Lent 2025

Ash Wednesday, March 5

Isaiah 43:19

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

 

NEW Things
In Southern California, we know the beauty of a desert transformed by rain. Dry hills turn green, and hidden wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors. This promise from Isaiah reminds us that God’s work is like that: creating paths where we see none and refreshing our weary souls with living water. Lent invites us to trust in the God who specializes in turning the impossible into the beautiful. What “new thing” might God be stirring in your life during this season?

Encouragement for Action:
Take a walk today and look for signs of life springing up around you, even in unexpected places. Let them remind you to be open to God’s transforming work.

God of transformation,
Thank You for Your promise to bring life to our wilderness moments. Open our hearts to perceive the new thing You are doing in us and around us. Lead us to trust Your ways, even when they seem hidden. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw

 

Thursday after Ash Wednesday, March 6

Genesis 1:3

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Psalm 18:28

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

 

Let There Be Light

On the first day, God, in all God’s wisdom, said, “Let there be light.”  

The light overcame the darkness.

Three hundred to four hundred thousand years ago, it is thought that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals learned to use and control fire.  

The light overcame the darkness.

By the Middle Ages, fire was in common use. Candles made from tallow or beeswax were often used to light living spaces, but the light was not bright. Wealthy families used oil lamps.  

The light overcame the darkness.

Then, in 1831, Michael Faraday paved the road for the development of electricity, and by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the use of electricity in homes became widespread.  

The light overcame the darkness.

Humans have always searched out ways to create light, to light the darkness. In ancient Rome, wealthy citizens used vegetable oil lamps outside their homes at night.  

In 1417, the mayor of London ordered all citizens to hang lanterns outside their homes at night during the winter months.

Still today, our streetlights come on at dusk, we turn on our porch lights when we expect visitors, we light up the inside of our homes so that our day doesn’t have to end at sunset. We humans are like sunflowers, always turning toward the light, feeling safety in the light.  

In Exodus we learn that the Lord went before the Israelites, leading them out of Egypt, as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. (Exodus 13:21)

Psalm 18:28 says, “It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” 

In Psalm 27:1, David wrote, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  

Psalm 36:9 says, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

As Christians, we know that God sends out to us light and truth. It is up to us to take refuge in that light and live by that truth.

Isaiah tells us, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)

In Isaiah 58:10, we read, “…if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. 

The light overcame the darkness.

And throughout our lives, we can count on the words of Jesus in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

The light will continue to overcome the darkness.

 

Light of the world, 

We thank you for always being present, for being with us this evening, for accompanying us safely to our homes at the end of the evening. Teach us to always look to YOUR light, to not be distracted by fleeting flashes that are not the true light. Let us carry your light and share your light with our neighbors everywhere. In Jesus name and in his Light, Amen.

Sue E. Kelly

 

Friday after Ash Wednesday, March 7

Luke 15: 11-32

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

 

A Parable – A story Jesus told his disciples stimulating their curiosity about humanity, human nature or the human condition.

 

There is a famous Rembrandt painting which depicts the homecoming of this story. Our minds, hearts and souls are stirred, if the opportunity offers viewing this piece, to study the artful masterpiece and see humanity. He painted this piece at the end of his life, when popular taste had left him behind, his finances were in ruin, his wife and four of his five children were in their graves. 

Rembrandt’s rendering shows the rebel son broken, fragile, pathetic, thin, hungry and downcast. The father envelopes the young man with an unconditional, gracious love that is patient, selfless and forbearing. Humility is present; no ego, privilege or power.

Though this painting is about a parable, it seems to introduce us to our own feelings. This is simply an emotional moment. It is about fracture, repair and redemption. Perhaps the artist himself sees all his losses restored. It is a painting about when we realize our deepest yearnings for forgiveness, safety, reconciliation and home.

Meanwhile the older son stands to the side, his face a mixture of his own feelings, anger, fear, anxiety, pity, lack of control.

Taking time to consider any art, music, literature, culture, sub-culture and even present-day society, helps us understand ourselves in light of the other – the way we are like them and the way we are different; ‘Have I sought to see how this unique individual felt?’ or  ‘How another may have been longing or suffering?’ We have the chance to move with them, experience the world, a bit, the way they experience it.

Stories and pictures are also a portal or access to see our inner selves, if we are willing to look and examine our soul. We then can ask ourselves, “How do I want to live my life?”

   

Merciful God, 

Our faithful, loving and accepting Father, grant our souls grace and humility to recognize our own life process, our needs and your sufficiency. Amen.

Anonymous

 

Saturday after Ash Wednesday, March 8

Matthew 5:15-16

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

The Light of the World

When I was in high school, my church’s youth group went to see the musical Godspell at our local theater. To this day, I still enjoy singing along with the soundtrack, especially “Light of the World.” 

You are the light of the world! You are the light of the world! But if that light is under a bushel, it’s lost something kind of crucial. You’ve got to stay bright to be the light of the world. So let your light so shine before men. Let your light so shine, so that they might know some kindness again. We all need help to feel fine. Let’s have some wine! You are the light of the world! You are the light of the world! But the tallest candlestick ain’t much good without a wick. You’ve got to live right to be the light of the world.

When we are being a light to others, we are acting as disciples of Christ and give people a sense of hope. I wonder what it might mean for us spiritually, if we paid more attention to LIGHT this Lenten season?

Physical evidence of light is all around us. How many lightbulbs are in YOUR house? How many light switches? How many candles do you own? How about flashlights (including your smartphone)? 

But spiritual evidence of light might be a bit elusive at times, especially since there is so much in the world that is negative and weighs us down or causes us anxiety. 

What difference might it make in our lives if we spent these 40 days of Lent intentionally looking for the places where we see the Light of Jesus shining in the world? And what greater difference might it make in the world if we make the effort – every day – to reflect that light into the dark corners we see? 

The world needs that light. And so do we. 

 

Lord, 

Open my eyes that I might see your light shining in the world around me. Help me to reflect that light this day and every day to those who need more light in their lives. Amen.

Lisa Stewart

 

Monday, 1st Week of Lent, March 10

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we live by faith, not by sight.

The Power of Faith 

I heard this while watching Joyce Meyer on television. I love watching her; I have watched her for many years and I had the opportunity to see her a couple of times when she came down to San Diego. 

I had to stop and really think about this powerful statement, “the power of faith.” Growing up, I didn’t know what faith was, but I had challenges in my life that I didn’t know if I would ever pull through. I think back on all the challenges I faced and I thank God I went through it well. But, there were times when I thought, “How can I get through this hurdle?” 

I have often heard the statement, “the power of faith,” but what exactly is faith? I know it’s something you believe in, for example, the power of healing. God is the most powerful person to help us get through life on a daily basis. There are three hundred sixty-five days in a year; how does a person on earth get through each day of their life? 

I had a challenge back in the 1980’s when I had back surgery. It was a very difficult time for me; recovery was long. But somehow I pulled through that. I fell back in 2005, and again I pulled through it. I lost my central vision when I was in my twenties, but I barely pulled through that. I went through depression for a very long time. But, underneath all of this, I had faith in God. I believe that the statement, “the power of faith,” comes from inside of yourself. Each day is a challenge, each day thank God for His blessings, thank Him for your faith, something to keep believing in. The days and weeks will come and go, but God is always there to help us get through it. The power of faith can be challenging at times, but let us remember that God gave us something more powerful than faith itself, He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The power of faith can be difficult, but remember, God is there to help us go through it all with that power of faith.

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being with us when we face unbelievable difficulties. Thank you for our many blessings. Help us to recognize everything we are blessed with, even in the midst of suffering. Allow us to bring comfort to others as we ourselves are comforted. In your name we pray, Amen.

Deana Blake

 

Tuesday, 1st Week of Lent, March 11

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God  what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will  experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His  peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

 

Our family and others have gone through a challenging time starting this fall. We’ve had three family members in the hospital, weather-related natural disasters, and other disasters at home and around the world that I don’t need to list here. I found this verse from Philippians and posted it in my sewing room to remind me that God is here with us, through  prayer, no matter what we are going through. And to remember to thank Him for all He has already done for us. He is always with us. He has our backs. We are not alone. 

 

Deacon Frank shared this prayer during the service on February 2, 2025. It came from a book of devotionals. Author Unknown. 

 

The world now is too dangerous 

and too beautiful for anything but love. 

May your eyes be so blessed you see God in everyone. 

Your ears, so you hear the cry of the poor. 

May your hands be so blessed 

that everything you touch is a sacrament. 

Your lips, so you speak nothing but the truth with love. 

May your feet be so blessed you run 

to those who need you, 

and may your heart be so opened, 

so set on fire, that your love, 

your love, changes everything.  

AMEN 

Julie Leonard

 

Wednesday, 1st Week of Lent, March 12

Song of Solomon 2:10-13

My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.
 The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

 

Every year the leaves from Ed, our front yard ash, fall for four to six weeks, giving us an extra weekend chore. And when they are almost gone, we get a small glimpse of the barren “fall” and winter of the northern states. As dim and dull as Ed looks these days, we know that soon new buds will appear. As each bud unfolds into a leaf, we see a symbol of new growth and potential; a fresh start, a clean slate, an opportunity to flourish, and another chance to host others seeking shelter or nourishment. – One of our best moments each spring is when we walk out under the new young leaves and flowers and hear the hum of the bees.

In our personal lives, new beginnings can be daunting, but they are also filled with possibilities. Just as the tiny buds have the potential to transform into a lush canopy, we too have the capacity to grow and evolve. The small, seemingly insignificant buds that appear on the branches are a testament to the fact that good things often start AND RESTART from humble beginnings.

 

Lord Jesus, 

Thank you for the seemingly dormant times in our lives when you allow us to rest, renew, and revive. May we awaken this spring to a renewed sense of life and faith. Grant that we have an overflowing of love to share with all who are in need. Amen.

David Youngblood

 

Thursday, 1st Week of Lent, March 13

2 Corinthians 3:6

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.     

 

The verses before verse six read, “We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God. It is God who made us capable of serving the new covenant which consists not of a written law (the Ten Commandments) but of the Spirit. The written law brings death but the Spirit gives life.”  (Today’s English Version) 

The Pharisees, teachers of the Law, and officials of the synagogue chastised and persecuted Jesus for healing on the Sabbath for according to their Law, you weren’t supposed to work on the Sabbath. Jesus healed the man with the paralyzed hand (Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6 and Luke 6:6-11), the paralyzed man at the pool (John 5:1-18) and the woman who had been crippled for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17) on the Sabbath. The Law was written on stone and led to death because it was unbending and impossible to fully attain. But the Spirit gives life because the new covenant is written on our hearts as promised in Jeremiah 31: 31-35. And with life comes the freedom of knowing that God is transforming us everyday and guiding us to do God’s will. All we have to do is listen and trust and know that we aren’t working alone. 

 

Dear God, 

Thank you for loving us and for always being with us and guiding us even when we don’t ask you to do so. Thank you for sending your Spirit to remind us of your love and of the freedom and abundance of life that is a part of the new covenant that Jesus taught. And thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to live the life you want us to live. Amen.  

Rene Markley

      

Friday, 1st Week of Lent, March 14

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Life Overcomes Death
Life is persistent. Think of seeds lying dormant in dry soil, waiting for rain to bloom again. John’s Gospel declares this truth: Christ’s light and life cannot be extinguished by death. This is not just a promise for the end of our earthly journey; it’s for today. God’s life-giving power meets us in the places we feel stuck, lost, or broken, reminding us that resurrection is more than an event—it’s a way of living. Where do you need to trust God’s power to bring life from what feels lifeless?

Encouragement for Action:
Notice one area of your life where you feel discouraged and offer it to God in prayer. Then, look for a small sign of life or hope as you go about your day.

God of light and life,
Shine Your presence into our darkness and give us courage to trust Your promise of resurrection. Thank You for the ways You breathe new life into our weary hearts. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw

 

Saturday, 1st Week of Lent, March 15

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

 

I have been in need of comfort for many months, only to discover I am not alone in this state of angst. Our world has appeared topsy-turvy, our country is in some form of crisis daily, and my own sense of balance has been threatened. This is not uncharted territory for me, but never before have I had to include a multitude of resources daily for some salve and perspective. Why have I seemed to have lost my sense of a strong foundation in my faith?

I can’t relate this feeling to any one thing, except my own unwillingness to embrace the daily changes that seem to overwhelm me. I used to pride myself on ‘going with the flow,’ but of late I tend to question everything. Is it my age? Is it my vacillating sense of faith? Is it chronic, or am I just experiencing a temporary lapse of contentment?

There have been some constants in my daily practice—Sunday commitment to in-person or online services, weekly participation in the FUMC Women’s Group and study, and daily devotional readings. And yet, I still feel this overwhelming sense that I cannot be of comfort to others when I feel confused and unnourished by His spirit.

I’ve come to the realization that I have it all backwards. In order to feel His comfort, I must be the comfort to others first and foremost. I must not shy away from difficult dialogue with like and unlike minds, but be open to enriching myself by expansion of perspective and wisdom of others. I must be the ‘hands and feet’ He has provided in me to enhance and enrich others in love and caring. I must be open and giving to others to receive the comfort for which I so need. It is a constant circle—to receive is to give and let it flow back to you. We must step outside our comfort zone on occasion to let the faith bring us home.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Walk beside me as I walk with others, encourage me to assist those in need and be the part of comfort they require, and above all give me strength and openness to receive your comfort. Amen.

                                                                                                                 Marilyn Honea 

 

Monday, 2nd Week of Lent, March 17

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 

The hymn inspired by this bible verse is one of my favorites. Singing it to myself brings me closer to God and makes me smile. I remember the months we endured the global pandemic. The causative agent was discovered in 2019, and so it was named Covid-19. 

My late husband William and I visited his oncologist in March of 2020 and the doctor instructed us to wear masks when around people, stay away from large gatherings, and not shake hands. We left the office a bit puzzled and soon realized this would be our lives for a long time. One of my fondest memories of that experience was Sunday mornings. William and I sat together on the couch watching the worship service and once a month it was my job to prepare our communion of bread and wine served in the appropriate wine glasses. It was a special time to connect with our community of faith and each other.

After a few weeks of following the procedures laid out by the government to ‘slow the spread,’ and watching daily updates as the infection continued to spread, I became restless and suffered a bad case of ‘cabin fever.’ So I decided to take a walk. I only made it to the end of our block, but the freedom of walking around without a mask and with no destination in mind was amazing.

It became a habit as my walk extended slowly every day. These few minutes in the fresh air made all the difference in my attitude and made the long days manageable.

Soon I began to notice the trees, of every description, surrounding me at a distance and in the yards I passed. Chirping birds and large, noisy, black crows followed me and it was and is during these walks when the sky, the sun, the billowing clouds, the breeze, the trees, the dogs on their walks, and neighbors I meet cause this simple hymn to fill my soul. These are the days the Lord has made and I rejoice in each one.

 

Dear Great and Mighty Lord, 

Thank you for the world of nature that refreshes our minds, bodies, and souls. Thank you for the sunshine and rain, the energy to walk outdoors, for the neighbors I have come to know as friends, and most of all for the Holy Spirit that indwells us and occasionally nudges us into action. Be with us as we venture through the struggles and hardships, the good and special times, of life. In Jesus’ Holy name we pray, Amen.

