Have You Hugged Your Kid Today?

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Tuesday, March 16

By Harvey and Kayla Carruth, April 1, 1979

Have You Hugged Your Kid Today?

Read: Romans 12:9a,10 (The Living Bible)

The popular bumper-sticker whose inscription appears above brings a haunting question to mind. Have you noticed how quickly time passes and before you know it those you love are suddenly “just not around anymore?” The one who used to be the baby is now into soccer and basketball-diapers and baby bottles are things of the past. Our little girl is suddenly eleven and going on eighteen! Family members are located hundreds of miles away. Parents, who never grow old, have joined the ranks of the retired. Even close friends are frequently transferred and move far away.

How often do we fail to express the love we have for family members and friends? Do we just assume that they will know we love them? To be sure, we have only the best of intentions but somehow those important words go unspoken until it is too late.

In John Powell’s book The Secret of Staying in Love, there is an account of a man whose father has just died in his arms.

His mother looked at him and said, “Oh, he was so proud of you. He loved you so much.” As tears streamed down the young man’s face he realized that he wasn’t crying because his father was dead but rather because his father never told him that he was proud of him and that he loved him. The son was just expected to know the great part he played in his father’s life and the great part he occupied in his heart – but the son was never told.

What a waste! Why do we let it happen? How long has it been since we told someone how much we cared about them? Do so today – don’t wait until it is too late.

Prayer

Dear God, there is a wealth of unexpressed love in the world. Today, help us begin to say those simple but all important words that have for so long gone unspoken. Amen. 

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Evening Prayer – March 15

BINDING SOUL AND SOURCE

Prayers for the Church Street Family

March 15, 2021

Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade

Enduring One, you have invited us to this Lenten Journey because in your wisdom you knew our souls had listened too long to the world’s hollow voice. All praise to you that you have summoned us these weeks past to open our eyes to re-discover the wonders surrounding us, to reflect upon your true purpose for our lives, to teach us new songs of gratitude and humility. We have stumbled, but you hold out your scarred hand and share yourself with us again and again.  Continue that inner work, Lord, for we have miles yet to travel.

Here in the time of twilight, we make our sincere confessions: We worry about balancing our dinner menus, forgetting the millions who are steps away from starvation. We think we deserve the best of everything, forgetting that everything we have comes from the efforts of someone else. We draw chalk marks to delineate who is in and who is out, forgetting that you love all equally and all are welcome. We turn on our security systems and remain secure in our homes, forgetting our neighbors’ children must dodge bullets when they travel to and from school.

We repent of our shallowness, Lord, but give thanks that you have planted saints among us whose open and unselfish ways convict us of our self-absorption. Grant that we, as they, might learn to view the world through the lens of Jesus, the Son who tells us it is never too late for new beginning.

Never-Ending Mercy, you carry us through on the comforting melody of your forgiveness, that music that never ceases; and because of your movement through our lives, we bring our personal praises from our Church Street family, and also our prayers for your divine assistance:

  • Gratitude for prayers: Heart cath went smoothly
  • Thanksgiving for first in-person worship
  • Four grateful for second dose of vaccine
  • UMW celebrates major gift for missions
  • Family grateful for weekend visits from relatives whom they have not seen in more than a year
  • Family thankful for settling in new home
  • One grateful for tolerating cancer treatments
  • Comfort for family whose mother died on Sunday
  • Solace and comfort for mother, 90, having internal bleeding and guidance for caregiver brother
  • Prayers for diagnosis of youngster’s seizures
  • Healing: Young sister with ongoing cancer concerns
  • Comfort and support for friend divorcing
  • Prayers for one who is disillusioned by illness
  • Rest and recovery for one following throat surgery
  • Young adult having fourth round of chemo this week
  • Dear friend awaiting medical treatment
  • Prayers that new meds improve breathing issues
  • Safe delivery of first grandchild
  • Prayers for justice in a custody case

We lie down in peace, nestled under your cool sheets of mercy, secure in the knowledge that even as we sleep, you are erasing our sins, untying our burdens, soothing us, and making us whole. As darkness descends, may our parting vision be of Jesus resting his hand upon us, as we whisper the words he taught us so long ago:

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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A Personal Discovery

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Monday, March 15

By Nancy Carmon, March 24, 2019

A Personal Discovery 

Read: Hebrews 4:15-16

Several years ago I participated in a Walk to Emmaus, an intensely personal three-day weekend Christian retreat. Attendees, pilgrims, are challenged to silence, prayer, and contemplation with workshops, small group discussions, great meals, singing, worship, daily communion and finally commitment or “Fourth Day”.

The first event was the challenge of self-denial. Just as Jesus went into the wilderness to contemplate his mission and was met with temptation, we were asked to discover our own personal temptations. Was it pleasures “of the flesh”, personal comforts, eating, drinking? Was it personal goals, life in the world and the sometimes-overwhelming concerns of daily living? Was it power and prestige given by others and society? For me it was the surrender of self-will, letting go of my own desires and plans, and opening myself up to the possibilities of a God-filled life.

Perhaps Lent and practice of “giving something up for Lent” is more about spiritual renewal and prayer than it is about what we plan to give up. Perhaps for me it is a time to revisit my temptations and to re-surrender myself. This Lenten season might be an opportunity for you to contemplate and pray about your temptations, to discover what pulls you from a faith-filled life, to recommit yourself to the vows you said when you joined the church – “to support the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness”…and then to surrender self.

Prayer

Holy God, Help me to discern your will for my life during these days ahead…to live within your will each day. Forgive my human weakness and my sin. Strengthen me to celebrate Easter with a new heart. In the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.

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Fountains of Life

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 14, Evening

By Ruth L. Defriese, April 3, 1976

Fountains of Life

Read Psalm 36:9

“For with thee is the fountain of life, in thy light shall we see light.”

A constant wonder to behold is a fountain with its spontaneous and constant flow of life giving water. The sureness of this ever flowing stream of water brings joy and satisfaction. There are numerous kinds of fountains and each in its own way serves a purpose.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating is the tiny bubbling clear stream to be discovered deep in the rocks and ferns of the mountains. When compared to the impressive multi-lighted high leaping fountains, this tiny bubbling mountain stream might seem insignificant. Yet how like the fountain is God’s plan for man.

Some individuals in their Christian endeavor reach spectacular heights while others might be compared to the tiny mountain stream. Each serves its purpose and each is dependent upon a deep inner source to fulfill its purpose.

Christians too are dependent on an inner source, which is the love of God, to fulfill their purpose in life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give each of us the wisdom, grace and understanding to know that with thee is the fountain of life. May our love be constant and may we serve thee joyfully and fulfill our purpose in life. Amen.

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Faith and Trust

Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, March 14, Morning

By Edwin C. Kelso, April 10, 1976

Faith and Trust

Read Mark 10:52

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well;’ and immediately he received his sight and followed him on his way.”

This verse from Mark tells of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, receiving his sight through one of Christ’s miracles. The miracle would not have taken place had not Bartimaeus had faith and trust in our Lord.

In more recent times, many supposedly terminally ill patients have been miraculously cured. Their doctors could offer no explanation. A heavenly Doctor had a hand in the cure. There is a great need to put ourselves in the hands of God and trust Him.

In A MAN CALLED PETER, Catherine Marshall says,

“You trust your bed, You trust your precautions against burglars,

You trust the police force … And the fire brigade …

And trust yourself to sleep …

Which is another way of saying

You trust yourself to God.

 

The believer trusts himself to God … believing that God will watch over him.

Will you relax spiritually today?

Will you leave with God – now – the troubles you have been

carrying around for so long?

Will you ask Him – now – to take them away from you?

and let you relax in simple trust … just like a child?

Will you?”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we have seen that without trust there can be no free and wholehearted obedience. Now we must look at the other side: without obedience there can be no real trust. We ask Thee very simply – take care of us, release all our fears and worries that we may better serve Thee, In Christ’s name. Amen.

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Under the Bridge

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Saturday, March 13

By Dona McConnell, Director, Beacon of Hope, April 19, 2019

Under the Bridge

Read: Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

On my way to work at Beacon of Hope I pass under the bridge overpass where many homeless gather. People are hunched on the side of the street with blankets wrapped against the bitter cold.  There are people of all ages and races, males and females, young adults and children. Extreme poverty does not discriminate. Sometimes it’s especially hard to bear, like a recent day when I spied a young boy, maybe 12 or 13, wearing socks but no shoes.

I hear all the arguments. “They should get a job.” “They want to be homeless.” “They are all on drugs.” All I know for sure is that no one under the bridge is happy. No one grew up dreaming of this life. No one “prefers” being cold and hungry.

So what can I do? I can’t help everyone, but I can try to love those who are sometimes hard to love. During Lent, as we reflect on Jesus’ life and death, we can reflect also on his lessons of unconditional love. Jesus’ mission on earth was based on inclusion. He loved the poor, the homeless, the lepers, the sinners. No one, not even the thief on the cross beside him, was beyond the reach of His love. As a follower of Jesus, am I not also called to love those whose lives I may not understand?

