St. Thomas' Episcopal Church: Youth Mission Trip 2009 Spiritual Program: "As a little child"

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Sunday Evening

A reading from 1 John 3: 1-3 (NKJ)

1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF CHILDHOOD?

When you get older, you may be able to look back over your shoulder and remember some critical moment when your life was changed forever—an event or situation where the decision made altered the path you followed from that point forward, or you may have a rearing that is full of less significant moments that eventually sum up to where you find yourself. For most of us, it will be a combination of such events that accounts for who we become. For certain, the glasses through which you view your childhood, and particularly adolescence will change as you age—parents get smarter as you get older and the advice that seemed offensive coming from your parents, you will likely parrot at your own children. Parents love this—they curse their children with the phrase “One of these days, I hope you one day have a child just like you.” Psychologists confirm the idea that a child’s best model, the ultimate teacher of what works and what doesn’t moving forward in life, are his parents—we will ultimately be like them.

So what is it like to be a child of God? If Jesus is our model—what paths are we likely to follow as we make our way to spiritual maturity?   What behaviors should we mimic on our path to understanding? What hints of how to act do we get from Jesus, the boy, and Jesus, the man? What child-like characteristics should we seek to retain, because they are pleasing to our Father?

One of my favorite stories at Christmas is “The Littlest Angel” by Charles Tazewell. The main character of the book is angel who arrived at the gates of heaven having lived a little more than 4 ½ years—and who has brought with him all the openness, honesty, spontaneity, curiosity, trustfulness and humility that is so typical of children at that age. Heaven is clearly disrupted as he “grows into his wings” and learns to keep his halo in its proper place. When his behavior gets him in trouble, he is called to the Angel of Peace to be disciplined and finds himself on the lap of the Understanding Angel explaining himself:

The whole trouble [was] there wasn’t anything for a small angel to do.

He was very homesick. Oh, not that Paradise wasn’t beautiful! But the Earth

was beautiful, too. Wasn’t it created by God, Himself? Why there were trees

to climb and brooks to fish, and caves to play at pirate chief, the swimming hole,

and sun and rain, and dark, and dawn, and thick brown dust, so soft and warm

beneath your feet!

            The Understanding Angel smiled, and in his eyes was a long forgotten

memory of another small boy in a long ago. Then he asked the Littlest Angel

what would make him most happy in Paradise. The Cherub thought for a moment,

and whispered in his ear.

As the story proceeds, the angels are informed of the approaching Nativity and asked to prepare gifts for the blessed infant. After agonizing about what he had to offer, the littlest angel ultimately decides to give what apparently has made him in happy in Paradise—a box of earthly delights, full of the joys of his childhood.

                        On that Day of Days, he proudly brought it from its hiding place behind                         a cloud, and humbly, with downcast eyes, placed it before the Throne of God.                 It was only a small, rough unsightly box, but inside were all those wonderful                              things that even a child of God would treasure!

                        A small rough unsightly box, lying among all the other glorious gifts from

all the angels of Paradise! Gifts of such rare and radiant splendor and breath-

less beauty that Heaven and all the Universe were lighted by the mere reflection

of their glory! And when the Littlest Angel saw this, he suddenly knew that his

gift to God’s child was irreverent, and he devoutly wished that he might reclaim

his shabby gift. It was ugly. It was worthless. If only he could hide it away

from the sight of God before it was even noticed!

                        But it was too late! The Hand of God moved slowly over all that bright

array of shining gifts , then paused, then dropped, then came to rest on the lowly

gift of the Littlest Angel! The Littlest Angel trembled as the box was opened,

and there before the Eyes of God and His Heavenly Host, was what he offered

to the Christ Child.

                        And what was his gift to the Blessed Infant? Well, there was a butter-

fly with golden wings, captured one bright summer day on the high hills above

Jerusalem, a sky-blue egg from a bird’s nest in the olive tree that stood to

shade his mother’s kitchen door. Yes, and two white stones, found on a muddy

river bank, where he and his friends had played like small brown beavers, and

at the bottom of the box-- a limp, tooth marked leather strap, once worn as a

collar by his mongrel dog, who had died as he had lived, in absolute love and

infinite devotion.

For a moment, as the littlest angel suffers very adult emotions—fear, remorse and embarrassment, there is silence. And then . . .

                        . . .the Voice of God spoke, saying, “Of all the gifts of the Angels, I

find that this small box pleases me most. Its contents are of the Earth

and of men, and My Son is born to be King of both. These are the things

My Son, too, will know and love and cherish and then, regretful, will leave

behind Him when His task is done.”

Before the eyes of the Heavenly Host, the small box is transformed into the Star, set into the firmament to shed light over the stable where the Christ Child was born.

WHAT’S IN YOUR BOX?

TANGIBLE: AN EMPTY BOX

Let us pray:

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from The Book of Common Prayer: “Prayer for Young Persons”, p 829.)

