Pentecost 2020

Pentecost Sunday 2020

The Collect
O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.

The First Lesson
Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
`In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

Psalm 104:25-35, 37
25 O LORD, how manifold are your works! *
in wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
26 Yonder is the great and wide sea
with its living things too many to number, *
creatures both small and great.
27 There move the ships,
and there is that Leviathan, *
which you have made for the sport of it.
28 All of them look to you *
to give them their food in due season.
29 You give it to them; they gather it; *
you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; *
you take away their breath,
and they die and return to their dust.
31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *
and so you renew the face of the earth.
32 May the glory of the LORD endure for ever; *
may the LORD rejoice in all his works.
33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; *
he touches the mountains and they smoke.
34 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; *
I will praise my God while I have my being.
35 May these words of mine please him; *
I will rejoice in the LORD.
37 Bless the LORD, O my soul. *
Hallelujah!

The Second Lesson
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-- and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

The Gospel
John 20:19-23
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”




Peace Be With You

Dear Lord who dwells both among and beyond
your people are aching for a new Spirit
the streets are filled with anger and injustice
folks are loudly crying out to be heard.

You know this world is filled with corruption
is sidled up to the weak and the vulnerable
Jesus knew all too well what greed can do
what uncontrolled power does to weak ones.

Send your Spirit upon in a blaze of fire
burn away the cruelty lies and hate
infuse us with new hearts and minds
let us be remade in Your image alone.

Empower us to serve even as we weep
strengthen us to listen even when we fear
incite us to gather up the broken and lost
and be reborn Lord Jesus in the church today. Amen

Take Heart, Daughter

While Jesus was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:18-26

Take Heart, Daughter

Dear Lord of all the nations
Mother and father of us all
the streets are running with anger
the people are crying for justice.

In the midst of this pandemic
cruelty and racial discrimination
run rampant forcing people
to dangerously protest together.

Your children are crying dear God
the are sick and dying daily now
the commotion of the crowds
cannot cover the pain within us.

Heal us now, O lover of all
strengthen us to live as your heart
empower us to do justice for all
and walk with the unheard today. Amen

New Wineskins

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” Matthew 9:9-17 

New Wineskins

Loving God who restored all creation
we are sorely troubled by sickness
abuse and violence has broken out
we ache to be made whole again.

Hell and destruction seem close
terrors of all sorts make people fear
leadership and compassion are lacking
we seem on the verge of end times.

Help us to see the new growth at hand
the world being reborn from these ashes
the church being made new, we pant in pain
 these birth pains are constant and overwhelming.

Stay with us in our sheltered delivery rooms
be with those being beaten in the streets
Help us all to midwife and new beginning
bring love forth within our damaged world today. Amen
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Take Up Your Bed

And after getting into a boat Jesus crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8 

Take Up Your Bed

Dear tender God of all grieving hearts
we have surpassed more than 100,000
lost to a disease we cannot control
and we see no sure and real end in sight.

In your hometown you healed one
told him to take up his bed and walk
reach out to broken and discouraged
lift us all us and help us go forward.

We are weary of confinement and fear
weary from the dread and restrictions
empower us with new patience and hope
clear our eyes to see the mountain tops.

Lord, help us to take heart in forgiveness
help us to live as those healed and free
discarding judgement and lending aide
may we be your love in this world today. Amen

Casting Out Demons

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. Matthew 8:28-34


Casting Out Demons

O Creator of all that is wonderful and good
we have cast demons out by staying home
it has ruined many people's livelihoods
bringing low those who have had to work.

Some would defy all restrictions and fly
others will venture out when safe only
many twist in fear and ache for normal
to rid us of this demon we have lost so much.

Help us to see the healing and kindness around
help us to be grateful for shelter and home
give us your strength to face our own demons
risking all for the sake of the shattered ones.

Loving and healing are not always welcome
let us be those who care well despite taunts
let us be those who serve despite losses
make us you healing grace in our world today. Amen

Storms

Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. A scribe then approached and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 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. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” Matthew 8:18-27 

Storms

O Lord of the winds and waves
the storms of life overwhelm us
fear batters us like typhoon winds
we tremble as the life's waters cover us.

Draw near to us in our dark days
all of the familiar landmarks are gone
we have no way to navigate now
our normal compass has failed us.

Take the helm of our broken lives
draw near and calm these storms
we feel we might break in pieces
never sewn back together again.

Climb in to the rocking boat with us
give us the faith to trust your power
let love be our guidance and our anchor
bring us to calm safe harbor again. Amen

Got Up to Serve

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.” And he said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.”
When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” And the servant was healed in that hour.
When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:5-17 

Got Up to Serve

Loving Creator who made us all
give us thankful hearts and minds
that we might see the need around us
getting up to serve our neighbors.

