"Were not our hearts burning within us?" Luke 13:32

     The grieving disciples walked on the road to Emmaus after Jesus death. In their grief, confusion, anger and fear they experienced the resurrected Christ as a stranger who walked with them along the way. The stranger opened the scriptures up to them, blessed and broke bread with them, and their eyes were opened. They then recognized Christ in their midst. They said, "Were not our hearts burning within us?"
     That's exactly how I felt last Saturday at the prayer service for Father Bill at St. Joseph Catholic Church. It was one of the most moving spiritual experiences of my life. I am confidant that I will always remember the love of Christ I experienced in the eyes and hearts of the community that day. I am extremely grateful that Father Bill invited me to play a part in the celebration of his 50th Anniversary of his ordination.
     It's almost impossible for me to express the depth and intimacy of Spirit that I experienced. I was blessed, touched, and encouraged by the young Catholic people who opened up the scriptures and shared their reflectioins from the pulpit. To be included as a speaker among them was an incredible experience. As an ordained woman in the Protestant Church, I was simultaneously humbled and empowered to be speaking from the pulpit in the Catholic Church.
     The most lovely gift however, came in serving the bread of life, the Body of Christ, to the beautiful people who were gathered in Spirit. Yes, our hearts were burning within us and the presence of Christ was overwhelming as they held out their hands and I shared the bread with my Catholic sisters and brothers.
     Then came the children and just as the prophet Isaiah said, "a little child shall lead them."  Nicole Schilling and her little dancers led us right into the Kingdom, power and glory of God as they danced to "We are the world, we are the children."

There comes a time when we heed a certain call

When the world must come together as one

There are people dying, and its time to lend a hand to life

The greatest gift of all

We can't go on pretending day by day

That someone, somehow will soon make a change

We are all a part of Gods great big family

And the truth, you know, Love is all we need.

[Chorus]

We are the world, we are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day So lets start giving

There's a choice we're making. We're saving our own lives.

Its true we'll make a better day, Just you and me.

     As Paul said, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
Sometimes (but not always), I am happy to be in agreement with Paul.
Peace,
Deb

Seeds of Hope

     Central Christian Church was blessed with a beautiful day for our Community Service Sunday June 3rd.  Check out our webpage and facebook page for photos http://www.lovinggodlovingnieghbor.org/

    The joy of working together as the Body of Christ is incredible.  We laughed and served together planting seeds and flowers in our new community garden.  Some gave a lot of sweat and labor to the garage roof at the Habitat House.  The owner of the Habitat House helped us clean up the lot of another Habitat property, paying forward the gifts she has received. 

    Some of us watered seeds of faith by singing hymns at our local nursing facilities.  Children and adults blessed the animals at the animal shelter PAWS.  Some stayed at the church labeling seeds and sending out cards to community  members.  We all reaped the benefit of those who prepared a delicious meal for us to enjoy when the work was completed.

   May our community be blessed and God glorified in the harvest!  Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is like this..."  Yes, it is like this!

Pentecost:  Dancing, Dreaming, Singing, Breathing, Creating...with Spirit
This Sunday May 27 is Pentecost; the day we celebrate the mysterious and life giving Spirit of God.  As I mull over the scriptures and entertain sermon ideas, these random thoughts come to mind.
"We know the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now." Romans 8:22-27
How is our creation groaning today?  What is the Spirit birthing through these labor pains?
When have you experienced the Spirit's moving or birthing? 
How does the Spirit communicate with you?  In nature?  As intuition?  In the lives and stories of others?  In music?  In scripture?  In worship? 
Do you have a Spirit story to share?  Has there been a time in your life when you said to yourself, "That was the Spirit of God!"
Does the Spirit speak to us and challenge us in the face and words of our enemies?

Please share your thoughts with me.
Spirit Speak!
Pastor Deb

Latest poetry

Flame

Your labor, my peace.

You dance, I dream.

Leap, flicker, illuminate shadows

on the freshly painted bedroom wall, performing a private ballet

pirouette, plié, jete!

You, the ballet mistress and choreographer,

I, your captive audience.

Encore!

Your performance excites me, flame.

your beauty, my pleasure

your heat warms but holds no candle to my burning heart or

my greedy aching flesh that finds only an empty cold space where he should lie.

Flame

Privacy, please.

My breath, your death.

Good night,

flame.



Debbie Griffin

Week of August 29: Book Study

The world of technology is a blessing and a challenge don't you think?  I am experiencing a variety of feelings and thoughts about our online study/discussion.  I am hearing from many of you that the books are stimulating and enjoyable.  I am not hearing about this online; however.  Most of the discussions still take place face to face or over the phone.  I am not sure what that says about technology?  Is the mode of conversation challenging?  Are you finding the blog difficult to navigate?  Do you enjoy checking the blog for the reflection questions?  Would love to hear from more of you on the blog!

Christianity for the Rest of Us:  Chapter 5
On pg 78 Bass says "for those of us seeking another way, between fundamentalisma nd secularism, a way of pilgrim faith, finding community is not easy."  Do you agree?  How hard is it to find a community to journey with in this pilgrim faith?  Have you found yours?  If so, what made it a hospitable place for you?  What in chapter 5 spoke to you, positively or negatively?

41 Days of Audacious Living
What day are you on?  What affirmations have you been using?  Are you finding yourself to be more attentive to the Spirit throughout your day, because of the readings or affirmations?

Peace,
Pastor Deb

Book Study Week of 8/15

How is the reading going?  Are you enjoying the books?  Any random thoughts?  Please post any thoughts so we can converse.  Below are a few questions to spark your imagination.
From Christianity for the Rest of Us:  Chapter 4
1.  With which image do you most strongly identify: returnee, exile, immigrant, convert, or villager?  Does another image better describe your faith journey?
2.  Does your congregation have an impact on your spiritual journey--or do you grow and change primarily outside the context of church?
From 41 days of Audacious Living
1.  Are you using the daily affirmations?  Do the affirmations help you stay aware of your faith journey throughout the day.  Do they change your attitude or self image in any way?
2.  Of all the daily lessons so far, which one challenges you the most?

For next week:  Continue the daily readings in 41 days and read chapter 5 in Christianity for the Rest of Us.
Peace!

Online Book Study Week 3

Author Bruce Epperly differs with Rick Warren in his understanding of how God moves in the world and our lives.  On pg 21 he says, "In cotnrast to Rick Warren's view of God, I do not believe that God determines everything in advance but that we are invited to be God's companions in creating a future that is, to some degree, open and unfinished."  Do you agree with Bruce Epperly?  If so, in what way do you see yourself or your church "partnering" or "companioning" with God?
Next reading: pgs 28-35

Book 2: Christianity for the Rest of Us:  1.  How would a congregation that emphasizes practice differ from one that emphasizes purity?
2.  Do you think that faith is about asking questions or finding answers?
Next Reading: Chapter 4

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