Monday

FEARLESS, UNSELFCONSCIOUS, HONEST

MORNING

A reading from Jeremiah 1:4-10 (NRS)

4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." 7 But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

And the Lord said GO

And the Lord said GO!
And I said who me?
And He said Yes You.
And I said
But I'm not ready yet
And there is studying to be done.
I've got this part-time job.
You know how tight my schedule is.
And He said

You're Stalling.

Again the Lord said GO!
And I said I didn't want to.
And He said I Didn't Ask If You Wanted To.
And I said
Listen I'm not the kind of person
To get involved in controversy.
Besides my friends won't like it
And what will my roommate think?
And He said

Baloney.

And yet a third time the Lord said GO!
And I said do I have to?
And He said Do You Love Me?
And I said
Look I'm scared.
People are going to hate me
And cut me into little pieces.
I can't take it all by myself.
And He said

Where Do You Think I'll Be?

And the Lord said GO!
And I sighed
Here I am...send me.

-Anonymous

Found at http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/God/lordgo.shtml

Let us pray:

Lord, we are ready. We are here in this place to be your servants. We all desperately want to please you, both those of us who have done this before and those of us who are brand new at it. We enter this week looking to receive nothing in return. We expect nothing from those we will serve. Your son taught us to love without condition. We will show the world that kind of love this week, Lord. We will work with each other side by side. We will put away our differences and do your will. We are energized Lord! We can’t wait to begin! Pace us, though, Father. Help us keep this feeling the entire week. Keep our hearts and minds on the work before us as we know we are the only “Jesus” that some of these people will ever see. Help us to show them the true Christ, the Son of God. Help us to show the unconditional love of our Savior. With your help we can. Amen.

“Mission Week Prayers-day one” prayer from The Book of Uncommon Prayer by Steven Case

MONDAY

FEARLESS, UNSELFCONSCIOUS, HONEST

NOON

A reading from the Psalms 139:7-16 (NRS)

7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night," 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.

Shine On, Child of God

The five year old stood on the window sill, leaning against the glass with her arms stretched out and wearing the kind of smile that is so big it only fits a child. Outside, the rain was pounding, the thunder was exploding and the lightning flashed again and again.

The little girl’s dad walked past the door, glanced in and saw her. Rushing to the window, he asked, “What are you doing?” His daughter pointed to the flashes of lightning outside and answered, “I think God is trying to take my picture.”

Here was a little girl who understood her Heavenly Father’s heart. Do you understand His heart toward you like this child did? Your Abba is proud of you. The Bible says that in the ages to come, you will show the exceeding riches of His grace. Your life is an eternal picture of God’s pride in those He loves.

Another author says it in this way:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous ? Actually, who are you not to be ? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Shine on, Child of God!

Excerpts from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
Chapter 7, Section 3 by Marianne Williamson found at http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/fear/ourdeepfear.shtml and

“Childlike Faith” at http://www.gracewalk.org/articles_view.asp?columnid=0&articleid=28345

MONDAY

FEARLESS, UNSELFCONSCIOUS, HONEST

EVENING

A reading from John 3:1-21 (NRS)

1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." 3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above.' 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 "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. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 "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.

RICHES BEYOND MEASURE

While my parents weren’t church goers, they had no objection to my attendance at church with my grandmother, who was always present if the church doors were open. During the summers, it was common for tents to spring up in open fields for preaching and for churches to have week-long “revivals” –-kind of an adult Bible school—designed to bring lapsed church goers back into the fold, to restore and recharge active believers, and to call new believers into the faith. The churches commonly brought in a guest minister—probably under the theory that familiarity breeds contempt, or at the very least indifference. Sometimes hearing a new messenger allows us to hear what someone else has already said.

The summer that I was eight, my church had such a revival. I don’t recall much else about that summer, but Tuesday night at that revival will live forever as a crystal moment in my memory.

Like most children, once we arrived at church, I made my way to sit with friends and children of like age and interests—no child wants to sit with their parent or grandparent if they can avoid it. My grandmother settled somewhere in the back third of the sanctuary, and I made my way safely distant from her, to the second row on the gospel side of the church. At the front of the church.

The guest minister was a Mr. Brown. He was one of those preachers that had a booming voice that rose to a crescendo as he made his points and which looking back, probably was designed to put the fear of God into all of us. But I was a child who had grown up in a family of “yellers”—raised voices didn’t (and still don’t) intimidate me, but the volume did make me pay attention—you really couldn’t tune Mr. Brown out. This night the sermon topic was “Seeing is believing”, and Mr. Brown set up his remarks with a “hook” that captured my interest immediately.

He held up a paper dollar bill. He explained that this was a dollar, and itemized what the dollar could buy, which in 1961, was considerably more than it will purchase now.   He went on to explain that while the bill itself didn’t cost a dollar to produce, we had a system of belief that said it was worth ---well, a dollar or a dollar’s worth, of goods and stuff.

Then he got MORE interesting. Reaching into his pocket, he fished out a SILVER dollar. He held that up and explained that the silver dollar was well, a dollar—just like the paper one—and that it would buy the same amount of stuff that the paper dollar would. Both dollars had equal value, though most of us would prefer the silver one, truth be told.

