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Jesus Christ, You are the Light of the world. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “
Who would have thought that a year after we had to suspend our Holden Evening Prayer services due to the pandemic, we would still be on hold? How I miss that worship. Holden Evening Prayer has become central to this community. It is so comforting to listen to the congregation break into two parts to sing, or to hear your responses in the prayers, as we lift our prayers before God in thanksgiving. This booklet is meant to help you lift prayers during Lent, and hopefully will remind you of the liturgy we all love and miss. The lessons upon which people have reflected are all selected because they mirror words from Holden or are direct biblical references in Holden. For instance, in the liturgy we sing that the light shatters the darkness, so we reflect on the Gospel of John and the light of Christ that has come into the world. We will also be sending out the recording of Holden Evening Prayer with a new dramatic sermon each Wednesday. It is our hope that between the devotions here and the Holden Services provided, you will be fed and sustained during this time of Lent. Thank you to all who were willing to share from their hearts to encourage and strengthen others in their community. Peace, Pastor Trump
Art by fiber artist Kit Tossman
Holden Evening Prayer
Part 1: Service of Light
Procession Leader: Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world; All: the light no darkness can overcome; L: Stay with us now, for it is evening, All: and the day is almost over. L: Let your light scatter the darkness, All: and shine within your people here.
Evening Hymn All: Joyous light of heav’nly glory, loving glow of God’s own face, you who sing creation’s story, shine on ev’ry land and race. Now as evening falls around us, we shall raise our songs to you, God of daybreak, God of shadows, come and light our hearts anew. In the stars that grace the darkness, in the blazing sun of dawn, in the light of peace and wisdom, we can hear your quiet song. Love that fills the night with wonder, love that warms the weary soul, Love that bursts all chains asunder set us free and make us whole. You who made the heaven’s splendor, ev’ry dancing star of night, make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light. Mighty God of all creation, gentle Christ who lights our way, Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless day.
Evening Thanksgiving Leader: May God be with you all, All: and also with you; L: Let us sing our thanks to God, All: It is right to give God thanks and praise. L: Blessed are you, Creator of the universe from old you have led your people by night and day May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright, for your Word and your presence are the light of our pathways, and you are the light and life of all creation. All: Amen. "Holden Evening Prayer" setting by Marty Haugen, copyright ©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc., All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-717852.
Part 2: Psalmody, Readings & Canticles Psalm 141 All: Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you. O God, I call to you, come to me now; O hear my voice when I cry to you. Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you. Keep watch within me, God; deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright. Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you. All praise to the God of all, Creator of life; all praise be to Christ and the Spirit of love. Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you. Leader: The Light shines in the darkness All: and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Annunciation Leader: An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, “Rejoice, O highly favored, for God is with you. You shall bear a child, and his name shall be Jesus, the Chosen one of God Most High.” And Mary said, “I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will.”
The Magnificat All: My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through. Great and mighty are you, O Holy One, strong is your kindness evermore. How you favor the weak and lowly one, humbling the proud of heart. You have cast the mighty down from their thrones, and uplifted the humble of heart, You have filled the hungry with wondrous things, and left the wealthy no part. Great and mighty are you, O Faithful One, strong is your justice, strong your love, As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, kindness forevermore. My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.
Part 3: Litany & Prayers Litany and Prayers All: God of mercy, hold us in love. Leader: In peace, in peace, we pray to you. All: God of mercy, hold us in love. L: For peace and salvation, we pray to you. All: God of mercy, hold us in love. L: For peace between nations, for peace between peoples. All: God of mercy… L: For us who are gathered to worship and praise you. All: God of mercy … L: For all of your servants who live out your gospel. All: God of mercy . . . L: For all those who govern, that justice might guide them. All: God of mercy . . . L: For all those who labor in service to others. All: God of mercy . . . L: Grant weather that nourishes all of creation. All: God of mercy . . . L: Keep watch on our loved ones and keep us from danger. All: God of mercy . . . L: For all the beloved who rest in your mercy. All: God of mercy, hold us in love. L: Help us, comfort us, all of our days. All: Keep us, hold us, gracious God. L: God, remember us in your love, and teach us to pray: All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Final Blessing Leader: Let us bless our God: All: Praise and thanks to you. Leader: May God, Creator, bless us and keep us, may Christ be ever light for our lives, may the Spirit of Love be our guide and path, for all of our days. Amen.
Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2021
“Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world; the light no darkness can overcome.
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 1
Dear God, I pray that the life that is the light of all mankind exposes to me my own ignorance and arrogance, pettiness and lack of concern, envy and dissatisfaction, pride and disdain, anger and anxieties, idols and self-seeking, so that I recognize my need and grasp your hand and turn and walk with you, the light, and live according to your will. Jesus, the light of all mankind, enlighten our hearts and minds… as dawn light inspiring us to be joyful and thankful for each day because you are with us; as sunbeams straight from the heavens above cascading light on everything, reminding us that you are our eternal Father, that you desire us to live in truth, and that you love us; as sunshine that drives out despair and gloom and replaces it with your peace in the face of our woes; as a moonlight presence helping us find our way on the dark and lonely road we sometimes take in life; as starlight on a brisk night bringing us a sense of wonder and awe that you are the creator, the one true God. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it. — Jan Bass
Thursday, February 18, 2021 “Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world; the light no darkness can overcome...” Isaiah 60:19-22 The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night, but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, or your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land for ever. They are the shoot that I planted, the work of my hands, so that I might be glorified. The least of them shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly. 19
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I LOVE THIS — “A little kindness goes a long way!” And I ESPECIALLY love this, too: “A little spark of kindness can put a colossal burst of sunshine into someone’s day!” Kindness can be viewed by some as random acts. Yet that is not my truth. For me I feel it is an innate blessing, and I have made kindness to be an intentional daily choice of mine. Further, I distinguish it, not only as a statement of his wisdom, but also one symbolic of his will — a fruited seed to be a spark in his name, a burst of his sunshine, a glowing ember of his hope, his sparkling rainbow, a flicker to do good in his name in any moment, an inspiration rooting into an almighty orchard…the realization that God has given kindness without having boundaries and one can ever be too kind! This writing is to convey the depth of gratitude I hold for ALL the blessings I received since my last written Lenten devotional. I have been “the receiver of God’s kindness” through my devoted, loving SALC family. YOU absolutely turned my gray skies of depression, with YOUR unending prayers and kindness, into a sky radiating with BEAMS of SUNSHINE! You, my beloved, let the SUNSHINE in and now “my little light” once again shines! Oh Lord, always may we be YOUR SPARK to ignite your everlasting light of kindness onto others, where they find themselves basked within your warming glow of presence and unconditional love for you, through you, and in your holy name. Amen! — Theresa Henry
Friday, February 19, 2021 “Stay with us now, for it is evening, and the day is almost over.” Luke 24:13-31 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. 13
Simon and Cleopas were dejected. Things had certainly not panned out the way they had expected with Jesus. He was going to redeem Israel—and look how this all ended up! Enter the “mystery companion.”