This Lenten season, I’ve decided to pray every day for someone under the bridge. I’ll pray for them to escape the cycle of pain they’re in, regardless of the reason, and to get another chance at a life of blessing. I’ll try to remember that we all deserve equal measures of mercy as children of God.

Prayer

God of love, grant us the ability to love others, especially those who are lost in the world. Help us not to turn away from their pain, but to follow Jesus’ teachings and love them.

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Being with the “Other”

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Friday, March 12

By Rev. Rick Isbell, April 18, 2019

Being with the “Other”

Read: Luke 19:5-6

In our most recent trip to Israel, Sue and I had the opportunity to experience something we have never done before. In small groups of four, we had the unique experience of having supper with a Palestinian Christian family in their home. The family we visited with one Sunday evening lived on the outskirts of Bethlehem in Beit Sahour. After meeting in Bethlehem and being transported to their home, we set down around their kitchen table, ate supper with them, talked and learned of their lives as Palestinian Christians living in Israel. The mother was a teacher and the father was a builder who had built their entire beautiful 3 story limestone home himself. I did not know what to expect, how to interact with them and where the conversation would go. For about an hour and a half I was in the company of the “other” whom I did not know, had never seen before and was an American in a Palestinian home.

This beautiful experience caused me to remember that Jesus was always in the company of the “other”. He ate with people he did not know, he had conversation with persons very different from him, and yet the people were changed by his presence. It seems he associated with and told stories about the “others” of that biblical society…. tax collectors, prostitutes, extreme nationalists, handicapped persons, fishermen, Samaritans, persons with illnesses, women, children, etc.

This experience in January caused me to think how much you and I are around the “others” in our society. How much do we associate with and try to understand those who are different from us? If I had not chosen to be a part of this experience in our Holy Land trip, I would not understand the daily life and challenges of a Palestinian Christian family. Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone and be in fellowship with our neighbor. Where do you need to spend time with the “other” this Lenten season? It just might change your life.

Prayer

Help me God to see the “others” around me. Help me to be with, help and understand my neighbor so that I may have a heart like Christ’s this Lenten season.

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Evening Prayer – March 11

BINDING SOUL AND SOURCE

Prayers for the Church Street Family

March 11, 2021

Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade

Evening Host, settle us down as the night air drifts in and the warm moon high above is captured in a blue mist. Night’s reverie is ours once again, and we turn our thoughts to our blessings of this day just past . . . . . . . . . . Your presence seemed to float before us, opening doors and windows when we were hemmed in by challenges. Forgive us when we fail to remember that even the breaths we take come as your gift to us. Truly, if we were to list all your favors in the journals of our hearts, the pages and margins could not contain such manifold entries.

O Gatherer of the Beloved Community, you have been faithful in tending us through this past year of travail; and now, in just a few days, we will once again be able to worship with our brothers and sisters in our own church building!  Having experienced all our seclusion and loneliness, our fears and losses, our anxieties and bereavements, we shall not return to your sanctuary as the same people we were before. We have been deeply humbled by this stealthy virus, but also by the ways you have brought about renewal. Let us sing praises to our God of Goodness whose silent work can never be squelched by illness, suffering, travesty, or even death!

Words fail us, as ever, but we offer gratitude that we are part of that great pilgrimage traveling to your heavenly home. The road is often steep and the crossroads confusing, yet you lend encouragement when we think of turning back. In your mercy, receive these specific prayers offered by your Church Street sojourners, and all our unspoken ones we carry with us:

  • Couple celebrates new baby arriving in July
  • Gratitude: Heart catheterization revealed no blockages
  • Cancer survivor is encouraged by church’s prayers
  • Members thankful for church’s educational offerings
  • Gratitude: Hospitalized sister is much improved
  • Healing: Young sister with ongoing cancer concerns
  • Comfort for family: Cherished mother in hospice care
  • Healing for colleague following risky surgery
  • Prayers that heart catheterization Friday goes well
  • Patience for one awaiting medical treatment
  • Prayers that new meds improve breathing issues
  • Safe delivery of first grandchild
  • Patience and healing for one recovering from surgery
  • Healing for grandson with lymphoma
  • Elderly mother in hospice care at home
  • Prayers for adult son to conquer his addiction
  • Recovery for youngster with head injury
  • Diagnosis for 6-year-old niece having seizures

Grant us, O Lord, and all whom we cherish, a peaceful rest under the panoply of stars. And as we sleep, silently engrave the name of Jesus upon our hearts, that all our thoughts and deeds may become extensions of the love of your Son, who taught us to pray with these 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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Lunch with Jesus

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Thursday, March 11

By Ann Reego, April 18, 2019

Lunch with Jesus

Read: Matthew 25:40

Traditionally, Lent is a period of self-reflection and personal accountability. I see it, also, as a time to celebrate Jesus’ life and teachings. We hear sermons about answering His call, as the disciples did, and are challenged to look for ways to improve and enhance our own discipleship.

