Elders Communion Meditations

This is the Reconciling Offering 2010 as well as World Communion Sunday. World Communion Sunday celebrates our oneness as followers of Christ while the Reconciliation Ministry Offering confronts our continued divisiveness, The world which God has reconciled is present at every communion. Communion signifies what our world is to become, a universal communion in the Body of Christ, a Kingdom of justice, love, and peace in the Holy Spirit.

We are called to commit ourselves to transformation doing the works of Jesus. This transformation begins, as we are told in Romans, by “ accepting one another, as Christ accepted you, for the glory of God.” Transforming this vision into reality will take deliberate efforts, change, and a healing of wounds.

Jesus gave His life to unite us as one. This is the greatest sacrifice of all! Is it too much then to ask that we give up our own pride and our love of feeling superior? Jesus said of the bread, “ This is my body.” When we act as though we are divided, we then divide the Body of Christ. All members of Christ’s body are called to labor alongside the oppressed toward the freedom and respect which is promised to all with the coming of the Kingdom. The Lords Supper is but one reminder of our own unity. The Holy Bible repeatedly tells us that the church is also His body. When we break the bread at communion it binds us to one another in peace.

All people are the children of the same god. God is recognizable in the face of every woman, man, and child. Many of these people are still waiting to be recognized, for us to love them, and give them dignity and hope. The book of Ephesians sets forth the manner that ought to characterize Christians as they relate to one another. We have been instructed in the Lords ways: now we must walk in them and learn to live in harmony, unity, peace, and enduring justice for all. The dictionary definition of “enduring” is: to continue in the same state: to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding: to undergo esp. without giving in. Enduring justice, then is to act justly not only when we meet on Sunday morning for worship, but every day and hour outside this church in places we may meet with resistance or people who even despise us and persecute us! We must be willing, as Jesus was, to risk rejection when we are obedient to Christ’s commands and His redemptive mission.

God seeks those who are willing to go on mission with Him .When we live a life committed to God’s mission on earth, all adversaries and enemies will become friends:
     Arabs and Israelis
     The English and the Irish
     White and Black South Africans
     Bosnians Serbs and Croations
     Americans and Iraquis
     Muslims and Christians
     White Americans and Black Americans, as well as
     Hispanics and Asians
     And dare I say, straight people and Gay?

It is well to remember that oppression takes a toll on all people. Communion brings with it a time for passionate repentance and is a time for justice to come among us. The Eucharist is the great sacrifice of praise by which the church speaks on behalf of the whole creation, and this is the glory of God manifest in our midst!

As we come to the table today, I suggest that we take some advice from our Jewish Brothers and Sisters. Jesus invited his disciples to sit with him at the table of the Passover Celebration. At the Seder, the phrase “When we were captives in Egypt” is used. This claim, that we were captives, not our ancestors, but we ourselves, brings God’s miracles out of the past and into our very lives. Jesus himself spoke those words and claimed God’s power in the Exodus for himself and his disciples. We too need to claim, in the body and blood of Christ, the promise of the Passover. That promise is that God comes to us when we are enslaved and frees us. As we come to this table, let us celebrate not only that we are free from slavery, but also that Christ has freed us from sin.

You may or may not know this; the elders meet once a month on the first Tuesday of the month. Every other month Pastor Allen presents an educational segment. I'd like to share a part of the book, THE LAST WEEK, WHAT THE GOSPELS REALLY TEACH ABOUT JESUS' FINAL DAYS IN JERUSALEM because I think one of the points made connects communion with the theme the New Worship Initiative team has chosen for the coming year: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS.

The authors declare that the final meal that Jesus shared with the disciples had multiple meaning. I would like to highlight one of those meanings. "According to the gospels, shared meals were one of the most distinctive features of Jesus' public life. He often taught at meals, banquets were topics of his parables and his meal practice was often criticized by his opponents. Scribes and Pharisees asked, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" The issue is that Jesus eats with undesirables, the marginalized and the outcast. Jesus' meal practice was about inclusion... It had both religious and political significance: religious because it was done in the name of the kingdom of God; political because it affirmed a very different vision of society ... one in which all are included." I think the members of our denomination who were responsible for the development of the Disciples of Christ statement of identity found on our denomination's web site had this in mind when they wrote: "We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's table as God has welcomed us." I would like to reiterate that statement all are welcome here!

Let us pray... Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of your son, Jesus, who dined with sinners and outcasts. May this bread and this cup strengthen in us the determination to follow in his footsteps; that we may truly become "one in the body of Christ". It is in his name and for his sake we pray. Amen.

The Words of Institution ... Mark 14:22 24

We’re focusing today on breaking down walls. We’ve chosen a day which traditionally celebrates love to do it. Martin Luther King Jr. was a believer and proponent of using love to break down walls. I don’t mean to disregard Dr. King’s work as plagiarism, because he certainly was a very smart man who I believe was anointed of God to break down walls. But loving those who hate you was not a new concept in 1950’s America. It was expounded upon by One other great leader anointed to break down walls and free His people.

Jesus said “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44)
It’s important for us to remember that in the lifetime of many in this room, God’s Word was used to divide this nation and to persecute those who were different. Considering the age of the earth and the relative youth of this nation, it wasn’t so very long ago that those very same passages of scripture were used to punish, enslave, beat, and even kill God’s children.

Or is it?

There have been many times since I began attending Franklin Circle that I have been so very moved during our time of communion. Some of you may already know that there are congregations and even entire denominations that will not allow homosexuals to partake in communion. It’s been about 8 years now since I left the congregation I was previously a member of. It took 7 years to find this wonderful family that I’m now a part of. So when I found you, my new church family, and felt the joy of my Savior again… How could I not be moved?

The bread and the juice are representations of the body and blood of Christ Jesus Who died for me. He died for you all as well, but in my heart of hearts, though we partake together, it’s just me and Jesus. Now that I am able to partake in this blessing each and every week, I don’t know how I lived my life without it. I truly love Pastor’s sermons, but here, at this table each week, we receive an even more tangible reminder of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. No matter what happened the week before, or what I’m dreading in the week ahead, communion is always there to remind me that Christ is always there for me.

It puts me in mind of all the others who are discriminated against in the worldwide church, and the people who may not be able to receive communion in other sanctuaries for a whole host of reasons. Some because they’re homosexual. Some because they are HIV positive. Some because they weren’t born in this country. Some simply because they can’t afford a ride to church or are unable to walk up the stairs. And, yes, even some because of the color of their skin.

How wonderful to be a part of a congregation that allows any who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to participate in this meal of remembrance. Long before I arrived here for the first time last March, this congregation had been busy working to make this physical church building as well as the people in it welcoming, inviting, accepting, reconciling, and accessible. You’ve all worked so very hard towards where you stand today.