The men clearly felt a strong connection with the man they met on the road, and the teaching he shared with them as they travelled helped them to understand what Jesus was sent to do. But it wasn’t until they sat down and shared a table that Christ revealed himself to them. At the table—in community—was where they finally recognized their companion. It’s easy to lose sight of Christ when things aren’t going the way we had expected. It’s hard for us, in the middle of a global pandemic, to share the gifts of community, of word, and of table. There are countless obstacles keeping us from worshiping together, sharing the meal, and deepening our faith and knowledge of the Word of God. It’s not the same. We can’t sing. It’s cold outside. There’s no Sunday school, except on Zoom. “Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening, and the day is almost over.” At the times that we feel dejected, hopeless, and weary—these are the most important times to call out to our Savior to stay with us, and meet us in worship and community. —Jenny Walrath
Saturday, February 20 “Let your light scatter the darkness and shine within your people here.” Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. 4And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. 1
When I was a little girl, I’d close my eyes and try to picture “the beginning” when the earth was a formless void and there was total darkness. I never could wrap my brain around that idea, that feeling of total emptiness until God scattered the darkness with light. It reinforced my child’s-eye view that our God — the architect of all creation — is an omnipotent force. Even now there is darkness in our lives whether from illness and death, struggles with family, sadness, fear, anger, loneliness…. And yet God is with us as he was from the beginning, lighting our way. The God who created the cosmos will surely bring peace and light to our broken world now just as he did in the beginning. Holy God, help us to always remember that your light has scattered the darkness and shines within each of us. Amen. — Beth Trump
Photograph of NGC 7424, a barred spiral galaxy about 100,000 light years in diameter, by Brian K. Peterson. It is located in the southern constellation of Grus (the Crane), and is 37.5 million light years from earth.
Monday, February 22 “Joyous light of heavenly glory, loving glow of God’s own face...” Psalm 29:1-6
Photograph of IC 4628, a region located 6,000 light years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius, by Brian K. Peterson.
A Psalm of David. 1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
I love the poetry we see in the Psalms, and I often wonder how it would sound if it was spoken aloud in the original Hebrew? For this Psalm, I looked up two things. “Ascribe to the Lord” in English doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but the Hebrew phrase we see in the Psalm “Havu L’Adonai” is a much more beautiful litany. Then we see “The voice of the Lord!” In fact, we see it four times: “Kol Adonai!” These form the core of a powerful song! Glory, majesty, strength — we ascribe these, we give credit to, we acknowledge God as the author and creator of all these things. And I hear the Lord’s voice — He speaks to us in everything, all creation shouts his praise in all the beautiful, mysterious, majestic, wonderful world. “Havu L’Adonai all creation, and Kol Adonai is all around me!” — Jay Folk
Tuesday, February 23 “Joyous light of heavenly glory, loving glow of God’s own face...” Psalm 89:5-11 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD, 7 a God feared in the council of the holy ones, great and awesome above all that are around him? 8 O LORD God of hosts, who is as mighty as you, O LORD? Your faithfulness surrounds you. 9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. 10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 11 The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it—you have founded them. 5
Joy is one of my favorite words and I use it sparingly because it represents something sacred to me, not a fleeting state of mind, but a deeply-rooted state of being that comes from us, not to us. If we embrace the joy within, I believe a natural extension of that is a brightness, a light that we cannot hide. A light that shines before others so that they see our Father, who is in heaven. Science tells us that we, and everything around us, are made of atomic particles that have been in existence since the universe began. There is no new water on the earth, no new soil, no new air. We are part of all history and it is part of us. We are stardust. I love that image of connectivity to the galaxies and the “heavenly glory” of God’s creation, that when the stars sing out in praise, it resonates within our cells and we, too, can be a “joyous light” reflecting his amazing love. What a blessing to be aware of God’s presence in our lives and know that he is the source of inner peace and joy! As Christians, we are called to acknowledge, adore, and spread the light, the heavenly glory, that we know. How do we tap into the light when the world seems dim? How do we share the light? It’s as simple as beginning with praise: praise for the Creator, praise for his wondrous universe, and praise that he considered us to be worthy of being a part of it. “For what is man, that you are mindful of him?” — Beth Mullins
Wednesday, February 24 “Joyous light of heavenly glory, loving glow of God’s own face...” Matthew 17:1-5 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ 1
I have often said that I wish God would just put a big neon sign in the sky, telling me exactly what he wants me to do – what to believe about specific topics, which side to take on an issue, is something fake news or not, etc. But, unfortunately, he doesn’t. I find that most frustrating as I try to discern his will. Especially when Christians seemingly hold diametrically opposed opinions on the same issue or belief. The Transfiguration of Jesus represents the transition from Old Testament to New Testament — a “changing of the guard” or “hand--off” from the leading lawgiver, Moses, and leading prophet, Elijah, to Jesus, the Messiah. “They spoke about his (Jesus’) departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:31) The joyous light of heavenly glory -- “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” -was a big neon sign to Peter, James, and John. If they had any doubts about who Jesus was before, those doubts were dispelled. Jesus was and is the Messiah. What are God’s neon signs to you? — Steve Slice
Acrylic painting by Katie Marie Puenner
Thursday, February 25 “You who sing creation’s story...” Genesis 1:9-13 And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. 10God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. 12The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. 13And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. 9
God gave us a gift. The earth was everything we needed to succeed. He didn't give us money, houses, cars, or any comfort. What he gave us were the tools for us to earn material items. He gave us the plants to eat, the seas to fish, the fruit and vegetables to harvest, materials to build shelter, as well as a time to work and a time to rest. The Lord does not give us material things and material things should not be prayed for. What we should pray for is thanks for the opportunity to grow and catch our sustenance. We have the blessings to take care of our families, to take care of others, and have the means to earn material items. So when we thank the Lord for our many blessings, we should not only thank him for the material things we have earned, but the means and opportunity to support our families and others. — Brian Haley
Painting by Francois Foucras
Friday, February 26 “Shine on every land and race.” Isaiah 60:1-5 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 1
Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 4
After the thick and desperate darkness described in Isaiah 59:9-10, this is the glorious rescue from the Redeemer. Light has come, so God tells his people to respond to it, and to arise and shine! First, we receive God’s light and then we have a service to put forth arise and shine. When we have the light inside us, it’s impossible to keep it from shining. Shining in our smiles, sharing our joys and blessings, opening our hearts with kindness and loving one another as God loves us. Heavenly Father we pray that you open our eyes and make necessary changes in our hearts and lives to enable God's glorious light to brightly shine in and through our lives to those around us. Help us to find ways to help others receive and shine their lights as well. —Jada Mitchell
Saturday, February 27 “Come and light our hearts anew.” Isaiah 61:1-4 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 1
Come and light our hearts anew. Celestial Radiance by Olga Dorenko Set us free and make us whole. Lead us on to endless day. Easter is the season of our hope and salvation. Many have called this past year unprecedented, so many things around the world have taken up the banner of unprecedented. Personally, I have come to hear with disdain the word “unprecedented.” This year has been just plain weird. Not to dismiss the strife and worries that individuals and the world are facing, but throughout history and probably before, bad things have been happening. Sometimes, people experience personal tragedies; communities experience disasters; nations rise and fall; and the world faces wars, pandemics, and environmental degradation. In the midst of challenges, people search for hope that light is at the end of the tunnel. Isaiah 61 reflects the promise of Christ in the New Testament. It tells us that God is here for those in pain and suffering. In Christ, we repair and rebuild; we have hope. — Melinda Crenshaw
Monday, March 1 “Come and light our hearts anew.” Ezekiel 36:23-27 I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD, says the Lord GOD, when through you I display my holiness before their eyes. 24I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. 25I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. 23
We are a people in need of hope; we are a people in need of redemption; we are a people in need of a new heart. Have we profaned his holy name among the nations? I couldn't help but make connections between the events likened in Ezekiel and the events we've lived through since last Easter. We are in need of a new hope; we are in need of a cleansing; we are a people hurting and in despair. Ezekiel, the prophet, offers God's comforting words "I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put in you." The last caveat God offers is the command to walk in his statutes and obey his rules. Seems simple enough, right? Love thy God. Love thy neighbor. Go to church on Sundays. Punch our ticket to heaven! Not so fast! God reminds us in Ezekiel that this is about him. And thankfully, he's taking us with him, by grace. We are not worthy, but he is taking us with him, by grace. Thanks be to God. Lord, thank you for your grace. While we are not worthy of your divine redemption through any action of our own, we are thankful for your son and our savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen. — Joseph W. Casey
Tree of Hope by Jennifer Lommers
Tuesday, March 2 “Come and light our hearts anew.” Isaiah 35:3-7 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.’ 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 3
A plea. A request. An imperative. Come. Light. Strengthen. Steady. I listened to a session on surviving the pandemic and the imagery of life right now as a tornado, whirling around us, we are whirling in it…and then to use the image of stepping outside the tornado for a while. We are what, where we think we are. This verse should change our mindset, remembering that ”God is bigger than the boogeyman” to quote Veggie Tales, and to renew my optimism and outlook that we don’t understand God’s plan, we don’t see it in the midst of our suffering, but step out of the suffering and be reassured about the master planner, renew the “glass IS half full” instead of “who drank my water?” Dear God, we are trapped in feebleness, unsteadiness, fearfulness. We are blind, deaf, lame, mute. We are dry, dehydrated, thirsty. We are weak. Come God, Come Lord, strengthen our faith to believe that ultimately, You got this. You are in charge. You have my back. Light my heart with renewed forward focus, renewed outlook in the confidence of your rescue, your sacrifice, your mercy toward me. Amen. — Claire Birdsong
Wednesday, March 3 “In the stars that grace the darkness...” Genesis 1:14-19 And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, 15and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. 16God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, 18to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. 14
My interest in stars began when I was only 3. I had an old jar with small ventilation holes in the lid. We had flowers in the side yard, which at dusk drew large, colorful moths. My jar was used to capture moths and fireflies (which seemed to me like tiny stars). Early evening before stars appeared, as it started getting dark, I released the moths, and watched for fireflies, for a catch and release. As darkness settled in, the star watch began with the old nursery rhyme: “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight; I wish I may, may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.” Stars have always held a fascination for me. When out and about, I still look for that first star, and make a wish (prayer), not just for myself, but for others throughout the world, especially those being persecuted for wanting to follow Jesus—the Ultimate Star—our Guiding Light. Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. Amen. — Bud Beyer
Thursday, March 4 “Love that fills the night with wonder...” John 3:11-21 ‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 11
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.’ 16
As adults, we are still so much like little children. We say that we are not afraid of the dark, but our gut very often is telling us something different. For a few moments, let us think of the night or darkness as one image for life. We say to our child, “there is nothing in the closet” because we know what is in there and they really do, too. However, the instant we turn off the light and close the door, our child turns on their imagination and all sorts of creatures begin to inhabit that closet full of darkness. But do we believe there is nothing in our uncertain life (closet) that can overcome us? This evening hymn assures us that it is “Love that fills the night with wonder.” There is nothing in the starry night but the love and grace of God who created all of it. We need to remind ourselves, whether it is night or day, God is there—the God of love is in charge of our days and nights. Can we trust God even if we can’t be sure of what is ahead? — Lee Bowling
Reach for the Stars by Jen Norton
Friday, March 5 “Love that fills the night with wonder...” John 15:4-14 Abide in me as I abide in you…. 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 4
‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 12
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me. We all understand that in order for a plant to grow and produce fruit it needs soil, water and air. If there is a drought, the plant will wither and eventually die if it does not receive rain. The fruit must stay attached to the vine and draw its strength from it. Without Jesus we can do nothing. Now if you are like me, you have probably strayed from the path, gotten lost a few times, asked for directions, and found your way back. The times we are lost are the times we need Jesus the most. Without Jesus we can do nothing. Back in college, I strayed from the path. Way off of it, where it was full of thorns and burrs. I recognized I was lost and found myself in a church pew one Sunday morning. After that I went to a Christian bookstore and found a simple cross necklace that I wore all the time. Getting back on that path that Sunday morning led me on this road to where I am today. Without that road, I would not have met Justin, nor had the kids God has blessed us with. Without Jesus we can do nothing. Heavenly Father, I pray that we can continue to abide in you and trust in your word. Help us to stay attached to the vine and grow in your love. Amen. — Deb Varco
Saturday, March 6 “Love that bursts all chains asunder...” 1 Corinthians 13:1-6 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 1
During this time of asynchronous and remote worship, our Sundays have not been very routine. Some days we did start with a lesson and discussion, a sort of intimate Sunday school class. Our conversation about these verses was like that: DR – Mom and Dad, would you be willing to help with a devotional for Lent? BD – Sure, let me go get my Bible. Is it a New Testament passage? Well, I think I’ll use The Message, a reinterpretation of the Greek and Hebrew by the Reverend Eugene Peterson. I like the plain language he used. Charles, go get your Bible. I’d like to read more from Reverend Peterson. DR – Mom, I just Googled Reverend Peterson. Did you know he wrote 45 books? I think we can find you another one. Okay, 1 Corinthians 13. (If you have not read it yet, stop here and do that.) So, Dad, I know that you used these verses often at weddings. What did you want the couples getting married to hear and learn? PD – I wanted them to hear what Jesus taught about what love is. We discussed the passages and the different nuances of the language of two versions for a bit. Just some highlights that we thought: This was obviously the way Jesus lived and how he loves. He loved and accepted all. He cared about how people behaved – saying “go and sin no more” — but first he loved. The only time we know of his showing anger was when people showed disregard for the holy temple. Love doesn’t keep score of other people’s sins. Love forgives. God calls us to love others as he does through our ministries – even in tough places like prisons, detention centers, rehab, streets…well, wherever we see need. And his love and grace help us to see the need. Loving this way is really hard! Lord, loving your way is still tough. I pray for your guidance and growth in our ability to love. Give me patience and help me to move beyond my judgments to walk in your love. Amen. — Charles and Betty Dawkins
Monday, March 8 “Love that bursts all chains asunder...” Romans 8:31-39 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?.... 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 31
If there is ever a doubt of God’s love for us, we can reference this passage: “He did not withhold his own Son, rather gave him to all of us.” I am tempted to look at circumstances and situations to measure God’s love for me or the world. I struggle to understand the why. But, remember that free will is the greatest gift and we cannot choose how people use that will. However, we can choose what happens next. On Earth, we think of our bodies, our families, our hardships, our accomplishments and all that is present or in the now. To truly think about life after death is what is made clear for me. None of these things will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. I read the confidence in this passage differently than others. I feel some instructional scripture comes across overzealous, conceited and confrontational. However, this one gives me courage and assurance that my future is resolute – if I believe what happens next. — Shawn Skillman
The Eucharist by Jen Norton
Tuesday, March 9 “Make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20 You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. 20Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 19
The Old Testament laws are easy and hard at the same time. They are easy because they are plain and simple. They just lay out what you should and shouldn’t be doing. They are hard for the same reason. You can’t really interpret them other than how they are written; there is no nuance to bend to what you want them to say. These Deuteronomy verses are clear — don’t take bribes, don’t go against the laws that are already established. Being open to bribery shows a lot of weakness and dishonesty. Only a person with weak or non-existent beliefs would change them or pretend to change them for money. When people in power dishonor their beliefs, they are dishonoring God and his plans for them. True justice means that those who have done wrong will atone for their crimes or sins and those who are falsely accused will have their slate cleaned. Both of these situations are supposed to lead to forgiveness from God and from the community so that everyone can live in peace and how we can best serve each other and God. God, thank you for always forgiving us through your grace. Amen. — Nathan Mullins
Day and Night by Olga Dorenko
Wednesday, March 10 “Make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light.” Psalm 33:1-5 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright. 2 Praise the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. 4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. 1
Psalm 33 suggests a praise about God protecting his people. I chose, “make us shine with gentle justice,” from Holden Evening Prayer because the events of the past year gave me pause to reflect on the ‘true light of Christ’ in my life and how I, in some small way, can shine a light on those who need uplifting in the midst of the darkness. Upon realizing the pandemic was not soon going away, and having never been the most positive person, I strived to become “a light in the darkness.” In the early weeks of the pandemic lockdown, I daily sat in my backyard with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and observed the creatures of nature around me -- butterfly, bumblebee, hummingbird, squirrel, lizard. I found myself immersed in the sanctuary that was my backyard. Finding solace and comfort in the quiet and peaceful moments, my mind transported me to an imaginary world where I was inspired to write a collection of eight children’s short stories titled The Backyard Club about my imaginary interactions with butterfly, bumblebee, hummingbird, squirrel, lizard. Each story offered a ‘lesson learned’ and paved for me a path to shine with gentle justice. People say you can’t tell if a person is smiling behind the mask. I disagree. Eyes and voices smile. Small acts of kindness like smiles and kind words send messages of goodwill, joy and light. It remains unknown how long this pandemic will last, but as the last words of Psalm 33 say, “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” — Kristine Thompson
Thursday, March 11 “Make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light.” Isaiah 9:6-7 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. 6
Peace Be with You, fiber art by Kit Tossmann
Jesus did not just happen upon Earth. From eternity God planned to “give” him. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus existed eternally as the Son. The word “son” is used to show the relationship between the Father and Son. He transcends human understanding which makes him unique among human beings. He stands supreme above everyone else. Jesus reveals the mind of God. He counsels us from God’s perspective. He gives God’s counsel. This scripture gives a sense of peace to the people at that time a savior would come and bring peace to their land. This should also remind us that Jesus is the Son of God for all of our trials and tribulations. As he walked the earth as truly human, he is able to understand all of our thoughts, fears, sadness and gladness. We can come to him anytime in prayer and know he is the great Counselor and will guide us. His blessings will bring us joy that only he can provide. Heavenly Father, we give thanks for your Son as our Savior and King. Help keep us mindful that he is always there during our ups and downs in life. He knows our sins and forgives us because we are his children through our baptism. Amen. — Jada Mitchell
Friday, March 12 “Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless grace.” Ephesians 1:1-8 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8that he lavished on us. 1
I’ve said it before, I say it again. If you’re ever asked to give a motivational Christian message, just stand up and read Romans 8 really dramatically. If your audience likes that and you’re invited back, let the first 14 verses of Ephesians be your encore. Chick-fil-a is great! Romans 8 is great! (That rhymes.) Romans is Dusk on the River by Olga Dorenko great because Paul reveals to us God’s plan. “By sending his own Son” God’s gonna “deal with sin” so that we will have “life and peace.” By the Holy Spirit’s witness to our spirit of Christ’s blood shed for us, we are adopted as children of God and joint heirs with Christ. This is the Gospel of our Salvation. So we get what God’s doing in Romans. While Paul hints at the why in Romans, he restates the what and then brings home the why in Ephesians. God has made know the Gospel of Salvation, “the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure.” His grace is lavished on us. We are adopted as his children because it is the good pleasure of his will. Martin Luther tells us to remember our baptism when we wash our faces. I will add that when you pick up you number one meal in the drive-thru at Chick-fil-a and hear “my pleasure,” remember that it is God’s good pleasure that we receive his loving Spirit of Salvation. — Trent Shealy