We give you thanks for all today
who have given their lives serving
who have run into danger for others
who have cared for the sick and the weak.

For the soldiers who serve their country
for the medics, the nurses and other aides
for those who clean and feed the hungry
and those who pray night and day.

Despite the challenges of our times
help us get up for service daily
let us show your love by standing up
serving day and night for love alone. Amen

Made Clean

Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 7:28—8:4 

Made Clean

O Creator of this fragile world
we ache to be made completely clean
rid of the virus, far from the fears
that capture us all across the globe.

Many would ignore the warnings
most fear going out anywhere now
we feel unsafe and so vulnerable
we are prone to tremendous worries.

You came among the sickest ones
You touched the leper and the blind
You removed the sickness from them
You restored them because they asked.

Help us to seek you every day
help us to do our part for others
You choose to see us through this
Your love will conquer all our fears. Amen

Built on the Rock

Jesus said, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” Matthew 7:22-27 

Built on the Rock

Dear Lord of Oceans and Deserts
we seem to be on sinking sand
You have always been solid rock
and to you we cling with all our might.

The careless mix with the vulnerable
the ones who would party now
will threaten all the weaker ones
and we tremble with what is to come.

We are in a long range battle
for the lives of the weak and weary
we are loosing our grip some days
we are surrounded by rising waters.

You are the solid rock of life
help us to hold on and be wise
help us to love fiercely and fully
knowing that you hold us still. Amen

Ascension Day

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 








Ascension Day

Dear Lord of mountains and seas
who knows our depths and heights
we look to heaven like the disciples
 and we witness our feet of clay.

You have given us all authority
yet we feel so inadequate and flawed
we do not see us as You do
we only know our fear and brokenness.

You have called us in times like these
to share the story of transforming love
miracles  and restoration awaiting
even as we shelter here at home.

Bring us to the water's edge
help us not fear today's baptism
You promised you are with us always
in every age you will lift us up. Amen

No Answers

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet”‘?
If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:41-46 


No Answers

Dear God of time and space
there is so much information
and very few real answers
that we are all so confused.

Some are ready to burst out
others want to shelter in place
some pretend the virus is a hoax
and others wish it truly was.

We want to have faith now
we want to be back to normal
we want life to resume fully
yet we tremble with fear still.

Still our hearts with your peace
fill our bodies with strength for today
let us live for service alone
trusting that your answers will come. Amen

Bearing Fruit

Jesus said, “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23 

Bearing Fruit

Gracious and Loving God
you have planted us very deep
in warm soil with good food
yet we are so daily distracted.

The scorching sun of illness
the long dry days of isolation
this season of quarantine
has left us feeling most bereft.

Yet, here you are among us
tending the trees and the weeds
propping us up and watering
giving us sustenance for today.

Let us rejoice in here and now
in our small contained gardens
let us be fruitful and kind
bearing love daily to our world. Amen

Good Soil

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
Then the disciples came and asked Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says:
‘You will indeed listen, but never understand,
and you will indeed look, but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and listen with their ears,
and understand with their heart and turn—
and I would heal them.’
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.” Matthew 13:1-16

Good Soil

Loving Creator who supplies all our needs
we are hopeful, terrified and anxious
so many lives have been lost to a virus
too many good people have fallen on hard times.

We who have had to bury all too many
those who have been on the front lines for months
the ones who are bent from the toil and the worry
ache to be held and nurtured into new life.

Help us to be the patient leaders who love
those who take the time needed to tend all
empower us be the hands of the Holy gardener
strengthen us to be abundance among need.

We know you seek out the lost and broken
infect us with your mercy and compassion
give us the hearts needed to lead in pandemic
and let us be good soil for the church you are planting now. Amen

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 17, 2020

The Collect
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson
Acts 17:22-31
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,
‘For we too are his offspring.’
Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Psalm 66:7-18

7 Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8 Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9 For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10 You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11 You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
12 I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13 I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts
with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14 Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15 I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16 If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17 But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.

The Second Reading
1 Peter 3:13-22
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

The Gospel
John 14:15-21
Jesus said, ”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
”I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

Love's Command

Dear Author of Love and Life
You have promised to be here
among us as we walk these days
through valleys of virus and doubt
Help us to see your presence today.

You have fashioned us as clay
brought us out of deep darkness
stayed by bedsides and deathbeds
loved us beyond measure each day.
Help us to be your presence today.

Great Creator who teaches us love
while we worry about nails and hair
others fall down in grave hunger
we could miss the opportunity to serve.
Help us to see your presence in our neighbor.