Let’s not forget as we continue in our work here that there will always be someone who feels rejected. There will always be someone who is considered “the enemy” by those around them. Whether it’s due to their race, their sex, their sexual orientation, their HIV status, their income level, where they live, where they work, who they love, how they smell or what they look like. Everyone needs Jesus. Everyone. And right now, someone somewhere needs us to introduce them to Him.

Jesus told us to bless those who persecute us. We should indeed strive to be obedient to His will. Yet I have a challenge to add to that. I think we should not only bless the people who persecute us; we should bless the OTHER people they’re persecuting as well.

There is so much that is new and different in this body right now. All of it is aimed at not only us as a congregation, but at the world outside these walls. There are broken and hurting people all around us who could not only benefit from the love and support of a church family and a relationship with their Lord, but who truly, desperately need it.

As we eat this bread and drink this cup, let’s not only do it in remembrance of Jesus and His sacrifice. Let’s do it to remind ourselves of our commitment to tear down walls and reach everyone with the love of Christ, no matter where they are physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Contemporary English Version)
23 …Lord Jesus… on the night he was betrayed… took some bread in his hands. 24Then after he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this and remember me."

25After the meal, Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and said, "This is my blood, and with it God makes his new agreement with you. Drink this and remember me."
26The Lord meant that when you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you tell about his death until he comes.

I have this bracelet, it reads, “KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS.” How could we do that? Going back to the rituals. The daily things we do without thinking. Not really understanding. Now think about the Christmas Tree. I did some research and though I did find a Snowman, Snowflake, and Reindeer tree topper. I found lots of stars and angels. I wonder why? If we keep Christ in Christmas, the star showed the way and the angel spread the good news. Think of the bread, the body of Christ as the angel, telling you to come to the table there is room for you. Think of the juice, the blood of Christ as the star, showing where to come for all the forgiveness in the world, never to fade.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we are trying to keep Christ in Christmas. You have invited each and every one of us to come to your table. We now invite you to come into our hearts and lives. Continue to show us the way and tell us the good news as try to show others the way and tell them the good news. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Thinking back, we can compare notes. My mistake was thinking putting presents under the tree would be fine. When your child starts school, it all changes. Kelly looked at all the presents under the tree and said “that one has my name.” I told her we could not open them until Christmas. Every ten minutes after that she would ask, “Is it Christmas yet?” The torture I was putting her through, waiting for time to pass. This made me think of Jesus and his disciples. At the Last Supper Jesus said “one of you would betray me, and one will deny me.” The torture started. Would it be me? I wouldn’t do that, would I? Here’s you present, Jesus shared with them anyway. True Love

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we are starting to put the puzzle together. Learning what it means to be a disciple. We need you to guide us because it is hard at times. You help lighten the load, share the love, teach us the way of life, your life. Thank you for your awesome forgiveness. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Advent, the time to prepare for Christmas. Who needs it. Busy stores, rude people, and trying to find that one gift, going to four different stores and still can’t find it. Who needs it. The “Reason for the Season” Jesus. How many of us would share our birthday with the whole world? I know I wouldn’t, but Jesus shares all with us. His birth, his life, his death, and even prepares a home for us in Heaven. Most things to us become ritual to us, losing its meaning. We take communion every week to bring Christ into our lives and make sure he stays with us. It is not just bread and juice. It is the body and blood of Christ for us.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we know sometimes the daily and seasonal rituals make us forget the true meaning. Because of you we have a home to look forward to (no rush though). Thank you for sharing your entire life with us. You shared your birth, teaching, death, resurrection, and home with us. Thank you so much, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Why should we come to this table? I don't know your reason but here is one of mine. I come to this table for encouragement. God and Jesus work in mysterious ways. I remember my calling to ministry and Pastor Allen was excited for me. Then someone said to me, "How can you be a minister with your vision?" I didn't understand how my vision was a problem. The only thing I can't do is drive. A group of us were talking and Pastor Allen said, "When I was in New York we didn't have a car." Jesus sent my encouragement. Driving does not mean you can or can not be a minister and it does not decide whether you will be a good minister or not.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you have shown us how to live. You live in each and every one of your disciples and it is through you we help each other and don't even know it. We thank you for showing us life for you and life after death through you. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said "This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said "This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Why should we come to this table? I don't know your reason but here is one of mine. I come to this table for support. I can remember my first meditation. I was so nervous. Scott told me "What is there to be nervous about you have to do it anyway." The whole time I sat up here I thought about it and the next thing I knew it was over. Then there was the time I did my first solo preaching. Once again I was nervous and looked over hoping to see Pastor Allen's face but he wasn't there. Instead Jim looked at me and just smiled. Jesus works in mysterious ways. I got my support through a statement and a smile.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, You live in each and every one of your disciples and it is through you that we support each other and don't even know it. We thank you for your support and the support God gave you to do what you did. You made the payment in full for us and still today we do this in remembrance of you. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said "This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said "This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

November 2, 2008 – Elder Patty Groetsch

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on the grass, like abundant rain on tender plants." Deuteronomy 32:2

I love fall. Listening to the drops of the leaves as they fall to the earth sounds as if it is the very whisper of God. And the fall rain... fragrance of the air joins in to lift a beautiful chorus of praise. Colors seem to intensify as the dark sky envelopes the surroundings, giving a sense of warmth and coziness.

I treasure these images as I remember sharing them with my daughter. When she was younger, I would let her go out in the fall rain to run, dance, giggle, and get wet. One particular beautiful fall afternoon, as she and her friend Lauren were enjoying a fall mist, I gave them both some shampoo to wash their hair. You would have thought I gave them both a new toy! Laughter exploded as they lathered up! Michelle asking "Does this mean we don't have to take a bath tonight?" as the suds rolled down their shoulders. The genuine delight they expressed that day stirred up a joy in me that welled up and challenged me to teach them where true joy comes from and how to get it, even in the midst of the worst storms of life.

The seasons in our family have passed quickly and with them the many storms have given me the opportunity to teach and model my love for God and my trust in His faithfulness amidst the stubborn adolescent and rebellious teen years. Some storms we celebrated as they quenched our souls, cleansed us of sin, and refreshed our faith while other tempests shook the very foundations of our trust. But joy always seemed to be the rainbow at the end of the storm when we kept our eyes on Jesus.

I am grateful for both the gentle rains and the gale force winds that have blown in and out of our lives. It has given me the chance to prepare my daughter for her j journey of life as independent adult, dependent on God.