Saturday, March 13 “Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless grace.” Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. 1
We sing and pray for the day that God has promised: the day when peace and justice will prevail, when all the wounds of this world will be healed, and when we will be true reflections of Christ’s love. Paul declares that because of Jesus, we have peace with God already, even as we long for that peace to pervade our other relationships and our world. The Holy Spirit has been poured into our lives as the promise of that coming day, and the Spirit is already working among us. Paul’s words in Romans 5 describe what this Spirit-infused life is like now. The Justice and Peace by John August Swanson hope that is given to us through baptism ushers us onto a journey enriched with suffering, endurance, and character. This is not a hope that hides from the difficult realities of the world, but rather sees God at work in the places of suffering. Paul ends the description of this journey by returning to “hope.” Because we live by faith in God’s faithful promises, we are never left “hopeless.” — Brian Peterson
Monday, March 15 “Let my prayer rise up like incense before you…’ Psalm 141:1-5 A Psalm of David. 1 I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you. 2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. 4 Do not turn my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with those who work iniquity; do not let me eat of their delicacies. 5 Let the righteous strike me; let the faithful correct me.
“Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, coals from the altar were taken in a censer, or fire holder, together with two handfuls of incense, into the Holy of Holies, where the incense was made to smoke before the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony.” – Leviticus 16:12-13 In Exodus 30:34-35, Moses was given instructions to make incense. “The Lord said to Moses, take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (an equal part of each), and make an incense….” The Murex whelks (predatory sea snails) are believed by some scientists to be the source of onycha. (See “Modern Science Tackles a Biblical Secret – the Mystery Ingredient in Holy Incense” by Kristen Benkendorff, a marine biologist at Southern Cross University.) The scientists removed and cleaned the sea snail’s opercula, the trapdoor lid that protects the snail inside the shell, to create a powder, onycha, that they used in their tests leading to some evidence of the link. As noted in Benkendorff’s article, an argument against the sea snail as a source of the onycha is that they were considered unclean animals in Leviticus. However, there is evidence that the dyes from specific sea snails were used in the making of the cloth used in the tabernacle. While unclean, they were used for a holy purpose. Think about it. An unclean animal was cleansed and then used in the holy incense to take a place and its personnel from profane to holy. Just as through my thoughts, words and deeds, by what I have done and left undone, I am unclean. By way of our Savior’s sacrifice I am cleansed. My prayers, like incense, rise up so that I may commune with God. — Mandy Glowacki
Tuesday, March 16 “Let my prayer rise up like incense before you...” Matthew 6:1, 5-6 Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 1
And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5
Let my prayers rise up like incense before You… Oh, God, I call to You, come to me now; Oh, hear my voice when I cry to you. Matthew warns us not to wear our religion — our giving, our service, our prayers — as a garment for others to admire. Placing ourselves on a stage, we are seeking accolades and rewards. Our focus remains on ourselves. The acts become empty and meaningless to God. Praying in the Spirit is an act of letting the Spirit speak to God through you. The Spirit knows your heart and needs. This act of releasing your preconceptions allows for God to intercede in ways we would not imagine. These prayers are healing and let our concerns float up to God on the air—trusting God. — Melinda Crenshaw
Transfixed on the Crowd by Olga Dorenko
Wednesday, March 17 “Keep watch within me, God...” Jeremiah 4:13-19 Look! He comes up like clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles— woe to us, for we are ruined! 14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart clean of wickedness so that you may be saved. 18 Your ways and your doings have brought this upon you. This is your doom; how bitter it is! It has reached your very heart.’ 19 My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the walls of my heart! My heart is beating wildly; I cannot keep silent; for I hear the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. 13
As I read in Jeremiah, my first reaction was “Oh no! How do I meditate on these words, Lord?” I suspect others who read this passage may have that same, if only fleeting, thought. But, as Jeremiah states, don’t we sometime also feel “besieged”? We do not see chariots, feel a whirlwind, hear a war cry or voice Twister by Olga Dorenko announcing a distant army. We do, however, hear the frightening news of the pandemic, the sad loss of lives, the threatened or lost jobs, and the deep political unrest. As verse 18 states, “How bitter it is! How it pierces the heart!” We long for comfort. We yearn for healing and less divisiveness. We need reminding in this season of Lent, to return to God. To seek his solace. To find and to share his peace. Forgiving and welcoming Father, help me to find faith sufficient for these days. Reach me, deep in my heart. Forgive my unbelief. Renew my trust in you. Amen. — Donna Ray
Thursday, March 18 “May the light of your love be burning bright.” Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. 14
A few days ago, I watched the movie "Apollo 13" for probably the 100th time. The successful return to Earth of a crippled Apollo 13 spacecraft and its three astronauts is one of the most amazing achievements of our space program. The movie appears to perfectly capture the drama, the danger and the joy. One scene shows a TV interview, conducted before the Apollo 13 launch, with one of the astronauts, Jim Lovell (played by Tom Hanks). Lovell, a former Navy fighter pilot, was asked to discuss a specific airplane emergency he had confronted. He told about flying one night in "combat conditions," which meant his aircraft carrier wasn't using its running lights. As he returned to the carrier, his radar jammed, the homing signal to the ship didn't work, and every instrument in his cockpit shorted out. He was over the ocean, couldn't see his carrier, and had no way to find it. He was also running out of fuel. He doesn't say this in the interview, but he paints the picture of a man all alone, failed by the technology of his day, and seemingly without hope. But just as he thought about ditching the plane, he looked down and saw a long, green trail of algae that had been churned up in the carrier's wake. Following it led him back to the ship. "It was just leading me home." This past year has been one of great despair for our world, our country, our church — and for me. We've faced a pandemic that disrupted all aspects of our lives and separated us physically from family, friends and fellow worshipers. We worry about a nation sharply divided politically, and we remain shocked that people actually rioted in our U.S. Capitol building. It's easy at times to feel as hopeless as Lovell was in a Navy jet. But this passage calls us to hope. God, who has carried us all through so many troubled times, will do so again. In the midst of the darkness — when we can't find our way home and our earthly creations cannot sustain or save us — the light of God's love burns bright. He loves us. He created us. His love will once again lead us through the night. Gracious God, Thank you for your steadfast love. Thank you for the light of that love and for keeping it burning bright. May we turn to that light in our despair, loneliness and hopelessness. Amen. — Paul Osmundson
Friday, March 19 “You shall bear a child...” Luke 1:34-38 Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ 35The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. 34
Epiphany by John August Swanson
