If you think that “Abba” is simply a musical group, we encourage you to take some time today to discover the true meaning of “Abba” in this week’s “Take Your Time Tuesday” video by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt. (click the thumbnail below to access)

“Abba” is the Aramaic term for “Father” or “Daddy”, and when prayed during hard times like we are experiencing now, “Abba, I belong to you” becomes a wonderful prayer exercise to remind us that we belong to God and that we are not alone.

The daffodils have begun to bloom at Rolling Ridge.  Spring has sprung.  And while the sounds of birds now fill the air, the house and grounds are quiet as we like everyone else wait for the good news that the darkness of COVID-19 has passed and our doors can open again.  During these times of uncertainty and waiting, it can be hard to be present and thankful for what is as we long for what is yet to come. In this week’s “Take Your Time Tuesday” video, John Kiemele offers us the spiritual practice of Embodied Gratefulness to help us live into the now and to celebrate the blessings of God in this present moment.  When we begin to feel gratitude through the fullness of our body, we wake up to the Divine Presence of God in and around us now.  We encourage you to slow down, click the link or the image below for the video, and take time for yourself to be centered in God and to be thankful.  May this practice become part of your daily spiritual routine so you do not grow weary and lose hope.

connects to a meditation on Embodied Gratefulness.

Chilmark Community Church

April 4, 2020, Palm Sunday

Rev. Ernest Belisle, Pastor

Thought for the week

Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem to face the cross

to show how much he loves you and me!

Welcome Pastor

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS 

NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Intension of today’s worship: Pastor

*Call to Worship                                                   Pastor, Liturgist and People

Pastor:  The Lord be with you.

People:  And also with you.

Lay Leader: “Hosanna! Loud Hosanna,” the little children sang.

Pastor:  Blessed be the One who comes on the name of the Lord. Blessed is the Son of David!

Lay Leader:        Hosanna!  Save us now O Son of David! (loudly)

Passion/Palm Sunday Prayer for the Day Pastor

PROCLAMATION OF THE ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM

*The Palm Sunday Gospel Reading is from      Matthew 21:1-11  Lay Leader

Leader:   This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

People:  Praise be to Christ our Lord.

The significance of Palms and the meaning Pastor

Prayers: Pastor

THE PASSION LITURGY

Hymn:           O Sacred Head, Now Wounded UMH 286

Prayer for the Day Pastor

Scripture Readings:

(Reading the Passion Narrative from the Gospel according to St Matthew [portions of] chapters 26 and 27 from the New International Version [NIV])

First Reading: Pastor

St Matthew chapter 26 verses 36 to 50 

Jesus in Gethsemane

Second Reading: Lay Leader

St Matthew chapter 27 verses 1-2, 11-18, and 20 to 26

Jesus is taken to Pilate

Hymn:       When I Survive the Wondrous Cross – UMH 299

Third Reading: Lay Leader

St Matthew chapter 27 verses 32, and 34 – 42,

The Crucifixion of Jesus

Fourth Reading: Pastor

St Matthew chapter 27 verses 45 to 50, and 54 to 56

The Death of Jesus

Hymn: Were Your There When the Crucified My Lord   UMH 288

THE PROMISE OF GOD’S MERCY                                         Pastor

Leader: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

People: By a perversion of justice he was taken away. 

Who could have imagined his future?

For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people.

Pastor:   Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he 

was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,

People:   he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death–even death on a cross.

Pastor:   Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,

People:  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

All:         and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Hymn:   Bless be the Ties that Binds UMH 557

Benediction   Pastor

As we continue to journey through life, may we continue to remember, “Hosanna to the Son of David, may we know that even in the midst of life’s greatest uncertainties and sufferings the sovereign God of time and eternity is with us.  May the blessing and guidance God the first mover, God the Son the redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit the great comforter be us always.  Amen.

Checking in on those who would like to talk and share

Dear Members and Friends of Chilmark Church,

Grace and Peace in the name of Jesus the Christ!

Permit me to invite you to practice “Home Worship” with us from the comfort of your home! Your presence does matter.

How are you doing and how are you bearing up under social distancing, mixed messaging and uncertainty, for those who have contracted the virus, our economy, our Island Home and our country? Yes, with the corona virus spreading rapidly we are wise to practice social distancing, however, at the same time we must be careful not to fall into isolation, which may lead to depression.

Let us continue in prayer for our country, our community, our friends, our loved ones and ourselves.

Thank you for taking time out to practicing “home church” – to read, meditate and pray for yourself, your friends, our community and our country from your home. I believe that spending time doing these readings and prayers are important as we remain spiritually connected.

Please find attached the meditation, prayers and hymn for Sunday, March 29. If you click on the attachment at the end of this document you will get a better layout of the devotional material found in the body of this email.

May we be strengthened during these days of quiet soul searching and reflection.

Sincerely,

God bless us all,

Ernest Belisle (Pastor)

Chilmark Community Church 

March 29, 2020, Fifth Sunday in Lent

Rev. Ernest Belisle, Pastor

Opening Prayer:

O God, source of all life, we thank you for your abiding presence.  Sometimes life seems unbearable and we struggle with the burdens of life and death. We try desperately to be in control. Set us free, in mind body and spirit O God, from all our worries and insecurities. Free us now from a wandering mind and a restless heart that we might worship you in spirit and in truth. Renew within us an awareness of who we are as God’s people. May this be a time of new life and new resolution to live in and through the One who came not to be served but to serve.  Amen.

Meditation for the Week

Today we give thanks that God is our strength and shield. With the hymn writer Martin J. Nystrom, we can sing:  As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you. You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you.

Our scripture reading for the day assures us that in Christ there is certainty in life and through death. The reading is for the fifth Sunday of Lent in the A Cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary from the Gospel according to St. John’s Gospel chapter 11 verses 1-45.  What an event!  Jesus, having left the Bethany area (near Jerusalem) because of threats on his life received a call to return, from Mary and Martha, because his friend, Lazarus, was extremely ill and near death (corona virus?).  After Lazarus’ death, Jesus decided to return to Mary and Martha, against the advice of his disciples.  When he arrived, Martha scolded him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  Mildly suggesting, why bother to come now that he is dead for three days.  Jesus was genuinely moved, his answer to Martha was, “Your brother will rise again… I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet they will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?’’Jesus then went to the tomb (with a group following him) and asked that the stone be rolled away. There were, at first, some objections because of the stench and contamination that would come from the tomb. Eventually, the stone was rolled away and Jesus ordered, in a loud and passionate voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out in the manner in which he was placed in tomb; bound head, hands and feet with burial cloth.  Jesus ordered, “Unbind him, and set him free.”

This is a significant and extraordinary event for many reasons.  Here are a few:

1. a) That Lazarus was dead for three days makes the point that he was not in a coma; he was really dead. (This is no making believe, it is a spiritual account! The implication is that many are dead and entombed; while there are also those who are out of the tomb but still wrapped in their death cloth.)
2. b) That Jesus was willing to risk his life and return to the area demonstrates Jesus’ love for his friend. (Jesus risked/gave his life for all the world.)
3. c) That Jesus was able to raise Lazarus from the dead displayed Jesus’ power over death and the grave. (Jesus/God still has power over spiritual and physical death.)
4. d) That Jesus ordered himunbound from his death clothreveals Jesus’ desire to set him free from the marks of death to live a new life in Jesus the Christ. (Jesus still orders us unbound from the things that bind us in death and to death.)

To all of us in this time of uncertainty, disease and death may we hear the words of Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet they will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”… “Unbind him/her, and set him/her free.”

Let us remember that it is in Christ that we find new life spiritually and physically; even in this time of disease and death. We are a people of LIFE.  Hear the words and thought of Cardinal John Henry Newman who advised, “Fear not of death, but fear rather, that when you come to the end of your earthly journey you find out that you never have lived.” Yes, so afraid of death that we never lived – if so our whole earthly sojourn becomes one long morbid journey because of the fear of death, because of a lack of faith and trust in God: the All-Mighty, All Loving, All Powerful God of heaven and earth and the universe. So in these times of lock down and social distancing let us remember to do our best to find life – joy, peace and love in our family, our loved ones and our God.  We journey with Jesus through hardships, sacrifices and even death, from Galilee to Jerusalem and then to new life.

Remember Jesus’ word, “Unbind …set … free!” The scripture reading suggests: Be not bound by death or the fear of death. (Of course, I am not suggesting we discontinue our physical practice of social distancing!) Let us remain spiritually connected through prayer, meditation and thinking of each other.

You, O Christ, are in us, in our hospitals, in our nurses and doctors, in your Church, in your world, and in you we find ‘the resurrection and the life.’

Sincerely,

Your Brother in Christ,

Ernest Belisle (Pastor)

Prayer with you family or alone:

Leader: Be with us O Lord as we pray this prayer.

From the swirling chaos of the primeval waters you brought forth light and life, O Lord.

All: One thing I know, though I be dead as Lazarus, you loved me so much that you brought me back to life, unbound me and set me free to eat and drink, sing and dance with you in your house.

Leader: From the mud of the earth you brought into being one who is intended to see what you see, O Lord.

All: One thing I know, though I be dead as Lazarus, you loved me so much that you brought me back to life, unbound me and set me free to eat and drink, sing and dance with you in your house.

Leader: From my sisters’ prayers and tears for a sick and dying brother you have called my name that I may be a witness to your glorious power, O Lord.

All: One thing I know, though I be dead as Lazarus, you loved me so much that you brought me back to life, unbound me and set me free to eat and drink, sing and dance with you in your house.

Pastor: Send forth your Holy Spirit on me and on all your people in ways yet unimagined, that through this time of chaos and confusion we will be opened, and, will see your heart at work in me and in the world. May we not hold back but cry out loudly:

All: You are the Resurrection and the Life, O Christ, my God.

Your Personal Prayers:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Hymn for the day:

         Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring         UMH644

(Martin Janus, 1661; trans. anon.)

1. Jesus, joy of our desiring, holy wisdom, love most bright; drawn by thee, our souls aspiring soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned, striving still to truths unknown, soaring, dying round thy throne.

2. Through the way where hope is guiding, hark, what peaceful music

 rings; where the flock, in thee confiding, drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure; theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.

            Thou dost ever lead thine own in the love of joys

         unknown.

Closing Prayer and Benediction

Love mercy, deal justly, practice patience, and live peacefully with all.  Know that Jesus is our Resurrection and Life; in him we can find new Life in troubled times; in the name of the God our Father and Mother, in the name of the Son Jesus the Christ our Brother, and in the name of the Holy Spirit our Comforter.  Amen.

Benediction:                   Traditional Irish Melody

May the road continue smooth before you;

             May there be enough light along the way;

May peace greet you at every crossroad

             And joy accompany you to the end.

Through whatever pain and suffering is yours to endure,

             Know that God is in it with you.

Amen

Chilmark Community Church 

March 29, 2020, Fifth Sunday in Lent

Rev. Ernest Belisle, Pastor

Opening Prayer:

O God, source of all life, we thank you for your abiding presence.  Sometimes life seems unbearable and we struggle with the burdens of life and death. We try desperately to be in control. Set us free, in mind body and spirit O God, from all our worries and insecurities. Free us now from a wandering mind and a restless heart that we might worship you in spirit and in truth. Renew within us an awareness of who we are as God’s people. May this be a time of new life and new resolution to live in and through the One who came not to be served but to serve.  Amen.

Meditation for the Week

Today we give thanks that God is our strength and shield. With the hymn writer Martin J. Nystrom, we can sing:  As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you. You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you.

