tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77123578427546633292024-03-21T15:34:34.166-04:00Nourishment For The JourneyRev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-36089929147954192662021-05-24T13:44:00.000-04:002021-05-24T13:44:03.644-04:00Pentecost 2021<p>Fourteen months<br />being the church<br />but not feeling like church<br />brought an opportunity to be changed</p><p>The events in and around the world<br />reminded some of us...<br />put an ever finer point on others of us...<br />that we do not always hear<br />the stories of all that separate us</p><p>Pentecost gives us a strong example<br />of how the world we live in<br />is one world that we share <br />with people with varied<br />cultures, experiences, lives</p><p>Faithful in our own ways<br />yet bound by our One God</p><p>Pentecost reminds us to LISTEN<br />to LEARN <br />to CHANGE<br />to WELCOME <br />to TELL THE STORY</p><p>of God's great LOVE<br />of God's great DESIRE<br />of God's great PEACE</p><p>That can only come <br />when we begin to listen<br />to the wind<br />feel the fire<br />and live in love</p><p>drd 5/22/2021</p>Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-65914670382084226052020-03-18T13:25:00.008-04:002020-09-14T12:35:32.398-04:00Prayers during Pandemic<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmCZ67PkcQ2TnU5SdkR0v_EBfgGFEgdLhSEK-EfOG35abQZ4fldRrK0zmWp47HBRTdsbfuQQiQRw2DnMDvuqHSTcaS0IKc3JspejjZPHOPL5K0r8swGKqh0z36EFIXaagUsEJrtMj4dU/s1600/IMG_20190104_125753.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmCZ67PkcQ2TnU5SdkR0v_EBfgGFEgdLhSEK-EfOG35abQZ4fldRrK0zmWp47HBRTdsbfuQQiQRw2DnMDvuqHSTcaS0IKc3JspejjZPHOPL5K0r8swGKqh0z36EFIXaagUsEJrtMj4dU/s320/IMG_20190104_125753.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center into prayer with me.<br />
Photo by D. Dehler</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">March-April-May-June 2020</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">We are in a time of uncertainty and many are thrust into making changes in the way they live their lives. St. Alban's is unfortunately closed to in-person worship and meetings until further notice. We are providing Facebook LIVE worship opportunities on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. EST, Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. EST and other times throughout the week. You can access these services <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stalbansindy1/" target="_blank">HERE</a> or check our <a href="https://st-albans.org/" target="_blank">website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I am writing prayers each day. I will add the most recent to the top of this post. I invite you to pray with me. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 18</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">God,<br />I thank you for giving me these last months to write prayers to you. For giving me the words to pray and to share them in a way that others may pray with me.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">It started as a Lenten practice, a commitment to The Way of Love, and stretched out as the pandemic spread.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">You know my prayers don't end, but for now, this practice of writing and sharing them is going to stop, at least for a time.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Be with all who have prayed with me and all for whom we prayed. For this world, through the hurt and pain help us find comfort and health. Grant us the peace that passes all understanding and let that peace begin in the hearts and minds of all of us.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Give others the words they need, the silence that fills, the hope to keep moving forward.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you for this process.<br />Thank you, always, for your guidance and love.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Forever committed to your service,<br />Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 17</font></span></b></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you, God, for putting people in our lives who are our cheerleaders, support systems, honest-talkers, butt-kickers, risk assessors, motivators, and genuine friends. We certainly need them all, every day.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></font></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><br /></font></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 16</font></span></b></div><div><div class="_1dwg _1w_m _q7o" data-visualcompletion="ignore-dynamic" style="background-color: white; padding: 12px 12px 0px;"><div><div class="_5pbx userContent _3ds9 _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_1m1" style="border-bottom: none; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><p style="display: inline; margin: 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Holy One,<br />Thank you for this day and these friends.<br />Thank you for nourishment and refreshment.<br />Thank you for revealing what can be found in both the darkness and the light.<br />Amen.</font></p></div></div></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 15</font></span></b></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><span style="background-color: white;">God,</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Give me courage to grow through adversity, humility to recognize growing edges, patience to wait for outcomes, and love to heal broken hearts.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></font></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><br /></font></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 14</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Jesus,<br />We dug deep into the Gospel today. Matthew told us that you sent the disciples out to tell the lost ones of Israel about you.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">You set some rules for going out -- no one was to take anything with them because they would find people who would take them in, provide them lodging and food, so they could continue to learn about God.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">You also told them that this would be hard work. That these men (and probably some unnamed women) would have their lives threatened. They could lose relationships. They could be chased out of homes and towns.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">And these were sent out to talk to people like them. Jews, not Gentiles or others. They were being sent to tell their sisters, brothers, parents, aunties and uncles and friends, as well as people they did not know, that they were not living in ways that showed they loved God.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Eventually, they would branch out to other communities. But for this time, they were given authority to heal and teach in God's name within the Jewish community.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I wonder if they were sent out today if the messages would be that we need to pay attention to those who have been separated from society because of the color of their skin, the people they love, the ability of their body or mind. That justice and mercy and kindness are for each of God's beloved children in equal measure?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Or maybe...it is we who are being sent out?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">This work is still difficult. Voices are silenced. People are harmed. Relationships are shattered.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">And still, you send us out to teach the world about how much God loves us all. You send us to act with love to all our neighbors. You teach us that loving you means loving others.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Help us trust your words of encouragement as found in today's Gospel that tell us that the words we say will come from you, through the Holy Spirit, especially when we feel like we do not have them or can not speak them.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Let there be mercy, justice and kindness for all.<br />Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 13</font></span></b></div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Holy and forgiving God,<br />These times we are in seem to be more complicated than ever before. People are having a difficult time having civil conversations, if they are even willing to converse.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Disagreements aren't minor. The chasm between opinions is deep and wide. Folks seem to be unwilling to listen to one another. Many would rather tear down and rip others apart if they do not agree.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Facts seem less important than opinions and historical facts can be misrepresented or misunderstood. It can be hard to discern fact from truth.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">People are cutting off relationships because they cannot manage a civil conversation where they can listen and hear one another. And, whether they agree or not, be willing to learn. It seems easier to turn away from a relationship than to find ways to understand one another.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Society is bound up in partisanship and is forgetting the command to love you first so that we can love one another better. That loving others is the greatest way to express love for you.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Give us courage to enter into difficult conversations. Help us listen to information that might challenge our hearts and minds. Teach us to admit that we don't know everything and we have the capacity to learn from others.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Forgive us as we stumble through this time. Keep us from hurting one another. Let our hearts be bound to one another as they are bound to you. Help us to forgive.</p></font></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Amen.</font></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 12</font></span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Facebook Free Friday</font></span></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 11</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Heavenly Father,<br />There are some days where the pandemics of COVID-19 and racism are in the background of daily life, and the responsibilities and complexities of daily living move to the foreground.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">It's easy to blame a bad mood or poor attitude on the pandemics, to say that "if only" these things were not impacting so much of life, the act of daily living would be so much easier. And yes, the pandemics do affect us, but so does life.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Weather changes, sleep habits, a disappointment, a difficult conversation, a too-too busy schedule, an empty bottle of milk, a mistake, ... these things still happen. But, I fear, the emotional toll of what is happening in the world around us seems to amplify our responses. At least some days.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I am thankful for surprising messages of support from strangers that remind me and others that there is goodness and kindness that can be found in unexpected ways. Every day. But especially when it feels like life is too heavy and burdensome.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Help those of us who struggle some days to find peace, mercy, hope, justice, and love. Surprise us with messages that remind us that we are each abundantly loved.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 10</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Holy Spirit, you have been blowing strong winds for the last couple of days. Actual wind, yes, but also winds that bring change.<br />Change of heart.<br />Change of mind.<br />Change of relationships.<br />Change of attitude.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />Change of systems.<br />Change of behaviors.<br />Changes that reflect our faith in God, in our following the Way of Jesus, and in our understanding of self as we relate to our baptismal promises.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">You are blowing strong winds across this country as a result of tropical storm Cristobal.<br />Winds that are moving farther north than has ever been recorded.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Are these winds beckoning us to new life in you?<br />Are they here to sway our hearts toward compassion and love of all our neighbors?<br />Are these brisk winds blowing as a physical reminder that you are God?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Let these winds blow justice, mercy, and kindness. Let them blow hate away.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">When they slow, let us feel the calm so that we can share the love that passes all understanding-- the love of you, our Creator, Redeemer and Advocate.<br />Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">June 9</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Lord, it's hard to know that our loved ones are struggling with illnesses, memory loss, and other life changes where they seem to have no control.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">The struggle to understand what is happening to their body or mind is real. Caregivers, family members, and friends do their best, but often they, too, are struggling to understand.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">The work of illness is hard for all those involved.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">I ask you to be with our loved ones, who are in the throes of illness and caregiving. Grant them courage in the days ahead. Allow them to feel all the emotions with patience and grace. Give them mercy through their suffering. Let them know they are loved.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen. </p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 8</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">God, in your mercy, hear my prayer.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Fill me with your fires of justice.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Pour over me waters of forgiveness.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Charge me with the energy of change.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Then, merciful One, grant me slumber.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Let me rest in the love and hope that can only be found in you.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; display: inline; margin: 6px 0px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Amen.</font></p></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 7</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Holy One (in three), today we celebrated the Holy Trinity, one of the most complicated concepts in Christianity.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Or is it?</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">At the root of faith in you is relationship.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">The idea that you are one in three and three in one just means we are given multiple ways of reaching to you in ways that resonate with us.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">At times we might need you to be a parent figure. Other times, recognizing that all of creation comes from you, the Creator. Sometimes we need a teacher, healer, miracle worker or Redeemer. And then there are the times we need to feel your presence as Advocate and partner.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">You are more than any of us can imagine. And that makes you a mystery for some and a partner in life for others.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you for being all and everything we need.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 6</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">I call upon the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, to help this world and these people feel the pain of creation, the passion of loving others, and the winds that bring transformation.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Let us remember that we are here, on this sphere in space because God created the heavens and the earth and all that grows and lives upon it.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Let us remember that Jesus came into this world to remind the people that God desires to be in relationship with all of humanity. Th<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">at Jesus came to teach us what love looks like.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Let us experience the Holy Spirit as she weaves throughout this holy creation, binding us to God and one another.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Help us to know the power of the three in one and the one in three and to recognize that we are because you are.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 5</font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Facebook Free Friday</font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 4</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Creator of all things, you are watching as we humans struggle with prioritizing. The way we choose what is important to us is probably not what is important to you.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Help us see what you created through eyes that are willing to reimagine what is truly important in this life.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Help us to care for this creation with tenderness. To care for all of humanity with empathy.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Give us willing hearts to recognize that our priorities are not your priorities, and with this recognition, let us be transformed.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p><p style="font-size: large; margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 3</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">God,<br />I am committed to learning more about racial injustice. Thank you for providing me resources to teach me and others, a book study to join and people in my life who are both patient and urgent in the great desire for the dismantling of systemic racism.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">I am thankful that scripture tells us what is expected of us, that there are so many examples to help us recognize who is most at risk, and for Jesus, who taught us what it means to express our love for you through our lo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ve for all our neighbors.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">I cling to you as you carry me through this tumultuous time.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 2</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">God, here we are, another night has come after a day filled with activity leading toward racial justice. So many clergy, faithful people and others, devoted time today to peacefully protest.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Clergy silently marched through the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the shrine set up at the place of George Floyd's murder.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">Many young people stood, kneeled and sat on the Minnesota State Capital grounds.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">We know the sacred stories. The stories and parables that teach us what it means to SEE and acknowledge, heal and bless those among us who live lives marginalized by people unwilling to do the work to recognize the beloved-ness of every human being.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">The depth of desire for reconcilation, reparations, equity and dignity for all is on display all around the world.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I recognize that there is much more I can learn. I know I lack in my education and understanding about systemic racism. I realize that I need to take responsibility to change my knowledge base so that I can be able to more confidently express what needs to be said and taught.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Forgive my lack of knowledge. Strengthen my capacity to learn. Embolden my desire to change.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">June 1</font></span></b></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><span style="background-color: white;">Lord, listen to your children as they cry out to you.</span><br style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></font></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 31</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God,<br />Take the fires of Pentecost and burn away all that keeps me from loving you.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Blow away the ashes left from the chaff and bramble that were smothering the life and light of compassion.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Speak to me in the language I will most comprehend so that I can be taught.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Breathe into me the breath of a new day, a new way, a renewed willingness and a fresh start.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Bring the Holy Spirit, with her fire and wind, and let me know you better than I did before.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Come, Holy Spirit, come.<br />Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 30</font></span></b></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">O God,</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Feel the breath that is my prayer.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">In. Out. In. Out.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Breathing in peace.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Breathing out pain.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br />In. Out.<br />With each breath, I pray.<br />Amen.</span></font></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 30 bonus</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God,<br />I failed at Facebook Free Friday. It seemed that I had to keep looking to keep informed about what was happening in Minneapolis.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I didn't write a prayer before bed, either. That was intentional, because I had been so involved in my own way of prayer all day, there were no more words left for me to offer.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">It reminded me of the story I see often enough where a child is overheard reciting the alphabet as if in prayer and when questioned the child says they don't have the words, but they trust that you will take the letters and make the words needed.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I believe that is the case. When words fail, when tears overcome, when the body is so weary, you hear the prayers anyway.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I so appreciate that about you.<br />Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 28</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God,<br />After all the horrible news this week, I am thankful that tomorrow is Facebook Free Friday.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I don't know how much more I can take of the death and destruction occurring, not because of a fast moving virus, but because of the ideals of hate and intolerance within humanity.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">What will it take for people to know what "human dignity" means? What "equity" means? What "loving your neighbor" means?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">How can people understand the deep- seeded pain of racism?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">When can we find peace in community with one another?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">All I know I can do is try to find ways for people to listen to one another, to hear the stories of one another, to express understanding with one another. And pray. Unceasingly. Through tears and wailing.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">God, please hear my prayers.<br />Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 27</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, your children are crying. You hear them and cry with them.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, your children are afraid. You are holding them and comforting them.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, your children are angry. You, too, turned over tables to express your frustration at those who abused their power.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font size="4">Lord, your children say, "enough." You tell them, "Yes, and enough is enough."</font></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><font size="4">Lord, your children desire equity. You walked this Earth to teach responsibility to care for all people, with equity and love.</font></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><font size="4">Lord, your children want change. You remind us that change comes when it is spoken about and acted upon.</font></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><font size="4">Lord, your children need your love. You are there, in the midst of them. Give them hearts to receive.</font></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><font size="4">Lord, in your mercy.<br />Hear our cries.<br />Help us know peace.<br />Amen.</font></p><p style="font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 26:</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Father, you must be grieving tonight. The pandemic has taken over 100,000 lives in just the United States. Other lives have ended by suicide, illness, accident and murder. So many grieve tonight.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Father, you must be hearing from so many who loved all these who have died. I'm sure you are holding them, gently, through their grief.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Father, your children are struggling to breathe, their sobbing overwhelms. Your children are struggling to see, their tears overflow. Your chi<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ldren are struggling to hear, their ears filled with screams.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Father, be with us, abide with us, comfort us, let us feel your embrace.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Father, teach us how to love.<br />Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 25: (Memorial Day)</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Heavenly God, today, we remembered those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of country. Those lives lost during their service in the armed services caused dramatic changes in the lives of their families, friends and fellow service men and women. For me, I remember one of my friends whose father died during the Vietnam war. I know that many other families were like theirs... Forever changed.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I pray for the families who have given the lives they knew when their loved o<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ne gave their life for this country.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">I pray for peace and better relationships between countries.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I pray for life and love.<br />Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 24:</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy One,<br />A warm day, a light rain, a phone call from dear friends. We long for connection and it comes with surprise messages and calls.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you for friends, the seasoned ones and the new ones.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Thank you for warm days and rainy nights.