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Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 19:14

This year our Lenten Meditations reflect on the "Year of the Child." Last year, we shared experiences and thoughts from our lives that had relevance to the Lectionary readings of Lent. This year, the writers have been asked to reflect on something they learned as a child or learned from a child to inspire their meditations on the Lenten readings.

As we grow up we "put away childish things," as we are admonished to do by Paul, by our parents or by the pressures of the adult world. As we become more worldly - more educated and experienced - there is still some part of being a child that we do not wish to lose. There are treasures that we find as children, or through children, that need to be cherished throughout life. They are like an old toy, which is almost thrown away, until the expert on the "Antiques Road Show" reveals that it is worth a fortune. These riches from childhood are the essence of these meditations; may we recognize their worth, and let our hearts leap with joy, when we realize that these treasures are still ours.       Pamela McClelland

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.
"My Heart Leaps Up" by William Wordsworth, 1802

February 28, 2001 (Ash Wednesday) -- Arnie Porter

Bible Readings: Ps. 51:1-17; Joel 2:1-2,12-17 or Isa. 58:1-12; 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10; Mat.1-6, 16-21

Meditation: (Psalm 51:1-17) Against you, you alone, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. Teach me wisdom in my secret heart; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Today is the first day of Lent, the forty day period in memory of Christ's 40 day fast in the wilderness. It is a traditional period of fasting, penitence, and forgiveness, symbolized today by the imposition of ashes on the heads of repentant worshipers in preparation for Easter. As is the case with all symbolic acts, the spiritual validity of the ritual depends upon the participant. There are some disconnects we must be wary of. One is a contradiction between the symbol and subsequent actions. The prophet Isaiah (58:6) says of fasting, "The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the yoke of injustice and let the oppressed go free; share your food with the hungry; open your homes to the poor; give clothes to those who have nothing to wear." Another is the conclusion we have wandered so far from God that restoration is impossible. Here the Psalmist speaks a comforting word for all of us, "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."

Once, when our granddaughter was very small, her father sent her to her room for some transgression. She cried, and said in Japanese (her mother's language) "Gomennasai" (I'm sorry). Our son replied, with what has since become a family proverb, "It's too late for, 'Gomennasai'." Of course it wasn't too late for her, and thanks be to God, it's never too late for us either.

Prayer: Oh God we give thanks for the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ in whose presence we find protection from empty rituals and empty lives. Amen.

Thursday, March 1, 2001 -- Bob Curry

Bible Readings: Psalm 84 & 150; Daniel 9:3-10; Hebrews 2: 10-18; John 12: 44-50

Meditation: Read Daniel first, then turn to Hebrews after which comes the Gospel and as your prayer, meditate on the Psalms. There is wonderful theme developed through the passages. Daniel confesses to the "great and awesome God." Read it as though it were your own confession today. Note the phrase "open shame." Often shame for who we have been and who we are is hidden, not only from others, but hidden from ourselves. It may be that we need to enter our secret room, shut the door and make our confession to the "great and awesome God." We need to experience the "open shame" in our being to which Daniel makes confession in his life.

Now turn the pages of your Bible to Hebrews. We, you and I and Jesus, all have one Father and "for this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call us sisters and brothers." Oh, and there is another beautiful sentence (v 16): "For it is clear he (Jesus) did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham." We who call on the name of Christ also look upon Abraham as our ancestor. Often we who are Christian are called "hypocrites" and it rings too, too true in our life. Take comfort. Jesus did not come to help the angels. They don't need any! But God knows we do!

Flip back to John 12. It is a typically difficult piece of Johanine theology, but there is one sentence that simply leaped out at me: "I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." The judgment so loudly lamented by Daniel is suddenly simply set aside. In its place, acceptance. Thanks be to God.

Poor old Daniel beats himself over all his "sin and shame" that this great and awesome God knows and judges. (Aso the curse and oath written in the law of Moses has been poured out against us.)

The writer of Hebrews affirms that it is to us sinners (note the "us") to whom Jesus was sent--not to the "good people" (that's us too?). The Gospel writer puts in the mouth of Jesus words everyone of us need to hear and heed: God is not a the God of judgement, but the God of love and forgiveness. From a God of harsh judgment to a God of forgiving love. And that love, as in the Hebrew bible, is always steadfast.

Prayer: Finally, read Psalm 84 as your prayer of joy. "How lovely (indeed) is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts."

Friday, March 2, 2001 -- Reid Graham

Bible Readings: Ps. 22 or 148; Ezek. 18:1-4,25-32; Phil. 4:1-9; John 17:9-19

Meditation: (Psalm 148) Having traveled throughout Europe and East Africa, I am continually amazed by God’s beauty and creation. There are two short examples that illustrate this.

On my first time going to Scotland, with my parents, we witnessed dawn over Ireland. I was amazed at how the sun came out and shone around. First there was a sliver of light and then as the sun began to rise it got larger and larger, until it overtook the whole sky. It was for me an example of God’s beauty and light. On my first trip to East Africa, I saw wildebeest or gnu. The Masai people tell the story of God’s creation. When God was finished creating all the animals, he had a problem. The problem was what to do with the spare parts he left over. He took them and created the gnu. Another example of the beauty of God’s creation at work.

Prayer: Praise God for all creation, from the smallest to the largest. Praise Him for the sun and moon and all the stars. Praise God for all the creatures of the land and sea. Amen

Saturday, March 3, 2001 -- Joan Coe

Bible Readings: Ps. 43 or 31; Ezek. 39:21-29; Phil. 4:12-20; John 17:20-26

Meditation: (Phil. 4:12-20) In these verses Saint Paul is letting the Philippians know how he feels--that he appreciates their kindness and also their willingness to listen to him as Christ's messenger. They received Paul into their community of Philippi when other groups in the same area would not give him the time of day, or allow him to spread the word of Jesus.

Paul tells the community he is a survivor--that he can "abound in any and all circumstances. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me."

When Paul ran into trouble (being in jail care), they were there for him. He tells them their payment would be increased and would be pleasing in God's eye: "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

These versus apply all the more to us in our daily lives. It helps us understand the plight of others in our community and around the world. It helps us abound in all ways. It makes our hearts lighter by caring and giving in the example of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord we pray that our lives will be changed forever through His word.

Sunday, March 4, 2001 -- Mary Lyons

Bible Readings: Ps. 91:1-2, 9-16; Deut.26:1-11; Rom.10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13

Meditation: (Psalms 91:11) "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

Retired Chief of Chaplains, Roy Parker, in a sermon many years ago, used as his text Psalm 91. Since hearing that sermon, this has been a favorite Psalm of mine. In the King James Bible, verse 4 states "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings shall you take refuge."

Having grown up on a dairy farm and around chickens, I could relate to Chaplain Parker's verbal picture of a mother hen gathering her "little biddies" under her wings to protect them. He pointed out that often one little head would poke out between the feathers. "How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near." (Psalm 91:10 - The Living Bible)

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in time of trouble." (Psalm 91:15 - King James)

In Luke 4:9-10 we read that when he tempted Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, Satan quoted Psalm 91:11 - "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of thought, and the power to reflect on your word. Guide me in thought and deed. Amen

Monday, March 5, 2001 -- Beth Cossey

Bible Readings: Ps. 119: 73-80 or 121; Gen. 37:1-11; 1 Cor. 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13

Meditation: (Mark 1:13) "PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD, AND MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT"

As children we tried to "Follow the straight and narrow." We heard, "Give me a straight answer!" Said "Yes" to the question, "Are you being straight with me?" Followed orders of "Go straight to your room." We attended Sunday School where we learned many Bible verses, though not many of them seemed to sink in. As adults we try to live as Christians, but we plod on in our errant ways. Our complicated lives rush forward, helter-skelter. We worry, we whine, we nag, we gripe! SUDDENLY, a Bible passage comes to mind, a nugget from those lessons long ago: "Let thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me according to thy promise to thy servant." (Psalm 119:76) The path to God's glory is straight ahead. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!!

Prayer: Thank you, loving God, for parents and for Your Word that helps make us and our children Your children, too!

Tuesday, March 6, 2001 -- Marge Hernandez

Bible Readings: Ps. 34 or 25; Gen. 37:12-24; 1Cor. 1:20-31; Mark 1:14-28

Meditation: (Mark 16-20) Remember when you were in Vacation Bible School, years ago, and you learned the songs:

I always loved that song and would sing it all summer long. Perhaps it was because I associated the song with summer, that I developed my own mental picture of Jesus' calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John. In my mind Jesus had gone to a beach, much like Virginia Beach, the only beach I knew as a child. He was taking a walk along the water's edge. There would be magnificent sounds: Waves crashing; Sea gulls cawing; Wind singing. There was the taste of salt on His lips. There was bright sunlight.

Along the water's edge would be surf fishermen like ones I had seen, casting their lines into the waves. Peter, Andrew, James, and John, in my picture, were just like those fishermen. I could just see Jesus asking my fishermen to come along with him on his adventure. And, of course, they would pack up some of their fishing gear (just not their nets), and walk on with Jesus down the beach.

Many years later, I learned that not everyone envisioned the story from Mark in the same way I did. That was a real come-down! But I have always liked my version of the way Peter, Andrew, James, and John became disciples.

Prayer: Thank you that we have the wonderful gift of the BIBLE. Thank you too that we are free to read it for ourselves, and to experience for ourselves the wonder and the joy of those special stories. Amen.

Wednesday, March 7, 2001 -- Dick and Eve McIntosh

Bible Readings: Ps. 147:1-11 or 27; Gen. 40:1-23; 1Cor. 2:1-13; Mark 1:29-45

Meditation: (Ps. 147) In Psalm 147 I read how the people were encouraged to praise the Lord, to put their faith and trust in Him and that life would improve under His care. This must have been a tremendous boost to those who had suffered so much in the past and had little hope for improvement in the future. Next I read from Mark 1:29-45 the description of Jesus' activities after He was baptized by John. He preached, healed and served the people throughout Galilee and "people came to him from every quarter." He inspired the masses and breathed new life into those that had given up. Those two readings took me back to an earlier period in my life.

When I was about five years old, our family of four moved to a farm in Texas with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The number varied from 10 to 15 people. The economic health of the country was steadily deteriorating and everyone was trying for a "new start." For farmers like us, the problem was further complicated by a lack of rain for growing crops and grass for the cattle pastures. I don't recall ever having been hungry but I do remember how hard everyone worked and prayed for rain so that we could "hang on for another year." Only two of the family members left the area. According to Dad, Mother was the "spark plug" that kept up the faith and morale of those remaining.

I have often thought of those years and the role my Mother played. Her contributions to the family's spirit and determinatioin had to be monumental. Her faith and spiritual leadership kept us all together during the most trying of times but not without great pain and sacrifice. She was often bedridden with asthma for extended periods. Also during this period my sister passed away from appendicitis--an incorrect diagnosis by the doctor. But Mom never complained. Family members knew that without her faith, tenacity and dedication the family would never have survived the stress of depression.

Prayer: Dear Lord, fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit to make us more compassionate to the needs of others and give us the will to serve others as you would have us do. In Christ's name, Amen.

Thursday, March 8, 2001 -- Emilio R. Bianchi

Bible Readings: Ps.27 or 126; Gen. 39:1-23; 1Cor. 2:14-3:15; Mark 2:1-12

Meditation: (Ps. 27) "The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear, the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

In 1924 when my father and mother separated, and since my mother had to work to support us, we were many times at home unsupervised. The neighbors complained. The State Bureau of Child Welfare was alerted. We went to Court and became wards of the State until our 18th birthday. Since there was no room at the State County Home, we were placed in the Saint Francis Orphanage Asylum. There, I was lonely and in tears. Sister Catherine, who was in charge of the activity room, sat beside me and told me not to cry that the Lord would look after me. This gave me hope and encouragement, and brought the Lord into my life to guide me. I attended worship every morning before school. My home room teacher, Sister Supreme advised me that I was very intelligent and that I could advance in school and she took a personal interest in me. Again, I felt the Lord was watching over me like a guiding light. After school Sister Catherine taught me how to darn socks, and help her with other chores. In the evening prayer, by meditation, I could converse with God, and my heart could give useful lessons to my head. This helped me to grow wiser without his books.

The Lord was my salvation and with Him as my guide I was not afraid to face the many adversities I would face in my journey through life.

Prayer: "For in time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his tabernacle He shall hide me. He shall set me upon a rock."

Friday, March 9, 2001 -- Elmer Holst

Bible Readings: Ps. 22 or 105; Gen 40:1-23; 1Cor. 3:16-23; Mark 2:13-22

Meditation: There is a trait in human nature to seek out defects or shortcomings in people. This often manifests itself in our comments about their dress, speech, attitude, housekeeping, morals and in countless other instances. Criticism can be healthy but when it seeps into most of our conversations, it can dominate our thinking and lives. It affects our relationship with people. People tend to avoid us because of our negativity so we in turn become more negative.

This same thought process can spill over with respect to our attitude about our young people. Certainly there are young people who disappoint us. Some commit crimes and are destructive not only to themselves but to other people. However, they are not all that way by any means. All you have to do is look around this church for example, and our schools, and thank God that he has given us so many fine young people. The vast majority deserve our praise, support and encouragement. So be positive; it will make you feel better about the young people but also about yourself.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the wisdom to see and appreciate the positive side of our young people.

Saturday, March 10, 2001 -- Wayne Howland

Meditation: (Mark 2:27) Rules for the Sabbath: When I was ten, my grandfather, who had come from Indiana to visit us in Ohio, became quite sick and was hospitalized. Two of my father’s four siblings came to be with him, and stayed in our one-bathroom house. Four adults and three children under one roof. The Sunday after their arrival, the Sabbath started with the usual routine: Sunday school, church service and noontime dinner. That afternoon, after a hospital visitation, my two brothers and I, along with the family entourage, returned home.

What to do the rest of the Sabbath had never been a problem before. Sunday was a day of rest and family fellowship. On this day, however, there seemed to be a common concern among the adults that they should do something for the rambunctious youngsters. One rule about Sundays in my father's family, however, was that money went in the collection plate but never changed hands. Finally, my aunt, who was an ordained Nazarene minister, suggested they take the three boys out and buy them ice cream cones. Others may have thought about it, but never would have spoken those words in front of Aunt Mary. She was devoutly religious and very evangelical. The number one priority in her life was God, not a book of rules. She drove us and had an ice cream cone too.

Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath. Use it to honor God, to worship and to share your faith, but sometimes people need to be fed and sometimes people need to be healed.

Prayer: Thank you God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. Help us to share our love with others so that they too may find overwhelming joy in being in your presence. And help us to reaffirm that you are our number one priority and show it in all that we do. Help us to do the right thing. In Christ’s name, Amen

Sunday, March 11, 2001 -- Sarah Sams

Bible Readings: Ps. 27; Gen.15:1-12, 17-18; Phil. 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35

Meditation: Psalm 27 is one of confidence in God’s timing and of trust in His power. Both of these are concepts that are quite alien to our present culture. However, as we hearken to King David’s words in these verses, we find that this psalm is a comfort to us in all areas and circumstances of our lives.

David writes, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Is there something in your life you’ve been hoping for for a long time, but you are not sure if it is God’s will for you? Or is there an event that you are excitedly anticipating, but that seems so far away? Perhaps there is an event you are dreading, focusing on the nearness of its arrival. David’s words remind us to slow down. What might God be teaching us as we wait on Him? It could be easily missed as we focus on what we want or dread rather than taking heart as we wait on God’s timing. Perhaps our thoughts, plans, fears are not what God has planned for us at all. Waiting on God allows us to enjoy the every day moments, and to remember that our lives are in His hands.

Regardless of what happens in our lives, David reminds us that "The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?... My heart says of you, 'Seek His face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek... Teach me your way O Lord; lead me in a straight path." Life can be a disjointed jumble of events if one doesn't try and look at it from God’s perspective, trusting in His power to see you through whatever may happen. If we trust in God as our stronghold, we can encounter the unknown of the world with confidence. We can seek His face by having a regular time with God to pray and to study His word in the Bible.

This Lenten season leads up to the glorious celebration of Easter, when we mark Christ's triumphant resurrection that allows us to fellowship with and have eternal life with God. God cares so much for our eternal salvation that He sent His son to die for us. He also cares deeply about our daily lives and all that they comprise. Remember to wait upon Him and seek Him as the stronghold of your life every day.

Prayer: Dear God, Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the world, and in my hopes or fears of events to come. Help me to trust in your timing and your power, and to earnestly seek what you would have me learn about you each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Monday, March 12, 2001 -- John McLellan

Bible Readings: Ps. 145 or 119:73-80; Gen. 41:46-57; 1Cor. 4:8-20; Mark 3:7-19a

Meditation: (Psalm 145) A hymn of praise exuberantly glorifying the greatness of God: "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. ... Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. ... The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I shall declare your greatness."

This Psalmist is not only making clear that he will continue during his life to praise God, but also that all of us (all flesh) should be doing this same thing--continually glorifying the greatness of God. As if that is not enough to lay on us, he adds further that we should communicate to future generations their need to be constantly praising the greatness of God.

Actually, it’s no chore for us in our household to praise God; part of our family daily devotions and activities at Heritage include praising God and expressing our gratitude for the overwhelming blessings he constantly makes available to us. But how do we communicate to future generations the need or desire to constantly glorify the greatness of God? On meditating on this question my thoughts turned (as they frequently do) to our grandchildren who have great fun mimicking their granddad. They also want to be able to do some of the activities that they see granddad and grandmom do. They want to learn to make the pancakes grandmom makes. They want to read the Bible and say prayers or devotions at family meals as granddad and grandmom do. They want to go to church with family members. In other words the grand children emulate their parents and grandparents. This puts a great burden on us. We can influence future generations’ relations to God through our actions now. We should conduct ourselves, as we would want our children and grandchildren to do.

Prayer: Lord, We do extol you and bless your name and your great works. Help us to conduct ourselves so that our children, grandchildren and others will want to be close to you, speaking the praise of the Lord, Blessing his holy name forever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday, March 13, 2001 -- Sam Armstrong

Bible Readings: Ps. 34 or 25; Gen 42:1-17; 1Cor. 5:1-8; Mark 3:19b-35

Meditation: (Psalm 34) Whoever combined these various Scriptural passages into today’s meditation had to have a lot of insight. There is a consistent theme that jumps out at you: Keep the faith, stick together and God will take care of you.

To illustrate, Psalms 34 tells us: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in God." In 1 Corinthians Paul says that he has heard that there is a man in their community who has taken his father’s wife. He warns them that this sin cannot go unpunished. He reminds them that: "A little leaven leaventh the whole lump." Then Mark gives us the familiar proverb: "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

This theme is instructive to all of us 365 days a year. However, it particularly speaks to me this Saturday night because of my role on the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC). As we undertake the heavy responsibility of finding our next pastor, we need to take stock of who we are as a congregation. From the survey that we took over a year ago, we know that we are not "a house divided." Sure, there is a fairly wide spectrum within our congregation from liberal to conservative on both social and theological issues. Our Church Information File (CIF) says that for all prospective pastors to note. It goes on to state that while we are slightly right of center on both issues, we do not "go to war over them." During this last election one could see bumper stickers in the parking lot promoting candidates from all parties yet there were no cross words spoken that I know of in either the sanctuary or the parking lot. The readers of our CIF should understand this so that they are not looking at a congregation that is dysfunctionally fractionated--that we heard admonitions of Mark and Paul.

Who knows how far the PNC will have progressed as of this date. We’ve got a tough job to find a permanent pastor who can fill Bob Curry’s interim shoes--and we are very mindful of that challenge. What we do know is that if we "trusteth" in God, he will lead us to the right choice.

Prayer: We pray that you will show us the way to remain a "house undivided."

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 -- Pamela (Russell) McClelland

Bible Readings: Ps. 5 or 27; Gen. 42:18-28; 1Cor. 5:9-6:11; Mark 4:1-20

Meditation: Ps. 27:5: For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. This is a psalm about the confidence that we can have in God. Think of a day of great trouble. Did you survive?

Today there is a popular film in the theaters. It is called Thirteen Days, about the Cuban Missile Crisis.. Some of us remember that time. I was thirteen years old, living in Germany, as my father was stationed there with the US Army. In spite of moving every year or so, I had always felt utterly safe in my home, wherever it was. Now we had this absolutely surreal situation: we were all issued C-rations, told to pack a small bag of personal items and given detailed evacuation instructions.

Even teenagers could figure out that if war broke out, those instructions might not work according to plan. And all the teenagers that I hung out with were military brats who had some inkling of what happened in World War II and why we were in Germany. At lunch, the students at my junior high discussed how there had been a world war every 20 years and the twenty years were up. We seemed on the verge of a very big war - with nukes. All of a sudden, no place was safe.

My father was very busy and tight lipped. I remember that I added the Lord’s prayer to my daily routine about then. It was a time to Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage. (Ps. 27:14) Now, I know that a lot of talented people were working hard to keep us at peace. This time the balance of military strength and diplomatic skill was exactly right. And not only did we avoid a major war then, but for the four decades since. Everyone of us, everyday, has a very different life today because those guns were not fired. It was a miracle, a blessing and a continuing source of wonder.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am thankful that in those days of trouble, my family, my country, my planet, were kept safe. I will sing and make melody to the Lord. (Ps. 27:6)

Thursday, March 15, 2001 -- Penny Brockman

Bible Readings: Ps. 27 or 102; Gen. 42:29-38; 1Cor. 6:12-20; Mark 4:21-34

Meditation: (Ps. 27:1) “The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?”

I was born into a Christian family. This is not to say I had a perfect Christian home but that I had the freedom to be a Christian and encouragement from other members of my family to believe in Christ. In fact, if I were to falter in my faith I knew it would be frowned upon to say the least. When I was eight years old my Grandmother died. Her death was explained to me in that “God needed another angel. Her body was left on earth like an old worn out coat. She didn’t need it anymore. Christ would now personally care of her.”

This explanation nurtured my faith, allowing it to grow despite other family situations that could have proven destructive to my beliefs. This was how I grew up and how I thought everyone grew up. It was not until my last year of college that I realized I had been so fortunate to have been given such a privilege. To be a Christian in a country such as ours is encouraged and embraced. It is truly easy to follow Christianity in a land of little to no opposition. But what about people who live in countries where Christians are a minority? People who face persecution for their faith in the Lord. The words in Ps. 27 are strong. The faith in the Lord will keep fear out of the heart even in the face of the enemy. To know that the Lord will receive you even when your Father and Mother have forsaken you. Faith that strong does not come easy, but it is that kind of faith that will carry you through the worst of circumstances and deliver the most incredible of rewards, feeling the love of Christ within yourself.

Friday, March 16, 2001 -- Gail Trimble

Bible Readings: Ps. 22 or 130; Gen. 43:1-15; 1Cor. 7:1-9; Mark 4:35-41

Meditation: (Mark 4: 35-41) Jesus calms the storm. He ... rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

There are times in our lives when we find ourselves amidst one of life’s storms. We feel tossed and often lost. Grasping and groping for a lifeline to calm our sea, we too often try to save ourselves. Those who remember that Christ is our true life preserver are the fortunate ones.

My daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Rod, learned in late July that their unborn child would have severe disabilities and would probably live no longer than a few hours. It was horrendous news. Their baby was born mid October. They chose the name Joy for their daughter, believing that she is not only a Joy to her creator but is meant to bring pure joy to them and others. (Read James 1:2) She did not die at birth as expected. With difficulties in breathing, eating, and experiencing multiple seizures, she needed constant care. These young parents faced every need with courage, unconditional love, and with infinite patience. Their deep faith in the Lord sustained them each day. Our merciful Father took sweet, little Joy at ten weeks of age. In her short life she endeared herself to all that came in contact with her. We know that in trusting our God, He will be with us through all storms, while sustaining and comforting us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, giver of life, we thank you for your mercy and grace. Forgive us for our frequent lack of faith and trust in you. Bless especially those who are in need upon the sea of life, who need thy help and calming assurances. May they know and feel your presence. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Saturday, March 17, 2001 -- Karen Galambos

Bible Readings: Ps. 43 or 31; Gen 43:16-34; 1Cor. 7:10-24; Mark 5:1-20

Meditation: (Psalm 31) Grief. The baby didn’t die, but I mourned like it had. We waited three long years for a baby to complete our family. The first adoption fell through. The second baby was ours if it was a boy. She came and went to another family. This was the third and most promising. The car seat was at the front door. The 48-hour waiting period required by the state was virtually over, and Jim and I were within an hour of becoming parents! The phone rang. The courageous birth mother fell in love during the waiting period, and was going to parent the baby on her own.

I was in despair! My "enemies," all the "normal" women with a houseful of kids, expected me to join their festivities at a women’s retreat just six days after the death of my maternal dream. How could I bear the mocking of motherly chatter?

I cried out to the Lord as the psalmist in Psalm 43. "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him." It was a life changing decision for me, that is, to trust that the Lord had my best interests at heart. I decided to look for and accept what HE wanted for me, not to argue with Him about MY desires.

I stayed home from the women’s retreat that weekend. My friends, whom I’d perceived with such jealousy, prayed for me. In spite of my sinful attitude, the Lord blessed my change of heart just weeks later. We discovered that Jana (whose name means gracious gift of God) had been conceived. The Lord truly gave me cause to praise Him with exceeding joy again.

Sunday, March 18, 2001 -- Winnie Larson

Bible Readings: Ps. 63:1-8; Isa. 55:1-9; 1Cor. 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9

Meditation: (Ps. 63:1-8) The psalmist, David, writes while in the wilderness of Judah that, "my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips." Upon reading this I immediately thought of our combined school choirs, community and church singers (many from our own Heritage Chancel choir) who recently sang part one of Handel’s Messiah. Many text portions come from the book of Psalms and Isaiah. It was such wonderful music that my mind sings portions over and over.

As a child I can remember my mother sitting at our piano playing her favorite hymns. In the Summer I would approach the house and hear the piano. In those days the windows were open because the house did not have air conditioning. Neighbors would remark of their own listening enjoyment. It was always the hymns that she knew and sang from memory.

A couple of years ago while on a family visit to the midwest, I asked her to play so one of her grandchildren and a great-grandson could listen. After a gentle protest about her arthritis and cataracts, she proceeded to the piano bench. Upon playing, and of course singing, the looks on their faces was something I shall never forget. Both saw their grandparent in a completely different light. Last Fall our choir had the pleasure of being in Rev. Evangeline Taylor’s church in Old Town, Alexandria. We sang a couple of hymns that brought me back to my childhood. I departed there thinking what a wonderful experience and blessing I had just received.

Our old home piano is now silent as mother attends her church services in a nursing home. What a priceless blessing she gave me in sharing her love of music.

Prayer: O God, fill our hearts and souls with the music of thy love and forgiveness. Help those of unbelief to see you through our compassion and love for them. Thank you God for your many blessings. Amen.

Monday, March 19, 2001 -- Fred Fredericks

Bible Readings: Ps.145 or 121; Gen. 44:18-34; 1Cor. 7:25-31; Mark 5:21-43

Meditation: (Luke 12:11-13) Then came also the publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

John the Baptist had been preaching to the people, warning them of their wayward ways, admonishing them about their sins and urging them to repent. Many of the common folk had come and been baptized but they still had uncertainties as to what was expected of them. Then the publicans came and asked him "what shall we do?" In responding to this question John the Baptist spoke directly to one of the great faults of humankind--that is the fault of greed. All too often we want to get everything mostly for ourselves, even when it may mean taking advantage of others. Our chief interest is commonly personal gain, gathering things that will enhance our security, position, power, and wealth. The ethic of "looking out for number one" prevails. John implored the publicans as he also implores us to be fair in all our dealings, to share liberally in whatever good fortunes we may have been blessed to have, and to not worship the accumulation of material possessions. During the Lenten season a common practice is to forego something that we deem important to us and to represent therefore a sacrifice for this designated period. John would implore us as individuals, as a community of followers of Christ, as a nation, and as a world to purge any tendency towards greed from our behavior, to share our blessings with others, and to "exact no more than that which is appointed [to us]" from anyone.

Prayer: Lord help us to remember our obligation to be fair, just, understanding, and sharing, not just for a special season but at all times.

Tuesday, March 20, 2001 -- Phil Smith

Bible Readings: Ps. 34 or 25; Gen. 45:1-15; 1Cor, 7:32-40; Mark 6:1-13

Meditation: (Mark 6:3) "Isn’t he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters living here?" And so they rejected him.

When I was younger, about 6 or 7, my Sunday mornings weren’t spent sitting in a pew at my church. I spent them on a couch in front of the television. Much like the people of Nazareth, I rejected Jesus without giving him a fair chance. My mom would urge me to come to church but, of course, Power Rangers was on and that show meant more to me than my own spirituality. It was on rare occasions that I attended church, and I would usually sleep at the edge of the pew, not listening.

When I was 10, my mother decided we were all going to attend church regularly, and enjoy it! The lessons in Sunday School and the sermons during the Worship Service have become very interesting to me. Now, going to church and giving time to Christ makes me feel better about myself. It is my Christian responsibility to embrace and learn about my religion as I get older. Over the past 5 years, I have accepted Christ and no longer reject him. I am comforted in my faith.

Prayer: Lord, I no longer reject you. Help me continue to grow stronger in my faith. Forgive me my sins and those I have offended. I am thankful for your love and guidance. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Wednesday, March 21, 2001 -- Bob Trimble

Bible Readings: Ps. 5 or 51; Gen. 45:16-28; 1Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 6:13-29

Meditation: (Psalm 51) Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love.

Zero defects was a term prominently used in the post Sputnik era when our nation feared that Russia would win control of space. We believed that as a nation we had to improve our technical capabilities to counter a Soviet threat. We needed to learn how to design and build systems that were as defect free as possible. The result was the development of a culture that sought perfection in technology.

In like manner, a goal in our spiritual world is to worship God, follow his precepts and to live a sin free life. Zero sin in our spiritual lives is of greater eternal importance than zero defects in the industrial world, but it is very hard to attain. Despite my best efforts, I know that I fall far short; and it is not enough to excuse my defects as comedian Flip Wilson used to do by saying, "The devil made me do it."

The 51st Psalm speaks to man's sinning nature probably better than any other Bible passage. If you have not already done so, read it now as your personal talk with God. The reader acknowledges his/her sins against God asking for forgiveness based on God's great love. Martin Luther observed that this Psalm sets forth the doctrine of true repentance better than all other Bible passages. While we cannot reach zero sin , we are comforted by the fact that God in his love will forgive those who truly repent. Nothing in the doctrine of industrial zero defects can match the spiritual doctrine of repentance!!

Prayer: Dear Lord, we know that sin is ever before us and that our transgressions are great. We need your mercy and forgiveness. Create in us clean hearts; restore in us the joy of salvation; and uphold us with a willing spirit. In Christ's name, amen.

Thursday, March 22, 2001 -- Cecilia Campbell

Bible Readings: Ps. 147:12-20 or 102; Gen. 46:1-7, 28-34; 1Cor. 9:1-15; Mark 6:30-46

Meditation: (Psalm 102) Hear my prayer, Oh Lord; Let my cry come to thee. This Psalm is loved by many because of its assurance that God's love endureth forever.

I grew up in a large family in central Oklahoma. We lived on the edge of a small town where my father was postmaster in the morning and rural mail carrier in the afternoon. Dinner was required to be on the table at 12 noon or the sky would fall in, or so we were led to believe. The mail was a sacred trust and must be delivered on time.

On a Saturday in June, 1929, I awakened joyfully because I was invited to a birthday celebration for my best friend. I had forgotten to mention this to my mother and was dismayed when she said I was not to go because I was needed at home. My immediately older siblings were involved in a basketball tournament at the high school and had already been given permission to participate. My dad was bringing guests for dinner which must be ready by noon. I worked frantically all morning, running errands, setting the table, scrubbing new potatoes, baby-sitting my little brother. I was sure that my helpfulness combined with very real tears and sobs would gain her permission. It did not work. My mother simply told me to stop sniveling. She handed me a sack and told me to run to the back garden and pull the lowest ear of corn from twelve stocks.

I could not believe it. I was heart broken. I had never had such a disappointment before and felt very abandoned and unfairly treated. It was clear that my mother did not love me. As I stomped my bare foot down hard in frustration, it came in contact with a large sand burr and some of the spines, shaped like miniature fish hooks, imbedded themselves deeply into my bare foot. The pain was acute and so was the dejection. Even God no longer loved me.

As I sat with bowed head, working painfully at the sticker, a flash of blue streaked before my face. I lifted my head and stared around trying to figure what it was. My eyes lighted on a knot hole in a nearby split rail fence. I went over and looked in at a soft bit of fluff and three tiny eggs of a heavenly blue; so perfect, so beautiful. I backed away and sat, silent and very still. Very soon the mother blue-bird returned to her nest. I felt that I had been blessed.

This vignette from my childhood remains as sharply in focus today as when it was experienced over seventy years ago. It reminds me, in moments of distress, that God has not abandoned me and loves me still.

Prayer: Hear my prayer, Oh Lord. Incline thine ear to me and grant me thy peace. Amen.

Friday, March 23, 2001 -- Lucy Lyons Willis

Bible Readings: Ps. 148 or 105; Gen. 47:1-26; 1Cor. 9:16-27; Mark 6:47-56

Meditation: (Psalm 105) "Thank the Lord for all the glorious things he does; proclaim them to the nations. Sing his praises and tell everyone about his miracles. Glory in the Lord; O worshipers of God, Rejoice."

A special part of my childhood "Sunday School memories" was the music we sang. This particular song has stayed with me. While singing this song our forefinger of one hand would be the "candle" and our other hand cupped over the "candle" would be jerked away at the word NO!

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, ...
Hide it under a bushel - NO! - I'm gonna let it shine.

Through our daily living we have the ability to be an example of the light He brings to our lives, and through worshiping God we have the opportunity to praise and thank Him for all our blessings. From sundown today to one hour after sundown Saturday evening is Judaism's Shabbat Shalom (Sabbath Peace.) Two candles are lit to remember and observe a sanctified day of rest and worship, refreshing us from the anxieties of everyday life. "All praise the Lord together. For he alone is worthy. His glory is far greater than all of earth and heaven." Psalm 148:13

Put a candle in your window when the night is dark with storm.
It will welcome any stranger; Keep friends and family warm.
When you see someone in sorrow; Just let your candle shine
From your soul and from your window it will be a cheerful sign.
Always place a candle where the world can see its light -
The glow will lift a sad heart - And brighten every night.
     Joan Stephen

Prayer: Father, help us to come out of the darkness of fear and into the light of faith. Amen.

Saturday, March 24, 2001 -- Tanya Marie Anderson

Bible Readings: Ps.43 or 143; Gen. 47:27-48:7; 1Cor. 10:1-13; Mark 7:1-23

Meditation: (1Corinthians 10:1-13) "I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears of all my life!" --Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Why do we cry? Tears express happiness and sorrow. When a child is born, a mother cries with overwhelming delight. When someone dear dies, a person cries for his or her loved ones' life and yearns for more of it. When a woman marries, she cries for love-found. When hard times hit, a person cries for the light at the end of the tunnel.

There are two television shows that always make me cry: NBC'S Providence and CBS'S Touched by an Angel. Both shows have excellent writers because their storylines tug at my heartstrings and tear ducts without fail. The theme song of Providence gets me started and the show hasn't even begun yet! On Touched by an Angel the beautiful truth that "God Loves You" speaks to my heart so comfortingly.

Whether you believe in "providence" or "entertaining angels unawares" like I do, the fact remains that God is with us in good times and bad. So we cry at these moments in our lives, but we don't cry alone. God hears us when we cry; He wipes our wet cheeks with His Love and holds us as we cry in gladness or grief.

My grandfather died two years ago today. Oh, how time escapes us. How sad and unexplainable it was to me that he pass away at that time, when I was 6 months pregnant. Why did he have to die then? Why couldn’t he have been here see to my son, Ben? Did he hear Marty when he secretly told him Ben's name-to-be? Why does grief never go away? Why must we feel so sad for so long?

Why do we cry? I think we cry because we love. Love is a monumental emotion that warms the cockles of hearts and touches lives we meet along life's path. (Just watch It's a Wonderful Life and you will see what I mean!) It is through God's love that we reach the road to the next day. God doesn't give us more than we can bear; He comforts us and gives us strength to endure. So as two years pass since I last saw my grandfather, more tears come--tears that heal in time with precious reflections like the way he called me Tanishka (my name in Russian), like the way his eyes sparkled when telling a story, and the many memories of him that I will forever carry and share with my son. Irving, I love you and I will miss you all the days of my life.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for tears. May we teach our children that crying is healthy and that tears bring comfort and peace within us. Thank you for Love and for giving us special people in our lives that will be with us long after they have left this earth. Amen.

Sunday, March 25, 2001 -- Christine Geren

Bible Readings: Ps.32; Josh. 5:9-12; 2Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Meditation: (Psalm 32: 3, 5) When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

My childhood was spent within the fearful restrictions of a fundamental religion. When I became independent, I ran "as fast as I could" from it all. I turned away from my understanding of an angry, judgmental God. It was too difficult to reach the perfection I believed was needed to follow Him. I was "full of sin" and repentance grew tiresome. I quit the church. Over the next decade, however, I began having occasional thoughts of my childhood faith. I recalled peaceful scripture readings and Sunday school teachers who were kind. It was not all about the fear of sin and judgment. There were stories of love and reconciliation. I began again to read the Bible. Not long after, I woke in the dead of night feeling incredibly alone. I crawled from the covers and knelt beside the bed as I had done as a child. And I prayed! I confessed my wasteful silence and I asked for His guidance to renew my faith. In the months that followed I was slowly reborn in both faith and forgiveness. My adult journey had begun--and continues. Thanks be to God!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2Cor 5:17

Prayer: Lord God, Creator of all. My joy began with reconciliation through your grace. Bless the visions we hold from childhood. May we grow in spirit from the memories, whether good or bad, toward everlasting love in Christ. Amen.

Monday, March 26, 2001 -- Autumn Brown

Bible Readings: Ps. 145 or 121; Gen. 49:1-28; 1Cor. 10:14-11:1; Mark 7:24-37

Meditation: (Mark 7:24-37) How does one become famous? How does one gain celebrity status? Everyone has talent and value, so why is it that some are well-known and some are not? I have always done the things that I love to do--the things about which I am passionate. In my high school, I have been deeply involved in theater and music, as well as other activities. This high-profile participation has brought me an odd form of celebrity status within the school; and yet I can't help but feel the weightlessness of it all.

I'm sure our Lord dislikes the title Jesus Christ Superstar, but it's a truism: Jesus was on earth to teach the Word, and yet he did not become famous in his own time for that purpose. The propaganda spread about him had little to do with his teachings; it was his ability to heal that mesmerized the masses. Instead of eager listeners, Jesus had the deaf and possessed thrust upon him. The moments he tried to use to teach in these situations were quite generally ignored: people were too fascinated by the healings to truly pay attention.

Jesus was big, in his own time as well as now. But he was misunderstood (how beautifully human). To the point of crucifixion. The secret to celebrity, it seems, is to always give your audience what they want. Jesus, however, worried about presentation tips. He may have been great entertainment, but he wasn't out there to perform.

Prayer: O God, give us the strength to look beneath the surface, to find the deeper meaning in that which You have given us. Let our souls drink Your Word; let us be steeped in wisdom and love. And through Your teachings, and through Your love, let us find everlasting life. In Your name alone, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, March 27, 2001 -- Charles Jones

Bible Readings: Ps.146 or 91; Gen. 49:29-50:14; 1Cor. 11:2-34; Mark 8:1-10

Meditation: (Mark 8:1-10) Tuesday March 27. Choices. In Mark 8 we are told about the second time Jesus fed a multitude. After teaching them, He grew concerned that they needed food before departing for their distant homes. So he took a small amount of bread and a few fish, blessed them, and fed everyone with excess left over. Noteworthy are the choices made by the multitude to be in that place at that time. Evidently some choices were made in haste so they could depart on the far journey to hear Jesus. They left home so quickly they failed to choose to take food.

Daily we make uncountable choices as we take part in the life's journey . We commence to make decisions soon after waking, and do so until falling asleep at night. Some of these choices, like the one where the folks left home without food, are not the best choices we could have made. However, in the case of the multitude, Jesus made a difference. They made a poor choice, he aided them.

We can, on waking, ask for His blessings on the choices we will be making for the rest of the day. Thus, all our activities will be less stressful and, with His blessings and guidance, we will make better choices.

Prayer: "Dear Lord, as you helped the multitude, help us with our choices. Open our eyes that we may see how much better our choices will be if they are made with your assistance and blessings."

Wednesday, March 28, 2001 -- Kent & Diana Johannes

Bible Readings: Ps. 5 or 51; Gen. 50:15-26; 1Cor. 12:1-11; Mark 8:11-26

Meditation: (Gen. 50:15-26) And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Many times we are at a loss to understand God’s plan for us. The Genesis account of Joseph’s life includes many situations where we might be tempted to "blame" God for our misfortune rather than being patient and waiting to see what God’s plan has in store for us.

In the week prior to writing this meditation, two coworkers I know experienced tragic losses. One woman’s six-year old nephew lost the fight with cancer ravaging his body after a 2-year battle. Another woman, after a few short years of marriage and 4 weeks after sharing with her husband the joyous birth of their first child, was suddenly forced to bear the unforeseen death of her husband as well as the passing of her mother, who had also been fighting cancer. At times like these, it is very difficult, even seemingly impossible, to see how anything good could come from such tragedy. But it is especially at times like these that we must sustain our faith in God’s ability to take misfortune and tragedy and, perhaps years later, weave it into something good or positive in his long-term plan for his Kingdom. God eventually used Joseph as a key element in preserving the nation of Israel through the famine. Although his brothers had meant to do him harm, God used it for good.

Prayer: O Lord, lift us up and sustain us when we suffer losses and are downtrodden. Thank you for your faithfulness to us and to those loved ones that are now with You. May we wait upon You to turn encourage us and weave us into your perfect plan. Amen.

Thursday, March 29, 2001 -- Alex Craddock

Bible Readings: Ps. 27 or 126; Ex. 1:6-22; 1Cor. 12:12-26; Mark 8:27-9:1

Meditation: (Psalm 27) Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Wait. How simple the Lord’s command is. Oh, but how we are impatient. We wait in line at the grocery store, we wait in traffic, we wait for our next appointment, we wait for work to end. We wait where ever we go, and waiting feels like a chore. Of all the things the Lord asks of us, go, do, pray, love, forgive, why must we also wait? Webster defines "to wait" as, "to stay in a place in expectaion" or "to remain stationary in readiness or expectation." When we think of waiting in this way, somehow it seems completely different. Like waiting for your turn on a rollercoaster, or wating for the birth of a child. Like waiting for Christmas morning or Thanksgiving turkey. The sheer joy in that waiting! The anticipation is almost overwhelming!

When we wait for those "big events" we often busy ourselves, baking, shopping, letter writing or calling. We fill the "before times" with joyous thoughts and feelings until the blessed event comes. Imagine if we could only find such joy in waiting everyday! Think how our lives would change.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for my time of waiting. Thank you for protecting us while we wait for your return. Please Lord bless us with patience, kindness and understanding so that we may wait, anywhere, in joy.

Friday, March 30, 2001 -- Mike Larkin

Bible Readings: Ps. 22 or 105; Ex. 2:1-22; 1Cor. 12:27-13:3; Mark 9:2-13

Meditation: (1Cor. 12:27-31) As our congregation noted over the Sundays of the Christmas season, Marnie had brought a small girl to visit with us for the holidays. Jasmine, the visitor, had been recently diagnosed as being deaf. Prior to that diagnosis, she was considered to be mentally retarded and possibly autistic. During the time working with Marnie she was able to join the children’s activities and to understand them. When she arrived, her vocabulary was extremely limited and she would sign only single words. By attending the County preschool for the deaf with Marnie assisting she was able to participate in activities with other deaf children of her age. Her vocabulary expanded, as all of us in the household had to keep up with the new signs that she had mastered. After having the experience of riding a horse at Katie’s, she signed a four word sentence to the effect of "Jasmine horses at Katie’s house." She still understands concepts better by sign, but does verbalize some words. Our favorite verbal saying of hers was "Oh my gosh" usually expressed after seeing an impressive Christmas light display. Per a report from Marnie, Jasmine was able to sign eighty words on the return flight to Japan. Looking at Paul’s direction to the Christians at Corinth "…God has appointed in the church apostles, second prophets, third teachers…But strive for the greater gifts and I will show you a still more excellent way."

Prayer: Dear Lord, we ask that you allow each of us to use our varying talents to serve the church and those in this World in many ways, be they as apostles, prophets, teachers or other roles to be a part of the church going forth in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Saturday, March 31, 2001 -- David Brockman

Bible Readings: Ps. 149 or 31; Ex. 2:23-3:15; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Mark 9:14-29

Meditation: (Mark 9:23) "Everything is possible for him who believes."

As a parent, one of the things that I find difficult is answering my son’s questions about the workings of the universe. My son is three years old and has always tried to fight sleep. He correlated darkness to bedtime at a very young age. One night, during the second year of my son’s life, he looked at the beautiful Guam dusk sky and asked, "Who turned out the lights?" My wife and I replied "God turns out the lights every night." I am not sure if he believed us, because he asked the same question several nights thereafter. However, my wife and I always answered the question in same manner. After of few weeks of answering his question with the same answer, my son finally believed us. I know this because when we told him that God turns out the lights, on this occasion he replied "Silly God". I think that Christians act the same way at times. We have faith in the Lord, but then an event occurs in our life that pulls us away from God. The incident could be a death in the family, financial troubles, or even marital problems. We may ask ourselves why is this happening to me then turn within ourselves to find the answers. We may even equate God with the abandonment in our life that is caused by the unpleasant event. We must remember that God will never forsake his love for us. Instead of running from God, we must embrace him. This does not mean that all of our troubles will disappear overnight. Embracing God through prayer can give us the strength we need to see us through the grueling times in our lives.

Prayer: O Lord, I turn to you my greatest joy and deepest despair. I know that you are a loving and caring God. Please give me strength to battle the turmoil that comes into my life. Thank you for all the blessings that you have bestowed upon me. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Sunday, April 1, 2001 -- Jim and Elizabeth Larkin

Bible Readings: Ps. 126; Isa. 43:16-21; Phil. 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8

Meditation: (Ph. 3:4b-14) Paul seems to be bragging about himself. Paul lists the things that gained him great respect and prosperity in the community. Paraphrasing, Paul essentially says, my ancestor Saul was Israel's first King. I come from the tribe of Benjamin- one of only two tribes that ever returned to Israel after our exile (Ezra 4:1). I am a Pharisee, which means that I dedicate every breath and action to my guiding force: the laws of Moses, and the other numerous laws we follow to be perceived as devoted servants and therefore blessed in the eyes of God. I am a well-respected Jew. I do not believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. He is troubling the Romans, which endangers the delicate relationship of peace we maintain with them, and I condemn him to die. However, Paul goes on to say all these things that people saw as outward signs of prosperity as a human being was all worth nothing to Christ. Paul calls all his achievements and possessions before his Christian conversions "rubbish" because they didn't help him to know Christ more deeply. Paul finishes in this passage with a pep talk or challenge: to "press toward the goal (14)"...to know Christ deeper than you know anyone else in the world--to live life and death to their fullest potential.

What will you say to Paul's challenge? Have you talked to the One who died for you today? The good news is: He's right next to you waiting to hear your voice and wanting to share every experience with you.

Prayer: This prayer is actually the words to hymn #324, but is so applicable to this passage.

"Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.
Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear.
Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, ears, and heart… illumine me, Spirit divine!" Amen.

Monday, April 2, 2001 -- Nancy Saulnier

Bible Readings: Ps. 145 or 121; Ex. 4:10-31; 1Cor. 14:1-19; Mark 9:30-41

Meditation: (Exodus 4:10-31) God told Moses not to worry that his brother Aaron would help convey the message to the children and elders of Israel.

Not long ago my uncle died after a long illness and hospital stay. Before his death I had an opportunity to speak with my aunt about some practical matters. Practicality seemed insignificant at the time but I thought I could help since I had recently lost my husband as well. I was concerned about upsetting her and the rest of the family. I was only a child when they married. However, at dinner I approached the subject. She listened when I said, it is easier to die of dehydration than suffocation. He was suffering. I suggested that she might consider talking to the doctors about removing the feeding tube. There was no turning back at this point. I told her about the utility companies and how if both names are not on the billing they might cancel services and make her pay a reconnection fee. She may want to consider adding her name to the car titles. None of this seemed important, we knew he had only a few days left. After dinner we hugged and said our good-byes. Uncle Jim died 4 days later. At the funeral my aunt expressed her thanks. She had taken care of those details and had peace of mind in knowing things were in order. She grieves but with less stress.

Prayer: Lord, may I look as a child to you for guidance. Give me clear thoughts, a pure voice and the faith and courage to trust. Amen.

Tuesday, April 3, 2001 -- Chris Lieberman

Bible Readings: Ps. 146 or 91; Ex. 5:1-6:1; 1Cor.14:20-33a, 39-40; Mark 9:42-50

Meditation: (Ps. 146)
I can still remember watching my bright-eyed, PJ clad daughter bound from her bed each morning and, without a care in the world, collapse in near coma-like status in the evening. She completely depended on us for all her worldly needs, from Cherrios and PB&J to Oshkosh and Buster Browns. What a simple life! That is exactly what the Lord invites each of us to do. Oh, that I might depend on the Lord with such child-like abandon. Ps. 146 tells us, happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. Abraham Lincoln once said, "I find myself on my knees when I have nowhere else to go." Even in a time when status and material possessions are so important, we come to realize that the worst of times have nothing to do with the material. They are the times when the heart breaks. It is when you are completely broken that the Lord will work in your life. He will temper your metal. It will hurt. If you can turn your life over to the Lord in those times, if you can have the faith of a child, he will lift you up.

Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for leading me to a loving community. Let me learn to depend on them. Their strength is your gift to us. Let us join our voices in praise of you.

Wednesday, April 4, 2001 -- Pat Carvellas

Bible Readings: Ps. 147:1-11 or 27; Ex. 7:8-14; 2Cor. 2:14-3:6; Mark 10:1-16

Meditation: (Psalm 147) He determines the number of stars: he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord and abundant in his power.

On a very cool and clear night in the city of Chicago I remember seeing the spectacular sight of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) for the first time. My mother and a neighbor informed a group of us children that we were to walk to the corner of our block and congregate in the vacant lot to see a special sight--the Northern Lights. As we approached the vacant lot, my mom and her neighbor were acting strange. What was going to happen? When we all stood and looked toward the sky, mom and her neighbor had an awe-struck look on their faces. We children who were usually a chatty bunch were literally struck silent by the magnificent display of the Northern Lights. It was awe inspiring; we saw patches of light, arcs of light, rays of light. It was so beautiful it almost took your breath away. Though no one expressed it, we all knew this glorious lighting up of the sky was God's handiwork. When we started to walk back to our homes we talked quietly or not at all. Whenever I remember that special night I am transported back to that vacant lot; my mom standing next to me looking up at the stary sky, waiting to be struck silent again.

Prayer: Thanks and praise to you God for joyous memories of childhood, especially ones that filled us with wonder and awe of you dear Lord.

Thursday, April 5, 2001 -- Vivien Doldron-Elmendorf

Bible Readings: Ps. 27 or 102; Ex. 7:25-8:19; 2Cor. 3:7-18; Mark 10:17-31;

Meditation: (Psalm 27) "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ..."

Many years ago, when we were young children and before Dad and Mom bought our brownstone, my brothers, Lenny and Mel and I shared a large bedroom in another brownstone in Brooklyn. A room in this apartment was used as my mother’s music room, since it could easily accommodate her baby grand and stacks of music. My mother, Bertina Grant, was an organist and choir director. She also gave vocal and piano lessons in the music room. Sometimes choir members and other singers would come over for extra practice and solo preparation. My father, George Grant (who died on this date in 1986), would often write Mom’s special arrangements for her soloists and instrumentalists. Mom always arranged her time to work with them after our eight o’clock bedtime. She and Dad would join us for family prayer then they’d hug and kiss us, tuck us in and leave our bedroom where we would eventually drift off to sleep to the sound of somebody singing something.

Most of Mom’s soloists required little repetition before they mastered their part. However, there were a couple of tenors who sang off key and a baritone who was completely tone deaf, even though he had a marvelous voice. Mom had to work intensely with them to keep them on pitch. This would keep us awake sometimes. My brothers and I would then horse around by imitating them when we were supposed to be sleeping. I am convinced that this is why I have a two and a half octave voice range. One of Mom’s choir members had one of the most beautiful soprano voices I had ever heard. Her name was Sybil. Mom gave her a rather difficult arrangement of Psalm 27 as a solo. The very first time that I heard her sing it, I knew that God would always be there for me. I learned this psalm through Sybil’s solo first, and then from the Bible, as I grew older. It has been a mantra of mine since childhood.

Prayer: Dear Lord of my strength, you made yourself known to me at an early age. You have been with me throughout my life, through all of my trials and tribulations and you continue to guide and bless me. I give thanks and praise to you Almighty God, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Friday, April 6, 2001 -- Dorothy Porter

Bible Readings: Ps. 22 or 105; Ex. 9:13-35; 2Cor. 4:1-12; Mark 10:32-45

Meditation: (2Cor. 4:1-2) God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged--we live in God’s sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone’s good conscience.

She was five feet eight inches tall and had a funny walk, probably because her shoes were on the wrong feet. The Community Center Director said, "She’s fifteen and I think there are problems of abuse at home. Her mother makes her wear her shoes that way." As I watched her I thought, "That girl is trouble." Little did I know she would be my new daughter. I would have said, "Oh no, not me, Lord." But the Lord does not accept whining. He sent her anyway and so we told her, "God must have sent you; we just didn’t realize we needed you."

Those years were times for prayer and more prayer. Every year was the year of the child! Eventually she left us but we know God loves her and did indeed send her, our temporary daughter. M. Scott Peck once said, that we all belong to God, and He wants us and waits for us to acknowledge Him.

Prayer: May we always acknowledge you, Lord. Be with us as we try to follow where you lead. Amen

Saturday, April 7, 2001 -- David Lyons

Bible Readings: Ps. 43 or 143; Ex. 10:21-11:8; 2Cor. 4:13-18; Mark 10:46-52

Meditation: (2Cor. 4:13-18) All of today’s passages speak of deliverance. David in his psalms asks for deliverance from his worldly enemies (Ps.43:1) and for direction (Ps. 143:8-10). The Exodus passage is telling the story of how the Lord delivers the Israelites from Pharaoh . Mark (v.52) tells of Jesus delivering Bartimaeus from a life of blindness. However, in his second letter to the members of the Corinthian church, Paul addresses the ultimate deliverance, salvation and the hope of the resurrection.

As Christians, we often seek God’s help with the "challenges" of daily life that may range from relief from conflict, relief from physical and medical problems, as well as direction in decisions. We find God faithful, not allowing anything to enter our lives without also providing a way for us to handle it. However, the greatest comfort is the promise of "eternal life" that is the ultimate deliverance and a true gift of God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, whose life, death and resurrection has delivered us from the sting of death and provided us the hope and promise of eternal life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Palm Sunday, April 8, 2001 -- Tina Ferguson

Bible Readings: Ps. 118:1-2, 19-29; Isa. 50:4-9a; Phil. 2:5-11; Luke 22:14-23:56

Meditation: () As Christians, prayer is a daily occurrence. Our prayers become habitual and lose their value or meaning. We often use prayer as an antidote for dealing with the endless stresses of day to day life, finding ourselves pleading to God to deliver answers to what seem like petty prayers. After asking for something we follow our desperate pleas with false promises. "Dear God, please help me on this test. I promise I'll study more." Or, "Dear God, please help me get to the gas station. I promise I won't wait to the last minute again." No matter how false your promise, your prayer does not fall on deaf ears.

Even though God does want you to call upon him for assistance, there is another more important aspect of prayer: praise. The Bible states that we are to praise God for all he has done for us. This important factor often slips our mind when we are praying for rent money or for the ending of other worldly problems. But you need to assure God that you are aware of what he is doing for you in your life. Giving up his one and only son for a world full of individuals who are clueless and selfish, so they may have everlasting life, would not be number one on my "Things to do today" list. However, our God is a gracious and loving God. He deserves our thanks and praise. He allowed His son's blood to cleanse the earth, giving us eternal life. Praise be to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we realize that often times we get so caught up in our worldly life we forget that because of your son's death, we don't need to worry. We forget that it's because of you that we woke this morning. Please forgive our negligence in praising and thanking you, God, for what you have given to us. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, Amen

Monday, April 9, 2001 -- Kevin Ferguson

Bible Readings: Ps. 36:5-11; Isa. 42:1-9; Heb. 9:11-15; John 12;1-9

Meditation: (Psalm 36) Sometimes we worry about things that we don't need to worry about. If our finances are a little short one month, can we make it until the next month? How are we going to afford groceries this week? The kids need new school clothes; how are we going to do it?

Psalm 36:6-8 tells us that God will take care of us, protect us, and provide for us. And Mt. 6:30 tells us that as long as we keep God as the number one priority in our lives, "all these things will be given to you as well."

Prayer: Gracious Lord and Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for the spiritual and financial blessings you bestow upon us each and every day. In Jesus Christ precious name, Amen.

Tuesday, April 10, 2001 -- John Kohout

Bible Readings: Ps. 71:1-14; Isa. 49:1-7; 1Cor. 1:18-31; John 12:20-36

Meditation: (Isa. 49:1-7) As we prepare ourselves through the Lenten period to confront and respond to Christ’s incomparable gift to each of us who believe in Him, it is important to link our personal charge and benefit to the larger whole of the community of believers in Christ. The prophet Isaiah gives voice to this charge in his Chapter 49 challenge to the people of Israel that the Lord says "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." This Old Testament challenge is prologue to Jesus’ own challenge to his apostles in John 12:35-36 as the day of his death approached. "Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.’" We live in a great and rich nation that should, for a while, shoulder its share of Isaiah’s challenge and serve as that "light to the nations". Each one of us needs to help our community, particularly our children, see past the disorienting dazzle of wealth, temptation, and lust for power to stay in the light of Jesus and fulfill our collective potential to be that "light to the nations".

Prayer: In thee, O Lord, do I take refuge: let me never be put to shame! In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline thy ear to me, and save me! Be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress. Amen.

Wednesday, April 11, 2001 -- James H. Ferguson

Bible Readings: Ps.70; Isa. 50:4-9a; Heb. 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

Meditation: (Isaiah 50:4) The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.

As an Army Officer, most of my career was involved with teaching. As a junior officer, I was a unit commander of new trainees and cringed when an incident was relayed to me about a raw recruit from a unit other than mine, who sauntered into the Regimental Commander's office with a wet mop slung over his shoulder and asked "do you fellers want this floor mopped?" Later, I taught college students in a university R.O.T.C. program. I learned much in my preparation and presentation but I learned much more from those that I taught--an observation and conclusion told to me by many others in various teaching positions. Following retirement, I found enjoyment in volunteer work at Mount Vernon where I was able to share information with visitors about colonial life and the life of George Washington. At Mt. Vernon one day I escorted two first grade boys from the inner city to place a carnation on George Washington's Tomb and was moved when one of them stated: "Thank you God, for George Washington 'cause he made us free."

We are fortunate to live on the land that was originally a part of the Mount Vernon estate and we are daily reminded of our distinguished neighbor. In taking walks in our neighborhood, in driving along the George Washington Parkway or driving near Mount Vernon itself, we might ponder the circumstances when our first President actually traveled this pathway more than two hundred years ago. With this environment, we cannot help but be influenced by this historic area and our past. I thank God for the opportunity of life in this area and at this time, but most of all, for being an American. Truly, we have a goodly heritage!

Prayer: O Father, we thank you for opening our ears to hear, our eyes to see and our minds to be more aware of your world. We ask your continued blessing as we march forward together for your service. Amen.

Maundy Thursday, April 12, 2001 -- Ross Thompson

Bible Readings: Ps. 116:1-2, 12-19; Ex. 12:1-14; 1Cor. 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Meditation: (Ps. 116:1-2) I love the Lord because he hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe. (Living Bible Translation)

Having lived a long and healthy life with many challenges and temptations, I know how many times my prayers have been answered. We all find time to pray in times of trouble or need but seldom take time to offer prayers of thanks for the many blessings we have received and the great forgiveness we have experienced. Growing up in the inner city with friends of all faiths and beliefs, it was interesting to see how prayers were answered for all Protestants, Catholics or Jews. Stop and think of all the times your real or imagined needs have been answered, someone must be listening. We all need to take time to pray not only in our times of need but for the benefit of all those far less fortunate. Take time to read all of the Bible reading for this day, it solidifies the power of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray for others and to realize your power to answer our wishes and desires. Prayer does change our lives. Thank you God for the many blessings we enjoy. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Good Friday, April 13, 2001 -- Bob Curry

Bible Readings: Ps. 22; Isa.52:13-53:12; Heb.4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

Meditation: "Eloi, eloi, lema sabach thani!"

Not one of us has escaped the feeling that God has somehow forsaken us. It happens in our darkest moments, when our need for God’s presence in our lives is immediate and now cries out from our whole person: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The sentence reads so many different ways. "My God, my God why have you forsaken me? The possessiveness of the cry "my" God. Forget any one else’s God, it is "my" God who has done this horrible thing to me. How often we attempt to own God--to hold God in our hands, our minds or our situation, only to brought up short with the words "He has the whole world in his hands."

Read aloud the sentence emphasizing the bold: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Ah, what a profound question. Implied in it is the notion that if we know why, we might be able to accept what is happening to us--this dark despair that overwhelms us. But often, once we have figured out the why, our despair is only heightened or changed to anger. It is no answer.

Again read aloud, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Somehow the word "forsaken" describes one of the most devastating of human experiences. Each one of us remember when our parents "left us alone." They knew where they were, and probably knew where we were, but we did not know where they were--and it was devastating. I still remember the awful cries of my first child the first time she was left with a babysitter. As soon as we were out of sight the tears stopped, but oh it was difficult to leave the child. It may be that when we first leave our children and "go away," it is their first experience of death.

Jesus’ cry from the cross is echoing the cry of the Israelites--his people--down through the ages. The sense of forsakeness began in the wilderness and kept arising throughout their history. It was so profoundly embedded in their experience that the twenty-second Psalm used in their worship opens with the cry.

Once again read the words aloud: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" All around me are men and women of faith. Where is my faith? Where is my sense of God’s presence? I cry to an emptiness within and without. No one hears my cry. The curtain of our faith is torn in two and the sky is dark and the shadows deep. Add to all this the superstition that it is Friday the 13th!

Ah, but read on: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame." And, of course, the following Psalm "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want ..." Even when I cry out in the despair of forsakeness, "I shall not want. Thou makest me to lie down in green pastures; thou leadest me beside the still waters; thou restoreth my soul. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me, thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."

Prayer: I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

Saturday, April 14, 2001 -- Sylvia Larkin

Bible Readings: Ps. 16; Gen. 22:1-18; Ex. 14:10-31; Isa. 55:1-11; Prov. 8:1-8, 19-21; Ezek. 36:24-28; Rom. 6:3-11; Luke 24:1-12

Meditation: (Ezek. 36:24-28) As I think back to all the "Good Saturdays" of my life and especially since I’ve had my own home, I remember the cleaning and baking preparations for Easter Sunday. I can hear my mother explaining that the house had to be clean, we had to be clean, and the food had to be more that just "Sunday best." Explaining that because we were starting a new church year, the house as well as own souls should be swept clean and prepared for our Risen Lord. I believe this passage speaks to us of this cleanliness of mind, body, and spirit that God has given to us by the death and resurrection of His Son. It states that "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean…. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you… And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." We should use this day to prepare ourselves for all the miraculous tomorrows as we walk into the future as God’s people, cleansed and forgiven.

Prayer: O Lord, cleanse my mind and spirit, even as I clean my home in preparation for your resurrection. Forgive my transgressions and guide me, with a new heart and a new spirit, to be one of your people for all the days of my life. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Easter, April 15, 2001 -- Larry Glassco

Bible Readings: Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24; Isa. 65:17-25; 1Cor. 15:19-26; Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18; Luke 24:1-12

Meditation: (Luke 24:2,5) "And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb."..."Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has risen."

We can understand that the power of our living Lord cannot be kept entombed by man-made bonds or found embalmed in ancient creeds and pious rituals. And we can see applications to our lives of the concept of rolling away a heavy stone which blocks the possibilities of our attaining fulfillment. But the story of the resurrection blows our minds! It doesn’t fit into the scheme of things we understand, and we just can’t grasp the implications of death. However, the world around us offers many other images of life and death which we also can’t explain. How is it that a lowly caterpillar can undergo apparent death, and then emerge as a beautiful butterfly which can soar over a world utterly inconceivable in its earlier form? And who can explain all the other so-called "miracles of nature" constantly happening around us? When we consider all the things that we don’t understand about the world, we can’t help but be thankful that there is a loving God who cares for us. We are glad for the New Testament accounts of the Good News of the resurrection to ponder on this Easter Day, and hope that they may lead us toward a fuller understanding of God’s presence in our own lives.

Prayer: Father, our hearts are filled with awe on this Easter morning as we hear again the good news of the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord. Help us to share in the triumphal glory of the risen Christ. Amen.

Acknowledgements:

Many thanks to all those who helped prepare this booklet:

• Pam McClelland and Arnie Porter who spearheaded this effort on behalf of the Worship Committee;
• Peggy Russo who prepared the formatting and images for the booklet;
• Carolyn McDonald whose artistic sketches appear on the cover and throughout;
• Ed McClelland who prepared the web site;
• The Proofreaders: Vivien Elmendorf, Winnie Larson, Joan Coe, Mike Larkin, Arnie Porter, Ann Frederick, and Reid Graham.
• And, of course, special appreciation to all the contributors of meditations for this lenten season, who shared their experiences and insights with us.

          Bob Curry

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