November 30 devotion

Monday, November 30, 2009
by Beau G. Heyen
Minister for Youth & Spiritual Formation at Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

I will extol you, my God, and bless your name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless you, and praise your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; your greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness. They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. Psalm 145: 1-7

The leftovers are in the fridge. The company has gone home.  Life is back to normal.  Well, at least for a few weeks.

It is easy for us to give thanks on a day our country has deemed Thanksgiving, but what about every other day of our lives.  There are many days when thanks-giving is a difficult task on our To Do list.  The stress of bills, work, family, school, traffic and a multitude of other things distract us from the simple gift that is before us: life. 

I often read passages from Psalms and find myself envious of the dedication and praise, or even the ability to express anything to God. So many times I have found myself at an impasse, not sure what to say or how to feel about how God is working in my life.  In those moments I am reminded that by the simple ability to be concerned about how I can communicate with God is something to be praised.

 

Today I challenge each of us to remember what we have that deserves thanks and praise.  I especially challenge those of us who are at that the impasse of stress and life to consider the blessings that surround you. By being thankful we can provide something for others to be thankful for.

God, help us to be thankful for all the many gifts in our lives.  Guide us to provide others with something to be thankful for, this day and everyday. AMEN.

November 26 devotion

Today's Devotion
Thursday, November 26, 2009
by Rev. Steven Horelica
Assistant to the Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
Luke 5:26

I have to confess that, most of the time, I have a hard time being totally present with the person or in the place that I am. Instead, I find myself thinking about chores still to be done, what I will say next in the conversation, or where I have to rush off to next. However, I became aware recently of an activity in which I found myself totally present: weeding.
 
This past weekend I spent some time in a row of onions overgrown by some weeds. It was during this time that I found myself totally present in the activity; there was no thought of anything else. I forgot about my "to do" list or what would be happening the next day. My mind was nowhere else.

As I pulled the weeds, I noticed the detail of each—the shape of the leaves, the length of the roots, their color. As my hands began to get dirty, I smelled the freshness of the earth. As I worked, I felt the wind blow and the warmth of the sun, and I heard the sounds all around. I even noticed her watching me, something my otherwise busy mind would not have paid any attention to.

She was as ordinary as I was, but at the same time very beautiful. She would move almost in synch with me as I moved down the row. My activity did not seem to bother her as she sat very still a few feet away. For whatever reason, she shared this time with me, and, because I was totally present, I noticed.
 
On this day of thanksgiving, as you spend time with family and friends, I invite you to really be present. Don't think about the things still left to do at work or that you have to hurry off to Aunt Mae's. Instead, as you share a meal together, reconnect with those you love. As you play with the children, let yourself get lost in their world for a while. As you spend time outside, observe creation all around you. If you do, I think, at the end of the day, you will be able to say, "I have seen remarkable things today." 

The weeding of that onion row ended way too soon. As I stood up, the moth, sensing my disconnect, flew up and faded into the distance. As I watched her fly away, I felt grateful for her presence that day. Maybe she had been there a number of other times as I worked, but, that day, I was there with her as well.

I hope that this Thanksgiving Day I find myself really present with those I love. My prayer is that you can do the same.

Loving God, help me slow down and be present in the moment, so that I, too, can see all of your remarkable creations around me. Amen.

November 12 devotion

Today's Devotion
Thursday, November 12, 2009
by Rev. Steven Horelica
Assistant to Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX.

Nothing is better than for a person to be happy in their activities. Ecclesiastes 3:22

Recently, I drove down and visited my family for a couple of days. I always enjoy the drive because the path I choose takes me through lots of small towns, forests and undeveloped natural land. While driving, I noticed a large number of small-town businesses that sell items that seem not to go together.

For instance, I passed a muffler shop that also sold chicken eggs. I found a propane company that advertised rabbits for sale. There was a grocery store that sold fishing bait and tackle, a pizza place that sold local honey, and a furniture store where you could buy a fishing license.

On the surface, it seemed like these items were randomly paired, odd combinations. On the other hand, maybe they are actually healthy combinations. I decided that the more prominent of the items is the way a person makes their living, while the other item was perhaps the activity they love doing and would do fulltime if they could make a living at it … or if they won the lottery. So, maybe the odd combinations are in fact a healthy balance for folks. In our own fast-paced lives, are we finding time for the activities we love?

 

After entering high school, we began to meet periodically with the guidance counselor. She would ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Based on our answers, she would help us choose electives and make plans for college. Every time she asked me, I would answer, "I want to be a farmer." Since I lived in a rice-farming area, and many farmers were going under at the time, she saw no logic in that. Needless to say, I am not a farmer.

However, I have never lost my love for farming. So, in addition to making a living, I have found ways to engage in that activity. I always plant a large garden and "farm" on a smaller scale. A very healthy combination for all of us: finding time for the activities you love. If you aren't finding a way to do the thing that brings you joy, I encourage you to do so. Take a class. Start a new hobby. Connect with other folks who enjoy that same thing. Find a way to earn a living AND do an activity you love, no matter how odd the combination.

Loving God, thank you for the activities that bring us happiness. Amen.

Re: Upcoming Nov. 15 at Garden of Grace UCC

Upcoming at Garden of Grace:

 

You are invited to celebrate with us! 

1020 Atlas Road, Columbia, SC 29209

803-695-9664, www.gogucc.com

 

How does our Garden grow?

 

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Linda Renner, lgrenner@aol.com, and Loretta Cobb, lorettaacobb@aim.com, lead a Care Circle, exploring "Bible Study for Amateurs."  The group gathers in West Columbia.

 

7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge, revcandace@gogucc.com, leads a Care Circle at the church, exploring U.S. religious history.

 

3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Mission Team, led by Linda Renner and Loretta Cobb, works a concession stand at the USC football game to raise money for a house-repairing trip to a South Dakota reservation and also for our building fund.

 

9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, Choir Practice, led by Andy Farmer, jandyfarmer@yahoo.com.  Our Celebration Choir needs more members!

 

11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, Rev. Candace, our associate pastor, brings the message, "TEOTWANKI", based on Daniel 12:1-12 and Mark 13:1-8.  A multi-media tribute will be a part of our Transgender Day of Remembrance observance.  Photos may be sent to Deacon Candidate Joanna Crowder, joannaec@live.com.  Our Celebration Choir sings "Prayer for the Children."

 

How does our Garden grow?

 

Our Transgender Day of Remembrance multi-media tribute will be Sunday, Nov. 15.  Photos may be sent to deacon candidate, Joanna Crowder, joannaec@live.com.  Our Thanksgiving observance will be Sunday, Nov. 22.  Our World AIDS Day observance will be Sunday, Nov. 29.  Photos again may be sent to Joanna.

 

An evening interfaith prayer service, recognizing a World Day of Prayer, will be Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Garden of Grace.  Linda Renner, lgrenner@aol.com, and Loretta Cobb, lorettaacobb@aim.com, are organizing this.

 

A covered-dish luncheon will follow our fifth Sunday observance Nov. 29.  The sacred season of Advent begins.  The lunch theme is Mexican.  Please see the Apron Brigade's Joe Matthews, jmatthewssc@bellsouth.net.

 

"Hanging of the Greens," decorating for Advent and Christmas, will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.  Joe Matthews coordinates this.

 

Tickets are on sale for "a holiday affair" by the Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte.  The performance is at 4:04 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Garden of Grace, 803-695-9664.   Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.  Tickets aren't required for children. 

 

Our Celebration Choir's Christmas Musical is at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.  Our Christmas Eve observance is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.

 

How does our Garden grow?

 

"Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians" can be ordered at http://www.bulletproofbook.com.  This exciting book by our associate pastor, Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge, has received much acclaim.

 

Please feel free to phone or email any prayer requests during the week or please write the requests in our prayer book in our entryway on Sundays. 

 

Our Outreach Team leads Garden of Grace in sponsoring the resettlement of Burmese families who have lived in refugee camps for years before coming to Columbia.  This project is a joint effort with Lutheran Family Services of the Carolinas. Joy and Carol Smith-Dailey, fotosetc@yahoo.com, coordinate this Outreach/Compassion Ministry.

 

Patricia Grello, pgrello@sc.rr.com, leads a social-justice Care Circle in West Columbia that volunteers with Harvest Hope Food Bank and with sewing projects for infant clothing.  Two barrels for Harvest Hope's food drive are at Garden of Grace.

 

            Aluminum cans are collected each Sunday by Trustee Jennifer Spears, jennifervspears@aol.com, and Church Sexton Lois Spears, loistalk1948@aol.com, as an on-going fundraiser.

 

 

November 6 devotion

Today's Devotion
by Rev. Dr. Rusty Baldridge
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach & Benevolence, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

O God and Savior you have stood with open arms throughout the ages inviting your people to come to you for life and love.  How can it be that your redeeming love has been so often rejected and your people so hard of heart?

 

"Come to the waters!  Come and eat!" your prophets have called. "Come to me," Jesus said.  And yet your invitation to everlasting life has been so often met with carelessness and even disregard.

We confess that we have indeed given much of our energy and devotion to things that finally do not count.  We have neglected the very things we would say we care for most.  And above all, we have oftentimes taken your love, your acceptance and your forgiveness for granted.

Today, may we turn from our spiritual apathy and awaken our souls to a new appreciation of your love.  Inspire us by the power of your Holy Spirit and make us more faithful recipients of your grace.

On this day, may our hearts be fully seized by the gift that has won us from the grip of hopelessness.  May the profound cost of our redemption take hold of our spirits and inspire us to faithfully proclaim the joys of knowing you.

Bless us once again, O God, with the gracious gift we could never gain except for the truth spoken by the Psalmist, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Upcoming at Garden of Grace:

Upcoming at Garden of Grace:

 

You are invited to celebrate with us! 

1020 Atlas Road, Columbia, SC 29209

803-695-9664, www.gogucc.com

 

How does our Garden grow?

 

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, Linda Renner, lgrenner@aol.com, and Loretta Cobb, lorettaacobb@aim.com, lead a Care Circle, exploring "Bible Study for Amateurs."  The group gathers in West Columbia.

 

9:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, Choir Practice, led by Andy Farmer, jandyfarmer@yahoo.com.  Our Celebration Choir needs more members!

 

11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, our deacon candidate, Joanna Crowder, joannaec@live.com, brings the message.  She has just completed a term as vice moderator of our Board of Trustees.  A multi-media tribute to veterans and the Rite of Blessing for veterans and soldiers will be a part of our celebration.  Photos for the tribute may be sent to Joanna.

 

How does our Garden grow?

 

 Our Veterans Day multi-media tribute will be Sunday, Nov. 8.  Our Transgender Day of Remembrance multi-media tribute will be Sunday, Nov. 15.  Photos can be sent to deacon candidate, Joanna Crowder, joannaec@live.com.  Our Thanksgiving observance will Sunday, Nov. 22.  Our World AIDS Day observance will be Sunday, Nov. 29.  Photos again may be sent to Joanna.

 

"Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians" can be ordered at http://www.bulletproofbook.com.  This exciting book by our associate pastor, Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge, has received much acclaim.

 

Please feel free to phone or email any prayer requests during the week or please write the requests in our prayer book in our entryway on Sundays. 

 

An evening interfaith prayer service, recognizing a World Day of Prayer, will be Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Garden of Grace.  Linda Renner, lgrenner@aol.com, and Loretta Cobb, lorettaacobb@aim.com, are organizing this.

 

Our Outreach Team leads Garden of Grace in sponsoring the resettlement of Burmese families who have lived in refugee camps for years before coming to Columbia.  This project is a joint effort with Lutheran Family Services of the Carolinas. Joy and Carol Smith-Dailey, fotosetc@yahoo.com, coordinate this Outreach/Compassion Ministry.

 

Patricia Grello, pgrello@sc.rr.com, leads a social-justice Care Circle in West Columbia that volunteers with Harvest Hope Food Bank and with sewing projects for infant clothing.  Two barrels for Harvest Hope's food drive are at Garden of Grace.

 

            Aluminum cans are collected each Sunday by Trustee Jennifer Spears, jennifervspears@aol.com, and Church Sexton Lois Spears, loistalk1948@aol.com, as an on-going fundraiser.

 

 

November 3 devotion

Today's Devotion, November 3, 2009
by Rev. Dawson B. Taylor
Curate / Associate Pastor for Congregational Life, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas TX

 

 

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.' Psalm 91:1-2

Recently I moved to a new apartment. Although it is a little smaller, I am enjoying my new place. One of the things that I like most is the large trees that stretch to the top of the three-story building. They are old, beautiful trees. I sometimes feel like I'm living in a tree house because the trees are in front of every window in my new apartment.

 

Another benefit of the trees is that there are squirrels and birds constantly moving around within the branches and I enjoy watching them. The other day I noticed a large squirrel nest in one of the branches. Recently there has been lots of thunderstorms and rain in the Dallas area and I have watched the trees being blown around by the winds. But what has struck me is that the nest has never moved. It is clearly well-built, but more than that, the tree serves as shelter for the nest. It protects the nest from the storms raging around it.

Life can sometimes feel like raging storm happening all around us. It can feel like rain and winds blowing around us and we often find ourselves looking for spiritual shelter. Like those strong trees, I believe God stands waiting to shelter you and me from the storms. God doesn't stop the storms from raging, but can shelter us while we endure them. If life feels like a raging storm to you this day, I pray that you'll be able to pray this simple prayer and rest in its promise.     

Loving God, shelter me. Amen.