2:41-52

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LOSS AND GAIN

My lovely mother had endured cancer with patience and bravery for over five years; and, of course, I had prayed hard for the miracle cure. It didn’t happen. Her first grandchild, born a few months later, would never know her. I was facing other challenges as well, because we were leaving our home in suburban New York for a new life in a small North Carolina factory town where I knew no one.

Overwhelmed, I stood by the rose-blanketed casket. Suddenly a wave of strength and acceptance flowed through me: God’s love and grace when I was so in need. And the move became a blessing, as my new friends and neighbors could not have been more welcoming, generous, and supportive.

Lent is a special time for remembering much.– Pat Dole, RESIDENT

Wednesday Second Week of Lent

JEREMIAH 18:1-11, 18-20PSALM 31:9-16

MATTHEW 20:17-28

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OUR GIFT TODAY

Lent focuses our mind on the teachings and on the sacrificial earthly life of Jesus Christ. Indeed it is a time of self-assessment and of hope. We often forget that everything we say and do and think every day constitutes a part of who we become. Every choice bends us a little from what we were.

One of Jesus’ most telling lessons dealt with a wise homebuilder who cleared his land, dug deep and laid his foundation on solid bedrock. But a foolish builder chose a lake shore whose sand was rock hard during the hot summers. However when the torrential winter rains came, only the house on the sound and stable foundation survived. Fair-weather faith is no refuge. And those who rest on a bare hearing of Christ’s words, and don’t live by them, will be frustrated.

Jesus regarded the moral truth of his parable so important that he preached its message in three additional lessons of deep spiritual meaning. He stands at the great divide and says “choose!”

Lent reminds us not only of his Passion, but also of his glorious Resurrection. We are all offered the chance to erase the past and become who we were meant to be: more focused on the road ahead than on the trail behind. Our Creator is more concerned with whom we become than in whom we have been. Our opportunities are God’s gifts to us; what we make of them is our gift to God.

Albert Camus, in The Fall, wrote, “Do not wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day.” And the sorely tried prophet of Lamentations still promises: “His mercies are new every morning.”– Stan Higgins, RESIDENT

Thursday Second Week of Lent JEREMIAH 17:5-10, 14-17PSALM 130

LUKE 16:19-31

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TWO WORLDS

A wealthy man named Bill was bragging about his success in the presence of Joe, a Christian, whom he thought he was impressing. Bill said, “I have more money than I will ever need. I live in a beautiful mansion and I have an important job in Washington. I wear designer clothes and drive an expensive car.” Feeling proud of himself, he said, “Tell me something about you.”

Joe responded: Because Jesus is my Lord,1st – I have everlasting life –John 3:162nd – I have a mansion in heaven prepared for me – John 14:23rd – I have peace that passes all understanding – Philippians 4:7, John 14:274th – I have joy unspeakable – 1 Peter 1:85th – I have Divine love which never fails – Psalm 91:14-16, John 3:166th – I have songs in the night – Psalm 42:87th – I will receive the crown of life – James 1:128th – I have confidence that God hears and answers my prayers – 1 John 5:14-15, Matthew 7:7-89th – I have been delivered from fear – Psalm 27:1-3,10th – I have help in times of trouble – Psalm 27:5, Proverbs 16:7,11th – My sins have been forgiven – Psalm 103:11-1212th – I have wisdom to live my life – Psalm 51:6, James 1:5-6, Proverbs 16:16,13th – I have guidance for every step I take -Psalm 119:103-106Psalm 119:133-13414th – I have a Heavenly Father Who planned my life before I was born – Psalm 139:1-17, Jeremiah 29:11-13, 14a.

So you see my possessions are more valuable than silver, gold, fame or anything else that this world has to offer. You can have all I have and much more if you invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. He is a gentleman who has been knocking on the door of your heart, but will only come in when invited.– Anne Lewis, RESIDENT

Friday Second Week of Lent GENESIS 37:3-4, 12-28PSALM 105:16-22

MATTHEW 21:33-43

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EXCHANGING RINGS AT THE ALTAR

One night, when Ernie was in Healthcare, I had a call from his nurse telling me that his wedding band was no longer on his finger. She didn’t want me to be alarmed when I came to see him. He had been twirling it around, and, since his fingers had lost weight, she had removed it for fear it would get lost; and she put it on her cart for safe keeping.

Upon arrival in his room, I went over to his bed, kissed him and said, “Hello.” At that point, he wasn’t speaking too clearly, but I could read his facial expressions and tell by his eyes that he was upset. Somehow he was trying to tell me not married anymore. I assured him that he was. He kept repeating those words – no ring, not married anymore. I said, “Ernie, I will see what I can do – be right back.”

Quickly I went to our gift shop to ask the manager, Ginger, if, by any chance, she had a silver ring. She had one left, and I said, “What if it doesn’t fit, may I return it?” She was sure it would, because it stretches.

I took it right up to Ernie’s room, and told him that I found his wedding ring (he didn’t recognize the difference). I slipped it on his ring finger, and he said, “We married again?” I said, “Yes, we have always been married.” He had never, ever taken his wedding ring off, since I put it on him in church when we married. In his many visits to the hospital, his wedding ring was always on. That said so much to me as to what our vows, in exchanging rings at the altar, meant to my beloved husband, Ernie Neer.– Jane Neer, RESIDENT

Saturday Second Week of Lent MICAH 7:14-15, 18-20PSALM 103:1-12

LUKE 15:11-32

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EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO GOD, TO OTHERS

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto God!” We hear this every Sunday. We have heard it since we were children. We learned how the Israelites were grateful to God for various mercies, how Jesus expressed appreciation to his heavenly Father, and how the founding fathers/mothers of our country gave thanks to God at every step along their courageous ways.

How is gratitude good for those who pray? It helps us to revise our attitudes, remembering that we are not all powerful in ourselves, and that we are very much indebted to family, friends, and community members. Appreciation revises our outlook toward others and provides a bit of humility for all that we have and all that we are.

How can an attitude of gratitude help us in our daily lives? Perhaps it will enable us to work together with those whom we may have found a bit distasteful in the past. Perhaps it will encourage us when a task seems too difficult. Likely it will help us to give aid to someone who finds life overly challenging.

An attitude of gratitude helps us to be more modest and humble. Recalling how much we have been given in material goods, education, talents, opportunities, and relationships with families and friends, revises our outlook on our own lives, and toward others. We realize that we are not as independent as we might sometimes think!

Most of all, an attitude of gratitude may move us to assist those who could use our help. It may influence us to be more aware of those nearby. Maybe in realizing our own dependence on others, we may be moved to help others who are in need.– Martha Ann Phipps, RESIDENT

Third Sunday in Lent EXODUS 3:1-5PSALM 63:1-8

LUKE 13:1-9

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TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED

As we enter the Lenten season, it seems appropriate to reflect upon what we have been given, both materially and spiritually. The greatest gift any of us will ever receive is the opportunity to enjoy eternal spiritual life, made possible by Christ’s sacrifice of his earthly life. What is expected of us in response to this extraordinary sacrifice on our behalf? Matthew states it clearly in Chapter 23:39: Love thy neighbor as thyself. He clarifies in Chapter 7:12 by telling us to treat others as we would have them treat us. These directions are not hard to understand but can be very hard to follow. If we make an effort to see them, we have an opportunity everyday to help others who are less fortunate than we are. Do we help others as we would like to be helped if we were to find ourselves in their circumstances through accident of birth or self-inflicted wounds? While it can be very difficult when providing material or financial aid to know whether we are improving someone’s quality of life or encouraging dependency, this difficulty should not be an excuse to ignore the obligation we must acknowledge arising from Christ’s sacrifice for us. Indeed, as we struggle with the very personal question of how much of our time, talents and treasure we should give to improve the lives of others, the general guidance provided in Luke 12:48, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,” should be our lodestar.

While sharing of our material well-being is important, of equal if not greater importance is to show respect for the personal dignity of everyone we meet, irrespective of their circumstances or station in life.– John Thompson, RESIDENT

Monday Third Week of Lent ISAIAH 7:10-14PSALM 45

LUKE 1:26-38

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IF GOD’S GOING TO DO IT

When I “went forward,” the minister put the traditional question to me – “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and do you accept him as your Savior?”

Not too long after answering “I do,” our Sunday School teacher led us in the story of the Rich Young Ruler, whose question about entering the Kingdom of God was answered by Jesus with, “Will you sell all you have and give the proceeds to the poor?” I bet the Rich Young Ruler would rather have had my question. I’m glad my minister didn’t ask me what Jesus asked of the Rich Young Ruler. Of course, I wasn’t rich. No, but by age eleven I had a nice baseball glove, an electric train, Monopoly and a collection of comic books. Honestly, had the minister asked me to give those up, I may have backed out of baptism.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus raises the bar well-beyond divesting oneself of one’s possessions. “If you wish to be my disciple,” Jesus said, “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” Whoa! First he wants me to give up all my things, and now he’s asking are you willing to die for me? Surely, all of that was not implied in my answer to the baptismal question – or was it?

Now, as an adult, and having been an active pastor for sixty-eight years, I do think both Jesus’ hard, and, say it, “impossible” demands were/are implied in the confession of faith that I affirmed. I say “impossible,” because, one, I still do not think that I can assent to either ridding myself of all my possessions or putting my life on the line for Jesus, and two, Jesus, himself, said such were humanly impossible. But, without stopping, he adds, “what you can’t do, God can – everything is possible for God.” I plead, O Christ, I couldn’t stand even the first twinge of torture on your behalf, nor can I bring myself to sell all and join the beggars. It’s impossible for me. Christ replies, “You’re right, you can’t, but God will either give you the will and strength to do what you think incapable or he understands your weakness, and accepts you in love, despite your failures.” Thanks be to God.– Bill Blake, RESIDENT

Tuesday Third Week of Lent JEREMIAH 7:21-34PSALM 25:3-10

MATTHEW 18:21-35

24

FILLING OUR CUPS

To me, reading inspirational books during Lent is a way to usher in the season and to enrich our lives.

Last year I read the New Testament, something that I had always wanted to do but had never made the time for.

This year I recommend reading Henri J.M. Nouwen’s little book entitled, Reaching Out, in which he talks about three movements of the spiritual life:

-Moving from being in a suffocating loneliness to arriving at solitude

-Moving from hostility toward others to hospitality and kindness

-Moving from illusions to reaching out to God in prayer

These three movements are how we have relationships with ourselves, others, and our God.

Many people here at Westminster Canterbury are lonely, even though they are surrounded by others. I have found, however, that this is a place where we can “fill our cups” even to the point of spilling over. It is then that we can reach out to others, as Nouwen’s book points out.

May you have a blessed Lenten season that will prepare you for the resurrection of Jesus.– Jane Baird Hyde, RESIDENT

Wednesday Third Week of Lent

DEUTERONOMY 4:1-2, 5-9PSALM 78:1-6

MATTHEW 5:17-19

25

A MEDITATION ON CREATIVITY

All human beings are blessed with a unique quality. No other creatures have: the gift of creativity. I have often had others say to me, “I can’t draw. How lucky you are to be an artist!” Creativity, though, is not limited to the visual or performing arts. There were times in my life that I was not creating art, but I was living creatively.

My childhood was spent soaking up the beauty of the river country, beaches, collecting insects and other critters I found beauty in that my mother was horrified by! Looking back, I now realize I was developing an artist’s eye, learning to appreciate the beauty of the earth.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and it was good….This is the ultimate inspiration, returning to God’s garden! Here is where life began and begins anew whenever we plant a seed with the potential to sprout and grow into the miracle of something of great beauty. Creativity is like that. It is the trail, the scent we can follow, allowing it to take us to some wondrous place…maybe even to a hitherto non-existent one!

In teaching others to explore their own creative gifts, I share my 11th commandment: Thou shalt not put thyself down, nor thy creations, for you are a child of God and a co-creator with God. Retrain your silent critic, and refrain from comparisons to others. Allow your unique creativity to blossom: finding a new approach to something, landscaping a vacant lot, building a play house, composing a bit of music, writing a poem, or simply exploring something new. There is no right or wrong way to go about this… it is perfect when it pleases you. So let your light shine among the stars, and know it is very good and God is cheering you on to happy, creative adventures!

You will never know when you have inspired another to explore their own creative gifts or even care for this earth, our island home. What a gift YOU are with gifts to share.– Emma Lou Martin, RESIDENT

Thursday Third Week of Lent JEREMIAH 7:23-28PSALM 95:6-11JOHN 8:21-32

26

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good to all on the earth. I thank the Lord for open doors and for being head of my life. I love the Lord with my whole heart and mind and soul. I put the Lord first at all times. I thank him for my family and my Westminster Canterbury family. The Lord is my guide and my father. He is there when I call his name. The Lord talks with me and walks with me everywhere. When I cannot find out what to do, I just pray: “Father help me to go on with my day. Be with me all the way.” I love the Lord because he first loved us all.– Yovandel D. Perkins, DINING

Friday Third Week of Lent HOSEA 14:1-9PSALM 81:8-14

MARK 12:28-34

27

THE DAY DON’T BRING LIFE

Early in my career, I taught for several years at a rural community college. In addition to the regular college-age students, there were many other students who were older, including a large number of Vietnam veterans. Because of this mix in the age and experiences of the student population, classroom discussions were sometimes wide-ranging and often took unexpected turns. I have long since forgotten the topic of discussion on the day in question, and indeed I don’t even remember the course in which it took place. What I do remember quite vividly is the male student who spoke up. He was a man in his 40s and a military retiree. To a conversation that must have had something to do with one’s responsibility for one’s own life, he contributed this comment: “The day don’t bring life.”

This insight has given me food for reflection many times over the ensuing years. Each new day is a gift from God, a gift of time and opportunity. What we do with a day is up to us. The circumstances of individual days can and do vary. The state of our health and how we feel can vary on any given day. What we make of the time and opportunity for living that we are given is indeed our own contribution to life on that day. For me, this is particularly true as we prepare ourselves for Easter.– Joan B. Wood, RESIDENT

Saturday Third Week of Lent HOSEA 6:1-6PSALM 51:15-20

LUKE 8:9-14

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Fourth Sunday in Lent JOSHUA 5:9-12PSALM 32

LUKE 15:1-3, 16-21

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Ten years ago I found myself sitting in the back pew of my church listening to my pastor as he asked for our help - help in the raising of funds for the new addition to our church. My eyes looked down to the floor as money was not something I could give at that point in my life. Then he reminded us that if we didn’t have the money, then maybe we could donate our time. Tears welled in my eyes as the thought of giving any of my time to anything else was just not something I could do. I was exhausted. The request for materials was added to the options of how we could participate. I had nothing to give beyond prayers for those who could.

I drove home, and I began to cry. I cried because of how selfish I felt. I bowed my head in prayer and thanked God for everything I had, and through that prayer, I realized I did have something to give. I decided I would give one day’s receipts of my small business to my church and the building fund.

What day would it be? A busy day so I would look generous? A slow day so the financial impact wouldn’t be so bad on me? What day would it be? I left that “day” to the Lord and asked him to let me know.

Weeks later I was sitting at a stop light waiting my turn when I heard in my heart, “Today is the day.” That day I went to work with a new purpose and no real idea of how busy I was. At the end of the day the total day’s receipts were $500 exactly! I smiled and called my pastor. – Lori Chaen, MANAGER SALON SERVICES

29

SEASONS OF GOD’S LOVE

We are grateful for all the seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall. Several years ago it was emphasized by the statement “Jesus is the reason for the season.” A poem was created in my mind, since no song had sprung forth from that saying. But Jesus is not only the reason for the Christmas season but for every season. The fact that we celebrate God’s love, as illustrated by the pure white snow in the winter, by the beautiful flowers in spring, the warmth and the sunshine of the summer, and the decline of growth in the fall, which gives us rest as things slowly die in order to spring forth to new life in the spring. God is not dead! He lives! He cares! He saves! He heals! This is made clear throughout our lives!

May God help us to be dedicated to serve only him!– Ruth Fitch, RESIDENT

Monday Fourth Week of Lent ISAIAH 65:17-25PSALM 30:1-6, 11-13

JOHN 4:43-54

30

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

My mother was one of ten children. The first five siblings were very close in age, and the other five came a little later. The younger group feel more like cousins to me than aunts and uncles. My mother, who passed away five years ago, was the first of the older siblings to pass, and it was very difficult for us all.

This year brought the loss of two more family members. The first was my 50-year old cousin, a wonderful single dad who would do anything for anybody. He went to sleep one night and never woke up. It was very unexpected and devastating to the entire family, especially his mother (my aunt) and his young son. We all came together as a family to celebrate his life. This was the first time my brother and I had seen most of the family since my mom’s death. I have to admit we felt a little left out of family events since mom was not around to keep us informed of what the others were doing. Of course, we had not made any attempt to keep in touch, either. At the service, mom’s oldest sister told us over and over how much she missed us and that we must stay in touch. We exchanged phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses. I was committed to staying in touch. Unfortunately, my aunt drove back to her home in North Carolina and passed away a couple days after my cousin’s service. A missed opportunity for me to rekindle my relationship with my aunt, to laugh and cry together. Again, our family gathered, and we all promised to stay in touch especially in memory of these two wonderful people. The difference this time is that we can’t afford to put it off even a few days.

Often we let little things get in the way of staying in touch with our friends and family. We let little disagreements or life changes break long term relationships and friendships.

Start today. Let go of the small stuff and reach out to that friend or family member. Don’t miss the opportunity to show you care. My plan is now in writing so I can hold myself accountable. Will you join me?– Debra Jacobsen, DIRECTOR RESIDENT SERVICES

Tuesday Fourth Week of Lent EZEKIEL 47:1-9, 12PSALM 45:1-8

JOHN 5:1-18

31

I AM BLESSED

Moving to Westminster Canterbury in January 2016 was upsetting after the loss of my husband of 61 years. It changed my life quite suddenly. Retired from the Bank of America after 28 years, and retired from Westminster Canterbury after 28 years – moving to Westminster Canterbury was never on my mind. However, being an Episcopalian all my life and working here, it was on my children’s minds that this would be a great place for their mother to live, as they would feel comfortable that I would live safely in a wonderful spiritual home. So Westminster Canterbury and Claudia Merritt, my minister at St. James the Less Episcopal Church, solidified my moving here.

Lent is fast approaching, prompting my prayers for my family, friends and all of the wonderful people here at Westminster Canterbury who have made my home so lovely. I’ve been serving on the vestry and several other church committees over the years. Now I volunteer for Westminster Canterbury’s Pastoral Care programs and serve as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV). I visit the sick and work in the Echo Shop. I work with such wonderful people!– Mary Anne Harris, FORMER STAFF MEMBER, RESIDENT

Wednesday Fourth Week of Lent ISAIAH 49:8-15PSALM 145:8-19

JOHN 5:19-29

32

PRAYER ANSWERED!

We had a tradition at our house: Hold and look at your passport in your hand when you go out the door to take a long trip. And then pack it in your purse or pocket.

This gives you a little extra time if you need to look for it because you’re still in the house. And this is what daughter Caroline did not do on one trip back to Buenos Aires, Argentina. She lives there and must have thought this particular tradition “didn’t apply to her any more.”

Out on the sidewalk in front of the house, it didn’t take me long to get very nervous as I watched her going through that tightly packed luggage and retracing her steps both upstairs and down.

That’s when I began to interrupt the Lord with my special prayers for little things that are very important.

I tried to avoid such worrisome ideas as time enough to get to the airport AND return the rental car, as well as work through the complications of getting all those transfers and new reservations and tickets.

So I prayed that she could stay cool and think creatively for more places to search as well as the same places.

Then all of a sudden she found that passport inside an almost invisible pocket in the carry-on she had already searched.

Off she went, and I had the pleasure of getting all those thank-you prayers off to God!– Caroline Neal, RESIDENT

Thursday Fourth Week of Lent EXODUS 32:7-14PSALM 106:6-7, 9-23

JOHN 5:30-47

33

AWED TO HEAVEN

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)

Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth - the title of a book of prayers by Walter Brueggeman - reminds us of our dual citizenship here and now. Our everyday actions, responsibilities, trials, and encounters place us firmly on this planet. But is it not wonderful that there are many occasions for awe?

Our busy-ness can sometimes make us miss them, but then there are break-throughs, flashes of awareness. We are sitting outside when a bird chirps; we receive an unexpected gift; we meet a saint showing cheerfulness in suffering; a verse of Scripture leaps at us; we marvel at the talent of those performing; we laugh and join in songs of praise. We are “awed to heaven.”

Thank you, God - so majestic, so beyond our all-knowing. Make us more aware, more ready to accept and to share. Forgive us when we forget those who find it hard to rejoice. Teach us to serve. We pray in the name of the servant of all. Amen.– Betsy Rice, RESIDENT

Friday Fourth Week of Lent JEREMIAH 23:1-8PSALM 34:15-22

JOHN 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

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Saturday Fourth Week of Lent JEREMIAH 11:18-20PSALM 7:6-11

JOHN 7:37-52

FINDING DIVINE CONNECTION

I have always been drawn to nature. Even as a young child, to escape the chaos of a very active childhood filled with classes, rehearsals, team practices and meets, I would find a quiet spot under a tree to be still. It was there that I could organize my thoughts, center myself, and prepare to face whatever lay ahead.

Church services were a major part of my upbringing; however, religious practices left me confused and wanting. I relished the opportunity for a youth group retreat in the mountains somewhere! That is when I really felt close to God. Sometimes this would lead to writing in my journal or creating poetry, short stories, or pictures. It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized I was practicing meditation.

It is said that prayer is when you speak to God and meditation is when God speaks to you. I have always had an ear out for God’s voice and believe I hear it best when in the woods, on a rock, by a body of water, with a dog.

To this day, this is how I cope. There are times when life is so frenzied that I have to wait a long while for a moment of peace and solitude. We all lead busy lives, and our bodies, minds, and spirits crave a connection with the divine. I find mine in nature. Where do you find yours? – Taryn S. Young, FITNESS SPECIALIST

35

GRATITUDE

Aristotle wrote that, for an acorn to achieve its full potential as an oak tree, it would need several key elements: receptive soil, sufficient sunshine, water, space to grow (we might add: not being stashed by squirrels; not landing hard on the concrete of the Brown Garden or being squashed therein by passing pedestrians) – in other words, plenty of help from Mother Nature – plus LUCK! Yes, Aristotle culminated his list with LUCK (in Greek, of course.)!

Recently I overheard a couple of my neighbors express contentment about living here at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. I thought: no; contentment wouldn’t be my word of choice. I would say I feel – not so much content – as LUCKY, like Aristotle’s oak! Things must have worked out at least fairly well for most of us here, or we wouldn’t have made it this far. But now to be here (as a friend/future resident e-mailed me) is SIMPLY THE BEST, secure that we are cared for, physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, financially. . . During this Lenten season, I am thankful to be so LUCKY!– Ann Archer, FORMER STAFF MEMBER, RESIDENT

Fifth Sunday in Lent ISAIAH 43:16-21PSALM 126

JOHN 12:1-8

36

A MAN OF GOD

My father was rector of two Episcopal churches in Hanover County from 1925 until 1942. He also took on other jobs during the depression, including editor of the Virginia Churchman, and Secretary and Treasurer of the diocese. During World War II, he held services for congregations whose ministers had become military chaplains.

Every night when he was home he would kneel with his three kids for bedtime prayers which always included, “Make us ever mindful of the needs of others.” This was a practice which he observed religiously.

He also loved to tell us Uncle Remus stories, and we begged for them over and over. But there came a time in the mid 1930’s when he stopped telling them no matter how much we begged. I am sure he had come to realize that the stories would be offensive to black people.

In the mid 1930s, there were 5 brick high schools for white students and one dilapidated frame building for blacks in Hanover County. There were buses for the whites, but none for blacks, some of whom lived more than 10 miles from school! Dad persuaded the school board to provide buses for black students. And they did!!

Dad taught us, not by lectures or sermons, but by example, by being himself a man of God.– Charles Chilton, RESIDENT

Monday Fifth Week of Lent JEREMIAH 24:1-10PSALM 23

JOHN 8:1-11

37

WHAT’S LENT FOR?

Several years ago, a restaurant posted a message on Facebook that said, “Happy Good Friday!” Oh my. How inappropriate can three words be?

As we approach Lent once again, I’ve been thinking about how Lent and Good Friday and Easter work together in the Christian year. Easter, symbolizing the glorious reality of resurrection and renewal, is clearly the high point. Good Friday, symbolizing the starkly grim reality of death and sacrifice, is clearly the low point. Both of these realities are transparently important; but what reality does Lent itself symbolize? No doubt it is important too, whatever it is; but just what it is isn’t obvious. You have to back up a step to see it.

The narratives of Jesus spending forty days fasting in the Judean desert and of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for forty years before entering the promised land offer a key. Jesus couldn’t do what he needed to do until he had prepared himself for the task. The Israelites hesitated, not trusting God’s promises; so he gave them forty years of prep time. You have to get ready for big events. Stop. Think. Gird your loins. Do due diligence. As the Boy Scouts say, “Be Prepared!”

Death is real, so you have to get ready for it. But Jesus taught that resurrection and renewal are also real, and that you have to get ready for that as well. It isn’t easy to face death, or to believe that it is the portal to new life. By the grace of God, however, both are possible.

So Lent symbolizes preparation for what lies ahead; and what could be more important than that? Life on this earth is not, “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” It is a pilgrimage that, though it has slings and arrows, leads straight to Easter. Are we ready?– James Hall, RESIDENT

Tuesday Fifth Week of Lent NUMBERS 21:4-9PSALM 102:15-22

JOHN 8:21-30

38

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Genesis 1 - 4

At first light, it is clear that in the east there will be an amazing sunrise. It is impossible to describe the ethereal beauty. It is amazing.

Then at day’s end, the approaching dusk and darkening gladden my spirit.

After the gorgeous sunsets, property street lights take over, as well as the city street lights of a lighter color.

God is all around us. Just look out and up. He is showing us a bit of heaven.

When flying, the pilot sees a “light line” leading to the landing. The plane’s landing lights are switched on.

Taxi lights leading to the terminal are a great comfort.Let us never take these facts for granted. He is in charge. He

has given man the ability and talent to keep us safe. “Let the light of your face shine on us.” (Psalm 4)

– Grace Lindner, RESIDENT

Wednesday Fifth Week of Lent DANIEL 3:14-20, 24-28PSALM 119:145-176

JOHN 10:1-18

39

TOO HARD ME!

As a toddler, one of my sons was trying to master new skills such as using scissors. After a few attempts he threw down his scissors in frustration and exclaimed, “Too hard me!” I have often felt the same when dutifully trying to observe Lent. All my Bible study, meditation and prayer only seemed to reveal how far away I was from whom God wanted me to be. Like my son, I was frustrated to the point of saying, “Too hard me!”

It finally dawned on me that “I” had been concentrating on what “I” thought “I” should do to draw closer to God. Once I began to focus on who God and Christ are instead of on my failings, Lent became a gift instead of a duty. That gift was meant not only to remind me of my shortfalls, but of my constant need for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

Perhaps our observance of Lent should not be a discouraging or frustrating one, but one of great thanksgiving as we realize our need for him. He is the one who draws us closer to him when we stay in touch. After all, nothing is too hard for God (Jer. 32:17) – even me!– Jan Orgain, RESIDENT

Thursday Fifth Week of Lent GENESIS 17:1-8PSALM 105:4-11

JOHN 8:51-59

40

Friday Fifth Week of Lent JEREMIAH 220:7:13PSALM 18:1-7

JOHN 10:31-42

GOD IS EVERYWHERE

Many decades ago, The Rev. Gardner Van Scoyoc gave a forum hour presentation at my church about plans for a new concept for retirement living that the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia was launching. Joined by the Presbyterian Church, it soon became Westminster-Canterbury, with a nod to both of the founding faiths.

Central to the new facility in Richmond was to be a chapel named for Dr. Cary Montague, an earthly saint if there ever was one. Though completely blind, he led entire services without missing a word. The chapel at Westminster Canterbury was a very appropriate tribute.

The location of that chapel was central to the original building (now the Tower) and, upon entering the building, it immediately proclaims that this is a faith-full community.

Now all those years later we learned that there is going to be an expansion on campus that would replace the old chapel . . . and that it would add some new components as well. When a program was announced to tell about this new undertaking, I was first in line, all primed to voice many questions – and objections.

As CEO John Burns and Director of Pastoral Care Lynn McClintock unfolded the new plan, and I saw all the careful thinking that went into it, my protests faded away. I became excited about all that would be encompassed in the new facility – including a new version of the Montague Chapel, complete with its beloved stained glass windows. And, the new chapel and sanctuary will again be central to our campus as it expands.

My five year old grandson recently reminded me that “God is everywhere.” God can also be worshipped anywhere in any setting. I give thanks for all the people who are making our anywhere more fitting for this Westminster Canterbury a half- century later.– Penelope de Bordenave Saffer, RESIDENT

41

Saturday Fifth Week of Lent EZEKIEL 37:21-28PSALM 85:1-7

JOHN 11:45-53

COMES DAWN

These words and thoughts have meant much to me. They are very uplifting, and I revisit them regularly. They are words which were passed along to John and me a few years ago following the death of our daughter, Lisa, from a rare form of incurable cancer which was controlled for a couple of years until it wasn’t. These thoughts are a great source of comfort and inspiration in such a positive way! Author is unknown.

“COMES THE DAWN”After a while you learn the subtle differenceBetween holding a hand and claiming a soul,And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaningAnd company doesn’t mean security,And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t promises,And you begin to accept your defeatsWith your head held up and your eyes open,With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,And you learn to build all of your roadsOn today because tomorrow’s groundIs too uncertain for plans, and futures haveA way of falling down in midflight.After a while you learn that even sunshineBurns if you get too much.So you plant your own garden and decorateYour own soul, instead of waitingFor someone to bring you flowers,And you learn that you really can endureThat you really are strong,And you do have worth,And you learn and learn.And with God’s help you know thatWith every goodbye, you learn!

– Burrell Stultz, RESIDENT

42

Palm Sunday ISAIAH 50:4-9APSALM 31:9-16

LUKE 23:1-49

THERE IS WORK TO DO

Did you know that the same day Jesus made his entry into Jerusalem he cleansed the temple? On Palm Sunday, we wave palms and gather together in anticipation of Jesus’s arrival. We are not thinking about an angry Jesus who overturned tables and chairs and chased money-changers and sellers of doves out of the temple.

Jesus declared, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” He had work to do. The blind and the lame came to him and he healed them. There were children in the temple who cried aloud, “Hosanna to the son of David.” There were critics speaking out against Jesus.

Our world today is not much different. There is chaos and upheaval; there are groaners and moaners. The noise is deafening. The confusion overwhelming. Yet here we are on Palm Sunday. We wave our palms in anticipation of Jesus’ entry. We gather to participate. We listen to the stories. By Jesus’ example, we pray and offer our help to others. We offer praise and thanksgiving.

Praise and thanksgiving can beat back the dark of chaos and upheaval. Our hearts open to others. Jesus is love. We must be participants in the kingdom. A smile, a thank you, a word of encouragement, a helping hand will make a difference. We must make our voices heard as Jesus did, even among the chaos and upheaval. We have work to do.– Kay G. Remick, RESIDENT

 

43

CHRIST THE BEGINNING

Far back, before the beginning,stretching out in the unknowable,incomprehensible deeps, dark and void,of infinite eternity behind history,The Christ waslivingbursting, pulsing generating, creating, smoldering, exploding fusing, multiplying erupting, pollinizing heating, cooling—and it was good.

Now here, as before,the light was separated from the darkand all things that we knowbegan a journey into being. Life upon life grace upon grace, resurrection occurring, recurring, as always,with the restless energy of God—The Christ—flowing in the veins of every living thingforever and ever and ever.

And mankind, when the time had come,perceived it and named it.And it was good.Mankind was brought from the dark and void,to new life, resurrected:For here, as before, the light was separated from the darkby the power of The Christwho was and is—with God—the endless beginning.– Lucy Boswell Negus, RESIDENT 

Monday in Holy Week ISAIAH 42:1-9PSALM 36:5-11

JOHN 12:1-11

44

A LENTEN JOURNEY MESSAGE 2019

I have heard it said, “There is nothing permanent except death and taxes.” So ‘change’ is always something we can count on.

In this Lenten season at Westminster Canterbury, we expect new projects that will improve and enhance our quality of life. They will also bring changes.

I have always been anxious about change. The ‘way things are’ feels more comfortable than anticipating getting used to something new. However, over time, I have learned that talking my concerns over with God gives me a new perspective.

The first three lines of the Prayer of Jabez often comes to my mind:

“Oh, that you would bless me indeed,And enlarge my territory, And that your hand would be with me…” (Chronicles 4:9-10)

Like Jabez, I can ask God to bless me.I can ask God to expand my understanding and patience to

accept the changes. I can ask God that his hand will be with me, to guide me,

to help me be supportive, and to know that the changes will be done according to his will.

Through Lent, and forever in my heart and soul, I know the Holy Spirit is also permanent in my life. I might step away sometimes, but I know he will never leave me. – Pat Kawana, RESIDENT

Tuesday in Holy Week ISAIAH 49:1-7PSALM 71:1-14

JOHN 12:20-36

45

ISAIAH 50:4-9APSALM 70

JOHN 13:21-32

TREASURES FOR FREE

I moved into Westminster Canterbury in November, 2017. At that time, I only knew two people in Richmond, my son Charlie and his wife, Cari!

I wasn’t lonesome long – I met friendly, inclusive people on my floor; I was invited to church, meals with others, floor meetings, and later there were opportunities to volunteer, etc.

I had always been an A.M. devotion person – and had no guide! Then, I discovered the FREE table and found one old Lenten devotion book, written by residents and staff. (Doesn’t matter that it’s not Lent!) I loved the devotions and then in time had read the whole book – NOW WHAT? Soon after I found a small bag on the free table with 5 old Lenten devotion books! YEA! What a gift. Loved the variety.

Thank you God and Westminster friends. I’ll be sure to pass them on….– Pat Kulp, RESIDENT

Wednesday in Holy Week

46

Maundy Thursday EXODUS 12:1-14PSALM 116:1, 10-17

JOHN 13:1-17, 31B-35

CALLED TO SERVE

I remember visiting my grandmother in the hospital. She had been lying in the bed for two weeks with a lung illness from which her body could not recover. Having been in bed for so long, she experienced severe back pain. As anyone knows who has watched someone suffer, it can be extremely difficult to see someone you love in pain.

