tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82151160664453855122024-03-05T22:07:30.746-05:00Reflections from Broadneck BaptistAbbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-20646491760853418252021-01-26T11:11:00.000-05:002021-01-26T11:11:20.393-05:00Follow<p> Our key question in worship this week was "What does it mean to follow Jesus?"</p><p>To help us answer this question, I went through Merriam-Webster’s dictionary and thesaurus and copied the many meanings and synonyms of “follow” into a program that would display them together as a word cloud, with words being bigger the more times they show up. Here’s what I got:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFzsrFRX2JOAc4UufWKmpIZt1bZeYSmvDDqaTBJK5GzIOlQAM_xjoJBzf-5lrxh3t4bdLZplSjvgzHgVXYEtXuE-WSHFcxmRPpFuOT4SAvnDtUTd89hMESz5tzU6Gbyv9yfjdsuf2OhRM/s1000/Follow+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFzsrFRX2JOAc4UufWKmpIZt1bZeYSmvDDqaTBJK5GzIOlQAM_xjoJBzf-5lrxh3t4bdLZplSjvgzHgVXYEtXuE-WSHFcxmRPpFuOT4SAvnDtUTd89hMESz5tzU6Gbyv9yfjdsuf2OhRM/w400-h320/Follow+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you look at this word cloud, I wonder if there’s a word or a phrase that captures your attention, that resonates with you, that intrigues you as you think about what it means “to follow”? What word or phrase might you carry with you to help you follow Jesus more closely or in a new way this week?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></p></div><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-70550456020295352682020-12-31T10:40:00.000-05:002020-12-31T10:40:40.147-05:002020 Year in Review<p> Well, I think it's safe to say that 2020 didn't turn out like any of us imagined. I feel VERY ready to turn the page tonight to a new calendar year--even as I realize that the issues we face right now will not disappear when the clock strikes midnight, it is nice to imagine the blank slate before us and the possibilities for new life, new dreams and new hope that could lie ahead in 2021.</p><p>Before we do that, however, I've been reflecting back on this year of pandemic, unrest, social isolation, and being church. And I've been amazed at how in the midst of that, we've continued to BE CHURCH, even as we haven't worshipped or gathered in our church building since March 8. And so, I present to you our Broadneck Baptist 2020 Year in Review as a reminder of how God's Spirit is still so powerfully at work in and among us.</p><p><b>We've continued to serve our neighbors in need</b>--through Winter Relief, partnership with <a href="www.actiaf.org">ACT</a>, reenvisioning how we safely distribute food through My Brother's Pantry, and collecting three special offerings on 5th Sundays that sent nearly 8,000 dollars beyond our helping services budget to support <a href="https://www.actiaf.org/feed-anne-arundel">Feed Anne Arundel</a>, <a href="mybrotherspantry.org">My Brother's Pantry,</a> <a href="https://thehopeprojectprisongroup.com/">Hope Project Prison Group</a>, and the <a href="https://www.journeypartners.net/our-work">Kutenda Children's Home in Zimbabwe</a> (helping them achieve the dream of a new-to-them truck for transporting kids and supplies).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-snRRIQ2n6RPYKyuG4CAYxsw1queo4LqbdC44dq9kYBbsGISXn57qETLO2DH9IadtKC_HZwXsXBKrwcnvhm_kovTNatIPMQ9j22sIsLJQV2v_9lRalC1vSkBbyqLSn6UyYWnpJTZJ7_pL/s2048/IMG_0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-snRRIQ2n6RPYKyuG4CAYxsw1queo4LqbdC44dq9kYBbsGISXn57qETLO2DH9IadtKC_HZwXsXBKrwcnvhm_kovTNatIPMQ9j22sIsLJQV2v_9lRalC1vSkBbyqLSn6UyYWnpJTZJ7_pL/s320/IMG_0174.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've continued our commitment to <b>strengthen intergenerational relationships</b> and faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZWAvRjkUVZhrm4lQRqw9ueiAAySVZwXoc06jAJhds4PVnYqzbiKf_81XMGEZcORKlMEuU7F7_IHVnFUG98EaQh1Pc3CTeEDgh83_kCkH0P35lw75pa9RmK-WVMI2js_UkQ5kEPWs8ttm/s2048/IMG_0761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZWAvRjkUVZhrm4lQRqw9ueiAAySVZwXoc06jAJhds4PVnYqzbiKf_81XMGEZcORKlMEuU7F7_IHVnFUG98EaQh1Pc3CTeEDgh83_kCkH0P35lw75pa9RmK-WVMI2js_UkQ5kEPWs8ttm/s320/IMG_0761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoza3quxAt4LHZm8lsC_KZQDxSGqW8DgGTEgww_Q3D-kjuuOPXmSDd_ijqK6BDX1BVN6HgMtIp1Oy9cqMq-5Xb8pkOYVhVCGPNVya3NUtkaqsVQE3a4aAQU0OXWbKikXnD-AJOtC73-OL/s2048/IMG_0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoza3quxAt4LHZm8lsC_KZQDxSGqW8DgGTEgww_Q3D-kjuuOPXmSDd_ijqK6BDX1BVN6HgMtIp1Oy9cqMq-5Xb8pkOYVhVCGPNVya3NUtkaqsVQE3a4aAQU0OXWbKikXnD-AJOtC73-OL/s320/IMG_0768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPV7I-oAF11SKsIh5ek0vgUmJEPj9fuuspXCGaKJV3vMKgRhbsUwNNPnwDsAioqPizRtWXU2bisM2wmnHBSMXnIBX9kzQ0U7Qn46gKBQq1GeXyhQF7C7MrFuTtUPY4xhKcW0FTNv5MEG8/s2048/IMG_0646.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPV7I-oAF11SKsIh5ek0vgUmJEPj9fuuspXCGaKJV3vMKgRhbsUwNNPnwDsAioqPizRtWXU2bisM2wmnHBSMXnIBX9kzQ0U7Qn46gKBQq1GeXyhQF7C7MrFuTtUPY4xhKcW0FTNv5MEG8/s320/IMG_0646.heic" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnCMaOGvIyqol7CGaX2BPVgV6T5lyvjMluSXTQ_J5Lu3NdA0WJuwEF37VHDnm8zW_71UJD7S-v9rvDqp_E0vJlT5vwlR_kKpBy69RoulKtFi6thY1n2WcMkBnPc15puuj43nzNLUsFl3A/s2048/IMG_0809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnCMaOGvIyqol7CGaX2BPVgV6T5lyvjMluSXTQ_J5Lu3NdA0WJuwEF37VHDnm8zW_71UJD7S-v9rvDqp_E0vJlT5vwlR_kKpBy69RoulKtFi6thY1n2WcMkBnPc15puuj43nzNLUsFl3A/s320/IMG_0809.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPs0JsBoBqRKJn7qEf1DJcj4V9hwqyJHORJrAzAKzmBub8Dijyyhklsfo_rBN-d2zTUWoCUn0nyhHBsPnerRdXoH_AvteTVLtQL3VAWq16NBoECncobjUn3W-Qj9bi6ezraS6ROkZA_FM/s2048/IMG_0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPs0JsBoBqRKJn7qEf1DJcj4V9hwqyJHORJrAzAKzmBub8Dijyyhklsfo_rBN-d2zTUWoCUn0nyhHBsPnerRdXoH_AvteTVLtQL3VAWq16NBoECncobjUn3W-Qj9bi6ezraS6ROkZA_FM/s320/IMG_0819.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Az7AvPP0sYRkBTfRD-dT_foqySz2TBlvYn_op_AtnPkwxJPGFlnhq_iVe0vt018gYHEL16ZVX21ej0hixipBceij9e9cy6EHgFaGFJPOuQqLCi_UD0HGqtTlA-VmNLcjm4iZpz_PrKr/s2048/IMG_6405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Az7AvPP0sYRkBTfRD-dT_foqySz2TBlvYn_op_AtnPkwxJPGFlnhq_iVe0vt018gYHEL16ZVX21ej0hixipBceij9e9cy6EHgFaGFJPOuQqLCi_UD0HGqtTlA-VmNLcjm4iZpz_PrKr/s320/IMG_6405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We've continued and expanded our work for </span><b style="text-align: left;">racial justice</b><span style="text-align: left;"> by continuing our monthly Community Conversations on Race and hosting a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Cape St. Claire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGGk_X6YTsMK_pGrAzWJ9RyvUarL-TTOxMYNwtC3T2BW7czZhw5Jy6Gdm9V43i5R8yM2hM6COBuf0JSA2Aswo5L7eEX_lVj5Er_tyPEf2gCPGIWsMTwPkMJcl7kxv9MAAJe4Vhtr09nqr/s2048/IMG_3010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGGk_X6YTsMK_pGrAzWJ9RyvUarL-TTOxMYNwtC3T2BW7czZhw5Jy6Gdm9V43i5R8yM2hM6COBuf0JSA2Aswo5L7eEX_lVj5Er_tyPEf2gCPGIWsMTwPkMJcl7kxv9MAAJe4Vhtr09nqr/s320/IMG_3010.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BHs8Pbax8cnToA-EwBn0FWNkJ2tzRDdYbcvy9taTyCIZho4X8VPwf6kVd_UjQpmtCIomhWS2-ROn_o-dBJvZUA8i3WvfMa4pN2rzgi1pKsFLLWBVPEKuMiYEsRS6f-_3rduDcWT2Fd3R/s2048/IMG_3021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BHs8Pbax8cnToA-EwBn0FWNkJ2tzRDdYbcvy9taTyCIZho4X8VPwf6kVd_UjQpmtCIomhWS2-ROn_o-dBJvZUA8i3WvfMa4pN2rzgi1pKsFLLWBVPEKuMiYEsRS6f-_3rduDcWT2Fd3R/s320/IMG_3021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJPEHOI6vVF0X8R7fCDqKdurYox96T67lPWtUSPLXtYxJkK7FQWBQ_rucICkY22mkBujQul28pstwD93QepJi3sOgse5Gx4Kmy6Gfmxb5uuSnwvxhIjpqHrpgfdnt3EhCWn_W_eyxXUzo/s933/IMG_6904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="933" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJPEHOI6vVF0X8R7fCDqKdurYox96T67lPWtUSPLXtYxJkK7FQWBQ_rucICkY22mkBujQul28pstwD93QepJi3sOgse5Gx4Kmy6Gfmxb5uuSnwvxhIjpqHrpgfdnt3EhCWn_W_eyxXUzo/s320/IMG_6904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJd3d-Bfh8vlpP2ySP3r30gwFYoxVF0Y-H_ziRbLqknxh2M_XVdQDN4mZ_E-Q35ELyZakkofsvR8fd43V_R5XYy96MzX8tBbDEBrrB_tRZSThgq3KoHQdZowyn63dMs9CmTZq4zwdazc4/s2048/IMG_2909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJd3d-Bfh8vlpP2ySP3r30gwFYoxVF0Y-H_ziRbLqknxh2M_XVdQDN4mZ_E-Q35ELyZakkofsvR8fd43V_R5XYy96MzX8tBbDEBrrB_tRZSThgq3KoHQdZowyn63dMs9CmTZq4zwdazc4/s320/IMG_2909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've moved our <b>worship virtual</b>, finding ways to worship and connect with God and one another meaningfully over Zoom, even as we miss being together in the flesh. We even manage singing from time to time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkirTFXkTEOk4eIPhdsngfkIV5bmMROn_wGFf_8mLTJ36pKz4a6eL-aRUIJAKPR5WqqpDXTCHnIdrMhWChiZ6Ej3n_m0Vh27YHD-5SAZS0F-vy9ii3LDoCgVhuGdMxsc9DhtL4Tum4Sw_9/s2048/IMG_1462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkirTFXkTEOk4eIPhdsngfkIV5bmMROn_wGFf_8mLTJ36pKz4a6eL-aRUIJAKPR5WqqpDXTCHnIdrMhWChiZ6Ej3n_m0Vh27YHD-5SAZS0F-vy9ii3LDoCgVhuGdMxsc9DhtL4Tum4Sw_9/s320/IMG_1462.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEQ2U37IobM9MfkLCmRpWr8_ddCt8LxU6-sc7BpnXVv6Uj-FE4wwSvVxV_-8rdMqKZMd2Kn5V8Hhgn2JYaos2lrTXpL4s43bNA81C9uMm6DQXRRHByNi64W4PsyuRmhkLSL6cPWagVEMl/s2048/IMG_1479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEQ2U37IobM9MfkLCmRpWr8_ddCt8LxU6-sc7BpnXVv6Uj-FE4wwSvVxV_-8rdMqKZMd2Kn5V8Hhgn2JYaos2lrTXpL4s43bNA81C9uMm6DQXRRHByNi64W4PsyuRmhkLSL6cPWagVEMl/s320/IMG_1479.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvvGSK12NFgXjZIfwV6FYhyphenhyphenunivZwyHC9rT1ji4RBRtSaSrHYlhdWNV2nhDZLBh2D89kEzeE6uZ2Y7SGRJk5U0DrxH3wK0Re6iAD3a4zv3kzMUhu1QC8qDDIWHlFo1HdXSti4HqPh_1G5/s1024/IMG_1482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvvGSK12NFgXjZIfwV6FYhyphenhyphenunivZwyHC9rT1ji4RBRtSaSrHYlhdWNV2nhDZLBh2D89kEzeE6uZ2Y7SGRJk5U0DrxH3wK0Re6iAD3a4zv3kzMUhu1QC8qDDIWHlFo1HdXSti4HqPh_1G5/s320/IMG_1482.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk2pBRVbCYlrDZPSu0HMVC1RIXF3vvztNWMJS_7DFwCOWQ1bqmHN5hMRWHDE2cd3NC0Qo-9SVbeb_G27-YPscbyQEmv1EvzQAEgtdWYgK7ryxwnhwdoKtYjtCfU-iK3nRd6VGowkjqMpA/s2048/IMG_1553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk2pBRVbCYlrDZPSu0HMVC1RIXF3vvztNWMJS_7DFwCOWQ1bqmHN5hMRWHDE2cd3NC0Qo-9SVbeb_G27-YPscbyQEmv1EvzQAEgtdWYgK7ryxwnhwdoKtYjtCfU-iK3nRd6VGowkjqMpA/s320/IMG_1553.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXecRjwXZFEB-7wHRcL5zV3rvgdA5qpPvwgU_CGLCqtXDyvgDC80wJEoO5Qt7Y5hqdS0k0IzbXc76FAkOQ4ta2cpWeRPp2C1NhTgs83qGZ5CMEkqy8fowJWAf8SssskN0r4QzFLPflyg0/s1860/IMG_1621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="1860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXecRjwXZFEB-7wHRcL5zV3rvgdA5qpPvwgU_CGLCqtXDyvgDC80wJEoO5Qt7Y5hqdS0k0IzbXc76FAkOQ4ta2cpWeRPp2C1NhTgs83qGZ5CMEkqy8fowJWAf8SssskN0r4QzFLPflyg0/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-Cx5SOGnKxt0_dRCzD_VK0kMIf_5NlAWJ2RSoAjP6fPT6_cBtq1Zf2mq-PcTnqjvTnqNhYfOV-K0AZdbjO-F5Fq0XhWnkQRWZsInXu535MrxgoEWn63run77rh_rro5d0k21eZolA3P7/s2048/IMG_2558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-Cx5SOGnKxt0_dRCzD_VK0kMIf_5NlAWJ2RSoAjP6fPT6_cBtq1Zf2mq-PcTnqjvTnqNhYfOV-K0AZdbjO-F5Fq0XhWnkQRWZsInXu535MrxgoEWn63run77rh_rro5d0k21eZolA3P7/s320/IMG_2558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWvZxHc5U_x2YmOVHYaNe6jlJgc0IlIUt9bLsBu0YsX4hF5O91c8bhLUmoRdNTT4sKBIN0gzF06LQR9ONphA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We began a weekly <b>Prayer and Share</b> group where we could check in about how we're doing and connect with God and one another mid-week, providing solace and encouragement to one another in the midst of our isolation and uncertain times. The group, which has had folks join in from across the country, also sponsored an election eve prayer vigil and help up our community through its steadfast prayers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz4pN0j7a16N1ACweTjwXIkSFddGActJ6EKUeTXVyZTU9EQeT9RiReCeGZh9L3wM6_eDYJVikk5kr8g-UxLtH2eunxTlz4jYzsa19vOSbitXMfVOHvlpHeQEGAW3s_pVHnns2k0FShO23/s2048/IMG_5635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz4pN0j7a16N1ACweTjwXIkSFddGActJ6EKUeTXVyZTU9EQeT9RiReCeGZh9L3wM6_eDYJVikk5kr8g-UxLtH2eunxTlz4jYzsa19vOSbitXMfVOHvlpHeQEGAW3s_pVHnns2k0FShO23/s320/IMG_5635.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We pivoted to our first ever <b>virtual Music and Arts Camp</b>, helping kids in our community learn about caring for God's creation for four weeks in July and August. We followed up by offering drive-through <b>Back to School Blessing Bags</b> for kids, parents, and teachers in our church and community as they began a year of virtual learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l5R34ksCX_AQYy-4MO62ApcTgtyZHTSywcuZ-UNeTVpjVp0_FqaapuG4CwraTF-ReMKFvlsWppcMJLq3dHMxvust3M-6SouzxgN9mmoh6X1d3L2xt_5wOhkmSLuwja5_ImfH1edLUOWv/s2048/IMG_4132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l5R34ksCX_AQYy-4MO62ApcTgtyZHTSywcuZ-UNeTVpjVp0_FqaapuG4CwraTF-ReMKFvlsWppcMJLq3dHMxvust3M-6SouzxgN9mmoh6X1d3L2xt_5wOhkmSLuwja5_ImfH1edLUOWv/s320/IMG_4132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41Sm5OTECFa3kj-Mv3tVSph6o8Sm71OegttohrsuHSi0b7n1G4pjoafgqIKxZE0rwFMH1TmyJYYrIWRsUm2m_2AUyidtMyrFIbBnfkOLrvgspPzwc8Zdp0ZNPSHjY43l0XkVvGVdSsQAq/s2048/IMG_3533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41Sm5OTECFa3kj-Mv3tVSph6o8Sm71OegttohrsuHSi0b7n1G4pjoafgqIKxZE0rwFMH1TmyJYYrIWRsUm2m_2AUyidtMyrFIbBnfkOLrvgspPzwc8Zdp0ZNPSHjY43l0XkVvGVdSsQAq/s320/IMG_3533.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistPfr2vuENcG8ZUpD1sgzmNwuIhP9sJ1eFk5Dpc9LLyMN1B7aVHrV9Ocr_VucphY52WqR1KGHjUvlUf0NepzapNDnjui7IHvbuZUi1YUG5W1lnHX_1-LpYYsykEfwLig6uhmFYdqqTuci/s2048/IMG_3901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistPfr2vuENcG8ZUpD1sgzmNwuIhP9sJ1eFk5Dpc9LLyMN1B7aVHrV9Ocr_VucphY52WqR1KGHjUvlUf0NepzapNDnjui7IHvbuZUi1YUG5W1lnHX_1-LpYYsykEfwLig6uhmFYdqqTuci/s320/IMG_3901.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherp-FW6NASJIrrykbrrjrLGRhLISUi32__hy7mybnmixQUt0aLpC2bQ5S5HQIx1iQRq9uorzKcXTiyKW-La8QbxNFcZEdOp1z77Y3TuDxRa4Zxz-sPOdvY33rRMPI-SRluafQamtVxkEB/s2048/IMG_4073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherp-FW6NASJIrrykbrrjrLGRhLISUi32__hy7mybnmixQUt0aLpC2bQ5S5HQIx1iQRq9uorzKcXTiyKW-La8QbxNFcZEdOp1z77Y3TuDxRa4Zxz-sPOdvY33rRMPI-SRluafQamtVxkEB/s320/IMG_4073.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakrO1ALNFQQwOiNcP4_waYeELnkb3TPpTvPhBfpmAj2wEwfoc2X1ePUJ8XlSq-G7ch5YYAUZ0lGmAf_d61YMv0QUKBxeHbGzv9GjhaB5Sjl-T9J4KFhV6bHn-UM5w5Ojx_C2q5FawKErC/s748/IMG_4074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakrO1ALNFQQwOiNcP4_waYeELnkb3TPpTvPhBfpmAj2wEwfoc2X1ePUJ8XlSq-G7ch5YYAUZ0lGmAf_d61YMv0QUKBxeHbGzv9GjhaB5Sjl-T9J4KFhV6bHn-UM5w5Ojx_C2q5FawKErC/s320/IMG_4074.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWd1fgOHUoSfzqMt-IsY88jjCbJDxqG5HcoKbMZnT1djZuMTOGE8cfThRYdZ7466S6cRL7560VtdokidGH_hvOGJ2Ew07WIbGH0DQ2aQoNRU3v2yPZ0iEc5BYo9fCRchF-VJW0IUwXZK8/s2048/IMG_3679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWd1fgOHUoSfzqMt-IsY88jjCbJDxqG5HcoKbMZnT1djZuMTOGE8cfThRYdZ7466S6cRL7560VtdokidGH_hvOGJ2Ew07WIbGH0DQ2aQoNRU3v2yPZ0iEc5BYo9fCRchF-VJW0IUwXZK8/s320/IMG_3679.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFvYSeCdevuqGVHLjuGg7eTzMDeO4u8XFv9fKk_17sCJGWzBDZNkBwGQ9xWI6msPgptKzHdLj5a2tlub_OoDmteG8yRUuKmzvh6EuSmNVArMq3eFYIwG2EIz8-1j3fDZXxZSvisX9GiOB/s2048/IMG_3741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFvYSeCdevuqGVHLjuGg7eTzMDeO4u8XFv9fKk_17sCJGWzBDZNkBwGQ9xWI6msPgptKzHdLj5a2tlub_OoDmteG8yRUuKmzvh6EuSmNVArMq3eFYIwG2EIz8-1j3fDZXxZSvisX9GiOB/s320/IMG_3741.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We celebrated <b>10 years together as pastor and congregation</b> with an epic parade!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMp9UADJZ4NNw9qTGu_SyCnS317O6a_RfAeThehMBDWRiko9LuBWHTZSWjrTHyZOiT4gLmJUTpXERH4qnvKOfCoNpQagSXHRRYRvFLJbrhYI84joaaXxidIqegu6kzR6sv78-XEYHzi65/s2048/IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMp9UADJZ4NNw9qTGu_SyCnS317O6a_RfAeThehMBDWRiko9LuBWHTZSWjrTHyZOiT4gLmJUTpXERH4qnvKOfCoNpQagSXHRRYRvFLJbrhYI84joaaXxidIqegu6kzR6sv78-XEYHzi65/s320/IMG_2762.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJGeXS_pmzuI-r_wwjNXzcwkEjG7vNv2-bAl9u9iHRo7iEL-n2qEOb3IyanCuHL-MY-qsZTS1BNQOB64BUAms2DjyYxWhlGM6MhN8-NtG4LTABjPLRLZvDuZOFZVgad2wSq2FcXMQpb-h/s2048/IMG_2763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJGeXS_pmzuI-r_wwjNXzcwkEjG7vNv2-bAl9u9iHRo7iEL-n2qEOb3IyanCuHL-MY-qsZTS1BNQOB64BUAms2DjyYxWhlGM6MhN8-NtG4LTABjPLRLZvDuZOFZVgad2wSq2FcXMQpb-h/s320/IMG_2763.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg3DiFyzpp1JQAeZZ_kS17rTnDC0BfwbDzbUsnOuqZLGpe9wKVKy-dlegXyjWMysfrGpLJCEtGgRgOmcd1GFkVeZPlQHo8lFrEoUHXEH1c8DYp0Pb7qx0JeNBF-Og0suPJ_xxQkWhL6kF/s2048/IMG_2766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg3DiFyzpp1JQAeZZ_kS17rTnDC0BfwbDzbUsnOuqZLGpe9wKVKy-dlegXyjWMysfrGpLJCEtGgRgOmcd1GFkVeZPlQHo8lFrEoUHXEH1c8DYp0Pb7qx0JeNBF-Og0suPJ_xxQkWhL6kF/s320/IMG_2766.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF5VfGlS0LiupiaEv6CXd0-Mk5kLGJvwiEc7mVbD8hv0aHSGde2iwTMutIKYS5POrRdhuF3-qq2zVA4tKLoBEOUrt59Ssj82sNHvUeIKB2L137UYQ5hcXxYsRlFCLeGOVcVMPxctooU8t/s2048/IMG_2782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF5VfGlS0LiupiaEv6CXd0-Mk5kLGJvwiEc7mVbD8hv0aHSGde2iwTMutIKYS5POrRdhuF3-qq2zVA4tKLoBEOUrt59Ssj82sNHvUeIKB2L137UYQ5hcXxYsRlFCLeGOVcVMPxctooU8t/s320/IMG_2782.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We <b>gathered safely outdoors </b>when we could, making the most of our little outdoor space in the parking lot!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePNPa-NaUfxJYb2oHBr2Ggxoo77tYhPJ_0m1EBCwTYVqCK9-Fcla8g9JnBJUApZd28_jZwXj4ltjHBeBPMcjSTqG3Q7Ug4VhjxdE3VTW4W_ERCoMXeYyPqeqKTsldaJzw8op5Pu-3Qmfy/s2048/IMG_4909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePNPa-NaUfxJYb2oHBr2Ggxoo77tYhPJ_0m1EBCwTYVqCK9-Fcla8g9JnBJUApZd28_jZwXj4ltjHBeBPMcjSTqG3Q7Ug4VhjxdE3VTW4W_ERCoMXeYyPqeqKTsldaJzw8op5Pu-3Qmfy/s320/IMG_4909.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFRUwqHlfa7eqSOR4inPIvjfgDo-pWZd-TVsuwUNvORHrpk59YXFgQpMtPqReayIPwGgFULI1nvl3elDy9-ztLEq77P39v3wpfMPhmmTvTec1hgT8ENurFCy-9yP72Kn5PMpT1wi71nSW/s2048/IMG_5085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFRUwqHlfa7eqSOR4inPIvjfgDo-pWZd-TVsuwUNvORHrpk59YXFgQpMtPqReayIPwGgFULI1nvl3elDy9-ztLEq77P39v3wpfMPhmmTvTec1hgT8ENurFCy-9yP72Kn5PMpT1wi71nSW/s320/IMG_5085.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZXCLqDtymgyBMBBaERFpK5UMivKBd_8zeFmUTDa_hdjBPWsOXO2PZoM06oPdpN1Sj8lu6tDeBziwAO7geuHh3d0lGslgWa7_v2brWYCK1f-78445OlumIx5FjI5FhapvF6JrKDPGF3vz/s2048/IMG_5086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZXCLqDtymgyBMBBaERFpK5UMivKBd_8zeFmUTDa_hdjBPWsOXO2PZoM06oPdpN1Sj8lu6tDeBziwAO7geuHh3d0lGslgWa7_v2brWYCK1f-78445OlumIx5FjI5FhapvF6JrKDPGF3vz/s320/IMG_5086.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We worked hard to clean up and clean out our building, finishing the new ramp and porch and painting it inside and out to <b>create a more welcoming, hospitable space</b> for when we and our community are able to return to the building.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JArfWwLahFL-U4xgTIRs0_nQ8fPCRRBvAqN0IZOAdRGZR24NWAEX6Ch00lsbR5J79jBHGFLxcHiGRhMdu_b-UPYSn7QgXLVQ1jGnqFuDqsp_jqoyngczvLrTTrVOZLPLVP67O_pVhfBi/s2048/IMG_5072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JArfWwLahFL-U4xgTIRs0_nQ8fPCRRBvAqN0IZOAdRGZR24NWAEX6Ch00lsbR5J79jBHGFLxcHiGRhMdu_b-UPYSn7QgXLVQ1jGnqFuDqsp_jqoyngczvLrTTrVOZLPLVP67O_pVhfBi/s320/IMG_5072.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WNQuU0OklOw2o6v0WuFSUruJopO2vwGEP1Ej5y3aIpo4z9GbwWW40RT11-Y-v-j-ht1rak3xLetq4dQ6UL0CNJED7WUIqTJt1Dx0Qa7-9dw90wbvnlrrDTxBc-2IADNPph027J8uD4gk/s2048/IMG_5076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WNQuU0OklOw2o6v0WuFSUruJopO2vwGEP1Ej5y3aIpo4z9GbwWW40RT11-Y-v-j-ht1rak3xLetq4dQ6UL0CNJED7WUIqTJt1Dx0Qa7-9dw90wbvnlrrDTxBc-2IADNPph027J8uD4gk/s320/IMG_5076.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMKRo_AdJ0DMOL_zQMOjkvmfCBLeVGuxHuNumr1mwlDM6QkpP0riHF6l4HUJLdWQaNQS4rf4JGqfRbsMUpr5VBKuhnfSDXyRfiut7TWXtxTH696ElS5UWZ82F5E7jmY6R6_wgfySQC_87/s2048/IMG_5755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMKRo_AdJ0DMOL_zQMOjkvmfCBLeVGuxHuNumr1mwlDM6QkpP0riHF6l4HUJLdWQaNQS4rf4JGqfRbsMUpr5VBKuhnfSDXyRfiut7TWXtxTH696ElS5UWZ82F5E7jmY6R6_wgfySQC_87/s320/IMG_5755.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv503BlQtNyeXb-Wpu0OgR0RpPfUcy-ixyIAQyEukJrDuDEyu_fEYBoBgnFubR26rwSy_sxjHEqHklqa-RQqnPf2V1Ae3lxfX8EpWFKRjQQDByDiCg2nb-loAPjVap3xNojU8tPchbvGDH/s2048/IMG_6140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv503BlQtNyeXb-Wpu0OgR0RpPfUcy-ixyIAQyEukJrDuDEyu_fEYBoBgnFubR26rwSy_sxjHEqHklqa-RQqnPf2V1Ae3lxfX8EpWFKRjQQDByDiCg2nb-loAPjVap3xNojU8tPchbvGDH/s320/IMG_6140.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Instead of lighting one <b>Advent </b>wreath together in our sanctuary each week, we each observed Advent in our own homes with wreaths, devotional books, and activities for families.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCumA9_cqJV2iCccMs7ekMjllCFsoO4dsY7RPOyA4G9dZZYj1myB7puxSrUmX2ltenxhHI5satgZGluoIaxV8gcLIgKjvSET7r-JTJGCby-KoE2P3g-G4qXrRSn0qAtREgSWb1Dm0KX5/s2048/IMG_6331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCumA9_cqJV2iCccMs7ekMjllCFsoO4dsY7RPOyA4G9dZZYj1myB7puxSrUmX2ltenxhHI5satgZGluoIaxV8gcLIgKjvSET7r-JTJGCby-KoE2P3g-G4qXrRSn0qAtREgSWb1Dm0KX5/s320/IMG_6331.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9TIQyqaxMYRpvNcGwPhqCVU9j69zV5-OiVd0eRHCwiKiladyoB2tA0K9jP6yIPT7uuVY6895tKY8POX6roUFc-YgYbsapIW4PCWsVynvYpRJEGRKlBRL1KeK9Tn9uPAYLxBVrVU49s_R/s2048/IMG_6727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9TIQyqaxMYRpvNcGwPhqCVU9j69zV5-OiVd0eRHCwiKiladyoB2tA0K9jP6yIPT7uuVY6895tKY8POX6roUFc-YgYbsapIW4PCWsVynvYpRJEGRKlBRL1KeK9Tn9uPAYLxBVrVU49s_R/s320/IMG_6727.