Dear Savior of the world draw near
we long for your spirit and truth
give us the power to follow your lead
help us to live today for love alone.
Help us to live as your presence today. Amen

The Narrow Gate

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:13-21 






The Narrow Gate

O Creator of the stars and sun
we are captive here and weary
yet in every season of our lives
You are faithful and renewing.

We who want recognition daily
and who do so very little for others
stand in the way of progress wondering
why the world the world keeps spinning.

Your love surrounds us and moves us
despite the fractures and the losses
we push on to serve the unnoticed
because you carry us through each hour.

Hover close the lost and the anxious
stand by the crying and the angry
and give us your spirit that we might be
whatever is needed for others today. Amen

Do Not Judge

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.
‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1-12

Do Not Judge

Dear Ruler and Lover of all creation,
we are all made different and wondrous
we all have gifts to give the world
help us to honor each other today.

There is so much blame being spread
so much judgement spouted virally
yet you hold us tenderly and close
promising to answer our prayers.

Some are so tired of self isolation
they spin and struggle to get free
yet our freedom lies with your love
our hope is in the Light of Lights.

Loving Father of heaven and right here
Give us the strength to abide with you
empower us to be carriers of peace
make us the good gifts we need today. Amen

Consider the Lilies

Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:25-34 

Consider the Lilies

Dear Creator of the extraordinary beauty
this earth, our home, bounteous and sweet
in this season of virus and many fears
we come to you with our burden of worries.

We know we are not in control of things
yet we ache to conquer and order
we grow in fear as the wildness grows
we have lost sight of present wonders.

Draw near to us and slow us down
help us see the inexplicable designs
you have made for us to delight in
and let us know even this time as a gift.

Dwell with us this day and every one
so that we might put love first daily
so that we might rejoice in every flower
and give thanks for every bird in flight. Amen

Treasures in Heaven

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Matthew 6:19-24

Treasures in Heaven

Dear Grand Designer of sea and sky
many are in poverty, many are hungry
yet others hoard and make crazy money
while the whole world is on our knees.

We are brought low by the virus
yet some among us have given all
they are models of heavenly treasure
they show us how to honor you now.

Help us to honor those who selflessly serve
the ones who share the expertise freely
the mask makers, the food deliverers
the cover faced doctors, nurses and EMTs.

We ask you today to help us focus
on love and service of others alone
let us be treasures by offering our all
to a broken world in need of kindness. Amen

Praying

Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:7-15 

Praying

Dear wondrous Creator
you know our needs
you heart beats with ours
you are never far away.

Draw near to your children
as we open our heart to you
let us never be afraid to pray
to talk with our Creator.

In this time of dire sickness
we come to you fearfully
we shiver with our worries
we feel so small and alone.

Help us to start and end
everything with prayer
sharing our hearts with you
knowing your love draws near.

Help us to take each breath
as gift and sign of your presence
abiding in the dark and light
speaking love to all the broken places. Amen

In Secret

Jesus said, “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.

“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.


“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. But 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.

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 

In Secret

Dear Generous and Loving Creator
we are surrounded by good deed stories
news of kindness get so much attention
help us to be humble givers now.

Make us aware of our need for attention
we are all in hiding separately together
we want to shine from homemade bunkers
let us work in the alleys and the shadows.

Help us to leave off shame and judgment
give us new vision to see the real need
make us those who pray loudly in secret
and quietly go out and care for others.

May our devotion and kindnesses be gifts
of thanksgiving for love showered down
may we devote our lives to joyful giving
that we might be true to love's call. Amen

Fifth Sunday of Easter May 10th, 2020

                                         Fifth Sunday of Easter May 10th, 2020

The Collect
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson
Acts 7:55-60
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

The Psalm
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

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.
15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me."


The Second Lesson
1 Peter 2:2-10
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner”,
and
“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.

The Gospel
John 14:1-14
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”


Let Not Your Hearts - A Litany for Mother's Day

Dear Comforter and Savior of all,
we find ourselves without direction
we have lost complete count of the days
we wonder if normal will ever return
Help us to believe in your presence.

Gracious Creator we ache for a vision
death and starvation is at every door
some are homeless and abandoned
others hide behind their wealthy gates
Give us new hearts for all the people.

Wondrous lover of every human tribe
your formed us in your sacred image
you breathed life into our very souls
your redeemed us from our failures
Make us instruments of your compassion.

Tender Shepherd who is the way home
You sit among the celestial holy beings
you reminds us of the love showered on all
you lead us when we are broken and alone
Help us to guide and love those who are lost today. Amen

Love Your Enemies

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48 

Love Your Enemies

Dear God of every tribe and nation
we separate ourselves from one another
start wars over territory, money and power
yet you love every one us all the same.

