Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Saturday, April 16, Morning – Holy Week Day 6
By Ann Reego
Holy Saturday
Read: Matthew 27:62-66
“The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
My father passed away on Dec. 26 while visiting us for Christmas in Salt Lake City, Utah. I remember being too stunned and shocked to fall asleep easily, but after a good cry to release tension I got some troubled sleep. When I awoke the next day, the sun was shining, the air crisp and cold. But I was hurting. The hole in my heart was painful, and I couldn’t believe what I had witnessed in the hospital the night before. My heart was in as much pain as his was because of the heart attack that took him from us. The next day, Mom and I went through the motions of what had to be done at the funeral home and made arrangements to fly to Dallas. She was scared about how she would live without him after 40+ years. I was simply lost. My father, my rock, my first love, my mentor was gone
I can only imagine how the family, followers and disciples of Jesus felt the “next day”. First, it was the Sabbath and certain rituals had to be observed. Second, I’m sure they were terrified that they would be the next ones arrested. Third, they were without a man that they had become close to and followed for the last three years. He had been their source of strength. They believed in him. Would he come again as he had promised? I’m sure they wanted to believe, but at that point, it was just too painful.
The “powers that be” were scrambling to make sure the disciples did not steal the body and claim that He had risen. They placed guards in front of the tomb and marked it with a seal so that Jesus couldn’t get out. But an earthquake rolled the stone away, and the guards were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men.
Of course we all know what happened. The body was gone and arrayed in glory. The women did not know Him at first and neither did anyone else. But He revealed himself to all of them and they realized that they had been a witness to history.
Then Jesus gave them their instructions:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
These Orders Remain for Us Today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your son. We thank you for relationships we have here that we mourn when we lose them. We pledge to follow your teachings and teach your ways to all people … even to the end of the age. Amen.
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All are welcome at Church Street! We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We welcome and celebrate the gifts God has given to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. We respect diversity of opinion and expressions of Christian faith. We believe God loves everyone unconditionally! As God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.
Weekly Prayer – April 27, 2022
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of April 27, 2022
Rev. Catherine Nance*
Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God. Breathe on us, Breath of God. Life-giving God, we are thankful for the image in our scriptures of Jesus breathing on the disciples and offering peace. We remember your breathing over the waters and bringing forth creation; breathing into humanity as you formed us in your image. O God we pray that as we inhale, we would take in your grace and love and all that is good. We desire to feel your presence in our very beings; at our core; in our hearts. Breathe on us the transforming breath of Jesus; the transformative breath… We pray for a calmness when we are facing tense situations and difficult conversations. Breathe on us.
We pray for peace in our world; breathe on our leaders and those around the world who make decisions based on maps and land and power, not on the hearts and wellbeing of people. Breathe on them; fill them with life anew. We pray for a steadiness of heart as Christians as we make decisions. We pray for an abundance of your Spirit as we read your scriptures and seek guidance for our living. Breathe on us.
We pray for your church, O God. Breathe on your church – for ministers and laity everywhere who strive to build up the body of Christ and your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We especially pray for those young ones who were confirmed on Sunday in our congregation as they seek to walk in the way of Christ. And bless, we pray, each one who has recently come forward to be baptized and to become a new members of our congregation. Guide them to find here nurture in faith, true fellowship, and a place of joyful service. Breathe on us; fill us with life anew.
Spirit of Life, as you hav delivered healing and revived hope to so many, we bring our prayers of praise this day. And may your divine energy move within us and through us, Holy Lord, that we may become conduits of holy healing to these others who wait for your breath of renewal:
Inhaling and exhaling is such a simple act, an involuntary act; yet without it we would die. As we breathe in, O God, may we remember that we are raised in new life with Christ. May we live into that life.
Breathe on us breath of God; fill us with life anew.
That we would love what thou wouldst love; and do what thou wouldst do.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
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Senior Spotlight – Kathryn Atkins
Featured, YouthOne of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors. And this year, we have a special Senior Spotlight series on our blog. Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this spring and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps!
Meet Kathryn Atkins!
and he will make straight your paths.
Weekly Prayer – April 20, 2022
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of April 20, 2022
Rev. Jan Buxton Wade
Hail thee Festival Day! It was just before dawn when the glow of the Easter moon pulled our eyes upward — the first to disclose that darkness was fleeing – the first to whisper that new life was coming into the world. Praises that we did not miss the dawn of your day of triumph, Faithful Lord! Praises that you appeared to us in the faces of so many blessed ones around us! Praises that your light penetrated our marred exteriors and pierced our souls! “Shine on,” you seemed to say, “that this holy light will pour out forever through you!”Ah, such is the love that cleanses and refines, that erases the sins of yesterday and points toward tomorrow, that ever offers a new beginning!
Yes, O God, our hearts became wings on Easter as your splendor lifted us to hope of heaven! Yet we know many who continue to bear the wounds of Good Friday and remain locked in the dark tomb of pain: the ill of mind and body, the forgotten, the poor and the lonely, the dispirited and victims of terror. We remember those times when you resurrected the dead parts within ourselves and offered us another way of living; and so we pray for those who are searching for a glimmer of relief, especially these we name in our hearts before you: . . . . . . . . . . Give them also, Father of Mercy, a new way of living, and remember, as well, these members of our church family who bring earnest prayers this day:
It is true, O Sacred One, that we remain unsure of ourselves, too often afraid to stretch out our hand to clasp your own. Make firm our trust, we pray, so that we may become true Easter people, willingly releasing everything that hinders our walk with you, even our very lives. Remind us, in whatever way you will, that what has been lost, you will reclaim; what has been harmed, you will remake; and all that is unwell, you will restore. These prayers we lift up the name of the Resurrected One, whose love was and is too deep for words:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
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Let Your Light Shine
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Monday, April 18 – Afterword
By Nancy and Barry Christmas, On Behalf of the Congregational Care Committee
Let Your Light Shine
Read: Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
One morning in January we awoke to a beautiful blanket of snow, pristine white and shimmering in the bright, reflective sunlight. Overnight the world around us had been transformed from barren and sterile to the breathtaking panorama of a winter wonderland. There was wet snow clinging to all the trees, rooftops and fences, and windblown onto the sides of houses and light poles, with tiny crystals of snow glistening and twinkling. It brought to mind Jesus’ ability to take our broken and lifeless spirit and transform it into the radiant beauty of his love, that we might reflect that love onto all others around us.
For so many months we have traveled in the wasteland of a pandemic with all the sickness and death that has accompanied it. We are tired of our personal journey through the wilderness. Many people are weary, discouraged, frightened, and despondent. It’s so encouraging to receive a sign from above that there is hope for our future and there are better days coming. He alone has the power to transform our world.
He tells us in Matthew, we who believe in Him are the light of this world and we should not hide that light, but let it shine forth. We are to reflect His love in our actions toward others, so they will see that He can and will transform their lives, too. May we each search our hearts and ask Jesus how we can be His light in this world and His beacon of hope for those who have lost all hope.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, show me how and where I can serve as your light in this world, to be your messenger of hope and renewed life. Amen.
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Spirit of the Sycamore
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Sunday, April 17, Evening – Easter Sunday
By Rev. Jan Buxton Wade, Minister of Spiritual Enrichment
Spirit of the Sycamore
Read: Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV
“You learned Christ … and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life… and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Once, on a day hike with my husband and brother-in-law in the Smokies, we decided to test ourselves in identifying the various trees we encountered along the way. I did fairly well in the task we set for ourselves that afternoon, but I actually was no match for my two companions who grew up in the mountains and who hike every chance they get. Instantly, however, I recognized the one beautiful giant sycamore on the trail because of its peeling bark, discarded and strewn upon the forest floor.
I recalled my college botany professor describing the sycamore as the most tenacious grower in the Southeast. As its branches ascend to the heavens, the increasing tension on the bark causes the outer layer to simply split apart. It was the beautiful underneath layer that held my attention that day, for it revealed a mosaic of mottled white, tan and gray, resembling an old medieval map. I could trace some of the “roads” with my finger, but most of its paths were indistinct, crisscrossed, and seemed to lead nowhere. Its intricacy held such mystery that I lingered too long and was almost left behind!
Moving on across the ridge, I began to think of the maps of our own lives – we don’t always know if we are headed in the right direction; our paths are indistinct and sometimes we feel we are going nowhere. But we are called to grow in trust, depending on grace to get us through. Maybe that grand sycamore reigns on the mountainside even now. With mounds of bark cast aside, it calls to us: “Begin afresh! Begin afresh!”
Prayer
Designer of the Blessed Earth, how grateful we are that your message of renewal is written in so many ways throughout your holy creation. Give us eyes and ears and hearts to find you this very day. Amen.
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Mouths of Babes
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Sunday, April 17, Morning – Easter Sunday
By Katie (& Evie) Strangis
Mouths of Babes
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
“…then he diiiieeed, and he was kiiillllled, and now Jesus lives in my heeeeaaarrrrttt.” That is the song my 3-year-old has made up and started to sing (and dance!) to recently, with an unremarkable tune but some very powerful words.
When she started singing it, I had some questions and, frankly, really worried about what was going through her head about this story of murder and death and spirits – Where did you learn that?! Who is singing about death and murder with you?! How can you possibly understand this at age 3?! Help ME understand it at age 38! She sounded so innocent, yet confident, when she sang the song. She was not fearful at all – just matter-of-factly telling the story of Christ’s death and resurrection as she prepared some pretend cookies for us in her play kitchen.
It caught me off guard – not the words, necessarily, but her nonchalance and acceptance. Some of my own earliest memories involve my anxiety and obsession over a body’s physical death, my fear of dying and my family dying, not to mention grappling with how cruelly Jesus was treated before and during his crucifixion and the idea of eternal life. I’ve felt the shame and betrayal in how humans treated one of their own so horrifically and the guilt that I can never do enough to make up for Jesus dying for me. It feels unjust that we receive so much because he sacrificed everything. I feel guilty that I couldn’t be there to stop that inhumanity from happening, even if it was meant to be that way in order for us to have eternal life.
Those were some serious thoughts for a young child to ponder in the mid-80s. But there’s a lot of serious stuff happening in the world today: a pandemic, political division and violence, climate crises, hostage situations, school shootings, drug addiction and overdoses, war, police brutality, domestic abuse, illness, an increasing suicide rate … to name a few. Some days I can’t fathom finding Jesus’ loving, forgiving, and eternal spirit in those circumstances. And yet, I know it’s always there because of what happened that Easter day.
What struck me most about my daughter’s resurrection song is what I too often forget: Death is not the end. We don’t have to be afraid. We are forgiven. Jesus lives on eternally … in my heeeaaarrrttt.
Prayer
Compassionate God, your love finds full expression in the gift of Jesus Christ your Son, who willingly met betrayal and death to set us free from sin. Thank you for the gift of your son. Amen.
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The Miracle of Life
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Saturday, April 16, Evening – Holy Week Day 6
By Bill Terry
The Miracle of Life
Read: John 10:10b
“…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Many years ago when I was caring for children with cancer, one family was unique. The father was a physician, and both parents were very religious. As we tested their child to diagnose him and begin his treatment, there were regular prayers by the parents. Although most children respond well to therapy, when this child began his medications, within 24-48 hours all signs of his large tumor disappeared.
The parents were eager to discuss theologically what had happened. The child went on to complete his therapy with his tumor gone, and he was eventually lost to follow up. I can only remember one other patient having such a dramatic early response.
As we come toward the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we should be aware of the miracles that happen in our lives and even of the miracle of life itself. I will let people wiser than I am explain how all of this comes about. I will simply be thankful.
Prayer
Dear Lord, We thank you for the gift of life and are grateful for the gift of your Son. During this Lenten season we will try to focus our lives on remembering Him and His sacrifice for us.
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Holy Saturday
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Saturday, April 16, Morning – Holy Week Day 6
By Ann Reego
Holy Saturday
Read: Matthew 27:62-66
“The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
My father passed away on Dec. 26 while visiting us for Christmas in Salt Lake City, Utah. I remember being too stunned and shocked to fall asleep easily, but after a good cry to release tension I got some troubled sleep. When I awoke the next day, the sun was shining, the air crisp and cold. But I was hurting. The hole in my heart was painful, and I couldn’t believe what I had witnessed in the hospital the night before. My heart was in as much pain as his was because of the heart attack that took him from us. The next day, Mom and I went through the motions of what had to be done at the funeral home and made arrangements to fly to Dallas. She was scared about how she would live without him after 40+ years. I was simply lost. My father, my rock, my first love, my mentor was gone
I can only imagine how the family, followers and disciples of Jesus felt the “next day”. First, it was the Sabbath and certain rituals had to be observed. Second, I’m sure they were terrified that they would be the next ones arrested. Third, they were without a man that they had become close to and followed for the last three years. He had been their source of strength. They believed in him. Would he come again as he had promised? I’m sure they wanted to believe, but at that point, it was just too painful.
The “powers that be” were scrambling to make sure the disciples did not steal the body and claim that He had risen. They placed guards in front of the tomb and marked it with a seal so that Jesus couldn’t get out. But an earthquake rolled the stone away, and the guards were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men.
Of course we all know what happened. The body was gone and arrayed in glory. The women did not know Him at first and neither did anyone else. But He revealed himself to all of them and they realized that they had been a witness to history.
Then Jesus gave them their instructions:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
These Orders Remain for Us Today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your son. We thank you for relationships we have here that we mourn when we lose them. We pledge to follow your teachings and teach your ways to all people … even to the end of the age. Amen.
Have a Prayer Request?
Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.
Despair, but also Hope
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Friday, April 15, Evening – Good Friday
By Jeff Cheek
Despair, but also Hope
Read: Lamentations 3:16-24
“He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, ‘My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.’ I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
As Christians observe Lent, it is easy to despair. Here is our Savior, the Son of God, on this relentless journey towards a terrible ending. Imperfect man crucifying our perfect Savior. Jesus endures true sacrifice and real pain inflicted by the world. “My soul is bowed down” or “bereft of peace” can really ring true in dark times. We envision Jesus alone in the wilderness; it is easy to feel alone ourselves.
Through Lent we endeavor to sacrifice as well, to do something that reminds us of His sacrifice. But even then, as we examine our relationship, how could we possibly match that? Jesus is so great, powerful, perfect, and we’re… not. Even in our lamenting we fall short, in our sacrifice we can’t possibly sacrifice enough. It is hard to find inner peace or hope with these thoughts racing through our minds.
However, just like Jeremiah, we can despair in one breath, but in the next have hope. Remember, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases”, never. God is with you always; you are never alone. Remember the sacrifice, don’t forget the pain, but don’t lose sight of the ending either. Remember God’s love for you; remember even through sacrifice and pain, God’s love never fails.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being with us through our dark times. Help us remember that pain and sacrifice will come, but even in those times, Your love never leaves us, not even for a second. May every breath of despair be followed by a breath of hope.
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Sitting in Silence
Featured, lentDaily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Friday, April 15, Morning – Good Friday
Rev. Catherine Nance, Senior Pastor
Sitting in Silence
Read: Psalm 62:1-2
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”
It is Good Friday.
We focus on darkness. Stillness. Silence.
I am thinking back to last year’s Tenebrae Service held in our nave at noon.
We had just started regathering and there was no singing. There was not a lot of movement.
We did have organ and harp music at a few places in the service, but there was no singing. No unison reading of Psalm 22, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
The service was arranged so that there was not the usual recession of altar and chancel items out of the nave; instead, objects were draped in black at the end. Clergy and acolytes took their time being careful not to pass each other; keeping our distance. It took a little longer. There was more time for silence.
Planning Good Friday services for so many years, I was accustomed to the lump that forms in my throat, the tightness in my chest, and stinging in my eyes as we sing, Were You There, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and What Wondrous Love.
Last year, it was different.
There was something powerful as the few of us gathered there sat in silence. Instead of turning in the hymnal to find words or seeking solace in a familiar tune, I was left to focus on the silence. I found myself listening to the words that were spoken instead of moving ahead to the hymn; the sounds of the scripture lingered in my imagination after each reading…
On this Good Friday, I am thinking of an Advent hymn, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. I invite you to spend time reading the passion narrative aloud and then pausing from time to time to be quiet. Just be quiet. Listen.
Prayer
O God whose voice brought forth creation, may I be quiet today and listen. Help me pay attention to the sounds around me and to listen for you. In the silence of Good Friday, I seek your voice. Amen.
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