When I moved to Minnesota, I began to wonder if what I had taught her would be enough. I realized that only God has the wisdom to use storms for the right purposes at the right time in order to grow us into the individuals He created. I am fortunate enough that God allowed me the great privilege of supplying the shampoo.

May Christ be your umbrella.

The Communion Meditation October 5 2008 World Communion Sunday

My youngest son enjoys traveling and has been to many countries as an ambassador with People to People, a group that believes if people around the world will just get to know each other they can avoid conflicts and make this world a better place to live -- "I When he returns from his trips he has many stories and experiences to share, like the saying he picked up in Ireland. The saying goes, 'If you look up at the top of the mountain and don't see the top, then it"s raining. If you look up at the top of the mountain and you see the top, then it means it will be raining shortly.' Tell me that doesn't sound like Ohio. If you look out at the Lake and don't see water then it"s raining. If you look out at the lake and see water then it will be raining shortly. Or more to the point there's the old joke there are two seasons in Ohio, winter and road construction. The common themes in our humor from country to country are a reminder that we are all alike in so many ways.

Around the world Christians meet on the Lord's Day to observe Communion, the Lord's Supper. Every hour somewhere around the world Christians are celebrating the beautiful supper left to the Church by Jesus himself. We come to the table from the North and South, the East and the West. It is a great privilege to share this meal. While there is no cost to us, the cross is there to remind us of the great cost to the host. It is the Lord's Table, and all the people of God are invited to come and feast. It is the table of unity. God intends all our hearts to be one in Christ. It is sad that we have made it the table that divides. Keep the supper today and pray for the unity of the Church. . As you partake of the elements-SNOW try to think of what it means to be a member of that one great Church-the people of God in this place and in all places around the world.

This morning there will be three places to receive Communion, each with different breads from around the world. You are invited to go to one of the Communion stations. Tear off a piece of bread, dip it in the cup, and partake of it. You will then be handed a prayer card and may be seated. If you choose not to come forward but still wish Communion, raise your hand and a Deacon will bring it to you.

And now let us remember the words of our Lord.
.... and when He gave thanks, he broke the bread and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."

.... In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my
blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

Come, let us share in communion.

Communion Meditation ~ Pastor Allen

The campaign season every four years has a lot of talk about “hope.” It seems to suit politicians a lot to play on folks disappointments in previous administrations and the possibilities a new one is going to be different, better than ever before. What person wouldn’t want to “hope” that the future will be brighter… even if the past wasn’t all that bad.

I can imagine the disciples gathered around that table in the upper room with Jesus had begun to wonder where their hope was. It seemed Jesus was upsetting the apple cart everywhere he went, and his adversaries were nipping at his heels, even as they ate dinner. I’m surprised they hadn’t all given up on Jesus and started looking around for another messiah to follow. There’s got to be a new administration that can get this faith thing right, isn’t there? Aren’t elections coming up soon?

But that was the confusion, wasn’t it? Jesus wasn’t running for office. His authority didn’t rest on fixing potholes and kissing babies. He was all about hope, don’t get me wrong, but not hope in things seen, but hope in things unseen. Jesus’ authority wasn’t in his ability to be elected, but in his ability to serve God, and inspire others to do the same.

So he gave his disciples, not campaign promises, but bread broken and a cup outpoured, and in doing so, Jesus gave us all hope eternal, based on the eternal truths of forgiveness, mercy, and love. It is in such eternal qualities that I hope, and I trust you do, too.

We do need politicians in which we can find hope. There’s no doubt about it, hope in bringing about a better world, a more just society, safety and security is necessary for our political decision-making. But each time we come to this table, we are asked to hope just a little bit deeper: to have hope in the power of love sacrificed for our sake in service by our God.

[As you come to the table, please bring your offering, your prayer cards, and your Welcome Card.]

23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:23-26)

June 22 ~ Elder Sharon Thomas

When was the last time you experienced a life collision, or experience in which you were coming apart at the seams? How did you respond? How will you respond to the next collision differently based on what you learned?

The 1st cause is a collision of VALUES. Our ACTIONS reveal a different set of VALUES. You may say God is #1 priority, but the reality is the He gets our leftovers in time, talent, & finances.
We need to ALIGN our “actions w/our beliefs.”
Begin to REALIGN our “priorities w/out performance” right now.

Sometimes my will collides w/God’s will. God created us. He also created a day to contain 24 hrs. God has given us enough time to get done everything HE wants us to do.

When I choose to drive my own car & make all my decisions w/out consulting Him, it’s like heading the wrong way down a one-way street.
It ends in a collision w/God.
QUOTE: PROVERS 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord w/all your heart and lean NOT on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him & He will make your paths straight.”

PRAYER: Lord, our schedule gets overloaded, we feel overwhelmed, the walls start closing in, everything starts to collide & we just don’t have enough time to get it all done. If we want to leave and enduring legacy… help us to get on AND STAY ON THE RIGHT ROAD W/THE Master Driver.

June 15 ~ Elder Sharon Thomas

The Roller Coaster
New heights, breakneck speeds, drop-off, loops, conkscrews and upside down flips.
The click… click… click… heart racing…, then the BOOM and off you go. What’s next? What’s happening to my stomach? My hair?
Open or close eyes? Mouth? Bugs?
Feeling exhilarated, excited and genuinely afraid all at the same time.
Leaving disoriented… what’s occurred? Wanting to do it again.
Just as a roller coaster, our lives on this earth are temporal and finite. At times we have the Someday Syndrome. Someday, One Day, When, If.
Then it’s over.
Someday is right now.
Stop being too busy!
God created us to take risks in our faith and to conquer the points that paralyze us with fear – to walk into the Lion’s Den and Survive! The only way you can slay the giants that stand between you and the live you were made for is
ridiculous faith.
If you’ve made the commitment to follow Jesus, the ride continues, God will lead you with Him onto heaven for eternity.
Buckle up as we approach this communion table.

I was at St. Augustine book sale & the book "One Month To Live" jumped out at me, so I purchased it. It's by Kerry & Chris Shook. After I began reading it, I realized I could use it to send Pastor Allen off for his Renewal Time & adapted it accordingly. Here goes:

Rather than One month to Live, what if you had 6 weeks to live?
Psalm 90:12 says: "Teach us to number our days & recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."
Allen, put your armor on & go w/the entire congregation's blessing for this Time of Renewal. We will welcome you back w/open arms.
Life life to the fullest; as you usually do. Live passionately, love completely, learn humbly & leave boldy!
Stay connected to God's oxygen mask. Have "Make it count moments".
Live isn't measured by the # of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Be prepared for life to radically improve & have RIDICULOUS faith.
You have the chance to leave a relational legacy of enduring love & ongoing faith.
Today can truly be the 1st day of a life w/no regrets. So, I say to you......

go & LIVE LIFE FULLY & LOVE WASTEFULLY & HAVE THE COURAGE TO BE YOURSELF!!!!

w/deep respect & love, Sharon, Chair of Elders

On Maundy Thursday I shocked twelve disciples. I did not serve one. I felt he was not worthy. The human facter we judge and don’t mean to. We know it is not our place but God’s to judge. Jesus sat with his betrayer and denier. He still served them just like everyone else. He died to let us live. He gave up His life to forgive us our mistakes. He lives because He lives in us. Oh, I did serve that disciple.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you have shown us true love. You gave up your life so all who believe in you could live with you forever. We share your glorious story to all who will listen. You live in each and every one of your disciples. We thank you for showing us life after death through you. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Palm Sunday, the beginning of a journey, knowing the big picture, and still He went ahead. I wonder if we knew the big picture would we still go ahead. Jesus knew the end of the story and still he never doubted His love for us. Take a moment to reflect on the love He has for us and the love we have for Him.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way. You guide us through times of happiness and sorrow. You hold our hands in times worry and fear. Lord Jesus, you truly are our Lord and Savior. You see the big picture and still here you are with us. You gave your life to save ours and we thank you. Lord Jesus, we only hope to someday be as special and as wonderful as you have shown us. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

After my meditation a JAMer asked me about Latin Heritage Month. So, here it is Sept. 15-Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. We are all God’s children. God has never left us though sometimes it is difficult to believe God is with us. He knows everything and cares for us not just in the moment but the future. God not only knows but sees the big picture. We only see the part of the picture in front of us right now. If Jesus can put all His trust into His father why can’t we. The fear of the unknown is probably what is holding us back. So open your heart, have faith and believe God knows all, sees all, and can do all. After all He is God.

Let us pray: Our Heavenly Father, we know you can do the impossible. We know you know everything. We know we can always count on you but sometimes that fear gets in the way. The human factor you gave us but you wait patiently for us to come around and for that we thank you. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Here is a little history lesson. We just finished Black History Month. After watching Nick News with Kelly it got me thinking. Kids like it but some thought it was just bring back bad memories. During the month they are seen as human people, however the rest of the year they are seen as the bad guys, the drug dealers, the robbers. An Asian girl said she wished they would do that for all cultures. Well, here we go: Jan. is National Mentoring Month, Feb. is Black History Month, March is National Women’s History Month, April is Celebrate Diversity Month, May is Asian Pacific Month, June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, Oct. is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Work and Family Month, Polish American Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, and German American Heritage Month, Nov. is National American Indian Heritage Month, and Dec. is Universal Human Rights Month. I don’t know about you but I never knew any of this. We should know about our history, all of our history. After all, we are all humans, no one better than another. I once told a child at the After School Program I don’t see color, I just see a person in front of me. We are all human no matter skin color.

Let us pray: Jesus loves the children, all the children of the world. Yellow, purple, black, or white they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the children of the world. Thank you for loving us no matter what. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, when you do this, remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for forgiveness, when you do this, remember me.

Sunday, February 3, 2008 - Elder Albert Betts

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. I think the day is named wrong. It should be Lent the new year equal, we make promises and commitments to lose weight, to give up sweets, or to give up coffee, etc. on new year and repeats them for Lent. I believe we need to change the word from Lent to Lend. We need to lend our time like helping someone to shovel the snow, help a person pushing their car out of a drift.

In this church we need to have a Saturday work day with Claude. If you can help him on other days, please let him know. What day and what you can do.

Michelle Brown could use help processing the Messenger. We just restarted the After School Program after input from the youth would stated they would like to have it on Saturday and Sunday to fill a void not being used. As adults in this church we need to lend our time and talents. We could sign up if we are musically talented to teach piano or other instruments.

The proficiency tests are coming. We took help with math skills, reading, or what is need to pass this test.

But the one thing we can lend to our youth and senior adults is being a listener. The youth need to have someone to talk to and just be a good listener.

The other day, in the paper in Regina Britt's article was a opening statement that young 17 old teen was expecting her 7th child. She was listening to the older teens who had babies and was following peer pressure. These teens need someone to listen to them and give them proper advise.

As we come to the table let us lend our time and talent this Lenten time, for others.
Amen.

If I were still an Elder and had the honor of presiding at the Table I would talk about the 23rd Psalm...but only the first two lines: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not WANT.

I want to breathe............OK, go ahead and breathe, but I want to breathe clean air free of pollutants.

I want to eat..............I don't need to eat but something smells very good and my mouth waters.

I want world peace.....I really want world peace.

I want the violence in America to stop. I want the innocent children to stop dying because of a stray bullet. I want beatings to stop. I want humans to "make nice".

I want my car to get 50 mpg.

I want to live to see good & positive change in myself, my neighbors, my city, my country, my world.

I now have a dilemma : On one hand are real wants - world peace, clean air, humans "making nice", and some are frivolous. So what does the Scripture tell me? All of my listed wants are real............some have a great deal more weight that others but those, too, are real. What is God telling me? Yea, yea, take responsibility and change what you can. I choose, because I want to be safe, to move to another city. I don't think I've made enough of an impact on my street, on my neighborhood, to stop the bad people from threatening my safety. I take responsibility for myself and choose to move away from the gun shots, the drugs, the violence on my society. I want to be safe. I want to sleep thru the night. I want to hear no threatening sounds that make me feel tense. Because I feel these "wants" am I contradicting this Psalm? Am I taking responsibility for myself? Am I running away and expecting someone else to pick up the slack?

As I reread this, I think Bible Study is the place for this question..............what does it mean, "I shall not want"? Want what? Not want what? I feel I need to enroll in seminary college............this is where my mind goes. I don't like this Psalm to be associated with death because it leaves so many questions and answers so few, Rod and staff are not tools for 2008. Metaphorically I translate that to computer and/library/co-workers and the Rod and Staff of God Almighty working with me. That should be enough. Yes? Maybe? Not really? I've only been given a speck of time to leave my footprint in this sand of life and I want my footprint to last longer than the tides of the sea. I want my footprint to kick many, many, many, many butts into the action of taking responsibility not only for themselves but also for one other person (minimum). Lord, I do want but you tell me I should not. What do I do?

Your friend in Christ's service always.....................Anne

Family is being part of a church. You walk through the doors and know your safe. You see all the people who care through smiles and hugs. I heard a story of a boy who associated candles with birthday. They went to a funeral and the parents sat towards the back. After the service they lit the four candles around the coffin and without missing a beat, at the top of his lungs the little boy sung Happy Birthday. The parents try to stop him. When he was done the priest said “What a wonderful way to send him home, for today is the first birthday of his eternal life.” When we are at home everything is ok. This church has seen me and many of us through hardship. They will always be there for us no matter what. That is why I am glad Kelly has such a wonderful family here at Franklin Circle. We all do.

Let us pray: O loving father, you bring us to this family table to confess and receive forgiveness. Only through you is this possible. You gave your child for us. You made us your children. Thank You. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, each time you do this remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for your forgiveness, each time you do this remember me.

Family usually includes a child. A child everyone knew about. A child who would grow up to be a wonderful man. Have followers and worshipers listening to Him. He taught them all to be kind to everyone, to love everyone, to care for everyone. He gave them hope and still today He gives us hope. He is the ONLY ONE who can save you. He is the ONLY ONE who will always care for you. He is the ONLY ONE who will always love you unconditionally. He is Jesus.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we thank you for all you do. We rejoice at celebrating our brothers birthday. Because of you we are one happy family. You sacrificed your life to save our lives. You love us so much, that you gave us this wonderful family table. At this family table we come to for forgiveness, and comfort. We leave feeling whole again. Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gifts we receive and lessons you have taught us. Through us you WILL live on. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, each time you do this remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for your forgiveness, each time you do this remember me.

Family usually includes a father or stepfather. Joseph was both. The father present yet by blood only a stepfather. When you think about their really isn’t a difference other than the title. Joseph accepted Jesus as his own. He raised him and protected him. Truth is accepting life and dealing with it. Righteousness is rolling with the punches. Justice is doing what is best for everyone involved no matter what it may be. Family trees are just like life big and sometimes confusing but at least we all get to hang together.

Let us pray: Dear Father, thank you for the family I have here. For making this church our home and everyone in this congregation a family. Thank you for the love and forgiveness we receive from Jesus at this time. We always try to do what is right but sometimes we don’t know what is right. You accept us and our trying ways and we thank you for that. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, each time you do this remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for your forgiveness, each time you do this remember me.

Family what does that even mean? In the dictionary family means a group of people related to each other, including cousins, grandchildren etc. Some families are big and some are small and some are both. To start a family and not know the out come. Noah got lucky and took his family on the ark with him. Family to me is always being there for each other. If one needs something the family pitches in and tries to help. I got sick this week so my mom told me she would do the after school program for me but only if I stayed in bed. Family looks out for each other, takes care of each other. And of course, share meals together. Join me at the table.

Let us pray: Dear God, thank you for family. People who love us and care for us so much. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Especially at this wonderful Advent season. We come to your table and ask in your name. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, each time you do this remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for your forgiveness, each time you do this remember me.

As a child, we really don’t think. As a parent, we know the day will come. All will fall short of the Glory of God. Thank God for forgiveness. We have all made mistakes and asked for forgiveness. We receive this forgiveness by apologizing, admitting we were wrong. We can tell God all the good deeds we’ve done and all the people we’ve helped but what matters most is that we can admit our mistakes. No one is perfect. The one is perfect died for us and now we join Him at the family table.

Let us pray: Father, we admit we are not perfect. We admit you are the only truly perfect person. We admit our faults to you. We ask you for forgiveness. We admit our love for you. We know we can come to you, confide in you, and trust you. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, each time you do this remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for your forgiveness, each time you do this remember me.

Blessings is good gifts from God to His people. We are so blessed and most of the time don’t know it. The little things that matter go unnoticed. Life is not always good but it all depends on how you deal with it. I am so blessed because of all of you. You have touched my life in one way or another. I know I have a second family and home here. Through my mom God has brought me here and I am so glad He did. I love teaching my class but they are no longer my class they are my children. I would do anything for them and that is exactly what Jesus did for us.

Let us pray: Gracious Father, we gather here today because of you. We are your children. We are your daughters and sons. We come now to the family table, and give thanks for all you have done for us, and for all you are going to do for us. You gave your son to give us forgiveness because you knew we would need it. And for that we thank you. Amen.

Jesus took a loaf of bread blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my body broken for you, each time you do this remember me.

Jesus took a cup of wine blessed it by giving thanks for it and said “This is my blood shed for your forgiveness, each time you do this remember me.

The recent school shooting got me thinking. One of a joke: These two men walk into a church dressed in all black and ski masks. Holding a gun they ask if anyone is willing to die for Jesus. If not you may leave now. After the pastor and about 10 people stayed seated the two guys take off the masks and say “Ok preacher, now you can preach. The second thing was back in 1999. Columbine School shooting happened and in my social studies class the teacher saw my cross and ask me “If a gun is pointed to your head and they tell you if you believe in God I will shoot you” what would you do?” I replied “ Yes, I believe in God.” My teacher said “and now you are dead. I would lie and say I don’t believe in God so I could live.” I smiled and said “And if he shoots you anyway at least I will join God in Heaven. You Got to Have Faith.”

Last Sunday in the Parade (magazine) they had a list of people and what they are paid for their job. The one job no noted, and I believe parenting is the most important and never-ending (job).

Case in point: Several years ago my daughter called me at 5:30 in the morning. I hurried to answer the phone, fearing the worst. She stated, "Sorry, Dad, but I have a problem. Could you tell me how to relight the hot water tank?" I walked her though it. She got it lit and thanked me, and hung up.

Several days later I was at her house for a party. Both of my other daughters sat down to talk to me privately about different issues. I asked my daughter why did she call me when her husband was available. She stated that he gets home from work at 2 a.m. She said that if she woke him, he would be grouchy and unbearable to be around. "I knew if I called you, you would help me." Maybe I would be a little crabby, but I would forgive her because, "You are my father."

As we come to the table, let us remember it does matter how we sometimes forget our Heavenly Father is always there for us.

Also, let us remember at this time to keep the Virginia Tech victims and their loved ones in our prayers, and especially the killers parents.

Sunday, October 7 ~ Elder Patty Groetsch

As we gather together for World Communion Sunday please join me in the blessing of the bread:
Our Heavenly Father –

For the wisdom of our elders
bringing us safely to this place;
God of our yesterday, we give you thanks.

For the vision of new generations
opening windows to new views;
God of our tomorrow, we give you thanks.

For the promise of this community
creating new covenants blending heritage, cultures and hope;
God of our today, we give you thanks.

World Communion Sunday, October 7, 2007

World Communion Sunday – celebrated the first Sunday in October – is one of the most venerable of “special Sundays.” The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.

World Communion Sunday (originally called World Wide Communion Sunday) originated in the Presbyterian Church (USA). In 1936, for the first time, the first Sunday in October was celebrated in Presbyterian churches in the United States and overseas. From the beginning, it was planned so that other denominations could make use of it and, after a few years, the idea spread beyond the Presbyterian Church.

Communion is a time for reflection on Jesus. His life, death & resurrection. Today all of Christ’s children, followers, believers, and disciples partake together. We are all God’s children and on World Communion Sunday we are one world wide family taking communion. We celebrate his life... we grieve his death... and we rejoice for his resurrection... we embrace his love for all... A love so strong it cannot be broken... so bright it can’t fade... a love so plentiful it can’t end. It is there for everyone...

We come to this table, O God , with thanksgiving.
We lift up our hearts, we remember, we pray.
We hear Jesus’ welcome – inviting, forgiving;
We know your Spirit’s peace as we feast here today.

We dine at your table as sisters and brothers,
Diverse in our cultures, yet nourished as one.
The bread and the cup that we share here with others
Are gifts uniting all who are claimed by your Son.

We grieve for your world here: we cry, “How much longer?”
We pray for the cycles of violence to cease.
Yet here, in Christ broken, we’re fed and made stronger
To labor in his name for a world filled with peace.

We rise from this table with new dedication
To feed the world’s children, to free the oppressed,
To clear out the minefields, to care for creation;
We pray, O God of peace, that our work will be blest.

The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Paul wrote, ". . . I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12). Paul had confidence that good would come out of everything (Romans 8:28), so he learned to be thankful, not bitter, even when he was suffering.

Remember next time your little hut is burning to the ground -- it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom, a way to determine if you love butter, something to play Susie had a baby and its head popped off, and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I just sit and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I’m serious, I use formal words. I ask for healing, assistance, or forgiveness. My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

My wish to you.... Mud Puddles and Dandelions… and may God bless this day for you!

Let us pray: Lord, help me appreciate your beautiful day like my children do. Give me the wisdom to remember the fun in little things like puddles and “flowers” and to take the time to interact with, rather than step around, those things. When I have this communion meal with you today, as you wash away my sins, open my mind to your will and the joy in your world. Help me remember we are all your children, so regardless of our chronological age, we can make wishes on dandelions and fly with the wind, and smile at everyone. Amen.

Blessing (Mathew 26:26-28) While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Happy Mothers Day to all the ladies who will be moms someday, to those who are already Moms, and to those who have graduated to be Grandmothers. Earlier this week, I got an email titled Why God Made Moms. I thought it was prefect for today. Someone posed the following questions to children. Their answers are food for thought.

- Why did God make mothers? She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. Mostly to clean house. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

- How did God make mothers? He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. Magic, plus super powers, and a lot of stirring. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

- What ingredients are mothers made of? God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string I think.

- Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mom? We're related. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

- What kind of little girl was your Mom? My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. They say she used to be nice.

- What did Mom need to know about Dad before she married him? His last name. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

- Why did your Mom marry your dad? My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot. She got too old to do anything else with him. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

- Who's the boss at your house? Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

- What's the difference between moms and dads? Moms work at work and work at home, and dads just go to work at work. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's. Moms have magic; they make you feel better without medicine.

- What does your Mom do in her spare time? Mothers don't do spare time. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

- What would it take to make your Mom perfect? On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

- If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be? She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on her back.

We chuckle at the humor and wisdom of a child's perspective. But lets go back to the original question Why did God make mothers? Maybe he made moms to find items like scotch tape, missing homework, and car keys. Maybe he made them to cook, clean, and heal. Maybe he made them to act on his behalf for the young, to teach them his words and to forgive their small sins. As we get ready to come to his table today, let us give thanks for all the reasons he created mothers. Let us pray: Dear God, There are so many reasons to thank you for mothers. We do not know what your real purpose was for creating mothers who care for us. But we are grateful. Help us to remember to offer mom words of thanksgiving more often that just Mothers Day. Just as we offer our thoughts and prayers more often to you. As we come to this table today, we are grateful for mothers and for your son, who gave his life for the forgiveness of our sins. Amen.

I started this month with two meditations honoring moms since Mother’s Day is in May. This meditation is also about parent child relationships. As you listen, parents you will nod because you have been there with your own children. I want you to think about yourself as a child of God. Are you old enough to see, understand, and appreciate God’s parenting?

I Loved You Enough

Some day when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them:
I loved you enough... to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.
I loved you enough... to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.
I loved you enough... to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.
I loved you enough... to make you take a Milky Way back to the drugstore (with a bite out of it) and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."
I loved you enough... to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken 15 minutes.
I loved you enough... to let you see anger, disappointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.
I loved you enough... to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.
But most of all, I loved you enough... to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.

Has God won you too? We know he loves us enough to guide us through difficult situations. But do we use all our senses to listen for the path we should take? Probably not. For that reason Jesus gave his life for the forgiveness of our sins. As we come to the table today, let us pray. “God, thank you for loving us enough to be silent while we made discoveries on our own, and for guiding us silently to those discoveries you needed us to make. Thank you for letting us be responsible for our actions. But thank you most for giving us your son for the forgiveness of our sins. For being able to come to your table on Sundays, to talk our week through with you and to know that we are forgiven for our sins, may we learn from them and not commit then again. As we prepare to take the bread and cup, we know we are blessed for you have taken the most difficult battles, lead us through and made us your own. Amen.”

My meditations this month have focused on the relationship between parents and children. This one does too, but its main point is a father teaching his son.

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him bag of nails and told him every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there.”

I think this father was very smart. It took time, but he found a way to show the son the damage his temper caused. This is a visual lesson for a young child, but it mirrors God’s lesson “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) Sometimes it is hard to treat other people the way you want to be treated, especially if you are not happy with yourself.

At this time of communion, we invite you to the Lord’s Table. Communion is a time to talk with the Lord. Tell him of any times this week when you were more like the young boy in my meditation than you would like to be. Ask for his forgiveness. Let us pray: Dear Lord, Anger can be a hard emotion to overcome. Help me find better ways to deal with my anger. Help me to ask for forgiveness to anyone I have been angry with. While I know that you will grant me forgiveness today at this table, help me forgive myself. We know that you are our father and teacher, Lord. Help us see and learn all the lessons you present and try to teach us in this coming week. Amen.

A few weeks ago Allen mentioned the pillars that support the roof. It reminded me when I was helping Claude during the remodeling of the church, Brian had to remove the steps for the handicap ramp. To see the strong foundations that the church was built on was a sight to behold because they had built it to last until eternity.

Today is Pentecost Sunday, when the disciples were in hiding wondering what was going to happen. Suddenly they were overcome with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues and preaching the Gospel of Jesus. the men on that day gave us a strong foundation on which Christianity was based upon and they were willing to die for their beliefs.

Today we can celebrate a strong physical foundation to worship in and a strong spiritual foundation established by those disciples so long ago. Prayer:

We thank you, God. We ask as we come for communion to remember that Jesus died for us, but also the disciples who died for their beliefs. Amen.

Last month we celebrated Mother's Day and there was an article in the Plain Dealer that if Mother's were paid for the job they did, how much money they would receive. Being next Sunday is Father's Day I wonder how much he is worth. Several years ago I found out.

My son, Raymond, his daughter, Katherine (who was about 6), Gary Boska, and I were at an Indian's game. My granddaughter, who was a good reader, kept noticing the ads in the jumbo screen for free food. Of course, she didn't realize you had to sign up for a credit card to receive the food voucher. She said, "Papa Boom, they're giving away free food." Me being one not to miss an opportunity for some fun told her to order to receive the free food one would have to trade in a child.

This is when it is fun, when we realized something she said. "Wait a minute, my daddy is your son. We can trade him in." I asked what she thought we should trade him for. Without a thought, she said, "Cotton candy!" So my son is worth Cotton Candy to his daughter!

As we come to our time of communion we need to reflect on our Father in Heaven and his worth. He is always there when we need him and he's there when we think we don't want or need him. I want to think he's worth more than we can imagine and he gives us his only son to die for our sins.

Dear Lord, thank You for all the nice people You have put in this world, so that we can continually be reminded of Your presence. We pray that You will give us the strength to fight the temptations of our society in the glorification of doing “wrong” under the guise doing “right,” and to especially fight the temptation of our egos to be controlling and judgmental. As we take these emblems and these cups, let the example of Bob Mock ‘s life remind us to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with You. Amen

June 25 - Al Betts

July 2 - Ralph Eyring

We are approaching the 4th of July. We all know what that means. We celebrate our independence from English Rule. All year long we have various reasons to celebrate certain evens or happenings, that have been established over the years, and made national holidays.

Here in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we come together to celebrate every Sunday. We celebrate the life of Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself for each of us. We have the Lord's Supper spread before us on the table. A simple meal of bread and wine. However, their meaning for us is not simple.

they remind us of his body and blood, through which we are promised eternal life and forgiveness of our sins. Just as we remember the patriot's sacrifice of life for our freedoms, let us remember Christ's sacrifice of his life that we have forgiveness, and the promise of a better life after death.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless this bread and cup as we celebrate this morning, in remembrance of your son. May we be strengthened through them to continue to serve you through his example. We pray in His name, Amen.

July 9 - Ralph Eyring

Prelude to the Meditation: I have the privilege of being able to sit in front of my house each morning with a cup of coffee and the morning paper, and enjoy what I call my "quiet time." From 6 to 8 a.m. there is little activity on W. 130th St. there are cars zipping off to work, but other than that there are a few squirrels scurrying in the oak trees and the deer with their fawn cavorting across the street. It is quite peaceful. We all can't have this, so that is why it is important that we have this part of the service today.

Meditation: Now is the time for each of us to put all our thoughts and concerns aside, and find the time to bring ourselves closer to the peace that can only be found by knowing that Jesus is with us.

Some of us have the time during the busy week to look around and appreciate all of God's goodness. Others have daily routines that are more demanding of our time. We all need these times to reflect on our blessings, or we get caught up in every day concerns that leave us without those peaceful moments that are so necessary to our well being.

How fortunate we are to have this time each Sunday, for those who didn't, to clear your mind and find the peace that comes in knowing that through these emblems of communion, Jesus is reminding us that he is watching over each and every one of us.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. We are so in need of his care and guidance in our lives. make us more aware of this in our daily living so that we may know the peace it brings to us. Bless the bread and cup as we receive theme, knowing they are the body and blood of our savior. In his name we pray, Amen.

August 6 - Leila Streidl

The scripture is from Mark 10:45

"For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom from many."

What does Jesus expect of us, day by day, as we follow Him? Someone has asked, "What would Jesus do?" implying that He would expect us to do what He would do. The answer, of course, lies in what Jesus did when he lived in person on earth. The Apostle Paul says that Jesus "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross." This brief statement sums up what Jesus did to bring new hope and life to men. The Lord's Supper is a constant and dramatic reminder of what he did. It would seem that he is saying to us at his table, "This is what I did. What will you, My followers, do?"

'It seems clear, here at the Lord's Table, that we must voluntarily empty ourselves of those desires for things, and the creature comforts which things can provide, and that we must commit ourselves to the role of servants of men in their need. We must give our lives as servants to our brother man even as "The Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Our commitment to the role of servant must be without qualifications or limitations. It must also be beyond the point of no return. The Lord's Supper is for the committed and for those who sincerely seek Christ's Spirit in commitment. The selfish can never be comfortable at this table. Worship at the Lord's Supper demands sacrificial commitment and can never be experienced cheaply.

Let Us Pray:

We come around your table, O Lord, today and each Sunday to commemorate the great sacrifice Christ gave in love for us. Open our hearts and minds to accept the strength you offer to each of us. Help us to remember that when we show our love for others, we are also showing our love for you. Put on our lips the words to witness for you and in our minds the knowledge we need to improve the world around us. Now as we receive the bread and cup representing His body and blood we thank you for the promise of forgiveness and the hope for eternal life. As we go from this table into our neighborhoods and work places, allow us to feel your presence as we live our lives closer to you. In His name we pray, Amen.

As we receive the bread let us remember that it reminds us it was his body broken for you. Likewise, as we drink of the cup it stands for his blood shed for our sins. This do in his name. Amen.

August 13, Leila Streidl

It takes time to be a Christian: time to read and feed upon the matchless words of Jesus which are recorded upon the pages of the Gospels: time to enter into the closet and pray in secret, "with Jesus alone;" time to commune with Him around His table on the Lord's day. So many people get caught in the rush of the world, and the things that are in it, that they find no time to cultivate those spiritual virtues without which it is impossible to live a full Christian Life.

Only as we abide in Christ's word, which is the truth, shall we know that the power which liberates us and makes us free from the things of this world. Only as we spend much time in prayer shall we discover the keys which unlock the doors to the great spiritual warehouses of God's universe. Only as we take time out from a world which rushes on in its pursuit of those things which pass away, to commune with the risen Christ, shall we find ourselves in the company of those who do the will of God and abide forever. Only as we take "time to be holy" to be "whole" rather than spasmodic and fragmentary in our Christian life, will our friends and the world behold Christ's likeness in our conduct. We will never attain unto "wholeness or completeness" in Christian character, until we take time out of the busy life which most of are forced to live, to cultivate the old fashioned Christian graces and the practice of what the great mystics have called "the presence of God."

It is their love of the world which keeps many people away from the worship services of the Church today, and from supporting the Church and Christian causes with their material wealth in a larger measure. The demands of the world are always heavy. When they come first in the life of a church member, the cause of Christ always suffers.

Let us pray:

While the world rushes on, Father, blinded by those things which satisfy only the physical senses, and unheedful of the importance of spiritual values, we would commune with the risen Christ and our Christian friends around this sacred table. May we find something in the fellowship of this sacred hour which will help to dull our love for the world and increase our love for Christ and His cause in the world. Help us to create within our church an atmosphere which will impress people with the abiding value of God's word and free them from the bondage of material things which cannot abide forever. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bread: Our father, we give thanks for the bread which makes us one with all Christians everywhere. On this he first day of another week we come to the Lord's table to seek strength and guidance for the days which lie ahead. Bless each silent prayer of this communion time. Amen.

Cup: We accept this cup as a symbol of the great sacrifice which Jesus made on the cross, that we might come to know the way, the truth, and the life. Accept the prayers offered in quiet meditation here this day. Amen.

August 20, Leila Streidl

In their last days with Jesus, the Disciples seemed weak and uncertain. Cowardice led one to deny him. the power of darkness led another to betrayal. As for the others, Gethsemane and Golgotha found them falling away when their presence was needed the most. Unfortunately, the Disciples were not able to model for us the traits of strength and self-discipline needed in a critical hour.

Do we display any more self-confidence in our living today? Crime abounds, so we keep our doors shut tight with deadbolt locks. Intent on future security, we shelter insurance policies and heirloom jewelry in safe deposit boxes. We keep our precious bank cards and checkbooks close at hand to fund our latest whims. We are truly creatures who relish security.

Today, when we partake of the bread and cup, let us remember that the Jesus of the Last Supper beckons us to set aside all fear -- even fear of death. Fear drives out our confidence and trust; and without confidence and trust, we lack the necessary building blocks for right relations and faithful living.

We all long for peace -- in our friendships, on the job, and between and among nations. As we come face-to-face with one another around this table, we discover an added dimension to our faith, that in this fellowship is the true condition for peace within ourselves and the world. In this feast we discover the gift of peace, given by our risen Lord. What happens at the Lord's table opens us to God's Spirit of power and love. May this Spirit come alive in us today, to cast out our fear and establish peace.

Let us pray: Almighty God, our Father, as we stand before this communion table we are keenly aware that our deepest need is for your redeeming grace. Help us to see our faults clearly, and to be willing to exchange them for newness of life. As we eat this loaf and drink this cup, teach us to remember that our salvation cannot be obtained through any goodness of our own, but must be accepted as a gift of your free grace, offered to us through Christ our Savior. Amen.

Bread: O Gracious God, as we come to Christ for forgiveness, we all meet at the focal point: the loaf of bread in communion. As we partake of this bread, may we be reminded once again of his words to us, "I am the bread of life." As he shares his life with us, so may we leave this table ready to share his life with others.

Cup: We rejoice in the wonderful ble3ssings that we receive from you, O God. Our lives are continuously filled with your love, even when we don't deserve it. We come asking your forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love others as you have loved us. As we drink this cup, may we go forth knowing that we are forgiven and accepted through the power of the One who first loved us.

November 5 – Mary Brogan

When we partake of these emblems, it is only a reflection of the fact that we partake of the living Christ, and in doing so we are made one in him.

The Lord’s Supper is meant to be a reminder of Christ’s suffering and death upon the cross on our behalf. It is also meant to be a reminder of our brotherhood in Christ. Just as we share the one bread, so we become the one body that is the Body of Christ – the Church.

Each of us who is Christian partakes of these emblems, because in reality, we also partake of the living Christ in our daily lives. This gives us all something in common, something that draws us together into an intimate relationship with each other – like a family, like brothers and sisters.

Let us pray:
Let us give God thanks for Christ, and for our own salvation. Let us also give thanks for one another that each one of us may learn to be more like Christ in forgetting about himself and in caring for others. Amen.

November 12 – Mary Brogan

There is something strangely magnetic about the crucifixion that draws us into fellowship with God.

When Christ was crucified and his body was lifted up above the earth on the cross, a strange magnetic power was set loose in the world. It is a magnetism that has drawn men in every age of history since that time to the foot of the cross to worship God through Jesus Christ. It is that same magnetic power which draws us together in fellowship about this table to break bread in remembrance of him.

When Christ died, God’s great love was dramatically demonstrated for all the world to see. The drawing power of that love was released and made available to every man.

Prayer:
Forgive us, Father, when we resist the magnetic power of thy love. Draw us into fellowship with thee, through the cross of Jesus Christ, now and forevermore. Amen

November 19 – Thanksgiving Sunday – Mary Brogan

When the first harvest had been gathered and the snow had begun to fall, the Pilgrims set aside a day for thanksgiving to God. Their harvest was probably a very meager one and their storage sheds quite small. But God had rewarded their labors and had provided them from His love. They were grateful as they shared their bounty with one another and with the Indians.

The Christians at Corinth had gathered their harvests and had collected an offering to send with Paul to the needy church in Jerusalem. By our standards it may not have been much, but such generosity is always an occasion for giving thanks.

And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and make it grow, to produce a rich harvest from your generosity. He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts through us.

This service you perform meets the needs of God’s people, and produces an outpouring of grateful thanks to God. God has provided for us far beyond our needs. Our gratitude is not verbal: it is in giving gifts to others.

Let us pray:
We come this morning to this table of communion. We are grateful for God’s loving gift of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Let us give him our thanks as we give him ourselves and as we dedicate our possessions to His service. Amen.

November 26 - Mary Brogan
The main job of the church is to witness in and to the world. Our main source of strength for this task is represented in the Lord’s Supper.

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them: “This is what is written: that the Messiah must suffer and be raised from death on the third day and that in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you.”

Just prior to His ascension in to heaven, Jesus said, “But you will be filled with power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We are gathered here this morning as a witnessing community. Our primary responsibility as the church is to go into the world, the world where we live – to our homes, our neighborhoods, and witness to the truth of the gospel and to the person of Jesus Christ.

This table represents our primary resource for this task. So when we come to this table on Sunday morning, we have not completed our responsibility to Christ. We have only begun it.

Prayer:
Dear God, we ask for your blessing and strength through this communion meal, that we may be effective in our witness to others throughout the coming week. Amen.