"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: Tradition

Wednesday, February 24

Tradition

Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.—Exodus 20:8

Sundays, the seventh day of the week, have traditionally been a very special time. It is a day to thank the Lord for everything in our life.  A day to thank the Lord for looking after family, friends and those in need.  It is a time for rejuvenation; physical, mental and most importantly spiritual renewal. It seems that tradition has eroded over the last 30 years or more. There are not the special Sunday favorite meals following church and Sunday School of fried chicken or pot roast followed with a wonderful special dessert.  Families do not get together after the dinner to relax, talk, and participate in relaxing games of checkers, softball, horseshoes, long walks or other leisure activities.  There are very few opportunities to enjoy pot luck meals at the family's church followed by bible study or discussions of current topics. Everyone is rushed.  I, much like Tevye, am saddened to see tradition changed by the current rapidly escalating pace of present day life.  I am beginning to understand how people feel they are being left behind by society.  

Sunday is very special.  It is time for spiritual renewal for all.  Everyone has their own special way to rejuvenate their spiritual being.  Church provides an opportunity to "touch base" with my church family.  A family whose bond seems to continually grow as time goes on.  Sundays provide an opportunity for reflection.  There is sadness in the passing of a member but there is joy in the celebration of a baptism or young people becoming members of the Church. Both of these events are important in the life of the Church and life of our society.

It is sad that so many have to work on Sundays and cannot attend Church.  There are others who must work six days a week and use Sundays to take care of household chores and relax if they can so they can start over in the grind on Monday. They miss the comforts and reassurances which can be gained in the family of the church. We need to reflect on what is really important in our life.

Sundays are important to me for the traditions, for the uplifting experience and fellowship.  All of which have been so important my whole life.  

Bob & Myrt Dorroh

"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: Reflection

Tuesday, February 23

Reflection

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.—Matthew 7:7

Many of us lead extremely hectic lives.  I have to admit that, at times, my schedule becomes so filled that it difficult to hear the voice of God.  Although waking up at 7:00 AM on a Sunday feels like the last thing I want to do during the busiest times of the season, my mornings at Trinity give me the calm I need to hear what God is leading me to do.

Last year around this time I was feeling called to participate in a Trinity Lenten group, but also knew I was unable to commit. The groups were too far from our home or met at times that didn’t work with my family’s schedule. Instead of letting my “busyness” block God’s calling, I decided to form a Lenten group in my neighborhood.  We conveniently met on Sunday afternoons while our kids played in the basement. The location and discussion leader changed from week to week so no one carried too much of the load. The members are all crazy busy working mothers, but we know the importance of hearing what God has in store for our lives.  Fortunately, He is calling us into community again this year, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds. 

Prayer: Dear God, I admit that there are times when my schedule becomes so busy that I ignore your words.  Thank you for never giving up on me.  I know that when I listen for your voice, your plans for my amazing life become clearer.  What a gift! Amen.

Trudi Wright 

"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: A Different Expectation

Monday, February 22

A Different Expectation

Enter with the password:  “Thank you!”  Make yourselves at home, talking praise.  Thank God.  Worship God. 

—Psalm 100:4 (The Message)

Sunday mornings have been the primary focus of my life since before I was born as my mother was the pianist for the church in which I was baptized and raised.  Mom’s love of music, my dad’s dedication to serving in worship leadership and my grandpa’s gift of teaching a Men’s Bible study class provided a broad scope of Sunday experiences. There was never a question about how we spent Sundays.

As a minister in local congregations, Sundays have continued to be the primary focus of each week. Although there are times when the responsibilities overwhelm me as I move into a Sunday morning at Trinity, I am regularly reminded of the words of wisdom from my dear mentor Rosalie. A lifelong Director of Christian Education, the now 92 yr old Rosalie who still volunteers in her church said:

            Look for the small unexpected moments of God’s grace, love and joy.  Don’t create expectations for a perfect morning.  Let God surprise you!

And God surprises me EVERY Sunday…receiving the offering plates from ushers Kathy and Sam who grin from ear to ear with joy… observing newborns and 97 year olds arriving to worship God in the community of faith at Trinity…children eagerly join in the Children’s Message…dedicated Sunday School teachers…voices lifted in song and prayer…words of wisdom and hope from the pulpit…written prayers…conversations in Trinity café…and who knows how God will surprise me next Sunday!

Thanks be to God for Trinity - a welcoming and transforming experience:  the love of Jesus Christ.

 Linda Marshall

"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: Sabbath Day...Rest Day

February 21

Sabbath Day…Rest Day

Isaiah 43: 1-5 (excerpts) Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. ⁴ Because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, ⁵ Do not fear, for I am with you.

Moving into this day, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the possibility of a true Sabbath…a day of rest…a time to set aside the “to do list”…a time to allow God’s spirit and grace to intervene.  Perhaps this is the day to engage in conversation with the community of faith at church and to intentionally engage in conversation with God.  Perhaps today, this is the message from God that might just provide a good day!

Good Morning Precious Child of Mine!

This is God

I will be handling

All of your problems today.

I will not need

your help.

So, relax

and have a good day!!

 
Written by and for those of us who need Sabbath

"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: Confession

Saturday, February 20

Confession

An Invitation for Reflection through Lent Week Two

In the phrase “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” What do you think ashes represent (Jeremiah 6:26)?

            What do you think dust represents ( Genesis 3:19)?

            Are ash and dust the same?

How do we change from ash and dust with the death and resurrection of Christ according to 1 Corinthians 15:47-49?

Have you ever had a “crisis of faith”?

Have you been through a time when your own belief system seemed to be in contradiction or contrast to what you’d been taught or what those around you held to be true or acceptable?

            If so, how did you deal with that difference?

Would you consider going to a church where people are comfortable being uncomfortable, where dirty laundry is no longer hidden and people come just as they are?

           

What about that would be difficult and what would be better than where you’ve been before?

Evans writes, “Cynicism may seem a mild transgression, but it is a patient predator that suffocates hope, slowly, over many years . . .”

            What does this mean?

           

Have you ever been cynical about a situation or lost your hope?

Evans says that “many of our sins begin with fear” . . . where do you see evidence of fear in your life or the world today?