My daughter danced the part of Gabriel, the messenger angel, in her dance studio’s Christmas production this year. How special, to give a message to Mary, the soon-to-be mother of God’s son. Mary received this extraordinary message with a simple question, “How will this be?” “How will this be?” A question that many of us have asked when faced with what seems like an impossible situation. But we need to remember that “nothing is impossible with God.” This doesn’t mean that Mary’s story was all milk and honey. Neither will ours be a story of endless plenty. But with God it will be a story infused with the wonder and goodness of God and the Holy Spirit, and the Son born in fulfillment of the angel’s promise. So, the next time you ask, “How will this be?” Remember, it may not be fast, it may not be easy, but with God, IT. WILL. BE. — Lynne LaSalle
Saturday, March 20 “My soul proclaims your greatness, O God...” Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 46
If we’ve read the Bible from Genesis forward, before we meet Mary and her Magnificat, we’ve seen power plays, intrigue, war, all in the name of land domination and wealth, made by many generations of kings and their powerful armies who never seemed to quite get it right in God’s eyes. To counter the arrogance of these men, prophets were raised up from poor villages and circumstances; God’s use of the weak to humble the strong is a common thread throughout the Bible. We don’t know much about Mary, except that she lived in Nazareth, was young, unwed but betrothed, and, by her own admission, a poor handmaiden. In other words, she was weak, small, a nobody. Our Biblical hindsight being 20/20, her low position should give us a clue that she is destined for greatness. Not having the benefit of this knowledge, however, she certainly didn’t see that “highly favored” status coming until it punched her in the gut (sorry, bad pun). I think of her human-ness and what she must have felt through those days of pregnancy. How did she feel when she came back from visiting Elizabeth, without a husband, but with her “baby bump” likely becoming evident? Did she feel pride or shame when met with scornful looks? Did she try to keep it secret, or did she tell everyone her news? Did she continue to be grateful for being God’s vessel? There are occasions in Luke in which Mary is described after being reminded that her son is the Messiah as “pondering” these things “in her heart.” That seems to speak to her absolute awe of whom she has become, the mother of God. Tucked down in her innermost self also, is her soul, where that beautiful song of praise erupted. How many times did her pondering lead to her rejoicing? I hope it was often. God, you have love for all, rich and poor, strong and weak, and have use for the gifts you’ve given to each. Stir our hearts, our souls, our beings to be your servants and, while doing so, put songs of praise to you on our lips. Amen. — Beth Mullins
Monday, March 22 “How you favor the weak and lowly one...” Luke 1:30-33 The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ 30
These four brief verses record perhaps the most stunning message ever delivered to a person. It’s hard for me to imagine what Mary’s initial thoughts were as she absorbed the news that first, she was to have a son, and second, that he was to be the Messiah. We are fortunate because now, today, we know the end of the story. Most of us heard it many times as children. The Bible tells us that Joseph honored his commitment to Mary, and that eventually they were married. We know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, was presented to the Lord in the temple in Jerusalem, and that Jesus grew to be “…strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” But in that instant, that lonely stark moment after the angel delivered this incomprehensible and incredible news to Mary, we have to wonder: What was she really thinking? How did she feel? We’ll never know for certain. And if we ask ourselves how these verses in isolation speak to us…do they give us comfort and help in shocking and uncertain times? I’m not sure they do that for me, personally. Yes, they tell us that God has a plan. And that he is in charge. But does this mean that we are just along for the ride? That things are just going to happen and that we have no control? Perhaps. But we do know the end of the story. And that’s a comfort. — Jay Folk Canticle of Mary by Jen Norton
Tuesday, March 23 “You have filled the hungry with wondrous things...” Psalm 107:4-9 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; 7 he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. 8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things. 4
This Psalm shows that God has a plan for us. He is always guiding and providing. It may not always be what WE want but what GOD believes we need to nourish our souls. His plan is always to provide for us through his love for us. Orchard painting by Kelly Walston
You may ask how this relates to us and God’s work. I see his work in many ways. Many have asked and prayed for an answer to the current pandemic. The Lord has heard our prayers and provided the development of a vaccine to help end the pandemic. God has provided a path for relief for suffering and illness. Whether it is our physical or emotional needs God will provide for the faithful who ask for help. His answer might be slower than you would like or not what you want but, in the end, he delivers what we need. You have to believe in his plan. — Robbie Derrick
Wednesday, March 24 “You have filled the hungry with wondrous things...” Isaiah 58:5-8 Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? 5
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rearguard. 6
God is telling us in this passage that we should be helping those around us: "When you see the naked, to clothe him." God calls us to take care of each other's needs and to help those that may be less fortunate. The interesting part about this passage comes at the beginning. God says, "Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself?" This resonated to me because Lent is a time that many of us fast or look to help others. God tells us with this verse that we should be doing this at all times, and not just during certain seasons! Father God, we ask your prayers of comfort for those that are less fortunate and for those that are in need. We ask you to show us ways that we may care for our neighbor that is in need so that we may show your grace and love! —Nicholas Shumate
Thursday, March 25 “...and left the wealthy no part.” Mark 10:17-22 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 18Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.” ’ 20He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ 21Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ 22When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. 17
Priorities. Each of us has our own priorities. The world, i.e. society, has its own set of priorities. The young man in Mark has his priorities. He asked Jesus “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him by reminding the young man of six of the Ten Commandments -- the six commandments that pertain to our relationships with others. The young man quickly answered that “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Pat on the back for the young man. Then, Jesus reminded the young man of the other four commandments, the ones that pertain to our relationship with God, by telling the young man to “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” What was the young man’s response? “At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” The young man had apparently not put a priority on those commandments -- in particular, “You shall have no other gods before me” and “You shall make no idols.” Busted. The young man’s priorities, i.e. gods and idols, were revealed. Our society values wealth and encourages us to put more faith in our bank accounts and investments than we do in God. What kinds of gods and idols are reflected in our priorities? — Steve Slice
Friday, March 26 “Strong is your justice, strong your love.” Psalm 146:2-10 2
I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help. 4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish. 3
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; 5
7
who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free; 8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. 10
The Lord will reign for ever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.
