What a great time we had at our first Wednesday Worship! Chairs were set up outside around the campfire for worship as we centered ourselves with a Litany affirming the four directions – East, the direction of the rising sun; South with beginnings and endings; West which brings purifying waters; and North with strong winds and gentle breezes. We listened to the Creation story from The Family Bible and sang “He’s Got the Whole World” with new words honoring all of creation. As we shared communion, some people took off their shoes and put their feet on the earth while others reached down to touch it with their hands. We are connected to God, one another, the earth and ourselves!
And then there was food! Ruth and Dale prepared the hotdogs for roasting and others brought salads and desserts. We feasted until we were all filled. After we roasted marshmallows for S’mores, the children and some adults created a S’mores craft to remind them of God’s great love for them and all. It was a beautiful night as we gathered together as God’s beautiful people! Our next Wednesday worship is July 11 at 6:00 pm. Hope to see you there!
It is important to gather as people of God. To worship, give thanks and be aware of the many gifts and blessings in our lives. As we do, we also remember the many places and people who are in need and suffering in our world.
As I watch our children, and all the parents and adults that support and love them, I can’t help but think about the many families that are being separated at our border. Policies that separate mothers and fathers from their children are just plain wrong and cruel. When I see the children standing alone, their faces full of terror and fear, my heart breaks. I recently came across the words of a new song written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette “When Jesus Went to Egypt”. The words remind us of Matthew 2.
When Jesus went to Egypt safe on his mother’s arm, his parents stayed beside him to keep him from harm. And when they crossed the border, they were allowed to be together seeking
refuge, a Holy Family.
O God, we pray for children and families coming here, now facing separation and filled with grief and fear. For children, loved and treasured, are ripped from loving kin. This deed, by any measure, is torture. It’s a sin.
O God, you’re like a mother who won’t forsake her own. You’re like a loving father who welcomes his son home. Now give us, by your Spirit, the strength to challenge wrong, to seek the best for children and keep all families strong.
May we be the voices for the children.
Peace, Pastor Cindy