How long must hatred be the legacy passed from generation to generation?
How long must innocents suffer at the hands of the wicked?
How long must a nation be wounded by the abuse of its freedoms?
How long must young people feel that violence is the only way to express their frustrations?
How long must "the other" be perceived as enemy rather than received as friend?
How long must a bright future be clouded by the shadows of the past?
How long must mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors... and churches grieve the senseless deaths of loved ones?
How long must people of good will, people of faith, avoid the awkward conversations and difficult decisions that shine the light of love and advance the causes of justice and righteousness?
How long, O Lord, how long?
Friday, June 19, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Prayer-walking
For the last couple of months I have tried to prayer-walk in our cul-de-sac and the one behind us. It's not that hard- I pray for my neighbors as I walk the dogs!
I pray for neighbors trying to sell a home, those adjusting to an empty nest, and those struggling with aging parents- in New York and Florida. I pray for neighbors who aren't talking to each other, for a family whose son is a marine, and for new neighbors making the adjustment to life in suburban Atlanta. As I pray for them I ask God to meet their needs- for peace, for comfort, for discernment, for reconciliation, and for a recognition of God's grace.
I'm prayer-walking our building this week, as well. As I walk the halls I am praying for children who are learning, discovering, growing, and experiencing God's love. I pray for adult and youth volunteers- that they might be blessed with strength, patience, and a servant spirit. Above all, I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the opportunity to share the Good News through Vacation Bible School.
The great thing about prayer-walking is that you can do it anytime and anywhere- though I suggest you keep yours eyes open if you're driving!
I pray for neighbors trying to sell a home, those adjusting to an empty nest, and those struggling with aging parents- in New York and Florida. I pray for neighbors who aren't talking to each other, for a family whose son is a marine, and for new neighbors making the adjustment to life in suburban Atlanta. As I pray for them I ask God to meet their needs- for peace, for comfort, for discernment, for reconciliation, and for a recognition of God's grace.
I'm prayer-walking our building this week, as well. As I walk the halls I am praying for children who are learning, discovering, growing, and experiencing God's love. I pray for adult and youth volunteers- that they might be blessed with strength, patience, and a servant spirit. Above all, I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the opportunity to share the Good News through Vacation Bible School.
The great thing about prayer-walking is that you can do it anytime and anywhere- though I suggest you keep yours eyes open if you're driving!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Keeping Sabbath
In a break from our Jewish forebearers, most Christians observe Sunday as the sabbath, or day of rest. In our own game of legalistic gotcha' much debate has been invested into what one could or could not do on "the day of rest." At minimum, most would agree that it would be a day intended for worship and rest- a departure from work and responsibilities that consume our minds and bodies the rest of the week.
This past Sunday was a day of sabbath celebration for our little part of God's family. Our worship service was a great celebration- I only hope God was as blessed by our worship as we were by His presence. In good Towne View fashion, our worship was offered through music that spanned the gauntlet of tempo, style, and generations. What wonderful gifts were shared from prelude to postlude.
From worship we moved to Bartow-Carver Park for our annual church picnic. Lake Allatoona was again provided an exceptional backdrop for a beautiful afternoon. Plenty of good food, sweet desserts, sweet tea and lemonade quenched our appetites. It was quite a sight to watch folks enjoy the rocking chairs, children on the swings and in the water, folks paddle-boarding and playing games. I can't help but wonder, "why don't we do this more often?" As a church, yes, such opportunities for fellowship are priceless. But even as families, what happened to taking time just to enjoy each other's company- no schedule, no agenda- just an unhurried afternoon of relaxation?
Of course, all this rest and relaxation wouldn't have been possible without somebody putting in some hard work. I am grateful for Jonnia and our music ministry for leading us in worship and to Dave Stewart and the rec team for making arrangements for the picnic. And, I'm grateful to our promise-keeping God for once again making God's precence known when we gather in His name.
This past Sunday was a day of sabbath celebration for our little part of God's family. Our worship service was a great celebration- I only hope God was as blessed by our worship as we were by His presence. In good Towne View fashion, our worship was offered through music that spanned the gauntlet of tempo, style, and generations. What wonderful gifts were shared from prelude to postlude.
From worship we moved to Bartow-Carver Park for our annual church picnic. Lake Allatoona was again provided an exceptional backdrop for a beautiful afternoon. Plenty of good food, sweet desserts, sweet tea and lemonade quenched our appetites. It was quite a sight to watch folks enjoy the rocking chairs, children on the swings and in the water, folks paddle-boarding and playing games. I can't help but wonder, "why don't we do this more often?" As a church, yes, such opportunities for fellowship are priceless. But even as families, what happened to taking time just to enjoy each other's company- no schedule, no agenda- just an unhurried afternoon of relaxation?
Of course, all this rest and relaxation wouldn't have been possible without somebody putting in some hard work. I am grateful for Jonnia and our music ministry for leading us in worship and to Dave Stewart and the rec team for making arrangements for the picnic. And, I'm grateful to our promise-keeping God for once again making God's precence known when we gather in His name.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Prayers for a Wedding
It was a beautiful, sun-kissed Saturday afternoon as family and friends gathered for Thomas and Allie's wedding. The unseen Guest, was also among us so minister/dad offered these prayers.
An invocation:
God, we are gathered today in celebration of your love. Father God, it was as an expression of your love that you created this world and gave us the gift of life itself. As God the Son you offered your life to redeem our lives- as an expression of your love. As further expression of your love, you are present with us now, sustaining us as God the Spirit. We thank you for the love of family that brings us into this world, nurturing and guiding us. We thank you for the love of friends who stand with us, encouraging us and challenging us. And today we give you thanks for the love of a man and woman that calls them to commit themselves to one another as husband and wife. May you be honored in this time of worship and in the new life that begins today. Through Christ our Lord, amen.
And a blessing:
God, we thank you for Thomas and Allie and pray your blessings on their marriage. May you be their light in the dark days, their strength in the hard days, their hope in the lean days, and their love for all their days. And now, "may the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Amen.
An invocation:
God, we are gathered today in celebration of your love. Father God, it was as an expression of your love that you created this world and gave us the gift of life itself. As God the Son you offered your life to redeem our lives- as an expression of your love. As further expression of your love, you are present with us now, sustaining us as God the Spirit. We thank you for the love of family that brings us into this world, nurturing and guiding us. We thank you for the love of friends who stand with us, encouraging us and challenging us. And today we give you thanks for the love of a man and woman that calls them to commit themselves to one another as husband and wife. May you be honored in this time of worship and in the new life that begins today. Through Christ our Lord, amen.
And a blessing:
God, we thank you for Thomas and Allie and pray your blessings on their marriage. May you be their light in the dark days, their strength in the hard days, their hope in the lean days, and their love for all their days. And now, "may the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Amen.
Monday, April 27, 2015
How can I help?
I am a news junkie. I like being informed but sometimes all that information can be overwhelming. Consider the earthquake in Nepal.
I can't fathom the deaths of almost 4,000 people.
I can't get my mind around the extent of devastation.
I can't grasp the fear of people staying outdoors for fear of their homes collapsing.
I'm not sure that I can sing "This Is My Father's World" today.
So what can I do? How can I help?
I can start by praying. I am praying for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. I am praying for peace for those overwhelmed by the extent of their losses. I am praying for wisdom for those in positions of leadership. I am praying for courage for rescue workers and medical personnel. I am praying for compassion and strength for those who will be the presence and body of Christ in the midst of such devastation.
I can't go but I can put "feet" to my prayers by giving. We can give through our church by designation "earthquake/disaster relief" on our check or on-line giving. These funds will be forwarded to Baptist World Aid, the emergency relief agency of the Baptist World Alliance. You can give directly to this organization by going online to www.bwanet.org/give.
I can't fathom the deaths of almost 4,000 people.
I can't get my mind around the extent of devastation.
I can't grasp the fear of people staying outdoors for fear of their homes collapsing.
I'm not sure that I can sing "This Is My Father's World" today.
So what can I do? How can I help?
I can start by praying. I am praying for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. I am praying for peace for those overwhelmed by the extent of their losses. I am praying for wisdom for those in positions of leadership. I am praying for courage for rescue workers and medical personnel. I am praying for compassion and strength for those who will be the presence and body of Christ in the midst of such devastation.
I can't go but I can put "feet" to my prayers by giving. We can give through our church by designation "earthquake/disaster relief" on our check or on-line giving. These funds will be forwarded to Baptist World Aid, the emergency relief agency of the Baptist World Alliance. You can give directly to this organization by going online to www.bwanet.org/give.
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