Table Talks: Forgiveness

https://www.1517.org/videos/table-talks-forgiveness

[Wednesday Lent Service] - Thief's Father

Christian History Almanac March 24 2020

Their Page was different today.

https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac/2020-03-24

that is the link

Faith of Our Mothers

Faith of Our Mothers

by CARRIE WILLARD

We’re living in unprecedented times. At least that’s what everyone is saying. And it’s true. There’s never been a time in our history when this many people have been using Zoom to make conference calls. But this is not the only time that people have faced catastrophic circumstances. The world has been a scary place since time began and repeatedly through the generations until the current day.

Before any of us had heard of COVID-19, my family hosted a lady from church at our house on Christmas evening. After dinner, we sat around the table and exchanged stories, and we learned that our friend had been quarantined during a polio outbreak, just as the school year was wrapping up and World War II was ending. She was a young person then, and she spent her summer break indoors that year. She told us that, at different times, when she received a diagnosis for other childhood diseases, like chicken pox or measles, the doctor would come to her home for a house call and would place a sign on the door that would indicate how many days she needed to stay in quarantine. Those weren’t widespread global pandemics, but our elders know quarantine.

Our elders also know fear, uncertainty, illness, and deprivation. My great-grandmother, who gave birth to three huge babies at home and nursed one on one breast after the other breast was taken by cancer, said, “You can stand any time but the good times.” She meant that we do better when we can take care of each other and when we can face adversity. Easy living was not her thing. After she buried her son, she came home, took a swig out of the RC cola bottle she kept in the refrigerator, and went into the backyard to stoke the smoldering pile of a literal garbage fire. If that’s not a metaphor for all of us right now, I don’t know what is. Our elders know suffering.

We’re lucky enough to have my parents living nearby. My mom is taking great delight in teaching my children some of the things that my great-grandmother taught her as a young bride. My children are getting lessons in cleaning, gardening, and thrift, and alongside that, they’re learning (again) that our elders have valuable lessons to teach us. We’ve filled a basket with old towels and rags that is known as “These are your paper towels now.” These are things we should have been doing all along, but we didn’t. My great-grandmother knew how to stretch cellar ingredients in lean times, and chances are, yours did, too. Our elders know survival.

The Bible is a book about human suffering and God’s faithfulness in the face of that suffering. Plagues, pestilence, and famine are its theme songs. Human cruelty is practically on every page. But we don’t need to go that far back to find stories of God’s faithfulness in times of adversity. We can make our grandmother’s dumplings and hum the tune to her favorite hymn, if we’re lucky enough to know what it was. (If you don’t, just assign one to her. God won’t mind.) I’ll be thinking about my grandpa’s black thumb when we plant a small garden this spring, as a sign of hope and practicality. He would be mystified that I ordered topsoil online, but I’d like to think he’d be proud of my growing compost pile. If you don’t have these kind of memories in your family, pick up an old cookbook or an old hymnal, and remember the faith of your spiritual fathers and grandmothers. I take a lot of comfort that people have survived in times such as these, and have prayed and sung the same prayers and hymns that we still use today.

If your grandparents didn’t have a favorite hymn, or you don’t know anything about their faith, take a few from me:

Faith of our Fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be truth to thee till death.

From my favorite hymn that we sing on All Saints’ Sunday, “For All the Saints:”

O blest communion, fellowship divine,
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine.
Yet All are One in Thee, for All are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

If these don’t bolster your spirit, that’s ok, too. These are unprecedented times. Your forebears knew suffering, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not suffering now, too. Maybe your prayer looks more like taking a swig from the flat soda in the refrigerator and tending your garbage fire in the backyard, like my great-grandmother’s was. It’s not pretty, but God sees you, God loves you, and God is with you in garbage fires, in fear, and in faith.

Christian History Almanac - Sunday, March 22, 2020

On this day, we remember Nicholas Owen, b. 1562, and Marion "Pat" Robertson, b. 1930. The reading is "The Absence" by R.S. Thomas.