Our scripture reading for the day assures us that in Christ there is certainty in life and through death. The reading is for the fifth Sunday of Lent in the A Cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary from the Gospel according to St. John’s Gospel chapter 11 verses 1-45.  What an event!  Jesus, having left the Bethany area (near Jerusalem) because of threats on his life received a call to return, from Mary and Martha, because his friend, Lazarus, was extremely ill and near death (corona virus?).  After Lazarus’ death, Jesus decided to return to Mary and Martha, against the advice of his disciples.  When he arrived, Martha scolded him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  Mildly suggesting, why bother to come now that he is dead for three days.  Jesus was genuinely moved, his answer to Martha was, “Your brother will rise again… I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet they will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?’’Jesus then went to the tomb (with a group following him) and asked that the stone be rolled away. There were, at first, some objections because of the stench and contamination that would come from the tomb. Eventually, the stone was rolled away and Jesus ordered, in a loud and passionate voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out in the manner in which he was placed in tomb; bound head, hands and feet with burial cloth.  Jesus ordered, “Unbind him, and set him free.”

This is a significant and extraordinary event for many reasons.  Here are a few:

1. a) That Lazarus was dead for three days makes the point that he was not in a coma; he was really dead. (This is no making believe, it is a spiritual account! The implication is that many are dead and entombed; while there are also those who are out of the tomb but still wrapped in their death cloth.)
2. b) That Jesus was willing to risk his life and return to the area demonstrates Jesus’ love for his friend. (Jesus risked/gave his life for all the world.)
3. c) That Jesus was able to raise Lazarus from the dead displayed Jesus’ power over death and the grave. (Jesus/God still has power over spiritual and physical death.)
4. d) That Jesus ordered himunbound from his death clothreveals Jesus’ desire to set him free from the marks of death to live a new life in Jesus the Christ. (Jesus still orders us unbound from the things that bind us in death and to death.)

To all of us in this time of uncertainty, disease and death may we hear the words of Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet they will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”… “Unbind him/her, and set him/her free.”

Let us remember that it is in Christ that we find new life spiritually and physically; even in this time of disease and death. We are a people of LIFE.  Hear the words and thought of Cardinal John Henry Newman who advised, “Fear not of death, but fear rather, that when you come to the end of your earthly journey you find out that you never have lived.” Yes, so afraid of death that we never lived – if so our whole earthly sojourn becomes one long morbid journey because of the fear of death, because of a lack of faith and trust in God: the All-Mighty, All Loving, All Powerful God of heaven and earth and the universe. So in these times of lock down and social distancing let us remember to do our best to find life – joy, peace and love in our family, our loved ones and our God.  We journey with Jesus through hardships, sacrifices and even death, from Galilee to Jerusalem and then to new life.

Remember Jesus’ word, “Unbind …set … free!” The scripture reading suggests: Be not bound by death or the fear of death. (Of course, I am not suggesting we discontinue our physical practice of social distancing!) Let us remain spiritually connected through prayer, meditation and thinking of each other.

You, O Christ, are in us, in our hospitals, in our nurses and doctors, in your Church, in your world, and in you we find ‘the resurrection and the life.’

Sincerely,

Your Brother in Christ,

Ernest Belisle (Pastor)

Prayer with you family or alone:

Leader: Be with us O Lord as we pray this prayer.

From the swirling chaos of the primeval waters you brought forth light and life, O Lord.

All: One thing I know, though I be dead as Lazarus, you loved me so much that you brought me back to life, unbound me and set me free to eat and drink, sing and dance with you in your house.

Leader: From the mud of the earth you brought into being one who is intended to see what you see, O Lord.

All: One thing I know, though I be dead as Lazarus, you loved me so much that you brought me back to life, unbound me and set me free to eat and drink, sing and dance with you in your house.

Leader: From my sisters’ prayers and tears for a sick and dying brother you have called my name that I may be a witness to your glorious power, O Lord.

All: One thing I know, though I be dead as Lazarus, you loved me so much that you brought me back to life, unbound me and set me free to eat and drink, sing and dance with you in your house.

Pastor: Send forth your Holy Spirit on me and on all your people in ways yet unimagined, that through this time of chaos and confusion we will be opened, and, will see your heart at work in me and in the world. May we not hold back but cry out loudly:

All: You are the Resurrection and the Life, O Christ, my God.

Your Personal Prayers:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Hymn for the day:

         Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring         UMH644

(Martin Janus, 1661; trans. anon.)

1. Jesus, joy of our desiring, holy wisdom, love most bright; drawn by thee, our souls aspiring soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned, striving still to truths unknown, soaring, dying round thy throne.

2. Through the way where hope is guiding, hark, what peaceful music

 rings; where the flock, in thee confiding, drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure; theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.

            Thou dost ever lead thine own in the love of joys

         unknown.

Closing Prayer and Benediction

Love mercy, deal justly, practice patience, and live peacefully with all.  Know that Jesus is our Resurrection and Life; in him we can find new Life in troubled times; in the name of the God our Father and Mother, in the name of the Son Jesus the Christ our Brother, and in the name of the Holy Spirit our Comforter.  Amen.

Benediction:                   Traditional Irish Melody

May the road continue smooth before you;

             May there be enough light along the way;

May peace greet you at every crossroad

             And joy accompany you to the end.

Through whatever pain and suffering is yours to endure,

             Know that God is in it with you.

Amen

Chilmark Community Church

Chilmark Community Church

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Third Sunday in the Lenten Season

“In nearness shall Thy voice be heard;

Spirit to spirit Thou doth speak.”

(Alfred Henry Vine)

Scripture Reading for the day is from St John 4: 5-42

We are happy you are reading, reflecting and worshiping from home.   Our Scripture reading for reflection is from the Gospel according to St. John. It tells the story of the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at Jacob’s well as he was travelling through Samaria on his way to Jerusalem.  (Please read the record of the event from the Gospel.)

Water and Food are two basic human needs. In the Gospel narrative the woman, like Nicodemus (last week’s reading), misses the point regarding spiritual things.  When Jesus offered her “living water” but she thought it was physical water from Jacob’s well.  She saw and thought of only the physical and not the spiritual. “Everyone who drinks of this water will never thirst again,” said Jesus.  The woman light-heartedly asked Jesus to give her that living water so that she would have no more need to return to the well.  Jesus spoke of the water that quenches our spiritual thirst and yearning.  Jeremiah noted that “it is the Lord who is the fountain of living water.”  Jesus pointed to the Messianic age in which, “They shall not hunger and thirst” any more (Isaiah 49:10).

There is the larger theological question of the nature of the souls of human beings and the nature of the Divine Soul (Holy Spirit) and how these two relate to each other. Paul, in his epistle to the Romans 8:16 noted that “it is that very Spirit (God’s Spirit) bearing witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ”.  Your soul and my soul are connected to God’s Holy Spirit and in constant communication.

Along with this there is also the question of God granting us free will.  In the midst of our Spirit to spirit connection God grants freedom of will.  So it was for Adam and Eve. So it was for the Israelites in the desert, so it was for the people of Jesus’ time and so it is for us today.  Think of our biggest human struggle and how crucial today’s reading is to the question:  “Who/What satisfies our deepest needs: “living water,” wine, strong drink or what?” Every human soul is thirsty and needs to be quenched at the fountain of “living water” given in God through Jesus Christ.

May God’s Divine Spirit continue to speak to your spirit and mine in this time of uncertainty and dread.

Richest blessing as we travel the road Jesus walked during this holy Lenten Season!

Let us Pray:

Almighty and everlasting God,

giver of health and salvation,

we give thank for your presents with us in times of both health and illness.

As your holy apostles anointed many who were ill,

so pour out your Holy Spirit on us and especially on those who are ill, afraid or mourning the passing of a loved one.

Increase our faith and confirm our hope in you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

The Lord’s Prayer:                 

Our Father, who art in heaven,

     Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

Chilmark Community Church

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Fourth Sunday in the Lenten Season

“Through the night of doubt and sorrow, on ward goes the pilgrim band;

Singing songs of expectation, marching to the promised land.”

(Bernhardt Ingemann, translated by Sabine Baring-Gould)

Scripture Reading for the day: St John 9:1-41

Welcome to the Chilmark Community Church Family meditation for the week beginning Sunday, March 22, 2020.  Thanks you God that you have led us through another week of corona pandemic uncertainty and social distancing.

My prayer is: Leader us, eternal One, lead us

Through our time of pandemic uncertainty;

Guard us, guide us, keep us, heal us,

For we have no help but you,

Yet possessing every blessing

If our God our Leader be. Amen

                                                   (Adopted from James Edmestom)         

We continue to reflect on our Lenten Theme: Journeying with Jesus – From Galilee to Jerusalem.  Galilee is the place of home and security and Jerusalem the place of uncertainty and pain, but Jerusalem is also the place of Resurrection and eternal life. Our Journey with Jesus is a spiritual journey.

During Lenten we are reflecting on spirituality, understanding spirituality and the place of spirituality in our lives. In our reading for the day the woman at the well, like Nicodemus the week before, had no idea of spiritual things. She understood thing only from a physical point of view.  Our spirituality strengths our inner fortitude and assures us that although we may not know what the future holds, we know God holds our future.  The church is, first and foremost, a spiritual institution. The church suggests and offers to the peoples of the world ways to be closer to God the source of all spirituality. During this time of physical and spiritual crisis we encourage all to spend some time in reflection, self-examination, repentance, self-denial and prayer.  We encourage you to pray for our researchers and scientists, our health care-workers and public servants, and our polities and service workers.

In the reading for Saint John (9:1-41), Jesus heals a man who was born blind. Those who saw what had happened asked Jesus, “Whose sin caused this man to be blind, his or his parents?” Jesus replied, “neither his nor his parents’ sins but that God’s work might be raveled through him.”  The occasion demonstrated that God transformed the man’s blindness into sight – darkness into light!  The man is in fact an example of all of us how have allowed Jesus to transforms our darkness and despair into light and hope. Jesus is the light of the church and the world! Again, the people of Jesus’ day were looking for the physical sins the man or his parents had committed while Jesus was speaking of the spiritual place of God in our lives.

Traveling with Jesus is a spiritual journey – from blindness to sight, from darkness to light, from disbelief to belief, from anxiety to assurance, from insecurity and serenity, from despair to hope and from death to life. As the record of the event goes, sometime later, Jesus came across the man and had a conversation with him. The man had come to believe in Jesus the Christ – the Messiah, the Light of the world.

The life, teaching and example of Jesus dispel our spiritual blindness and lead us on our journeying through these times of uncharted waters.

Very sincerely,

Ernest Belisle (Pastor)

Let Us Pray:

O God of the ages, you have always journeyed with humanity – with Abraham and Sarah, with Moses and Joshua, with Mary and Joseph, with Paul and Silas, with the pilgrims and with all our fathers and mothers to the place you promised. Bless and guide all the peoples of the earth who are suffering in any way because of this new corona virus outbreak. Grant to our scientists the wisdom of a cure, calm our anxieties, grant us inner peace and help us to learn to trust in you during this present time of social distancing. We remember that all the sacrifices we make are made for the sake of all humanity. Increase our hope in you and rekindle our vision in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of the sheep. Speak to us Spirit to spirit as we continue to journey into an unknown future. We pray all these things though Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. 

Amen.

Your Personal Prayers and Reflections:

The Lord’s Prayer:                 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

The hymn for the day:

Hymn: “He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought” #128 UMH

1. He leadeth me: O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be, still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain: He leadeth me, he leadeth me,  by his own hand he leadeth me;

2. Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

sometimes where Eden’s bowers  bloom, by waters still,

o’er troubled sea, still ’tis his hand that leadeth me.

Refrain: He leadeth me, he leadeth me,  by his own hand he leadeth me;

3. Lord, I would place my hand in thine, nor ever murmur nor repine; content, whatever lot I see, since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

Refrain: He leadeth me, he leadeth me, by his own hand he leadeth me;

4. And when my task on earth is done, when

by thy grace the victory’s won, e’en death’s cold wave
I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Refrain: He leadeth me, he leadeth me, by his own hand he leadeth me;

(Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862 (Ps. 23)

Closing Prayer: (the Irish Blessing)

May the road continue smooth before you;

          May there be enough light along the way;

May peace greet you at every crossroad

          And joy accompany you to the end.

Through whatever pain and suffering is yours to endure,

          Know that God is in it with you.

Amen