Sunday Worship8, 9:30, & 11 am
Just off the back porch of my house growing up sat a big beautiful birdhouse. My family and I spent countless hours watching all different kinds of birds perch themselves on the front peg for a tasty nibble. These birds ranged from all different colors and sizes, some coming from other areas of the country and others coming from more exotic parts of the globe. It was always fun to think about what brought each bird to our particular birdhouse. Were they filling their stomachs for a long journey ahead, was our yard just a pit stop, or had they reached their destination?
On occasion, we would spot a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hovering over our feeder. Can you believe that the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, weighing no more than a penny, flies to Ohio from South America, which includes a 500-mile flight over the Gulf of Mexico? My mother would always point out the bright blueness of an Indigo Bunting, which was her favorite bird to see. I also loved catching a glimpse of the yellow Kentucky Warbler, which was usually heard before it was seen because of its unique sound. Birds of all colors and sizes would eventually find their way to that birdhouse in our backyard. Each one having a story about where they had been and what they have seen, all of them simply longing to be fed.
The expanse of green space on our property gives us a unique opportunity to serve the community by growing food for our local pantries. The same expanse provides an especially fruitful hunting ground for one of nature's most keen predators. I love all the bunnies and chipmunks and squirrels so it is hard to stomach the idea that each day one of them becomes a victim of our resident hunter.
Mary Oliver, one of the greatest poets of our lifetime, gives beautiful imagery to the hawk's stalking of its prey.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned something about spicy food in a children’s message. I recalled a fifth grade trip to South Texas when I ate my first jalapeño, that not only heated up my mouth, but blew my mind. In a single nibble of that delightful, green pod, I caught a glimpse of an expansive world beyond my own. Back in my little corner of Summit County, OH, the only ethnic restaurant was Italian.
Not long after I mentioned my love of hot sauce, Leah showed up with a box of the firey bottles. Her brother, who recently died, was also a fan of the cayenne. Not sure what to do with to do with the dozens of hot sauces and rubs he collected, she bequeathed them to me. Some were old friends, while others were unfamiliar traveling companions. What a delicious gift of heat and flavor.
As I glanced at the box, I couldn’t help but think about the biblical images of God’s children as various parts of one body.
The good work we do at Lord of Life makes a difference in our community. From Stepping Forward to Faith Food Pantry; from big projects like Family Promise to actions as simple as helping to pay fines at Woodland Elementary Library so students can continue to explore and check out library books; we are always looking for ways we can help.
We're always glad when we find out what an impact we are having in the world.
It’s time to pull out Sonny Rollins Saxophone Colossus, Matthew Sweet’s Girlfriend, and Van Morrison’s Days Like This. One of the great joys of May is rotating out the “late-winter” music in favor of “springtime” music.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons can obviously be listened to all year long, as well as any Miles Davis, Lyle Lovett, and Ray Charles, but there are some cds and albums that are best listened to when spring is in full swing. Driving around with the windows down, mowing the grass, and eating ice cream outside each beg for appropriate soundtracks.
What a whirlwind few weeks we’ve shared together! Thank you to all who organized, led, read, sang, served, and attended Holy Week and Easter worship moments. Together, we journeyed with Jesus from death to life!
On Palm Sunday, we waved palms and shouted “Hosanna!” as we remembered the entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
On Maundy Thursday, we embraced Jesus’ invitation to love one another as we washed feet, confessed, prayed, and marked ourselves once again in the waters of baptism. Our service concluded with the stripping of the altar, as we leaned into the grim realities of Good Friday.
On Good Friday, with words of betrayal, denial, abuse, and crucifixion, we experienced the growing darkness and crushing gravity of Jesus’ death. We waited in darkness for the Light of Christ to return.
The Easter Vigil found us gathered around the Light of Christ, remembering that the “light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” We heard God’s promises as we read through God’s salvation history and then were led into the blazing light and sound of the resurrection!
Easter morning found us gaping at the empty tomb. In wonder and joy, we joined Christians around the globe with shouts of “Alleluia! Christ is risen indeed!” In joy-filled song, Scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion, we savored that Christ is alive!
This Sunday, the journey of Easter continues. On Easter evening, Jesus met disciples on their way to Emmaus and in the breaking of the bread, "their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”
This Easter season, isn’t just about looking back, but also looking ahead. Jesus meets us, too. Look for him. Our risen Lord continues to come among us, bringing life, light, and hope.
Today is Maundy Thursday. In the Christian Church, it is the day we remember Jesus giving his disciples one last instruction, one final mandate, a new maundatum. He said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35
I caught a glimpse of that love this past Sunday, when, in an act of solidarity with Jacqui Roell and her journey of breast cancer, a dozen women donned headscarves. I asked them why they did it and what they experienced. Here are a few excerpts: