Howard Hass writes...

I belong to two book clubs and a peace group. All three groups are made up of thoughtful persons. I appreciate the diversity of the groups. We have Buddhist, Christian, Unitarian, Jewish, and atheists represented. Most of the participants live in an open system which means the mind is gentle, nonjudgmental, open to all possibilities. One can see many sides of a problem. In my Tai Chi class we call that detachment.

Locked in positions limit possibilities. There is nothing wrong with ambiguity. Neat fixed solutions often fade into gray when we become empathetic, practice the golden rule, and recognize the incredible uniqueness in our beliefs.

Jesus' message of compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, empathy, and love are the common elements that link all people together. So differences are welcome because we learn to honor them, yet recognize those deep seated linkages become the basis of our hope, as followers of Christ's teachings.

Sarah Kerr writes...

This past summer, I worked at Decision Hills United Methodist Camp. Before any of the campers come, Decision Hills and the other 5 conference camps get together for a week of staff training. This time is with filled with workshops and seminars for us to attend so we can become better prepared and equipped as camp counselors. At the end of this week together we have a special staff worship. The theme this year focused on Matthew 11:28-30. We each were given a huge backpack filled with heavy rocks. I could barely lift it up over my shoulders. With this huge pack of rocks, we were to take the long journey from the campfire ring up to meditation hill. I remember how painful it was and how slow I had to climb that hill to prevent myself from falling over because of the weight I was carrying. I spent so much of that journey wishing I didn’t have to do it, but then God spoke to my heart and reminded me of the pain and anguish he had to go through as he carried His own cross. I remember thinking to myself, how often do I try to carry my own cross? How often do I feel weighed down by the things in this life? How often is it that I carry unnecessary baggage around? God really humbled me through this experience so I want to share with you the reflection sheet that came along with this exercise.

The Journey you just took was meant to illustrate how hard life is when you carry around a lot of extra baggage. Every grudge, every mistake you hold on to, everything you should have done but did not, every sin weighs us down. The good news is we can off load our “packs.” Jesus will carry them for us. In fact he just gets rid of the weight, the fear, the burden, the stress all together. As you go through your life, don’t use energy carrying around a lot of extra stuff. Deal with it, give it over to Jesus and be done with it.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. I’ll show you how to work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Father God,
Too often we get overwhelmed with the things in this life. Too often we take on more than we can handle. Help us to have courage and strength to come to you with our heavy burdens, instead of trying to carry them by our own power. Remind us that your load is light and it is all that we need. Amen.

Lydia Bacher writes...

Psalm 100:1-2
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.

Hymns and spiritual songs, in all forms of expression, have been an integral part of my life. Passages from such as these come to mind when needed:

• Jesus Loves Me


• Brighten the Corner Where You Are


• Joy to the World


• I Know that my Redeemer Liveth


• Hallelujah Chorus


• Up From the Grave He Arose


• His Eye is on the Sparrow


• It is Well With My Soul


• For the Beauty of the Earth

Dear Father,

Thank you for the consciousness of thy presence that comes to us through word and music. Teach us how to share this joy with others in our humble way. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Enter the Story...

Our theme for Lent is Enter the story. Lent is not a time when we hear the story of Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, as an event that happened some 2000 years ago, to be read about from a distance. We participate in the story, as we listen for the ways in which our own lives are reflected in the lives of the early disciples. We start today with a reminder that "from dust we come and to dust we will return." We are reminded of our mortality. We walk with Christ in the valley, knowing that we will eventually follow to the cross, and trusting that we will be there for the resurrection and new life. We all participate in the kin-dom of God that comes when we live our lives as resurrection people with the knowledge and hope that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Which brings us back to where we start today. From dust we come and to dust we will return. Thanks be to God as we enter the story.


Starting tomorrow, there will be posts each day by different participants in the Centennial UMC congregation. Please check out the blog each day for a reflection, and offer any responses you would like. Comments will not be posted immediately, as they need to be approved first. I will not change anyone's comments, but need to ensure that inappropriate content is not posted to this site.

Blessings to you as we journey together!
Melanie

Put May 31st on the calendar!

That's the date for ordination at annual conference up in St. Cloud! I will be ordained, along with my colleagues Jen Hill, Paula Colton, and Barbara Moore, by Bishop Sally Dyck. Yeah! This is the year of the women when it comes to ordination. After all the anticipation and preparation, I spent the last part of the week crashing. Sleeping, eating, writing a sermon, and sleeping some more.
Lent is coming...please let me know if you are willing to write a reflection for this blog!
Thanks!
-mel