The TRUMPET - East Woodstock Congregational Church
Transcription
The TRUMPET - East Woodstock Congregational Church
The TRUMPET March 2015 A publication of the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East W oodstock, CT 06244 Pastor: Rev. Susan J. Foster Director of Christian Education: Lynn Looby Youth Group Co-‐Director: Anne Sorensen Director of Music: Kristen W edegis Organist: Nancy Ducharme Secretary: Heidi Tucker Office: 860-‐928-‐7449 Residence: 860-‐928-‐7145 email address: econgregtnl@snet.net secretary’s email: ewccsec@yahoo.com Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am routines during Lent can produce great rewards. It is not so much the practice of “giving up” something for Lent that is important, but rather it is taking the opportunity to use our time differently in the coming weeks so that we can learn and experience more about God. How will you use the gift of Lent? What will feed your spirit and remind you of God’s love? What will renew your soul? Here are some suggestions: • And so – the season of Lent begins Lent offers the promise of Easter in the same way that February offers the promise of spring. It’s something that can’t be seen, we can only trust that it will really happen. Certainly all of our senses tell us only one side of the story. It feels cold, it looks like the North Pole, it sounds like winter as the plow pushes by my house. Even the air smells cold. And as for taste? Our family leans towards comfort foods like stews and corn bread on these frigid winter days. As I look out my windows at the mountains of snow lining the ever-narrowing roads, it is difficult to believe that my daffodil bulbs are happily waiting for the opportunity to burst forth and provide us with the bright colors of spring. Where is the proof? It may be hidden to our eyes, but hope is offered to our spirits. We are told that faith is “confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). • • I do not see any signs of spring. But I trust that spring will come. I do not see any hint of Easter. But I believe that the celebration of new life, resurrection, and hope cannot be stopped. During this season of Lent, we are invited to trust that Easter will come – and therefore, we must take the time to prepare for it. Even the smallest changes in our • • • • Sign up for a daily devotional from the UCC. This short reading can provide some “food for thought.” Come to a Lenten supper on Wednesday evening or Lenten gathering on Wednesday morning. Take some time for conversation and fellowship. Turn off the TV – just for 15 minutes (or longer) – and do something different with that time. Read, knit, call a friend, write a note, read a Psalm. Give yourself the gift of time. Spend at least 5 minutes each day looking – really looking – at God’s creation. Notice the birds, watch the shadows, look at the clouds. Read Psalm 8 and Genesis 1 and 2 and give thanks to our Creator God. Create your own Lenten discipline. Think about it – what will help you receive the Good News of forgiveness and hope? This is a special time – we are preparing for Easter. If we make these preparations now, long before Easter is on the horizon, we will be ready to give thanks and celebrate when the Day of Resurrection finally arrives. Wishing you a blessed Lenten season, Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster The TRUMPET Page 2 2015 The following are the scriptures for the month of March: March You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as preparation for worship. March 1 Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 Mark 9:2-9 March 8 Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22 March 15 Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21 March 22 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-12 Psalm 119:9-16 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33 March 29 Mark 11:1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 John 12:12-16 Worship News A mid-week opportunity for conversation, coffee, learning, and laughter. Give yourself the gift of time… Wednesday morning study group 10:00 a.m. We hope that you can join every Sunday for worship and fellowship – and bring a friend! March 1: Communion Sunday. March 8: International Peace Partners: Representatives from Hartford Seminary March 15: What’s it like to be you? Kelsey Seabold March 22: Blessing of prayer shawls March 29: Palm Sunday. EWCC Men’s Chorus. Special music will be provided by Raissa Katona Bennett, Broadway actress and singer. Everyone is welcome! The TRUMPET Page 3 2015 March Lenten Conversation series: What’s it like to be you? The season of Lent is an opportunity to reflect on our faith and how we called to live it. Join us for conversation and fellowship during Lent as we explore the question, “What’s it like to be you?” This is a chance for us to get to know one another better as we share ideas and experiences. We will gather for a light supper and then conversation in small groups. Some of the topics to be discussed are: • Growing up and learning faith. Did you go to church growing up? What was it like? • What led you here? • Why I do what I do. What did you want to be when you grew up? What kind of work – • paid or volunteer – do you do? • Struggles and Joys. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? What brings you joy? • Learning about race. Where did you grow up? Was it racially diverse? How did you learn • about races and cultures different than your own? • Hopes and Prayers. What do you deeply long for? What does God dream for you? Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. February 25th: EWCC March 4th: Hill Church March 11th: EWCC March 18th: Hill Church March 25th: EWCC Can’t come in the evening? Join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. instead! A Thought about Hospitality EWCC is a congregation committed to hospitality and welcome. Here is some food for thought about that ministry… In order to unite with one another we must love one another; In order to love one another, we must know one another; In order to know one another, we must go and meet one another. • Cardinal Mercier, 1926 The TRUMPET Page 4 2015 March Thank you!!! Men’s Fellowship News Our church is blessed by the work of many volunteers. Every bit of effort and caring helps the church live out its calling to be the Body of Christ. This month we especially would like to thank… The men of the congregation have been enjoying gathering for breakfast at the church for good food and fellowship. Our next gathering will be on Sunday, March 8th at 8:00 a.m. All men are invited – and please invite a friend along! All the people who have helped with all the snow removal! This has been an enormous task this year. Many thanks to Mark Billings and Dennis Kelly for plowing, Glen Lessig and Christine Lessig for snow blowing and shoveling. Bill Cruttendon did a great job putting down ice melt, Noah Tomkins and Andy Tomkins helped out with shoveling early on some Sunday mornings. Undoubtedly there have been other “snow angels” who have also helped us during this snowy winter – thank you! Your hard work, time, and effort made it possible for us to continue to gather as a congregation during this cold winter. Ladies Benevolent Society All are welcome to attend the LBS meeting in Fellowship Hall on March 18, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. Refreshment will be served. A new stove! Many thanks to the LBS for purchasing a new stove for our church kitchen. This stove is user-friendly and will be a huge help for church events, big and small. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then this stove will help us provide warm meals and hospitality for years to come! Thank you, LBS! News from the Pews Feel free to share your news with us. Just email Heidi at ewccsec@yahoo.com or call the church office at 928-7449. Blessing Our Prayer Shawls Attention knitters! We will bless our prayer shawls during worship on Sunday, March 22nd. Please bring the prayer shawl that you are working on – whether it is completed or not – so that we can brighten up our sanctuary with these wonderful symbols of caring and compassion. In Memory We give thanks for the completed life of Peter Wetherell Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your beloved children. Receive our loved ones into your merciful arms, into the shelter of your care, and into the glorious company of your saints in your light. Amen. Five Things Necessary for a Fulfilled Life: ~Good prayer ~Good sleep ~Good work ~Good food ~Good relationships St. Teresa of Avila “As people of faith, we are summoned to push back against those who try to distort our religion -- any religion -- for their own nihilistic ends. And here at home and around the world, we will constantly reaffirm that fundamental freedom -- freedom of religion -- the right to practice our faith how we choose, to change our faith if we choose, to practice no faith at all if we choose, and to do so free of persecution and fear and discrimination.” - Barack Obama, February 5, 2015 The TRUMPET Page 5 2015 for a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner When: Saturday, March 14, 2015 Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: East Woodstock Congregational Church Fellowship Hall Ticket Price: Adults - $14 Children (10 & under) - $8 Enjoy a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal, along with music by Cashel Rock and fellowship! Tickets are available by calling the church office: 928-7449 March The TRUMPET Page 6 2015 March East Woodstock Congregational Church 3rd Annual Clothing Sale 1000’s of new and gently used items for men, women, and children *Friday, April 17th 3:00 – 7:00 pm *Saturday, April 18th 9:00 – 2:00 pm (fill a bag for $5) Loads of brand named items Exceptional prices – Amazing bargains 220 Woodstock Road Woodstock, CT Please contact Dorrie Scranton at (860) 974-3096 for question or donations. *Please note change of date! The TRUMPET Page 7 2015 March Exploring New Testament Lands today… A trip to Greece April 16-26, 2016 Bring the Bible stories to life! Visit cities where St. Paul’s letters to Thessalonians, Philippians, Corinthians, and Ephesians were received in first-century churches. See the cave on the Island of Patmos where the book of Revelation was written. We will: Follow the journeys of St Paul through mainland Greece Explore Athens, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Corinth, Berea, and Ephesus Enjoy a three-day Mediterranean cruise including islands that Paul visited and Patmos, where John received visions of his Revelation We will hear some biblical stories in the places where they occurred and have the opportunity to explore the time and culture of Greece during the early days of Christianity. Would you like more information? Talk with Pastor Sue! The TRUMPET Page 8 2015 March Missions Committee News The Missions Committee met Tuesday, February 10th Thank you for your response to our Food Pantry request! As always, your love and generosity knows no bounds!! Don’t forget to join the Missions Committee during the Lenten season in creating a TOWER OF TOWELS. Missions will be constructing towers of towels (and bed linens) to share with our outreach services groups. Watch the tower grow week by week with your donations. Completion of the tower is scheduled for Easter Sunday. Help us reach our goal! Marching for Missions – Each Sunday in March, Missions will be sharing information about the services and programs we support. It is our mission to educate and share with you your generosity at work. Missions will be filling Easter buckets for the children of Covenant to Care. Filled buckets will need to be returned by Sunday, March 22nd. Listen for announcements for additional details. EWCC Scholarship – Despite the cold and snow, spring IS coming, it is. And in the spring, we celebrate our high school senior’s graduations. The EWCC Scholarship application is available on the church website. All high school seniors are encouraged to apply. Consideration is given to those majoring in Christian ministry, missions, or social services such as teaching, nursing, social work, etc. Application deadline is May 3rd Do you work for a non-profit organization? Do you personally support a non- profit that is close to your heart? If so, please see a member of the Missions Committee to discuss how we can help support your organization. Or feel free to attend one of our monthly meetings. Donations - The group reviewed several requests for donations and the following were agreed upon: $50 Peer Health Exchange in honor of Alaina Spalding $50 Alternative Spring Break UCONN in honor of Olivia Arsenault & Ian Sorensen Missions is moving their meetings to the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The next Missions Committee meeting is Tuesday, March 17th, 7:00 pm at Christine Lessig’s house. The TRUMPET Page 9 2015 March A poem for Palm Sunday: The Poet Thinks about the Donkey by Mary Oliver On the outskirts of Jerusalem the donkey waited. Not especially brave, or filled with understanding, he stood and waited. How horses, turned out into the meadow, leap with delight! How doves, released from their cages, clatter away, splashed with sunlight. But the donkey, tied to a tree as usual, waited. Then he let himself be led away. Then he let the stranger mount. Never had he seen such crowds! And I wonder if he at all imagined what was to happen. Still, he was what he had always been: small, dark, obedient. I hope, finally, he felt brave. I hope, finally, he loved the man who rode so lightly upon him, as he lifted one dusty hoof and stepped, as he had to, forward. March = “Missions Month” Join us for worship during the month of March and you will learn about some of the activities of our busy Missions Committee. The missions committee is an important part of the outreach of our congregation. Each Sunday they will highlight one way that they make a difference in the lives of people near and far. The TRUMPET Page 10 2015 March Easter Flowers IN HONER OF: _____________________________________________ IN MEMORY OF: __________________________________________ GIVEN BY: ______________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: __________________________ Flower Choices: Tulips or Daffodils: $11.00 ea., Lilies: $13.50 ea. Tulips ______@ $11.00 Daffodils ________@ $11.00 Lilies _______@ $13.50 Total $____________ Fill in the necessary information. Enclose a check for the cost of the pot(s) wanted, made out to EWCC. Mail to: Mary Ellen Blake, 210 Pond Factory Road, Woodstock, 06281 or leave in the office. Call Mary Ellen with any questions at 928-7420. Deadline: March 22. The TRUMPET Page 11 2015 March A Retreat for the Women of the East Woodstock Congregational Church March 27-28, 2015 at Camp Wightman 207 Coal Pit Hill Road, Griswold, CT 06351 860-376-2179 “I will make all things new”: A retreat of hope The one sitting on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new!” ~Revelation 21:5 Is it time for a change in your life? Are you looking for a new direction, new hobby, or a renewed spirit? What might be “next” for you? Come and gather in the beauty of God’s creation at Camp Wightman. We can listen for God’s voice and discover God’s renewing presence. This retreat will include time for renewal and fellowship. We will start at 3:00 pm on Friday and conclude at 4:00 pm on Saturday. There will be free time for knitting, scrapbooking, reading, quilting, or even just relaxing. **Come for just Friday evening, overnight, or join us on Saturday. Please fill out the registration form and return it to Heidi Tucker as soon as possible. (Mailing address: EWCC, PO Box 156, East Woodstock, CT 06244) The cost for Friday evening, including dinner is $25, for both Friday and Saturday the cost is $80. This price includes dinner on Friday evening, lodging for Friday night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday. If you wish to come in time for breakfast on Saturday, the cost will be $40. If you wish to join us after breakfast, the cost will be $30. Both options include lunch on Saturday plus all activities. Plan to arrive by 8:00 am for breakfast or 9:00 am for the start of the day’s activities. We will conclude at 4 pm. For our Friday and overnight guests: You are welcome to arrive between 3 – 6 pm on Friday. Join us in Cathcart. The camp will be serving dinner at 6:00 pm on Friday. Please let us know if you will not be joining us for dinner. We will have a short program after dinner. The beds at Camp Wightman come with a bottom sheet, blanket, and a pillow with a pillow case. For your comfort, please bring a top sheet or sleeping bag, a towel and a wash cloth. When you arrive, you will pick a room and a roommate. For all our guests: Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. The camp is beautiful. You may want to go for a walk. There will be free time during the retreat. You are encouraged to bring a good book, knitting, your scrapbook, or anything you enjoy. Directions: Go to www.campwight.org The TRUMPET Page 12 2015 March Paid: Check #_______ Women’s Retreat Registration Form Name ______________________________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________________ Email Address _______________________________________________________ In case of emergency, please contact: Name ______________________________________________________________________ Phone number ____________________________________________ We are offering several options, so please read carefully! I will attend for dinner and Friday evening only. I will not be staying overnight. Cost is $25. I will be staying overnight on Friday, March 27. Cost is $80. Dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday are included. Please check one: I will be there for dinner. I will not be there for dinner. I will be coming just for the day on Saturday, March 28. Cost is $30. Lunch is included. I will be coming just for the day on Saturday, March 28, and will arrive in time for breakfast. Cost is $40. Any dietary restrictions? ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Please return this registration form and your check to us by March 8 (Mail to EWCC, PO Box 156, East Woodstock, CT 06244). Please make your check payable to EWCC, with the word “retreat” on the memo line. Financial assistance is available. If your plans change, please let us know before March 8. We cannot do refunds after that date. Thank you. I need financial assistance. Please call me with more information. The TRUMPET Page 13 2015 Senior Youth Group News March 2015 Sunday, March 1 10:00 AM at EWCC You are invited to help make our worship special this morning. We are looking for greeters, readers, help collect the offering, or spend time with the youngest members of our church in the nursery. If you are willing to help, please let Anne know. Sunday, March 8 10:00 AM at EWCC Join us for breakfast and conversation after the children’s story. Meet in the hospitality room. We will be talking about our trip to NYC plus other upcoming events. Come learn how you can become involved with youth group. It is never too late to join and your friends are always welcome. Friday & Saturday, March 13 and 14 The Youth Group will be participating in a mission trip to NYC in partnership with the Newtown Congregational Church! We will be working with an organization called YSOP – Youth Service Opportunities Project. We will work to serve hungry and homeless people through their shelters and soup kitchens in NYC. Sunday, March 22 Giv2 Project Carpool from your home church to spend some time volunteering at WAIM, Windham Interfaith Area Ministry. We will be helping them clean and sort donations. Watch our FB page and your email for more details. Sunday, March 29 Palm Sunday Come to worship with your family. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Experience it firsthand! The Senior Youth Group has a new email address – youthgroup.woodstock@gmail.com. Please add it to your address book. Questions? Call or text Anne Sorensen at 860-428-2198 Join our “Youth Group 14-15” on FACEBOOK for updates and invites. Follow us on Instagram “Woodstocksyg” March The TRUMPET Page 14 2015 March SUMMER 2015 grow your spirit /put faith in action /change the world/ learn/have fun with friends/make a difference/open your eyes/ COMPASSION CAMP 2015 ~ JULY 27-31 All students who are currently in grades 6-9 are invited to join us for a week of fun, friends, and service learning. This is a day program (9:00 am to 3:00 PM) for youth who want to help neighbors in need. We will use the Hill Church as a home base and take a different field trip each day to put faith in action. Download your registration form from the church website and mark your calendar. Those who register by April 15 will receive an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! We will be gathering a staff of volunteers, including CITs and counselors, so contact Anne at 860-428-2198 if you can help out. APPLICATIONS for youth staff are due by April 15. SILVER LAKE For youth in grades 4 and up Over 37 week-long Conferences to choose from! All God’s Critters, Silver Lake’s Funniest Videos, Water World, and Hammer and Nail—these are a few of the great Conference titles for summer 2015. Brochures are available at the church and online registration is now open at www.silverlakect.org. Silver Lake has all kinds of fun camp stuff like swimming, basketball, singing, hikes, campfires, as well as a low and high ropes course. Sign up early to get your first choice of programs at OUR beautiful Conference Center at Sharon, CT! Scholarships are available, so speak to Pastor Sue or Anne Sorensen if you are interested. The TRUMPET Page 15 2015 March MARCH 2015 CHILDREN'S PROGRAM NEWS Are You Ready to Meet Flat Jesus? Easter Service On Sunday, March 8, I will be handing out Flat Jesus to each family. During the months of March and April, Sunday School families will meet Flat Jesus who will become a member of their family. The children will be singing during the Easter Service and heralding the good news that Jesus Has Risen by bringing balloons into the Sanctuary at the beginning of the service. Based on the Flat Stanley books, Flat Jesus is a paper I will also be doing a project with them during the doll that will accompany the children for two months. Sunday School time. This visible expression of our faith will show them Two Units Remaining that Jesus is always with them. You will take pictures of your children during March and April doing things with Flat Jesus. It could be riding in the car, on vacation, sports, dance, school, playing with friends, doing homework, etc. Be creative. Flat Jesus can even travel to relatives or friends through the mail. As you take the photos, forward them to me so I can share a few throughout the two months. SAVE THE DATE! Vacation Bible School Hometown Nazareth: When Jesus Was a Kid Planning has begun for the 2015 Vacation Bible School. The program will run from Monday, July 13, through Thursday, July 16. It will be an evening event from 5:00pm to 7:30pm and dinner will be served. More information will be forthcoming. for the Sunday School Year Below are the remaining rotations for the Sunday School year. Please take a look at them and determine which rotation will work with your schedule. March 22 – April 19 (Children together for Easter) April 26 – May 17 I will be asking for volunteers to teach or shepherd for each of these rotations. Please watch your email for more information. SAVE THE DATE! Children’s Day – June 14 Our Children’s Day service will be June 14. This is a service that is done by the Sunday School children. The theme will be centered around the activities done with Flat Jesus. Every child will have a part and it’s a wonderful service to experience. Bibles are given to children entering 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 7th grade. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at llooby01@snet.net or (860) 923-9210. The TRUMPET Page 16 2015 Children’s Page March The TRUMPET Page 17 2015 March Our Time, Talent and Treasures at Work… JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH Al-anon Annual Meeting Bell Choir Bible Study Breakfast Club Budgets Child Care Choir Practices Church Council Coffee Hours Committee Meetings Communion Community Service Confirmation Class Covenant to Care Daily Bread Dartball Giv2 Ham and Bean Supper Hospital Visitation Men’s Breakfast Missions Nursing Home Worship ONA Action Prayer Shawl Ministry Special Music Staff Meeting Star Gifts Stewardship Sunday Bulletins Sunday School Tai Chi Trumpet Worship Services Youth Group Youth Ministry Search Team Al-anon Bell Choir Bible Study Breakfast Club Budgets Child Care Choir Practices Church Council Coffee Hours Committee Meetings Communion Community Service Confirmation Class Covenant to Care Daily Bread Dartball Giv2 Hospital Visitation Italian Supper Men’s Breakfast Missions Nursing Home Worship ONA Action Prayer Shawl Ministry Special Music Staff Meeting Stewardship Sunday Bulletins Sunday School Tai Chi Trumpet Welcome Lunch (ONA) Worship Services Youth Group Youth Ministry Search Team Al-anon Ash Wednesday Service Bell Choir Bible Study Breakfast Club Budgets Child Care Choir Practices Church Council Coffee Hours Committee Meetings Communion Community Service Confirmation Class Confirmation Retreat Covenant to Care Daily Bread Dartball Giv2 Hospital Visitation Jazz Sunday LBS Men’s Breakfast Missions Nursing Home Worship ONA Action Prayer Shawl Ministry Saint Patrick’s Dinner Special Music Staff Meeting Stewardship Sunday Bulletins Sunday School Tai Chi Trumpet Women’s Retreat Worship Services Youth Group Youth Ministry Team Worship Music Christian Education Youth Outreach Stewardship + Giving = The building blocks of our faith The TRUMPET Page 18 2015 March MARCH 2015 Daily Bread Donations for this month: Juice & Crackers Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday 1 Jazz Sunday & Soup Luncheon (rescheduled) 8 2 3 7:00 pm Council 10:00 am Tai Chi 10 am Study Group 7:00 pm Deacons 6 pm Lenten 7 pm Sanctuary Conversation (Hill) Singers 7:30 pm Al-anon 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells 9 10 12 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast Breakfast Club 15 4 5 11 6 7 Baby Shower 13 14 10:00 am Tai Chi 10 am Study Group 10:00 am Tai Chi Youth Missions 7 pm Pastoral Rel. 6 pm Lenten 7:00 pm Bells Trip to NYC 7 pm Sanctuary Conversation (EWCC) Singers 7:30 pm Al-anon 16 17 18 19 11:00 am 7:00 pm Society 10:00 am Tai Chi 10 am Study Group Historical Society 7:00 pm Missions 1:30 pm LBS Annual Meeting 7 pm Sanctuary 6 pm Lenten Singers Conversation (Hill) 7:30 pm Al-anon 22 23 29 30 24 25 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells 26 Saturday 20 6:30 pm St. Patrick’s Dinner 21 First Day of Democrat Town Spring! Committee Supper TRUMPET DEADLINE!! @ UCONN “True Colors” 27 28 7:30 pm Capital 10:00 am Tai Chi 10 am Study Group 10:00 am Tai Chi W omen’s Blessing of 7 pm Sanctuary 6 pm Lenten 7:00 pm Bells Retreat Prayer Shawls Campaign Singers Conversation (EWCC) Giv 2 Project 7:30 pm Al-anon 6:30 pm EWCB 31 Palm Sunday 10:00 am Tai Chi 7 pm Sanctuary Singers 6:30 pm EWCC Looking Ahead: April 2: Maundy Thursday – Tenebrae Svce April 3: Good Friday Vigil April 5: Easter Sunday April 17 & 18: Clothing Sale April 25: Benefit Concert for Jasmin Floyd March Birthdays: COFFEE HOUR The coffee hour in February will be served courtesy of: CE/Teachers The coffee hour in March will be served courtesy of: Society & Greyson Magnan Heidi Pohlman Kaylyn Converse Mitchell Child Gavin Bottone Gavin Washburn March 5 March 14 March 17 March 25 March 30 March 30 The TRUMPET Page 19 2015 March Prayer Page Today and every day let us be open to God, who promises always to be with us. “We pray this day”: A Lenten prayer O Lord we pray this day: for all who have a song they cannot sing, for all who have a burden they cannot bear, for all who live in chains they cannot break, for all who wander homeless and cannot return, for those who are sick and for those who tend to them, for those who wait for loved one and wait in vain for those who live in hunger and for those who will not share their bread, for those who are misunderstood and for those who misunderstand, for those who are captives and for those who are captors, for those whose words of love are locked within their hearts and for those who yearn to hear those words. Have mercy upon these, O God. Have mercy upon us all. - Ann Weems, Kneeling in Jerusalem A cradle and a cross And between these—a life Bethlehem and Jerusalem A birth and a death One “of sorrows” Who often wept One of joy who also kept Sensitivity and compassion Alive and real Today let us feel The surge of that life The beauty of that love The power of that cross ~Terence Elwyn Johnson May your kingdom come, O God... for those who worship through persecution... for those who worship through war... for those who worship through conflict... for those who worship through grief...... for those who worship through new found joy... for those who worship through drought and famine... May your kingdom come, O God...today.