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 23:</span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for sunshine and rain. Thank you for flowers and toys. Thank you for good food and drink. Thank you for family and friends. Thank you, God, for this life, and all that it is.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></font></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 22:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God,<br />I made a decision today to make today Facebook Free Friday. I knew that I couldn't maintain a full Friday Facebook Fast, because I made a commitment to write a prayer every day, and I treasure these moments with you. However, I set my phone aside and didn't turn on my computer for most of the day.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I mowed the lawn. I read. A book. For fun. I cooked a nutritious dinner and went for a long walk. I spent time with my spouse.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">I know that I rely on Facebook to help me stay connected to the world, to help me know what is going on with people I care for, but I'm realizing, especially during the stay safe at home time of this pandemic, that I tend to have my phone in my hand, looking at Facebook, way too much.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you for helping me refocus my attention on other things today. For putting the idea in my head and giving me the courage and commitment to take this fast. I'm not sure if this will become a habit, but wouldn't it be nice if it did?</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Draw my attention to you, dear One. Let me hear your voice. Give my eyes sight to see you. Fill my arms with your embrace. Abide in my heart, mind, and soul.<br />Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 21:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus,<br />I wonder if in between all the things we read you did when you were here you had to do paperwork, or some equivalent of keeping records, or preparing for the next day.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">While this type of thing is one of my talents, there are days when I overburden myself with the busy work of perfecting the paperwork. This was one of them.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Mind you, I got a lot done, and I won't have to go back to this particular task until sometime in July, so that is very good!</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you for the gifts and talents everyone brings to the care of worship, communication and community. Give them satisfaction on work well done, respite from the computer screen, and something that provides Sabbath time in their very near future!</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 20:</span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">God, bless this night. Give rest to those who struggle to get to sleep. Help others find peace after a tumultuous day. Be with those who work at night. Provide them a sense of satisfaction for the work they do. Heal the broken and the broken-hearted. Let them feel your love. Fill them with your grace. Feed their emptiness. Drive all fears away. Build up resilience, confidence and trust. Provide sweet dreams. Wake them from their slumbers and let them praise you and thank you as they begin again.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 19: </span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God,<br />Yesterday, I was reminded about how to define "truth." What I appreciated was the way truth was described: that one person's truth might be different than someone else's truth. How someone experiences life, their context, their sightline, affects how they identify their truth.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">The disappointing thing about different truths is how they sometimes keep us from talking to one another, because we might not have the vision to see, the ability to hear, the patience to learn t<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">he possibilities found when open to another's truth.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">The beautiful thing about recognizing that people have their own truth is that we can talk about how we might see the world from different perspectives and open ourselves to changing our understanding of our own truth.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">When people talk about how they understand you, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, they also have their own truth, because there are many ways to understand, to reflect, to interpret, depending on how it was taught and who does the teaching, as well as how they understand their personal relationship with you.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">There is so much opportunity to grow and change when someone is willing to consider the perspective, the personal truth of another. Sometimes those conversations help solidify one's truth.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">It isn't always easy to share truth. Even sharing my truth about my relationship with scripture, faith, the Trinity and your love for me and the world can be difficult.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Let me be more willing to share the truth of my faith journey with others and let me be willing to hear the journey of others.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 18:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy One, I had one project I wanted to accomplish today, but I never did it. I kept busy, found things to occupy my time, did plenty of other tasks, but I just could not make myself do that one thing.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">So it will wait until tomorrow. And it has to get done tomorrow.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I can berate myself for what I did not do, or I can look at what I did and be satisfied. Maybe I will be better able to focus on the project tomorrow. Perhaps I needed time to talk it through one more time befo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">re tackling it. In the scheme of things, will it really matter when it gets done, as long as it gets done before my self-imposed deadline?</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Help me let go of the feelings that I sometimes have when I don't complete my to-do list. Remind me to let go of feelings of inadequacy. Let me forgive myself instead of scold myself.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">In your name, Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 17:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Dear God,<br />Thank you for sending your son into the world to teach us how to behave in ways that reflect your love for each of us, back to the world.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus did some pretty amazing things and told us some transformative stories and made some really great friends, all to show us how to love one another, which in turn expresses our love for you.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Thank you, also, for sending the Advocate, the Mediator, the Holy Spirit, after you called Jesus back to you. We need her to keep us connected and bound in our relationship with you.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Holy One, thank you for always finding ways to abide with us. Give us an open heart, open mind, and open arms to receive you.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 16:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy Spirit,<br />Thank you for bringing joy to this broken, hurting world. It blows in the wind, through the trees, along the grasses, sands and water. We might not notice it, but joy is there.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you for bringing hope to this fear-filled, frightened world. You place it in the eyes of the people we meet, in their smiles and in their lighthearted "hello."</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Thank you for bringing love to this damaged, unforgiving world. We feel it during unexpected phone calls, cards and messages.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you for being our advocate with the Father--for bringing our broken, hurting, fear-filled, frightened, damaged and unforgiving world to our creator, to share our human frailties.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you for being our connection with the Son--to show him our joy, our hope and our love, to share our human strengths.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">We need you, we feel you, we know you, we love you. For you bind us to one another, to God, to Jesus, and you give us courage and strength when we most need them.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Thank you.<br />Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 15: </span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Heavenly Father,<br />During this time of pandemic, where we have been physically distancing as a part of staying safer and healthier, birth and death are still happening. Sicknesses, like cancer, don't stop. Treatments continue.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">What breaks my heart is when someone enters a hospital alone and their family member or trusted friend has to leave them at the door as they are swept away for their care.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">For some, that is the last time they will see their loved one alive. It may be the last time they speak to one another. Maybe one last hug. Hopefully, one last "I love you."</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">For others, new life bursts forth, and the other parent misses it, misses those first moments, first hours in the life of their child. And they miss the opportunity to support their partner.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">In between are those who send their loved one in for chemo or surgery or some other treatment. They cannot hold the hand or be in the recovery room.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">These are what break my heart most.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">I can only imagine that your heart breaks as well. Even when you are present for your beloved child, you know that those who have walked this life with that child are left, waiting, wondering, worrying, until they meet again ... or they get word that their loved one has gone into your arms.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Please be with all these, but especially with those who have waited and lost those last minutes of the life of their loved one. Comfort them in their quarantine.<br />Amen.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">(Of note, our dear friend, Bob O. died this evening, alone, in the hospital.)</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 14:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy One, today, a pastor friend posted a video reminding me that sometimes, when any one of us is looking for a certain outcome, you may respond with a resounding, "no." I wonder then, if, with our desire to return to some semblance of the way things were, you are telling us "No. I need you to live your life differently. I want you to care for others in ways you haven't. I have new expectations for you."</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Our faith in you, our relationship with Jesus, our partnership with<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> the Holy Spirit requires us to behave in ways that bind us to you. You abide with us. It is only fitting that we hear you when you say "no," and change.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Guide us through this transformation. Hearing the word "no" can result in disobedience, rejection and fear. Help us, instead, hear the word "no," and listen more deeply, study more intently, and love more abundantly.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 13:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy Spirit, today I read a short chapter of a book for others. The chapter taught about listening. How listening begins with silencing our mind and body and being aware of the sounds of nature, of our own bodies. Once we have quieted, it is much easier to open our ears to truly listen to others. To focus on someone else and respond appropriately.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I know that when I stop and listen it is more likely that I will be available to hearing you.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">It can be so easy to talk, ask<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">, thank and praise and not so easy to be still and know that you are God.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Help me to make time to intentionally stop talking to others, to you, so that I can listen for all I need to learn about the love of God, the expectations of Jesus, and the quiet guidance of you, the Holy Spirit.<br />Amen.</font></p></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 12:</span></b></font></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, help me. I'm tired. I'm impatient. I'm struggling. I'm on edge. I need better sleep, more exercise and healthier food.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, help me. I'm awakened to the needs of so many. I'm patiently waiting with others for clarity. I'm confident that I am doing what I need to do. I'm comfortable with my companions. Netflix, Disney + and streaming videos are therapeutic. Crafts keep my hands moving and provide beauty. And it's okay to eat cake.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, help me. I want to <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">behave better. I need to forgive more, study more, read more, love more.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font size="4">Lord, help me. I'm doing the best I can, even in this tumultuous time.<br />Bear with me.<br />Bear me up.<br />Bear hug me.</font></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><font size="4">Seriously Jesus, I could really use a big, healing, forgiving, heavenly, loving hug. Maybe that would make it all better.</font></p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;"><font size="4">Amen.</font></p><p style="font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px;"><br /></p></font></div></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b><span style="background-color: white;">May 11:</span></b></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Holy, healing God,</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I'm trying. Really, I am. Yet my emotions ride this roller coaster and the ride never seems to stop. Clacking up a steep incline to drop at an alarming rate with a quick twist this way and then that. When my stomach catches up, the ratcheting begins and up, up, up we go again, this time, dropping and rising, turning up side down. Anticipation turns into screaming, laughing, crying and the desire to stop, get off and find safety on the ground.</span></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">If this w</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">ere an amusement park, I might want to run to the back of the line to ride again. But it isn't. I want to linger in the safety, the calm. But it doesn't seem like I can.</span></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br />Instead, it feels like I can't get off. I can't change my circumstances. I lack any sense of control I might have once had. Or at least the illusion of control.</span></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br />I know I need to trust that you are behind the controls of this roller coaster, and I do. It is just that roller coasters are not a sustainable place to live. I want to get off.</span></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br />I want to find you, instead, in the garden, on the path, in the comfortable, familiar places that calm me.</span></font></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><br />Help me get off this ride. I promise to surrender to you.<br />Amen.</span></font></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 10:</font></span></b></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Dear God,</span><br style="background-color: white; margin-top: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for mothers!</span><br style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></font></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 9:</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Dear God,<br />When I decide I want to make a post on Facebook, it asks me what's on my mind. I know it's all part of the Facebook world, but what if I considered, instead, that it was you asking that question? What would happen if I used it as a prompt to stop and talk with you? To share my day, my thoughts, my desires, my fears, my love, with you?</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I know I don't need to have a formal way to pray to you, to talk with you. That's the thing about a long relationship. I can ju<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">st tell you what's on my mind and in my heart. I love that about who you are for me.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you for always being interested in what's on my mind.<br />Amen.</font></p></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 8:</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, I keep hearing we are in "unprecedented" and "uncertain" times. And we may be. But I wonder what would happen if each of us began listing the things in our lives that take precedence. What about the things we are certain of?</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I wonder if we might shed some of our fears, wipe away some of our tears, look to what we know and use it to provide us solid footing as we move forward?</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">What am I certain of? YOU. Your love. Your companionship. Your steadfastness, grace and<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> mercy toward me and toward the whole world. These are what take precedence. These are what top my list.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I ask you to be with all who need to turn their world view upside down and focus on what takes priority, precedence in their lives. To focus on all that they are certain of, what they know you have done and what you will do. Let all who fear, find joy and comfort in you.<br />Amen.</font></p></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 7:</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, every day we wake and are offered opportunity. We can enter it with grumbles and groans, or with wonder and awe. We can end each day the same.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Our response to each day reflects how we view the opportunity presented when we open our eyes.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Let me respond with a grateful heart, an open mind, and giving hands. For each day you give to me, I want to be in service for you.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Amen.</font></p></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 6: </font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus, I thank you for all the things to teach me. You model behaviors and attitudes that help me be in closer relationship with my Heavenly Father. The more I engage with the Gospels, the more I understand what it means to not only be, but to also live as a child of God.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">There is a difference between those: to be and to live. One simply states a fact: I don't have to do anything to be a child of God.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">But to live as a child, ah, that is another thing. Behaving in ways <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">that reflect God's love to the world is best defined through the study of scripture. To know what you, Jesus, did or said in certain circumstances, guides me.</span></font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">I don't know that I tell you how important these lessons are to me. So, thank you for being the example I need to live a life that reflects the love of God.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">May 5:</font></span></b></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">O God,<br />You created the whole world, and, as the song goes, you've got the whole world in your hands.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 6px 0px;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I think we sometimes forget that. We forget that you hold the world ... all of it ... embracing it, showering it ... all of it ... with your love.</font></p><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">Instead, we build physical, emotional, economical, racial, and so many other kinds of barriers, thinking that some are more or less deserving of your love.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">You would think that when the whole world is dealing with a pandemic, we would recognize that barriers need to break.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">That instead of competing for resources, research and medical breakthroughs, we would clamor for unity.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">That instead of arguing about what is more important, life or liberty, we would choose to feel your embrace ... of the whole world.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">You love what you create. And you create this world and all that lives upon it. Help us not just feel the warmth of your loving embrace. Let us also feel you push us toward one another.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Give us eyes to see and ears to listen and feet to journey through this creation ... this whole world.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Let us learn more completely how to live with empathy, compassion, and to treat the world with the dignity and love.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Let our behavior toward this whole world reflect the love you have for all of creation.</p><p style="margin: 6px 0px;">Amen.</p></font></div></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div><div><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia">May 4:</font></span></b></div><div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span><span style="background-color: white;">Holy One, as we make it through another Monday, we ask you to give us courage to enter each new day ... courage to adapt and grow as the way we live develops into new routines. Grant us patience in those routines, in the changes, in the adaptations. Help us believe we can do what we must do, for with your help, we can!</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">In your holy name, we pray,</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">May 3:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you, God, for my dad. It was his birthday today. He is now 88 years old. He doesn't look his age. He's super active. He's more tired and his knees bother him more often.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Guard his waking, protect his sleeping. Guard his thinking, protect his speaking.<br />Let him know love. Let him share love. Abide with him.</font></span></div>
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<span>Amen.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">May 2:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Dear God,<br /> This week reminded me of my life years ago when I was a stay-at-home mom with a decent Tupperware business.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"> Balancing became a dance. Sometimes family would lead, sometimes the house, sometimes Tupperware. Then there would be the times when one or the other would cut in, change the music or pull me to the dance floor when I didn't want to go.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span> I liked that time. I liked the dance. I liked the ability to switch partners -- or music -- or tempo. Sometimes the dance was smooth. Other times someone's feet got stepped on. But the music went on. And I lived in it's rhythm pretty well.</span><span></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span> Lord, you know how much my life has changed since then. And you know that those years prepared me to dance on this dance floor, with these partners.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span> What this week reminded me of, was the balancing. With the pandemic, we all are adjusting. Some better than others. My past taught me how to adapt, to build upon, to learn how to be and do what I need to be and do. The things I am balancing, the way the dance goes, feel familiar, feel rhythmic, feel like I've found an old pair of dance shoes and they still fit.</span></div>
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Thank you for helping me remember how what was can be what is.<br />
Amen.</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">May 1:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I know that it seems frivolous to pray for entertainment, but God, I'm thankful for the resources to be able to purchase streaming apps. We are able to spend time together watching programs and movies. I'm thankful for these times ... to escape, to learn, to share experiences that we can talk about later.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">So thank you, God, for those who create and who provide programming that distracts and entertain and teach.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div style="background-color: white; display: inline; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Amen.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 30:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Creator of all, thank you for skills and talents that can be shared generation to generation.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Hearing about or watching as your children demonstrate that they watched and learned and put into practice the tips and tricks to make cooking (or other talents) easier from you, who learned and honed from your parents, who learned them from their parents ... well, it's a priceless gift.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you for giving us the opportunities to see how it all comes around, how the good example<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">s can be passed down.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span>Thank you for those who came before and provided the desire and expertise to all who follow.</span><span></span><br />
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Thank you for family.</span><br />
<span>Amen.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 29:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">One of the things you did, Jesus, when you came back from the dead and walked on this Earth another 50 days was teach us that even when the world feels like it has collapsed, life goes on. The work of faith moves forward.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">You sent your followers out, away from their security, to face the world, to look forward, to know that they were prepared for what was to come.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">We cannot, yet, go out. But we can prepare for what is to come. Like those early followers, we don't know wh<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">at it will look like, or how different it will be, but because you have taught us, fed us, healed us and loved us, we can prepare for what comes next.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span>It's not yet safe or smart (in my context) to gather in our places of worship, yet, but we can begin to imagine what it will be like when we do. What an adventure it could be!</span><span></span><br />
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</span>