I have seen homeless and disenfranchised people walking our streets and standing at interstate exits asking for rides or money and have reacted in various ways. How can they live like that? Why don’t they shave or take a bath? Are they so emotionally disabled that they just dropped out of society? They make me so sad. Why? What? THEY.

This year I answered a call in the Messenger to work in the CSUMC Soup Kitchen. I found answers to my questions, although it’s not the answers that I expected.

#1—THEY are guests at our church every Thursday for lunch, and are welcomed at any time for   services on Sunday.

#2—THEY all have a face, a name and a story…just like me.

#3—THEY see life differently than I do – and that’s OK.

#4—THEY find joy in many experiences and are able to express their joy in life itself.

#5—THEY have the same needs as I do.

#6—THEY are not staying homeless just to get a free meal on Thursday.

#7—THEY are a real and present part of our society, and overlooking them or judging them will not make them go away.

Jesus did not qualify who received his love, his blessing, or his help. He offered his message freely to whoever was willing to accept it. Every Thursday morning, Church Street UMC does that, too!

I have made new friends. I have comforted someone who was feeling low. I have laughed and shared joy with people I would never have met. I have smiled more than I can ever remember.

And I get to have lunch with Jesus every Thursday! 

Prayer

Holy God, we are challenged to open our hearts and minds to everyone we meet. We pray to accept this challenge, for in doing so, we will see Christ. Amen.

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Evening Prayer – March 10

BINDING SOUL AND SOURCE

Prayers for the Church Street Family

March 9, 2021

Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade

God of our Hearts, we awoke to your glory in the morning light, thankful for the promise of another day, teeming with opportunities to honor you.  And in some ways, we were faithful to our Christian calling in our encounters; but now in reflection at day’s end, we admit our blunders, especially . . . . . . . . . Even in these embarrassing instances, our hearts may have been in the right frame, but our egos caused us to lose control.  Forgive us, we pray, for listening too closely to that strident voice of arrogance that has made its home inside our heads.  Erase our indiscretions from your memory, Lord, as you always do.  And when tomorrow comes, may our hearts, swept clean by your Spirit, rule the day.

Maybe our arrogance is a cover-up for our feelings of insignificance.  Compared to notables around us, whose wisdom and works influence major policy shifts and restore hope and health around the globe, our own efforts sometimes seem so paltry.  The world is assuredly not beating on our doors seeking advice.  Instead, we labor as everyday folks – the grocer, the teacher, the loan officer, the trash collector, the homemaker, the salesclerk, the retiree. Center our minds, we pray, not on our station or influence in life, but on the One who took ordinary wine and bread.  And lifting them up with his blessing, these gifts were rendered transformative and sufficient to sustain the soul of every believer.  So let us be about the tasks we have set for ourselves: taking a meal to a neighbor, making a phone call when illness strikes, quilting a baby blanket, volunteering at the food bank, visiting the homebound, waiting with the dying.  We serve the God who takes ordinary gifts and counts them as sacred offerings for the kingdom.

Indeed, another sacred offering is the privilege of praying for one another, whether in joy or sorrow; therefore, we share with you, Caring One, these situations which hold prominent places in the hearts of your Church Street family:

  • Prayers appreciated: Tests show a tumor is shrinking
  • Grateful for prayers: A biopsy shows no sign of cancer
  • Thankful that a missing friend has been located and is safe
  • Member thankful for bereavement support
  • Two with heart ailments are on the road to healing
  • Gratitude for support of Stephen Ministers
  • Young wife is thankful her cancer is in early stage
  • Prayers for two undergoing heart procedures on Friday
  • Professional seeks a good job opening
  • Cherished mother in hospice care at home
  • Safe delivery of a grandchild next week
  • All who are in mourning
  • Healing for grandson with lymphoma
  • Family grieving death of mother/grandmother
  • Elderly mother entering hospice care
  • Beloved sister weakened by disease, hospitalized
  • Guidance and courage for family of addictive son
  • Ill member awaiting treatment plan
  • Recovery for youngster with head injury
  • Diagnosis for 6-year-old niece having seizures
  • Comfort for husband: MS and breathing issues

We leave our prayers with you, Tender Friend, knowing you want the best for us. Tuck us in with your hands of love, and we will take our rest under your quilt of grace. Whatever the new morn brings, we will face it with you, always remembering to pray as we were taught even as children:

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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