And he held up the silver dollar and the paper one, and he said: “Who of you believe that I will give you this dollar?”

And I stood up.

And immediately I was intensely aware—you know that dead silence that greets a major screw-up, like when you utter a profanity in front of the bishop, or admit to a sin or error that your parent didn’t know about, until now? It felt as if the collective breath of the congregation was suspended at the audacity of my action and I will ever remember the feeling of my heart beating against by breastbone as I stood there—alone.

Adult hands reached toward me to pull me into the pew—and Mr. Brown said: “No! Wait!”

He motioned me forward and solemnly handed me the silver dollar. Turned to the congregation and said: “Why is it so hard to BELIEVE? Not a single adult thought that I would give something of value away—no strings attached—only a child.”

In the silence, while the congregation took a breath, I piped up:

“You offered it all. I want the rest.” And the congregation erupted in laughter as Dr. Brown gave ME the other dollar. He went on to give us ALL the good news of life renewed, freely given, no strings attached, if only one BELIEVED.

It wasn’t the last time I’ve made a fool of myself, fearlessly believing.

I have the silver dollar still. It lies among the important papers of my life: my birth certificate, marriage certificate, the documents of my baptism and confirmation. More importantly, I hold its value in my heart. It’s only a dollar, but it’s priceless.

(A true story/ GF)

TANGIBLE:   A SILVER DOLLAR

SONG: “Who am I”

(lyric and tablature, next page)

The congregation can hear/see this song using this embedded link: (Ctrl +click on link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7x3VnrqbA
WHO AM I (CASTING CROWNS)    
         C=x32010
                G=320033  or  355433*
                F=133211
               Am=x02210
               *it's easier to use this cord and slide between the F and G
 
Verse 1
       C           G               Am
Who am I? That the Lord of all the earth,
      G               F           G               F     
Would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt,
       C           G                  Am
Who am I? That the Bright and Morning Star,
      G                   F           G              F 
Would choose to light the way, For my ever wandering heart,
    Am               G       F                      G
Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done,
    Am                   G         F                  G
Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are,
 
Chorus
C      G              Am           G              F 
I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow,
  G                  F                             C
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean), a vapor in the wind,
          G                Am                 G                 F 
Still You hear me when I'm calling, Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
           G             F 
And You've told me who I am.. 
     C
I am Yours. (I am Yours).
 
Verse 2
       C           G                Am
Who am I? That the eyes that see my sin,
      G               F         G             F   
Would look on me with love, and watch me rise again,
       C           G                     Am
Who am I? That the voice that calmed the sea,
      G                    F         G                 F    
Would call out through the rain, and calm the storm in me,
    Am               G       F                      G
Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done,
    Am                   G         F                  G
Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are,
 
Chorus Again

LYRICS/ TABS from http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/c/casting_crowns/who_am_i_ver4_crd.htm

Tuesday

CURIOUS, TEACHABLE

MORNING

A reading from the Gospel of Luke 2:40-47 (NRS)

40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

A PRECEDENT FOR ASKING

Have you ever met a child that did not ask questions? No. If you did, you would think something was wrong with the child. Haven't you ever gotten stuck in a cycle of 'why' questions with a child?

Was the first commandment really, 'Okay, everyone shut up. I'm God, you're not, so no questions. Everyone take a seat and pay attention.' Did Jesus tell the disciples to pipe down and stop asking questions when they did not understand a parable? No, in fact he explained that he used parables to teach because “seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13-13).

Kids are innately curious. In scripture, children were bold enough to approach Jesus because he was new, he was curious. They wanted to know. But their questions were completely different from the Pharisees' questions. Whereas the adults questioned Jesus with an air of superiority and skepticism, the children likely asked with genuine wonder and desire to know.

That's what it means to have a child-like faith. To have a real desire to know. To ask questions every day of your God. To sit at his feet and learn. That doesn't mean God will tell you everything. Did your parents tell you everything when you were little? If they did, they weren't good parents, for there is some knowledge that is too heavy for children. Part of being a good child of God is asking the question, then accepting the answer, or lack thereof.

But when we don't ask questions, it insults God and his Word. It implies that questions cannot be answered. It implies that you can stump God. You can't stump him. You can't think of a question that he hasn't anticipated.

Excerpted from “Childlike Faith” at http://www.thechurchofnopeople.com/2008/11/child-like-faith.html

Let us pray:

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from The Book of Common Prayer: “Prayer for Guidance”, p 832.)

TUESDAY

CURIOUS, TEACHABLE, SENSE OF WONDER

NOON

A reading from Isaiah 6:9-10 (NKJ)

9 And He said, "Go, and tell this people: 'Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.' 10 "Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed."

You've Gotta Know How to Listen

Back when the telegraph was the fastest means of long-distance communication, there was a story, perhaps apocryphal, about a young man who applied for a job as a Morse code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the address that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, noisy office. In the background a telegraph clacked away. A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office.

The young man completed his form and sat down with seven other waiting applicants. After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in. Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. Why had this man been so bold? They muttered among themselves that they hadn't heard any summons yet. They took more than a little satisfaction in assuming the young man who went into the office would be reprimanded for his presumption and summarily disqualified for the job.

Within a few minutes the young man emerged from the inner office escorted by the interviewer, who announced to the other applicants, "Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has been filled by this young man."

The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and then one spoke up, "Wait a minute - I don't understand. He was the last one to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That's not fair."

The employer responded, "All the time you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.' None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. So the job is his."

Excerpted from In Character Forged from Conflict by Gary Preston found at http://www.itctel.com/americlc/inspirational_stories.htm

Let us pray:

Lord, bless me with a listening mind.
Attune me to the smaller sounds,
The whispered plea of loneliness,
The whimper of an unloved child.
The sad, the sick, the lost.
All these Ignored, unheard by passersby.
And use me, Lord, to meet their needs
That I may, in a Christlike way,
Reflect Thy love for them each day.

“Prayer for the Unheard”   by Irene Sharp at http://www.1stholistic.com/Spl_prayers/prayer_prayer-for-those-unheard.htm

TUESDAY

CURIOUS, TEACHABLE, SENSE OF WONDER

EVENING

A reading from Psalms 104 : 1-8 (NRS)

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, 2 wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, 3 you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, 4 you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. 5 You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. 6 You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At your rebuke they flee; at the sound of your thunder they take to flight. 8 They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys to the place that you appointed for them. 9 You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.

ANOTHER VIEW

No person who has emerged into the sunlight after the storm has not gasped in wonder at the beauty of the rainbow—it is an event, though commonplace, that people stop their activities to absorb, to share and to enjoy. For Christians, it is a reminder of the covenant that the world would not again be destroyed, a promise that set the stage for the gift of his Son, and near tangible evidence of God’s majestic power and the beauty of his Creation.



In her book, A Sense of Wonder, Rachel Carson notes, “A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood.” I hope that you will enjoy this meditation on a child’s vision—and understand that beauty is all around you, even in the ugliest places.

LOOK
(Street-corner thoughts, after a rainstorm . . . while standing with several other adults waiting a red light to change to green.)

This
Is not
A poem.
It is only a way
Of using words
In slow motion
To show you something.

One day
last week
After noon
After rain
A train of small children
Each holding to a loop
Of group rope
Passed by.
Teacher in the lead.
Another as caboose.
All still in raingear.

A boy let go
The rope
Stepped aside.
Stopped.
Shouted,
“Look, look, look -
A Rainbow!”

We all looked up.

The sky
had cleared.
Rainbow?
Where?

Then
We all looked
At the boy
Who was looking
Down,
Pointing at a puddle
In the grimy street
On which floated
A rainbow
In an oily film.

The teacher looked
At the boy.
The boy looked
At the teacher.
(The rules
Are clear:
Do not let go
Of the rope.
Stay with
The group.)

Come back,
Said the teacher
To the group,
Take a look.
Billy has found
A rainbow
In the street.
The children came.
The children looked.
Yes!

The teacher
smiled.
Gently took the boy
By the hand
And placed it
back in his loop
On the rope.

She knelt by him,
Hugged him
And said,
“Thank you. Billy
For seeing the rainbow.”

Come, along,
She said to the children,
And they did that,
Leaving me behind
On the corner
Looking down
Thinking about
Where
Rainbows are
Found
And how many
I must have overlooked.
And how Billy
Will feel
About rainbows
Always.

--Robert Fulghum

TANGIBLE: BUBBLES

Wednesday

TRUSTING, DEPENDENT

MORNING

A reading from Psalms 37:1-6 (NRS)

1 Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, 2 for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

SIMPLE TRUST

Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life.

He had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: "Fasten your seat belts." Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us." And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

And then, I suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid."

The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The sweet child replied, "Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home."

- Author Unknown at http://www.skywriting.net/inspirational/stories/faith.html

WEDNESDAY

TRUSTING, DEPENDENT

NOON

Matthew 8:23-27 (NRS)

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him up, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" 26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. 27 They were amazed, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?"

SAFE AT SEA

            She was among an eager group of four-year-old children crowded around my feet as I taught their Sunday school lesson. I was the teacher and they were the students – or at least that’s how it started out. The pint-sized audience listened intently as I tried to create a mental image of Jesus and His disciples trapped in a thunderstorm on the Sea of Galilee.

“The winds bleeeeeeew and rocked the little boat back and forth, back and forth. The waves were soooooo big; they splashed over the wooden sides and got the men all wet. Then water started filling up the boat - and do you know what happens when a boat gets full of water?”



“It sinks,” they chimed together.

            “That’s right.” I continued with a wrinkled brow and concerned look on my face. “That’s not all. The lightening was sooooo bright, it looked like fire in the sky. And the claps of thunder were sooooo loud, they could feel them vibrate in their chests.”