PANDEMIC, COPING WITH IT

This is not the time or place to rehearse the life-changing and, in some cases, devastating effects COVID-19 has been having on people’s lives near and far—in our families, churches, communities, workplaces, and neighbors around the nation and world. But how do Christians cope with this pandemic? Here is some food for thought.

A Time to Repent

The Christian life is one of daily repentance. The baptized are called to die with Christ in order to be raised with him to new life. This is especially true in the season of Lent. When we hear of and see great numbers of people suffering and dying around us, the primary response is grief. Grief is our form of death at this time. It is deep contrition over the inescapable and universal reality that, as heirs of Adam, we are dust and to dust we shall return. Pandemics increase exponentially our awareness of this tragic state of affairs. Repentance calls us not to avoid this reality, but make room for grieving it. This is not fatalism which panics, despairs, and gives up at the sight of death. Christians grieve, but not without hope. Lent points us to Easter, death to resurrection. As heirs of God’s promises of new life in Christ, the last Adam, we are called even in the worst times to hope in God’s deliverance from the power of sin and death. This hope against all hope is a bold confidence in God’s promises, and it is most needed at a time when tragic news fills the air and tragedy itself threatens to quench our spirits. In these painful times, set time aside for confession and absolution, for contrition and forgiveness, for sorrow in view of hope.

A Time for Vigilance

The Christian life is not an easy one. It is a perilous journey in the desert, in the wilderness, where the devil attacks and tempts God’s children. Times of crisis especially make us aware of our vulnerabilities to such assaults. So we must be vigilant, watchful. Temptations can make the fatalist, who despairs over tragedy, doubt God’s promises of protection, provision, and life. But the enemy can just as easily tempt the perfectionist, who is overly confident in his own health, resources, and power, to ignore or minimize the present trial. Bold confidence in God’s promises is about faith in Christ and his words of life. It is not the same as a triumphalistic view of things, which in the name of self-confidence makes light of or flirts with danger. In these times of temptation, however, Christians are also reminded that the wilderness is the place of God’s presence, the place of testing where he refines us to be resilient and stand firm in his promises when times are tough. We are in the desert, but not alone. God’s Spirit accompanies and leads us. This is the time to be neither a spiritual Debbie-Downer nor a spiritual Super-Man. It is a time for seeing God alone as our oasis in the desert, to grow in our dependence on his mercies through prayer and the Word. In these times of temptation and testing, set time aside to call upon the Spirit in prayer for protection from all assaults of the devil and for guidance and strength in the Word.

A Time for Sacrifice

The Christian life is one of conformity to Christ in his sacrifice, in his self-giving to others even unto death. Times of suffering put into question the popular notion that being a Christian is about being happy and prosperous. It is really about joyfully sacrificing for others. In unprecedented times, sacrifice may take different forms. Some serve ailing patients in the front lines, at times at the risk of their own personal health. Many are learning that, in times of pandemics, sacrifice, oddly enough, can also mean staying home and keeping a safe distance from neighbors so as not to put them in harm’s way. This is not the time to claim some individualistic version of freedom without concern for others, but rather a time to learn anew that Christian freedom is ultimately freedom for the sake of others. In times of crisis, we die to self in order to make room for the neediest neighbors in our midst. We learn to put on the form of the servant, and put ahead the interests of others before ours. But let us also remember that pandemics make us all vulnerable, not only physically, but also emotionally and spirituality. For this reason, it is honest to think of ourselves as a communion of both givers and receivers of divine generosity. Through our unity in Christ, we are in communion with one another and thus share each other’s burdens and joys. What joys can you share with others at this time? Perhaps it is the joy of having meals together as a family. Perhaps it is the joy of making meals available to an elderly member of the congregation. What burdens can others help you go through nowadays? Perhaps a phone call to check in on you, to help you deal with the anxiety of family members traveling or not yet reunited. Or maybe a word of encouragement from people who know how hard you are working to continue to care for people in new ways, even if mostly online. In times of isolation, finding ways of sharing life together with patience and grace is more important than ever.

