ADULT DEVOTIONS: Worship

Last Sunday we celebrated the culmination of our regular church school year. We had the gift of our children leading us in worship as they shared lessons from throughout the church school year.

Next week we move to our summer hours with one worship service at 9:30. Traditionally, this is a quieter time in our worship. This is a time when some people often head out to their tents, condos, cabins and family for vacations. But there is something about church you can’t find anywhere else. Even the beauty and magnificence of creation does not fully compare with time in church. Even visits to other churches just aren’t the same. That is why the Psalmists so often talk about the joy of coming home to church.

Psalms 122:1 (NRSVA) 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”

Psalm 84:3, 10

3 Happy are those who live in your house,

ever singing your praise.

10 For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than live in the tents of wickedness.

Church is where we meet God. It is where our family and friends in faith gather with us. It is the place where we belong. It is that place of sanctuary and inspiration for our lives. This week, offer some prayer time for your church home. Offer your gratitude and ask God to lead us into deeper faithfulness. And promise God that you won’t let summer’s pace carry you too far or too long from your home.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: The heavens and stars

Did you ever lie on your back and look up into the night sky. The stars we can see are only a fraction of the stars and galaxies that are there. Our newer telescopes along with the Hubble telescope are peering deeper and farther into the heavens. (check out http://hubblesite.org/) It seems the vast empty space is filled with light. The psalmist knew this well. In their day there weren’t any city lights to wash out the night view. It was just the earth and the dark night sky filled with natural lights. It was with a sense of awe that they wrote Psalm 8. Read it with your children.

Psalms 8:1 - 9:1 (NRSVA) O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen,and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

The Psalm speak of a humble perspective that is experienced by those who knew the night sky well.

Take some time to lie on you back looking up at the night sky and giving thanks to God.

DEVOTION: Hey did you notice?

As I sat and watched the glow of the dwindling fire during the Wednesday evening firewalk in the outdoor labyrinth this quote came to mind, "Church-goers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow; when they separate, they die out.” Billy Graham (1918– )

At Monday evening’s Bible study we explored some of the letters of Paul to fledgling churches throughout the Middle East. He wrote to the church in Philippi about joy and rejoicing. Paul wrote: Philippians 2:2 - 5 (NRSV) 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

On Sunday in church I invited everyone to NOTICE. Joy comes from looking to the interests of others. It is part of our responsibility when we claim our place in the Body of Christ. Notice who is visiting the church for worship or church school. Notice who is standing awkwardly by themselves in coffee hour downstairs or next door waiting for church school to come to an end. Notice who is missing from church or church school for the past couple Sunday mornings. “Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Notice them and get to know their stories. If they are new, help them feel at home. If they look alone, help them feel a part of our community. If they are absent, give a call just to check in, no guilt or shame, just a call to let them know you were concerned.

This week I am sharing this for both the adult devotion and the family devotion, because this is a part of our faith for all ages. Joy comes when we step outside our own circle of friends as well as our own circle of needs and extend God’s love and hospitality and compassion to others. Practice that this coming week.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: The birds of the air

Take a walk together outside and listen for the sounds you can hear. See if you can find the sound of the baby hatchlings. When mom or dad flies back to the nest with food, the sound of excited chicks is clear and obvious. You may find them in your backyard or along one of Hanover’s many trails. (Check out: http://www.hanover-ma.gov/greenway-map.shtml ) This past Sunday’s Scripture in church reminded us: Matthew 6:26 - 28 (NRSV) 26Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? This is a good time to talk about worries and letting go of them so we can learn to trust God to take care of us.

REMINDERS

Don’t forget, you can be a stockholder and help out with our mission trip. Make donations out to our church, marked for the Youth Mission Trip and provide us with you address so we can send you Notes from New Orleans.

Don’t forget. There will be information session on the new Habitat for Humanity home to be built in Hanover. They’ll be held at our church on Tuesday June 3^rd and Thursday, June 12 at 7pm.

Don’t forget: The Hanover Diversity Committee will hold its next meeting at our church (Parish Hall) on Tuesday, June 10^th at 7:30 pm. The mission of the Hanover Diversity Committee is to help our town celebrate and cherish the diversity in this town and world so that all people will feel safe and comfortable here being who they are.

ADULT DEVOTION: Remember

This is the week of Memorial Day parades. It is the time of year when the leaves had popped out, spring flowers are blooming, the grass is green, the town center is decorated and everything looks fresh and renewed. I love our Memorial Day parade through the heart of our community. However, our town center lies in stark contrast to Waveland, MS the town we are going to help rebuild on this year’s mission trip. There one fifth of the home stand untouched and abandoned after the eye of Hurricane Katrina made landfall there. Another one third have been rebuilt. For many homes, they were still removing debris last year. And while the population is back at 98% of its pre-Katrina level. Most of the homes have yet to become inhabitable. And on Memorial Day, I am reminded that one third of the people without homes in the area are Veterans of the Middle East (Gulf war, War in Iraq and Afghanistan). This week I encourage you to celebrate in reflection and prayer the home town feel of our community. I also invite you to lift up in prayer the people who have no home or home town and the mission work that our young folks will be doing in a month.

Prayer Requests

• Frank Schuttauf– Lynn White’s uncle and Nancy Dixon's brother-in-law, in final stages of cancer, now with hospice and not long left
• Marie who had a stroke stroke
• Young couple close to family with very difficult decision
• Michelle Keyes
• Charles C
• Jim Murray, back home in Florida in a rehab hospital with a long road ahead

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: The Big House

Read John 14:1-14. Focus on the verses that talk about their being many rooms in God’s house.

Look at a picture of the church. You can find one online at our website. There is also one on the cover of the church directory. Some old bulletins might include the sketch of the church. You could also ask your children to draw a picture of the church from memory, then drive by to see how close they got it.

Ask the question, “Is there room for everyone in God’s house.” This week we touched on a Sacred Conversation on Racism in our church for more information. It lifts up the diversity in our culture and our need to understand our neighbors better. Ask your children to talk about the different kinds of people who are welcome in God’s house (gender, age, size, race, income, athletic skill, intellectual abilities, differently abled folks…..keep brainstorming) Have a prayer asking God to help us offer our love and open our hearts to everyone.

Here's a video by Audio Adrenaline called Father's House. Click here for the lyrics.

ADULT DEVOTION: Trinity Sunday

Sunday we celebrated many things in church. It was Confirmation Sunday, so our main focus was the celebration of that moment of passage when our youth take on adult responsibility for their faith and their church. This was also the Sunday that the UCC had invited us to begin a Sacred Conversation on Racism. Added to that, it was Trinity Sunday. While it was Trinity Sunday that went largely unnoticed as part of our worship, it was also Trinity Sunday that held it all together. The Trinity is one of the more confusing concepts to understand or explain. Largely, because our language and science and minds are too limited to explain a seemingly paradoxical concept. And although no metaphor or explanation is adequate, there is one that I like. The Trinity holds up that essential understanding of God as love. It is a love that is so pure and so potent that it can only exist in relationship. God is one and God is three; One being who exists, who must exist, as a relationship. Mother/Father to Son to Holy Spirit to Mother/Father to Son and so on and so on. That is why the Greatest Commandment in Scripture (the one that summarizes all other scripture and indeed all of our faith) is a commandment of Love. It is to Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to Love you Neighbor as Yourself.

It is this love that makes a Sacred Conversation on Racism not only possible, but absolutely necessary. It is this love that enables us to embrace young men and women into our community of faith and entrust the future and the present of the church over to them. It is this love that ignites a holy flame of faith, compassion and justice that lights our journey.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: Pentecost

This week we celebrated Pentecost. In the days of Jesus, Pentecost is a holiday celebrated 50 days (from Greek ‘Pente’ meaning 50) after Passover. Pentecost is also known as the Festival of the Booths. It was the time of the Spring wheat harvest and people would bring offerings of grain to the Temple and offer prayers of Thanksgiving to God for the gift of the harvest. On this Pentecost, in the Book of Acts, the disciples are in prayer in a house when the Spirit descends like a might wind that shakes the house. Then God’s Spirit appears like tongues of flame and settle on the disciples. (Read Acts 2 together) They are given gifts for the common good. These are gifts meant to help the church community live and act with greater compassion.

This is a good time to wonder together about the gifts we have that we could use to help other people understand about God’s love through our example or our teaching or our stories. Talk with your children about their favorite gifts and wonder together about ways to use the gifts that are a part of who we are, to help people who need friends, assistance, caring, etc……..

ADULT DEVOTIONS: Iron Man

Iron Man came out last week. I enjoyed comics as a kid. Iron Man was one of my favorites, though he was down on the list below Spiderman and Green Lantern. Each superhero has a unique talent or ability. Iron Man’s is his genius at developing technology. He builds a suit that can protect him, defeat his enemies and enable him to fly. I think the appeal of Iron Man is protection and power. His armor is uniquely suited to him, it offers him a superior awareness of the world around him, and it is virtually impenetrable. And it is designed to keep his wounded heart safe. The addition of armament allows him to fight, capture and defeat the bad guys. To top it all off, when in danger the suit allows him to fly to safety. Now listen to that again: it’s a suit that keeps his wounded heart safe, protects his vulnerability, fights bad guys and lets you fly to safety. No wonder Iron Man has such appeal.

But we don’t have suits like that. And we aren’t supposed to. Faith is strongest when we are weakest, God tells Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is vulnerability that teaches us to “Let Go and Let God.” And our faith is not a faith to be hidden under a bushel. It is not a faith to hide behind locked doors. It is a faith meant to be a beacon in the world in which we live. This week we celebrated Pentecost, Baptisms and Mother’s day. All of them remind us of God’s Spirit that is handed down to us from previous generations in order that we might use the gifts, our unique talents, which we are given for the common good. (Acts 2)

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: Peacemakers

This week our children begin a new rotation in Church School on Peacemaking. There are few things that the Bible addresses more than peace. It is among the top four themes which include God’s Realm, Prayer, and the Faithful Use of Money. Being a peacemaker means to actively seek to avoid, resolve and end violence in our words and actions. Peacemaking in the Bible (or anywhere else) has always difficult and challenging and has often been dangerous. To stand up to a bully or an injustice takes courage. To authentically forgive and let go of hurts and slights takes courage. The world of our children is full of these challenges from put downs in the classroom, to intimidation on the playground, to hurtful comments on web pages. This is another pivot moment to talk with children and teens about the places they observe or experience hurtful words and actions.

Here is a story from one child: "When I was little, my mom told me legends. One was about a bear that stole the sun. It was a raven, in the form of a child, that brought the light back to the world. I think we children could be the raven that brings the light back to the world." Leela Gilday - Canada

Here are some resources online:

http://www.peace-kids.org/

http://bookstore.peacemaker.net/html/chi.htm includes the following thoughts:

The lessons in The Young Peacemaker may be summarized in Twelve Key Principles for Young Peacemakers:

1. Conflict is a slippery slope.
2. Conflict starts in the heart.
3. Choices have consequences.
4. Wise-way choices are better than my-way choices.
5. The blame game makes conflict worse.
6. Conflict is an opportunity.
7. The Five A's can resolve conflict.
8. Forgiveness is a choice.
9. It is never too late to start doing what's right.
10. Think before you speak.
11. Respectful communication is more likely to be heard.
12. A respectful appeal can prevent conflict.

ADULT DEVOTIONS

Last week I met with a group of people from town who wanted to follow up on the discussion that began at our Martin Luther King breakfast. The presentation that day lifted up some of the areas of prejudice and racism in our world. More poignantly, we heard stories of painful experiences endured within our town within recent years. The group was very concerned to create a committee to bring a conversation to the whole town regarding all the isms in our world; from racism, to sexism, to ageism, to classism, to heterosexism and beyond. At the town meeting this week I offered the following quotes and prayer for the invocation:

Jerome Nathanson, author of “THE POSSIBILITIES OF HUMAN NATURE," in John Dewey’s, The Reconstruction of the Democratic Life said, “The price of the democratic way of life is a growing appreciation of people's differences, not merely as tolerable, but as the essence of a rich and rewarding human experience.”

This past week a group of citizens of our town gathered together to reflect on the rich and rewarding variety of human experience in our neighbors and neighborhoods. They claimed a mission for their work.

The goal of this committee is:TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY CELEBRATE AND CHERISH THE DIVERSITY IN OUR TOWN AND OUR WORLD SO THAT ALL PEOPLE WILL FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE HERE BEING WHO THEY ARE.

Franklin Thomas, Assistant U.S. Attorney said: “One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”

Let us Pray: Holy God, in this community you are called by many names by people of many heritages, creeds, orientations, ages, genders, races and class. Yet all of us seek the common welfare for our town, our families, our lives our nation. Help us to listen. To listen even more deeply when we disagree, that we may examine more closely our own truths and hear more fully the truths within the words of our neighbors. Help us to cherish this not as an obstacle to what we seek, but as an opportunity to enlarge our rich and rewarding human experience. Amen

FAMILY DEVOTION: All Creation Praises God

The world is waking up from its winter sleep. Daffodils are in bloom. Forsythia is glowing in vibrant yellow. Azaleas are budding and leaves have started to pop out. This week I heard the call of the white throated sparrow, visiting our area on its way to Maine and Canada for the summer. In my yard the birds are starting to build their nests. Take a walk in your yard or neighborhood and talk about all the things you can see, hear or smell that tell you that Spring has arrived.

Psalm 148 talks about creation praising God. It names parts of creation and tells them to praise God. Go outside ( or look outside) read the Psalm and make a list of all the things in nature that you are thankful for…then make that a prayer to God.

Psalm 148 (The Message)

¹Hallelujah!

Praise God from heaven,

praise him from the mountaintops;

²Praise him, all you his angels,

praise him, all you his warriors,

³Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, you morning stars;

⁴Praise him, high heaven,

praise him, heavenly rain clouds;

⁵Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—

he spoke the word, and there they were!

⁶He set them in place

from all time to eternity;

He gave his orders,

and that’s it!

⁷Praise God from earth,

you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps;

⁸Fire and hail, snow and ice,

hurricanes obeying his orders;

⁹Mountains and all hills,

apple orchards and cedar forests;

¹⁰Wild beasts and herds of cattle,

snakes, and birds in flight;

¹¹Earth’s kings and all races,

leaders and important people,

¹²Robust men and women in their prime,

and yes, graybeards and little children.

¹³Let them praise the name of God—

it’s the only Name worth praising.

His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky;

¹⁴he’s built a monument—his very own people!

Praise from all who love God!

Israel’s children, intimate friends of God.

Hallelujah!

DEVOTION: The Ascension

This week in the church calendar honors the Ascension of Jesus.

In Wikipedia we read:

The first account of the Ascension found in the Christian Bible is in the Gospel of Mark (16:14-19)—but see article on Mark 16. The description is brief: Jesus and the remaining eleven apostles are seated at a table, presumably in a room in or near Jerusalem. Jesus commands his followers to spread the Gospel (see also Great Commission) and that those who believe will be known by their invulnerability to poison, ability to heal the sick, exorcise demons, and the like. After delivering these final words, Jesus is received into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. No description of the Ascension itself is given; Mark simply states that it happened.

The Gospel of Luke is even more brief in its description (24:50-51). Jesus led the eleven to Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. While in the act of blessing them, Jesus was carried up to Heaven.

In both Mark and Luke, the Ascension appears to take place immediately after the Resurrection of Jesus. (But see the discussion paragraphs below.)

Our Church Secretary, Stacey provided me with these quotes and thoughts for reflection and devotions this week:

Philip Yancey writes in Chapter 12 of his book, The Jesus I Never Knew: “I have concluded that the Ascension represents my greatest struggle of faith–not whether it happened, but why. It challenges me more than the problem of pain, more than the difficulty of harmonizing science and the Bible, more than belief in the Resurrection and other miracles. It seems odd to admit such a notion… yet for me what has happened since Jesus’ departure strikes at the core of my faith. Would it not have been better if the Ascension had never happened? If Jesus had stayed on earth, he could answer our questions, solve our doubts, and mediate our disputes of doctrine and policy. I find it much easier to accept the fact of God incarnating in Jesus of Nazareth than in the people who attend my local church–and in me. Yet that is what we are asked to believe; that is how we are asked to live. The New Testament declares that the future of the cosmos is being determined by the church. Jesus played his part and then left. Now it is up to us.”

So is God really gone from the world? When Jesus ascended, did he really just hand it over to his disciples? Was that really the plan? Well, the short answer to that is yes, he really did. He really did hand it over to his disciples, and to all who were to follow, including you and I. He handed it over to us, and said, “Here, it’s your ministry now. It’s your time to take over. Go and do and teach what I have taught you.

DEVOTION

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “My profession is to always find God in nature.”

This week as we celebrate Earth Day we have an opportunity to prayerfully reflect on the creation around us that leads us to God. It is a good week to spend a little time outdoors – on the porch, in the garden, at the beach, in the woods, at a park – just sitting in grateful prayer with God. This week is also an opportunity to reflect on our impact on creation. Like so many other places in our lives we are to observe whether we are contaminating or contributing to the world around us. That is true of God’ creation as well. A phrase emerging in our culture speaks of our ‘carbon footprint’. It is one place to begin our reflections. Consider looking at http://www.carbonfootprint.com/.

FAMILY DEVOTION: Earth Day

This week we celebrate Earth Day. On Sunday in Church the children reminded us of the importance of caring for the Earth. We talked about how one stack of newspapers 4 feet tall is the equivalent of one tree. Each time we recycle papers we are diminishing our impact on the God’s creation. This week talk about ways your family can lower its impact on the earth. Consider planting trees, talking about recycling, using less water, using less electricity, using less gas, cleaning up trash around the yard and neighborhood, notice how many toxic chemicals you use around the home. In church we mentioned how God asks humans in Genesis 2 to be tillers and keepers of the world that God created. That responsibility is passed down to us. Our teachings and example this week and in the weeks ahead will determine what we pass down to our children.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for:

• Jerry Culhane - facing medical problems and possible amputation
• Alison Barker
• Bob Ritchie
• Adrienne Smith - young mother who has a long road to recovery
  

REFLECTION: Psalm 23

This week we looked at Psalm 23 in worship. Each of the lines and phrases of Psalm 23 carries layers of meaning and metaphor. One of those is the opening image of laying down in green pastures. Sheep have little or no natural defenses. They are not fast runners. They have to horns, sharp teeth or claws. So they are uncertain and cautious, skittish and timid. They will not lie down unless they feel absolutely, safe and comfortable. That means they are sufficiently fed, there is no sense of predators nearby, and they feel safe from the pecking order intimidation and behavior of the flock. Some of that fundamental instinct lies in all of us. We cannot relax and ‘let down our guard’ in any social situation until we feel safe. While our basic needs of food and shelter are rarely a concern, our sense of social safety is. We are not comfortable if we sense that there are people around us looking for an opportunity to put us down. We feel insecure if we are not sure of our ‘place in the social structure’ of the setting, whether it is a party, a night out with a group, a corporate business gathering, just another day at the job or even a church coffee hour.

For some folks that insecurity is enhanced by circumstances beyond their control from skin color, to country of origin, to accents and language, to gender, to age, to economic class, to political stance to sexual orientation to marriage status….. and the list goes on.

Take a look at the ESpire Family Devotion background on Jonah that our children and youth are studying in church school. Reflect on this in the context of our current political and cultural conversation on race and discrimination.

Our faith and our denomination emphasize an extravagant welcome that proclaims that ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’ But bringing that teaching into our homes, our language, our behaviors, our workplaces, our church and our neighborhoods…and our town is a deeper challenge than we sometimes recognize or admit.

What makes it possible for you to ‘lie down in green pastures’?

Where is Christ inviting you to help others ‘lie down in green pastures’?

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: More Jonah

This week our young folks continued their study of Jonah. This is the opening words of Jonah:

Jonah 1:1 - 3 (NRSV) 1Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, 2“Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” 3But Jonah sets out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

Did you catch why Jonah didn’t want to obey God? God wants Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah flees to Tarshish which is in the opposite direction. Nineveh is the capital of Assyria (near modern day Mosul in Iraq). Tarshish is a port is Spain or a reference to any place that “is very far away”. Ancient Israel was at war with Nineveh of Assyria and would eventually suffer defeat, deportation and captivity under Assyrian rule. They were sworn enemies of Israel. Jonah wanted nothing to do with them. He wanted nothing to do with delivering God’s word to them. He would resent it when God eventually has mercy on Nineveh.

But, one of the undercurrents of this story is prejudice and discrimination. Nineveh is the ‘Other” to Israel. They are the people who are not like them. They are a different race, a different religion, a different language, and a different culture.

This is a good chance to talk with your children about other kids in school who are ‘different’. Let the kids tell you what they mean by ‘different’. Wonder with them what it might feel like to be different. Wonder with them about the times when they feel different.

From Jonah to Jesus the Bible calls us to seek out, reach out, invite and welcome everyone, especially, those who are treated as different. In Matthew 25:34-26 Jesus talks about treating the ‘least of these’ as though they were Jesus. Part of that is the teaching to welcome those who are strangers. Jesus asks us to help those who are ‘different’ feel welcomed. Talk about ways to help kids in school or the neighborhood feel welcome, safe, invited, comfortable in games, school, playtime, etc.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS: Taking Faith Home

NEW! This week we in church we introduced a new option for our family devotions. This TAKING FAITH HOME material from The Youth and Family Institute follows the Lectionary Readings that we use as our Scripture each week. It’s another way for the whole family to reflect together on the theme from the previous Sunday’s worship. For a copy, please e-mail the church office.

TAKING FAITH HOME FROM CHURCH SCHOOL. This month the church school rotation is focusing on the story of Jonah. Take a moment to recall together (and write down everything you know about the story of Jonah) The story of Jonah is a short book in the Hebrew Scripture. Read it. Then compare what you have read with what you have written.

During the coming weeks we will look at aspects of the Jonah story. Below is some background material on Jonah from a version of the Bible translated and written by Eugene Peterson. See if you can identify some themes in Jonah that you could talk together about or draw pictures about.

Introduction to JONAH from THE MESSAGE by Eugene Peterson
Everybody knows about Jonah. People who have never read the Bible know enough about Jonah to laugh at a joke about him and the “whale.” Jonah has entered our folklore. There is a playful aspect to his story, a kind of slapstick clumsiness about Jonah as he bumbles his way along, trying, but always unsuccessfully, to avoid God.

But the playfulness is not frivolous. This is deadly serious. While we are smiling or laughing at Jonah, we drop the guard with which we are trying to keep God at a comfortable distance, and suddenly we find ourselves caught in the purposes and commands of God. Stories are the most prominent biblical way of helping us see ourselves in “the God story,” which always gets around to the story of God making and saving us. Stories, in contrast to abstract statements of truth, tease us into becoming participants in what is being said. We find ourselves involved in the action. We may start out as spectators or critics, but if the story is good (and the biblical stories are very good!), we find ourselves no longer just listening to but inhabiting the story.

One reason that the Jonah story is so enduringly important for nurturing the life of faith in us is that Jonah is not a hero too high and mighty for us to identify with—he doesn’t do anything great. Instead of being held up as an ideal to admire, we find Jonah as a companion in our ineptness. Here is someone on our level. Even when Jonah does it right (like preaching, finally, in Nineveh) he does it wrong (by getting angry at God). But the whole time, God is working within and around Jonah’s very ineptness and accomplishing his purposes in him. Most of us need a biblical friend or two like Jonah.

Devotion

This week I am spending a couple days in Vermont in conversation around a new book out by Martha Reese Grace. The book is called “Unbinding the Gospel”. It is one of the best books I have found on forming, exploring, sharing and helping others with our faith in Jesus Christ. Here is an excerpt from the end of a chapter entitled Real Life (page 68). It is the closing exercise for the section. It’s good for reflection. ~ Rev. Don

“Will you try something new in your spiritual life this week for your “homework”? Let’s try to scramble your patterns! Change something in your way of interacting with God. Do you talk to God a lot” Try sitting for ten minutes a day, thinking of Christ and listening.

Do you spend you prayer time mainly praying for others? Try something different. Sit quietly and ask the Spirit to show you anything you’re using to block God in your life, or an old hurt buried in you that God could heal. Do you journal? If not, try it.

You could pray the Jesus prayer. This is an Eastern Orthodox prayer that is repeated over and over to still our spirits and to open our souls to Christ. Get a bead necklace, a set of Eastern Orthodox prayer beads, a rosary, a string of pearls, or a string of Mardi Gras beads! Sit quietly, holding the beads. Hold one bead and say the Jesus Prayer once, breathing slowly in and out as you think the words, “Lord Jesus Chris, have mercy on me.” [Or “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner”]. Move to the next bead and think the prayer again, slowly, I time with your breathing. Pray the prayer with your beads for 5 or 10 or 15 minutes each day for a week.

Have you been reading one Bible translation for the last 30 years? Change it. Get a copy of Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase The Message. Better yet, get a recorded version and listen in the car or while you do the dishes. If you listen to Christian rock on the radio, get a CD of African-American spirituals. The point is, ask God to scramble your circuitry and show you something new.

At the end of the week, discuss (or write) what God has shown you.”

PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for Kirsten McNeely, a four-year old who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

FAMILY DEVOTION

The Research Team

By Wayne Rice

Adapted from: http://www.understandingyourteenager.com/parents/articles

According to the official report, a research team proceeded towards the apex of a natural geologic protuberance, the purpose of which was the procurement of a sample of fluid hydride of oxygen in a large vessel, the exact size of which was unspecified. One member of the team precipitously descended, sustaining severe damage to the upper cranial portion of his anatomical structure. A second member of the team subsequently performed a self-rotational translation oriented in the same direction taken by her associate.

Or ... to put it another way:

“Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after.”

Seriously ...

Some people just like to over-complicate things. They can even make a nursery rhyme sound like a boring history lesson.

That’s why God gave us the Bible. When it was originally written, it was written in the common language of the day so that anyone could understand it. But that is not the language in which we read it. Our translation is in the language of our era. But it doesn’t always convey the full and accurate sense of its original translation and intention. We have unnecessarily complicated it. The Bible is our guide. It contains the story of God’s love, expectations, hopes and dreams for the world and people that God created. The Bible is God’s truth. But to understand it, we have to peel back the years and layers of meaning. Spend some time reading a familiar story from the Bibles. Talk about the ways this story informs your life.

“Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out” (Mark 13:31 THE MESSAGE)

DEVOTION

Because he lives I can face tomorrow,

Because he lives all fear is gone.

Because I know he holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because he lives.

~ William And Gloria Gaither

In the ancient tradition of the church, the weeks immediately following Easter focused on Fear. The fear of the disciples who were in hiding, lost, confused and frightened following the execution of Jesus. It will not be until Pentecost when the Spirit comes upon the disciples that they feel the full boldness of God’s power within them.

The Bible teaches us that “perfect Love casts out all fear”. That means that it is in deeds of love and in the understanding of God’s deep love for us, that we can find freedom from the fears and anxieties that plague our lives. This is a good season to spend time reflecting on the unconditional love that God has for us. It is a good season to bring our fears into that love of God. As one teacher wrote: “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.”

Family Devotion

Without A Doubt

From childrensermon.com

To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. - Acts 1:3

Text: John 20:24-31

Prop: Kool-Aid ® Changin' Cherry Magic Twists™ (green drink mix turns blue but tastes like red cherry).

Summary: The disciple Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen. The Lord Jesus proved to him that he was alive again.

Preparation: Remove drink mix from pouch and place in a clear unmarked plastic bag. Prepare a large pitcher of pre-sweetened water in advance. Provide paper cups for the children to enjoy the refreshment after the lesson.

Dialogue: I need someone to help me today. Who is willing to help? [Select a volunteer.] I like Kool-Aid ® when I get thirsty. Do you have a favorite flavor? [Listen to answers.] I like red cherry myself. Here it is. [Show the green drink mix in the bag.]

Uh, oh. Maybe I made a mistake. This may be lime or watermelon flavor because it is colored green. I will pour it in the pitcher of water anyway. [Pour in mix, stir it, and watch it turn blue.]

What? I thought it would turn green. Could this be blueberry flavored? I thought it was supposed to look red for cherry flavored. Let me get my helper to taste it and tell me what flavor it is. [Pour a small amount in cups for child and yourself.]

Hmm. It tastes like cherry to me! [Ask child for agreement.]

Is it cherry flavored? [Yes.]

Thank you for helping me. In a moment we will all have some for a refreshment. [Set pitcher aside for later.]

What if I had told you beforehand that the Kool-Aid ® was a green mix that would turn blue but taste like cherry. Would you have believed me? It does sound a bit far-fetched or hard to believe. I think some of us would have to see it to believe it. Our Bible story today is about the disciples on Easter day. They were told something even more incredible that seemed hard to believe: that Jesus had risen from the dead!

Jesus had been killed by nailing him to a cross and then he was buried. After three days on Sunday morning the disciples heard from Mary Magdalene (and others) that Jesus was alive again. It seemed hard to believe but it was true. As the disciples were hiding in a room behind closed doors, suddenly the Lord Jesus appeared before them! They were glad to see Jesus, but one disciple named Thomas was not with them at the time.

[Read John 20:24-31.]

Thomas did not believe the story that Jesus had risen until he saw Jesus again in person. Thomas had a doubt, or a moment of unbelief. He has been called "doubting Thomas" because he wanted proof before he would believe that Jesus was alive again. Jesus wants us to believe in him without a doubt. He always looks for our faith. While the world tells us that seeing is believing, the Bible teaches us to believe it and we will see it. Let us live in a manner that others may see our faith in the Lord Jesus.

PRAY: Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may not doubt. Help me to believe and then see the truth that you died and then rose again to save me from my sins. Amen.

Personal Reflection

Can I get a Witness?

After Jesus rose on Easter Sunday, we believe without seeing that the tomb was empty and that He appeared to 500 people in 40 days. Who were those 500 witnesses? Does the fact that Bible mentions them strengthen your faith that He did indeed raise from the dead? What is a witness? Are you a witness to the resurrection?

Definition of a Witness

From dictionary.com

–verb (used with object)

1. to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident.

2. to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: She witnessed our wedding.

3. to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.

4. to attest by one's signature: He witnessed her will.

–verb (used without object)

5. to bear witness; testify; give or afford evidence.

–noun

6. an individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a beholder, spectator, or eyewitness.

7. a person or thing that affords evidence.

8. a person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.

9. a person who signs a document attesting the genuineness of its execution.

10. testimony or evidence: to bear witness to her suffering.

Did anyone serve as witness to the resurrection?
From allaboutjesuschrist.org

Eyewitness testimony of the resurrection, as recorded in the New Testament, is the basis of faith in Jesus as Christ. In John 15:27 and Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His apostles that they were to be witnesses. Peter speaks to the others in Acts 1 of David's prophecy that God swore He would bring forth Christ and raise Him up. Peter said (2:31-32) he saw Jesus before the resurrection and "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact." (Also read Acts 3:15,4:33, 10:39-41.)

However, the apostles were not the only ones who saw the risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James were the first (Mark 16). Paul lists several witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Among Jesus' disciples, there were 500 other witnesses. And the Jewish Law of Moses required at least two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6).
"This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Jesus spoke these words in Luke 24:44.

So how credible were all the "witnesses" claiming to have actually seen the resurrected Son of God? Their accounts have withstood the test of time (over 2000 years). Many of them were put to death since they could not renounce their testimonies of His resurrection. But are these recorded testimonies enough? Yes, but in addition, Jesus promised after His ascension this: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. . ." (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit came in His place to bear witness to all flesh.

It is through the Holy Spirit that believers know within that all reported, recorded, and spiritually revealed about Jesus is true. Proverbs 1:22-23 says "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you." And in Proverbs 3:5, it says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

To believe and follow Jesus requires faith. Though there were many, many eyewitness accounts of His death, resurrection, and ascension, those living 2000 years later are operating in faith. How does one acquire faith? Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Read the word, the accounts of His arrival, His resurrection, and His coming return.

Allow the Holy Spirit to bear witness within. Doing that and the event of Jesus' promised return is the greatest evidences of proof. By having faith in Jesus and allowing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we too can be a witness to others of His resurrection.

PRAY: Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit to help me to be a reliable witness to your resurrection. Let my life be a living poem that others see You in me. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Paul Edson, who is battling leukemia
• Adrienne Smith, a young mother who had pneumonia and was in a coma. She is now out of the coma but still has a long road ahead

HOLY WEEK REFLECTION & DEVOTIONS

You may also want to look at the second family devotion this week that walks through the events of each day of Holy Week. Spend some time reflecting on the verses: their story and lessons. The heart of the week and the pivot point of the week is the Cross. Here are some verses from our favorite Lenten Hymns that speak about the cross. They are worthy of some contemplation, reflection, meditation and prayer:

In the cross of Christ I glory

When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo! It glows with peace and joy.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Upon that cross of Jesus

mine eye at times can see

the very dying form of One

who suffered there for me;

and from my stricken heart with tears

two wonders I confess:

the wonders of redeeming love

and my unworthiness.

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

(Chorus)
So I'll cherish the rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down'
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.