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We dreamed up and launched a new ministry with two other congregations sharing the Christmas story through a drive-through <b>Road to Bethlehem</b>, with over 1000 people driving through over three nights and over $2500 raised for My Brother's Pantry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis58rC0J55tf2bvfTdaFqxENQoBBJCPVt5_bFfqDX1_gTly3gCrFU5bbB8fJXwN1wiOp0QZrl5OF0IYXCQU1Ifff_Uv-epywBcbO02Le2Q2FXcat4LYqRAbxwFMtTVMt4V1ZNC-GFR6UP8/s2048/IMG_6491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis58rC0J55tf2bvfTdaFqxENQoBBJCPVt5_bFfqDX1_gTly3gCrFU5bbB8fJXwN1wiOp0QZrl5OF0IYXCQU1Ifff_Uv-epywBcbO02Le2Q2FXcat4LYqRAbxwFMtTVMt4V1ZNC-GFR6UP8/s320/IMG_6491.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbyyobrVK18IfJz7a1BQ2h-6l4CE2VT9fmywx7bMZGW4gH_ympUqhN06QL5ri0CeuG1eDQDd4DoKuGa-tQXhEQyZyzu0ltwGCRsOIApYj8EeUNQffwkxuG8QvLQ3r8mesC9ySbm2-qxlh/s2048/IMG_6503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbyyobrVK18IfJz7a1BQ2h-6l4CE2VT9fmywx7bMZGW4gH_ympUqhN06QL5ri0CeuG1eDQDd4DoKuGa-tQXhEQyZyzu0ltwGCRsOIApYj8EeUNQffwkxuG8QvLQ3r8mesC9ySbm2-qxlh/s320/IMG_6503.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj675ItZeGyB7i5OtG9fTRP0vOTdFFHrQIQ2xqKZYgAaIsd-JYtia26te9LCoK3kKxmRZwTDW74eFWewyhES6esZR6H2crCVNBAHpjP-vIDr1PfV4aPMsWaJZ7wdanjW0_t1A7MSUVoSgs5/s2048/IMG_6569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj675ItZeGyB7i5OtG9fTRP0vOTdFFHrQIQ2xqKZYgAaIsd-JYtia26te9LCoK3kKxmRZwTDW74eFWewyhES6esZR6H2crCVNBAHpjP-vIDr1PfV4aPMsWaJZ7wdanjW0_t1A7MSUVoSgs5/s320/IMG_6569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQCsx-QJRVhzzQNj_L5buMaVcKbPTCabIqOKHjlmpr2_bXEjvGGWVjy29rf_cTsmdqoo0xbqxJBFUFlL1VNAtttbHoBIFv_E1veALbas7nsF7Wi_5VjIViHbybfF4ba2UY2b3DMcP62-q/s480/IMG_6608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQCsx-QJRVhzzQNj_L5buMaVcKbPTCabIqOKHjlmpr2_bXEjvGGWVjy29rf_cTsmdqoo0xbqxJBFUFlL1VNAtttbHoBIFv_E1veALbas7nsF7Wi_5VjIViHbybfF4ba2UY2b3DMcP62-q/s320/IMG_6608.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We remembered the good news of Christmas all year long--that t<b>he light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not and will not overcome it.</b><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4a8RmLzGQ0T4wDZAFcnLPr9YA_y4N2LN50Rous16nkzl1mIrHRF4XAA5s7V8EQLmsjIr_EXYRav_tZ5KnY_D2mhAon6upCiSYfcRhs-XdfOOharzb_0FXHKQEhBB2vUozpgyORyTTvRX/s1658/IMG_6731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1658" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4a8RmLzGQ0T4wDZAFcnLPr9YA_y4N2LN50Rous16nkzl1mIrHRF4XAA5s7V8EQLmsjIr_EXYRav_tZ5KnY_D2mhAon6upCiSYfcRhs-XdfOOharzb_0FXHKQEhBB2vUozpgyORyTTvRX/w400-h285/IMG_6731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The amazing thing is that even with all I've named there are so many other ways we've grown and cared for each other and our neighbors near and far this year--what have I missed? Add your own memories of gratefulness for our community and ways we've been church this year in the comments on this post. Please know how honored, proud, and amazed I am to be the pastor of such a remarkable congregation--I can't wait to see where 2021 takes us! HAPPY NEW YEAR!</div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-21117536953172878612020-11-03T10:41:00.000-05:002020-11-03T10:41:02.352-05:00For Election Day<p> Last night, a group of us gathered for a Pre-Election Prayer Vigil. I want to share with you a scripture and the closing prayer from our gathering that you might pray it today. Praying for and with you this day and in the days to come.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.</p><p>Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.</p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: right;">-Romans 12:9-21, NRSV</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">Almighty God who has given us an abundance of good things, set our feet about these shores, and called us to give an account for the work of our hands, we ask your blessings on this election.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;">Give hope to us, oh Lord, that these days are not unknown to you. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As we powerfully proclaim that you are not a God of darkness and chaos, let us with steadfast hearts participate in this beautiful exercise of democracy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give love to us, oh Lord, as we deepen our need to love one another. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Remind us that you, not our candidates, are the fount of all holiness. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let us recall with humility our own sins as we remember that all are welcome at your table. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Open our hearts as we pray for those who will carry on the work of directing this country.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Give us mercy, oh Lord, to lose with dignity and win with compassion, remembering that all those on the ballot were made in your image. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let us rise again tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow with an urgency to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick, and set the captive free.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, hear the prayers of all those gathered in voting booths, in precincts, in long lines, at ballot boxes. Keep them safe as you watch over all of us. We give you this day, and every day, to shelter and bless this country we love, in the name of Christ who first loved us; Amen.</div><div style="text-align: right;">-Adapted from a prayer by A.E. Graham (https://rabbitroom.com/2016/11/a-liturgy-for-election-day/)</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-44748839196657645162020-06-08T16:43:00.000-04:002020-06-08T16:43:11.372-04:00Racial Justice Resources<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<a href="https://www.ywcapdx.org/wp-content/uploads/Black_History_Month_Ask_The_Activists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="7 racial justice activists talk about the evolution of Black ..." border="0" height="179" src="https://www.ywcapdx.org/wp-content/uploads/Black_History_Month_Ask_The_Activists.jpg" width="320" /></a>A number of resources for racial justice were mentioned by our guest preacher, Stephanie Cooper, yesterday, and others have been suggested by members of our congregation since. As we are all at different points on the journey towards racial justice and ending systemic racism, I encourage you to pick one and start (or continue) your education and action:</div>
<br />
<a href="https://books.nurturingfaith.net/product/trouble-the-water-mathewsonwubuaririsanders/" target="_blank">Trouble the Water: A Christian Resource for the work of Racial Justice</a> (WE HAVE MANY COPIES OF THIS AT CHURCH--LET PASTOR ABBY KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE HER TO GET ONE TO YOU!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html" target="_blank">1619 Podcast</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.meandwhitesupremacybook.com/" target="_blank">“Me and White supremacy”</a>- Layla Saad<br />
<br />
<a href="https://robindiangelo.com/" target="_blank">“White Fragility”</a>- Robin Diangelo<br />
<br />
Anti-racism resources on the <a href="https://allianceofbaptists.org/resources/antiracism-resources" target="_blank">Alliance of Baptists website</a><br />
<br />
A new resource from the<a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race" target="_blank"> National Museum of African-American History and Culture</a>:<br />
<br />
A great list of 75 actions <a href="https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234" target="_blank">White people in particular can do for racial justic</a>e (though many of them are things we can ALL do)<br />
<br />
Finally, our Community Conversation on Race next Sunday at 4PM will focus on the intersection of COVID and systemic racism. We'll be reading these four articles together, all of which I commend to you--and would also encourage you to join us on Sunday, even if you've never been in these conversations before:<br />
<br />
1. From The Atlantic: <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/americas-racial-contract-showing/611389/" target="_blank">America's Racial Contract is Showing</a><br />
<br />
2. From The Capital Gazette: <a href="https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ac-cn-racism-public-health-anne-arundel-20200608-mgejek3xufh7jch357monq5s5m-story.html" target="_blank">Racism is a public health issue in Anne Arundel County. Coronavirus pandemic shows what that means. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
3. From The Washington Post: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/06/05/coronavirus-baltimore-race-police-violence/" target="_blank">‘We don’t get justice’: When a black girl’s death from covid-19 feels like a collision of two crises </a><br />
<br />
4. From Vox Media: <a href="https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2020/6/6/21279592/protest-pandemic-covid-19-risk-second-wave-systemic-racism">What public health experts want critics to know about why they support the protests</a><br />
<br />
<br />
It's a lot of info, but pick somewhere and get started!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-24034843203243865042020-04-22T00:00:00.000-04:002020-04-22T00:00:05.758-04:00Creation Care Resources for Reflection and Action<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY1b0by4XWFIRyFaMGRQNLiY4_bMRsLQsvu4V7YpzDKdgov1ei8-ejDrlA81FOX2H4HVYCxsAnMVbKI_iQjo6g_wnsEki0KvK_OWw7f48mMZWzqATOM97PVbZz9j-yAH-5DaQ1FVK_Ppz/s1600/HappyEarthDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="512" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY1b0by4XWFIRyFaMGRQNLiY4_bMRsLQsvu4V7YpzDKdgov1ei8-ejDrlA81FOX2H4HVYCxsAnMVbKI_iQjo6g_wnsEki0KvK_OWw7f48mMZWzqATOM97PVbZz9j-yAH-5DaQ1FVK_Ppz/s400/HappyEarthDay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">Happy Earth Day, everyone! In the spirit of last Sunday's sermon, here are some </span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; text-indent: -13.5pt;">resources that can help you consider your faithful response as a follower of the resurrected Jesus to the crisis of climate change facing our earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; text-indent: -13.5pt;"> A brief overview of how the Bible speaks to climate action:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; text-indent: -13.5pt;"> <a href="https://www.saltproject.org/progressive-christian-blog/2020/4/20/earth-day-climate-action-and-the-bible">https://www.saltproject.org/progressive-christian-blog/2020/4/20/earth-day-climate-action-and-the-bible</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">On
how COVID might change our way of thinking about creation care: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-covid-19-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-the-environment">https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-covid-19-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-the-environment</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/climate/coronavirus-habits-carbon-footprint.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/climate/coronavirus-habits-carbon-footprint.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://time.com/5795150/coronavirus-climate-change/">https://time.com/5795150/coronavirus-climate-change/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">On animals acting
differently with less human interference: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/coronavirus-wild-animals-wales-goats-barcelona-boars-brazil-turtles/2020/04/14/30057b2c-7a71-11ea-b6ff-597f170df8f8_story.html">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/coronavirus-wild-animals-wales-goats-barcelona-boars-brazil-turtles/2020/04/14/30057b2c-7a71-11ea-b6ff-597f170df8f8_story.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">On how continued climate
change makes more COVID-like outbreaks likely:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://grist.org/climate/a-common-germ-pool-the-frightening-environmental-origins-of-covid-19/">https://grist.org/climate/a-common-germ-pool-the-frightening-environmental-origins-of-covid-19/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">On our need for systemic
change:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061082">https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061082</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><a href="https://time.com/5808809/coronavirus-climate-action/">https://time.com/5808809/coronavirus-climate-action/</a><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;">Practical
ways you can care for creation during this home-bound Earth Day:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.earthday.org/11-actions-for-the-planet-during-a-pandemic/">https://www.earthday.org/11-actions-for-the-planet-during-a-pandemic/</a><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: center 166.5pt right 481.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-60264242698955752542020-04-04T12:42:00.000-04:002020-04-04T12:42:01.442-04:00Holy Week Worship Opportunities<b>Join us for worship via ZOOM throughout Holy Week! </b>All of our gatherings except the Friday morning one can be accessed by<b> <a href="http://zoom.us/j/4206093840" target="_blank">this Zoom link </a>(zoom.us/j/4206093840) </b>and the <b>password 343864 (PASSWORD IS NEW!)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TriWJjn86uzO8CpVdXWFUyl44NIXY4rtTLXi__Cy67G-gcu8i6_Zo4FrbZcPSiRsJcQpBt3LKP-D7VQzXFTIizqFkKz5t7KnDxE-WJ-dGjQjIUW3k4ny6mg5TL_yQNS8ZHMbEkdkEluT/s1600/IMG_1463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TriWJjn86uzO8CpVdXWFUyl44NIXY4rtTLXi__Cy67G-gcu8i6_Zo4FrbZcPSiRsJcQpBt3LKP-D7VQzXFTIizqFkKz5t7KnDxE-WJ-dGjQjIUW3k4ny6mg5TL_yQNS8ZHMbEkdkEluT/s320/IMG_1463.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Sunday, April 5 10am:</b> Palm Sunday worship (bring your own palms and bread/juice/wine for communion!)<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, April 9 5:30pm:</b> Maundy Thursday worship (this will take the place of Prayer and Share that week--you'll need a bowl of water and bread/juice/wine for communion)<br />
<br />
<b>Friday, April 10 10am: </b>Journey with Jesus Interactive Prayer Stations (particularly geared towards kids)--use link <a href="https://us04web.zoom.us/j/135152522">https://us04web.zoom.us/j/135152522</a> for this service only, which we do together with our neighbors at Asbury-Arnold UMC (You'll need to gather a few things beforehand to fully appreciate the experience: a coat, piece of bread/cracker, cup, stick or toothpick, tissue, something a little pointy/sharp, a cross (cut one out of paper or make one if you don't have one), a lit candle or flashlight, a rock. A recorded video of experience will also be made available if you can’t get on live at 10 but would like to participate at another time.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday, April 10 7:30pm:</b> Good Friday Sundown Prayer (a brief 30 min service of reflection)<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, April 12 10am</b>: Easter Sunday Worship! (no sunrise service; we'll celebrate Community Easter Sunrise whenever we can all be back together later in the spring/summer)<br />
<br />
<b>Hope to see your faces throughout this Holy Week!</b>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-91477917696925389952020-03-26T13:22:00.000-04:002020-04-21T10:32:37.976-04:00Worship During COVID-19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBn4UqFBNshJf4whgrtzbN2M7N5z4M2WlfY9wpyZ_7sYcD0iRMQlgJpPowHCyYxKbTUXSS5rky1sWgp_6ZyZMkJaWJdXnlgcznxu10MO9Zb5GZYk_OMqqx9H9XCcWZSuF5R_xYtil4yPu/s1600/zoombanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBn4UqFBNshJf4whgrtzbN2M7N5z4M2WlfY9wpyZ_7sYcD0iRMQlgJpPowHCyYxKbTUXSS5rky1sWgp_6ZyZMkJaWJdXnlgcznxu10MO9Zb5GZYk_OMqqx9H9XCcWZSuF5R_xYtil4yPu/s320/zoombanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In light of the continued spread of COVID-19 in our area and recommendations from public health officials, at this time the Broadneck Church Council has decided to suspend in-person church gatherings, including worship. This is difficult for us as our faith is a fully embodied one. However, the people of God are the people of God no matter where or how they gather! So we hope you'll continue to gather with us virtually via ZOOM at the following times:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sundays at 9:45am: Worship gathering</span></b> (Worship itself begins at 10am--get on at 9:45 to greet one another and work out our technical glitches!) You can access the bulletin each week by clicking <b><u><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xb5OmEESFz7H1X5NqPf2mw1A50x2Vgbb" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thursdays at 7:30pm:</b> <b>Prayer and Share</b></span> (a 30-45 minute time of sharing how we're doing and our prayer requests, and spending time in guided prayer together)<br />
<br />
All of our gatherings can be accessed by <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://zoom.us/j/4206093840" target="_blank">this Zoom link</a> </span>(zoom.us/j/4206093840)</b> and a password that will change every two weeks; <b>get the password by</b> <a href="mailto:broadneckpastor@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>contacting us</b></span></a>. Please hear us say that ALL are invited to participate--the password is simply an added step to keep our virtual space safe and welcoming to all. If you haven't used Zoom before, see our <b><a href="https://broadneckbaptist.blogspot.com/2020/03/joining-us-for-worship-on-march-15.html" target="_blank">previous blog post about how to set up Zoom on your device and prepare for worship each week</a>.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div>
<br /></div>
Worship will be different, but if our experience thus far is any indication, it will be meaningful and vital even in this strange time. We will share, we will sing all at slightly different times from each other, we will be challenged, and we will live out the words of Hebrews 10:23-25: <i>"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for the One who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together...but encouraging one another all the more."</i>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-7462755949254495412020-03-13T15:49:00.001-04:002021-02-19T11:13:06.057-05:00Joining us for worship during COVID-19<br />
We will not be worshiping together physically in the BBC building as we seek to do our part to protect our neighbors and one another by helping slow the spread of COVID-19.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g2HAM4KwOFEjRczgDZ7Yj0CDZwSfjn1l12TpguTuEuJGqleoIQxdKZoE9IYvNDila35BG3Bv_wQpz3l7VdpbHJEyg6V2dAJ11smmt3CwbEddhGYlVfJXLsmpMBSa2C3sbvF4emtSk4n9/s1600/ZOOMBasics.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="384" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g2HAM4KwOFEjRczgDZ7Yj0CDZwSfjn1l12TpguTuEuJGqleoIQxdKZoE9IYvNDila35BG3Bv_wQpz3l7VdpbHJEyg6V2dAJ11smmt3CwbEddhGYlVfJXLsmpMBSa2C3sbvF4emtSk4n9/s640/ZOOMBasics.jpg" width="256" /></a>However, this doesn’t mean that we won’t be worshiping together! <b><i>We are excited about using Zoom to create an online worship space this Sunday morning for our 10AM worship</i></b>. Here's how you can participate:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
1) On your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, download the <b>Zoom app (https://zoom.us), </b>install the software<b> </b>and set up a free account. It's very easy!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
2) We recommend each household gather on a <b>single device</b>--if you have a person on a laptop in one room and a smartphone in another, there tends to be too much feedback and strain on the system.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
3) <span style="font-family: inherit;">If possible, find a </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">candle </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">to light in your own home at the beginning of worship--we always do this when together, and if each of us light a Christ Candle in our own space, it will be a visible way to remember Jesus' presence with us and to connect us further in our separate locations.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit;">4) <b>On Sunday morning please log in around 9:45 using the information below.</b> Logging in early will give us all a chance to greet each other, work out kinks, and be ready to enter into a more worshipful space when 10 rolls around. Just click https://zoom.us/j/4206093840. The meeting ID is 420 609 3840. If you don't have or wish to get the Zoom app, then from landline or phone, you can dial in 1 301 715 8592. <a href="mailto:broadneckpastor@gmail.com" target="_blank">Contact us by email</a> to get the password needed to proceed from this point into the gathering (this is an added step to keep us all as safe as possible in our cyber gathering space!).</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may also wish to join us on <b>Thursday evenings at 7:00 for "Zoom Share-and-Prayer</b>"--</span>This will be about 30-45 minutes where we can gather virtually, share how we're doing and what prayer concerns we have, and engage in guided prayer together. <a href="mailto:broadneckpastor@gmail.com">Contact us for info</a>!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There will be glitches in our online life together, and NOTHING is a substitute for in-person contact and worship. However, as we do our part to help slow the spread of this virus that is life-threatening to so many of our neighbors, including folks among our church family, this could be an opportunity for us to learn to connect in new ways and maybe even have some fun while doing it!</span></div>
Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-86868907368094658602020-01-27T10:40:00.000-05:002020-01-27T10:40:10.550-05:00Reflection and resources on Affordable HousingThis Epiphany, we are spending six Sundays looking at the six areas of focus of <a href="http://www.actiaf.org/" target="_blank">ACT (Anne Arundel Connecting Together)</a> in light of our faith and scripture. Each week I will be lifting up resources to help you reflect and learn more about these areas where we as Christians are called to care for our neighbors in practical, loving ways.<br />
<br />
For this week, here are some resources to help you reflect on our Christian response to Safe and Affordable Housing:<br />
<br />
First, some graphics showing if people in our county/area working in different professions could afford to either rent or put a 3% or 10% down payment on an average apartment/home based on their annual income (courtesy of NHC.org):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVOrkaqNFhyphenhyphen4QEvrlzqPcW2K4dM9_qc6e-w3y34aki_0hYG5gQg3UGoxKpy4kQZ2qSMnQn8636e1NLRs-l6Tr7TFb-eWeDO_2g1gleL9SayGA1a9Eds8smz6B98P-chgmdTMrUr1moNla/s1600/rental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1297" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVOrkaqNFhyphenhyphen4QEvrlzqPcW2K4dM9_qc6e-w3y34aki_0hYG5gQg3UGoxKpy4kQZ2qSMnQn8636e1NLRs-l6Tr7TFb-eWeDO_2g1gleL9SayGA1a9Eds8smz6B98P-chgmdTMrUr1moNla/s400/rental.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSXCd_qnE0Q_-JZq_Am2840uxlup-HjppN68cNmbJvB4eg3Psx4CsljBr-qTGU8KbLM1uY7PVyXkFu7kBuIU5oKK3PV2vsoOiShGpe0zj3BK7XTMjfgGO3C48viFN72aQu-K6-OrELSq3/s1600/homeownership.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1072" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSXCd_qnE0Q_-JZq_Am2840uxlup-HjppN68cNmbJvB4eg3Psx4CsljBr-qTGU8KbLM1uY7PVyXkFu7kBuIU5oKK3PV2vsoOiShGpe0zj3BK7XTMjfgGO3C48viFN72aQu-K6-OrELSq3/s400/homeownership.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To learn more, pursue some of these ways to educate yourself:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Check out reports from <a href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/state-nations-housing-2019" target="_blank">Harvard’s State of the Nation’s Housing</a> and the <a href="https://reports.nlihc.org/oor/maryland%20and%20https://nlihc.org/housing-needs-by-state/maryland" target="_blank">National Low-Income Housing Coalition</a></li>
<li>Consider how the church can be part of the solution by reading articles from <a href="https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/6583/americas-affordable-housing-crisis" target="_blank">Ministry Matters</a> and <a href="https://sojo.net/articles/how-one-church-tackled-its-communitys-affordable-housing-crisis" target="_blank">Sojourners </a>that will inspire you to think theologically and creatively! </li>
<li>Learn about what IAF Affiliates like ACT have been doing around the country to address the need for safe and affordable housing by visiting <a href="https://metro-iaf.org/issuesvictories/77">https://metro-iaf.org/issuesvictories/77</a></li>
<li>Be informed about what is happening in our own community. Go to <a href="http://www.capitalgazette.com/" target="_blank">the website of our local newspaper, The Capital,</a> and search terms like “affordable housing” and “fair housing” to read articles talking about what’s going on in our community—many of which touch on the work of ACT!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Finally, take time to listen again (or for the first time, if you were not in worship Sunday) to Rich Mullins' powerful song about Jesus' life with insecure housing, You Did Not Have a Home, by following <a href="https://youtu.be/PtobpQQdjqM" target="_blank">this link</a> or watching the video below.</div>
<div>
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PtobpQQdjqM" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-89976910970386533132020-01-14T10:42:00.000-05:002020-01-14T10:42:09.674-05:00Resources to help form and inform our Christian response to Immigrants and Refugees<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H11Xi73fUXw381lQnHLD-lyQqFexlqsMUDXvwNzySyEUmDWtMmgoo4QoA-JDU3WClhGzz3xWkkzcc7mKliFM8lGtcPfynh542C5wnox35ua3iIoOCm26y_MoXEfsfIMRi0z9rQ4W_rH0/s1600/howard-thurman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="274" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H11Xi73fUXw381lQnHLD-lyQqFexlqsMUDXvwNzySyEUmDWtMmgoo4QoA-JDU3WClhGzz3xWkkzcc7mKliFM8lGtcPfynh542C5wnox35ua3iIoOCm26y_MoXEfsfIMRi0z9rQ4W_rH0/s400/howard-thurman.jpg" width="125" /></a>This Epiphany, we are spending six Sundays looking at the six areas of focus of <a href="http://www.actiaf.org/campaigns" target="_blank">ACT </a>(Anne Arundel Connecting Together) in light of our faith and scripture. How are these the work of Christmas as described by Howard Thurman in the poem at right?<br />
<br />
Each week I will be lifting up resources to help you reflect and learn more about these areas where we as Christians are called to care for our neighbors in practical, loving ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Resources to help you reflect on our Christian
response to immigration:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 9.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Inhospitable</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, a podcast telling the
story of the journey of one man, Gilles Bikindou, in the context of immigration
in the United States. <i>Inhospitable</i> is a production of Greenwood Forest
Baptist Church in NC, Gilles’ faith community and a fellow Alliance of Baptists congregation. Visit <a href="http://www.inhospitableusa.org/">www.inhospitableusa.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 9.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Bible as the Ultimate
Immigration Handbook</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> by Joan Raduskin of Church World Service: <a href="https://www.greatplainsumc.org/files/ministries/mj_bible_immigration_handbook.pdf">https://www.greatplainsumc.org/files/ministries/mj_bible_immigration_handbook.pdf</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 9.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Strangers in the Land</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">, a six week e-book
devotional on immigration, the church, and the Bible produced by Sojourners: <a href="https://sojo.net/node/216822">https://sojo.net/node/216822</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 9.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Read migrant stories at<i>
</i></span><a href="https://time.com/longform/migrants/">https://time.com/longform/migrants/</a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 9.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Learn about local
organizations committed to helping immigrants in our area:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://centerofhelp.org/">centerofhelp.org/</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://%20www.aijnetwork.org/">www.aijnetwork.org/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/services/esperanza-center/">www.catholiccharities-md.org/services/esperanza-center/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.asylumprojectdc.org/">asylumprojectdc.org</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-44630295604709096342019-04-05T11:28:00.002-04:002019-04-05T11:28:49.820-04:00Stations of the Cross: Bearing, Helping, WeepingOur next stations occur during Jesus’ walk from Pilate to Golgotha. I invite you to pay attention to some of the people Jesus encounters along the way, pictured in the modern art pieces below.<br />
<br />
Luke 23:26-31<br />
As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJecIliThzbwntoLOHDbeoUxvwjdeAWkFdfe_hrh80xqTQ7EduSW05FZveYypzGtSrtOanLzHmPKserbr4R7tSR8HD0Kq6ReC2J6fkl2ub-NPDb3j-BZnBW0BLkqSbgiKkrXbR4lb6Csu/s1600/8456620A-DA4F-4F12-AC0D-EE27E1D90A39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJecIliThzbwntoLOHDbeoUxvwjdeAWkFdfe_hrh80xqTQ7EduSW05FZveYypzGtSrtOanLzHmPKserbr4R7tSR8HD0Kq6ReC2J6fkl2ub-NPDb3j-BZnBW0BLkqSbgiKkrXbR4lb6Csu/s320/8456620A-DA4F-4F12-AC0D-EE27E1D90A39.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simon of Cyrene modern icon by Gracie Morbitzer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeXZHATrhvz7uPPwQdqKOeXPoufaMrNs-K7rwziTi8KCA2QLv546g8ibYNC-aZSwDCH_Y_zXuAqFuwwMGpHe5Qcmmb3v4E-8Aci0bBVZySo8wvno8lrSAAsBzUlB06BlD_cLe4L_LcpTj/s1600/CE285A4A-4B5F-4126-B321-468D82E975D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeXZHATrhvz7uPPwQdqKOeXPoufaMrNs-K7rwziTi8KCA2QLv546g8ibYNC-aZSwDCH_Y_zXuAqFuwwMGpHe5Qcmmb3v4E-8Aci0bBVZySo8wvno8lrSAAsBzUlB06BlD_cLe4L_LcpTj/s1600/CE285A4A-4B5F-4126-B321-468D82E975D3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simon helps Jesus bear the cross, by Suzanne Ley</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dKlAFOpbvxTLQw7qxsk2SDECdRwccJ-GxNn5q4q-1hxK8BAy4PX3s3AWXK9yr2lYNo9O7gBze08UgTW2j6_x6MasVLBsFtehAA_riVN-J-LBJx7hQGXiFq483jZN1DJs3FNMFnyP3Rd0/s1600/E1232B22-C2AE-42B6-9AC3-AEC616BB1711.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dKlAFOpbvxTLQw7qxsk2SDECdRwccJ-GxNn5q4q-1hxK8BAy4PX3s3AWXK9yr2lYNo9O7gBze08UgTW2j6_x6MasVLBsFtehAA_riVN-J-LBJx7hQGXiFq483jZN1DJs3FNMFnyP3Rd0/s320/E1232B22-C2AE-42B6-9AC3-AEC616BB1711.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A modern Eastern Orthodox icon of Simon of Cyrene</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Try as I might, I couldn’t find the names of the artists of these two paintings of the weeping women Jesus met and spoke to along the road:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQdu61EuDU023TdqEvtLfbhsz2tm8_zX3Jp4cAKiA3z7u9qHNqYHvC4W904tvkYVAS_H6egHRgj8_po8_LBnPQbIEAmpA-M4hdfgo1lui7sf7zIvwcD-cu-rCXGBwdFB0Ow9-bnAdZIYI/s1600/F82DB98B-30FB-440A-8DDE-C091CE6F0E84.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQdu61EuDU023TdqEvtLfbhsz2tm8_zX3Jp4cAKiA3z7u9qHNqYHvC4W904tvkYVAS_H6egHRgj8_po8_LBnPQbIEAmpA-M4hdfgo1lui7sf7zIvwcD-cu-rCXGBwdFB0Ow9-bnAdZIYI/s1600/F82DB98B-30FB-440A-8DDE-C091CE6F0E84.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyGEVnsY_SUhjQO_hyphenhyphen87myOmXiv8TXy-Q2jXukZzzd9-osi6JlX2hFBEmQDOtWfcssXDkHhNwYPVsOLU3T2FTt7V4CIVh1FDU6d-4BL_92CHgJJUEkueamHvKg6WFWvC0F2weK3gC8XYl/s1600/226F87A0-9173-41F5-87D8-5EED076936DE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyGEVnsY_SUhjQO_hyphenhyphen87myOmXiv8TXy-Q2jXukZzzd9-osi6JlX2hFBEmQDOtWfcssXDkHhNwYPVsOLU3T2FTt7V4CIVh1FDU6d-4BL_92CHgJJUEkueamHvKg6WFWvC0F2weK3gC8XYl/s1600/226F87A0-9173-41F5-87D8-5EED076936DE.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-85451411894989467902019-03-28T12:50:00.006-04:002019-03-28T12:50:59.384-04:00Stations of the Cross Judgment and Crowning<h3>
Station 5: Judgment (Mark 15:1-5)</h3>
<i><br /></i>
<i>At daybreak, the chief priests—with the elders, legal experts, and the whole Sanhedrin—formed a plan. They bound Jesus, led him away, and turned him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” </i><i>Jesus replied, “That’s what you say.” The chief priests were accusing him of many things. </i><i>Pilate asked him again, “Aren’t you going to answer? What about all these accusations?” But Jesus gave no more answers, so that Pilate marveled.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
God of the accused</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the accusing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who made the mouths, the ears and the hearts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of all in conflict.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May we turn ourselves towards that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which must be heard, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because there we will hear your voice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Padraig O Tuama. Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community . Canterbury Press Norwich. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img00.deviantart.net/3b3f/i/2015/113/5/b/jesus_before_pilate_by_jukara-d5nifvq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://img00.deviantart.net/3b3f/i/2015/113/5/b/jesus_before_pilate_by_jukara-d5nifvq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A modern take: "Jesus before Pilate" by Jukara</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Station 6: Crowning (John 19:1-3)</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Then Pilate had Jesus taken and whipped. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. 3 Over and over they went up to him and said, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On Sunday we looked at images and meanings of many different crowns through history. Below are some of the images and summaries...how do these shed light on Jesus' crown of thorns?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFizOy9rnhz431LQe3wOeUJPKQ9qzDtmYkPAC16G70CU4Rd5fC0N-TTuq1dg-TRgOBUGs1jjQZXxefx48dYc2gaK1nHwR3yD_J7gn81l6cl6DR7UTjiP0PBgFiJYQ0hOJkCbgCxSuOxE4/s1600/corona+civica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFizOy9rnhz431LQe3wOeUJPKQ9qzDtmYkPAC16G70CU4Rd5fC0N-TTuq1dg-TRgOBUGs1jjQZXxefx48dYc2gaK1nHwR3yD_J7gn81l6cl6DR7UTjiP0PBgFiJYQ0hOJkCbgCxSuOxE4/s320/corona+civica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The oldest and most noteworthy Roman crown was the corona civica. This crown commemorated someone saving the life of a fellow citizen. The rescued individual would personally fashion the crown for their savior out of oak leaves, and the crown wearer earned special rights and privileges. Any citizen could receive this crown; but other crowns could only be earned by leaders. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP6mampX-VatcIdgDH6MBKO7gqzYFNTFpXbxcDZT82vQndX0jbNGJhbtcJRZaWuVMgiBMUq8o_ene57pbmx83TFoC3qOISKXOIbKoFLvVlCJkgdn3uF4YWYNE0jpClCkmljLfbPH8UQWp/s1600/corona+radiata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP6mampX-VatcIdgDH6MBKO7gqzYFNTFpXbxcDZT82vQndX0jbNGJhbtcJRZaWuVMgiBMUq8o_ene57pbmx83TFoC3qOISKXOIbKoFLvVlCJkgdn3uF4YWYNE0jpClCkmljLfbPH8UQWp/s320/corona+radiata.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Believing themselves to be gods, many emperors wore the Corona Radiata as a symbol of their own divinity.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rWDA2olEhLpmpwYO8cj-6AF0iegTZRaUrDM-vmmpaYTxvCO_yhricutHMvP8mRLlWhwshZX60b3kk4Gp1EOxTx64x-JnjSTDYhpbds5RvypHyoyhwLDc6gmym-2XJOmK2gId5eQaevmT/s1600/CrownofSilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="404" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rWDA2olEhLpmpwYO8cj-6AF0iegTZRaUrDM-vmmpaYTxvCO_yhricutHMvP8mRLlWhwshZX60b3kk4Gp1EOxTx64x-JnjSTDYhpbds5RvypHyoyhwLDc6gmym-2XJOmK2gId5eQaevmT/s320/CrownofSilla.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The crowns of Silla were made for rulers in the Korean kingdom of Silla around the 5th–7th centuries. The use of many tiny gold mirrors dangling from the crown has led some to hypothesize that the crown, worn in sunlight, would be a dazzling spectacle reinforcing the tradition role of the king as the symbolic representation of the sun on earth.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFozl2PJBOXOYDfA7VAwr0Ti8tfH80pK-cErRXNR1fBs4kiRHMxuCfgCIb51B_PFQVgkfdL01u5KvLXFluxo59-930KXHehfXjw-0uQ077tEJ8EXgB3HIEEh7nSs5RwaAE9l3ekErB9D2/s1600/GreatCrownofVictory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFozl2PJBOXOYDfA7VAwr0Ti8tfH80pK-cErRXNR1fBs4kiRHMxuCfgCIb51B_PFQVgkfdL01u5KvLXFluxo59-930KXHehfXjw-0uQ077tEJ8EXgB3HIEEh7nSs5RwaAE9l3ekErB9D2/s320/GreatCrownofVictory.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Great Crown of Victory reserved for Thai kings is 26 inches high and weighs 16 lb. A king only wears this crown once, during his coronation, where he places the crown on his own head—no one else crowns him.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio711kAL1DDumChKzo6TJcApDUANFsbGRcIaVEurNy2TNBe1CSvIR0beJRrnXV5VK364GCun11zcfAl5XZLrcFUMAueKBE-J42s5rApLsIvaD53NP_IM5voNiPW2etsQx2ogvjiT91BoZU/s1600/Holy_Roman_Empire_Crown_%2528Imperial_Treasury%25292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio711kAL1DDumChKzo6TJcApDUANFsbGRcIaVEurNy2TNBe1CSvIR0beJRrnXV5VK364GCun11zcfAl5XZLrcFUMAueKBE-J42s5rApLsIvaD53NP_IM5voNiPW2etsQx2ogvjiT91BoZU/s320/Holy_Roman_Empire_Crown_%2528Imperial_Treasury%25292.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For centuries, the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire was used in the coronation of the King of the Romans, the title assumed by the Emperor-elect immediately after his election. Made right around the year 1000, it is decorated with 144 precious stones and four enamel plaques containing pictures and inscriptions from the Bible. One shows Christ enthroned between two cherubim beneath an inscription from Proverbs reading "By me kings reign”; another shows King David holding a scroll with words from the Psalms: "The renowned king delights in doing justice". </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHedRO9fXCv8p6w-gZSlTG7WdDgHeMYfnmioB4Xpb5oOiRYalGFwN5dJ-pCC4RX2WJv-cfoVqyJBch7x55uMfbmbvFqTlJI4homgpZ3Mo05H6bmNzGV6v16C5lToMtTxR1-exABRF_gur/s1600/ObasCrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHedRO9fXCv8p6w-gZSlTG7WdDgHeMYfnmioB4Xpb5oOiRYalGFwN5dJ-pCC4RX2WJv-cfoVqyJBch7x55uMfbmbvFqTlJI4homgpZ3Mo05H6bmNzGV6v16C5lToMtTxR1-exABRF_gur/s320/ObasCrown.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Oba’s crown, worn by leaders of tribes of the Yoruba peoples in Western Africa as a sign of the leader’s authority. It fits over the leader’s face so that the individual is no longer seen; one only sees the crown. It has intricate beading, representing the Oba’s divine appointment and immense power to manipulate people and nature alike.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/2-crown-of-thorns-dee-savage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="256" src="https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/2-crown-of-thorns-dee-savage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How does the only crown Jesus ever wore compare to these crowns in look? In meaning? What deep symbolism do you see in Jesus' crowning?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-90806965668726328002019-03-21T14:20:00.000-04:002019-03-21T14:20:10.906-04:00Stations of The Cross: Condemnation and Denial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For your continued reflection on the 3rd and 4th scriptural stations of the cross, which we engaged together this past Sunday:</div>
<br />
Station 3: Condemnation<br />
<br />
Luke 22:66-71<br />
66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67 They said, “If you are the Messiah,[a] tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I question you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGc6GfptMa5M1YaJy52wuGhcF8yFkMp1lqE6a_9VhpQoK2fa-Hc1NGy4OudD0bOXX3RJL1BKPqQt91_L4py6Bbat6jSEIkTJ-2WarlHbKmSn4pyC3Cse6lABQUXplB07jChkueVxM1S8e/s1600/Markell_Station-C-03_Jesus-Is-Condemned_PP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGc6GfptMa5M1YaJy52wuGhcF8yFkMp1lqE6a_9VhpQoK2fa-Hc1NGy4OudD0bOXX3RJL1BKPqQt91_L4py6Bbat6jSEIkTJ-2WarlHbKmSn4pyC3Cse6lABQUXplB07jChkueVxM1S8e/s320/Markell_Station-C-03_Jesus-Is-Condemned_PP.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Jesus is Condemned" by Nicholas Markell</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaahl1oIjvDXJAhldEZYbBQquAvU0Y4aJq0RBNqurruosK49CluEzhjUNfYDJ-HYIZlS9JJt1xhuq63fJmYPbSK89ouN6h5Fr6nL0PG2p5_fKlkPBoh22lounRPnjPl5u_HYDZqIRI6nY/s1600/Station3MichaelDOBrien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="899" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaahl1oIjvDXJAhldEZYbBQquAvU0Y4aJq0RBNqurruosK49CluEzhjUNfYDJ-HYIZlS9JJt1xhuq63fJmYPbSK89ouN6h5Fr6nL0PG2p5_fKlkPBoh22lounRPnjPl5u_HYDZqIRI6nY/s320/Station3MichaelDOBrien.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Station 3 by Michael D. O'Brien</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Station 4: Denial</div>
<br />
Mark 14:66-72 <br />
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt.[a] Then the cock crowed.[b] 69 And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” 72 At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.<br />
<br />
A powerful modern video: "This is Now," the story of Peter and Jesus told in song by Casting Crowns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lf7bu5ZYx0<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Lf7bu5ZYx0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-73007462358737008282019-03-13T16:01:00.002-04:002019-03-13T16:01:58.333-04:00Stations of the Cross: Sorrow and BetrayalFor a Lent this year we are moving together as a congregation through the <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scriptural_Way_of_the_Cross" target="_blank">Scriptural Stations of the Cross</a>, journeying week by week through the events of the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life. Each week I will post art, music, and/or poetry here that can help you continue to contemplate these scenes at home throughout the week.<br />
<br />
Station 1: Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV)<br />
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane<br />
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;[a] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm9sDaQQnGI6F5DR4AjHpCp9neYzVehVCFOVr_rc-CMMLAkqgB1LAmnCA-cEE7szRW6dI4BN9qfwvNUA6-ZTVOcUgUnZhYfjDp-Tkkx_kqXne2DKWZ3x41NWRn9ObzCEG6hKP7JpvXpTc/s1600/03BCF836-9B33-46F3-9601-551C11E7BC49.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm9sDaQQnGI6F5DR4AjHpCp9neYzVehVCFOVr_rc-CMMLAkqgB1LAmnCA-cEE7szRW6dI4BN9qfwvNUA6-ZTVOcUgUnZhYfjDp-Tkkx_kqXne2DKWZ3x41NWRn9ObzCEG6hKP7JpvXpTc/s1600/03BCF836-9B33-46F3-9601-551C11E7BC49.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By Sam Wilson (American Southwest)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx2LlcgRREMOPP4ggEy2zULKB5IWY6Ga2DqsgFNnx5vfCnqqVNKKgfe9wMLftNKLL1EiRmoH9HZGaIXf53Z4VSonuv1N0L_xjmrj2mFHCqJmVwfruggSrwtumIzcOSA1s5UsB20_pZNy_/s1600/AC06D39C-3C53-47C6-A567-E582F4D22A04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx2LlcgRREMOPP4ggEy2zULKB5IWY6Ga2DqsgFNnx5vfCnqqVNKKgfe9wMLftNKLL1EiRmoH9HZGaIXf53Z4VSonuv1N0L_xjmrj2mFHCqJmVwfruggSrwtumIzcOSA1s5UsB20_pZNy_/s320/AC06D39C-3C53-47C6-A567-E582F4D22A04.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By He Qi (China)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMcO7TenV8jLGXJiDWc73NxXt5nW9ROr_wy7gxu21M034RfFQMJ9P2NZ-IQjh4s0yP-_FhFx2QlI1Jh-HjkciRwCQFjk4NJtnNJ0YH_X820jQtlBQwhSnb9sCfrDXMeeVEP8S51LUIks_/s1600/A6D4F7DF-ABC9-4EDE-AF99-3FB4785452E3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="710" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMcO7TenV8jLGXJiDWc73NxXt5nW9ROr_wy7gxu21M034RfFQMJ9P2NZ-IQjh4s0yP-_FhFx2QlI1Jh-HjkciRwCQFjk4NJtnNJ0YH_X820jQtlBQwhSnb9sCfrDXMeeVEP8S51LUIks_/s320/A6D4F7DF-ABC9-4EDE-AF99-3FB4785452E3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By Via de Jesus Mafa (Cameroon)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Station 2: Mark 14:43-50 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)<br />
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus<br />
43 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. 47 But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 All of them deserted him and fled.<br />
<br />
David Haas Judas Betrayal of Jesus: <a href="https://youtu.be/ME1p2tnZ_V4">https://youtu.be/ME1p2tnZ_V4</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ME1p2tnZ_V4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ME1p2tnZ_V4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-51367854390757831752018-12-11T13:30:00.001-05:002018-12-11T13:30:56.723-05:00Peace: A Study, A Song, A SnapshotAs we continue in this second week of Advent, I offer you three tools for reflection this week.<br />
<br />
The first is the word study video we watched together from The Bible Project on Sunday:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oLYORLZOaZE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oLYORLZOaZE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second second is a beautiful Christmas song from The Indigo Girls, “Peace Child”. Consider how this song picks up and weaves together the themes of the video.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jfqcuvSBPwk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jfqcuvSBPwk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally, a picture I took at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in DC last fall with a version of a quote I referenced in my sermon on Sunday. This is the heart of what the Bible means when it speaks of peace...how can we make this a reality this week?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJHDRcN9McSdilEv1-mxqwZvvT7gPoBu17myNqvnNbb0-mL_TP7DQE5BtLmXX5V5mc_IoUQci0OWmBrhD5DdbKANZLND2I5bKn8NHall0d-51Y_gDGu5jg1VEqDPe1OcooMcjN3pE7wLI/s1600/DBDE939B-8D56-4DF8-87A5-EF94CD8B1C84.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJHDRcN9McSdilEv1-mxqwZvvT7gPoBu17myNqvnNbb0-mL_TP7DQE5BtLmXX5V5mc_IoUQci0OWmBrhD5DdbKANZLND2I5bKn8NHall0d-51Y_gDGu5jg1VEqDPe1OcooMcjN3pE7wLI/s320/DBDE939B-8D56-4DF8-87A5-EF94CD8B1C84.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-25948970030073578632018-12-05T12:55:00.000-05:002018-12-05T12:55:14.791-05:00One More About HopeAfter I wrote my sermon about hope and the blog about hope I posted earlier this week, I came across this remarkable quote and needed to share it with you all. Carry this one with you through this week focused on hope!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy2n_62WoE99L63QouqSZDkIAVGDcvIDxjLy5F6BdK4DZmJCTRbcAsk_sSz_8DTv8VMX8m04FdZVVa1KWTewVmodICo6J-q6plSEuPU8lR0bZmG4pdzCAHhIvLVeHBYfncLF_hQB4IV32/s1600/kINGSOLVER+QUOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="420" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy2n_62WoE99L63QouqSZDkIAVGDcvIDxjLy5F6BdK4DZmJCTRbcAsk_sSz_8DTv8VMX8m04FdZVVa1KWTewVmodICo6J-q6plSEuPU8lR0bZmG4pdzCAHhIvLVeHBYfncLF_hQB4IV32/s640/kINGSOLVER+QUOTE.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-46393150402663572872018-12-03T15:41:00.000-05:002018-12-03T15:41:35.311-05:00HopeAs we enter the season of Advent, for those of you who were not able to be with us in worship yesterday, here is our first word study video for the season, courtesy of athe Bible Project. What does it mean to be a people of hope?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4WYNBjJSYvE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WYNBjJSYvE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
In addition, I’ve been walking around the house all day singing this beautiful Advent song. Give it a listen, and may it bring light to your hearts as we wait with hope for Christ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5TVG8k0I_Ew/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5TVG8k0I_Ew?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-77702636185038995472018-03-31T00:00:00.000-04:002018-03-31T00:00:12.391-04:00Holy SaturdayThis incredible new song by my favorite musician, Andrew Peterson, is one I cannot stop listening to this Holy Week. Take four minutes today to listen to it, and it will set you up to experience this Holy Saturday of silence in a new way. See you tomorrow at sunrise (6:30am, Main Cape Beach)!<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a34ABuJh9jA<br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a34ABuJh9jA" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-36928904140078673982018-03-14T16:25:00.000-04:002018-03-14T16:25:18.780-04:00Praying the Psalms: Images for Psalm 51If you've been in our sanctuary for Lent, you may have noticed some photos displayed. As part of our Lenten Intergenerational Faith Formation event, we had people choose from a stack of images pictures that they felt helped illustrate different verses from this week's Psalm of focus--Psalm 51. So, instead of music for this week, we will use these images to help us pray. How do these images fit with, clash with, or change/enhance the way you pray and hear this prayer? Which line of the prayer do you most connect with?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtWGqzqWTAdV8aT2WKlyqMgaZl4QrHxXvFg6n5NgAblpvrxvfq6k3ii8YRWuf3mzW1bLKfJ-Q08AXuBq7BnLcrzqUCkhhkZMQpxWAazB3Xrv6797zMqIo46ODYj_zKL9uTTkzOVxRU2dV/s1600/IMG_6338-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtWGqzqWTAdV8aT2WKlyqMgaZl4QrHxXvFg6n5NgAblpvrxvfq6k3ii8YRWuf3mzW1bLKfJ-Q08AXuBq7BnLcrzqUCkhhkZMQpxWAazB3Xrv6797zMqIo46ODYj_zKL9uTTkzOVxRU2dV/s320/IMG_6338-001.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuJdJvgNqoVnNkPCQW_iOs37Qjaz6CuUnXkyvs3up8uD-fZFynePwVA8J4Jt5ijd15bnz_BgCFDGuZIc-g2XeV7Tx0BkdC0PnHv-nAVJS2MgKcOMInx-g66Afs8XMga3iCMHA6rtnbiv-/s1600/IMG_6338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1442" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuJdJvgNqoVnNkPCQW_iOs37Qjaz6CuUnXkyvs3up8uD-fZFynePwVA8J4Jt5ijd15bnz_BgCFDGuZIc-g2XeV7Tx0BkdC0PnHv-nAVJS2MgKcOMInx-g66Afs8XMga3iCMHA6rtnbiv-/s320/IMG_6338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAw9N8eu4gocJlInV4YfhxldGpXod2e6Kewj52tybY9fLKxrRlwq8tWZdrvzXpaC9N38swWgqi5qJyj6Z5drPt_cMm52nHGMNSmsDh1sd5sgVkP1HC28qJyJqFHZGlNP5uNn43tgothKG/s1600/IMG_6339-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAw9N8eu4gocJlInV4YfhxldGpXod2e6Kewj52tybY9fLKxrRlwq8tWZdrvzXpaC9N38swWgqi5qJyj6Z5drPt_cMm52nHGMNSmsDh1sd5sgVkP1HC28qJyJqFHZGlNP5uNn43tgothKG/s320/IMG_6339-001.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg89bH4ADM8bDeFEy45UMss0S33D4CZ2dCAKMKiDJ0Y6dqmFLdIaBohixsUO7Yk0rAejG5iGGru39tTNuLAZsOOwK8p1v1yXNU75nWpMYpZMvLhe9jEJMDFX5ilNZP89GckQ2Dwkt7KhPs/s1600/IMG_6339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1591" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg89bH4ADM8bDeFEy45UMss0S33D4CZ2dCAKMKiDJ0Y6dqmFLdIaBohixsUO7Yk0rAejG5iGGru39tTNuLAZsOOwK8p1v1yXNU75nWpMYpZMvLhe9jEJMDFX5ilNZP89GckQ2Dwkt7KhPs/s320/IMG_6339.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdcYF3q-6M1H201FA2jkWxH6cy3p13hCaXaSWfoSOd3LSSxRUV8puuCaPVpmKm-CrzUs5ENfAOO2SJajztssZE5UbZhwdqvlGL0g0uI8nlXTpodnMgstBdeIpy20Bq-_YUlEodNh7VoGR/s1600/IMG_6340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1396" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdcYF3q-6M1H201FA2jkWxH6cy3p13hCaXaSWfoSOd3LSSxRUV8puuCaPVpmKm-CrzUs5ENfAOO2SJajztssZE5UbZhwdqvlGL0g0uI8nlXTpodnMgstBdeIpy20Bq-_YUlEodNh7VoGR/s320/IMG_6340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8wuLtvnsBV3hHKG2YAlF56C4r2xQAsXKcvFzFeqYSyuzYsJizIty8rLiYq5P8hHAnlYwqaA-Rt-6xi_g1zPLNO-8ke5nc2Yadf22_pXIwB93lifVN1uH9TW9vKH2D2P7uncQ7Quf9kYC/s1600/IMG_6341-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1486" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8wuLtvnsBV3hHKG2YAlF56C4r2xQAsXKcvFzFeqYSyuzYsJizIty8rLiYq5P8hHAnlYwqaA-Rt-6xi_g1zPLNO-8ke5nc2Yadf22_pXIwB93lifVN1uH9TW9vKH2D2P7uncQ7Quf9kYC/s320/IMG_6341-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFS1ztISP3rqYiUOBT_YDY48BtL38PgN1cB3Cvd1EOVQJvCcGEPz54bcJKqrAQ_QFuisO8tgAnaHKO2rlLUJMWgTHpH64Nbr4YB-JYRouwm-O0QN-L31tnytl3J20ZVvuoaJLI3jV98Tdd/s1600/IMG_6341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFS1ztISP3rqYiUOBT_YDY48BtL38PgN1cB3Cvd1EOVQJvCcGEPz54bcJKqrAQ_QFuisO8tgAnaHKO2rlLUJMWgTHpH64Nbr4YB-JYRouwm-O0QN-L31tnytl3J20ZVvuoaJLI3jV98Tdd/s320/IMG_6341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSGCLnOzfjSLCV9ZqIzF5bSVt2vKTLc7gsdbx3MbIMo37_6lIX4AoiJ8jsVXeVq9ig0ttUfUyDHQvG3eKJ69erLRWA9Hp85cPLeXqwq0qVF9fTB3Ot-fWj78JMqiI5-BRkKNMhEHV6RV4/s1600/IMG_6342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1094" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSGCLnOzfjSLCV9ZqIzF5bSVt2vKTLc7gsdbx3MbIMo37_6lIX4AoiJ8jsVXeVq9ig0ttUfUyDHQvG3eKJ69erLRWA9Hp85cPLeXqwq0qVF9fTB3Ot-fWj78JMqiI5-BRkKNMhEHV6RV4/s320/IMG_6342.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzQ6oE22ORhTvUspVFzHzi0WPZg36za2teGeOfnLKbA36X838GVDP-0GiWBOqjn4KP7OF706vcQ9taAuYKrAm4mvVpdg5pBy0tstPd2bQty2jMPlUUvUR9vB0fb2zVdbydDonrRhVF4B8/s1600/IMG_6343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzQ6oE22ORhTvUspVFzHzi0WPZg36za2teGeOfnLKbA36X838GVDP-0GiWBOqjn4KP7OF706vcQ9taAuYKrAm4mvVpdg5pBy0tstPd2bQty2jMPlUUvUR9vB0fb2zVdbydDonrRhVF4B8/s320/IMG_6343.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIdviQZ-e81GKMxu2Ogav63siZiq_IMW20t_tVMSMB7eDgiQYBhmiihn4PzscWXK8zzLRjZ5rNmB4Qd0HTAg2V78edvREp6SuKavu2OryQui7exGOSdDgu7SNiOdcr2wPWidrF3eQbh5a/s1600/IMG_6344-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIdviQZ-e81GKMxu2Ogav63siZiq_IMW20t_tVMSMB7eDgiQYBhmiihn4PzscWXK8zzLRjZ5rNmB4Qd0HTAg2V78edvREp6SuKavu2OryQui7exGOSdDgu7SNiOdcr2wPWidrF3eQbh5a/s320/IMG_6344-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7qnuZ6tO1YQTddnBQbXTt4B5ScdJOzLYKoSzluha-LvKckFrsl7QJbhM2wfymJ3z_XCK5R0WR9OTpNe7gtJzO_HOB2POQiSREWOfWBxYan-thu9WUbemQYcgjKfo7t59b1rCO49kXgSx/s1600/IMG_6344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7qnuZ6tO1YQTddnBQbXTt4B5ScdJOzLYKoSzluha-LvKckFrsl7QJbhM2wfymJ3z_XCK5R0WR9OTpNe7gtJzO_HOB2POQiSREWOfWBxYan-thu9WUbemQYcgjKfo7t59b1rCO49kXgSx/s320/IMG_6344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBErgi0MCYSCSuf4WHZWJtXF5m3NClQw5orWyff_ANSOYO8s2-o-4dYaNjkTINwYRfwMhQ_-li9bgDxjV8dDfWwq4qxqXZcfyvMv7o-HLU2-py9PoCG4mv61KLTeBsRfdJ3na3VSnMMK0R/s1600/IMG_6345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBErgi0MCYSCSuf4WHZWJtXF5m3NClQw5orWyff_ANSOYO8s2-o-4dYaNjkTINwYRfwMhQ_-li9bgDxjV8dDfWwq4qxqXZcfyvMv7o-HLU2-py9PoCG4mv61KLTeBsRfdJ3na3VSnMMK0R/s320/IMG_6345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf55clO8l1UBYK5FBGm9PVGR0m2tfRlGgjfbYGQY-UyHU8mj8cHVj-vg-K-69BiMGogTPSIiDzmx7koq2i8v5IZxDaEFVdM-8rP9u7EJ0MWVNOv85TISfGBZUwTep2R5vSBBpaFp1F1GK/s1600/IMG_6345-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf55clO8l1UBYK5FBGm9PVGR0m2tfRlGgjfbYGQY-UyHU8mj8cHVj-vg-K-69BiMGogTPSIiDzmx7koq2i8v5IZxDaEFVdM-8rP9u7EJ0MWVNOv85TISfGBZUwTep2R5vSBBpaFp1F1GK/s320/IMG_6345-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-17944392041795465102018-03-07T12:13:00.000-05:002018-03-07T12:13:04.609-05:00Praying the Psalms: Music for Psalm 107<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-v_qRgDUnHCasp2dCsvtwYV1XJ6_ti2A94QTz6qHQknwWYEMIjCGnwOVV5ysf2o34SKlQ7dJGminPLDxmXH7bntHtoF1qfgUQOVHBkBCINxfF01hsrcorg2M7AoCzSnWBKAwsbiyzIhx/s1600/Psalm107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1334" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-v_qRgDUnHCasp2dCsvtwYV1XJ6_ti2A94QTz6qHQknwWYEMIjCGnwOVV5ysf2o34SKlQ7dJGminPLDxmXH7bntHtoF1qfgUQOVHBkBCINxfF01hsrcorg2M7AoCzSnWBKAwsbiyzIhx/s320/Psalm107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As we continue in the season of Lent, our worship also continues focusing on the Psalms and how they can help teach us what it means to pray, and how to pray. The Psalms, of course, were not originally written to be read, but to be sung--and so, each week I'm posting a couple of sung versions of our Psalm for that Sunday for you to listen to in advance of worship, or during the week following as you continue to try praying this Psalm in your own daily life.<br />
<br />
This week's Psalm is Psalm 107. Check out the versions below and take time to reflect on specific reasons you have to thank God for God's activity in your life this week.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="282" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XnYo3VdCV_g" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="282" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HozHsKOoero" width="500"></iframe>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-10894049710768190122018-02-28T14:23:00.001-05:002018-02-28T14:23:51.352-05:00Praying the Psalms: Music for Psalm 19<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaK-QleCyrnYMZ4m-zsFch8TMDfvE6UhuzNypIxyHCQacyA-bEq_kgkIKKa6H5VWIxWlqKnv_ONRkYY6dDucTEnoPyHkGs7QoNLDNRSStG_ORpLf2KCYIcbBZRNHK_KlNnzdkiAXOQcPg/s1600/Psalm19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaK-QleCyrnYMZ4m-zsFch8TMDfvE6UhuzNypIxyHCQacyA-bEq_kgkIKKa6H5VWIxWlqKnv_ONRkYY6dDucTEnoPyHkGs7QoNLDNRSStG_ORpLf2KCYIcbBZRNHK_KlNnzdkiAXOQcPg/s320/Psalm19.jpg" width="251" /></a>As we continue in the season of Lent, our worship also continues focusing on the Psalms and how they can help teach us what it means to pray, and how to pray. The Psalms, of course, were not originally written to be read, but to be sung--and so, each week I'm posting a couple of sung versions of our Psalm for that Sunday for you to listen to in advance of worship, or during the week following as you continue to try praying this Psalm in your own daily life.<br />
<br />
This week's Psalm is Psalm 19. Here are three versions of different parts of the Psalm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Starspin" by downhere: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YTP8qSNVgk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YTP8qSNVgk</a><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3YTP8qSNVgk" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
"Psalm 19a" by Sons of Korah: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJNnPbKu6tw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJNnPbKu6tw</a><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sJNnPbKu6tw" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
"Psalm 19b" by Sons of Korah: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NedPq_bkNL8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NedPq_bkNL8</a><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NedPq_bkNL8" width="500"></iframe>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-4649590429861215052018-02-22T14:15:00.002-05:002018-02-22T14:15:36.157-05:00Praying the Psalms: Music for Psalm 22<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSQv-LjZ2yw7fMgfxUC1UjqLSy8WehRf3HS3aXlMw_VRcbp4rxoKzdimbNAPM21T8HPJoqpV45f_rbsUw0Oh7mHKbUvPjoTf2jlTSHGOVDkScFs_eqx7ImGaVi1R7cqKuX0vfamJcLahx/s1600/Psalm%253B+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSQv-LjZ2yw7fMgfxUC1UjqLSy8WehRf3HS3aXlMw_VRcbp4rxoKzdimbNAPM21T8HPJoqpV45f_rbsUw0Oh7mHKbUvPjoTf2jlTSHGOVDkScFs_eqx7ImGaVi1R7cqKuX0vfamJcLahx/s200/Psalm%253B+22.jpg" width="200" /></a>As we continue in the season of Lent, our worship focuses on the Psalms and how they can help teach us what it means to pray, and how to pray. The Psalms, of course, were not originally written to be read, but to be sung--and so, each week I'm trying to remember to post a couple of sung versions of our Psalm for that Sunday for you to listen to in advance of worship, or during the week following as you continue to try praying this Psalm in your own daily life.<br />
<br />
This week's Psalm is a particularly challenging one: Psalm 22. Here are a couple of versions for you to listen to by <i>The Psalms Project</i>.<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNpm_mCsTKw<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JNpm_mCsTKw" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0gffK-8nzk<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h0gffK-8nzk" width="560"></iframe>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-56615898126423813832018-02-15T15:42:00.000-05:002018-02-15T15:42:15.117-05:00Praying the Psalms: Music for Psalm 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhfMc4pIMUz50ZifY9_c-hy5zWQamnmo_9mpjDERTRaW8SNcZ5LtqawxFap99P9nd7vVDNSv3zczkn2dGg_M2Ztx1mur_OPwieM9ZhOKcbqQSIvK-SZmmZYptqOU2rCVEONf4VKpOqOy8/s1600/LentBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="885" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhfMc4pIMUz50ZifY9_c-hy5zWQamnmo_9mpjDERTRaW8SNcZ5LtqawxFap99P9nd7vVDNSv3zczkn2dGg_M2Ztx1mur_OPwieM9ZhOKcbqQSIvK-SZmmZYptqOU2rCVEONf4VKpOqOy8/s320/LentBanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As we are now in the season of Lent, our worship in this season will focus on the Psalms and how they can help teach us what it means to pray, and how to pray. The Psalms, of course, were not originally written to be read, but to be sung--and so, each week I'm going to try to remember to post a couple of sung versions (if I can find them) of our Psalm for that Sunday for you to listen to in advance of worship, or during the week following as you continue to try praying this Psalm in your own daily life.<br />
<br />
So without further adieu, two versions of Psalm 25:<br />
<br />
"My Hope is You" by Third Day (this is the song I talk about in my sermon that made this Psalm significant in my life when I was a teenager/young adult):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85XmMoYlTPU<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/85XmMoYlTPU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
And a new version I have just become acquainted with: Psalm 25 (Show Me Your Ways) by The Psalm Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjVoPBuBRj8<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjVoPBuBRj8" width="560"></iframe>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-64757972573597449602017-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:002017-12-24T08:00:13.070-05:00Don't be afraid: to you a Savior is born this day!<a href="https://www.eyekons.com/img/SwansonOriginals/John-Swanson_Shepherds_serigraph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="151" height="320" src="https://www.eyekons.com/img/SwansonOriginals/John-Swanson_Shepherds_serigraph.jpg" width="96" /></a><b>Luke 2:8-11 </b><br />
<br />
<i>In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”</i><br />
<br />
<b><i>Reflect: What is the good news for you this Christmas? How does the love of God expressed in Christ help drive out your fear?</i></b>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215116066445385512.post-4744704164565587352017-12-23T10:49:00.000-05:002017-12-23T10:49:18.572-05:00Don't be afraid to do what's right<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTigdu2xqA9jYca6ddpZqAvCYfEMYPcKPnJ739hmzWK_m85JHjy6tLa5urEcFdfs8gsRBDdiyHAi1kPzalcoVtMhyggf-arRJYuvmZUzc1XDvcC41BPN8PoAQuVq09eksroFxh3uDcArM/s1600/Jo+dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTigdu2xqA9jYca6ddpZqAvCYfEMYPcKPnJ739hmzWK_m85JHjy6tLa5urEcFdfs8gsRBDdiyHAi1kPzalcoVtMhyggf-arRJYuvmZUzc1XDvcC41BPN8PoAQuVq09eksroFxh3uDcArM/s1600/Jo+dreams.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="338" height="320" width="240" /></a><b>Matthew 1:18-20 </b><br />
<br />
<i>Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”</i><br />
<br />
<b><i>Reflect: When have you needed to do something that looked insane by the standards of the world, but that was right by the standards of God? What emotions might you feel if one day you were called to do such a thing, as Joseph was?</i></b>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823753643734462481noreply@blogger.com0