Cindy Teysko

 

Tuesday, 2nd Week of Lent, March 18

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

I do not like change! Yet as we go through life, we come to realize that change is inevitable. We grow up—our physical bodies change. Our thoughts change. We move. We change relationships. We change jobs. And changing jobs was one of the hardest changes for me. Proposition 13 in 1978 caused the loss of four hundred jobs in the Grossmont High School District. I had only been teaching for a few years, and I loved my job. But as the newest teacher in my department, I was one of the unlucky ones that lost my job. Soon after, I was offered a position in the District’s continuation and expulsion school. NO, was my immediate thought. But after deep consideration, I accepted the position. It turned out to be one of my best decisions, and I remained teaching expulsion students for the remainder of my 37-year career. (Working with these students was extremely rewarding.)

Our world is constantly in flux, and living with change is difficult for all of us. There may be some things that we can do to deal with uncertainty: exercise; get proactive; realize that maybe some positives will come from change; seek support. One of the best ways to seek support is to look to God’s word—God will offer guidance to help us through uncertain times.

 

Heavenly Father, 

I pray that you will give us your guidance to help us get through the difficult times in our lives and in our world. Let us hear your voice and be led by your guidance. Amen.

Marge Woods

 

Wednesday, 2nd Week of Lent, March 19

Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid, I am with you! I am your God, let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

Prior to Thanksgiving I was awaiting the results of a biopsy I had had that week. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, our PQM (Prayer Quilt Ministry) met. During PQM we list and pray for each of our prayer concerns. I shared with the group that I was awaiting the results of a biopsy on a lump I had discovered, which was being biopsied, and the PQM group added me to their prayer list, along with the other requests. As I was leaving the meeting, some said to me, “Good luck!” and “I’m praying for you,” etc. I replied, “I’m leaving it in the Big Man upstairs hands,” and I did. After Thanksgiving I found out that the lump was malignant, but it wasn’t attached to anything, which the doctor said was a good thing, and I had a surgery date set for January 16, 2016. I emailed this information to Julie Leonard, PQM’s secretary, and asked if she would share this information with the PQM members, and ask them to pray for me.

On January 16, I went in for the surgery and my surgeon removed the lump, some tissue around it and some lymph nodes. Wednesday of the following week, the phone rang. I could see that it was Kaiser calling, probably with the results from the biopsies they had done. I was scared to answer it, but when I did, I found it was my surgeon. HUM…I thought this was odd, as I’ve never had my doctor ever call me before, unless it was a scheduled call. She asked me how I was doing and was making chit chat (By this time I‘m having apoplexy and thinking she is stalling. She must have bad news. Oh no!). Finally my surgeon told me that I was cancer-free. The cancer was only in the lump she had removed, but not in the extra tissue, nor the lymph nodes that she had taken out. Hallelujah, praise the Lord!

Was there ever a scripture more fitting than the one I quoted at the beginning of this devotional? Now, I am going to end with another one, that is just as fitting.

Praise the LORD, O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases! (Psalm 103:2-3)

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for your Tender Mercies, for taking care of me. Be with others throughout the world who are suffering and need Your Loving Arms wrapped around them. In Your Holy Name, Amen.

Emma King

 

Thursday, 2nd Week of Lent, March 20

Matthew 6:5-6

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

“To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives. The closer we come to the heartbeat of the Creator the more we see our need…”  Celebration of Discipline, by Richard J. Foster

I saw this prayer concern recently in the newsletter of another congregation: “Pray for guidance for my friend who hired a worker without a green card.”

How would you pray in this instance? How would you lead others in prayer if this concern was lifted up in your group? And while we’re reflecting, how is your prayer life?

In the small congregation I serve (average worship attendance of twenty-two), we’re not agreed on what to make of the present national political climate. And so sometimes coming together to pray is a challenge. 

And yet, as is our custom, members express their concerns with anxiety, deep concern and emotion; and with a hope that prayer to our Creator, who we know in Jesus, is present with and listens to all of us. After all, “God’s got the whole world in God’s hands” isn’t an idle boast.

Just what should we pray for as we look at the world around us?  

We’ve got a member who only attends on certain Sundays now because another member asked for prayer for those slain in the Uvalde, Texas school massacre. And yet our impulse is to say something to God about events that touch or concern us.

My takeaway from one discussion among our members on this topic is that we might reframe the question: Perhaps praying with someone is a beginning point as opposed to praying for something. Meaning: When we listen to one another’s concerns with suspended judgment, can the Holy Spirit expand all of our hearts and concerns?

Someone before us has tried this: As we were again lying on the floor last night (during an allied bombing raid), and someone exclaimed ‘O God, O God’ (he is normally a flippant type), I couldn’t bring myself to offer him any Christian encouragement or comfort; all I did was to look at my watch and say, “It won’t last more than ten minutes now.” There was nothing premeditated about it…and perhaps I felt that it was wrong to force my religion down his throat just then. Jesus, after all, didn’t convert the two thieves on the cross; he simply received the one that turned to him. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from a Nazi Prison, January 30, 1944.

What Bonhoeffer did say was Christian encouragement, whether he knew it or not. Listening and sharing without prejudice. It’ll be my Lenten discipline, however imperfectly practiced, this season.

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name? Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same? Will you risk the hostile stare, should your life attract or scare? Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me? Amen, Lord Jesus; Amen.  (John L. Bell)

Rev. Robert Garwig

 

Friday, 2nd Week of Lent, March 21

John 3:16 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Several years ago, my husband passed away. My heart was full of grief as I went to pick up his ashes at the crematorium and I hadn’t really anticipated my feelings as the clerk placed the container of my husband’s ashes into my arms. Immediately, as I received the ashes, I felt the same feelings as holding a new baby. This bundle exuded intense love. This not only surprised, but puzzled me. How could I possibly relate these ashes to a newborn baby?

After much contemplation and many questioning prayers, the answer came. My husband’s ashes represented new and eternal life!

Dear God, 

Thank you for sending us your only begotten Son to die for us and give us eternal life. We give thanks, too, that our departed loved ones now have new life with you. Amen. 

Marlene Rhyner-Schulze

 

Saturday, 2nd Week of Lent, March 22

Luke 9:1-9

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

 

EMPOWER!

The word itself evokes strength and energy! Perhaps it suggests to you images depicting these attributes named in the Merriam-Webster dictionary: official authority or legal power; promotion of self-actualization or influence.

In Luke’s gospel, chapter 9, verses 1-9, Jesus empowers his disciples.  

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey: no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic.”

Through this, the disciples were brought into a state of empowerment, even though, at the time, it probably didn’t seem that way to them, given the restrictions they were charged with following. But they had been given the power, the right, the authority to preach, to heal, to cast out demons.

We, too, have been empowered and directed to use the spiritual gifts we each have received from God. Through this, we are able to instruct and uplift, or to edify the body of Christ, the church. When we exercise these gifts in love, the entire body is blessed, and the church, the Kin-dom of God, will be built up.  

We are not to use these gifts for our own personal advantage or self-esteem, but to serve others, by encouraging, blessing, loving, motivating and lifting each other up. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, creating a heart for radical love and compassion. Through these gifts, we can welcome the lost, the seeking, the lonely into God’s family.  

In Romans 12:6, we read, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, [each of us is to exercise them accordingly].”

This empowerment, however, isn’t accidental; it is intentional. We must choose to move forward, carrying out the Great Commission to share the gospel with others, inviting them into the Kin-dom. That choice is a very important step. We can choose to sit in the pews on Sunday morning, listen to the message, socialize at the coffee cart after the service, then go on about our week as if nothing important has occurred. That’s one choice.

However, the choice Jesus asks us to make is the harder one, the one that requires our participation. It’s the one that calls us to take ownership and responsibility for our choice. It’s the one that requires us to make a change in our daily life. The choice to accept and live into the empowerment given to us.

It’s the choice that reminds us to smile at strangers, to offer help to someone who is struggling, to support our faith community with our gifts, our presence, and our money. It’s the choice to volunteer for one of the ministries at Good Shepherd or anywhere we can be of service. It’s the choice to join a group or a class or a committee at Foothills.  

It’s the choice to live in such a way that others notice and wonder why we smile. It’s the choice to live out Christ’s mission by loving and serving others. Actions say so much more than words, and sometimes our actions encourage others to ask questions of us, giving us the opportunity to talk about our faith.

As Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:12, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.”

And if it seems hard or out of your comfort zone to answer that nudge from God, remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

So don’t be afraid or hesitant to step up and be empowered. Be brave and loving and share your good gifts. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

 

Good and gracious God, 

We thank you for the gifts you have given us and for empowering us to use those gifts for the benefit of your Kin-dom. Strengthen our resolve to go out into our community fearlessly and share your love. We pray in the name of your holy son, Jesus. Amen.

Sue Kelly

 

Monday, 3rd Week of Lent, March 24

1 Thessalonians 4:9

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Philippians 2:3-4 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

 

How to Know a Person

I borrowed the title for this devotion from the title of a book by David Brooks, author, opinion writer for the NY Times, lecturer, fellow traveler and commentator. I read the book about a year ago and it had a deepening effect on me. He wrote from his personal experience of needing to learn how to connect with others with an open heart; seeking to understand individuals rather than superficially connect in conversation. It spoke deeply to my own life experience from having been exclusive, closed, suspect, judgmental and afraid to be open; thinking no one would understand me or be interested in my story. Social crises affect our individual well-being and cause disconnection. We seem to be hard-wired to need recognition and closeness in our friendships. It takes practice and it takes time in order to deepen our ability to be present and stay there. He delves into personality traits and the kinds of relationships we may experience such as imperial, interpersonal, consolidation, collaborative, generative and integrable. I highly recommend this book; it will confirm what we know or long to experience with each other.

David Brooks has written other worth-while reads: The Road to Character, The Social Animal, The Second Mountain, Bobos in Paradise, and On Paradise Mountain.

 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to communicate with others. Help open our hearts and minds so that we can more deeply understand our fellow human beings. Guide our interactions so that they are positive and affirming. In your name we pray, Amen.

Anonymous

 

Tuesday, 3rd Week of Lent, March 25

Song of Solomon 2:15

Catch us the foxes,
    the little foxes,
that ruin the vineyards—
    for our vineyards are in blossom.

 

There are a few stories and illustrations that I remember from sermons long ago. Dr. (and now Bishop) Will Willimon asked why Duke University staff and students would worship in such a large space, (Duke Chapel was built to be a rival to the Princeton Chapel – both of which are small cathedrals) and why would the altar Bible have to be so big? The answer was, “Because we worship a BIG god!” 

There was also the time when Walter Bruggeman was reading a passage from Paul and ducked out of sight, then peered around the edge of the pulpit before finally tentatively reappearing to point out that any time Paul writes μη γενοιτο, me genoito, which loosely means ‘may it never be’ or more closely in our modern slang, “Hell No!” WATCH OUT – whatever comes next is bound to change or challenge you to change the way you think or act or both.

But one of the best sermons I still remember from those days in Durham came from a preacher whose name I can no longer remember. But I clearly remember how they told story after story of farming, marriage, raising children, workplace ethics, friendship, battling addictions, and more, all illustrating how dangerous it is for us when we do not put up fences to protect the new life that blossoms in spring – the new life of a young Christ follower – the life of any new relationship. But even more than fences, we need to be aware of the cunning and ‘cute’ little things that come into each new relationship/endeavor. These are the small words spoken in haste, the moments that we hope they will understand or forgive, the unnoticed act of kindness that eventually grows into resentment; the little things. The book they based their sermon on is titled Catch the Little Foxes that Spoil the Vine, by William E. Thorn (1980, Revell Publishing). I go back to that book from time to time, especially during Lent when it is a very good time to look and see what little habits or indulgences I have let into my life that may ‘spoil the vine’ as the year grows on…

Gracious One, 

May you fertilize our souls and prune us to bear more fruit in the days to come this year. May we welcome your pruning, and surrender the things, which like foxes, infiltrate our gardens and spoil the love of family, friendship, work, and faith. Lead us not into temptation, and teach us to spot the words and deeds that do not build up before we say/do them. Amen.

David Youngblood

 

Wednesday, 3rd Week of Lent, March 26

1 John 4:7-8 

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God… Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.”  

My brother, Butch, and I played baseball with friends in another neighborhood for several summers. I was a freshman in high school and Butch an 8th grader at this particular time. We brought with us an additional friend, Jerome, to play with the group. The biggest of the boys, another freshman who would go on to start for the varsity football team that fall as a safety, called out as we arrived at the field, “No (insert the N word) is going to play here today!”

We ignored the insult and began to play catch and warm up. The big boy strode over to me and repeated his racial slur in my face. I knew what to say, but was afraid to say it. Butch pushed between me and the big boy and said firmly, “Shut up! Take that back!” From the relative safety behind my brother I added, “His name is Jerome, and he plays.”

The big boy backed down, and struck out twice that afternoon. Jerome hit two singles and scored the winning run. I’m not sure we moved the meter much that day for race relations in America, but Butch showed me how to live the Christian faith. God is love, every day of the year; whether it’s convenient or not.

O God in Christ Jesus, 

You were brave enough to die upon a cross for our sins. Forgive our silence in the face of hatred. Empower us with your love so that we might be exemplars of your good news: That you created all people in your image and call them good. Thank you for that grace. Please help us to share it. Amen.

Reverend Robert Garwig

 

Thursday, 3rd Week of Lent, March 27

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Everyday we face some of life’s challenges, trials, difficulties and defeats, as well as many joys. At times, I find these challenges overwhelming and wonder if there is a purpose. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts either.

I am not sure why God is sometimes, if not many times, the last resort. He is still there when I am ready and need Him. Then I realize I am not alone.

I am frequently reminded of the prayer Footprints.  In the last paragraph of the prayer the Lord replies,

“My precious, precious child,

I love you and I would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints in the sand,

it was then that I carried you.”

Then I say, “What more can I ask?”

Lord, 

Take our hands and hold us close as we journey in this life. Help us, Lord, to hold fast to our trust in you when we feel you are far away. Thank you for always being with us. Amen.

Pat Hodge

 

Friday, 3rd Week of Lent, March 28

Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.

It was a day full of everything gone sideways. Bad news and problems kept piling up around me like a series of high waves at the shore. I couldn’t breathe, and I felt like my feet were slipping out from beneath me. 

With my heartbeat loud in my ears I threw everything down and stormed outside to tackle the weeds along our front path. “I don’t have time for this!” I thought. But, I needed to let off some steam, so I tore in with a vengeance. 

About halfway down the walk I asked myself, “Why do I keep pulling these weeds? They always come back. It makes my knees, my back, and my fingers hurt.”

I sat up and stretched, and looked back where I had been. 

It looked so nice. 

Taking a deep breath in, I turned back to my task. I noticed I felt focused, and calm. My work was making a difference. Paul’s words from Galatians 6 flickered into my mind: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right.”

Just do the next right thing. 

I can do that. 

Giver of Life, 

Sustain us! May the work our hands find to do each day bring peace and healing for the good of all. Guard our hearts. Lift our eyes to see your goodness that we may be bold, and not grow weary. Amen.

Molly Jarrell

 

Saturday, 3rd Week of Lent, March 29

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.

One Saturday a month, members of the Foothills Prayer Quilt Ministry gather in the disciple room to continue the good work of creating prayer quilts, tangible symbols of the prayers lifted up to those who will receive them.

The prayer quilt ministry is known and recognized for their care, kindness and prayers lifted up to strangers they will probably never meet.

Each gathering begins with the sharing of joys and concerns. Joys such as new grandchildren being born, positive health reports, exciting travel plans, and new members are happily accelerated. Concerns that may include health issues for members and their loved ones, difficult family issues, work situations and natural disasters are lifted up and prayers for healing, comfort and wisdom are offered. Prayers are extended to the members of the group who are not present that day as well as members of the congregation who are experiencing difficulties.

I am privileged to be part of this amazing group and I’m inspired and humbled by their passion for this ministry. It is no small thing to be surrounded by such love graciously given to each other, family, friends and strangers alike. I am grateful to be included in that Circle of love.

Thank you Lord,

For the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. Amen.

 Kathy Glass 

Monday, 4th Week of Lent, March 31

Acts 2:1-12

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

 

Pentecost

Pentecost, found in the book of Acts, chapter two, is the event where a fierce wind moves and the Holy Spirit gifts everyone with their individual flame. 

Before I move forward in this text, we must keep in mind the events that lead up to Pentecost: the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. At this time, Jesus is currently alive and making appearances, here and there, with the Apostles. After all the events and with Jesus’ ghosting (which in today’s terms means to respond and then be left without communication for a long period of time or at all), the Apostles have the task of moving through their recent trauma, and more importantly, figuring out the “What Now?” 

As a young person in their mid-thirties, it is not often that we are reminded of ourselves reflected in scripture. After all, the famous painting of the Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, paints the Apostles as grown men in their forties, or older. This artful depiction is contrary to the understanding of most biblical scholars who believe the Apostles to be in their teens and mid-twenties. The story’s perspective shifts from adults who seem to have it all together, to young leaders who are charged with guiding the early Church. Peter and the eleven other apostles gather in the house as the day of Pentecost arrives. 

A large crowd from all nations gathers in front of the house and a fierce wind moves through, giving each individual their own flame and the Holy Spirit fills all. This is a remarkable event because of the gift that the Holy Spirit gives each person–a gift of understanding. No matter what nation or culture, each individual was able to understand each other no matter the language. Peter then proclaims: 

“Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! These people aren’t drunk, as you suspect; after all, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning!” (Acts 2: 14-15) 

Peter then gives a sermon about when Jesus will return and everyone will be saved and included into the Kindom of Heaven and exclaims the miracles of Jesus. The crowd, so moved by the Holy Spirit and by Peter, then ask what they should do. The chapter ends with the crowd seeking to be baptized and all three thousand join what is known as the early Church.

 

Reflections on Young People 

During the season of Lent, it is important to seek reflection, repentance, and reconciliation to provide more depth and fulfillment in our understanding. What is to reflect on within each scripture? Is there something that I can change or do better? How can I make that happen? 

There are many accounts in which youth and young leaders are shown throughout the bible though they aren’t always lifted up or a priority. As I move through the world and through the bible, it is important for myself to be reflected in these stories as well as a blend of sexes, genders, races, ages, and abilities. These scriptures are to be lifted up and celebrated. The story of Pentecost demonstrates the passion of youth and young leaders when they are given the chance to lead. Guided with the Holy Spirit, all are united into one church body. This is a story of Spirit, of holy dialogue, and of baptism. It is important to seek conversation and advice from the youth and young leaders, and who knows… maybe, just maybe, three thousand more may follow. 

 

God, 

Creator of All Things, I confess that it’s not often where I seek scripture to see others but see myself within these holy texts. I ask for eyes to be gifted with the ability to see all people, people who are like myself and those who are different, in the scripture that I read. Please provide me the understanding that it is Jesus who seeks the vulnerable communities and for them to also be healed and celebrated. During this season of Lent, let me be an instrument of your love and of your reflection. For all of those who I encounter are yet a small reflection of you. Amen.

Erich Grimm-Schmitt 

 

Tuesday, 4th Week of Lent, April 1

John 20:31

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today,
Come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

This simple song, written by Harry D. Clarke in 1924, might bring back memories from your Sunday School days. We sang it nearly every Sunday while looking at the picture on the wall depicting Jesus knocking at a wooden door. It was a comforting idea, that we, little children as we were, could simply open the door of our hearts and Jesus would come in!

So we did. We let Jesus in. Whenever we sang the song we remembered that Jesus was there.  

Then we grew up. Some of us strayed from our early church experiences. It might have been for a short time or for years, and we forgot that we had invited Jesus into our hearts. Then, at some point, our faith called us back. We might have needed time to acclimate to “church” again, but somewhere along the way, we realized that the same Jesus who had entered our hearts had been there all along, waiting patiently for us to remember.  

He still is.

 

Loving Jesus, 

Thank you for patiently waiting for us, for not forgetting about us, even if we forget about you.  Be with us each day and guide us on our way. Amen.

Sue Kelly

 

Wednesday, 4th Week of Lent, April 2

Psalms 9:1-2

O Lord, I will praise you with all my heart, and tell everyone about the marvelous things you do. I will be glad, yes, filled with joy because of you. I will sing your praises, O Lord God above all Gods.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Last fall, I attended my fiftieth high school reunion here in San Diego. I connected with many classmates and found the strongest ties to those who had attended the same elementary school.

Rod and I shared memories of having Mrs. G as our fourth grade teacher and he told me that she is a Facebook friend. (Mrs. G was a young newlywed in 1965). I told Rod I remembered in our study of Japan that year Mrs. G taught us the song Sakura (meaning a flowering cherry tree). Rod remembered the song as well and we broke into song together. Mrs. G also had a Japanese inspired craft project for us. She provided construction paper on which to draw branches, and popped popcorn in a pink color. We glued the popcorn onto our drawn branches and created our own cherry blossom art.

Later in the evening of the reunion gathering, Rod came up to me and shared the news that each person he encountered that night who had had Mrs. G for fourth grade could remember singing Sakura. Nine days after our reunion, I had a phone call from Rod. He had told Mrs. G on Facebook about her students (fifty-eight years later) remembering being taught the song Sakura. She was pleased; it made her day.

Our son and his bride were married in the fall of 2023. They planned a spring honeymoon in Japan. Booking the dates of travel months in advance, they found, to their pleasure, that their arrival in Japan coincided perfectly with the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees.  Thank you Mrs. G; the gift of Sakura continues.

Music is a strong carrier of memories and emotions. The gift of song, shared with others, brings joy. The Bible tells us to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” and “Come before him with joyful singing.”  (Psalm 100:1 and 2)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of music which brings comfort, joy and celebration. Thank you for shared memories which can also spark joy. We are truly blessed by these gifts and sing your praises, Lord. Amen.

Sandra Hatton Eulitt

Thursday, 4th Week of Lent, April 3

Matthew 5: 9 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 

 

A Recent “God Moment” 

Yesterday, I attended a global meeting of more than sixty Peacebuilders on Zoom. The meeting featured Michael Hays speaking on the “Eight Pillars of Peace,” Dr. Bill Bennet introducing “The Polarities of Democracy,” and Alison Sutherland explaining RI “Programmes of Scale.” 