            After painting this picture of impending doom and thinking I would have my “congregation” just a little worried about the fate of these men trapped in a storm, I asked the question. “Now if you were in a tiny boat like this, caught in a terrible storm like this, would you be afraid?”

            Then one precious little girl, confident and unshaken by the entire scenario, shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Not if Jesus was in the boat with me.”

            I will never forget that answer. As her words have echoed in my mind, I’ve come to realize that this is the answer that calms all my worries and fears. Just as the disciples had the storm raging all around them, many times the storms of life rage around me. A friend discovers she has cancer, a husband loses his job, a child is born with birth defects. These are storms with waves of emotions so high that our lifeboat fills with tears and appears that it could sink at any moment. Waves of fear that rock our boat and threaten to spill us into the depths of despair without even a life jacket to keep us afloat. Storms that cause us to doubt who we are, what we have, and where we are as a child of God. Waves of emotions that rock our faith.

            “Tell me, would you be afraid?”

            “Not if Jesus was in the boat with me.”

            And guess what. He is. Although the pain may be great, I don’t need to be afraid that the storms of life will destroy me, because He’s in the boat with me and that gives me great peace.

            After the children filed out and were off to Sunday lunches throughout the city, I sat in the room to digest the words of the real teacher that day. It was childlike faith in its purest form. The little girl believed God.

Jaynes, Sharon. “Childlike Faith” in Just for Moms at http://www.familytymes.org/justformoms/childlikefaith.html

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, help me to have the faith of a child today. In the areas where my faith is weak, make me strong. In the areas where my faith is strong, make me stronger. I give all my worries and cares to You, knowing that You will never leave or forsake me, and that You care about the intricacies of my daily life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY

TRUSTING, DEPENDENT

EVENING

A reading from Isaiah 58:8-11(NKJ)

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

They Ran Through the Rain, Believing

She must have been six years old, this beautiful brown-haired, freckled-faced image of innocence. Her mom looked like someone from the Waltons or a moment captured by Norman Rockwell. Not that she was old-fashioned. Her brown hair was ear-length with enough curl to appear natural. She had on a pair of tan shorts and light blue knit shirt. Her sneakers were white with a blue trim.

She looked like a Mom.

It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the tops of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the Earth it has no time to flow down the spout. Drains in the nearby parking lot were filled to capacity and some were blocked so that huge puddles laked around parked cars.

We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others aggravated because nature messed up their hurried day.

I am always mesmerized by rain fall. I get lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in.

Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.

"What?" Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" she repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated her statement. "Mom. Let's run through the rain."

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything!'"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life--a time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God lets us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and, yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few believers who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. Perhaps inspired by their faith and trust.

I want to believe that somewhere down the road in life, Mom will find herself reflecting back on moments they spent together, captured like pictures in the scrapbook of her cherished memories. Maybe when she watches proudly as her daughter graduates. Or as her Daddy walks her down the aisle on her wedding day. She will laugh again. Her heart will beat a little faster. Her smile will tell the world they love each other. But only two people will share that precious moment when they ran through the rain believing that God would get them through.

Yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Perks, Bob. “They Ran through the Rain, Believing” ©2002 at http://www.motivateus.com/stories/enw.htm

TANGIBLE: PLASTIC GROCERY BAG

An Order for Compline

Use highlighted choices of responses and psalms

The Officiant begins

The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect

end. Amen.

Officiant                   Our help is in the Name of the Lord;

People                   The maker of heaven and earth.

The Officiant may then say

Let us confess our sins to God.

Officiant and People

Almighty God, our heavenly Father:

We have sinned against you,

through our own fault,

in thought, and word, and deed,

and in what we have left undone.

For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

forgive us all our offenses;

and grant that we may serve you

in newness of life,

to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Officiant

May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins,

and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Officiant then says

                O God, make speed to save us.

People       O Lord, make haste to help us.

Officiant and People

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as

it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Except in Lent, add    Alleluia.

One or more of the following Psalms are sung or said. Other suitable selections may be substituted.

Psalm 4 Cum invocarem

1   Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *

    you set me free when I am hard‑pressed;

    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2   “You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory? *

    how long will you worship dumb idols

    and run after false gods?”

3   Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; *

     when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

4   Tremble, then, and do not sin; *

   speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.

5   Offer the appointed sacrifices *

    and put your trust in the Lord.

6   Many are saying,

     “Oh, that we might see better times!” *

    Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.

7   You have put gladness in my heart, *

    more than when grain and wine and oil increase.

8   I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *

    for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.



Psalm 31 In te, Domine, speravi

1   In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;

let me never be put to shame: *

   deliver me in your righteousness.

2   Incline your ear to me; *

    make haste to deliver me.

3   Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,

for you are my crag and my stronghold; *

   for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.

4   Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *

   for you are my tower of strength.

5   Into your hands I commend my spirit, *

   for you have redeemed me,

   O Lord, O God of truth.              (go to yellow *)

Psalm 91 Qui habitat

1   He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High *

   abides under the shadow of the Almighty.

