What To Fear

Fear Not

That is what we are told

Fear Not

Angels

Sacred Books

Leaders

All remind us to Fear Not

You have heard it said

But I say

Fear is natural

And sometimes healthy

But do not let your Fear overwhelm you

Do not let your Fear stop you from

Confronting violence with

Your words

Your heart

Your body

Your spirit

Go ahead and be afraid

Fear because 

Brown and Black people are targets of violence

Fear because of 

violence demonstrated against LGBTQ people

Fear because of 

systemic violence against any who are marginalized

Fear because guns are too readily available to 

cowards who commit violence at arm's length

Then look into the eyes of that Fear

And take strong loving action

Action that gets in the way of violence

Action that does not pick up a weapon

Action that is risky and peaceful

Action because of faith in a love much bigger than the violence

A love which some say is weak in comparison

Don't believe that lie

Believe in Love

"Our faith must stand strong. And, our commitment to peace. Today is for mourning. Tomorrow is for action." Angela Rupchock-Shafer

Post Surgery

My life took a sharp turn recently when my appendix ruptured. We had hoped for a simple laparoscopic procedure but ended up with major surgery. I had a wonderful team at the hospital. My surgeon is a delightful combination of talent, skill and compassion. Everything went well but the recovery simply takes time. For instance, no scooter riding for at least six weeks!

I have received cards, soup, flowers, stuffed animals, prayers and lots of love during this time. I appreciate it all so much. I know that I am not alone. It means so much to me.

When I was first out of surgery I noticed something remarkable. With my body weak and in pain; with doctors and nurses telling me how lucky I was to have gotten surgery in time; and with my physical weakness right out in the open for everyone to see; with all of that being true, my spirit was as strong as ever. 

Sometimes we are tempted to equate our strength with how our body feels or if our emotions are on the upside. Don’t take the bait. It is by the strength of our spirits that we can manage the difficulties in life. In times like these I remember Proverbs 18:14 “The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit — who can bear?”

When all else is falling down around you let God’s Pentecost Spirit and your spirit weave together to make a hammock where you can rest and regain your strength. Be patient with your recovery. Challenge yourself periodically to see how strong you are getting and then rest some more. Swing in that hammock with purpose and receive God’s love.

Peace

Pastor AnnMarie

 

Mother's Day 2015

Today I am not going to be preaching about mothers. In June for Father's Day I won't be preaching about fathers. I feel like there are too many people who have to grin and bear these days for so many different reasons.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day_%28United_States%29

The first attempts to establish a "Mother's Day" in the United States came from women's peace groups. A common early activity was the meeting of groups of mothers whose sons had fought or died on opposite sides of the American Civil War.

It reminds me of this song

1000 Grandmothers

 This kind of celebration I can get behind. Maybe next year!

.

Liturgy Change for May

This month I am departing somewhat from our normal liturgy. Generally we speak a unison confession and then I offer an assurance of pardon. For the month of May I have folded those two elements together.

This Eastertide I have been feeling the tension between rejoicing in the resurrection and being forthright about the experiences of brokeness and death in all of our lives. Naming it and speaking it out-loud together is important.

THE RESPONSIVE CALL to WORSHIP

Leader: We are not alone.

People: Sometimes life gets lonely.

Leader: We are not an accident.

People: Sometimes accidents in life are devastating.

Leader: We are bearers of Good News.

People: Sometimes bad news is overwhelming.

Leader: In all times and circumstances God is with us.

People: We rely on God’s love and presence.

Leader: Lift up your heads and your hearts.

People: We lift them up in hope and praise.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND PARDON      

Today I choose to remember that Love is my foundation. I open myself up to the mercy and grace of God. This week I have not always made the right choices. Help me, Holy Love, to open up to your forgiveness. Today I choose to bless instead of curse; to love instead of hate; to reconcile instead of fight. Today, O God, I choose your path of wonder and beauty.

Eastertide Struggle

Eastertide Struggle

I read the news

and am filled with sadness

fear

and hopelessness

I mull the devastations of the day

until I cannot eat

can barely breathe

My garden is beginning to bloom

Lettuce is growing in the greenhouse

Water flows easily from my faucets

Food fills my cupboards

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus

and

Looking forward to Pentecost’s exuberance

offer little condolence to the atrocities happening all over

Suddenly strength comes to me

Strength of Resurrection

Strength of the Pentecost breeze

Prayers of blessing flow

for healing

for life

for fifth or fiftieth chances

I forgot that celebrating Easter and Pentecost

isn’t about me being saved or holy

It is about me

being involved

in prayers of blessing

actions toward life

getting in the way

to be vulnerable

in love

By Rev AnnMarie Kneebone