Author: SusannahDB

A Day of Giving Thanks

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A Day of Giving Thanks
Recently I was asked to reflect on a ministry in which I participated while working at a previous church. As I thought about what to say, I realized how thankful I was for my time spent with the children and all the adults who taught them. This time of reflection encouraged me to spend some time creating a gratitude list. Until I starting writing my list, I didn’t realize how much I needed this practice. So I invite you to take a few quiet moments and write a gratitude list. In the midst of all that is going on in my life and the world, it was helpful to pause and give thanks.
Dear God,
You are the giver of all good gifts. When I stop and consider all I have to be thankful for, I am amazed. Here is my gratitude list for today-
visits from loved ones
smiles
the churches where I was called to serve
delicious food
people who lend a helping hand
courage to speak out for what is right
when children giggle
planning and taking vacations
phone calls from people who know me
hospice patients and families
work colleagues
my husband
my whole family
opportunities to give back
prophets who speak the truth we need to hear
a good cup of tea and time to enjoy it.
Thank you, God, for all this and so much more. Encourage me to stop and take the time to be thankful often. Amen.

Call to Worship (Exodus 3: 1-15)

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Call to Worship (Exodus 3: 1-15)
One-Come to this place to see what God has done.
All-We are here for burning bushes and holy ground.
One-Here you will find God on special days of celebration and ordinary days too.
All-We seek the God of our ancestors knowing we may be called to new places.
One-Listen for God’s call and know you do not go alone.
All-We are ready to worship and see God in this place. 

My Book of Mean People Journal

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My Book of Mean People Journal
Toni and Slade Morrison
Pictures by Pascal Lemaitre
This book was a gift many years ago from a dear friend. She knew I was going through a rough patch and bought this book to cheer me up. It is a place to share your feelings using words and pictures when you are struggling with mean people. I will admit that I have not yet written in the book. I pull it out regularly and imagine what I would write and draw when people are mean.
This journal gives you space to write about actions of mean people, times you are mean, what you would say to mean people, and what you wish mean people would stop doing.
This is a perfect gift for anyone who is having a tough time and needs a safe place to share their feelings. I like it much better than the book by the same name because the journal acknowledges that we can be mean too!

Benediction using Romans 12: 1-8

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Benediction using Romans 12: 1-8
Go out into the world knowing you are God’s beloved children and knowing each person you meet is beloved by God. Be transformed by your time here in this place and by the people you meet here and when you leave this place. Be humble knowing you are blessed by God with talents and gifts just as every other person in the whole wide world is blessed by God with gifts and talents too. Look for God in those you meet. Spend more time listening than talking to those you love and those you try to love. And always remember that you are not alone because God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer is with you always. Amen!

Stash Double Bergamot Earl Grey Black Tea

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I have been enjoying the huge stash of this tea that came in a box too large to go in my tea cabinet. Each morning this tea helps me face another day! My biggest complaint about this tea is that it is difficult to compost. The string is attached to the tea bag with a staple, and the tag is attached to the string with a staple. As staples do not go well in compost or a worm bin, I am throwing away parts of the packaging that could normally be composted if not for the staples. This is a tasty cup of Earl Grey just don’t steep it more than the recommended 3-5 minutes.

Benediction-Psalm 133:1

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Benediction-Psalm 133:1

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
And what does this look like in today’s world? We must ask for forgiveness for what we have done wrong and seek justice for all! We must listen to the stories of our kindred and seek justice for all! We must speak out against violence to any of our kindred and seek justice for all! We must work toward a day when all have enough food, equal opportunities, safety and security. And we look forward to the day we can say-How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

 

Words in italics are Psalm 133:1 from the New Revised Standard Version.

The Sound of Silence

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The Sound of Silence

 

Recently, I was sick. Sore throat, fever, headache, coughing. It was terrible. I had no energy. I was not hungry. And possibly the worst part,  I could not talk for three days. No talking. No whispering. I communicated with my husband using hand gestures and texting. As I was not talking, I was thinking. Here are some things I learned-

I would not enjoy a week-long silent retreat!

I enjoy the sound of my own voice.

I enjoy communicating with others.

 

“But God definitely listened. God heard the sound of my prayer.” –Psalm 66:19

 

God, you hear my prayers whether I say them out loud or hold them in my heart. You know me when I feel well and when I feel terrible. And through all my days, you love me and I am thankful for your love. I pray for all those who are feeling unwell today. Ease their pain. Grant them rest. Blanket them with your love. In your healing and holy name, we pray. Amen.

 

Stopping By a Church

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I love visiting churches. I love hearing stories from church members as they celebrate their history and their hopes for the future. Earlier this summer, my Dad and I were walking through Ketchikan, Alaska and discovered St. John’s Episcopal Church was open to visitors. We opened the door and climbed the steps to step into their sanctuary. We were greeted by a very welcoming church member who told us the history of her church.
In 1904, when the church building was completed, it was at the water’s edge. You could tie your boat up at the front door and come into worship. As the town has expanded they have created land farther into the water and now you can drive or walk to the church. I took pictures of some of the stained glass windows that date from the 1930s.
I recommend you stop in the next time you pass a church that is open for visitors. You never know what or who you might meet inside.
Loving God, Thank you for your faithful communities across the world who share your love. Thank you for open doors and open hearts. Give us the courage to stop and strike up a conversation. Open our eyes to see you in each other. Amen.

Call Out to God (Based on Psalm 17)

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Call Out to God (based on Psalm 17)

Faithful God, I am calling out to you! Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry. Listen to me, God, I need you now! From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right. Now, God, is when I need you. Be here with me. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. Listen to me, God, I need you now! Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. My hope is in you, Faithful God. Answer me when I call unto you. Amen.

The words in italics are Psalm 17 from the New Revised Standard Version.

Worship Words for a Time of Waiting

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Recently, I spent a long period of time waiting for an answer. I spent my time watching tv, eating comfort foods, and worrying. I wrote this piece afterward to help myself the next time I find myself in a time of worrying and waiting. I recommend repeating this ritual each time that the concern comes to mind.

 

Light a candle, take three deep calming breaths, and pray.

Faithful God, I pass this concern on to you. It is too much for me to carry and hold on my own. Hold those in my heart in your loving hands. Amen.

 

“So now, Lord, what should I be waiting for? My hope is set on you.” – Psalm 39:7

“Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” –Matthew 6:27

 

Watch the flickering candle while taking three deep calming breaths and pray.

Faithful God, Again I pass my worry to you. Quiet my mind and calm my spirit. Be with me and those on my heart. Amen.