Offertory Invitation July 3

Giving to the church is a very private exercise, especially nowadays when we can give electronically.  Yet, we perform a very public act of worship every Sunday when we collect offerings.  Some churches invite persons who make their gifts electronically – weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually – to participate in The Offertory by simply dropping a one-dollar bill into the plate each week.   It is a celebratory practice in those churches, in one called the Hallelujah Dollar.  In this way, the church benefits from electronic giving, yet encourages a meaningful way to make giving an act of worship.   I have resolved to be a participant in The Offertory every Sunday by putting a dollar in the plate.  I urge you to do the same.  With that dollar, I will be part of this worship experience, this offering.  The deacons will now collect the offering.

Trinity Sunday 2013

 The Trinity proclaims

"I am love in action."

The Creator,

I AM.

 The Christ,

The Word,

God in action.

The Holy Spirit,

The Comforter,

Love.

Together.
I AM Love in action.

Three in one,

Trinity.

Pentecost 2013

On this day,
The Comforter,

The Holy Spirit,

Makes her presence known.
The day is Pentecost.
Fifty days from Easter.
Ten days from Jesus' ascent into Heaven.
God as Comforter comes
As Christ promised.
Jews were celebrating
 The Feast of the First Fruits.
Was this the first harvest for Christ?

Photo by Lawrence CP

Too many turn from Pentecost
In dread

Of emotion,

Of losing control,

Of the Holy Spirit.
What we fear
Does not exist.

Only God,

Three in One,

Exists.
The Holy Spirit
Completes the Trinity.
The Holy Spirit
Is the Love
That binds Creator and Word.
The Holy Spirit
Is God's love
Washing over all people.
Share that love.

Advent 2011

This is the first Sunday of Advent.

Just three days from Thanksgiving,

Just two days from Black Friday.

Photo by Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi

The day to turn our thoughts from goods to gifts,

Gifts of love not commerce.

Jesus was God's gift to us.

We celebrate with anticipation

The day of his birth.

What will we give this Advent season?

Time to those who are lonely,

Love to our neighbors,

Those that surround us every day.

Acceptance to those who do not share our beliefs.

Polytheist.

Monotheist

Atheist.

To ourselves, The gift of understanding,

Understanding That our relationship with God 

Is all that matters.