I wanted to serve her, to show her that I loved her and cared for her in some way. So, I began massaging her sore back as she lay in her hospital bed. This seemingly simple gesture humbled me and provided her with some relief. It mostly showed her, however, my deep love and care for her. She had always loved me, and I was showing my love for her. My grandmother passed away two weeks later.

Physical acts of servanthood—whether massaging my grandmother’s aching back, or parishioners packing lunch bags for the homeless, or Jesus washing the feet of his disciples - all of these acts show our love for the other. Jesus tells us that he came not to be served, but to serve. We hear this message from Jesus so clearly as we observe Maundy Thursday. We are reminded of the importance of serving others. Not because we have to, but because we love them. – Logan Augustine, CHAPLAIN PASTORAL CARE

47

Good Friday ISAIAH 52:13-53:12PSALM 22

JOHN 18:1-19:42

THE REALITY OF THE CROSS

Ezra, our tour guide in Israel, announced to my church group that he wanted to show us a newly discovered gate in the lowest place underneath the old city of Jerusalem. The archeologists and historians surmised that Jesus may have walked through this gate on his way to Golgotha. The outline was a curved arch made of mudbricks. As I stood in front of it, I experienced a sensation of dread, panic, and awe.

What if Jesus had walked through this gate to journey to the outside of the city where nails would be driven into his hands and feet? What were his thoughts? Were they of dread of what was to come, panic of expected pain, or awe that God had made him the perfect sacrifice for all? Jesus Christ was fully human and fully divine.

A scripture selection today is Psalm 22, one of the Suffering Servant passages in the Old Testament. As we meditate on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, focus on verses 14 and 15:

“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint;my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast;my mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.”Lord Jesus Christ, we are grateful for your obedience to death on the

cross. Amen. – Charlotte K. Evans, CHAPLAIN PASTORAL CARE

48

Holy Saturday JOB 14:1-14PSALM 31:1-4, 15-16

MATTHEW 27:57-66

JOY

The birth of a child is celebrated by a christening. The church, the music, the minister, and the joy all have followed through the years.

At my christening, my mother was horrified to find mosquitos swimming in the baptismal font! Quickly, they were removed.

About five years later, my baby brother was to be christened at home. The baby and the minister were present. While waiting for the christening to begin, I carefully reached up to the silver dish, used to serve nuts and candies, only to receive my second christening!

The boy went to church at about two years old for the first time, and my dad lifted him up when the first hymn was sung. The little boy chimed in, singing the only song he knew, “Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday.”– Louise Brown, RESIDENT

49

Easter Sunday ISAIAH 65:17-25PSALM 118:1-2, 14-24

JOHN 20:1-18

RENEWAL OF LIFE

My white-knuckled hands clutching notebook and pen, I walked into the classroom of Dr. John H. Leith at Union Presbyterian Seminary for Theology I class. Fellow students’ comments were looming large: “He’s the toughest professor of Reformed Theology around.” “Once you get used to his teaching style, you can learn from him.”

I did learn from Dr. Leith. A lot. I recently saw a quote from Dr. Leith’s An Introduction to the

Reformed Tradition: A Way of Being the Christian Community. The quote caught my eye because, in it, he is affirming the place of pastoral care in the organized church, as viewed by Reformed church father John Calvin:

The focus of Calvin’s concern with church organization is pastoral care and the ‘cure of souls.’ . . .Yet pastoral care is not only comfort for the bereaved, forgiveness for the guilty, and help for the sick and needy; it is pre-eminently the renewal of life in the image of Christ. Pastoral care has as its purpose not only the giving of comfort but also the redirection of life.I love that! Not only is pastoral care about providing comfort

to people; pastoral care also provides the opportunity for “the renewal of life in the image of Christ,” and involves “the redirection of life.” We do hold hands and wipe away tears, but we do it offering hope that in suffering we are not alone, and that suffering is not the final word.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the “image” of Christ is one of triumph over death. It is knowing that, while pain, suffering, and even death are very real parts of our lives, the empty tomb tell us that God’s world does not end in death. Renewal of life is offered. In the time to come, yes, but even now.– Lynn McClintock, DIRECTOR PASTORAL CARE

Sally Maynard, Lee Perkins, Joan Wood LENTEN JOURNEY COMMITTEE

David CurtisPASTORAL LEAD

Marylee McGregorTYPIST

Lynn McClintockElizabeth Stallings

Joan WoodEDITORS

David Curtis, Vanessa PerryBOOKLET DISTRIBUTION

Jo Ann O’Hara, former residentCOVER PHOTO

The Rev. Dr. Dorothy A. WhiteSchool Chaplain, St. Catherine’s School

Priest Associate, St. John’s Episcopal Church COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR

Logan AugustineDavid Curtis

Charlotte EvansLynn McClintock

Vanessa PerryPASTORAL CARE STAFF

Acknowledgments