2   He shall say to the Lord,

“You are my refuge and my stronghold, *

    my God in whom I put my trust.”

3   He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *

   and from the deadly pestilence.

4   He shall cover you with his pinions,

and you shall find refuge under his wings; *

   his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.

5   You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *

   nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6   Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, *

   nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid‑day.

7   A thousand shall fall at your side

and ten thousand at your right hand, *

   but it shall not come near you.

8   Your eyes have only to behold *

   to see the reward of the wicked.

9   Because you have made the Lord your refuge, *

   and the Most High your habitation,

10    There shall no evil happen to you, *

   neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

11    For he shall give his angels charge over you, *

   to keep you in all your ways.

12    They shall bear you in their hands, *

   lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13    You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *

   you shall trample the young lion and the serpent

                    under your feet.

14    Because he is bound to me in love,

therefore will I deliver him; *

   I will protect him, because he knows my Name.

15    He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *

   I am with him in trouble;

   I will rescue him and bring him to honor.

16    With long life will I satisfy him, *

   and show him my salvation.

Psalm 134 Ecce nunc

1    Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *

   you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.

2    Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *

   the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

*At the end of the Psalms is sung or said

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

   as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (go to yellow *)

One of the following, or some other suitable passage of Scripture, is read

Lord, you are in the midst of us, and we are called by your

Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14:9 ,22

People Thanks be to God.

or this

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy‑laden, and I will

give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;

for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for

your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28‑30

People Thanks be to God. (go to yellow *)

or the following

May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our

Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of

the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you

may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his

sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Hebrews 13:20‑21



People    Thanks be to God.

or this

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls

around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8‑9a

People Thanks be to God.

A hymn suitable for the evening may be sung.

Then follows

V. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit;

R. For you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.

V. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye;

R. Hide us under the shadow of your wings.



Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Officiant and People

Our Father, who art in heaven,                          Our Father in heaven,

   hallowed be thy Name,                          hallowed be your Name,

   thy kingdom come,                                your kingdom come,

   thy will be done,                                 your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.                         on earth as in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.                             Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,                Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those                                  as we forgive those

   who trespass against us.                           who sin against us.

And lead us not into temptation,               Save us from the time of trial,

but deliver us from evil.                            and deliver us from evil.

Officiant              Lord, hear our prayer;

People                   And let our cry come to you.

Officiant              Let us pray.

The Officiant then says one of the following Collects

Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy

defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the

love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours

of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and

chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                    (go to yellow *)

Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and

illumine this night with your celestial brightness; that by

night as by day your people may glorify your holy Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the

enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in

peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

One of the following prayers may be added

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or

weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who

sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless

the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the

joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.                                  (go to yellow *)

or this

O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live

in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day,

who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never

forget that our common life depends upon each other’s toil;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence may be kept, and free intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered.

The service concludes with the Song of Simeon with this Antiphon, which is sung

or said by all

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake

we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

In Easter Season, add    Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lord, you now have set your servant free *

   to go in peace as you have promised;

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *

   whom you have prepared for all the world to see:

A Light to enlighten the nations, *

   and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

   as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

All repeat the Antiphon

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake

we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

In Easter Season, add Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Officiant   Let us bless the Lord.

People                 Thanks be to God.

The Officiant concludes

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

bless us and keep us. Amen.

Thursday

HUMILITY

MORNING

A reading from the gospel of Matthew 18: 1-7 (NRS)

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!

Pancakes

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.

"If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.'"

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus."

- Contributed by Father Pat at http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/humor/pancakes.shtml

Let us pray:

Oh Lord, it’s hard to humble, that’s no joke. Help us to see our opportunities to make right choices, to let go of ourselves and serve others first. Guide our hands, our feet and our voices in today’s work and help us be the least in all our doings.

Amen.

THURSDAY

HUMILITY

NOON

A reading from the gospel of Mark 10:13-17 (NKJ)

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

PUPPIES FOR SALE

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.

He painted a sign advertising for 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy.

"Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran

Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.

As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....

"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."

With tears in his eyes, farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully handed it to the little boy.

"How much?" asked the little boy.

"No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."

From http://www.emmitsburg.net/humor/archives/insperational/moral_11.htm#A%20farmer%20had%20some%20puppies%20he%20needed%20to%20sell.

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous;
Teach me to serve thee as thou deservest;
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to seek for rest,
To labour and not to seek reward,
Save that of knowing that I do thy will.

- St. Ignatius of Loyola

Found at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/Archive.aspx?p=23

THURSDAY

HUMILITY

EVENING

MOVIE: JOHNNY THE BAGGER from simpletruths.com (Book and DVD provided)

The congregation can view this movie at http://www.stservicemovie.com/

(Ctrl +click to activate the link)

A period of sharing

A reading from John 13:3 – 17 (NRS)

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean." 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

FOOTWASHING

(voluntary participation)

TANGIBLE: WASHCLOTH AND SOAP

Friday

WWJD?

