August 13th, 2020
Hello, church! Please join me this week in continuing to pray for the health of the world, for the comfort of those who have lost loved ones, for justice, for the future of Christianity, for our congregation as we prepare to resume in-person gatherings, for the education of children and all involved in the process, for God’s mercy upon us all, and for our ability to share the love of God with others.
Peace,
Chess
Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr is a rather polarizing figure. He is a Franciscan priest, author, speaker, and teacher who “is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and self-emptying, expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized.” But he isn’t for everyone; those who read his works either love it or hate it. Personally, I generally find many of his works very informative and helpful for my spirituality, particularly his book, The Divine Dance. Years ago, he founded a retreat center called the Center for Action and Contemplation, and their website has consolidated all things Richard Rohr, links to books, podcasts, daily email meditations, and much more. I suggest you check it out and consider adding your email to the subscription list for the daily meditations.
Family Activities
We know that the fruit of the spirit is important for us as adults. We need to teach our young people so that they grow up knowing how important it is to practice these basic things. Enclosed this week are several activities centered on these attitudes. The final activity is a fruit salad to make with your child. Have fun, show them that the individual things are good, but together they make something great!
Explanation of the Fruit of the Spirit
Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Page
Make a “Fruit of the Spirit” Salad
As you prepare for this Sunday’s worship
Included here are the scriptures, reflection questions, and prayers that are thematically matched to our Sunday worship outline.
Scriptures: Gen 45:1-15; Ps 133; Matt 15:10-28; Rom 11:1-2a, 29-32
Questions for Reflection:
Why do you think Jesus resisted the Canaanite woman’s request? How does this fit with your idea of Jesus’ mercy and love? What changed his mind? How does this influence your faith in God?
Morning Prayer:
Merciful God, this day is full of your possibilities for healing and reconciliation, for new beginnings and restored relationships. Unite my heart with your will so that your abundant anointing will flow through me. Send me now with your promised blessings to preserve the lives of those in need. Amen.
Evening Prayer:
God of the night watches, guard me from torment, release me from distress. Call me close to you and kiss me with your favor that I may rest secure in you. Amen.
Previous Links
Below are the links to resources I have mentioned in previous emails for your continued reference.
Phyllis Tickle’s, Divine Hours
The Way of the Heart, by Henri Nouwen
Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth , by Walter Brueggemann
The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
The Discernment of Spirits and workbook by Timothy Gallagher
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Prayers for a Privileged People
Shattering the Illusion: How African American Churches of Christ Moved from Segregation to Independence by Wes Crawford
Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman
The Road Back to You by Ian Cron
Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, by Brian Zahnd
What Was Wrong with Cain’s Sacrifice?
Sacred Places: In Search of Ebenezers