Some see the virus as the people's enemy
others claim our government is at fault
you see us as beloved children and weep
as we fail to work together for a cure.

Help us to lean in to this time of panic
to see it as an invitation to new love
a time of peeling away all our differences
so that we might be brothers and sisters all.

Help us to use the fear as true learning
make of students in the school of compassion
break our hearts of bitterness and anxiety
and instill that love which binds all wounds. Amen

In All Our Distress

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.
But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 

In All Our Distress

Loving Creator, Friend of the lost
we are wearied and distressed
our confinement has broken us
we are moment by moment
given to tears and failures.

You do not measure us by our tears
or remember all our mistakes
you hover over our fitful sleep
you breathe love when anger fills us
you do not abandon even the least.

Help us to see you smile in sunlight
your forgiveness in the birdsong
your renewal in the budding leaves
your hope as the earth comes alive
your love for us in every breath.

Let us be grateful in every moment
help us be strong even with tears
help us to love fiercely at a distance
forgive completely past and present
make us always abound in love. Amen

Be Reconciled

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21-26

Be Reconciled

Dear Author of all that is, Good and Holy
some of us have so many gifts and means
others have none and are diminished daily
help today to do everything to be reconciled.

Our selfishness has caused so much pain
our need for freedom had invited illness
we are the cause of so many downfalls
and the losses continue every single day.

Help us to put what we hold precious down
let us fall at the feet of our sisters and brothers
let us confess the way we have selfishly lived
making room for all at the table you spread.

Strengthen us Good Lord for humility
empower us in the daily service of others
make us instruments of peace and reconciliation
so that your love might flourish now and again. Amen

Fulfilling the Law

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20 

Fulfilling the Law

O Great Spirit who talked with the elders
in these hard times of want and illness
You know how we are drawn to curse and cry
You know that we are in tangles and torments
and You walked the path of love with the Ancestors.

We think we have come so far beyond laws
yet we fall into pits of our own designing
we can be selfish, unkind and cruel in fear
we can turn against the ones we owe our lives
today You invite us back to love's journey.

Help us to honor those who are mourning now
give us the strength to embrace the suffering
revive us so that we can house the homeless
renew us so that we can see the increasing need
let us be Your hands working in this world.

You have offer you life for all the world
because You loved us so Fiercely and fully
We are your broken and foolish children
infused with Your love we can become again
those who live and bring the law of love to all. Amen

Salt and Light

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:11-16

Salt and Light

Gracious and loving Creator
we often feel helpless here
the silent hidden killer roams
some would liberate it and them
and too many have died already.

You have promised us strength
when we are trembling and weak
compassion when we are spent
power even as we feel useless
new insight even as we burn out.

Help us to be your light today
give us eyes to see behind anger
to the place of fragile need
beyond the politics and games
to all the tender weeping children.

Give us that saltiness again
that we might be the rich flavor
in times of shortage and hunger
and give us hands and hearts
to carry fullness to those in need. Amen

Blessed

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10 




Blessed
Loving Creator who names us as children

we come to you today worn down again
by those who would not see the danger
by selfish ones who would compromise all
for the sake of money in their hands.

We who are poor in spirit, lift us up
we who are mourning too deep for words
we are trying to bring peace and love
lift us and hold us close in these days
when blessings seem so very far away.

Bless the single mothers and fathers
who struggle to provide day in day out
bless the caregivers and the cleaners
the ones who no one sees nor recognized
bless them double for saving us all.

Bless the angry and the broken hearted
bless those who are persecuted at home
bless the mask makers and the kind ones
who call and feed the sick and lonely
bless us with your love so we might serve like them. Amen.

Good Shepherd - The Fourth Sunday After Easter

                                                     

                                                  Fourth Sunday After Easter

The Collect

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson

Acts 2:42-47
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Psalm 23


1 The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


The Second Lesson

1 Peter 2:19-25
It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

The Gospel

John 10:1-10
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Good Shepherd

Oh Gracious Good Shepherd we are weary
deaths are counted in the thousands here
across the world a quarter of a million
losses so profound we cannot even name.

We remember the fragile ones dying alone
the families that could not sat goodbye
the heroes who cannot see their families
for the human family scared so deep.

We need a greener pasture, a sheltered rest
yet even in this midst of such destruction
you will not abandon us in these hours
you stay near the grieving and the dying.

Tender shepherd, who sought out the least
the wanderers, the outcasts, the scorned
gather us together and lead us again this day
help us be shelter from the known ravages
make us be the love needed right now
and make us strong to face the coming days. Amen