MORNING

A reading from Matthew 5:43-48 (NRS)

43 "You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

In Search of God

One Sunday, during the children’s time with the pastor, the pastor asked all the children to spend one afternoon searching for God and then come back and tell him what they had found. One little boy, named Bobby, did just that.

Bobby spent the following Saturday doing just what the pastor had asked, searching for God.

First Bobby went to the park. While he was at the park, he saw families swimming, eating and children swinging on the swings. Bobby walked down to the lake and saw ducks paddling their way across the water. Bobby lay on his back in the grass and watched the clouds move by. After walking through the whole park, Bobby decided to give up on his search for God and go home.

On the way home Bobby saw Mrs. Johnston, who was one of his neighbors, and she asked him if he needed a ride. Bobby said, “No thank you Mrs. Johnston. I want to walk.” Mrs. Johnston said, “o.k.” and good-bye to Bobby as she drove away.

When Bobby was near his house he saw Mr. Arnold unloading groceries from his car, and Bobby asked him if he needed help. Mr. Arnold said, “Sure Bobby, I could use a hand.” Bobby helped Mr. Arnold carry several sacks into the house, and then he continued his walk towards home.

When Bobby got to the church he decided to see if the pastor was there, to tell him that he had spent the afternoon searching for God but hadn’t found him. Bobby found the pastor and the pastor said, “Hi Bobby. Why do you look so down?”

Bobby said, “I did what you told us to do. I spent the afternoon looking for God, but I didn’t find him.”

The pastor asked Bobby to sit down and tell him how he had spent the afternoon.

Bobby told him he went to the park, and the pastor said, “What did you see at the park?”

Bobby said, “I saw families playing, and I saw ducks swimming on the lake and I watched the clouds.”

The pastor said, “God is present in families. God is present wherever people are joined together in love. God is also present in nature. Nature is God’s creation and so are all the animals in it. God is also present in the clouds. God created the clouds, just like he created the rain and the wind.” Then the pastor asked, “What else did you see and do this afternoon?”

Bobby said, “Well, I saw Mrs. Johnston, and she offered me a ride home, and I helped Mr. Arnold unload his groceries from his car. That is all.”

The pastor said, “God is present when someone offers to help us, just like when Mrs. Johnston offered you a ride home. You found out one more thing about God today, do you know what that is?”

“No,” said Bobby.

“God was present when you offered to help Mr. Arnold. You see, God is present in your heart. I would say you had a very successful day looking for God.”

Bobby agreed and said good-bye to the pastor. He could not wait to get home and tell his Mom that he had such a great day searching for, and finding God.

by Rebecca Chamaa in http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/texts/topics/children/insearchofgod.shtml

Friday evening

The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

The Word of God

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.

The people standing, the Celebrant says

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People        And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.

Amen.

                                                                                                             In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost

Celebrant         Alleluia. Christ is risen.

People        The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions

Celebrant          Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People        His mercy endures for ever.

The Celebrant may say

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,

and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our

hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may

perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

When appointed, the following hymn or some other song of praise is sung or said, all standing

Glory to God in the highest,                                                                             and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,                                                                      almighty God and Father,                                                                                    we worship you, we give you thanks,                                                                  we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,                                                            Lord God, Lamb of God,                                                                                you take away the sin of the world:                                                                                   have mercy on us;                                                                                        you are seated at the right hand of the Father:                                                             receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,                                                                   you alone are the Lord,                                                                                    you alone are the Most High,                                                                             Jesus Christ,                                                                                     with the Holy Spirit,                                                                                           in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

On other occasions the following is used

Lord, have mercy.                       Kyrie eleison.                                                   Christ, have mercy.                 or         Christe eleison.                                                      Lord, have mercy.                       Kyrie eleison.

or this

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.

The Collect of the Day

The Celebrant says to the people

         The Lord be with you.

People        And also with you.

Celebrant   Let us pray.



The Celebrant says the Collect.

People                  Amen.

The Lessons

The people sit. One or two Lessons, as appointed, are read,

the Reader first saying

A Reading (Lesson) from____________.

A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each Reading, the Reader may say

The Word of the Lord.

People                  Thanks be to God.

or the Reader may say     Here ends the Reading (Epistle).

Silence may follow.

A Psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each Reading.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

according to__________________.

People         Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel, the Reader says

The Gospel of the Lord.

People                  Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

On Sundays and other Major Feasts there follows, all standing

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,                                                                                        the Father, the Almighty,                                                                               maker of heaven and earth,                                                                                   of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,                                                                           the only Son of God,                                                                                 eternally begotten of the Father,                                                                          God from God, Light from Light,                                                                    true God from true God,                                                                     begotten, not made,                                                                                           of one Being with the Father.                                                                                     Through him all things were made.                                                                   For us and for our salvation                                                                                 he came down from heaven:                                                                                by the power of the Holy Spirit                                                                                 he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,                                                                        and was made man.                                                                                   For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;                                                             he suffered death and was buried.                                                                        On the third day he rose again                                                                                          in accordance with the Scriptures;                                                                             he ascended into heaven                                                                         and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,                                                        and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,                                                who proceeds from the Father and the Son.                                                                With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.                                                He has spoken through the Prophets.                                                                    We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.                                                         We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.                                                We look for the resurrection of the dead,                                                               and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Prayer is offered with intercession for

The Universal Church, its members, and its mission                                                            The Nation and all in authority                                                                               The welfare of the world                                                                            The concerns of the local community                                                              Those who suffer and those in any trouble                                                                  The departed (with commemoration of a saint when appropriate)

See the forms beginning on page 383.

If there is no celebration of the Communion, or if a priest is not available,                            the service is concluded as directed on page 406.

Confession of Sin

A Confession of Sin is said here if it has not been said earlier. On

occasion, the Confession may be omitted.

One of the sentences from the Penitential Order on page 351 may be said.

The Deacon or Celebrant says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People

Most merciful God,                                                                                     we confess that we have sinned against you                                                               in thought, word, and deed,                                                                           by what we have done,                                                                                    and by what we have left undone.                                                                       We have not loved you with our whole heart;                                                                 we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.                                                           We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.                                                            For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,                                                                 have mercy on us and forgive us;                                                                       that we may delight in your will,                                                                     and walk in your ways,                                                                                      to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins                                        through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all                                          goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in                                            eternal life. Amen.

The Peace

All stand. The Celebrant says to the people

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People        And also with you.

Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the                                            name of the Lord.

TANGIBLE: MISSION TRIP CROSS

Eucharistic Prayer C

In this prayer, the lines in italics are spoken by the People.

The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.                                                                                           We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.                                                                It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of                                               glory and praise.                                                                                       Glory to you for ever and ever.

At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of                                 interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses,                                       and this fragile earth, our island home.                                                                     By your will they were created and have their being.

From the primal elements you brought forth the human race,                                                    and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us                                                  the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed                                      your trust; and we turned against one another.                                                      Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight

Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets                                                and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the                                   fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to                                           fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.                                                     By his blood, he reconciled us.                                                                                 By his wounds, we are healed.

And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly                                          chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all                                            those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to                                          proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

Celebrant and People

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,                                                              heaven and earth are full of your glory.                                                       Hosanna in the highest.                                                                          Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.                                            Hosanna in the highest.

The Celebrant continues

And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and                                           made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before                                              you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the                                            Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand            upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup                       and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the                                                  blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and                                               said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do                                               this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and                                        said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new                                    Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the                                             forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the                               remembrance of me.”

Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to                                            you this sacrifice of thanksgiving,                                                                         We celebrate his death and resurrection,                                                                as we await the day of his coming.

Lord God of our Fathers; God of Abraham, Isaac, and                                               Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our                                               eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver                                                  us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace                                               only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for                                          renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one                                               body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the                                             world in his name.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.

Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus                                           Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the                                                 Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship,                                                  from generation to generation. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior                          As our Savior Christ                              Christ has taught us,                                    has taught us,                                   we are bold to say,                                    we now pray,

People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven,                               Our Father in heaven,                         hallowed be thy Name,                                                 hallowed be your Name,                     thy kingdom come,                                       your kingdom come,                             thy will be done,                                     your will be done,                                on earth as it is in heaven.                                on earth as in heaven.                                Give us this day our daily bread.                       Give us today our daily bread.                       And forgive us our trespasses,                            Forgive us our sins                            as we forgive those                                        as we forgive those                               who trespass against us.                                who sin against us.                              And lead us not into temptation,                   Save us from the time of trial,                     but deliver us from evil.                           and deliver us from evil.                    For thine is the kingdom,                             For the kingdom, the power,                 and the power, and the glory,                                    and the glory are yours,                        for ever and ever. Amen.                            now and for ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Then may be sung or said                                                                              [Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;                                               Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]

In Lent, Alleluia is omitted, and may be omitted at other times except                                   during Easter Season.

In place of, or in addition to, the preceding, some other suitable                                     anthem may be used.

Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

and may add          Take them in remembrance that Christ died for                                                 you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith,                                                                     with thanksgiving.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it                       to the people.

The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words

The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in                                                everlasting life. [Amen.]

or with these words

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]                                                      The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]

During the ministration of Communion, hymns, psalms, or anthems may be sung.

When necessary, the Celebrant consecrates additional bread and wine, using

the form on page 408.

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Eternal God, heavenly Father,                                                                                you have graciously accepted us as living members                                                        of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,                                                                   and you have fed us with spiritual food                                                                  in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.                                                                 Send us now into the world in peace,                                                              and grant us strength and courage                                                                        to love and serve you                                                                                          with gladness and singleness of heart;                                                           through Christ our Lord. Amen.

or the following

Almighty and everliving God,                                                                              we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food                                                          of the most precious Body and Blood                                                               of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;                                                                  and for assuring us in these holy mysteries                                                             that we are living members of the Body of your Son,                                                    and heirs of your eternal kingdom.