A Time for Hospitality

The Christian life is one of welcoming strangers into our lives, even when the welcome is not physically possible. Pandemics make us painfully aware of large numbers of suffering neighbors we never heard about. Hearing of many lives lost in places that seem so far away, like China and Italy, we suddenly realize how much we share with these strangers. At times like these, we put a human face on strangers, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus. We think of the elderly, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the poor, and now also record numbers of underemployed and unemployed neighbors. What can the church do to practice and embody hospitality toward strangers at this time? Some are ordering in from restaurants, giving baristas additional tips, sending donations to relief and humanitarian agencies. In times of financial distress and economic uncertainty and fear, the default mode is to play it safe and focus on those closest to us. This makes sense and is prudent, and yet the church is also called to exercise a hospitable disposition toward those who are not as close to us, but still require our prayers and love. In these inhospitable times, let us not give up on extending our love for our closest neighbors beyond the confines of the familiar.

A Time for Devotion

The Christian life is one of devotion to God in good and bad times. We were created to embody devotion to our Creator in the rhythm of repose and movement, of rest and labor. There are gardens to labor in, to tend to and care for, as stewards of God’s gifts. God continues to provide for his world through many laborers who are doing their best to care for lives on earth. People are busy figuring out the next step. In the midst of daily updates, difficult news, and uncertainty about the future, our minds are also filled with fear and anxiety. They are busy with thoughts that get in the way of receiving from God. Living in isolation might not be enough to give us much needed rest—literal rest to keep us healthy, to take care of our minds and bodies; but also rest to go to the mountain and spend time with God in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. The garden is filled with thorns and thistles. We need to retreat to the mountain, not to let the anxieties of the moment rob us of our time with the Father. Retreat not to leave the world, but to be fed with the Word in order to engage the world rightly. Crises suck the life and joy out of people. We lose the ability to play, to step back and rejoice in God’s gifts. In restless times, reclaim the playground of God’s creation: play your guitar, enjoy a beverage, do some gardening, catch up with friends on the phone. When it seems like the world is ending, take time to pray, get some extra sleep, and sing, play, or listen to an old favorite tune. These are acts of defiant hope against all hope, acts of bold faith in the God of Jesus Christ, who’s got the whole wide world in his hands.

https://concordiatheology.org/2020/03/pandemic-coping-with-it/

ABOUT AUTHOR

Leopoldo Sanchez

Leopoldo (Leo) A. Sánchez M. teaches systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, where he also holds The Werner R.H. Krause and Elizabeth Ringger Krause Chair for Hispanic Ministries and serves as Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies. Among his research interests, Leo writes and teaches in the areas of pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Spirit Christology, sanctification, Trinitarian theology, and issues related to U.S. Hispanic/Latino theology and missions (such as immigration and other societal issues affecting Latino/a communities) and contemporary Roman Catholic theology.

Time Out - Mark 6:30 [Children's Lesson]

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
(You’ll need a folding or lightweight chair for this Message)
(As a handout for this Message, you could purchase “Time out” bars on Amazon. Or simply give each child a prayer card to read, as this Message is telling them to take time out and read scripture.)

Good Morning!
When I was young like most of you, we had a special chair in our classroom at school. The chair looked a lot like this one (point to chair) and was set off all by itself in the corner of our class. It was called a “time-out” chair. One of my teachers called it, “The naughty bench.”
Does anybody know what a time-out chair is used for? (Assorted answers)
That’s right when a student breaks a rule their teacher tells them to sit in the time out chair, or if you’re at home, your parents might tell you to sit in time out if you do something wrong.
Have any of you ever been sent to time out or told to stand in the corner? (Raise your hand, so children raise theirs) How did that make you feel? (Assorted answers)
Most of us don’t choose to be in time out, because when we do, we know we’re being punished for something we did wrong. What are you supposed to do when you in time out? (Assorted answers)
That’s right; you’re supposed to think about what you’ve done wrong, aren’t you? Then we should say we’re sorry, and not do the thing we did wrong, again.
In the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Mark (Hold up your bible), it talks about a time when Jesus and His disciples wanted to get away from everyone. It was kind of like getting a time-out. But they didn’t go to time out because they were doing anything wrong; they wanted to take time out from being around so many people. Here’s what Mark says in verses 30-32, “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”

Jesus and His disciples wanted to get away for several reasons. They wanted to get some rest, get away from the noise of the crowds that always followed Jesus, and just take some time to pray. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out; here’s what it says in verses 33-34, “But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
The bible verses I just read, tell us that it’s important to take time out for ourselves, to get away and rest and pray so we can refocus our worlds and action on Jesus. Then it’s a whole lot easier to tell others about Him.
(Point to the chair) Remember, this time out chair is the kind of time out we don’t want to have, but taking time out to rest, getaway, pray and connect with God, that’s the kind of time out that will bring us closer to Jesus.

At Home Craft

(An at-home craft for this Message, the children could draw a picture of Jesus and his disciples resting and praying. They could also draw a picture of their family praying together. They could also make stick figures and put them in a kneeling position using toothpicks or craft sticks.)

Dealing with Difficulties [Video}

Love God, Love Your Neighbor: Wash Your Hands

11 things everyone should know about getting the novel coronavirus

With the United States now facing its own serious coronavirus outbreak, it’s natural to wonder whether you’ll get the respiratory illness and what you can do about it. Thousands of cases and dozens of deaths have been reported in the US. But due to a lack of widespread testing, it’s likely the outbreak is even bigger.

Check out this Full article by clicking the button.

“Escape from Circumstances”: Dickinson in Quarantine

“For Death – or rather
For the Things ’twould buy –
This – put away
Life’s Opportunity –

The Things that Death will
buy
Are Room –
Escape from Circumstances –
And a Name –
With Gifts of Life
How Death’s Gifts may compare –
We know not –
For the Rates – lie Here –”

— 644B Franklin Variorum

Escape from Circumstances – / And a Name” was Emily Dickinson’s base state. She lived in a room, in a home, with her family. She self-sequestered for over 50 years.

A kind of purgatory between life in the whole world and being without the world, this sequestration from hubbub is now facing millions, maybe billions, because we might get sick, sick because of life together.

View fullsize

Millions, perhaps billions, are already sick of life, living life joined to the other millions, perhaps billions, who scream daily on the Interweb. These mornings in Lent that I spend in silence typing these things are also self-sequestration, but a cheat.

Unlike Emily, I know that, as I live them, I need to leave and will. I want to leave. Like I leave a comfy bed every morning to crank at level 28 for 90 minutes to vitiate my mildly morbid obesity. And take my 4 pills. And think, then write these things.

There is a bed, for some, of intermittent sequestration to “put away / Life’s Opportunity.” Like yoga or meditating or prayer or, well, lying in bed. Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. Thoreau only spent part of each week in Walden. He emerged to be part of the world he longed to escape.

Both Thoreau and Dickinson had the luxury of self-sequestration because they had money, made by others, to absent themselves from the hubbub. Now millions, maybe billions, may be forced to detach from necessities for a higher necessity — staying alive.

The Things that Death will
buy
Are Room –

Emily was in a permanent state of detachment between life on earth and life after death. She lived it. In Lent, if you follow the schedule of liturgical seasons, this is our time of living in the contemplation of not living.

View fullsize

It is a Christian’s Walden to be in Lent. We visit Emily’s isolation. We hopefully hit the OFF button just a bit. But then, like a sentence, we re-emerge, like a mammal in spring, to each day’s mishegas.

Even when things get put away, “the Rates – lie here” — these wages of life are not just needed, they validate. Emily laughed at that, or perhaps envied it, but Thoreau, and Jesus, returned to it. As do I.