I was “randomly” placed into a breakout group. Our group consisted of two people, Kerrie Hicks and myself, plus at least one other person who popped in and then popped out again. We began by introducing ourselves and sharing what had brought us to the meeting. I learned that Kerri is a coach, founder and director of Gritential Coaching, committed to building peace in the world, one coaching dialogue at a time. Kerrie had a highly successful career in Victoria Police, serving the community and evolving her leadership style over time to one of Leader as Coach. Her policing career included various senior leadership roles eventually leading to the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team Officer in Charge. She lives in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. When I introduced myself to her, I couldn’t help but mention our time living in North Balwyn, a suburb of Melbourne, where we had two, dual-citizen children, Nathan and Shandra, with my wife Joanne teaching at Surry Hills Primary and me teaching at Kew High School. She told me that she was scheduled to speak at the Rotary club of Balwyn the very next day! What a delight it was to meet her and share our current peacebuilding efforts on opposite sides of the world. 

Of course, I couldn’t help but feel this meeting was a “God moment” or the oneness of the universe placing us together “at random” for this fruitful meeting, before returning to our large group session of peacebuilding efforts. 

 

Gracious God, 

Into this world which is both your beautiful creation and is also ugly with violence and hate, we thank you that Jesus sends us as peacemakers to help others resolve conflicts and promote reconciliation. Help us to lead with humility, patience, love, and the understanding that repentance is necessary for true peace. In your name we pray. Amen.

Larry Skeels

Friday, 4th Week of Lent, April 4

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Love Overcomes Hate
Hate often shouts the loudest, but love is what lasts. Paul’s words call us to resist the pull of anger and division by choosing a better way: love that heals, bridges gaps, and brings peace. This isn’t a passive love; it’s active, bold, and courageous. The cross itself is the ultimate picture of love overcoming hate. In this Lenten season, we are called to reflect on how Christ’s love empowers us to respond differently—to choose love, even when it’s costly. What would it look like for you to embody this love in a challenging situation?

Encouragement for Action:
Identify one small way you can practice courageous love today—whether it’s offering forgiveness, being generous, or listening deeply to someone with whom you disagree.

God of unending love,
When we are tempted to meet hate with hate, remind us of the way of Christ. Teach us to overcome evil with good and to reflect Your love to the world around us. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw

 

Saturday, 4th Week of Lent, April 5

Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. 

 

Last June, my husband and I were able to spend a relaxing and joy-filled, two-week vacation in France traveling south through Léon, the Rhône Valley, and the French Riviera, and then north to Paris. 

We were thrilled to have our younger son, Andrew, join us for the second half of the trip which culminated in two fast-paced days of Parisian bliss. Andrew was an excellent travel companion. He was easygoing and we enjoyed seeing the sights with him. But, when we were in Paris (where there were the most choices of things for tourists like us to do), Andrew would not commit to anything. I kept asking him, “What is the most important thing for you to see? What would you be disappointed to miss?” He kept saying, “I’m fine with doing anything.” 

I had a checklist of things I wanted to see like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, however, Andrew taught me to be open to whatever came our way. The truth is that there were far more wonderful things we accidentally experienced than I had planned. I learned to be open to the unexpected – like sipping an afternoon cappuccino together in an enchanting garden under an umbrella during a sudden cloudburst.  

Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber says we need to ask ourselves: “What beautiful thing caught me by surprise? What amazing thing happened that I never even anticipated getting to experience?” 

Most importantly, how do we learn to ask these questions not just when we are traveling and experiencing something new, but in our everyday lives? May we always be open to the beauty we never expected to find.

 

Holy God, 

Open the eyes of our hearts. May our breathing slow and our hearts open. May we be open to the beauty we never expected to find. Help us to be present to all that is so that we might best see all that might be. Amen.

Susan Naslund

Monday, 5th Week of Lent, April 7

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 

This poem is from a book, “The Lives We Actually Have” by Bowler and Richie:

Lord, here I am

 

How strange it is,
that some days feel like hurricanes
and others like glassy sear
and others like nothing much at all.

 

Today is a cosmic shrug.

 

My day planner says,
rather conveniently,
that I will not need you,
cry for you, reach for you.

 

Ordinarily, I might not think of you at all.

 

Except, if you don’t mind,
let me notice you.

 

Show up in the small necessities
and everyday graces.

 

God, be bread.
Be water.
Be laundry.

 

Be the coffee cup in my hands
and the reason to calm down in traffic.

 

Be the gentler tone in my insistence today
that people pick up after themselves for once.

 

Be the reason I feel loved
when I catch my own reflection
or feel my own self-loathing
fluttering in my stomach.

 

Calm my mind,
lift my spirit,
Make this dumb, ordinary day
my prayer of thanks.

 

Lord, 

My prayer hums with gratitude for your love and guidance. You lead us through our days of divine possibility with hope and a sense of stability. You are my rock and my redeemer. Amen.

Paula Perry

 

Tuesday, 5th Week of Lent, April 8

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Let Go and Let God

I like to be in the driver’s seat. I like to be in control of where we’re going and how we get there. I have been known to clutch the door handles and squeeze my eyes shut when others are behind the wheel. 

It has been an ongoing trial for me to give my life over to God. In my case, it is much easier said than done. I know in my heart that God is in control, but my head is harder to convince. 

Recently, I was reminded once again that I am not in charge. I had a difficulty at work (the worst in my twenty-five year career) and I felt powerless, vulnerable, and bereft. 

I found that if I physically prostrate myself during prayer, it helps convince my intellectual self to “let go and let God” take over. In the privacy of my room, I can kneel down and press my face into the duvet. In the pew at church, I can bend over so that my head is resting on my knees. 

By physically acting out my submission, I found comfort. I continue to find comfort in knowing that God is in control. I may not like His plan, and it may be sometimes excruciating, but I don’t get to choose my own trials.  

I have also challenged myself to physically sit in the passenger seat. I don’t like it. It’s not easy, but it’s a good reminder that I am not in charge.

 

Heavenly One,

Thank you for guiding our lives in the direction you would have us go. Thank you for sending so many people to help and support us through our earthly tribulations. Help us to submit to your plan. Help us to appreciate the everyday miracles–the warmth of the sun, the birds in flight, and the beauty all around us, even during painful times. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Shandra Zawacki

 

Wednesday, 5th Week of Lent, April 9

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

Simplicity

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. -Confucious

 

One of my favorite books is Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. She wrote it in 1955 while on a brief vacation at the beach. Waiting for her back home were five children, a husband, and a writing job.

She was searching for self-awareness and inner peace and began her quest by pondering if simplification of her life could be the first step. She writes “how to remain whole in the midst of the distraction of life; how to remain balanced no matter what centrifugal forces tend to pull one off center, how to remain strong no matter what shocks come in at the periphery and tend to crack the hub of the wheel… What is the answer? There is no easy answer…” [but, she writes] “It can begin by asking how little, not how much can I get along with? To say – is it necessary? – When I am tempted to add one more accumulation to my life.”

With the author, I hope to seek simplification during this Lenten season.

 

Dear Lord,

Help me to be content with what I have and help me in letting go of my attachment to material things. Help me to say no to distraction, no to excessiveness, and no to clutter in my mind and in my life. Also, help me to say yes to a peaceful uncluttered life with You at the helm. Amen.

Lora Lindblom

 

Thursday, 5th Week of Lent, April 10

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

I recently read the article “The Art of One-Anothering; How the Church Loves Like Christ.” This was written by Scott Hubbard for the Desiring God digest. Hubbard shares that the bible instructs us to care for one another according to the command that “binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). In other words we need to “Love one another.” He instructs that we must consider others in the following ways:

1. Have His Mind – This involves having a transformed way of thinking that values God and others more than yourself. Hubbard emphasizes that this is accomplished through humility. He says that humility “goes low to lift others high – and doesn’t scheme for how it might lift self too.”
2. Offer His Welcome – Just as Jesus did, we need to embrace others with unconditional love, acceptance and grace. I believe that Foothills UMC exemplifies this by being open and affirming with open hearts, open minds and open doors. 
3. Speak His Words – I love the verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which says, “Encourage one another and build one another up.” In order to do this, we must open our ears to listen to what others have to say. Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.”
4. Show His Love – We need to put our faith into action. This can be as simple as praying for others, preparing a meal for someone or financially supporting our church. “…always seek to do good to one another.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
5. Give His Grace – Hubbard shares, “This love will hurt. Oh will it hurt. To forgive completely – not counting others’ sins against them, not holding onto it, not allowing it to become the lens through which we see them? This love feels, in some small measure, like Calvary love. And it shines with Calvary splendor.”

 

Lord, 

You commanded us to love one another just as you love us. Continue to transform our hearts so we are able to carry on your mission with love and grace. Amen.

Sara Downs

 

Friday, 5th Week of Lent, April 11

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  

 

This verse brings to mind an anthem that our choir has performed in the past… with the words…

“All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above. Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all His love.”

A friend recently gave us a pot planted with six bulbs as a hostess gift. We followed the directions to water the pot. Soon, we saw a tulip growing out of the leaves in a lovely red and yellow color. Then as the days went by, more flowers bloomed in various types and colors. We didn’t know what to expect, as we eagerly awaited the next bloom.

This reminds me of our heavenly Father, who brings us His unexpected gifts each day. We do not know what is coming, yet we await His beautiful signs of love. If we patiently and quietly wait, our joy will be made complete in Him.

 

Dear heavenly Father, 

Keep us firmly grounded in You during this time of lent, knowing that you will always bring us the unexpected joy of your love and salvation. Amen.

Gretchen Morrison

 

Saturday, 5th Week of Lent, April 12

Jeremiah 2:7

I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce.

But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.

 

GOD’S EARTH

“I brought you into a fertile land
    to eat its fruit and rich produce.
But you came and defiled my land
    and made my inheritance detestable.”

This is what the prophet Jeremiah wrote in chapter two, verse seven. He was trying to convince the people of his time to turn away from their sins and return to God. His message is as important today as it was some 2600 years ago.

Our Creator God made a beautiful and abundant earth, then he gave his children the responsibility of caring for it. But are we caring for the earth, or are we destroying natural wonders and beauty, and causing the untimely extinction of creatures?

It’s time to wake up and make a change. It’s not too late. Here are two poems addressing this issue. The first was written by Emily Dickenson in 1863. The second was written by Genevieve Garcia in 2009. Take note of the different points of view.

“Nature” Is What We See

By Emily Dickenson

“Nature” is what we see—
The Hill—the Afternoon—
Squirrel—Eclipse— the Bumble bee—
Nay—Nature is Heaven—
Nature is what we hear—
The Bobolink—the Sea—
Thunder—the Cricket—
Nay—Nature is Harmony—
Nature is what we know—
Yet have no art to say—
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.

 

A poem about how to keep faith that people can still make the world a better place…

A Message 

by Genevieve Garcia

Wake up little one, come with me..
A voice says, “you see,”
Who are you? I asked…
It doesn’t matter, come, my child.

 

Warm hands holding my own,
Reluctantly, she led me on,
Open your eyes, don’t be scared…
Oh! What a sight, I exclaimed.

 

Beautiful flowers, colors blending
Trees swaying, it looks like they were dancing
Hello! I heard from up above
Surprised, I saw an eagle soaring on the clouds

 

What a wonderful place, I said to her
Yes, it is for you to see, my dear
Why? What do you want me to understand?
You’ll know in time, don’t rush things beloved one…

 

I woke up on my bed, realized it was a dream
I smiled, things are more beautiful, it seems
The day started with a good feeling
But later on, my mood is changing

 

All around me, pollution is raging
No flowers to graze our surroundings
No trees, birds singing their song
Just people and all the destruction

 

Feeling defeated, I rest my tired eyes
How can something so beautiful be destroyed fast
Sad and disoriented, I was again dreaming
I heard someone call my name again

 

Child, it is I, Mother Earth,
don’t be sad, don’t lose faith
In my heart, you’ll find beauty again
Don’t let everything be just a dream…

 

Magnificent God, 

Creator of our beautiful earth, you have given us so much to be thankful for.  Inspire us to be more mindful of how our choices affect the Earth. May we become more aware of the natural wonders all around us. May we take time to appreciate them. We pray for Earth’s healing and restoration. Inspire us to assist in healing our planet from pollution and destruction. Help us to save our planet and all the life and beauty it holds. In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen. 

Sue E. Kelly

 

Monday of Holy Week, April 14

I Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues  of men or of angels, but am not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but am not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but am not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and always perseveres. 

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. Just like when I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I grew up, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now I see only a reflection as in a mirror; then I shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

The Ultimate Power

While in quietness I asked myself a question since I was curious for an answer at a deeper level, ‘What is this Love?’ The answer wasn’t a surprise, however it was definitely deeper.  “Remember, you are a ‘Spiritual Being having a Human Experience,’” You are love and that love expands more and more as you recognize the gift within yourself. Oh yes, thank you for the reminder. No wonder 1 Corinthians 13, is showing me the difference of how the soul of love views everything. No wonder I’m able to recognize this added dimension. I see human pursuits, which can be an end in themselves or they can be spiritual gifts of love. Remembering now, whatever is done in the spirit of love is a treasure to be shared. The ultimate power for living is loving, because I remember I am love. Love isn’t something I have to pull out to use when I need it, it is the essence of self with which I have been endowed. All of these verses speak to how some would want to achieve positions of power, greatness or grandiosity on their own because they aren’t aware of who they really are. I now recognize the innate gift for living and doing is love.

There is nothing that demonstrates love more than a newborn (physically or spiritually). However, unless there is a loving environment in which that soul is nurtured, love fades and the selfish nature grows into strutting its own stuff. In contrast, love serves, gives, extends itself and seeks to supply the needs of the other. Just know love can be misunderstood and may become a lonely life if it is lived in a place where it is not seen as the real deal, the super power. “…God Is Love…” (1 John 4:16), that’s His nature which He freely shares, and 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for making us able to love. Thank you for everyone that nurtures us so that we can love and be loved. Help us to honor you when we love our neighbor. Enable us to spread love in the world. In your name we pray, Amen.

Anonymous 

 

Tuesday of Holy Week, April 15

Matthew 4:1-11 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

 

Into the Wilderness

I write this devotion as I participate at the District Family Camp and Camp Cedar Glen on MLK weekend. It is always a warm invitation to feel the Holy Spirit enter into this sacred place of camp. It is the place where my faith was formed, where I met my wife, Amanda, and now a place where Oliver can call a second home. A place of welcomed solitude. The wilderness is a place to escape and a place to be challenged. 

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God…’” (Matthew 4:1-4) 

In many events of Jesus’s life, you would find him escaping to the wilderness whether woods or desert. In each instance, Jesus spends time alone or so He thought; the devil decides to join and create opportunities of temptation. You can understand how this can be difficult if temptation becomes an uninvited guest. Yet, the wilderness is a time to connect with God by seeking peace in the stillness, which will allow you to not be distracted. 

My life is busy and full of distractions and temptations. I often wonder why the devil chooses to tempt Jesus in the wilderness and not the city, when I see it easier to fall into temptation in the hustle and bustle of city life. Though, the point of this scripture is to distract you away from building a relationship with God by preventing God from connecting with you. 

Camp is a place where I feel God the most. You are able to view the night sky and all the stars when you move away from the distractions of light pollution that the city creates. You are able to see tall trees that patiently grow year after year after year and how woodland creatures make each tree their home. You can also fully invest in conversations you have with your fellow campers without the distractions of on-to-the-next things. So I ask this, when was the last time you sat in the stillness, in the welcoming presence of God, to fill your appetite with a faith-filled weekend? 

 

Holy and patient God, 

You give us so many opportunities to feel your love, yet we fill our lives with distractions and temptations. We know so little of your greatness and we continue on our remain in the wilderness, remaining in temptation. Give us a mind filled with yearning so that we can be curious to learn more and to fill our appetite with your Spirit. Amen.

Erich Grimm-Schmitt 

Wednesday of Holy Week, April 16

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Here at Foothills it is the season to share our thoughts, devotions and our journey that leads us to our celebration and JOY of Christ’s Resurrection.

My inspirational message to share with you this year is my favorite word. This word did not really inspire me to share with others until we had a Women’s Retreat here at Foothills several years ago. Pastor Kristie, Pastor Lori, and Sarah Robertson were our inspirational speakers. l came away with inspiration and a Joyful heart. One of our artistic projects was to decorate a jar. It was Pastor Kristie who led that project. We were to glue little squares of colorful tissue paper onto a canning jar. Then each day, week or whenever you felt like writing down a word of how you were feeling… you were to add it to the jar. It was a jar of happiness, confusion, frustration, annoyances, exasperations, dissatisfactions, disappointments, celebration, sorrows, elations, jubilance, and inspirational feelings. They were your words, your personal expressions, your feelings. Only yours. Any word that pertained to your feelings that day. It was your own personal artistic creation. The jar of many feelings (The jar of many colors). No judgement! Then we were to name the Jar with our favorite word. Mine was obviously JOY. 

Where to begin. J – nice easy letter with a curvy swoop at the bottom; easy for beginners learning cursive. J, the first letter in our JOURNEY of walking our faith, not ever knowing where it will take you. 

Those who have never been to my home at Christmas do not know that I have a wall of quilted JOY’s filled with color adorning my entry wall. I have a Nativity scene tile with the word JOY at the top. I have collected that Word for years. Easy to say, easy to hang, and easy to share with others.

Sharing JOY is lasting. It is accepting. It is constant. The best part of this word “JOY” is that it allows me to share it with others.

John 15:11 says, “…my joy may be in you; and that your Joy may be full.” Jesus wanted to share with his followers and believers that JOY will follow you and comfort you. It is steadfast and secures your confidence in sharing with others. JOY shows up in your smile with a little crinkle in the corner of your mouth and a twinkle in your eyes. It is an undeniable expression that you share with others that makes them smile back and will bring a fond memory to their heart.

So this spring as we enter the season of Paschal (Paschal Time) celebrating the resurrection, let us remember to add those adjectives of inspiration to our vocabulary when we see a friend, and unknown, someone we are yet to encounter. Let that word of JOY show up in your smile and the twinkle in your eye.

 

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for all of the things that bring us joy. Help us to bring joy to others. Help us to find happiness in simple things. Let our smiles be contagious so that we spread joy wherever we go. May we find joy even in the midst of difficult times. In your name we pray, Amen.

Darcy Barghols

 

Maundy Thursday, April 17

Philippians 1:21-22

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.

For most of her adult life, my mom Joan, did not have to worry about this verse. She was very active at work with the YWCA as a program director/missionary in Chicago, Tacoma, Hawaii (right after statehood) and Pomona. Soon after we moved to Riverside (Dad became the associate pastor at First UMC) mom retired from the Y and went to work for the California Employment Development Department – now helping families in the greater community. I don’t remember a time she wasn’t also active with the Methodist Women. My mom had much more in common with Martha than Mary.

A few years after dad died, Mom moved into an apartment on the Fredericka Manor campus. I was serving the Moreno Valley UMC and my brother Neal was (still is) in Orick, California, working as a geologist/watershed restoration specialist for the Redwood National Park. By God’s grace and mom’s wisdom, this turned out to be a very good choice as she had a major stroke eighteen months after moving in. Over the next four years, mom had three more major strokes, each time losing more of her independence, mobility and eventually even the ability to speak. Before her last stroke, she and I talked about Paul’s comment to the Philippians. She did not want to live bound to a wheelchair slurring her speech when she did try to talk. She, who had always done good works for Jesus, was struggling to find a purpose ‘just breathing.’

Not long after the stroke that took her speech away, Pastor John Griffin was visiting with us and shared a word of wisdom he had heard from his mentors many years earlier, “Every day you wake up is a day God can use you for the Kingdom, even if all you can do is pray.” From Mom’s facial expression, I could tell that she did not like this right away. But over the course of the next few months her nurses reported to me that her attitude was getting better and she even developed an ‘eyebrow’ language to communicate her needs and wants. As tough as life may become, if we still have a breath it may be our choice and opportunity to use that breath for the Kin-dom.

 

Lord of the Dance, 

When our bodies are tired and worn out, please remind us that as long as we have breath and a thought, we can still praise you AND call on you to bring justice and healing to our world. Encourage us when we cannot see the meaning of life. Pray through us with sighs and groans when words fail. Holy Spirit, let light shine through the darkness reminding us that the tomb is empty and your heavenly Kin-dom will be full. Amen.

David Youngblood

 

Good Friday, April 18

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

Hebrews 13:21

[May He] equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

For over 25 years, Spring Valley Common Ground has worked to support children and families in elementary schools within our community. We are a collaborative uniting the congregations of Foothills United Methodist Church, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, and Santa Sophia Catholic Church, who together share a commitment to community outreach. Our early work was spearheaded by Sister Margaret from Santa Sophia and Chuck and Annie Muller from Foothills. John Parsons then led Common Ground for nine years and when it came time for him to retire as chair, the question of who would replace him in that role arose.

I had joined the Common Ground team a few years earlier following a thirty-five year career in education and I felt called to take the reins but I must admit, I was somewhat nervous and not completely confident in doing so. I met with Pastor Greg regarding my concerns. I wondered whether I was worthy to serve in that role. What could I offer? Was I “enough?” After a long discussion and with Pastor Greg’s support, I agreed to take it on.

And then, the pandemic hit and everything changed. Flexibility became key as we had to rapidly pivot to support our children and families. The needs didn’t go away–in fact, they increased dramatically and we did our best to meet them remotely. We worried how the families were coping with the crisis. In retrospect now, I realize that God had the situation well in hand and He enabled us to continue our work, albeit in a new way. With the amazing support of the congregations of all three churches, we were able to make a difference in their lives during this difficult time.

The Bible says that God chooses us and equips us to be His vessel, and that He uses us in spite of our weaknesses. I believe each member of the Common Ground team has felt a “divine nudge” to serve our children and families and we are called to do His work to serve some of the most vulnerable in our community. As a people of God, we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” and he will equip us to do so. Foothills offers many opportunities for parishioners to use their spiritual gifts in service to the church as well as the greater community; Common Ground is but one of them. We are thankful for the opportunity to be placed in service to others.

 

Lord, 

Thank You for this church community and the many ways we can serve and make a difference in the lives of others. Give us eyes to see how we may best be of service. As is written at the top of the marquee of our neighbors at Shepherd of the Valley, “God’s Work, Our Hands.” Amen.

Michael Eulitt

 

Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19

Galatians 6:9–10

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

 

Caring for Others

We are very blessed at Foothills that we have so many opportunities to work for the good of all and so many people doing that work with the community. One project that I have been involved in for years is the rummage sale where we raise funds for various missions. It is co-sponsored by the Foothills United Women in Faith and the Missions Committee.

Although this year’s sale isn’t until May, we have already begun helping others. We have provided assistance to three families who are downsizing and wanting help to donate furniture, household goods, clothing, etc. This is one of many examples where we can help others in multiple ways: those who are wanting to donate, those who are wanting to raise money for missions, and the recipients of the mission’s resources. 

Whatever our talents, there are always opportunities to work for the good of all.  

 

Dear God, 

Help us not to give up, grow weary, or be discouraged; but to focus on what we can do to help others. Amen.

Marian Folkner