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Saturday, April 7, 2012
Harmonious Life
SABBATH
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
Reflection
When my former husband and I divorced nearly 12 years ago, our children were 10 and 7 years old. I remember thinking about how sad it would be for our children if, at every milestone they celebrated and every school or sporting event they participated in, they had to worry about how the adults in their lives would behave. I decided that I would do everything in my power to make sure that as our children grew, they would look forward to the times when their entire family came together to support them.
It is a tall order to dream of such harmony being born out of the sadness and hurt of divorce, but twelve years later, I can tell you that it is absolutely possible. When my youngest son graduated from high school last June, he had a giant cheering section celebrating with him. Both of his parents, all of his grandparents, aunts, stepmother, brother and little sisters were there sitting together: chatting, laughing, and hugging.
It turns out that the only thing that was in my power was my ability to let go of my own hurt and disappointment and my need to be the person who was wronged. When the focus of my attention turned to the love all of us had for two little boys, and the desire I had for them to feel that love every day, it opened the way for others to follow suit.
Where do you find discord in your life, and what can you focus on to move closer to harmony? Can you picture what harmony would look like? Point your feet in that direction, and let every step you take move you closer to it.
Prayer
Loving God
Help us to set our own troubles aside so that we may focus on the greater good. Let our words and actions move us closer to you with every step we take. Amen
What’s next?
Our faith community supports one another in caring ways that nurture and challenge us times of joy and sorrow. To learn more about our caring ministries go to www.firstcongoappleton.org/coming-together/caring.
Kara Woodford, Director of Children’s Ministries
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Friday, April 6, 2012
Feed Your Enemies
PROCLAIM
Romans 12:20-21
“…if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Reflection
I have a confession to make. My cat has been my enemy for the past 15 years. She is a furry bundle of need and loudly makes those needs known with unrelenting regularity. She has a neurotic compulsion to eat string, which gets wrapped around her tongue and has required expensive surgical removal. She is terrified of company, and howls while searching for a place to hide when friends and family come to call. She has never once caught a mouse.
Recently, while reading an article about compassion, I came across an exercise designed to evoke a personal sense of peace. The idea is to place your focus on another being (preferably a being who causes distress in your life) and repeat several affirmations. I decided to try the compassion exercise on my cat. I focused on the enemy, and repeated the following phrases: “Just like me, she is seeking happiness. Just like me, she is trying to avoid suffering in her life. Just like me, she is seeking to fill her needs….”
The first thing I noticed, when I actually paid attention, was that my enemy was looking a bit scrawny. Although I kept her bowl full all the time, she just wasn’t eating very much. I always vowed I would not be one of those cat owners who served soft food in a fancy dish, but I suddenly found myself standing in the grocery aisle pondering whether my enemy would prefer sliced meat in gravy or paté.
Lindy (my former enemy) is a lot happier these days. She is still loud and demanding, but she doesn’t seem quite as annoying. When she curls up next to me at the end of the day, I chat with her and encourage her to hone her mouse-catching skills. Yes, she has put on a little weight, but the biggest change has really been the softening of my own heart.
Who is your enemy? He or she is likely someone you don’t understand. Offer her a piece of chocolate, a joke, half of your sandwich (or a bowl of soft cat food) and a little conversation.
Prayer
Dear God,
Help us to see that we are not so different from our enemies. Fill us with compassion so that we may share it with everyone we meet. Amen
What’s next?
For more information about the compassion exercise, go to www.thehappiempire.com/2011/09/compassion-exercise.
Kara Woodford, Director for Children’s Ministries
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Thursday, April 5, 2012
Needs of the Saints
PROMISE
Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Reflection
The United Church of Christ embarked on an effort a couple of years ago to redefine the core values common to all our churches. We settled on three: continuing testament, changing lives, and extravagant welcome.
Continuing Testament: Because of our belief in continuing testament, we are attentive to how we can hear God’s ancient story anew and afresh while paying attention to God’s creative movement in the world. Therefore, we are dedicated to social justice and preparing leaders who will build up the church and put their faith into action.
Changing Lives: We believe the church’s mission is to change lives, individually, systemically and globally. Thus, we are committed to the church in action.
Extravagant Welcome: The God is Still Speaking campaign has highlighted this value with the tagline: “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here.”
Because the United Church of Christ believes in extravagant welcome we insist that God’s table is open, not closed, and God’s gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable.
We demonstrate this through public professions of our identity and purpose: multi-racial, multi-cultural, open and affirming, accessible to all.
We advocate justice for all as an extension and expression of faith.
We are open to new ways of being church and forming Christian community.
We affirm that cultural differences expand our ability to welcome more people.
We strive to keep our perspective global in our partnership with people of faith around the world.
Serving on the Executive Council of the United Church of Christ, I have become aware of the many ministries and efforts that the church is engaged in to give flesh to these core values.
Prayer
Welcoming God, we pray that just as you have opened your heart to receive us and extend to us unconditional love, let us open our hearts to receive others with love, grace and radical hospitality. Amen.
What’s next?
Disciples in the United Church of Christ open their hearts and lives to extend radical hospitality and thereby change lives of so many in our world. Listen to just a few of their stories by going here: www.ucc.org/changing-lives. Open your heart to changing lives by clicking on the “Contribute” button on the home page of our website at www.firstcongoappleton.org.
Rev. Jane Anderson, Pastor of Congregational Life
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Practicing What You Preach
PARTICIPATE
Romans 12:10-11
… love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Reflection
The 12th Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans is, without a doubt, one of the most important passages from scripture. This side of the Golden Rule, it’s the best summary of what it means to live like a Christian. Other passages tell us in sometimes glowing terms what it is we BELIEVE; this passage tells us how we might live out that belief. We say we believe in Jesus, but do we live like that? Do we really practice what we preach? Do we really believe what we say?
One day a boss came up to one of her employees and asked him a curious question: “Do you believe in life after death?”
The man was puzzled by his boss’s question but answered, “Well, yes. I’m a Christian, so of course I believe in life after death.”
“Good,” the boss said, “because after you left early from work yesterday to go to your grandmother’s funeral she stopped in to see you.”
Do you really believe what you say? Do you really practice this faith we call Christian? Do you live like a Christian?
Prayer
Help me, God to practice what I preach, to live what I believe. In the middle of this Holy Week when I remember how Jesus paid the full cost of discipleship, help me to follow in his footsteps, with courage, grace, love, and integrity. Amen.
What’s next?
Visit the Mission Volunteer Opportunities page in our website at www.firstcongoappleton.org/reaching-out/mission-volunteer-ops. Sign up for one activity this next month that will give you the opportunity to serve others and practice what you preach.
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Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Be Ye Transformed
PREPARE
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection
About 15 years ago my husband and I took our young daughters to a carnival being held in a neighborhood park. As we pushed our strollers though the carnival masses, I noticed a group of older teens walking towards us. Their leather, tattoos, and many chains gave them a rough, intimidating appearance. It was easy to see the uneasiness of some who walked passed them, or avoided them all together. Inspired by something I had just read, I made a deliberate decision to walk directly towards the group so I could … well, at least not avoid them. As we got closer I took notice of one of the girls in the group and watched her until our eyes met. I smiled and said “hello,” and she returned a smile and gentle “Hi.”
About an hour later, while we were waiting in a line, this same girl came up to us. While her friends stood behind her, she offered us some ride tickets. She told us that she and her friends were leaving and she wondered if we could use them.
I melted. I was speechless. I was so touched that not only did she think of us, but she also took the time to seek us out. I thought about how this moment would have been missed if we had avoided this group—something that would have been easy to do. I thought about how easy it was to make a connection from a smile. I wondered about the moments I have missed because I’ve avoided someone, or worse, didn’t take notice at all. I don’t know if the girl ever gave further thought to our connection, but I do know I think about it often. I think about how this tattooed girl with leather and chains, this good and acceptable and perfect young girl, renewed my heart and mind by her kindness after a simple smile and hello.
Have you ever connected with someone unexpected? How did that connection make you feel? As you go through your day, watch for an opportunity to connect with someone, then smile and say hello.
Prayer
Dear God, Help me to remember that a part of worshipping you is treating all people with kindness, respect and dignity. Help me keep this in my heart so it is a part of me. Amen.
What’s next?
See what our youth are saying about our church and the connections they are making while participating in our middle school program at www.firstcongoappleton.org/learning-and-growing/children-and-youth/middle-school/overview/testimonials. You can also follow our youth on their Facebook page at www.firstcongoappleton.org/facebook-youth.
Georgia Berceau, Middle School Coordinator