Weekly wonderings

This week, in the midst of all that is going on, we get to read Psalm 139 - "God, you know me" (vs 1 CEB).  What a powerful sensation - to be fully and completely known, and loved anyway! The Psalm goes on to expound on God's presence, no matter where we go, no matter what is happening around us and on God's amazing artistry shown in the miracle of conception and birth. What an amazing thoughts: That we are never alone! That God planned for us to be just the way we are! That God knows exactly who we are! This week we explore a different kind of intimacy. In this day and age of "enhancements" via plastic surgery or make up or tight undergarments, and illusions like "catfishing," spam phone calls and emails, and even politically correct speech, it is difficult to imagine authentically knowing and being fully known by another being. So often we feel we need to present the correct image, put on a respectable mask, do what is expected: Be strong when we...

February is fast coming to an end and spring will soon be upon us - at least we hope so! May the changing seasons bring hope for the brighter days ahead. The Scripture passage chosen for this morning is a short one, Ephesians 4:26: " Be angry without sinning.   Don’t let the sun set on your anger. " (CEB) At first glance this seems a very straight forward instruction, with not much to talk about. But let's think about anger. It is a complex emotion, often hiding other feelings and emotions.  Sometimes hurt, worry, frustration, or even hunger can manifest as anger. Sometimes i t can be easier to lash out than to deal with a situation and the fear, insecurity, or frustration it causes. I don't think these are the times that Ephesians is talking about when it says "Be angry."  These are the times when we need to recognize what is really going on and deal with the issue and the true feelings within us. These are times when we need to remember the part about not ...

 The person who chose todays' passages covered much of the Christian journey with these three Scripture readings: Psalm 91, Romans 12:9-21, and 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13. While the Psalm speaks of God's incredible faithfulness and presence, even in times of trouble, Romans 12 challenges us to be authentic, faithful and loving in all we are and do, and 1 Corinthians both helps us understand that love is the critical element of our lives as God's children, and pushes us to a fuller understanding of what love is. Trust, truth, and love: a brief summary of who God is and who are called to be. Psalm 91 is a lovely poem extolling God for being there whenever the psalmist needed help or protection. It draws on imagery like "camping in the Almighty's shade" (vs 1 CEB), and being protected under God's wings (vs 4). It speaks of assurance of protection from terrors and illness and destruction and other evil. What a glorious faith! To be so sure that God is by your side...

February 6- Be Still And Know Good morning!  Happy February! I find it hard to believe that the first week of February has passed and our term as deacons is complete.  It has been a wild ride with so many joys, like getting to know each of you just a little bit better, and so many sorrows, like the sharing of the deaths of so many loved ones. We have missed those of you who have moved to other cities, and been happy to meet those of you who have joined our congregation. We look forward to seeing you all in person real soon (If all goes well).  We wish you all well and hope you find ways to enjoy yourselves in spite of capricious weather and ever changing pandemic restrictions.    This morning we will continue our series looking at a Scripture passages important to people from our congregation. Our focus today will be Psalm 46, especially verse 10a which says "Be still and know that I am God." (NLT,NIV,KJV)   These words conjure in my head peaceful sounds of...