This week I signed contracts to help in the making of two of the most public, most rewarding things I could do as an architect. I may be able to pay down my credit line and card, and not think about the intermittent terror of payroll every two weeks for a season. Or not.

The annual self-sequestration of Lent is, in fact, a luxury. We choose to go without some things for a time. Coronavirus is not a choice. Neither is death a choice, for most of us, but it is our life’s wage. And we hope, in this transaction, to give our life to something greater, though we do not know.

Emily’s sequestration was a gift to me. It is a gift every morning. Those contracts I signed could also offer a wage, but compel a promissory gift from me to those who I will never know.

But Emily and Jesus knew it was all a gift. I know because they say so to me, every day. I wish I heard them clearer, but I am trying.

Image credits: Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

https://mbird.com/2020/03/escape-from-circumstances-dickinson-in-quarantine/

The Mocking Cast - Coronacation Survival Kit - [Audio]

This is one of Pastor Cris's Favorite Podcasts. It is about finding grace in unlikely places.
Its a fun show that is very encouraging.

In which Dave, Sarah, and RJ talk new corona-realities, compassion shortages, and Martin Luther's advice for pandemic survivors--before giving their quarantine recommendations. Also, RJ goes bodysurfing while Sarah prays for teenagers in love.

What did you give up for lent?

In Case you Missed it From Cheryl. From March 19 20'

In Case You Missed It – things I pulled from today’s Treasure Coast Newspapers to share with whomever might need to know:

1.     Per FL Gov. DeSantis, K-12 schools will remain closed until April 15.  There will be “per school” homework for students to do at home during that time, other than their spring break period.

2.    Bars and Clubs in FL ordered closed for next 30 days, started on Tuesday March 17 at 5pm.  Restaurants are to cut their crowd capacity in half.  Some restaurants are closing with the exception of take out and drive thru.  Just found out Macy’s and JCPenney closing their stores due to the virus.  There are others, so check online or call before going on any shopping trip.

3.    Many sports are cancelling events until further notice.  It is now expected that Kentucky Derby might have to push its May 24 date back and that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be rescheduled for 2021.  Stay tuned to see if that happens. 

4.    Gil Smart’s column in today’s paper talks about working people and that “40 per cent of our population is not equipped to handle an unexpected monthly expense”.  Curfews are happening, businesses are shutting down, and the “C” virus as I (not Gil) call it, for short, will ultimately wind down.  The devastation and effect on our generations, however, may last a long time.  Gestures to help others are greatly appreciated, (I am adding, as long as they are doing it in a safe, secure way).  He ends with “make a point to lend a hand”. 

Right now, we are to limit ourselves to gatherings of 10 people or less.  Some churches are suggesting a small in-home Bible study group to keep socializing and positivity going.  There are positive things happening – read through the rest of my list.

5.     Treasure Coast Food Bank is now serving more schools who are doing box lunches for pickup to help students usually fed at schools during this down time.  A new grant from the USDA applied for a year ago will allow them to expand healthy-living initiatives and feed more people.  This also allows them to help local farmers, buying fresh produce direct for distribution.  Treasure Coast Food Bank is part of the Stop Hunger.org initiative and Feeding America.org as well.  They are located at 401 Angle Road in Fort Pierce and their phone # is (772) 489-3034.

6.    Tom Brady to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!  Even if on the other side of the state, it will give FL sports a shot in the arm, so to speak, right?

7.    “TCPalm is dedicated to readers amid the coronavirus.”  COVID-19 content provided free to all as a public service to the Treasure Coast Community.  Here’s a quick summation of what they say:

A.    Download the TCPalm app and activate the news push alerts to get up-to-the minute breaking news on your smartphone. 

