Already!? All ready? Alright!
12/20/23
Already? All ready? Alright!
Would I miss the joy of Christmas?
From Thanksgiving through Christmas, our days and nights can be filled with “have-to’s:” efforts to get a few more hours of overtime to pay the light bill, let alone buy a gift–making sure no family traditions are forgotten even though they have become more chore than joy. …………… These lists we are completing and checking twice become burdensome.
Until they are over and we pause to reflect. In that moment we recall someone’s smile, another one’s surprise, and a thank you we didn’t need because we knew, we knew, it was all worth our effort. We might warm inside as we recall something special done for us.
I have said my favorite day of the year is January 2 because there’s leftovers and nothing to do but remember and be grateful.
Sabbath
Read more...
Rejoice? Really?
12/14/23
“How does a weary world rejoice,” was an advent question any of us could have suggested. How many times have you woken up thinking about the many things you have to do, the many ways you wonder if you can provide for the things your family needs whether it is hugs and smiles at the right moment or food on the table? How many days have you looked at the TV and realized that you have a TV and sigh with the realization that around the world people are stepping over piles of rubble and garbage looking for water or food, not a tv show?
We are weary with sorrow all around us. Why should any of us put on a happy face with all this, all this, here, there, yes, everywhere?
“Rejoice,” comes the angel message. “I bring you good news.” If only!
Have you allowed yourself to hear it? To see it? To be amazed that in the midst of this weary world’s calamities, there are actually things, and people that bring joy into our lives?
This Sunday we will consider allowing for joy in the midst of great sorrow is a spiritual practice the world needs from us. It is not false hope, nor pie-in-the-sky idealism. It is the only thing that can point to the places of life in the face of death. It is our way of bringing joy to the world.
Read more...
Wondering what the PrayGround is?
Wondering what the PrayGround is in the Sanctuary? Sometimes you are very still and silent, keenly intent on absorbing God’s word to you. Other times, perhaps you’re fidgety, and possibly want to play while you pray. Maybe you’re scrolling your phone to post awesome notes on FB about St. Andrew. Or texting someone a phrase that is meaningful to you. Maybe you bring knitting to worship or a notebook to jot down your thoughts. However you worship, you were taught when to play, when to pray, when to talk, when to be still and when to be silent. Kids are not much different. They are just learning all the “whens.” So—the PrayGround is a learning ground. Everyone has a responsibility for passing on our faith. The PrayGround is one opportunity. Please follow the link for information and helps, or pick up a brochure to learn more about worshiping with children and the PrayGround.
How do we include children?
What is a PrayGround?
• hear the “language” of worship and the Word and Sacraments,
• process what they hear as something they will do because they have something to do with their hands,
• experience and enjoy the rituals and repetition.
When can the children play?
How can you help our children?
- whisper voices,
- to minimize walking the aisles,
- ensure they can see the activities of worship at the pulpit and choir,
- be kind to others (including the adults who are listening throughout the sanctuary),
- recognize and rejoice that this is their church as much as it is the grown-ups’.
- adults can encourage them to bring their Bible to worship and find the scripture reading,
- help them learn to use the hymnal (yes, even though words are on the screens), and
- to stand and sit when invited,
- recite the Lord’s Prayer and the creeds, ask the pastor about leading worship.
- getting to know the kids, offering to be a child’s adult for the morning,
- by remembering children are learning and growing so they will act immature,
- recognizing that we don’t know particular behavioral needs of every child so our patience is important as they learn how to worship,
- compliment parents often for showing up and leading by example,
- compliment the kids for coming to praise the Lord.
Please note, learning to worship God is a life-long adventure. Setting the right tone begins at a time of life when active engagement with the world is the path to learning. We want our children to have a hands-on faith and that begins with a hands-on experience of being included.
Jesus fed 5000 men plus the women and children. Jesus said let kids come and don’t hinder them. The PrayGround is one way we feed these lambs and let them come to Jesus.
Thank you for modeling the Way of Christ for the next generation. Thanks be to God for the faith of the children.
Peace,
RevBev
Read more...
Gratitude Attitude
Do you have an attitude?
Research into the effects of a gratitude mindset consistently show positive health outcomes and even changes in the way your brain processes life’s curveballs, routines, and joys. People have stronger relationships, healthier lives, more emotionally satisfying experiences when they practice gratitude, either in writing, journaling, sending thank you notes, or even pausing to think of things to be grateful about.
As a day on your annual calendar
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south. Ps 107
For the next 6 weeks, from now until January 4, make a commitment to thanks giving. You might:
- Pray at bedtime – Lord, today I thank you for ___ because _____.
- Pause before every time you eat something and say thank you toward those who provided the food (farmers, packagers, cooks, chefs, spouse—whoever comes to your mind).
- Get a pad or small notebook and write at least 3 days each week a list of things that made you feel thankful, or even utter the words, “thank goodness, thank God,” or just plain happy.
- Get a journal in which to write about the experience of being happy. More than noting an event, this is an inward reflection on your body and mind and spirit’s experience of joy—what it actually feels like when happiness occurs.
- Send a thank you note to someone twice a week.
- OR anything you think of to put into practice cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
Stewardship
- our bodies are healthier, even when ill,
- our minds are clearer, even when coping with dis-eases of mental illnesses,
- and our spirits are fruitful, even when coping with fear, anger, or sadness.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thess 5: 16-19
“Rejoice Always – digital paint effect” by Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
Read more...
Too Weary to Celebrate?
Holidays sometimes feel like anything other than “holy days.”
The stereotypical jokes about family feuds exist because the family dysfunctions are real and painful. The absence of a loved one who has died, recently or a long time ago, can be an acute pain during the next several weeks. Party invitations are nice; yet, sometimes it is easier to turn out the lights and pull up the covers. Perhaps you want to honor all the mixed emotions you have, or not offend someone you are concerned about who may have conflicted feelings as the holiday celebrations begin. How do we care for each other and ourselves when the world is rejoicing and we are crying?“How does a weary world rejoice?”
Thanksgiving
And if you go around offering thanks, know that at my table, I will be giving thanks for you, possibly by name, but surely by the Spirit, because you, child of God, offer to the world what only you can and in that gift of self, you are the delight of your Creator.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Read more...
It’s a shame.
Antisemitism, antisemitic words and behaviors are all sin. Same goes for Islamophobia and for anti-Palestinian words, and behaviors.
“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.”
“Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come…they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Read more...
2022 Blog Posts are archived HERE.