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<span>Normal is not what we feel now or will feel then, but that's okay. We will spread the Good News. We will figure out how to blend worship styles and methods and mediums. We will adapt.</span></div>
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</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>For you abide with us, and we abide with you. Together, we will become what is needed most for this world to be reconciled to you.</span></div>
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Amen.</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 28:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Even while physically distancing, we celebrate.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, we thank you for moments that help us remember the vast beauty of living. For birthdays, anniversaries, glimpses of joy, laughter, memories. All these things which give us reason to be in relationship with one another because you are in relationship with us.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you for weeks, like this one, full of birthdays and anniversaries, of children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Moments that show us that life i<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">s still happening, that we may not be able to be together, but we can celebrate nonetheless.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span>Amen.</span><span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 27:</span></b></div></div>
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus, I am thankful for the Gospel, for it tells your story. I'm thankful to those who provide commentaries, who study languages and history. For all those who strive to better understand.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Their determination, study and writing/lectures/podcasts are such important tools for me and others to better grasp your story.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I ask for clarity and the ability to share the Gospel, share your Commandments, your parables, your miracles with others so they can know you more deeply.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
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<span>Trusting in your Word,<br />Amen.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 26:</span></b><br />
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<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy Son of God,<br />You walked with two of your followers along the road to Emmaus. For miles you listened and taught as these two people traveled from that locked, safe room in Jerusalem, escaping their self-imposed sanctuary/prison, to process what had happened to them, to the other followers, to those expecting a different kind of savior.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">They walked. We walk. Trying to make sense of the story. Your story, our story: how they meet and blend and help us be faithful to you.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
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<span>They walked to a place that no one knows anymore. Where is Emmaus? Which direction did they walk those seven miles away from Jerusalem? They journeyed with you, but did not know you until they arrived and you broke bread and gave thanks. It was there, in that moment, they recognized you.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Is Emmaus our turning point? Is it that place where we have to go to recognize, realize, reckon with our relationship with you? Is it that place where we have to go to know that you will always be with us, whether we know your presence ... or not?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>One of the people who heard the sermon this morning, wrote a message saying it gave them peace to know that the location of Emmaus is unknown. It could be anywhere. It could be at 46th Street and North Emerson Avenue ... or at the foot of their bed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Thank you, Jesus, for walking with us throughout our lives. For being made known to us in the breaking of the bread--whether that bread is broken at the altar or at the dinner table. Let us find comfort in your presence.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Amen.</span></div>
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</div>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 25:</span></b><br />
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Work began, with a very small handful of familiar volunteers (fewer than 10) practicing physical distancing, in St. Alban's Peace Garden today.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">We are thankful, God, for the inspiration that came just over 5 years ago as a small seed of an idea to transform 1/2 acre of the church property into a garden that would help feed the hungry on the east side of Indianapolis.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">This garden is tended by people who believe they are called to help the hungry in our community. Called. P<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">eople from all over Indy -- some individuals, some from a variety of organizations -- come throughout the season to prepare, plant, tend and harvest thousands of pounds of fresh produce for area food pantries. The faith of the people, trusting you to assist us with this ministry, knowing you continue to help find people willing to help it flourish, is such a blessing.</span></font></span></div>
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<span></span><br />
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<span>Today, ground was turned over and seeds and seedlings were planted to bring us into the 2020 season.</span></div>
<span>
</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Tend our garden, tend our hearts, open our hands and let us be the people we have been called to be--servants, gardeners, lovers of all your people.</span></div>
<span>
</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>In your holy name we pray.</span><br />
<span>Amen.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><br /></span></div>
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</span></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 24:</span></b><br />
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, this past week was rough, but today, Friday came, bringing sunshine, some reading, a motorcycle ride, a walk and Zoom time with our group of friends. When the call began, a rainbow was in the sky at one of the houses.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">A rainbow! You promised the world would never experience another flood. You showed us that pestilence and plague would not overtake those who believe in you.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">A rainbow at the end of a difficult week is a perfect reminder of your love for this world you created<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">, for these people who follow you.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span></span><br />
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<span>Thank you for symbols that remind us we have not been left alone.</span><br />
<span>Amen.</span></div>
<span>
</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 23:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Maybe this is how you, too, are feeling and these, too, are words you need to pray?</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, I feel better knowing that what I am experiencing is something a lot of people are experiencing. The complexity of trying to always "know" what is "best" to keep me and others safe.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">It permeates all of life. Questioning what were minor decisions all the way through major decisions. Decisions that never seemed like moral or ethical dilemmas, but are, now.</font></span></div>
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<span></span><br />
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<span>Add in new ways of learning, teaching, sharing, worshiping, connecting and it's no wonder so many of us are bewildered and exhausted.</span></div>
<span>
</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>While so much of this feels like solo activity, I feel your presence. You are pushing me to take it all more slowly, more deliberately, more prayerfully. I might not want to, but you help me see and hear and know that it is okay to take time, to make time to make sense in this time.</span></div>
<span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Each day there is something more I learn about myself and about others. More I learn about depending on you. For these things, I give thanks.</span><br />
<span>Amen.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><br /></span></div>
<span>
</span></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 22:</span></b><br />
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Today we celebrated your creation, God. In this era of creation, it was 50 years ago when people realized there it only one Earth and we needed to take care of her. People began to recognize that the cycles of life, the seasons, metamorphosis, were suffering from our self-focus.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">And yet, throughout scripture we have learned about the gift of creation, and that we should give thanks to you for the vast beauty and bounty we receive.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Today, we specifically notice and honor c<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">reation. And we thank you for creating us to tend to the needs, to lovingly care for the Earth.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span><span></span><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span><span>Help us continue to care for all you have made.</span></span><br />
<span><span>Amen.</span></span></div>
<span>
<span>
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 21:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy One, the constant reminders about the Coronavirus are necessary, but overwhelming. Knowing that this illness can be deadly for some, life altering for others and survivable by even more, keeps many of us in near constant communication with you.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">We seek reasons to be grateful while we take precautions that will keep us and those we meet as safe as possible. We are learning how to live together in close contact, connect through technology with friends and family, and we <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">long to reconnect in person with others.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span><span></span><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span><span>But, to be honest, there are other, less positive emotions. We are worried. We are depressed. We are lonely. We are angry. We are impatient. We are afraid. We are tired.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>And while we are full of emotions, some that aren't very attractive, you accept us. You listen. You heal. You love. There is comfort in all these things.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>Please get us through this time, help us as we navigate all that we are feeling, keep our relationships intact. Give us the ability to forgive: ourselves, others, society, the virus. Embrace us and comfort us. Let us know your grace.</span></span><br />
<span><span>Amen.</span></span></div>
<span><span>
</span></span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 20:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, that thinking coma I asked about? I think it's a real thing. It comes with a headache, too. And it forces you to sleep in and take a nap later. The brain feels fuzzy and the limbs, shaky. All this deep thinking, discerning, deciding, realigning, well, it's taking it's toll.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I'd like to thank you for the ability to use my brain to its fullest possibilities, but, right now, I'm not feeling thankful. Just tired, overwhelmed and pushed to the limit. My thankfulness come<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">s in knowing it's time to take a break, rest and let go.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span><span>So thank you for the tipping point, the thinking coma, and the demand from my body, mind and soul, to stop.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>In this moment of recognition, let me know you, feel you, hear you.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>Amen.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 19:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, is it possible to go into a "thinking coma?" Can our brains spend so much time thinking and mulling and considering and generating that they get to a point when they must shut down and sleep?</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">This world, in this time of safe at home, physical distancing, sure gives us time to think. A lot. So when it comes to night, when our minds have been tasked and tried, some nights the only thing left to do, is sleep.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Grant us peaceful, healing rest. Deep enough to turn off the n<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">oise in our heads; turning off the noise that keep us from freeing some of the space in our heads. Space we need so desperately to be able to hear you.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span>Amen.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
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</div>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 18:</span></b><br />
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">O God, I've spent the day thinking about all the implications and responses we have when we think about the hero of tomorrow's Gospel: Thomas, the misunderstood, the doubter. He is all of us. Because he is all of us, we treat him with disdain: none of us wants to think we doubt, that our commitment to you requires putting our fingers in the wounds in Jesus' flesh to believe.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">In this topsy turvy time in our lives, when we struggle to remember what day it is because most of<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> us can no longer live the routines we trust, we just might need reassurance, like Thomas, that Jesus resurrected and breathed the Holy Spirit into each of us, to do your will in the world.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><span>Thomas might have been the first to realize that resurrection means the world in which he, and all of the Jesus Followers, lived would be forever different. They would never be able to go back to the way things were.</span></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>I wonder if that's the Good News. That with resurrection comes a new way of living out our faith. That with the resurrection we will experience at the end of this pandemic, we will find new ways to live out our faith.</span></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>I wonder what that looks like. I wonder what it means. Even with that wondering, I know that the Holy Trinity will be with me, with us, as we step into these new, resurrected lives.</span></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>O God, give us courage to accept what is to come.<br />Amen.</span></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 17:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, I want to talk with you about productivity tonight. This has been a strange week when I consider productivity.</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I mean, what, exactly, am I to do when the life I'm familiar with living--that run-run-run, stay busy life--dramatically shifts? How do I measure success?</font></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Or, maybe the question is, why have I measured success the way I have? And...could success/productivity be redefined? Should it?</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span>This time of change, of gaining time to refocus priorities, redesign work style, re-imagine life, is transformative.</span></div>
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</span></span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>Maybe, it's more important to realize that it's okay to let go of what was and find a better rhythm to life.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>Maybe productivity should instead be measured in the fulfillment of leisure, crafts, cooking, walking, reading, resting -- of self care.</span></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>Thank you for giving me time to rethink what is important, what the definition of productivity needs to become, for helping me find new ways to be patient with my personal expectations, and for helping me let go of so many things.</span></span><br />
<span><span>Amen.</span></span></div>
</div><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 16:</span></b><br />
<span><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you, Holy One, for helping people heal in heart, mind, body and soul. Thank you for colleagues and friends who help each of us heal in heart, mind, body and soul. Let us recognize the helpers; let us see the helper in ourselves. When we need helpers, give us courage to ask. When we are asked to help, give us strength to respond.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">You are the ultimate helper. Let us always remember to come to you. Amen.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 15:</span></b><br />
<span><span style="background-color: white;">God, you give us these amazing lives to do so many things. When our lives are disrupted and we cannot live them in familiar ways, we feel like a piece of us is missing. Or even pieces are missing.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">And yet, you are with us, holding the pieces together, filling spaces with your love.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">There is comfort in knowing you are present, but, God, it would be nice to be able to experience the gifts and love of others more tangibly, more personally, more physically -- to e</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">xperience your love through them.<br />In these days when we long for physical time with others, help us to feel you in ways we might not recognize if we were not physically distanced from our friends and families.<br />And when you are filling the seemingly empty spaces in others, let those people know that they are not forgotten...that they are loved, by those they miss, too.<br />With the knowledge that you are filling us with your love, I say, amen.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px;"><span><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 14:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Holy Spirit,</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">blow through this world...</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">bring us comfort...</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">unbind our fear...</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">remove unhealthy bonds...</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-weight: 400;"><br />send security...<br />simplify the stress...<br />calm the chaos...<br />change us...<br />teach us...<br />cleanse our lives...<br />fill us with hope...<br />prepare us for peace...<br />heal our hearts...<br />lead us to love...<br />Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>April 13:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus, we are still learning how to live in ways that protect the vulnerable among us. We are learning what measures we need to take to stay healthy. We are learning how to be patient through the process, following the advice of scientists to do what slows the impact of the virus.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">There are people who doubt and question the impact, who choose to flirt with it. I pray that their flirtation does not cause harm to others.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Please protect us.</span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Amen.</font></span></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>April 12:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;">Holy One, thank you to dentists who share their personal phone number, inviting patients to call or text with any dental concerns. For their prompt responses, good questions and ability to check recent x-rays to make sure the right care is offered. Lord, we sometimes forget who can help in unexpected ways. Who can prescribe antibiotics or give suggestions to ease discomfort. Thank you for the caregivers. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span><br /></span></b>
<b><span>April 11:</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you, God, for this quiet day of waiting. You wait for us as we wait for you. As the day breaks, let us meet again. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></b>
<b>April 10:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Lord, have mercy.<br />It is Good Friday.<br />It is Good.<br />It is.<br />It.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />It is.<br />It is Good.<br />It is Good Friday.<br />Lord, have mercy.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">I am bereft, broken, burdened.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span><span></span><br />
</span><br />
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<span><span><span>I am weeping at the foot of the cross.<br />Wailing in my locked room.<br />Unbelieving the atrocity.</span></span></span></div>
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</span>
<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>My soul aches.<br />My body, aches.<br />My mind, it too, aches.</span></span></span></div>
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</span>
<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>The tears,<br />so hard,<br />so fast,<br />so wet,<br />have dried,<br />leaving my face<br />burning,<br />chapped,<br />cracked.</span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>You said this day would come.<br />I didn't want to believe you.<br />Not like this.<br />Not now.</span></span></span></div>
<span>
<span>
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>You said to wait.<br />Three days.<br />It will take<br />three days.</span></span></span></div>
<span><span>
</span></span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>I don't<br />know<br />if I am strong<br />enough.<br />I don't<br />think<br />I am patient<br />enough.<br />I<br />don't<br />want<br />to<br />wait.</span></span></span></div>
<span><span>
</span></span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>As soon as I can,<br />I will come.<br />I will be there.<br />The tomb<br />where you are laid<br />waits.</span></span></span></div>
<span><span>
</span></span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>You wait.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>I will be there.</span></span></span></div>
<span><span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span>Amen.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
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</span></span></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">April 9:</span></b><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you, God, for the day that has now passed. In it, I was able to prepare our Agape dinner. We gathered at the table to pray and read scripture together. We cleared and cleaned the table, which had become our altar, and then, brought the light of Christ from that altar to our own garden, where we can spend time in prayer overnight.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I am thankful for this new expression of the Maundy. The intimacy of family joining together and sharing this meal in a way that we have never done before.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">A part of me didn't miss the tradition. Part of me longed for it. Both provide time to be in communion with you. Both bring me to the garden.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">With such gratitude for this time.<br />Amen.</span></div>
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<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span><b>April 8:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">One of my favorite parts of creation is weather, God. In an instant, it can transform the sky. It is untameable. Weather reminds me that I must trust something, someone, bigger than myself. Weather reminds me to respect what it can do. Weather sets creation in motion: from season to season.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Tonight's storm was one that could have caused me fear, but instead, it reminded me of a happy childhood memory of standing on the porch at my grandparents' homes, watching the sky, f<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">eeling the wind, sometimes pummeled by rain or hail. Those experiences taught me to respect the power of a storm.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span><span><span></span><br /></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span><span><span>Respecting weather and the results of weather is a lot like faith in you. It is a visible example of your power. Like the weather, I cannot tame you. I cannot control you. I can accept and respond to your power in my life.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>So I thank you for the sunshine and the storm I experienced today. The warmth on my face, the peacefulness of the evening, brought joy. The lightening and thunder show that began on our walk was beautiful enough to set chairs in the front yard, watching and waiting for the wind to push the rain and hail through our neighborhood. It, too, brought joy.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>Joyful for you.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span>Amen.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 7:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">At 11:30 this morning my phone alerted me that I was scheduled to be at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis where I was to gather with clergy from around the diocese to renew our ordination vows, attend the blessing of oils and gather for lunch. It is a sacred tradition to do these things during Holy Week each year.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">As I swiped the reminder aside, I noticed I had a text from one of my clergy friends, hoping for some time to talk today.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Our expectations for Holy <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Week have narrowed as we remain safely in our homes, creating alternative ways to connect and support our clergy friends while preparing for changed ways to honor and remember the last human days of Jesus.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">I wonder, God, as we re-view and re-design worship that has grounded us in the Passion of your son for centuries, if, in this re-construction we will find you in re-newed ways? Will we be able to set aside how we have "always done it" and find deeper relationship with you?</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span><span></span><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>I know that even though I did not experience the worship service scheduled for today, in talking with not one, but two clergy friends, I felt my vows to you re-confirmed.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>For you are present in all our acts of relationships, when we are focused on you and what you have called us to do and be.</span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span><span><span>My promise to you is renewed.<br />Amen.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 6:</span></b></div></div>
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy One...<br />Some connections are best made in the dark of night, under a full moon. Wonder and aha moments. Recognition and transformation. Time that looks like a walk around the neighborhood but, in reality is active prayer, time in conversation together and with you, the Third Cord in our strand, Giver of love and life.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">You walk with us, giving us courage to talk through the complicated, the unfinished, the frustrating, the unknown and arrive back home with a little more <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">clarity, calm and contentment.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for living with us: guiding and protecting us, balancing and broadening us.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">In you we are complete.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span>Amen.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><b><span>April 5:</span></b></span></div>
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</span></div>
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you, God, for giving us one another. For relationships that provide support, comfort, companionship ... and space when it is most needed. That we can see in those closest to us, especially those sharing living and work space in our homes, the personal needs that provide mental and spiritual health during this emotional time.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Waves of uncertainty and fear well up and manifest in many ways. We need one another to ride those waves with mutual understanding. Sometimes w<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">e need space and time to cope.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span>While we know we can come to you with all of who we are and how we are, I give thanks that you have given many of us someone(s) to share and bear who and how we are in a tangible way.</span><br />
<span>Thank you for those we love and love with. Grant them peace, kindness, mercy and love. Amen.</span><br /><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><b><span>April 4:</span></b></span></div>
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</span></div>
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Sometimes, God, the hidden emotions, buried deep in the activity of preparation and adaptation surface as pimples and paper cuts.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Blossoming, burning blemishes on good intentions.<br />Quick blood-letting, sharp, then lingering pain, disrupting plans.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span><b></b></span><br /></span></span><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span><span>Reminders that it is important to pause, reflect and pray so that one can honestly respond to the current circumstances of living in a pandemic during one of the holiest times of the year.</span><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>For many Christians, we celebrate Palm Sunday in the morning. It will not be remembered in familiar ways. We will not process singing and waving palm branches. Instead, we will honor our Savior in our abodes, beckoning him to come in ... to our homes ... to our lives ... to our hearts.</span></span></span></div>
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</span>
<br /></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>As we recall the story, help us, all this Holy Week, allow the hidden emotions to surface. Let our fears and hopes be expressed honestly and freely.</span></span></span></div>
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</span>
<br /></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Give us courage to live the visceral, raw responses of these holy journeys: the journey with Jesus into Jerusalem and the journey through the pandemic.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Amen</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>April 3:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God, I'm finding it very hard to stop working. To take time off. To be with you in Sabbath. With all the adjustments in our daily lives right now, it feels hard to simply stop.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Many are sharing spaces they have not regularly shared in, maybe, ever. Many are working from newly created home offices: at tables transformed into desks for work and school.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">The bandwidth on our internet services is stretched to the limit and sometimes it's hard to put down, put away, those de<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">vices that keep us connected, not just for work and school, but with one another. Maybe the bandwidth of our lives is being stretched too thin, as well...</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span><span>This busy-ness will turn into rhythm, I'm sure. For you will create in us clean hearts, longing for your presence. You will help us find time to rest in your loving arms. We will figure out how to live in this "new normal" we hope will be temporary, but know will last longer than we are prepared to admit.</span><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>For now, I ask you to fill me with such desire that I want to stop everything and be in your presence, bask in your light. To prepare for your son's triumphal entry into Jerusalem...and deeper into my heart.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>My hope, my trust, my rest--my holy, life-giving rest--is found in you.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Amen.</span></span></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: white;">April 2:</span></b></div></div>
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;">Good Lord, I offer thanks for this night. I ask that you help those who struggle to find rest, to sleep well. I ask for those who must work, that they rest well during the day. Guide our dreams to safety. In you, we find our hope. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></span></b>
<b>April 1:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Creator of all, we are learning each day how to live during a pandemic. Each day, we recognize the heroism of those on the front line. We appreciate those who bring us the news. We connect with one another using technology--and bless those who developed it all.</span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">At the same time, we beg for those who are stricken by the virus to return to health. We call for accurate, rapid testing. We plead to scientists to develop a vaccine...a cure. We stay at home (those of us who c<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">an) and show gratitude to those who cannot.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">We try not to forget anyone who might be affected by this pandemic, but realize that the list is endless...it affects us all.</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span><span>
</span>
<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>Through all our various experiences, you are present. You weep with us. Sigh, cry, laugh, mourn, grieve, celebrate and live with us. You are in all our emotions. Lifting, holding, guiding, grounding and abiding with us.</span></span></div>
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</span>
<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>You do not forget us. You do not forsake us. In you, we find forgiveness, grace, mercy, and most of all, love. In the midst of all we are, all we do, let us never forget or forsake you. Let us always remember that in you we find our strength. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>March 31:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;">O God, I worry about all the people I know who are immuno-suppressed with life-long illnesses, cancer, recent surgeries and compromised health. I trust that they and those who care for them are doing everything necessary to keep them safe during this world-wide health crisis. Please surround them with your protective love. Let them know that they are not alone, that their lives-their gifts-impact others. Help the rest of us take time to reach out to them, pray for them and love them. Be their comfort, their strength, their peace. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>March 30:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tonight, Jesus, I ask you to shelter and protect those who are experiencing depression, anxiety and other forms of mental illness. I ask you to strengthen and support their loved ones, caregivers, therapists and psychiatrists. I ask you to embrace all of these in your loving arms, and help them find peace. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span>(I suggest reading <a href="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.dehler/posts/10157924683759870" target="_blank">this post</a> in conjunction with the above prayer if you or someone you know needs coping mechanisms during this time.)</span></span></b></span><br />
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<b>March 29:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Creator of all, this morning, people started posting pictures of bodies of water. This evening, landscapes. No people, just filling our Facebook feeds with photos of the Earth. These photos remind us that life is full of beauty. It is full of wonder. It is full of your presence.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Images of the world, the masterpiece you designed, give us hope.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">For the sun will rise in the morning and bring us into a new day. And while our living is unfamiliar and uncomfortable in so many <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ways, we can simply look out the window, or at the thousands of photos being posted on Facebook to be reminded of your awesome love and commitment to creation...to us.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span><b></b></span><br /></span></span><div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Praise be to you!<br />Amen.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>March 28:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Every day, Holy One, people around the world are learning how to live differently. Staying home, confined to homes with people they love, but have not spent such intentional, significant time together. Couples and roommates are setting up offices, setting workplace rules, setting up ways of being family in tandem with their roles as employees.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">We might be changing our places of respite and sanctuary into work space. Disrupting our schedules that balanced work and home.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Our<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> relationships at home can become stressful with these changes to our "safe spaces," as the reason we are staying home cause it's own kind of stress.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span><span><span>Lord, we need you to help us communicate honestly, share space gracefully, balance family-work-life wisely, and love one another when all the ways stress manifests within us.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span><span><span>Teach us how to "be" in ways that reflect your love.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Amen.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>March 27:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus,<br />You called them your friends. Together, you walked a three- year journey, teaching, guiding, loving them, so that, when you left them, they would be the cornerstones of their community of faith, of friendship.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Your example of friendship guides many of us as we build our own circles of community around us. Thank you for showing us how to live together, as different as each of us are, teaching, guiding, loving one another through the many journeys of our lives.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<span>Thank you for the friends who shower us with the feeling that we are never alone, that there is always someone who is there to help, that laughter, truly, is the best medicine.</span><br />
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<span>
</span>
<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>Now, while we are separated by distances from six feet to six hundred to six thousand miles, we appreciate the many ways we can be together. Tonight, I am especially thankful for Zoom, which allowed our group of friends to gather for a few quality hours, from our homes in different cities and states. Help us to make every effort to do this again...soon.</span></span></div>
<span>
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</span>
<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>For you are the model of perfect friendship. Ever present, ever loving. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>March 26:</b></span><br />
</font><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy One,<br />I'm not sure I can explain why, but today feels easier than the days over the past couple of weeks. Maybe some of my feelings can be explained through what happened throughout the day.</font></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">I participated in a conference call with clergy in our Diocese, sharing ideas, thoughts, concerns. I hope others can connect with their colleagues in similar ways. I had a couple of phone calls with people I deeply respect, who allowed me to honestly express myself. I hope others <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">find people they can trust to be honest together. I enjoyed some time outdoors. I hope others can find joy in nature.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span><span>It can be hard, Lord, to figure out ways that meaningfully support our emotions in this pandemic time, this time that seems to change so fast we struggle to keep up or we choose to avoid for our own well being. May we find you in each encounter, each opportunity, each gift, and let us receive you with gladness and singleness of heart, mind and soul.</span></span></div>
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<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span>To you, giver of all I pray, amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b>March 25:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thankful for the fog that drifted away, leaving a sun shiny day to enjoy.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grateful for church members, calling one another and being in relationship.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appreciative of social media opportunities to gather in virtual community.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Humbled by the outpouring of generosity I'm learning about each day.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Holy Trinity, I feel your presence throughout each day. I know that you come to me with joy, love, comfort and peace.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-weight: 400;"><br />I know you ARE.<br />With unending praise...<br />Amen.</span></span></b><br />
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<b>March 24:</b></span><br />
</font><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="el98k-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="el98k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="el98k-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">God of all strength, </span></span></font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="m44b-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="m44b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span data-offset-key="m44b-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">I put my life in your arms. Embrace me. </span></span></font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="d2vu3-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d2vu3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span data-offset-key="d2vu3-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">I give you my mind. Teach me. </span></span></font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="f3dob-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f3dob-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span data-offset-key="f3dob-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">I surrender my heart. Love me. </span></span></font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="efso1-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="efso1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span data-offset-key="efso1-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">For you are tender, </span></span></font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="5t7dk-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5t7dk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span data-offset-key="5t7dk-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">you are merciful. </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
</font></div>
<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="ar6o6-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ar6o6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="ar6o6-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">You are everything I need. </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="9849b-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9849b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="9849b-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">Throw me from your embrace </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="dt4go-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dt4go-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="dt4go-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">to do all you have called me to do. </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="9vat7-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9vat7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="9vat7-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">Fill my mind with deeper knowledge of you </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="27fed-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="27fed-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="27fed-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">so I can teach others. </span></span></font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="ed0bu-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ed0bu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
<span data-offset-key="ed0bu-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">Return my heart, so that I may love others. </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="9sk51-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9sk51-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="9sk51-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">Let me be your servant, love me like your child. </span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="4il6b" data-offset-key="828ct-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="828ct-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span data-offset-key="828ct-0-0"><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span></span></font></div><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">
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<b>March 23:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Healing One, we cry to you this night as some go to sleep hungry or cold or in pain. Let those who can, feed, clothe, and relieve the pain. Be with those of us with new orders to stay home unless it is necessary to go out. Be even more with those who must go out to supply the needs of others.</font></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Even as we are hungry, cold, and in pain, we feel your presence, the Holy Spirit among us, beside is, within us. For you will not leave us wanting. You supply our needs.</font></span></div>
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<span><span style="background-color: white;">In your name we pray, Amen.</span></span></div>
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<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span><b style="background-color: white;">March 22:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Thank you, Jesus, for teaching is what it means to 'see'. That 'seeing' gives us the opportunity to be in deeper relationship with God and helps us know how to be better disciples of your love in the world.</font></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">As we enter a new week, open our eyes to the world around us. Let us see how creation doesn't stop transitioning season to season. Help us recognize your presence in nature and in one another.</font></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Remove the blinders that keep us apart from your love.</font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Amen.</span><br />
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<b>March 21:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hear us, God, as we call to you.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">We are joining our voices in praise and thanksgiving, knowing that you are always present, and remain present in these times of trial.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">And yet, are they times of trial? Or are they reminders of what is important to you--being in relationship with you means being connected with your creation?</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Families are learning how to be together.</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">People are getting out and seeing how the cycle of life begins anew each Spring.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-weight: 400;"><br />Friends are connecting more frequently.<br />People are paying attention to the way they live and breathe and move and have their being...and are, sometimes, finding that they are doing too much.<br />Let us rejoice that we are re-emerging from the lives we have been living into a new world, a new beginning.<br />Grant us awareness and attention to all those things that are important to being in relationship with you.<br />Let us know what we need to celebrate each day, and let us stop, see and share the glory of your name. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b><b>March 20:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Jesus, you taught us how to love the lost, the outsiders, the prisoners, the weak, the weary, the frightened and the outcasts. In so many ways, many people are beginning to understand these people in new ways because so many are experiencing what it means to be lost, an outsider, a "prisoner" (in their own home, at their work), weak and weary, frightened and, in our isolation, "outcast" from our communities. We are understanding better what it means to be separated from the <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">world.</span></font></span></div>
<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><div style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><span><span><span>As we begin to feel these, maybe new to us, emotions and live these new experiences, help us look outside our own discomfort and begin to see those who live these emotions and experiences daily. Let us show compassion with new hearts, understanding from new minds.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span>Because we are in new times.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Use these times to transform us.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Let us take what we experience and use our transformed lives to be beacons of your light and love to all those we meet.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>With joy, hopefulness, and thankfulness, we pray to you. Amen.</span></span></span></div>
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<b>March 19:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy and healing God, source of all life and light, be with all those who are on the front lines. Especially we pray today for:<br />ER personnel<br />Nursing Home staff<br />Grocery store employees<br />Drug store employees<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />First Responders<br />All those in the medical field<br />Those elected to serve the public good<br />Scientists, researchers<br />Teachers<br />Parents<br />All those working in news organizations.</span></font></span></div>
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<span><span><span>Help those who are arm-chairing events: observing, watching, listening from afar -- to quiet our judgments, to discern with open hearts and minds, and to close our mouths and stop our fingers from creating disconnections in this time when physically connecting is limited and our fears are expressed broadly and virtually.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span>Heal us from discord, diseases, fear, anxiety, loneliness and depression. Release us from the feeling that we need to be in control.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><span><span><span>Holy Trinity, we need you now to help us prepare our hearts, minds, bodies and souls for the unknown times to come. Give us courage to look to you, pray to you, submit to you, confess to you. Empower us to always give you thanks.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span>In your holy name, we pray. Amen.</span></span></span></div>
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<b>March 18:</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;">Heavenly One, please be with all clergy as we make decisions or follow direction to close our places of worship during this virus. We know that our faith communities understand the risks of remaining open, yet we know that being together, breaking bread and sharing the cup, are such important parts of who we are as people of faith. Give all of us grace and courage to keep carrying your Word into the world, through all avenues provided to us. Help others hear and feel your presence in their isolation. Strengthen your people with initiative to make calls and write notes to others in their faith community. Provide us opportunities to share our abundance as necessary, and fill us when we are in lack. Your grace, your love is complete. With that knowledge, give us hope for tomorrow. Amen.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">March 17:</font></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">It is night and time to sleep, O God. Let this night be filled with healing slumber, peaceful dreams, calming minds. Let us rest. Use these hours of sleep to renew and refresh, strengthen and bring hope as we enter the new day. We pray these things in your holy name. Amen.</font></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b>March 16:</b><br />Lord, have mercy on this country, this world. Be with those who are fearful and those who are grateful ... especially when we are one and the same. . Our minds and bodies are adapting as quickly as they can as the circumstances of our way of living change. Keep us mindful that there are those who must work in public and frequently face the stressed clientele in their midst. Nudge us to show appreciation for their work. Keep us humble. Let us share your love. Amen.</font></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">March 15:</font></span></b></span></div>
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<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;">Gracious God, you are helping so many people connect and reconnect with you through alternative ways of worship, bringing prayer and scripture into homes like never before. Worship communities are finding ways to connect with not only their own part of the body of Christ, but are branching out and experiencing different ways to hear your Word.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">We sometimes show frustration with social media, but on this Sunday, social media became our conduit, our connection, our lifeline t<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">o one another. Many people experienced your love in new ways. We learned that worship and faith and prayer can enlarge and embrace more broadly than we might have imagined. We experienced communion across systems we do not understand and by experimenting with unfamiliar platforms ... and we felt your presence with and around us, wherever we were.</span></font></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for showing us the broadness of your mercy, the unimaginable spread of your embrace, and the undeniable love you have for each of us. It is in your holy name we pray. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">March 14:</font></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">God of all creation, look upon all of us this night. Grant us peaceful rest. Awaken us in the morning and place praises to you on our lips. Amen.</font></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div>
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<font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>March 13</b>:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Holy One, you graciously provide each of us with all that we need. Even in uncertainty, we see your presence in our lives. Help us help others see you ... In all of creation ... as spring begins to emerge from the Earth ... as birds migrate to their summer homes ... Thank you, Creator of all. Amen.</span></font></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">March 12:</font></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4">Holy Spirit, you are blowing amongst us as many of us ponder and discern what you have in mind for our times together in the midst of an ever changing news cycle on COVID-19. Thank you for providing clarity to the leaders of schools, churches, civic and sports organizations--even when the decisions they make are disappointing to some. Keep our communities safe, whole and healthy as we limit physical contact with one another. Help those who long for connection to find alter<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">native ways to be in community. Keep us ever mindful that what is best for the most vulnerable among us is best for all of us. Be with those on the front lines: health care workers, First Responders, National Guard. Protect our economy--especially for those who are food and healthcare insecure. Hold us all in your loving, protective arms. In your holy and life- giving name we pray. Amen.</span></font></span></div>
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<span><b style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><br /></font></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#660000" face="georgia" size="4"><b>March 11:</b><br />Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy immortal One, you have brought me through another day. Thank you. In it, You have surrounded me with people who are willing to continue to grow and develop the gifts you placed within them. Be with them as their unrealized gifts are surfacing from hidden places. Release them of any fears they may have, so they will continue to transform to your glory. Amen.</font></span></div>
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Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-45807999542658399492019-11-18T21:03:00.003-05:002020-01-09T15:58:28.997-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1HTmDRo2aWAqBh7WpGdmeaH2n6pGDbmJVQ5EAPDGt0zYO0R4LlQO3FoiWPrUBSeAx_asTOIR64tnZhLOphZV2abfT4-c2gRwXKO_XMR2VMCbc0qUgXytzeSYFWUNl1KxA1DHri1SrsU/s1600/fun+Debbie+pro.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1HTmDRo2aWAqBh7WpGdmeaH2n6pGDbmJVQ5EAPDGt0zYO0R4LlQO3FoiWPrUBSeAx_asTOIR64tnZhLOphZV2abfT4-c2gRwXKO_XMR2VMCbc0qUgXytzeSYFWUNl1KxA1DHri1SrsU/s320/fun+Debbie+pro.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome to my blog! </h3>
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I am the Rector (aka Pastor or Priest)</div>
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called to St. Alban's Episcopal Church<br />in Indianapolis, Indiana in May of 2016</div>
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(You can call me Reverend Debbie or Pastor Debbie)</div>
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We are a diverse faith community, <br />and I mean that in every sense of the word. </div>
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This is a place where we worship, pray, celebrate and work together.</div>
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St. Alban's is home to the <b>Peace Garden</b>.<br />We took about a half acre of our property and turned it into a garden that grows produce to supply area food pantries with fresh greens, tomatoes, beans and more.</div>
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We plant a white cross to draw awareness to each homicide victim in Indianapolis.</div>
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We are known as the "Baseball Church," as the home to <b>St. Alban's Baseball</b>.<br />There are two baseball diamonds here where boys and girls </div>
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come each spring to "PLAY BALL!"</div>
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<br />We serve our community by being home to a number of meetings<br />from AA to neighborhood meetings.<br />We welcome other organizations into our space, like:<br /><i>Worthmore Academy:</i> a private school for kids with learning challenges<br /><i>Grace and Mercy Assembly: </i>a non-denominational church<br /><i>Buttermilk Mountain's Dog Biscuits: </i></div>
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made by adults with physical and mental challenges<br /><i>Devington Association</i>, our immediate neighborhood gathers<br />here to learn what is going on around us</div>
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. . . plus parties, funeral receptions, retreats and meetings.</div>
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I was called here to be a part of this amazing community. <br />A community willing to learn, grow and change as we discover more about <br />God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.<br />I am thankful!</div>
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While I'm not writing blog posts very often anymore, I do write many sermons. </div>
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You will find links to all my sermons to the right -----></div>
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Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-14076250661390465182019-01-14T17:12:00.000-05:002019-01-14T17:14:28.435-05:00Feast of the Epiphany Sermon 1/6/2019<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For most of my adult life I belonged to The Church of the
Epiphany Episcopal Church in Plymouth, Minnesota, so you can probably guess
that Epiphany is an important liturgical date on my calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our church logo for a number of those years was a star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our priest would give shiny star ornaments to
all the kids who came forward each Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We nearly always had three men from the choir sing “We
Three Kings” wearing crowns and carrying bejeweled packages as they walked to
the front of the church to deliver their gifts to Jesus in the creche.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So when I was asked one year by a patron at our annual
rummage sale what “Epiphany” meant, I told him it was when the Holy Spirit gave
out the spiritual gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t
believe it when I realized my gaff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had just explained Pentecost, not Epiphany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can shake my head at myself now, but in a lot of ways, it
can be hard to describe what Epiphany really means.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can describe it as the time when the three kings come
bringing the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, all the
while picturing a Christmas card with the star illuminating a stable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But there are some theological and historical mistakes and
lots and lots of questions in that picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First, Jesus was no longer an infant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was likely about two years old, toddling around with his mother and
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I’m sure they were no
longer living with the animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
were there three kings or were they astronomers and where did they come
from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were there three?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were they all men?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who cooked for them or put up their tents
along the way or protected them from danger for all the years they traveled?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, I’m a big fan of the film <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Nativity Story </i>and I love the way the men are depicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are consulting maps and equipment while
looking at the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They come from a
distant land and in many ways, they provide some comic relief to the nativity
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not claim to be kings,
but scientists or magicians or seers and they cannot quite agree on whether
this trip is something they should take or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the end, the three men embark on their journey, without
helpers, and go to the palace, which makes complete sense, if you are out and
about looking for a future king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, this visit backfires, as we learn in today’s
Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learn that Herod puts up a
good face with the men, but in reality, he is steaming mad and afraid that he
will be ousted from his ill-gained throne by a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells these travelers to find the child
and return to him with the location, claiming he will then go and pay homage to
the child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We know that that isn’t his plan at all, and so do the
angels, who warn the travelers to continue on their way after they meet Jesus,
for they know, even though our Gospel story ends before we get to this part,
that Herod plans to have all the children about Jesus’ age murdered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary and Joseph learn of Herod’s plan and
together with Jesus, they become refugees and flee to Egypt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So this is the basic plot line of Epiphany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some travelers from a far away land who are
not Jews come to bring expensive gifts to a young boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Does that mean Epiphany is about gift-giving then?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But maybe
not in such a tangible way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe that the gift is the ability and willingness to
be surprised by God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We talk about epiphanies as “A-Ha” moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those times when something unclear becomes
clear; when we are changed by a new understanding of an old concept; when a
lightbulb seems to go off, illuminating something hidden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So why not think of an epiphany as being surprised by God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that this epiphany lightbulb has turned on in your
heads, I wonder how many of you are thinking about all the times something
truly unexpected happened to you that changed you in a way you didn’t know you
could change?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[raise hand]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For many, reading and studying scripture can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While regularly attending church and hearing
the stories told for years is good, a deeper dive into scripture can help
anyone better understand just what it means to be a Jesus Follower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learn examples of what Jesus means when he
says to love one another as God loves us that may seem easy with the people we
know, but when we start to consider people we don’t know or understand, changes
our understanding of these two commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We see Jesus spending time caring for those who are left on
the margins of society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see him
healing those with some of the scariest, most communicable diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see him changing the world one person at a
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learn that Herod had no true
understanding of what this King could be or do to change the course of
creation, and that he killed a generation of children out of his own fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These are epiphanies for many people who want to keep Jesus
in the manger, that lovely baby, cooing at the moon, being greeted by shepherds
and scholarly travelers alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We desire
to hold him in our hearts as this helpless babe, forgetting that who he becomes
will challenge us and our ideals of what it means to be people of faith, people
of God, people who, if we truly are to follow the example of Jesus, will
challenge the world as we know it by expressing God’s love and giving dignity
and respect to every human being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being surprised by God is a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We journey through our lives, maybe not on a
camel for years in the desert, but we do journey in search of Jesus, searching
for that special relationship that marks us as God’s beloved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any curve or bend on that journey we can
be surprised, by a prayer, by the breaking of the bread, by recognizing our
unique gifts and sharing them, by being in community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we begin to journey through the season after the
Epiphany, I invite you to reflect on your journeys so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How has your life been changed unexpectedly
by God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometime in the next few weeks, I challenge you to share
your story or stories with someone who might not know who God is to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Invite them on your journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Together, may you be surprised by God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-48054056764330152342019-01-14T16:12:00.002-05:002019-01-14T16:12:59.563-05:00Christmas Day Poem 2018<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Word Made Flesh<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Born of the maiden Mary, Son
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fully human, fully divine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Present at creation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Present still.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
A babe born in Bethlehem<br />
Surrounded by creation.<br />
Holy One, crying One,<br />
Child and King.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
The threat to power<br />
A refugee, on the run<br />
A child, a boy<br />
Protected and protector.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
A scholar, trained in the Temple<br />
brighter, bolder, wiser <br />
than his teachers.<br />
Alone, but not lonely.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
Miracle worker, healer<br />
listener, teacher, feeder,<br />
able to rile the powerful,<br />
more powerful than all.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
The Word of God<br />
made flesh, made personal,<br />
made present for all.<br />
The past, the present, the future.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
Lover of souls, <br />
champion of the weak,<br />
the marginalized, the outcasts,<br />
Holy, mighty.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
Threat to the status quo.<br />
Example, nonetheless,<br />
for all who know God.<br />
God’s presence.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
Baptized and baptizer, <br />
friend to the friendless,<br />
bringer of kindness,<br />
embracer of children.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
One who raises the dead,<br />
He talks with women,<br />
eats with tax collectors,<br />
Open minded, open hearted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
Who is this Jesus?<br />
Bringer of Light to a broken world<br />
illuminating those things<br />
we do not want to see.<br />
Harbinger of peace.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
The One who died.<br />
The One who defied death.<br />
The One who resurrected.<br />
God’s Son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who is this Jesus?<br />
Bringer of hope<br />
Bringer of joy<br />
Bringer of peace.<br />
Our gift of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">The Reverend Debbie Dehler<br />
12/24/2018</span><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-40500648444728820972018-11-20T16:40:00.002-05:002018-11-20T16:40:56.342-05:00A ReminderSometimes we need a reminder<br />
that hits us over the head.<br />
Other times we need the reminder<br />
to come as a whisper.<br />
Sometimes we need to know<br />
through the embrace of another.<br />Other times we need to know<br />
in the silence of our hearts:<br />
<br />
God is bold.<br />
God is gentle.<br />God is reconciling.<br />
God is comforting.<br />
God is ....<br />
<br />
God comes, reminds,<br />
cajoles, beckons.<br />
<br />
God's hand reaches out,<br />
waiting for us to desire it.<br />Waiting for us to take it.<br />
Waiting for us to never let it go.<br />
<br />
For God is love.<br />
And we are worthy of that love.<br />
<br />
~DD 11/20/2018Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-26292021129191631712018-09-28T15:21:00.001-04:002018-09-28T15:21:39.979-04:00Do you believe me?<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My great-uncle Bob sexually molested me. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>. . </b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;">. . .</b></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>. . . . </b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;">. . . . .</b></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>. . . . . . . . . . . . .</b></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d5abf-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I prove it? No. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="6akt9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6akt9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="6akt9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Do I have evidence? No. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="evn7b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="evn7b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="evn7b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Does it mean it didn't happen? No. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="54q4e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="54q4e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="54q4e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Was anyone in that pool when it happened? Not that I remember, but others could have been. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="f0fh5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f0fh5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="f0fh5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Should it matter that I was a child? No. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="d3s6a-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d3s6a-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="d3s6a-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Does it matter that it happened in the early 1970's? No. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="5mvfr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5mvfr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="5mvfr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Did I tell at the time? No. I was a CHILD. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="aknpt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="aknpt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="aknpt-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Was it the only time he touched me inappropriately? No.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="3gfc7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3gfc7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="3gfc7-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Am I a liar? No.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="5tn9r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5tn9r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="5tn9r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Has it impacted my life? Yes.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>. .</b></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>. . .</b></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>. . . .</b></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c8v8t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What now?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8rc3o" data-offset-key="15bhk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="15bhk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<b>. . . . . . . . . . . .</b></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="15bhk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you believe me?</span></div>
</div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-33528953933744086852017-07-09T14:10:00.000-04:002017-07-09T14:23:05.688-04:00Sermon: July 9, 2017; St. Alban's, Indianapolis<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was asked to put today's sermon text on my blog. This is what was written. Should you want to see and hear the text, you can go to the </span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCii70M0VV8eIYgzb0tbCxdQ" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;" target="_blank">St. Alban's YouTube</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> page, where it will be uploaded later this week. (Other sermons can also be found here.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Scripture text: Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">I title this, "Damned if you do. Damned if you don't."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Let us pray.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dear God, help us to
remember that we are, in a sense, the very flesh and blood of Christ. Keep us mindful that the body still suffers,
the very flesh and blood of Christ still suffer. And remind us that if one suffers, all
suffer; if one is degraded, all are degraded</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Amen.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> (adapted from Br. Mark Brown) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Being a priest, I often feel damned if I do and damned if I
don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I wonder who I am serving when I do or when I don’t do or
say something. I’m damned if I bring up
something controversial that someone thinks the church should not address; and
I’m damned if I don’t bring up something controversial that someone thinks the
church should address. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So, it’s hard to know if bringing up hot button issues,
like health care or oil pipelines or police shootings or reproductive rights or
gun rights or immigration, is a good idea, when I know that some will applaud
and others will not, and may even want to walk out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So sometimes, it’s just easier to talk about how we are all
beloved children of God, created to share that love to the world because Jesus
came to teach us how to love one another.
I mean, that’s the message of the Gospel: that we are to love one another as Christ
loves us, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And yet…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">All those times I struggle to talk about what’s happening
outside those doors—about the hunger, the human trafficking, the abuse, the
missing; about race, class, sex and money—all those times I struggle to talk about
what could realistically be happening to any one of us in this place—the fear
of losing health insurance, of losing a marriage, of losing a loved one to
death or illness or in a custody battle, of fighting a battle with depression
or addiction, of experiencing racial inequity, financial instability, fear,
injustice and oppression…all <b><i>those</i></b> times...I ache with the desire
to bring these problems, these often controversial issues, into our midst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I don’t want to feel damned if I do and damned if I don’t
when it comes to talking about what Jesus wanted us to take from his ministry
of loving others as he loves us. I want
us to talk about how Jesus was friends with and advocated for the lost, the
hungry, the sick, the widowed, the immigrant—all the people who seem devalued
because of their circumstance. Because,
honestly, that is all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We may never understand how someone’s circumstance has
affected the way the world sees them; we may never understand the choices a
police officer must make in a split second; some of us may never understand
what it feels like to drive while black, be judged because of our weight, to
work multiple jobs just to make ends meet, or to be homeless; we may never
understand why someone has become a victim of abuse: sexual abuse, emotional
abuse, spiritual abuse, substance abuse, societal abuse; we may not understand our
own privilege or our own complicity or our own racism, sexism, classism,
ableism. But they are there. No one is immune. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">No one is immune.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Even in the days when Jesus walked the earth, no one was
immune to developing their own opinion about others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Even when John came on the scene, talking about God, the
people didn’t like the way he looked or that he ate strange foods. God sent him to prepare the way for Jesus,
but some people didn’t like him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Even when Jesus came on the scene, talking about God, some
people didn’t like who he talked with or that he ate heartily. God sent him to save us, but some people
didn’t like him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">People didn’t understand God’s call to Abraham, Moses,
David, Samuel, Jonah, Mary Magdalene, or any of the twelve apostles, either. Every one of them. Every one of us...are damned if we do and
damned if we don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It’s crazy, isn’t it?
Throughout time, we sink our heels into the earth about certain things,
certain people, certain ways of living, and we judge others based on our opinions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I look around this sanctuary and I know that every one of
us has a story to tell, has an opinion to share, has some circumstance or
history that has helped define the way we see the world. And each one of us is damned if we talk about
it, and damned if we don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Friendships are forged and severed over opinions. People leave their faith communities over
sensitive, controversial issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You know why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Because when you don’t feel welcomed or you feel like no
one cares about your opinion, it’s easier to remain in silence, stewing, or to physically
walk away from the community, than it is to say what’s on your mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I know. In my circle
of friends, who I have spent years and years with, who I love and who we raised
our kids with…in THAT circle, I was afraid to talk about anything political or
social, because if I expressed anything about what was happening in the world,
perhaps needing to work out my own feelings about it, often needing to have
healthy, interactive conversation…in THAT circle of people, I would be shut up,
shot down and ridiculed for being, what?
Ignorant? Naïve? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As we have gotten older, as we have matured in our
experience called life, our group has become more able to talk about the tough
stuff that affects the world. What is
hard is <u>getting to the point</u> where we realize that through all the
arguing and discussing and frustration we are usually not all that far apart in
where we stand on an issue. The things
we battle over in some very heated discussions, where sometimes, someone walks
out, are about the <i>process</i> toward
understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some people are well versed. But I have to say that being well versed may
also mean the sources for information come from a particular viewpoint. So when you get ten or so people around a
table and the sources are predominantly one-sided, and you are the person who
has experience or resources from a different side, it is easy to be silenced,
shunned and ridiculed. It can be hard to
speak a complete sentence without being interrupted with brash and condemning
outbursts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We don’t want to listen to one another when our viewpoint
or world view is being challenged. Even
if being challenged is exactly what Jesus wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Damned if you do.
Damned if you don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Today’s Gospel began with Jesus recognizing that humans are
incapable of understanding God’s purpose.
It began with Jesus saying something like, “you didn’t like John. You criticize him because he didn’t eat or
drink. You called him a demon. You criticize me because I <i>do</i> eat and drink. You criticize me because I eat and drink with
people you don’t think I should spend time with. No matter what I do, some will like what I do
and some will not. I’m damned if I do
and damned if I don’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Today’s Gospel ends with Jesus saying: <b>“Come to me, all you that are weary and are
carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">This is his invitation to pay attention to how
he lived in this world with the marginalized:
the poor, the widowed, the immigrant.
It is his invitation to talk about the hot-button issues in our prayers,
our sermons, and during coffee hour without fear. To be gentle and humble with one another in
the midst of so much chaos. It is his
reminder that we do not have to carry all these burdens alone. We have Jesus. We have God.
We have the Holy Spirit. And we
have one another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Will you pray with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I am weary
and carrying heavy burdens, Jesus. This
world is full of so much fear and hurt and despair, but it is also full of so
much hope and healing and love. The
weight of the world is so heavy sometimes and I know I need to be able to tell
people about it, but I struggle with knowing how to do it without creating
division among your people. I feel damned if I do and damned if I don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">I trust
that the Holy Spirit will guide me and help me know when and how to express my
own societal concerns to this Body of Christ.
I trust that when I do, it will be lovingly and helpful, hopeful and
with support because, God, you know that the world doesn’t stay outside those
doors when we worship. We bring it all
inside with us. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Let this
place be a safe haven to gather with all that we bring in with us. Let this place be a safe haven to talk and
pray about those things that are happening that hurt this world. Let this place be a safe haven to enter into
complicated conversations that will lead to greater understanding of one
another, of our stories and experiences that bring us to this point in our
lives, but Jesus! Don’t let us stop
there. Move us into greater
understanding of how we, as this Body of Christ, can be present, can be
helpful, can be holy people sent to do holy work in this complicated
creation—let us work side by side, even with our different understanding, to
bring help and hope and love into the world.
Help us to see the world, to see the <b>whole, beautiful, messy, and complicated</b> world, and give us
strength and courage to act as your people in it.</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">And then,
Jesus, give us holy rest. Give us
peaceful rest.</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> <b>Amen.</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-55383550988310712272017-03-29T23:14:00.000-04:002017-03-29T23:14:37.626-04:00Thoughts on John 6<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6XGWO5HEcBq9XZQG6uhVVMsiRq228Ns_SFoVWCCQpWqahSYOxXVTmG5iyb1jdZ2ERUFPktdXfoUNW7wCVhZkF_107VOjUm7AZ66Gb_QLfZR1D3YTuVGYTsKdQa3lUftCfhFyDPwJfRo/s1600/Thoughts+on+John+6-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6XGWO5HEcBq9XZQG6uhVVMsiRq228Ns_SFoVWCCQpWqahSYOxXVTmG5iyb1jdZ2ERUFPktdXfoUNW7wCVhZkF_107VOjUm7AZ66Gb_QLfZR1D3YTuVGYTsKdQa3lUftCfhFyDPwJfRo/s640/Thoughts+on+John+6-crop.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-2409971127525637572016-05-30T11:41:00.000-04:002016-05-30T11:41:45.081-04:00Memorial Day<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the things we
haven't had a chance to buy is an American flag. I'm feeling a little sad about
that today, Memorial Day. I don't have that outward sign, the sign that shows
respect for those who have given their lives, through their military service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will miss the annual
trip to the park in Lake City, MN, where we would hear from an active member of
the military, a home-town hero, where we would sing songs, pray prayers, listen
and learn. Where a community would gather to celebrate and mourn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I will miss the trip to the cemeteries with my parents and siblings to visit
the graves of my grandparents, none who died in war, but who, nonetheless were
affected by war. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Though I am missing these things, I will still ponder the depth of loss that
war causes. I will think about the greater affect as well as the personal
effects of war....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I like to think that there were others, like spouses of those who serve, who
also deserve this day. Their sacrifices, those who had to raise their children
alone for a time or for a lifetime. Others, like those who took the jobs of the
men during the wars, those who sacrificed by giving up some of what they
needed, like rubber, so that the war effort could go on and be victorious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
I think of children who lost their parents because of war. Through battles and
illness, through long hours working to support the war effort. Of medical staff
who cared for those injured and dying in the places they served, in peace and
in war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
And I am thankful, that those men closest to me, my father and my brothers,
never saw combat, but would have done what they needed to do, if they had. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think of my friend,
whose father died in Vietnam, leaving a household of young children for her mom
to raise. Of her mom, who always, after the day the officers came to her door
with her children around her to tell them of her husband's death, would have a
sitting room in her home, a place to have that conversation in private.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is Memorial Day. I
don't have a flag hanging on our new house, yet. But yesterday, I wore my dad's
Episcopal service cross when I celebrated the Eucharist. I reminded the
community to think of the cost of war, of those lives lost and we left our
worship singing "God of Our Fathers."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God be with us all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-54053741500570377612016-03-19T23:43:00.002-04:002016-03-19T23:43:56.614-04:00Holy Week <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you journey into this week of complex, holy emotions,
embrace them! Holy Week takes us from
the jubilant donkey ride into Jerusalem to the Upper Room to Pilate, the Cross,
the Tomb and to the Resurrection. So
much to dissect and wonder about!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We begin with waving palms and soon after shout, “Crucify
Him!” <br />
We wash one another’s feet, both
giving and receiving the depth of Christ’s love.<br />
We strip the altar bare,
extinguish candles and walk in darkness.<br />
We walk the stations of
the Cross, walking with Jesus on this pain-filled path.<br />
We sit in darkness, praying and singing as
Jesus dies on the cross.<br />
We welcome the new Light, shouting
words of joy in the resurrection!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall asleep in the garden.
Wrestle like Peter in his denial.
Feel the sting of the thorns, the nails and the sword. Cry out as the last words are spoken. Carry the broken body to the tomb. Go home, empty and hopeless. Return to the tomb to anoint your friend,
Jesus. Smell the oils, spices and herbs
you carry in your arms. Panic at the
sight of an empty tomb. Be dazzled by
the angels. Hear your name spoken by the
One who calls His Flock by name. Go…tell…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We walk this journey with Christ, not fully understanding
the depth of this gift, but knowing that because of His sacrifice, we are ever
wrapped in the arms of forgiveness, of grace and of eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May the depth of Christ’s love be with you,<br />
~Rev. Debbie</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-19128089061472620042016-03-15T12:57:00.001-04:002016-03-15T12:57:44.149-04:00Pushing Off<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">On any journey, we must find out where we are before we can plan the first step. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">--Kathy Boevink</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... here’s what I said to
Jeff on Sunday about embarking on our journey: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I feel like my heels
and the balls of my feet are firmly planted here, but my toes are ready to
spring forward."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some days the toes are what
keep me excited about the possibilities. Some days the rest of my feet are
reminding me of what has been, what is and about what grounds me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends, I have been grounded
here for my whole life. I have never
moved further than to college in Winona and back. Everywhere I have lived since has been within
a 10-mile radius. I am insecure about
the act of moving nearly 600 miles, in trusting a moving company, in making a quick
decision about a new house in a new community.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet, I have to trust the
process. I have to let go of my desire
to control the process. Sure, there are
things I can do to help it along the way.
There are plenty of boxes to pack!
But one of my friends who has moved across the country, from state to
state multiple times, told Jeff and I that we need to focus on the people, not
the house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We know that. But being who we are, we need to find the
balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are on a teeter-totter,
counting on the fulcrum to hold us up while different priorities try to pull
opposite ends of the board, trying to soften the blow as one thing jumps off
and we go crashing to the ground on the other end. Emotions, activities, people, Jeff’s
business, commitments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fulcrum is God. The fulcrum is what grounds us wherever we
are. When we are hanging high on one
end, or when we are on the ground, or anywhere in between on this
teeter-totter, God is that triangle of strength that helps us find the balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my feet, my heels and the
balls, are planted in Minnesota because it is where I know, it is where most of
the people who have empowered and supported me are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But here I am, at this time
in my life, with itchy toes. Toes that
are ready to push off, perhaps to lift me on this teeter-totter, perhaps to
turn a different direction than the familiar path on which I have been walking,
perhaps to leap into the arms of Jesus, into the unfamiliar, embraced by Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe next week the balls of
my feet will sense the ground getting a little more mushy, a little less firm,
a little more ready to release me to make the leap a little easier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear God, you are the fulcrum, the center of
all that is happening, and I thank you.
Amen.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-28907598270270887062016-02-24T13:02:00.000-05:002016-02-24T13:02:42.510-05:00Life moves forward<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am delighted to announce:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"The Rev. Debra Rae Dehler and St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, Indiana ... have accepted the appointment by the Bishop of the Diocese of Indianapolis to serve as the Priest-in-charge of St. Alban's Episcopal Church ... beginning May 1..."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkemPwQpNC4MiCY_J1InzwVRlUIyIfIUj_xdWYYGChrzQYnCyCZBZ86q5o1BZD9oUNqMQDH3wypayd3xm9EjLMPNjiViSeFl53VYrt7ZsxUgsPn12EOwBe6BjlJPgH6aAi1ARdv8A04r8/s1600/Brene+Brown+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkemPwQpNC4MiCY_J1InzwVRlUIyIfIUj_xdWYYGChrzQYnCyCZBZ86q5o1BZD9oUNqMQDH3wypayd3xm9EjLMPNjiViSeFl53VYrt7ZsxUgsPn12EOwBe6BjlJPgH6aAi1ARdv8A04r8/s320/Brene+Brown+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It truly is a time of unraveling. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When my husband and I were married, our wedding announcement had this verse: A rope of three cords is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12b). Over the years the cords have loosened and tightened, as the relationship changed with different things pulling our attention, but the rope has remained intact with God, Jeff and I.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, my cord in the rope is changing to more fully embrace what I believe God has been inviting me to be and do for nearly my whole life. I'm so blessed that Jeff is also embracing these new ways of me coming into myself. We are off on a new adventure!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While this is a time of excitement and of anticipation, it is also a time of letting go of literal things in preparation for a move. It is a time of boxing up memories. It is a time of redefining how really long-term relationships will develop as long-distances create some obstacles. It is a time of creating new traditions. It is a time of making choices and making lists and making priorities.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is a time to ask for help, for understanding, for mood swings and prayers. Lots and lots of prayers. It is not a time to be alone. It is not a time to be independent or stubbornly self-sufficient. It is a time to know that there are others in my life who will be there through this process and who will support us as we take our leave.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mostly, it is a time of knowing the depth of love that is in Christ and offered through all who love us enough to let us take this adventure and to embrace who we are.</span></span>Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-72443321955369059762015-10-22T14:20:00.001-04:002015-10-22T14:20:35.945-04:00How the "sinner's prayer" does not fit my theology<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I read this blog post by Ben Irwin today. <a href="http://benirwin.me/2015/10/22/3-alternatives-to-saying-the-sinners-prayer-with-your-kids/" target="_blank">click to read here</a> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I share it with you and encourage your thoughts and reflections in the "comments" section.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.5636px;">Here are some of my reflections:</span></div>
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While I was not raised with the "sinner's prayer," I have been influenced by people who did pray this prayer. I may not have even been 20 when I attended a tent meeting with a friend when an altar call was made. My friend told me they would go up with me so I could be "saved." I responded by saying I was baptized as a baby and I was saved. I did not need this altar call to change that.</div>
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It is a deep, pivotal memory for me.</div>
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I would much rather tell people they are beloved Children of the Holy One than tell them to first think of themselves as sinners. We make mistakes. We struggle with ethical decisions. We live in a world where we are bombarded with images of indecency, with impropriety, with lies, violence, and indiscretions. We can blame or point fingers, shame or ignore. But when we see that each is a child of the Holy One, when we raise our young to understand that they are beloved, then we can have more hope for the world. There is no rule that we have to like the behavior, or that we shouldn't try to change the behavior. But we are each first born in the image of God. We are not born sinners. We are born beloved.</div>
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Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-30693032782737630402015-10-05T12:36:00.000-04:002015-10-05T12:36:11.551-04:00Small Potatoes<div class="MsoNormal">
We did it again. Even
though we promised we wouldn’t, we did.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Awakened from a post-marathon, post- church, Vikings game
nap by an urgent ringing of the doorbell, I jumped to my feet and answered it,
still catching up to my heartbeat and hoping that the cramp in my foot would
not cause me to stumble, I opened the door to a dirty man who barely said hello
before launching into his sales-pitch.
“I’m from ___ and we just did your neighbor’s ___. Would you like yours done?”</div>
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<br />At this point I deferred to my husband, still dazed and
unable to know whether or not this was a good idea. Amazingly able to move after running 26.2
miles, he went out the door with the man to discuss the project and the
cost. After agreeing (we said we
wouldn’t do this anymore!) with a price, the men set to work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their equipment, their vehicle, their bodies were broken,
dirty and seemed to lack in general maintenance. Requiring a jump for their vehicle, they
struggled to get engines working. After
a while there was another ring of the bell and the question, “Can the little
boy use your bathroom?” Of course he
could. But, I thought, “There’s a little
boy out there?” These two men were also
responsible for this four year old boy, who desperately wanted to be in the
house with us. So we let him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boy told me about his action figure, discussed the movie
(Big Hero 6) it came from, told me of his favorite super heroes and knew Marvel
and Disney. He talked; he played with
some toys and was generally a lovely child who lived a different life than we
do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Outside, equipment broke down and the men struggled to
finish the job. At one point they told
my husband it may take more material than originally quoted and we thought they
would talk to us about that, considering they would change the cost
appropriately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When they came to be paid, they called to the boy, told my
husband that they used three times the material and would now charge us three
times the cost. They wanted cash. Of course.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of those negotiations happened without my
knowledge. A drive to the ATM, and the
men were paid. The work may or may not
be complete. An agreement that they
would come back today to “touch up” was struck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my husband told me how the story ended, he had that
look on his face that he gets when he has been duped or lied to and he cannot find
a good way out of the situation. He was
angry that he was lied to and that, yet again, he fell for what may or may not
be considered a swindle. And he repeated
his mantra, “Never again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then he said something that was more important than the
situation. He said, <i>“These people have
so much less than we do. It’s only money. They need it more right now, and we had some
we could give.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow. I had to
agree. Their truck was in terrible
shape. Their generator wasn’t working
well. They were out, on a Sunday
afternoon, trying to make some money for what?
To feed the boy? To feed a
house-full or two of hungry people? To
buy a clean shirt? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure, we don’t like being lied to, but these men worked for
their pay, albeit double (they compromised) what was quoted. They didn’t explain their need, or bemoan
their situation. They knocked on our
door and asked for work, and it was a project we needed completed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It made me think about the sermon I heard that morning. The church I attended kicked off their annual
stewardship drive with a theme of JOY.
(Abundant…Joy…Overflowing...Generosity…from 2 Cor. 8:1-7). The priest spoke about giving. She opened with a personal story of receiving
four Twins tickets when she needed only two and then finding two people in the
crowd to give the extra tickets to. The
couple who received the tickets, she learned, has a child in Mayo with
cancer. The child loves baseball and
though he could not come to the game, his parents were bringing nearly every souvenir
they could afford back to the hospital for their son.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She talked about the recent study that identified that
individuals who <b><i>give</i></b> receive more than the person who receives. She called that the “joy of giving.” We were asked to think of a time when we
bought a gift for someone that made us so excited that we could barely contain
ourselves. She called that the “intimacy
of giving.” She said that when we give,
we “draw closer to one another in the spirit of giving.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the education hour, the finance person gave an
illustration of what tithing means. To tithe
means you give 10% of your income. He
had ten potatoes on a table. He removed
one potato from the line and said this one potato isn’t all that much. There are still nine potatoes to supply our
needs. He challenged those in attendance
to increase their previous year’s pledge by 10%. Over the course of time, a family could
conceivably give 10% of their income. He
did not say that all 10% needed to go to the church, and I believe that giving
10% can be divided up amongst many places and faces in need. But the image of the potatoes, the humble,
abundant potato, made sense to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday we gave a couple of men and a small boy a small handful
of French fries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is the prayer that was given as a book mark to everyone
in attendance at the education hour yesterday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Disturb us, Lord, when
we are too pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we
dream too little, when we have arrived safely because we sailed too close to
the shore.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of the things we possess we have lost our thirst for the
water of life.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Stir us, Lord to dare
more boldly, to venture on the wider seas where storms will show your mastery,
where in losing sight of the land we shall find the stars. </i><i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> We ask you to push
back the horizons of our hope, and to push us into the future in strength,
courage, love and hope. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-75306793454665711122015-09-02T18:37:00.000-04:002015-09-02T18:37:57.392-04:00In the Confines of a Chrysalis<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[This is a follow-up to the previous blog.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does it feel like to be in a chrysalis, I wonder? “Being still” must be part of it—that feeling
of being encapsulated in a constricting shell probably requires stillness—but what
else could be going on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The transformation from one thing into another, yet same,
thing is what I envision. The physical
system is still in place, the body may emerge looking different, but for me,
the outside doesn’t change much (except for a periodic haircut <i>lol</i>)…it’s the inside
that is transforming. This
transformation will manifest in new knowledge, in new understanding of self and
self in the world, in new comprehension of the world as the world continues its
rotation around the sun and the people on it continue to transform upon
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introspection, different avenues to more and more knowledge,
time in prayer, in consultation, in living into a new title—all these things
are happening in my chrysalis, but my chrysalis isn’t so constrictive and may
not be as protective. I am affected by
what happens around me: I am awakened by loud thunder, awakened by news of
violence, awakened by broken relationships; I am shaken by contentious
political rhetoric, shaken by new comprehension of equity and equality, shaken
by the complexity of faith expression. I
could physically struggle against the walls of my chrysalis, and I often do,
caught in the personal web of cognitive dissonance, where I can hold
contradictions and wrestle with them and still not choose between them because
to do so could potentially separate me more permanently from the world outside
of the cocoon, stranding me within this transformative space, never to emerge
anew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what is happening in my chrysalis: I am developing a new sense of self through
contemplation and introspection, trying to be aware of the multiplicities of
being alive in a complex and contentious world as a woman of faith and yet
balancing what it is I understand Jesus is asking me to do as I follow
Him. That relationship is becoming more
and more vibrant as I better comprehend the work Jesus did that provided
eternal salvation for me, yes, but that provided a stronger relationship with
his Father for anyone who would care to pay attention. Studying the work of Jesus, of God on Earth,
I am becoming more and more conscious of what it means to pay attention to the
plight of others; to trust that each of us, in our unique bodies, minds and
souls, are, first and foremost, children of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture is full of reminders we
can find in this Sunday’s lectionary: <br />
<i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“</i><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do not rob the poor because
they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the LORD pleads their
cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Proverbs
22:22-23</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“The LORD
sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts
up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous; the LORD cares for
the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the
wicked.”</i> <b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Psalm 146: 7-8</span></b><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">“</span></i></span><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">If a brother or sister is naked
and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and
eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good
of that?</span>”</i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">James 2:16</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">This Sunday, Episcopal
Churches are asked to focus on </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">“</span><a href="http://publicaffairs.cmail1.com/t/r-l-fdlkujy-xihjhoid-p/" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0094d2; line-height: 115%;">Confession, Repentance,
and Commitment to End Racism</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0094d2; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span><span class="aqj"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0094d2; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Sunday</span></span></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">” on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj">Sunday, September 6</span>. This is important
work and necessary work. For me, it has
taken time to understand the pervasive nature of racism and I think that the
time I’ve been spending in my chrysalis has done much to help me be better
informed and prepared, mostly because I believe I have been more ready and have
had more time to do the work of understanding.
My personal, internal work is not complete, and to be honest, I’m
thankful I am not preaching on Sunday, but someday, I will be better able to be
in conversation or to preach with a more contrite heart. (Letter from the Presiding Bishop can be
found <a href="http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/09/01/a-letter-to-the-episcopal-church-from-the-presiding-bishop-president-of-the-house-of-deputies/" target="_blank">here</a> ).
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caterpillar—Chrysalis—Butterfly. I think most of us are a little of each of
these every day. We need to be a
conglomeration of processes as we live through creating our life. We need to be able to take risks at each
point to be able to develop into the next point. Sometimes these things happen rapidly. Other times we need to simply “be” in each
space to more fully live into what it is we are becoming. Mostly, we need to live, knowing that through
each phase of our created life we are held with love in the hands of our
Creator.</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heavenly God, each step of
creation has been designed by you. You
drafted a plan that takes each of us from small cells into masterpieces of
muscle and sinew, mind and heart. This
gift of life is packaged in so many ways, and throughout our individual lives
we are given opportunities to develop, change and become…multiple times. Trusting in your design, guide our pathways
as we meet others who are living into their own creation. Help us to be more willing to act as the
hands, feet and especially the heart of Jesus.
Guide our worship this weekend as we work toward reconciliation and
commitment to end racism. As Jesus
healed the deaf man with the words, “Be open,” (Mark 7:32-35) help us to also be
open to hear what it is we most need to learn.
Amen.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-30396790526584556592015-08-31T12:18:00.000-04:002015-08-31T12:18:35.464-04:00Change is Hard Work<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched two short videos today that reminded me how God is
present in change…from the smallest to the largest of creatures. In the first video, I watched as a
caterpillar transformed into its chrysalis; in the second, from chrysalis to
monarch butterfly. To watch: <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/annee.olden/videos/10153021453606722/">https://www.facebook.com/annee.olden/videos/10153021453606722/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/annee.olden/videos/10153022745521722/">https://www.facebook.com/annee.olden/videos/10153022745521722/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The caterpillar works so hard to form the chrysalis, and so
fast! I need to watch again to
understand the process, but while I was watching the first time all I could
think about was the contracting of muscles, the tensing of the body, the way
the coating seemed to magically appear and I thought of the birthing
process. Not necessarily the birthing of
a new life, but the birthing of new thought, new ideas, new opportunities. The birthing of becoming who we were designed
by God to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We experience our own metamorphosis when we choose to learn
something new, or practice to become better or even as we wither away and
die. Watching children grow into adults
while parents begin to show their age—or have their health and memories rapidly
diminish—is its own time of metamorphosis for the “sandwich” generation. And add to that time personal accomplishments
with expectation of personal changes in vocation and location and change looks
a lot like contracted muscles and tense bodies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can be uncomfortable, this change. But what happens in between the creating of
the chrysalis and the emerging of the butterfly? Stillness.
Faithfulness. Patience. Trust.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chrysalis in the video rested, but while it rested, it
changed…it transformed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s where I am right now.
That in-between place between the active preparation and the
action. Sometimes it’s hard to be here,
waiting; other times, I realize this is a time of growth, too. The freedom of time comes with mixed
opportunities that sometimes balance between wasted time and overbooked time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m going to try to focus these days on “Be still, and know
that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). That’s one thing I can count on. It’s where my hope lies, my faith rests, and
my heart longs for. I’ll wait, in my chrysalis,
still—but changing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Heavenly One, you
created many miracles of birthing change and development. We see it in nature—in caterpillars and
cicadas, in the leaves of the trees transforming from season to season. We see it in humanity—in babies and
elders. And yet, when we experience it
within ourselves we sometimes get anxious and impatient. Help us to find that space where we can rest
in you, knowing that you are embracing us through our growth. In your Holy Name we pray, Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-14032932601671469252015-07-31T18:16:00.001-04:002015-07-31T18:16:35.885-04:00Reflections on John 6:35<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>I’m hungry and I’m thirsty <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For food and water<br />
Yes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But also for… <br />
knowledge<br />
confidence
<br />
hope <br />
faith<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>I’m hungry<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For …<br />
time<br />
space<br />
solitude<br />
rest<br />
softness<br />
For…<br />
music<br />
…loud<br />
…soft<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
…silent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>I’m thirsty</i></b><br />
For peace among…<br />
faces<br />
races<br />
families<br />
friends<br />
strangers<br />
For...<br />
hands to hold<br />
arms to embrace<br />
hearts to love<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quench my hunger, satisfy my thirst<br />
Dear Jesus<br />
Source of all goodness<br />
Source of all holiness<br />
Source of all I need<o:p></o:p></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-43404154678216194252015-07-01T11:50:00.000-04:002015-07-01T11:50:06.861-04:00Rainbows and Respect<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've kept quiet
on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding marriage, reading posts (from both sides), trying
to understand where others stand; balancing on the ledge between people who
touch my life in any number of ways and who have varied responses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am no expert
on sexuality...but I think I know something about love and commitment. I am no
expert on civil rights...but I think I know that we all deserve them. I may
have a Master of Divinity and the blessing to be a priest...but I am not God,
so I do not have all the answers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What I read in
this blog <a href="http://benirwin.me/2015/07/01/four-things-you-can-do-if-you-were-disappointed-by-the-scotus-ruling/" target="_blank">by Ben Irwin</a> this morning made sense to me. Ben gives some real suggestions that may
help people be, well, people. People who can look beyond the divisions we,
ourselves —not the Supreme Court—not the President—are placing among the people
we share this world with. When we begin to understand that God created each of
us in God's image--in God's rainbow of cultures, races, sexuality, ability--we
can begin to understand our responsibility to want what is best for our
brothers and sisters. But like in any family, we don't have to agree on the way
we each live, the choices we make, the jobs we have, the way we raise (or
choose not to) kids, or the faith community we choose (or not). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What I believe
is non-negotiable is this: We do have to respect one another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To respect one
another means we have to give each other the voice to express their feelings
and concerns without condemnation. We each need to understand the story we each
bring. Where we come from will impact our personal views; who we know. The relationships we have, the doctrines we believe will also impact us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As for me and
my house…I choose to live with the verses below. They are not always easy, but with God’s
help, I try to respect the dignity of every human being. These verses help me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<i>Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest
commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:30-31<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #010000; font-size: 10.5pt;">I give you a new
commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>By
this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another.’ John 13:34</i><i><span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-7417873542686127782015-05-03T20:37:00.001-04:002015-05-03T20:37:53.016-04:00Youtube!Well, I now have a Youtube channel where you can watch me in action!<br />
<br />
Because I'm still learning, I may not have this completely correct. But my first three videos are here:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsOCuPNe_Dw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsOCuPNe_Dw<o:p></o:p></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t9GAzqsSPE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t9GAzqsSPE<o:p></o:p></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAeehJDMTMw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAeehJDMTMw</a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have some thoughts rolling around in my head. One of these days I'll take some time to write and post. Soon and very soon, as they say!</div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-2661203099443804602015-04-16T18:52:00.002-04:002015-04-16T18:52:56.740-04:00Tears<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I cried today, holding the hands of two women I would never
have come to know, who would never have impacted my life, who would never have
challenged my faith, my theology and my compassion if I had never taken a risk.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I cried today, the hands of two other women on my back,
blessing me. Two more women I would
never have come to know, who would never have impacted my life, who would never
have encouraged my faith, my theology and my compassion, if I had never taken a
risk.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I cried today, a part of a circle surrounding the altar I
would never have come to, to receive bread and wine, experience celebrations of
life and of death, where I was challenged and comforted, if I had never taken a
risk.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I cried today, passing around a rain stick poked with nails
attaching six word stories about the journeys taken these past four years, hand
to hand, the sound of rain, the sound of voices, the sound of faith passed from
one to another with sorrow, with joy, all stories of taking a risk.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I cried today, marking the beginning of an ending that was
worthy of the risk.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-29848569796398479462015-02-25T23:25:00.000-05:002015-02-25T23:25:25.511-05:00Reflections on Seminary<div class="MsoNormal">
I was recently asked why I did my theological education at
<a href="http://www.unitedseminary.edu/" target="_blank">United Theological Seminary</a>. Here are
some of my reflections about my education:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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United Theological Seminary is a seminary sponsored by the <a href="http://uccmn.org/" target="_blank">United Church of Christ</a> and
provides theological education for a wide variety of denominations and belief
systems. My choice of seminaries was
very limited in the Twin Cities. Both
Luther Seminary and United Theological Seminary
are sanctioned by <a href="http://episcopalmn.org/" target="_blank">The Episcopal Church in Minnesota</a> (ECMN) and have been used for decades to prepare folks for ordination. For many years ECMN required that even if
students attended United or Luther they would have to spend one year in an
Anglican or Episcopal seminary (located out East and in CA). This created a hardship for many people who
have families, so ECMN changed the way they require students to receive their
education, providing the Episcopal training in a variety of ways that is now
offered through the <a href="http://schoolforformation.org/" target="_blank">School for Formation</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For my husband, Jeff, and I, it was important for me to be
educated here, where I could be a part of our kids’ lives as they were
finishing high school. I started my
formal education in September of 2011 and will graduate on April 19, 2015 with my
Masters of Divinity with a Pastoral Care Concentration. We are blessed to have United as an option,
have a bishop who supported and encouraged my education to occur as it has and
to be ready to move forward in ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I chose United over Luther for a couple of reasons. One is its proximity. It’s about 20 minutes from home and had easy
access and one building to navigate.
Their classes meet only once a week, where Luther’s classes sometimes
meet more frequently. To make the most
of my time and of natural resources, it was important to me to limit my time on
the road. Also, after singing with the
Twin Cities Women’s Choir for a number of years, and becoming more familiar
with and friends with many lesbians, I felt United met my theological
understanding of gender equality better than Luther. And … I didn't want to take Greek or Hebrew
to simply be admitted into Luther! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I entered United I was surprised at the ecumenism I
found there. To be honest, it was a bit
disconcerting to meet people who did not have any Biblical experience and who
did not have a relationship with Jesus.
I mean, wasn’t this a Christian institution? (YES, it is.)
I met people who were struggling with their sexual identity as well as
their relationship with their Holy. I
met people who are Unitarian Universalist, Jewish, Methodist, American
Baptist, Old Catholic, Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, AME (African
American Methodist Episcopal), Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian and some who worship the Earth; gay, straight, transgender, lesbian, queer and
questioning; African American, European American, African, and Madagascar
natives; scholars, artists, musicians, social justice minded and spirit-filled
folks. I had a Mormon teacher, a Rabbi
and instructors from nearly every denomination. It was a frightening place for that first
year because I'm a bit conservative, but I am actually more liberal than many
conservatives, did not feel well accepted by some people. I strongly considered changing my education
path, but opted to finish what I started at United.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Things I have learned?
That people see and experience God or a Higher Power in a variety of
ways that ground them into a faith community that matters to them. I may not agree with them, I may not
understand them, but I can see them as children of God. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ecumenism is a strong word that describes
United. People can believe in doctrines
and worship styles and find God in a Christian environment, but start talking
about denominations and you begin to learn what is most important: creating a community of believers. Each Christian denomination comes to
understand Jesus and Eucharist in unique ways—consubstantiation? Transubstantiation? it really doesn't matter in the end. But ultimately, I can learn from all the
people I encountered at United.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the biggest things I've learned is to understand that
when I accept the variety of ways people come to God, and I don’t condemn,
there is a better chance at peace in this world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In our world were the majority of people who answer survey
questions respond to their religion as “NONE” or “Spiritual but not religious,”
instead of affiliating themselves with a specific faith, it is important to
have the language to be able to understand what they mean. At United, we spent a lot of time exploring
what it is about worship, church, faith and the like that causes so many people
to flee the pews. We talk a lot about
social justice issues. Having the
opportunity to learn in an ecumenical environment and experience the way
students develop and change through their education has helped me find language
that will help me communicate with others about their faith journey. Limiting myself to only Episcopal language
would limit my ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Episcopal Church is a church with many people who come
from a wide variety of church or no church experience. We welcome people who are seeking something,
but may not be able to articulate what that something is. We have people, like Jeff and I, who have
always been and will always be Episcopalian.
There are those who have left the church of their parents and find
refuge in the Episcopal Church. Some
choose to compromise with a spouse to find a church they can both agree
to. Some are beaten and bullied by other
denominations that condemn them for any number of reasons. The world of faith is changing. I disagree with the belief that the Church is dying, but I do
believe it is moving forward into the next phase of understanding God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How did I get to this place?
My life of service for God began when I was a child. I have used my spiritual gifts throughout my
life. I understood that I was supposed
to do more—in a more formal way—many years ago, but life was a
distraction. Marriage, kids, work…I have
always been active in church, but <i>ordained</i>
<i>leadership</i>? One day I had lunch with someone who was
preparing for her ordination to become a Deacon. She asked me if I had ever considered being
ordained. During that four hour lunch I
explored my life experience and could honestly say that, yes, I had, but I
never felt like I was good enough or ready enough or smart enough. But I have envisioned myself standing at the
altar, doing the Eucharistic Prayer and giving communion. It’s a vision that has stuck with me and I
know in my heart of hearts that this is what God called me to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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United has provided me the theological education I needed to
get to this point. There are many days I
wish I had more formal Episcopal/Anglican training, or that I was more
entrenched in a community of Episcopal learners, but I have a cohort here of
people I trust. My leadership roles
within the Episcopal Church have provided much of my administrative
foundation. I have relationships with a
number of Episcopal clergy and laity across the state. I have studied hard and I think the education
I have had has given me language to meet people where they are instead of
expecting them to be where I am. God is
so much bigger than a church or a denomination.
I believe it is my call to help people know who God is to them and who
they are to God.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really haven’t changed all that much when it comes to my
faith in God. I have chosen to follow
Jesus. I listen intently to and for the
Holy Spirit. I pray…a lot. I study Scripture and learn a lot from many
sources. I trust that I have been called to do this work and that I have been
provided the educational experience (and aggravation…and fear…and doubt…and
friendships…and mentors…and prayer partners…and diocesan support…and love) to
do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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United has given me a huge gift in all the complexities of a
pluralistic religious world: the grounding of my faith. A grounding that is so solid that other
students have told me they envy it. I
support my church. I stand up for
Jesus. I talk about what is Holy for
me. I use God language and talk about
what God means to me. Even in a place
where God is not to be identified as Father, God is still Father to me. There are certain things that cannot be taken
away, even in a place where individual theologies are deconstructed. What is important in all of this is that I
can reconstruct my theology with better language and with more conviction, even
though it really hasn't changed all that much.
I have a broader understanding of humanity and of the way others are in
relationship with their Holy and of the complexities of being human in a really
messed up world. Knowing that I can
depend on God to be God is really important to my faith. As much as I want to control things, there
are so many things that are beyond my ability.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeff is an amazing partner in all of this. He has affirmed my call and looks forward to
our next adventure doing God’s work. We
are prepared to move to wherever we are called by God. The possibilities are in God’s hands. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Dear God, I thank you
for giving me an opportunity to reflect upon my education—to see that even in
the complex emotions of seminary, I learned much more than the things in
books. I learned to trust you more
fully. For these things, I am grateful. Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-91834077699893097332015-01-20T21:51:00.000-05:002015-01-20T21:51:03.914-05:00Experiencing Experiments<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing up in the Episcopal Church I have experienced the
liturgy designed by ancestors. I lived
through the prayer book changes of the 1970’s and the hymnal change in
1982. I have participated in liturgy
from the Book of Common Prayer, New Zealand’s version and the newer Enriching
Our Worship liturgy. I have said thee’s
and thou’s; identified God through masculine and patriarchal language; sung hymns
written since the 1600’s, folk songs made famous by people like Pete Seeger,
worship songs from many different progressive hymnals and cultures; and I have
found refuge in understanding the Anglican Communion to be a world-wide
community of Christians who worship in a distinct pattern.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could be called an Anglican snob and maybe a liturgy junkie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am serving as a transitional deacon, kind of a cross
between a priest-in-training and a priest-assistant. (Deacon: “An order of the ordained ministry, charged
particularly with a servant role in behalf of those in need, and to assist
bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of
the Sacraments.” <i>The Episcopal Handbook</i>, page 215.
“Transitional” means I am on a bridge between a deacon and a priest, my
call is to be a priest. It’s about
process.) The church I am at has three Sunday
morning worship services and each has its own style. The 7:45 a.m. is traditional and quiet with
very little music; it is a small group of people. The 10:30 a.m. service uses traditional
liturgy as well but the choir usually sings and there is music throughout the
service; it is a medium sized congregation.
The 9:00 a.m. service is what I would call “experimental liturgy.” This is the service with the most
people. The liturgy is often written by
the priest using Episcopal liturgical structure—liturgy of the Word and liturgy
of the Table—but rewriting creeds and prayers, reading the Gospel but
incorporating other readings as well, involving movement through music and
having the congregation leave their pews to participate in the table
fellowship, i.e. Eucharist or Communion, surrounding the altar and receiving
Communion in the round.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is fascinating to me to watch how people respond to the
experimental liturgy. It is interesting
to me to pay attention to how I am responding.
And I spend plenty of time thinking about this, because, as I have
admitted, I am an Anglican snob and a liturgy junkie. I like what the ancestors designed! But I am finding how willing I am to redefine
that liturgy because it is what is needed for people to understand who God is
and who they are to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This 9:00 service is not put together without considerable
thought, prayer and collaboration. A
team meets somewhat regularly to discuss what is working and what is not, or
what needs to change and what should not.
We talk about what we experienced, observed and heard. There are email exchanges asking for
feedback. As the newest person, I bring
a different perspective. I was not
around when folks discussed their first ideas, nor for the five years their
community spent figuring out how to make this work, or for the discussions
regarding adding a worship service without disrupting what has been. I wasn't there when they began their
experiment, but I get to pose questions, make comments and tell of my
observations, and it is okay when I do—it helps me learn their process but it
also helps them know how others perceive what they are doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, I am an Anglican snob. I like ritual and routine. So this experiment, where the Bishop placed
me in a community who experiments with some of the things I hold closest as an
Anglican, is making me think long and hard about what is really important in
worship. Is it in holding close the
traditions? Is it in the recitation of
Creeds, prayers and the Eucharistic Prayers found in the Book of Common
Prayer? Or is it more important to
experience the Holy Spirit at work through some changes in the way we “do
church?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way we “do church” has to be contextual. The community of faith must be able to talk
about who God is and where and how God is found in living as a faith
community. It does not necessarily look the
same, but the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church, has a set of guidelines
and ancient rules that are important in our identity as Episcopalians. There is beauty in those guidelines, in the
Book of Common Prayer, in the Hymnal, but at the same time we are a Church that
acknowledges the world and the way the Holy Spirit works in the world is not
stagnant. The way the Holy Spirit is
experienced, particularly in worship, needs to be part of how we design the way
we “do church.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I sit here trying to balance tradition with innovation,
history with now, strict guidelines with letting the Spirit move us; and my
mind, my gut and my spirit are twisting and turning because I understand it all
but I don’t know, right now, where I fit.
I KNOW the Spirit is present in all of the different ways we worship. I feel her presence and I see her impact
among the people there. The beauty of
these three services is that people can find the place they feel most fed in
their relationships with God because they have options. They get to experience and experiment to find
what works when all the while they are part of one another and a part of the
greater Church and the worldwide community of faithful folks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of these ways of worship is perfect. How we each enter the sanctuary for worship
affects the way we are open to the worship experience. That goes for clergy, too. I enter each service open to the
possibilities, willing to experience and experiment and grow because of it
all. I know this because I do not take
any of the worship for granted.
Something, sometime impacts me.
Sometimes it is the six month old who “sings” with the congregation;
sometimes it is the faces of the children, surrounding the altar, with the
candlelight illuminating their upturned faces as they watch the bread as it is
broken; sometimes it is in fellowship following a service or in the willingness
of another to confide in me; sometimes it is in watching two or three people
supporting one another. No matter what, I know the Holy Spirit is present and
that God holds us and that Jesus smiles when we are told that the bread and
wine are “Holy Food for Holy People;” because forever and for always, this is
Holy Ground. It is in how we experience,
explore and experiment that we are offered the excitement of being God’s
people!<o:p></o:p></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-85426811185577401832014-11-25T22:48:00.000-05:002014-11-25T22:48:59.194-05:00Ferguson<div class="MsoNormal">
I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
has offered her thoughts in this article:
<a href="http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/11/25/presiding-bishops-statement-on-the-way-forward-from-ferguson/#.VHUNsPQffkA.facebook">http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/11/25/presiding-bishops-statement-on-the-way-forward-from-ferguson/#.VHUNsPQffkA.facebook</a>.
The reactions to her statement are in
regard to her lack of acknowledgement for the officer, and the fact that she is
making a statement about the political and racial climate--not focusing on the
sacraments and God. The response from
the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Mariann Budde and Dean Gary
Hall, goes a little farther to express the complexity of the racial
disparity in this country and our responsibility to it: <a href="http://www.edow.org/article/statement-of-bishop-mariann-budde-and-dean-gary-hall-on-the-grand-jury-decision-in-the-case-of-michael-brown/#.VHT_dFwpteg.facebook">http://www.edow.org/article/statement-of-bishop-mariann-budde-and-dean-gary-hall-on-the-grand-jury-decision-in-the-case-of-michael-brown/#.VHT_dFwpteg.facebook</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. At school, I am surrounded by people who are
willing to walk the streets in solidarity for racial equality and to
acknowledge their frustration with the justice system. I listen to the comments that the Gospel is
political, not partisan, and that we, as theologians and students of ministry
must keep the issues of the marginalized on the front burner when we
preach--with or without a pulpit. Jesus’
ministry was all about working with people who didn't fit in society or in the
synagogue, for whatever reason. His
actions are our model. This is why the
Gospel is political. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. There are many people in my life who believe
that if we all followed the laws of the land, fair or not, and if we don't
cause problems, situations like the one in Ferguson would not happen. There are people in my life who believe the
issue is not race. Some believe it is
about commerce. Others struggle with the
rioters who are taking out their frustration on innocent business owners. Others believe the officer needs our prayers
and support. Living within the law,
respecting property, taking responsibility for personal actions are all
expected, no matter the circumstance or context.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. People are divided and I don't know that we
will find resolution. I don't know that
we will find ways to sit together and talk without fear of being alienated or
of alienating those we love. I am sad,
confused and prayerful that God's work in the world is not done. </div>
<br />
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I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. However…we can, at the very least, join in
prayer for peace and reconciliation. We
can, through a little more effort, listen and learn about our complicity in
matters of race, class, sex and gender and try to become more willing to
embrace one another, in spite of and because of our uniqueness. We can, through concentrated action, begin to
be the change needed so that we can begin to understand our common humanity and
find ways to sit together at the table. We
can, with open minds, be willing to listen to one another and learn from one
another. <i>For we are all God's children</i>.
And though we bicker and belittle and bemoan one another, we also
love. <o:p></o:p></div>
Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712357842754663329.post-41740494617976338692014-11-05T13:40:00.003-05:002014-11-05T13:40:55.974-05:00Dementia Sucks<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m feeling a little guilty.
I haven’t been taking time to write much for months. A lot has been happening in my life that has
pulled my attention every which way and left me feeling like I don’t have
ability to care for my personal needs like I should. But during all these months, I think about a
question that helps me stop, plant my feet and reflect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where is God in this?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes I don’t want to consider the question. Other times it is exactly what I need to
think about. It’s not only about finding
positive things when it feels like the walls are collapsing around me, it is
also about learning that those walls may have been what has been holding me
back from what I need to be doing for God and for others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Much has happened in our lives in the past six months. Transitions mark 2014 in ways that propel us
into our future in both secure and very insecure ways. Here’s a brief list:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Our son moved out in April, into a house shared
by up to three other men.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He works full time and takes two classes and
it’s time for him to move forward!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My mother-in-law fell beginning a long downward
spiral that is now manifesting as mid-stage dementia.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Our daughter graduated from high school.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I was ordained a Transitional Deacon.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I am in my last semester of seminary.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My mother-in-law has been hospitalized three
times, been in a transitional care facility, moved into a residential assisted
care home and now needs to move into another place more able to care for her
needs.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We traveled for my husband’s work to Baltimore
and visited friends who recently moved near D.C.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Our daughter started her freshman year of
college in August and we celebrated by going camping!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The revolving door of an empty nest is both
wonderful and sad</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It feels like everything is clouded with dementia, with
caring for my mother-in-law, with regrouping and rescheduling to meet her
needs. Our physical defenses are down,
our work is interrupted, and our goals are re-arranged as her needs overwhelm
our days. Even though she doesn't live
with us (even though she wants to live with us), Jeff’s responsibilities have
gone from a weekly bill-paying and other odd responsibilities to nearly daily
events that can take anywhere from a few minutes to over eight hours. Unfortunately, most of the time, these moments
are unscheduled. Unfortunately, we have
learned to expect them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where is God in this?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Love just isn't enough</b>: We know we are unable to fix
her, that she hates not understanding what is happening to her and that it
HURTS all of us, emotionally, physically to be helpless. <br />
<b>Prayers are ways to scream</b>: We are learning to ask for the things we need
rather than expecting to be able to do things for ourselves. This includes prayers, crying out for God’s
guidance through this time. <br />
<b>We have awesome friends and family</b>: We've had friends help us around our house,
doing repair work or basic house cleaning.
<br />
<b>Education helps</b>: We've learned a lot about Alzheimer’s and the
complexities of the disease. <br />
<b>Self –care takes many forms</b>: We've found that we don’t have to answer the
phone from her home every time it rings.
<br />
<b>Distraction is important</b>: We've learned that not only she needs
distraction, so do we. We've had to
carve out time for just us, as little as watching <i>Dr. Who</i> on “On Demand” or going for a walk to going to a movie and
dinner, in order to turn off the constant worry with some distraction. <br /><b>We've learned flexibility</b>: Our plans are subject to last minute
changes. Dinners are delayed. Work and study
is put on hold. It’s hard. It affects our attitudes. It changes us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where is God in
this? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dementia is not a private disease. Mental illness needs to stop being
stigmatized. I’m learning that I cannot
continue to whisper about what is happening in our lives. Even on our CaringBridge (<a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judydehler" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judydehler</a>) page I’m becoming
more honest about how dementia is changing this person we love. It isn't very pretty. Her behavior has not been pleasant. She doesn't know what role Jeff is in her
life—is he her son? her husband? her lover?—in some phone calls he is all of
them. Where is “home?” Who are these people around her? Some of the time she is lucid, but the next
moment, her story is convoluted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where is God in this?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some days, I just don’t know. I feel empty, spent, lost and navigating
something that is a mystery, but not the mystery of the Holy Spirit. But even so, I know God is embracing all of us
through this. That is where God is in
this.</span></span>Rev. Debbie Dehlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579629424980265122noreply@blogger.com