The psalmist calls us to praise in these beautiful verses. It seems so easy. I will praise my God. I will look to “the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.” Yet have I been doing so? Have I been living a life of prayer and praise, without ceasing? We recently taped the Sunday worship service and as I sang the hymn, I realized how long it had been since I sang, much less praised my God in song. I confessed to Jenny that I had gone for weeks without singing. Not in the car, not at home and not even in worship. No wonder our pet dogs – Coco, Peanut, and Stella – looked at me with ears perked and heads cocked to the side when I did break into song this week! So, I will praise the Lord. I will let the cold, fresh air of winter be a reminder of God’s creation of seasons and the very gift of breath. I will look at our pack of dogs and even Butters, the cat, as gracious, furry gifts from God. I will rejoice in the longevity of my parents and the continued love I feel in the generations of my family. I will praise his name for the meaningful work he has given me and for the enthusiasm (from en Theos, meaning: “with God”) of the medical students. I will be thankful for interprofessional colleagues who care for so many. I will thank him for the knowledge given to scientists who develop vaccines. I will be glad for my faith community and our spiritual leaders. I will rejoice in this day. I will sing, for “how can I keep from singing?” Praise the Lord, O my soul! I praise your holy name. Amen.
— Donna Ray
Saturday, March 27 “As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, kindness for evermore.” Genesis 17:1-8 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.’ 3Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 5No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God.’ 1
A covenant is defined as a promise made to humanity by God. In this scripture, it almost seems a miraculous one. To understand the true magnitude of what is occurring, we need to look back. In chapter 15, God assured Abram he would indeed have a son. However, in chapter 16, flesh took over instead of faith in the house of Abram. God remained silent for 13 years, showing patience and waiting for when the ability of the flesh was at an end. Then in chapter 17, God announces his presence and who he is, this time reassuring Abram of the covenant made over 25 years prior (in chapter 12). Not only will Abram multiply from his own seed, he will do so with Sarah and will become the “father of many nations.” This is such an important covenant that God changes the name Abram to Abraham, signaling a new beginning. Stop for a moment and think about that. A new beginning at 99 years old! As we later learn, this in reality was basically an actual beginning. We can rest in the assurance that as God showed compassion for Abraham to provide when things seemed impossible of the flesh, he too shows compassion to us. Just as important, it shows we can believe every single promise of God. — Dicky Hoyt
Monday, March 29 “For peace between nations, for peace between peoples.” Isaiah 2:2-4 In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 2
World Peace by Julie Joy
With all the turmoil going on in the world at this moment, it comforts me to read these verses from Isaiah. The thought that all nations will someday come together is unimaginable to me. How could it happen? How could there be peace when the future looks so bleak? But, God calls us to be his hands and feet in the world and be the peacemakers. If we acknowledge and accept that we all need to find and share peace, and we all need the word of the Lord, then anything is possible! Dear Lord, The peace that we experience in our relationship with God, ourselves and others, does not mean that we will escape conflict and live happily ever after. It does mean that even in the midst of difficult times and hopeless situations, peace can still be a part of our lives. It is a peace that passes understanding and a peace that no one can take away from us. Amen. — Mari Frye
Tuesday, March 30 “For all those who labor in service to others.” Luke 10:29-37 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ 30Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ 37He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ 29
When an expert of the law tests Jesus about how he can inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him how he interprets the law. He answers, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” The Samaritan exemplifies the model of the neighbor as he demonstrates mercy. During this pandemic, Jesus provides us multiple opportunities to help our neighbors and each other. I often ask myself, “am I doing enough or am I falling short?” I pray when the opportunity presents itself, the Lord will open my eyes and lead me to act. Dear Lord, help us all to become like the Good Samaritan and put service to others before ourselves. Let us always remember your life of service and sacrifice for us and open our eyes to act! Amen. — Tom Henry
Wednesday, March 31 “For all the beloved who rest in your mercy.” Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 1
In these verses from Hebrews 12, Paul uses the beautiful word picture of being “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” I just love this. God surrounds us with people who are witnesses to the faith to guide and shape us throughout our lives. And, it goes on to say that since this is true, we need to lay aside every weight and sin and get busy keeping our eyes on Jesus to do the work that needs to be done. This first verse is translated as “every weight and sin that clings so closely” but in other places it is translated as “every weight and sin that easily distracts.” Oh yes. Now that’s my language. Sin can so easily distract me from doing the work that needs to be done.
Radiant Light by Elizabeth Wang
But, these verses also tell us how to do it—by looking to Jesus who joyfully did the work.
And, Jesus’ work was dying on the cross for us so that our sin wouldn’t weigh us down, cling so closely and distract us. Each week when I receive the bread and wine, I am reminded of the great cloud of witnesses who join me—those who surround me in person and those who have died in the faith. And, that meal sustains me to run the race that God has set before me. Thanks be to God! — Sandra Holland
Thursday, April 1
Maundy Thursday
“Give to your people the peace that passes all understanding.” Matthew 5:4-14 4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Do you know the song "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart”? Are you singing it now, or at least maybe it is playing in your head? Do you remember the third verse?: "I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart." We often sing it in Sunday School classes and VBS, and I like to check to see if the kids actually notice the meaning of the third verse. Sometimes, when you sing it, it is so fast it runs together ("peacethatpassesunderstanding") and sounds like nonsense. So, I like to talk about it with the children, slow it down, and explain that it means an amazing kind of peace that is so strong and powerful that we can't even understand it. A peace that we cannot explain because it can only come from God, yet through God, we can all have it "down in our hearts." I do believe that we can experience peace that passes understanding in our hearts, but as adults, maybe there is more to this lesson…. In these verses from Matthew, commonly called "The Beatitudes," Jesus brings our attention to the frailty of the human condition and how God's grace can elevate qualities that might be viewed as weaknesses into strengths. Let's focus on verse 9 — "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Our world, our country needs peacemakers. In this time when we are so divided that we cannot even agree on basic facts to establish a common reality, the choice to make peace with people who hold opposing viewpoints has become an overwhelming challenge. There may be times when despite our best efforts to listen, to understand, to relate to someone else's perspective, we fall short. We cannot always understand, and this lack of understanding and being able to relate to one another leaves us in conflict. In these cases, it is imperative that we turn to God. Our humanity has limits, yet, through our faith in God, maybe we can accept the fact that we do not understand and move beyond it. We can choose the peace that passes understanding by recognizing our own limitations and relying on God to give us the strength to be peacemakers, even when it seems impossible. Dear God, Help us to know the divine experience of a peace that passes all understanding. Be with us, in our hearts, as we seek to be peacemakers and bring healing and reconciliation to our communities. Amen. — Georgia Godfrey
Good Friday
Friday, April 2
“Give to your people the peace that passes all understanding.” John 14:25-28 I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 25
Today is always the most poignant day in the cycle of our church days. Good Friday brings the words of Jesus from the cross to the front of my mind and also to yours: “It is finished.” And yet still when we read Jesus’ words from John, we know that while his work on earth in human form was finished, his gift of salvation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are never finished in and through us. It is a most blessed ending and beginning all wrapped up in one marvelous gift to each of us—and it does bring us peace. We are living in very troubled times with a pandemic threatening our lives and livelihoods in so many ways. We are unsettled by the political stress and upheaval of our nation. We so miss the gatherings, hugs, unmasked smiles, and firm handshakes of yesteryear. This is certainly a time when we yearn for peace in our minds, souls, and spirits as well as for our world and nation. Hear the warm embrace of God in the admonishment “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He promises, “My peace I give you!” Let us boldly trust in his promises for this day and the days to come. For God is faithful. He will always give us peace and salvation. After all, he is the Risen Christ of Easter. God, we give you thanks that gave your Son for us and that you gift us with peace and comfort for our lives. In our gratitude inspire us to share your love and peace with those who cross our paths in life, both today and in all our days. Amen. — Phillip Jenkins Rainbow by Olga Dorenko
Saturday, April 3 “God, remember us in your love and teach us to pray.” Matthew 6:9-14 ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 9
The Apostle Paul calls us to pray without ceasing. I wish I didn't have to keep learning that lesson. I suppose I'm like most people in that I pray pretty intensely whenever I'm confronted with a big decision or a personal crisis, or when I'm following a major news event. I seek God's wisdom about whether to accept a new job or to buy a new house. I ask for his assurance when my anxiety takes over while I await a test result or when the pressures of life and work seem insurmountable. No matter what happens, I'm always emboldened by his peace and strength. I also wonder why I don't pray more during "normal" times. If prayer makes crises more bearable, would it cause me to scream less at other drivers? Would I say hello to more people, or wave to more cars while walking around my neighborhood. Would I reach out more to people I know who are in need? Would I worry less about perceived slights while more quickly praising and thanking others? Would I be more tolerant of people who don't think like I do politically? Would I be a little happy for fans of the New York Yankees when they win? In short, would drawing closer to God through constant prayer cause me to love God and my neighbor more? The answer, of course, is clear. Loving God, thank you for teaching us to pray. Thank you for always listening no matter why or when we pray. Thank you for always responding with your love and grace. Through prayer, we ask you to make us better servants in your kingdom. — Paul Osmundson
Easter Sunday, April 4 “May God, Creator, bless us and keep us, may Christ be ever light for our lives, may the Spirit of Love be our guide and path, for all of our days. Amen.
Warm Forest by Olga Dorenko
Contributors Jan Bass Theresa Henry Jenny Walrath Beth Trump Jay Folk Beth Mullins Steve Slice Brian Haley Jada Mitchell Melinda Crenshaw Joe Casey Claire Birdsong Bud Beyer Lee Bowling Deb Varco Charles and Betty Dawkins Shawn Skillman Nathan Mullins Kristine Thompson Jada Mitchell Trent Shealy Brian Peterson Mandy Glowacki Donna Ray Paul Osmundson Lynne LaSalle Robbie Derrick Nicholas Shumate Dicky Hoyt Mari Frye Tom Henry Sandra Holland Georgia Godfrey Phillip Jenkins John Trump Deborah Slice
Lent & Holy Week Schedule 2021 Please sign up for all indoor services. Ash Wednesday, February 27 Indoor services for up to 25 people will be held at noon and in the evening. Evening services will be at 6 p.m., and if that service fills up, again at 7 p.m. Remember, only sign up for the 7 p.m. service if the 6 p.m. service is full. There will also be a devotion for Ash Wednesday sent to each home. Five Wednesday Evenings in Lent Each Wednesday evening during Lent, beginning Feb. 24, the Holden Evening Prayer service with a new “dramatic sermon” will be emailed to you each week. These services were recorded with our virtual choir to help lead worship. Sundays in Lent Each Sunday you will be sent a recorded Lenten worship service. In-person, indoor worship will be offered each 2nd and 4th Sunday. In-person, outdoor worship will be offered each 1st and 3rd Sunday. Holy Week Sunday, March 28, Palm Sunday —9:45 a.m. indoor worship for up to 25 people; 10:30 a.m. outdoor worship Maundy Thursday, April 1—7 p.m. indoor worship for up to 25 people Good Friday, April 2 —7 p.m. indoor worship for up to 25 people Easter Sunday, April 4—9:45 a.m. indoor Service of Holy Communion for up to 25 people; 10:30 a.m. outdoor Service of Holy Communion
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 1416 Broad River Road + Columbia, SC + salutheran.com + 803.772.6034