B.   Sign up for USA TODAY coronavirus new3sletter and newly created Florida-specific one.  www.usatoday.com/news/coronavirus/.  Also www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local

C.   Follow TCPalm on social media.  On their Facebook page, they have a Treasure Coast coronavirus group for sharing.

8.     Piper Aircraft is accepting apprenticeship applications for its 2020 program, in connection with IRSC.  Set to begin in late July.  Go to www.piper.com/careers  for applications.

9.     In the Your News, Hobe Sound Bible College is celebrating its 60th year!  They had a gathering of 300 alumni and friends at their Homecoing.  For info, www.hsbc.edu or (772) 546-5534.

Friends, neighbors and families, this is just something I am putting together as a hopeful help to pass along to others who might have missed some news, and to keep some from being lonely – passing along things like this help others keep active and involved.  In this small way, since I get the newspaper and many don’t, some news may help others they would not otherwise get.

While I am doing this on my own time, and since my passions have to do with hearing loss and helping others, I must mention that I pray everyone retains the hearing level they have now, without losing more, by (1) avoiding noise, the #1 cause of hearing loss; (2) check their OTC and Rx drugs for side effects that affect hearing (many do) (3) check any chemicals, solvents, etc. they are around or use (smoke, fumes, powder, dust, chemicals involved with printing, painting, boat and aircraft building, construction, glue manufacturing, metal products, petroleum, leather products, furniture making, agricultural chemicals and mining).  Also, some public safety officers, like firefighters, are exposed to both noise and chemicals including smoke. 

In addition to keeping safe from virus of any kind, please consider saving your ears and eyes from damage that will change your life.  The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA for short) (non-profit, unbiased 501 c 3 organization) website, www.hearingloss.org has webinars that include “Are You Ready?  Emergency Preparedness for People with Hearing Loss”, and others, including about tinnitus, coping and purchasing a hearing aid (they have a handout for that, as well).  All free.  Consider checking these out.  The Treasure Coast Chapter of HLAA meets (during normal times and during the season) on the first Saturday of the month at 10:30 am in the History Room, Indian River County Library.  Speaker available for your organization about hearing loss.  Contact me, if interested.

I am working on a low-cost Practical Lip Reading 101 DVD, but in the meantime, working on a way to send out lip reading lessons via email to those interested.  If you are interested, please contact me at the email below.

In addition, the Fort Pierce Lions Club collects unwanted hearing aids and eyeglasses to recycle to those in need and does referrals to help those who can’t afford hearing aids or eyeglasses or eye procedures.  They meet the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm (during normal times) at the Second Street Bistro in downtown Fort Pierce.  Come and see the amazing things this club is doing for your community!  For a free, emailed copy of the latest club newsletter, email me.

If you are in need of prayers or references in time of need, (I have a folder plus other materials on hand always), either I or someone from my church will add you without any obligation, let me know.  We won’t put you on any list unless you want to be added.  We are a small church but very community-minded and understanding.  For questions about any of this, clnolte@msn.com.  PLEASE do NOT send me a solicitation!

To God be the glory,

Cheryl L. Nolte

Mini News - March 22 2020

Christian History Almanac - Saturday, March 21, 2020 [Audio]

On this day, we remember St. Benedict, who died in 550, and Brother Klaus, who died in 1787. The reading is "Thee, God, I come from, to thee go" by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

[Sunday Service] Invisible Love - Life Together

↓↓↓↓ Just the Sermon ↓↓↓↓-↑↑↑↑ The Whole Service ↑↑↑↑

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time where you didn’t feel and see Jesus working and wondered where he was.

2. Read Mark 15:21-39.  Have recent world events caused you to read this differently?  If so, how so?

3. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9.  According to Peter, where is Jesus when you don’t see him?

4. Describe a time in the past when you faced challenges that you realized Jesus was near. How can you encourage someone with that this week?

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

March 20, 2020 - Christian History Almanac [Audio]

On this day, we remember St. Cuthbert and Fred Rogers. The reading is a poem, "Lent" by Christina Rossetti.

Grant me serenity

Building Construction [Photos]

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize