h2odevos - advent 2011 "echoes of the season"

H2odevos eots 122111 Chain of Love-Advent Style

2011-12-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 122111 Chainof Love-Advent Style

Woke up Sunday morning blue gulf ofMexico 

Barefoot children were dancing in thesand 

There are chains that bind you chainsthat remind you 

Won't you please give me your hand

http://littleflockmusic.com/AUDIO/PM/RG/ChainOfLove.mp3

PRAYER OF THE DAY for All Saints Sunday (ELW)

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in

the mystical body of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed

saints in lives of faith and commitment,

and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared

for those who love you, through Jesus Christ,

our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Yesterday would have been my father’s 94^th birthday.

As many of you know four years ago

on his 90^th birthday Frank Glusenkamp had a stroke,

suffered seizures and never regained

consciousness. He died 14 days later. I’ve been working

with a couple of families this week

who are similar situations. I always tell them,

“there are worse things than dying.”

Sometimes they shake their heads and signify

that they agree. At other times they look at me

with a look that seems to ask “what are you talking about?”

But, what I am talking about is what Peter is singing about,

namely we are connected through a chain

of Love. This chain is not always visible to the

human eye, but nevertheless it is real, it is strong,

it holds onto us when we can longer hold onto

it or to each other.

I give thanks for this chain that connects

you and me together.

I give thanks for you.

Deck the halls,

rtg

H2odevos eots 122021 “every body’s searching”

2011-12-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 122021 “everybody’s searching”

Peter sings, “just a piece of paradise.”

I’m listening to the new cd, Under Your Spell. It’s not too late to get your stockingstuffer! http://littleflockmusic.com/product.asp?ID=PM-UYS-CD

A cup of coffee, a wrinkled newspaper, a well worn Bible andan ipod keep me company as I hear Peter sing,

“I thought that I hada soul, it turned out to be just a hole in my life.”

I keep playing the song over and over. Some of the licks ofthe guitar state that plaintive lament which is a cry of the heart, but thenthere is Peter’s soothing voice of hope and resilience. I mean who hasn’t had ahole in their life? As Peter correctly observes “every body’s searching.”Searching for that perfect gift, that perfect mate, that perfect tree, thatperfect church, that perfect perfection, a “piece of paradise.”

And yet, folks experience

“broken hearts andbroken hands in their lives.” Forsome reason this year I am more mindful of that than at other times past.Perhaps it’s because I recognize clearly the brokenness in my heart, in myhands.

In Luke 23:43 Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Truly I tell you,today you will be with me in Paradise." The thief saw a slice, a piece ofparadise.

In 2 Corinthians12:4 St. Paul talks about how he “ was caught up into Paradise and heardthings that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.” He gota little piece of paradise.

In Revelation 2:7, weget a celestial invitation, “ Let anyone who has an earlisten to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers,I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise ofGod.”

I pray today that you recognize that “piece ofparadise” that is from the Prince of Peace.

May the “echoes of the season” bring you joy.

Deck the halls,

rtg

H2odevos eots 121611 Christmas Countdown

2011-12-16T20:17:00.001-07:00

H2odevos eots 121611 Christmas Countdown

I was making a home visit on Wednesday (yes, pastors stilldo that). In fact, my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann and I attempt to see all the incoming 7^th graders to ourconfirmation program. Each year that amounts on average to be about 35-40 youngpeople. So, this is something that we desire to do as we share with thestudents, their parents, their siblings and even pets, the approach we take tofaith formation.

Our partners in this venture are a wonderful group led byDr. Paul Hill and his colleagues called VIBRANT FAITH. Their website is http://vibrantfaith.org - I encourage you tocheck it out.

So, I was visiting astudent by the name of Grace, how cool is that? She has a sister named Mia. Asthey were treating me in the kitchen to cookies and some warm coffee I sawtheir countdown calendars up on the wall. Their parents, Angela and Charlie aredoing a good job! The message of the calendars is CHRISTMAS IS…

CHRISTMAS IS A COMING!

As Peter sings, “once again the story begins bringing goodnews in the night.”

On Tuesday, I visited Annette. She was baptized at Bethanymany years ago. In fact, she is the oldest living member of our church who wasbaptized at our church. I believe if memory serves me correct that she was bornin 1917. At one time she was very good with her hands and made lots of gifts ofcounted cross-stitching and embroidery. The following picture is of one of her creations that currently hangs inour library at church.

It’s a quotation from Isaiah 40:31,

³¹but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

It’s all about waiting. And while we are “counting down” thedays, maybe it’s also a good time to be “counting up” the ways we can let lightand love shine around us.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 121711 Whisper

2011-12-16T20:12:00.003-07:00

H2odevos eots 121711 WHISPER

Isaiah 29:4  Then deep from the earthyou shall speak,

from low inthe dust your words shall come;

your voiceshall come from the ground like the voice of a ghost,

and your speech shall whisper out of the dust.

Christmascame a little early yesterday. My shipment of Peter’s new cd, “UNDER YOURSPELL”

arrived via ofthe good folks who work so hard to make packages and boxes arrive in time forthe holidays.

I’mgrateful for the blessing of family on this day. We are going to celebrate asSue Ann receives her Masters degree in Nursing Leadership. We have a “hooding”to attend as well as the graduation from Regis University at the conventioncenter. I am sure with all of us gathered together that we will want to betalking all the time. I am also sure someone will turn around with a strernlook in their eye and their index finger in front of their lips while“mouthing” the word “whisper.”

Peterknows this is the season of “whispers” We whisper what we want for Christmas.We whisper what we bought another. We whisper the “hopes and dreams of all theyears.” We whisper our love and affection.

Maythis whisper of a day bring you hope, light and love.

Deckthe halls,

rtg

H2odevos eots 12111 Blooms from Brokenness

2011-12-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

"Out of a thousand faces you find the light in one

From so many distant places your journey has begun

To find true joy and happiness

To bring new blooms from brokenness

And every day your song be yes

We're touched by the hands of love"

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/the-hands-of-love

http://pomegranates.org/index.php?c=5

I had an amazing day on Monday. It was full of emotions. There was everything from

"true joy and happiness"-to some deep sadness and brokenness. As a parish pastor I know that folks let you walk with them through good times and bad times. Monday was full of both ends of the spectrum.

I've been doing this "work" for thirty years or so. I've learned a few things along the way. I believe as Peter sings that we've been "touched by the hands of love." I know there are "new blooms from brokenness." I trust that when we see our day as a "song of yes" as opposed to a "lament of NO" that we truly let our hearts and lights shine. Just as I wrote those words, our power went out in our home. (After some searching around in the dark for a candle, I'm now writing by candlelight and using my lovely MacBook Pro on battery power.

I've experienced the reality that:

Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30)

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8)

God has a plan for us even when we can't see it or feel it. But, there is a plan for our wellbeing. (Jeremiah 29:11)

God is Love! 1 John

Blooms do come from brokenness.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_prb/t/the_hinton_st_mary_mosaic.aspx

When I was in England in October, I first heard about the Hinton St. Mary Mosaic. In what many people believe is one of the first mosaic images of Christ, he is flanked by pomegranates. There was the understanding in Jewish lore that there are 613 seeds in the pomegranate-one seed for each of the commandments in the Old Testament.

Today I pray that you find the seeds of love, hope and grace that are all around us.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 121211 REJOICE ALWAYS

2011-12-12T06:40:00.001-07:00

"Through trials and darkness fear and temptation

You look for deliverance and some revelation

With no song of spring you wait for the call

Could there be nothing at all...Oh Sing

Joy joy joy in the morning Joy joy in the afternoon

Joy joy joy for the child is born

This night the promise is given to you"

Sing Joy by Peter Mayer

In yesterday's sermon I referred the worshippers to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. I likened it to a blueprint.

My father, Frank, was an architect. I remember as a little boy looking at the blueprints he would create. There was a great deal of detail on each and every page. The blueprints weren't the building of course, but they showed how the workers could put the building together.

St. Paul has created an amazing blueprint for "building each other up" for constructing a joyful self and community this Advent. I encourage you to take a look at the words,

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.

23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

I asked the congregation to read along with me as we looked at the verses.

So, today, I need you to help me with this. It's all about reading the blueprints.

Let's read the two words in verse 16:

^{16 "}Rejoice always, Alright, we've heard these words before from here and in other places like Phil. 3:1 and Romans 12:12. And to "rejoice always" means something different from Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (although that is a very fine song). But, it seems to me that "rejoicing," means finding the joy in it all. I think it can mean, finding the "Light" in the darkness.

Let's read the three words of verse 17:

¹⁷pray without ceasing, Good! These words echo Col. 4:2 and Eph. 6:18. As a child and young adult I would hear these verses as a judgment of sorts, that I had to just sit in church and pray 24/7. But, that's a childish view, a simplistic view of prayer. Prayer is talking and listening to God. When we sing carols, when we read Scripture, when we bake cookies for a neighbor, we are praying.

My prayer today is that you follow the star. My hope today is that you enjoy a piece of bread as we think about making our way to Bethlehem (which means HOUSE OF BREAD).

I'd like for you to intentionally take time to "rejoice always" and "pray without ceasing."

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 121111 Job Description (encore)

2011-12-10T21:35:00.001-07:00

December 11, 2011

Third Sunday in Advent

Job Description

"Break out the lights shine them bright

Hang them from tree and from rafter

Let them burn all through the night

Light up your hearts with the laughter"

Ring Out The Bells by Peter Mayer

This is an Encore Devo, first published on December 11, 2005

Okay, Christmas Day is just two weeks from today. While that thought might bring a sense of anxiousness to some people, the very good news for our world is that Christmas comes whether we are ready or not! The holiday is not dependent on our state of readiness or preparedness. Fortunately, the promises of God are being fulfilled while stars are positioned in the sky and angelic choirs are on alert in the heavenly realms all set to sing "Gloria in excelsis Deo."

The other day I heard someone ask in a rather frustrated voice, "What in God's name are you doing?" This question was not (in my humble opinion) intended to evoke a vocational assessment on behalf of the hearer, but was intentionally spoken as a critique of another person's behavior. It was an evaluation of current state. And while the words were spoken in an exasperated tone, I'd like to re-frame them or position them to suggest that all of us have job descriptions given to us by God.

Today we hear the following words from the prophet Isaiah. They are a job description posted years ago which Jesus aligned himself with in the course of his ministry.

"The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; ²to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; ³to provide for those who mourn in Zion -- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory."(Isaiah 61:1-4)

Like Peter sings, break, hang, let, light."

Today you might have the opportunity to give a garland instead of ashes,

Spritz some oil of gladness instead of mourning,

To wrap someone with a scarf (cashmere of course) of praise instead of deflating their hopes and dreams.

'Tis the season & Jesus is the Reason!

RTG

h2odeovs eots 121011 LIGHT + LOVE

2011-12-09T19:50:00.001-07:00

H2odevos eots 121011 Light+Love

Winter's come again too soon this year
Grab your hat and woolen scarf my dear
Feathers from a Robin's wing
That's all you'll find to remind you of spring
Colored lights in ornamental strings
Turn ordinary streets to special things
A sigh catches your breath
Then a smile for the season of stars and promises

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/stars-and-promises

Sue Ann and I were at Regis University last night for aService of Lessons and Carols.

It was a lovely time to hear about “stars and promises.” Aswe left the sanctuary I noticed that there was a copy of portions of the St.Johns Bible. The pages which caught my eye were from Exodus 19 and 20. Chapter20 is all about the BIG 10 (not the athletic conference) (which actually nowhas 12 schools in it) but the TEN COMMANDMENTS. You can read more about this lovely project by checking out the website:

http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/

I’ve also included a couple of pictures.

As I reflect on the service the whole idea of Light+ Love comes to me. I am grateful for people who have shown me lightand love along the way. I think of how Peter’s music graciously proclaims lightand love to folks who gather together to hear his music. The Bible is a love songfull of Light+ Love. As you know sometimes people want to take a selectportion of the Bible (or particularsoundbytes ) out of context in order make a point or to attempt to win an argument.I’m always taken by Kurt Vonnegut’s words:

“For some reason, the most vocalChristians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears intheir eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in publicbuildings. And of course that's Moses, not Jesus. I haven't heard one of themdemand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere.”

Kurt Vonnegut

So, today it is my prayer that thesewords of Light + Love might echo in your heart and soul:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after hesat down, his disciples came to him. ²Then hebegan to speak, and taught them, saying:

³"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdomof heaven.

⁴"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

⁵"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

⁶"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.

⁷"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

⁸"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

⁹"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called childrenof God.

¹⁰"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute youand utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account ¹²Rejoiceand be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way theypersecuted the prophets who were before you.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120911 A SPACE RESERVED FOR THE MONARCH

2011-12-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 120911 “A Space Reserved for the Monarch”

I was walking down a busy street in Denver when I saw thesign which read

“Parking for Monarch Only.” A smile immediately came to myface. I thought about this holy season of Advent as a special time to preparefor the coming of the Lord.

I remember as a little boy memorizing the following verse FROMHEAVEN ABOVE

O dearest Jesus, holy child,

prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,

a holy shrine, within my heart,

that you and I need never part.

Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. LutheranBook of Worship, 1978

That lovelyintention is one of the of the “Echoes of the Season that I hear as I makevisits to homebound members of our congregation. Another “echo” I am sure thatyou hear comes from

O Little Townof Bethlehem

Oholy child of Bethlehem,

descend to us, we pray;

cast out our sin, and enter in,

be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels

the great glad tidings tell;

oh, come to us, abide with us,

our Lord Immanuel!

Text:Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893

Both of thesecarols echo the passionate prayerthat there be a space reserved for this monarchlovingly called the Prince of Peace.

Peter texted methe other day that one of the songs on the tour this year that is reallygetting traction asks the question, “what will Christmas make of you?” I believe that is really the question. Quiteoften in the whole discussion about Christmas, while some folks condemn andothers affirm the recognition of various faith and religious traditions, assome embrace and others eschew tolerance and diversity, some Christians reallyplay the “victim” card and role. Nate, Noah, Hannah and I are reading a bookwhich is titled

All ThingsShining –Reading the Western Classics to Find Meaning in a Secular Age

http://books.simonandschuster.com/All-Things-Shining/Hubert-Dreyfus/9781416596158

This past weekin the chapter we were discussing (via of conference call) it seemed that the authorssaid many people often get caught either being totally devoted to a notion ofthe nostalgic past or a notion of a wonderful future (NOTE:these are my words,not those of the authors and so I could have misunderstood their point).However, it does some to make sense that we are tempted to either live in anidealized past (which for me consisted of Lassie, Bozo, Ozzie and Harriett, ofcourse the Cleavers and BONANZA!) Or at the other end of the spectrum to be sofocused on a future which is all full of JETSON type appliances and gadgetscoupled with pseudo-enlightened and fauxprogressive view of self and the world.

So, I’mintrigued by the question “what will Christmas make of you?” If you’d like totake a turn at answering that, send a note to me at h2odevos@gmail.com

Meanwhile, besure to reserve a space in your heart for the Monarch.

Deck the Halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120811 THERE + HERE

2011-12-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

I happened to be at Regis University on Tuesday to witness my wife, Sue Ann, participate in her oral comprehensive final exam in her quest for a Masters in Nursing Leadership.

She was eloquent, elegant and profound. Her graduation day is December 17^th. Nate, Noah and Hannah are all coming in for the event. I am so very proud of her and what she has accomplished.

As I was hanging out (some might call it loitering) in the hallway waiting for some of the procedural stuff to unfold, a holiday display caught my eye. In the midst of the kinara (the candle holder for Kwanza), the menorah (the lamp stand used in Jewish liturgy), and the advent wreath (the circular, four candle pre-Christmas lights), there was a dreidel.

The dreidel is associated with Hanukkah (Festival of Lights), which is a celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The four letters on the dreidel (transliterated for Microsoft Word) and need to be read from the left to the right are (SH, H, G, N) or נ (Nun), ג (Gimmel), ה (Hay) and ש (Shin), which stand for the Hebrew phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" (which means "a great thing happened there." The "great thing" was there was only enough oil for the light to burn for one day, but it burned for eight days.

Now in Israel the dreidel has a different fourth letter (which stands for the word "here.")

I like the notion of marking "great things" (as well as "small things") which take place because of miracles "there and here." Perhaps in the kitchen where food for friends, neighbors and strangers is made we should make a sign which reads "a great thing happened here." Maybe in the living room where forgiveness has been asked for and granted, a sign could be placed, "a great thing happened here." What might be amazing is that you and I take time today to move from a notion of scarcity to recognizing the miracle of abundance all around us.

When that happens, it's time to DECK THE HALLS!

Peace,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120711 "What's the Buzz" encoure 120705

2011-12-07T07:59:00.001-07:00

S&P 2005 what’s the buzz 12-07-06

What’s the Buzz?

St. Ambrose Day,Bishop of Milan, 397

(encore performance)

“There is a wind thatmoves all around us

Making the sound of asong if you listen

And yet we wander overthe world

For a place to belongto replace what we’re missing

We bring ourdifferences, our hopes, our faith and fears

We’ll build a home for love in this family

For the light thatbrought us here

With a blueprint forliving

Each new day is liftedup

For this house we laya foundation

On this cornerstone oflove”

Blueprints by Peter Mayer and Jim Mayer

Just by mentioning the date today, “December 7^th” evokes powerful feelings,memories and emotions. You can re-fresh your memory of those times by checkingout the website for the Library of Congress www.loc.gov/

Today is a day to remember all those who currently serve andhave served our country through the armed forces. We keep in our prayers theirfamilies and friends who watch and wait. It is also a day to remember the innocent victims of war, past andpresent.

And as the issue of conflicts and wars is contemplated it isappropriate to reflect on how faith communities deal with problems anddisagreements within the community. The challenge is “let our lights shine” inorder to create illumination and warmth as opposed to feeling “the heat” ofpain, disappointment and resentment. It is as Peter sings,

“And yet we wanderover the world

For a place to belongto replace what we’re missing

We bring ourdifferences, our hopes, our faith and fears

We’ll build a home for love in this family

For the light thatbrought us here”

Healthy congregationsfacilitate healthy members and clergy. Healthy members and clergy facilitatehealthy congregations. Now having said that, I am also cognizant that “churchfights or conflicts” are nothing new. When one reads the letters of St. Paul itis obvious that he was constantly doing conflict resolution work. That“tradition” continues today. Ask any bishop or assistant to a bishop ormid-level judicatory official regarding “what do you spend a majority of yourtime on?” The answer which will come (quite quickly) is “conflict.”

Ambrose who was baptized, ordained as priest and consecratedas bishop on this date was thrust into conflict immediately. He is oftenreferred to as the “honey tongued doctor.” In fact, iconography associated withhim are bees and beehives. Check out http://symbols.ehibou.com/bee/ to learnmore about the bumblebee. He is the patron saint for bee keepers, candle-makersand all things related to wax.

No one heals himself by wounding another.

- Saint Ambrose

Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous than any external enemies.

- Saint Ambrose

The Church of theLord is built upon the rock of the apostles among so many dangers in the world;it therefore remains unmoved. The Church's foundation is unshakable and firmagainst assaults of the raging sea. Waves lash at the Church but do not shatterit. Although the elements of this world constantly beat upon the Church with crashingsounds, the Church possesses the safest harbor of salvation for all indistress.

There is a stream which flows down on God's saints like a torrent. There isalso a rushing river giving joy to the heart that is at peace and makes forpeace.

He who read much and understands much, receives his fill. He who is full,refreshes others. So Scripture says: "If the clouds are full, they willpour rain upon the earth."

-St. Ambrose

I hope you willcreate “buzz” today by building up God’s church and the world in which we live.

rtg

h2odevos eots 120611 JOY! (St. Nick's Day)

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 120611 JOY!

St. Nicholas Day

“Sing Joy, joy, joy inthe morning”

On Saturday as the snow was falling in our community a young couple at church attending a baptism seminar brought me a gift of Arthur Bryant’s BBQ Sauce. Now, let me tell you, “this is the real deal.” They had been visiting family in Kansas City. And so like the traveling Magi, the Wise Ones of old, these travelers from the East brought a gift that was worth it’s weight in gold, frankincense and myrrh. Arthur Bryant’s BBQ is authentic. This gift which came totally out of the blue (it is that heavenly, as well as a lovely Advent gift) brought me a great sense of joy.

On Monday morning Sue Ann and I took a trip to the mountains to cut down a Christmas tree. This was in a national forest. The tree cutting process is all part of forest management. I thought to myself about what things need to be “cut down” in my life during this season of Advent? Where is there too much growth? Where does the spiritual landscape need a sabbatical in order for new growth to take place at a future date?

On Monday morning Sue Ann and I took a trip to the mountainsto cut down a Christmas tree. This was in a national forest. The tree cuttingprocess is all part of forest management. I thought to myself about what thingsneed to be “cut down” in my life during this season of Advent? Where is theretoo much growth? Where does the spiritual landscape need a sabbatical in orderfor new growth to take place at a future date.

We were way out there. Besides a few animal prints in thesnow there wasn’t much evidence that there was any thing or any one else aroundus. And yet, we knew we were in the presence of LIFE in this holy cathedral of creation. The snowy trees sang“JOY!”

If you live in Colorado you can “bring” JOY by participatingin www.firstgiving.org

on this day we remember Jolly Old St. Nick. If you live inanother part of the country you might want to share you JOY by making asurprise donation or give a secret gift to another. You’ll be glad you did.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120511 Harmony + Comfort

2011-12-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

H2odeovos eots 120411 Harmony + Comfort

“It doesn’t reallymatter if it’s yours or if it’s mine

it’s the same amountdistance one step at a time”

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/harmony

http://www.harmony.mn.us/

Friday night as the soloists and chorus sang,

we heard the words, “thecrooked made straight, the rough made plain.” I thought of those parts andpieces of each one of us that are “crooked” and “rough.” You know those edgesand sides of you that have scar tissue from being wounded or wounding others.It doesn’t take much for those hardened parts of our hearts and souls to beplaces of pain or spaces that attempt to wound others.

Art Garfunkel sang years ago in a song, “I bruise you, you bruise me, we all bruise too easily.” http://www.artgarfunkel.com/lyrics/alliknow.html

On this day, I always quote a spokesperson from years ago, (it’sa generational thing) a man by the name of John Cameron Swayze. He wouldadvertise Timex watches.

Through some pretty crazy stunts he’d always say about thewatch, “takes a licken, but keeps on ticking.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgsvnvf6UGA

Human beings are that way, too. There is an amazing reliance. Wecan “take a licken, but keep on ticking.”

At the same time, we are quite fragile. A particular look, aperceived slight, a cross word and our day is “ruined.” We bruise too easily!And we bruise others too easily as well.

And so it is with a very open heart that the words of the Isaiah40 come into our lives this morning. It’s a counter balance. Historically, thewords came to the children of Israel after they had lost everything, theircountry, their temple, their work, their loved ones.

These words come to us and mend our hearts, the “crooked madestraight, the rough made plain.”

Comfort, O comfort my people,

says your God.

²Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her

that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the LORD's hand

double for all her sins.

³A voice cries out:

"In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

⁴Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

⁵Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

It is food, comfort food for the soul. Taste and see that theLord is GOOD!

It’s what Peter is singing about in Harmony.

“It doesn’t reallymatter if it’s yours or if it’s mine

it’s the same amountdistance one step at a time”

Blessings,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120411 2nd Sunday of Advent PROMISES

2011-12-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots120411 Promises

2^ndSunday of Advent

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/the-holly-and-the-ivythe-greatest-gift

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holly_and_the_Ivy

Peter’s rendition of “The Holly and the Ivy” is a very coolinterpretation of that famous carol. I wasn’t aware of it before that bothholly and ivy were understood to be fertility symbols. I guess I must havemissed that part of the lecture in seminary when we talked about things borrowedfrom folk/pagan culture. But, if you check the link to the above article youcan learn how holy and ivy came to be prominent symbols of the season.

Here’s part of today’s sermon on John the Baptist.

“I like this character of John the Baptist because he is roughand tough. He eats locusts and wild honey. His clothes are a simple cloak ofcamel’s hair with a belt. If you saw him walking down your street you’d crossover to the other side or maybe even turn around and head out in the oppositedirection. In fact, that’s the whole point of his message and ministry. John’stalking point was simple and to the point- “repent” for the Lamb of God is onhis way. And “repent” literally means “a changed mind.” So, in other words youand I are headed in one direction, that is what we know and we are called tostop dead in our tracks and GO in the other direction.

As much as I admire John the Baptist I need to confess thismorning to you that he scares me just a bit. It is as if he has X-ray vision.Those of you who grew up on comic books know about super heroes who had theamazing power to see through walls or any permanent structure. John the Baptistwith his orthodox understanding of God and sinfulness was able to be veryconcrete when commanding and demanding that all have sinned and fallen short ofthe glory of God. So, once again he returns to be on point with his message,“REPENT!” He looks at us with those piecing, penetrating eyes and even if hedidn’t utter a single word, we know he is calling us to “REPENT.” As I said earlier, that means to change one’s mind, to changedirections, to head off in a new way.

I’ve shared with you before that whenever I preach a sermonabout confessing one’s sins, or the need to repent, to take sin seriously, somepeople stop me at the door and say, “thank you for that sermon, I just wishthat my sister, or my husband or wife would have been here to hear that.Because they need to REPENT.” I always kind of chuckle at that point for if wethink the call to repent is only for someone else in our lives, then we’ve missed the point. At the same time,while I take sin seriously and know that you do as well, it is the evangelicalLutheran tradition to take grace even more seriously than sin.

Let me be clear about this. John the Baptist who was a wild-eyedfire breathing, hellfire and damnation preacher was the advance man for JesusChrist. This Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I willgive you rest.” This Jesus was sent by the Father to save the world, not condemnthe world. This Father so loves the world that his only Son became the perfectPassover Lamb for our sins, so that we might have life.

This beloved Son died on the cross and rose from the dead sothat we might live.”

In this holy season of Advent, as we celebrate “stars +promises” may we be mindful of the promises of the past which are realized inthe present and totally fulfilled in the future.

“And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaventhe second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for becausethou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will blessthee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven,and as the sand which is uponthe sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thyseed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed myvoice.”Gen 22 KJV

Deck the Halls,

rtg

Sundays and Seasons

Lighting the Advent Wreath: Advent 2

Use this blessing when lightingthe first two candles.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of theuniverse.

John the Baptist calls all people to prepare theLord's way

for the kingdom of heaven is near.

Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.

Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit,

that we may be a light shining in the darkness

welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg FortressLiturgies Annual License #26681.

h2odevos eots 120311 GPS LOVE SONGS 120405

2011-12-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

This devo was first released on 12-04-05. Today it is an encore performance

12-03-11

S&P 2005 GPS Love Songs12-04-05

Second Sunday in Advent

GPS Love Songs

Zach as JTB + RTG as St. Nick

“Come gather togetheryou children who wander

Looking for dreamsthat the whole world has squandered

You’ve lost themyou’ve sold them for pockets of gold

And you long to comein from the cold…Oh Sing

Joy joy joy in themorning

Joy joy in theafternoon

Joy joy joy for thechild is born

This night the promiseis given to you”

Sing Joy by Peter Mayer

John the Baptist appears on the Advent scene today. He is arather unique and unusual character. You won’t see his visage gracing anyholiday extravaganza on television. Nor does his picture get included in too many Christmas cards. Heprobably wasn’t very good at “small talk” or chit-chat. In fact, if he wasasked about the current debate regardingthe designation or naming of municipality sponsored evergreen trees withcolored lights he would probably say something like, “Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every treetherefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into fire.”(Matthew 3:11) Due to his ability tospeak in sound-bytes and use of metaphorical speech, my sense is that John theBaptist would be a frequent commentator on programs like “Cross-Fire” (I thinkhe’d like that name) if he were alive today.

I am drawn to John the Baptist because he was so passionate.More than anything else his love of God and for God drove his message andministry. It was his job, his calling to“prepare the way for Jesus Christ.” His message was to “turn around” to repentand come to the Light. In a way, John the Baptist sang “tough-love songs” to the people in thewilderness.

On this Second Sunday in Advent we hear the word of Godrecorded by the prophet Isaiah,

“Comfort, O comfortmy people, says your God. ²Speaktenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that herpenalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all hersins.” (Isaiah 40:1-2)

Those words really speak to me. It might be due to the factthat I have some conflict avoidant tendencies, or that I am a middle child orthat my heart and soul is simply touchedby that gracious word of comfort. Peter’s words acknowledge the time of beingin the “wilderness”

“Come gather togetheryou children who wander

Looking for dreamsthat the whole world has squandered”

Advent is a season to listen and sing GPS love songs. Now byGPS, I mean “Grace Positioning Stories.” So John the Baptist, the prophetIsaiah, Advent wreaths, acts of mercy and justice all help us to be orientedwhen we realize we have spent time in the wilderness or even lost our way.

And what gives me hope and joy is that we have the gift tosing these love songs so that others might realize that the One who calledhimself, “the Way, the Truth and the Life” is still singing to them and to us…

“Joy joy joy for thechild is born

This night the promiseis given to you”

RTG

PS Deck the Halls

h2odevos eots 120111 BLESSED TIMES 2

2011-12-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

H2odevoseots 120211 Blessed times 2

http://www.petermayer.com/events/freedom-hallnathan-manilow-theatre-park-forest-il-2

Peter isin the Windy City tonight!

HappyBirthday King James Version

The KingJames Version is 400 years old this year. You can learn a great deal about whatcelebrations are happening all over the world by checking out:

http://www.kingjamesbibletrust.org/

Ourmodern day English language has been deeply influenced by the “Book thatchanged the world.” Check out familiar and not so familiar phrases at http://bit.ly/UroyO . There are more than 120 of themlisted.

We atBethany will be celebrating this wonderful gift to the church as Handel’sMessiah is presented in our sanctuary tonight, Friday evening, December 2nd, 2011. If you arein the Denver area, plan now to attendthis fantastic offering by our Chancel Choir under the direction of Dr. DanielGrace. Or if you check out our website, http://www.bethany-denver2.org/2011/09/blc-video/

at 7pm(Mountain) we are doing live streaming.

A personrecently asked me, “Is the Messiah aworship service or a concert?” My answer was, “yes.” For you see, it’s a grandwork of art, but at the same time it is “Scripture in song.” What a marvelousway to “kick off” your Advent journey by attending this amazing birthday partyfor the KJV.

You cansee in this portion of the handwritten score, the notes which accompany thewords, “Blessed, Blessed are they thatconsidereth the poor.” I was very taken by the whole experienceof visiting the Handel House in London http://www.handelhouse.org/

Thisparticular portion of the score led me to think about the word “poor.” Thereare many ways to interpret the word. One initially thinks of “poor” in terms of economic terms. One “echoof the season” is a line from “God of Grace and God of Glory” where we hear theline, “rich in things, but poor in soul.” I know you join me in praying forthose who experience poverty in any sense of the word. I thank you for yourwillingness to “considereth the poor”at this time of year. May you have blessings times two!

May thesedays find you having an attitude of gratitude. Check out this lovely verse from(1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 KJV)

“Wegive thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, andpatience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

Deck the Halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120111 "Go, TELL!"

2011-12-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 120111 “Go, TELL!”

World Aids Day

“Go tell it on the mountain,

tell it on the street,

that Jesus Christ is BORN!”

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/go-tell-it-on-the-mountain

I normally try to write these devos about a day in advance. On Wednesday morning I was out walking because there was a forecast of significant snowfall for the Denver area for late Wednesday night and early Thursday. As I walked around Wash Park I kept listening to Peter’s fabulous rendition of “Go Tell It On the Mountain.” I got so carried away that I was clapping and shouting “Go, Tell, Tell it on the Mountain, Tell it on the Street, that Jesus Christ is Born!” The resident geese of the park who normally scatter the runners, joggers, walkers and bikers with their incantations of goose-speak and wild wing clapping stared at me in disbelief. Soon they took off to “GO TELL!”

My good friend, Dr. Donald Messer has founded an amazing ministry by the name of

The Center for Church and Global Aids, http://www.churchandglobalaids.org/

One of his books is entitled, Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence

In a recent interview (referenced at the bottom of these next two quotes), he talks about why he wrote what he did:

“My book was an attempt to express what I heard as God’s cry for the marginalized around the world. I saw it academically as an essay in practical theology, but I remember wondering, when I was writing it, if the rhetoric was too shrill and maybe the publishers would tone it down. Fortunately Fortress Press editors were very supportive—and to my surprise the book changed my life! The response of readers led me to a seemingly endless series of speaking engagements, writing assignments, AIDS Conferences, etc. I started a 501c3 charity.”

“I’m an idealist and it is not coincidental that my favorite popular song is the “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. But I am also a realist and I believe it is possible to conquer hunger and end AIDS in our lifetime. An AIDS-free and hunger-free world are my mantra. What it will take is political will and compassion without borders. This is not simply a romantic vision, but one embraced by scientists, economists, politicians and other persons of goodwill around the world. These goals are not simply within our reach, but also our grasp. Achieving this future is not inevitable, but neither is it impossible. I feel fortunate to live at such a moment in history when this vision is not just a utopian dream, but a realistic possibility. And maybe my work will have contributed in some small way.”

http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/5218/pricking_the_conscience_of_churches%3A_from_aids_activism_to_ending_world_hunger/

So one piece of the “GO TELL” theme for World Aids Day is God’s cry for those who are suffering. Often we pray for God to hear or listen to our cries or the cries of those who are suffering. But, Don rightly turns the tables on us and invites us to listen to God’s crying for the suffering. It is as if God is asking, “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?”

So, another piece of this day is for you and me to “GO TELL” what is happening.

It is a time for you and me to stop being silent and speak up and out for all people.

I am so proud of the efforts of the Center For Church and Global Aids.

Full disclosure note- I serve on the Board of Directors.

Additionally, I am very grateful for the leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church. You can learn more about what people of faith are doing to “GO TELL.”

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Presiding-Bishop/Messages-and-Statements/112911.aspx

When we celebrate the glorious news of Jesus being born we can talk about anything!

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 113011 Bread + Water

2011-11-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

H2odevos eots 113011 Bread + Water

St. Andrew’s Day

In Silver Plume, Colorado there is a wonderful bakery. Thereare five letters printed above the door, BREAD. It’s clear, concise, simple andquite inviting. You can smell the fresh baked bread before you even enter thebuilding. One of my “favorite things” is when we talk about bread at our churchsometimes we get the bread machines going in the narthex. As the sermon unfoldspeople can smell the bread. As they go up for communion, people can smell thebread. When the benediction is said and the sending hymn is sung, people cansmell the bread. And then, it’s time to eat the bread!

Advent is a time to smell the bread and eat the bread. Justimagine if our places of gathering could be as inviting as bakeries. What ifpeople who sensed their hunger knew, really knew and understood that theirdesires could and would be satisfied by walking through those doors andencountering the Bread of Life?

I was in London during October. I spent a day going to someof my “favorite places” and seeing some of my “favorite things.”

The baptismal font at St. James Piccadilly has a lovely basewhich is a tree. It’s maybe even two trees together. First of all, there is the tree from theGarden of Eden. This tree is the base for the font, which connects us toanother tree the family tree of God. Water is definitely one of my “favoritethings.” I am simply amazed that suchbasic things like bread and water play amazingly key roles in forming faith.

Today, I encourage you to be on the lookout for some of yourfavorite things that form faith.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 112911 "Evermore + Evermore"

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 112911 “Evermore + Evermore”

http://www.petermayer.com/events/webster-groves-mo

There is a Stars and Promises concert tonight in WebsterGroves, MO!

Check out the above link for more info.

Listen to a sample of the song.

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/of-the-fathers-love-begotten

Peter takes this old hymn and infuses it with a sense of reverenceand joy.

Each time I hear this tune it makes my heart feel hopeful.

Evermore and Evermore

“Of the Father's love begotten

ere the worldsbegan to be,

he is Alpha andOmega,

he the source,the ending he,

of the thingsthat are, that have been,

and that futureyears shall see,

evermore and evermore.”

ELW 295

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Of_the_Father's_Heart_Begotten

We enter thisholy time of year mindful of all the lists in our lives:

(1) Advent + Christmas shopping list;
(2) List of old or new resolutions regarding a healthier, more Spirit filled lifestyle;
(3) A list of those things we havedone;
(4)A list of those things we have left undone and;
(5)A list reminding us to make more lists.

The lists seemto go on “evermore and evermore.”

I find in all ofthese things a wonderful wireless invention that helps me deal with the cyclesand circles of time, specifically the Advent Wreath. It is so basic andelemental.

It doesn’t needbatteries or a backup hard drive. All it takes is four candles, some greeneryand a little bit of time each day.

My faith-formingparents taught me all about the Advent wreath. As I child it seemed to transportme into another place and time As an adult it does the same thing. I’m sograteful to have this Spiritual gift in my life.

May your home beblessed by the light and warmth of this circle of LIFE.

Evermore andevermore,

rtg

CODE

2011-11-28T19:35:00.001-07:00

Here's a draft of our Christmas Ad

"Do you find Christmas Puzzling?"

We'll help you put together the "peace's"

h2odevos eots 112811 "My Favorite Things"

2011-11-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 112811 My Favorite Things

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/my-favorite-things

My Favorite Things

I’ve beenlistening to Peter play “My Favorite Things.” It has become now one of myfavorite things. If you’ve been reading and/or listening to h2odevos for sometime during Advent you are aware that “eggbeaters” are also some of my favoritethings. Over the years I’ve collected quite a few of them. I recently learnedthat it was Willis Johnson, an African-American who received the first patentfor eggbeaters in 1884. I think I am so taken by eggbeaters because they embodythe collects for Advent, which all begin with the words, “Stir up, Oh Lord andcome.” Even as a little boy sitting around the Advent wreath I was enthralledby the notion that for four weeks of the year we prayed for God to come and“stir it up.” As you know, the other 48 weeks of the year we normally pray forGod to make the storms to be still and calm so that we might have “smoothsailing.”

Another one ofmy favorite things is Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. I have quite acollection of them, (just about the whole spectrum of liturgical colors).However, I recently met a woman by the name of Jill who is the “Czarina ofConverse.” You will see a picture of her closet in this devo.

Thinking about“My Favorite Things” leads me to want to talk with you about an attitude ofgratitude. We just finished with Thanksgiving Weekend. However, I hope we arenot finished with “thanks-giving.” 2,000years ago, St. Paul sent a text message to the Christians in Corinth, in whichhe wrote,

^“3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord JesusChrist.

⁴I give thanks to my Godalways for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in ChristJesus, ⁵for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speechand knowledge of every kind (I Cor 1:3-5)”

St.Paul was thankful for these folks who had problems and quarrels about aplethora of concerns and issues. And yet, he was grateful for them.

Myspiritual director, Father Vince has shared with me the work of a man by the name of RobertEmmons, in fact, one book in particular, Thanks-How the New Science of GratitudeCan Make You Happier.

http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/emmons/PWT/index.cfm

Robert Emmons

His work led me to the popular work of John Kralik who wrote a“thank you note” each day for a year.

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/26/132263637/perfect-thank-you-notes-heartfelt-and-handwritten

http://www.365thankyounotes.com/

Both men suggest that if one takes time to write down whatone is thankful for in life that life itself will become more pleasant andhappy. It is such a basic concept, but it really WORKS!

So, today my friends, (I want you to know that I’m thankfulfor YOU!) and most of all I pray that your Advent journey brings abouthappiness and joy. So, why not take time right now to make a list of “YourFavorite Things.” And of course, you can amend the title to include people,food, eggbeaters and even cool/stylish tennis shoes.

Deck the halls,

Rtg

h2odevos eots 112711 "Wake-up"

2011-11-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

H2odevos eots 112711

First Sunday of Advent

“Wake-up”

Deckthe halls with boughs of holly,

Fa lala la la, la la la la.

'Tis the season tobe jolly,

Fa la la lala, la la la la.

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/deck-the-halls

Hi, welcome toh2odevos 2011. This year’s theme is Echoesof the Season. It is Sunday,November 27^th, the First Sunday of Advent. Peter Mayer has a lovely rendition of

“Deck theHalls.” It’s an old and familiar song. In some ways I think it is a “wake-upcall.”

Now, “wake-upcalls” come in a variety of forms and fashions. There is the “old schoolwake-up call” in the form of a rooster. There is the alarm clock that can beset and reset to go on “snooze.” Traditionally, this First Sunday of Advent isalso a “wake-up call.” I have always thought that this season of “Advent is theCure for Spiritual Tryptophan.”

http://www.howtosayin.com/time+to+wake+up.html

In Mark 13, we hear Jesus say,

^“Therefore, keep awake — for you do not know when the master ofthe house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or atdawn, ³⁶or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. ³⁷Andwhat I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."

The notion of “sleep” is used in a variety of ways in the Bible.One of the major thoughts about “sleep” and consequently about “waking up” isthe idea of being ready. If one is asleep, one is not ready. On the other hand,if one is “awake” one is ready, mindful and

“Good to go.” Advent is atime of being “awake” of readiness, mindfulness and goodness.

Additionally, theinvitation to “Deck the Halls” is a call to action and service. As I think about“decking the halls” I am aware of the interior work that needs to be done forthis season of preparation and anticipation. I’m thinking about what ifanything is cluttering the “halls.” Dothe “halls” need a little bit of fresh paint? Are the “halls” well lit? Howabout the floor of the “halls?” Do we need to do some dusting or some spiritualvacuuming?

Twenty years agoI saw a movie called “Defending Your Life.”
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101698/
It represents Hollywood’s attempt to figureout what happens after a person dies. In many ways it asks the question “wereyou ‘awake’ when you were alive? (put in link)

“WAKE-UP” andlisten for “echoes of the season.”

Rtg

DECK THE HALLS

THANK YOU!

2011-11-26T08:49:00.001-07:00

It only takes four candles.
You can make your own Advent wreath by taking four candles and setting them up in a circle.
Add some greenery (of the natural or plastic kind) and BEHOLD, you've got yourself an Advent wreath.
Light one candle this first week and then add a candle each week.

Our good friends at Augsburg Fortress have a prayer for this first week:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God,

ruler of the universe.

You call all nations to walk in your light

and to seek your ways of justice and peace,

for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near.

Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath.

Rouse us from sleep,

that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes

and welcome him into our hearts and homes,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever. Amen.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26681.

h2odevos begin tomorrow. SEE YOU THEN!

h2odevos resumes on 11 27 11

2011-11-04T18:46:00.001-06:00

H2o Devos will begin on Sunday, November 27th, the First Sunday of Advent.This year's theme is ECHOES of the SEASON.You can "taste and see" some of these marvelous tunes by sampling the cd by that nameJust click on the link and head off to Peter's websiteIf you know of others who would like to subscribe to h2odevos, just have them drop an email toh2odevos@earthlink.netBlessings,rtg

alleluia h2o devos fia 042411 EASTER SUNDAY

2011-04-24T00:05:00.001-06:00

H2o devos fia 042411 ALLELUIA
Easter Sunday

“Welcome child into our family
Washed in water, reborn and free
A sign on your forehead and your heart
The cross that never will depart
Allelujah Allelujah
Allelujah come and sing
Chrorus
Stirrin' up the water
Stirrin' up my soul
A Light comes to the darkness
Come and make me whole
Oh Stir it up, stir it up, Oh Lord
The call goes out to near and distant lands
Come all you children into my hands
Grow like branches on the living tree
Washed in water, reborn and free
Allelujah Allelujah
Allelujah now we sing”
www.petermayer.com/songs/stirrin-up-the-water

I spent some time working on my Easter sermon yesterday. I also spent time working on hot cross buns. You can find the entire photo album on my facebook page, Pastor Ron Glusenkamp. I hope the sweetness of the Gospel message and the sweetness of the “Alleluia” along with the sweetness of the hot cross buns reminds you of the great joy we have because Jesus is risen from the dead. As Peter sings, “washed in water, reborn and free.”

It’s bee a wonderful Lenten journey. I’m so thankful for your participation along the way.
Major thanks and “alleluia” in recognition of Peter for the sweetness of his inspiring words. Kudos and “alleluia” for Delia’s creative and redemptive artistry of angels. Words can’t really express my indebtedness to Cynthia for all she does to get these h2o devos out to you each and every day. Thank you dear friends.

In today’s sermon, I say the following:
“In his book, Barefoot Disciple- Rev. Dr. Stephen Cherry writes, “Abundance thinking generates both humility and hope. If you believe that the resources are there but that they are not yet apparent, you set yourself and others the interesting challenge not of creating them, but of creating the context in which they can and will be offered. Sometimes this will involve asking, and maybe asking big. Presumably Andrew did actually ask the little boy with the packed lunch if it was okay to share it.” (page 144-145)

As you know I’m asking BIG around BE THE BLESSING DAY, May 22. So far,more than 500 people have signed up. http://www.bethany-denver2.org/outreach/btb-be-the-blessing/

On June 1st we begin our $1 a day or pound per day (or both) for 100 Days for Metro CareRing. Our goal as a congregation is to raise $20,000 and 20,000 lbs of food.
(put in avenues of hope graphic) www.metrocarering.org this celebration will be on
9 10 11, September 10th, 2011. On a metro Denver basis we want to raise $120, 000 and 120, 000 lbs of food! We hope to bring healing and love to the streets on the day before the 10th anniversary of 9-11.”

We are called to “go and tell.” It seems to me that we meet Jesus in the “going and telling.”

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matt 29

Monday, April 25th is WORLD MALARIA DAY. As Rev. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl says our efforts around this disease can be, PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE & POSSIBLE. Read more about how you can make a difference
www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/ELCA-Malaria-Campaign.aspx
Tuesday, April 26 is NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY.

Father Dom has graciously shared his recipe with us in the past. Here it is

Quick Pretzels
Yield: 16 pretzels
2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
1 Tbls. brown sugar
1/4 c. warm water
1 3/4 c. warm milk
1 1/2 tsp. salt
4 1/2 c. flour
1 egg, beaten
Kosher or coarse salt (optional)
**NOTE: This recipe has been adapted for high altitude baking- in two areas. So
if you are in lower elevations that original recipe calls for:
1.5 cups warm milk instead of 1 3/4 cups of warm water
and 4.5 - 5cups flour instead of 4.5 cups
• Combine yeast, brown sugar and water in a small mixing
bowl; stir to dissolve. Let stand until foamy.
• In large bowl, stir together warm milk and salt. Stir in 4
cups of flour, one cup at a time. Mix in yeast mixture from
small bowl.
• Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 5
minutes, adding as much of the remaining 1/2 to 1 cup of
flour as needed to form a smooth, elastic
dough that is slightly sticky. Cover with a
towel and let rest 5 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Cut dough into 16 pieces. Roll each piece
into a 12 to 14 inch rope. Twist each rope
into a pretzel shape and place on a lightly
greased baking sheet.
• Brush tops of pretzels with beaten egg and
sprinkle with salt.
• Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes
or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and let
cool briefly on wire racks. Serve warm.

Note: You can make these pretzels with water, but I like the flavor and
texture of milk-based pretzels better. Serve the pretzels warm with pizza
sauce or cheese sauce for dipping. If you divide the dough into few portions,
you can make larger pretzels. Just be sure that all the pretzels on
one baking sheet are the same size, so they will bake in the same amount
of time.
Notes from Father Dom ...

”Pretzels get their name by a circuitous route. They were originally meant to be
a Lenten bread, made with only water, flour, yeast and salt. The classic shape is
meant to suggest arms crossed in prayer, which gave rise to their Latin name,
bracaella, "little arms." This word became bretzel in Old German, which eventually
shifted to pretzel.
I have made these basic pretzels with people of all ages, and everyone loves them.
The freshmen in our high school especially enjoy making pretzels and eating them
fresh out of the oven. I made these with my nephew Jordan's second grade class
and they turned out beautifully, so don't hesitate to try making pretzels with children
of any age.”

As Father Dom states, “bread is very forgiving”

Ps “have a little faith in angels”

Alleluia!
rtg

STILLNESS h20 devos fia 042311 EASTER VIGIL

2011-04-23T00:05:00.005-06:00

H2o devos fia 042311 Stillness

“And you're Still in One Peace
Still in One Peace
We are blessed we are broken
Given one more chance to be
Found in you we are
In One Peace”
www.petermayer.com/songs/still-in-one-peace
Some how, some way, I made a mistake and confused a name of one of Delia’s angels. So, back on April 2, 2011 I wrote about what I thought was “Stillness.” Come to find out that angel (pictured below) is actually named “Dance.”

And this one, for today is actually named “Stillness.” Maybe I should “morph” or conflate the two of them into something called “The Dance of Stillness.” For that is where we find ourselves today, this day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Peter sings, “We are blessed we are broken.” All this week I’ve been watching and listening to Biblical stories told by Dennis Dewey. I saw 5o young people receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday. They were surrounded by family and friends. Their expectation, anticipation and joy is contagious. On Thursday evening, we “stripped” the altar. The paraments are gone. The candles snuffed out and removed. The palms carried off and placed behind the wall. The communion vessels lovingly tended to, washed and cleaned, still on the shelf until Easter. Our processional cross wrapped in palms carried off and resting. The purple drape on the cross has been pulled down and replaced with a black shroud. We are still.
The Psalmist sang, “Be Still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Today in my “stillness” I plan to make some hot cross buns. It’s a tradition that our daughter Hannah Grace and I started a while back. She’s in Minneapolis and I’m in Denver. I’m gonna see if I can’t SKYPE some of the action to her.

Peace,

rtg

+Redemption h2o devos fia 042211 GOOD FRIDAY+

2011-04-22T00:05:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 042211 Redemption
Good Friday

The question gets asked at least once a year. “Pastor, why do we call it ‘Good Friday’ if Jesus was crucified on that day?” A full, complete and unadulterated answer would take up more gigabytes than any of us have access to on our computers and in “clouds.”
However, in a word, the answer because of the Word made Flesh, Jesus Christ, the answer is: “Redemption.”

“Redemption” is what Good Friday, originally called “God’s Friday” is all about.
“Redemption” has a bent or crooked nail on her front.
“Redemption” is the process of “buying back” or “bringing back” something or some one or some bodies from slavery, imprisonment, junkyards and even death.

On this holy day and most days, the answer to our question is “Redemption.” And
“Redemption” happened and happens because of Jesus.

Peter sings,
“Only You can break down the walls that hide me away
Only You can turn the night into day
Only You can stop the darkness from over taking me
Created the land the sky and sea
I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You”
www.petermayer.com/songs/only-you

Listen to how Peter tells the story

“We better lock him up the crazy man
He’s causing trouble, brewing storms
Traded fashion for compassion
The revolution fought with kindness not a sword
The word went leaping off the pages
Breaking in the windows and leaping over walls
All you asked for was a cool glass of water
And you got a waterfall
Chorus
Tears of sadness for the hands that kill
Tears of joy when life is born
Heard a bell ring freedom and my sails are filled
In a rusty nail a cross and a temple curtain torn
Chorus
Oh Oh Oh Oh hear the news
Love is loose hey ey
Love is loose in the world
Oh Oh Oh Oh the universe is singing
Loose hey hey God is loose in the world”
www.petermayer.com/songs/loose-in-the-world

TGIF- Thank God it’s FRIDAY
TGIF- Thank God I’m FORGIVEN!

Peace,
rtg

Lovin' Spoonful h2o devos 042111 Maundy Thursday

2011-04-21T07:27:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 042111 Lovin’ Spoonful

Refrain
From a raindrop to a river
From one word into a song
Source of all gifts, Friend and Forgiver
Bring us together, to pass it on
He has called us, all creation
Every woman, child, and man
To bring our gifts in celebration
To be transformed in the Savior's hands
To be transformed in the Savior's hands
Refrain
In the Word the walls will crumble down
And all are welcome to enter in
In the blood of Christ the great sacrifice
The withered branches bloom again
The withered branches bloom again
Pass it on
Break the bread, lift the cup
Pass it on
The broken will be lifted up
Every gift grand and lowly
Every purpose great and small
At this feast they are made holy
By your name you have been called
By your name you have been called
Refrain
www.petermayer.com/songs/pass-it-on

We begin these three days. In our tradition it is seen and understood that there is one service which is spread over three nights, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil. There is a strong sense of “to be continued.” Tonight we welcome 50 of our young people to celebrate their First Communion. I reminded them and their parents just a few weeks ago that the Lord’ Supper is the “real, meal, deal.” It is authentic, it is bread and wine, it is given for the forgiveness of sins.”
As Peter sings,
“Pass it on
Break the bread, lift the cup
Pass it on
The broken will be lifted up”

Delia’s angel “Lovin’ Spoonful” adds a touch of joy to the meal we celebrate tonight. She echoes the love and respect that Mary had when she anointed Jesus. There is an extravagance which reminds one of the Wedding at Cana, the Feeding of the Five Thousand with five bagels and two pieces of sushi and points to the Feast on the Mountain top when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. (Isaiah 25)
I asked Delia “what’s up with the red paint on ‘Lovin’ Spoonful?’” She said,
“The red on Lovin' Spoonful was already there on the metal, just a splash of paint - I didn't put it there. Definitely could be viewed as her heart:)”

So tonight we pray and hope for “just a splash” of good news.
Peter sings,

“In the Word the walls will crumble down
And all are welcome to enter in
In the blood of Christ the great sacrifice
The withered branches bloom again
The withered branches bloom again”

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” which means “commandment.”
On this night we hear and receive the commandment that Jesus gave to us,
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13

It’s time to “spoon it out.” Share, pass it on, reach out and touch someone, just do it!

We pray together,
Holy God, source of all love,
on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment,
to love one another as he loves us.
Write this commandment in our hearts,
and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all,
your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen (ELW)

“Pass it on
Break the bread, lift the cup
Pass it on
The broken will be lifted up”
peace,
rtg

Fellowship h2o devos fia 042011

2011-04-20T07:24:00.000-06:00

H2o devos 042011 Fellowship

“Beside us to stay
Surprised us with grace
Recognized us for who we are and whose we are by name
Chorus
Joy Joy you shine on us
Lord light my way
Peace now to set us free
Love light my way
Bind us in these chains of love
Lord Light my way
Send your blessings from above
Lord Light my way”
www.petermayer.com/songs/light-my-way
I asked Delia to share with us some thoughts about “Fellowship” I initially asked her about the chain that’s on the front. She wrote, “Not sure what kind of chain that is on Fellowship - could be a bike chain - very old and rusty found at the junkyard, of course! The wings, which to me seem to welcome or want to give you a hug, are old
hinges that were from my grandfather's farm. My dad had put them aside
for me. The part that's "hugging" used to be wrapped around a fence
post.”
“Fellowship” is about communion, isn’t it? I mean most congregations have a “fellowship hall.” It’s the space where massive amounts of donuts are consumed with huge quantities of coffee which has been heated and reheated so many times in aluminum containers that even a rookie barista would know that it’s time to let that coffee go down the drain. But, week after week, people come back again and again for “Fellowship.” Delia is right, the “wrap around part of us” wants to hug or be hugged or do both!
Peter sings, “bind us in these chains of love.” The “chains of love” connect us to our past, our present and our futures. As we head into the dark parts of this holy week, it is our prayer, “Lord light our way.”
May you experience “Fellowship” today.
Peace,
Rtg

PS 0n the topic of GRACE- Deb from Denver wrote, “Grace opens doors for complete strangers.”
Brenda from Castle Rock wrote, "Grace" looks like she's a swimmer, about to dive into a pool. Sounds like grace to me, jumping right in to the pool of life.”

Passion h2o devos 041911

2011-04-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 041911 Passion

“Tears of sadness for the hands that kill
Tears of joy when life is born
Heard a bell ring freedom and my sails are filled
In a rusty nail a cross and a temple curtain torn
Chorus
Oh Oh Oh Oh hear the news
Love is loose hey ey
Love is loose in the world
Oh Oh Oh Oh the universe is singing
Loose hey hey God is loose in the world”
www.petermayer.com/songs/loose-in-the-world

There is a “Passion” in Peter’s music. It comes from the heart and goes right to our hearts as well. His music is about life, death and ultimately new life. It’s about humanity and the divine. People often like to put music, artists and art into categories and boxes. Some folks like to do the same thing with parts and pieces of our lives. It doesn’t always work so neatly or cleanly in the ways that we’d like. My sense is that our desire to classify and identify is really about our need to be in control. If Holy Week teaches us anything it teaches us that we are not in control. And yet, the Good News is, “God is loose in the world.”
“Tears of sadness for the hands that kill
Tears of joy when life is born
Heard a bell ring freedom and my sails are filled
In a rusty nail a cross and a temple curtain torn”
Delia says, “Passion” has a large square spike or nail that I found at an estate sale, digging around in the garage. I thought it was very cool. If you take a closer look, there's a cool pattern on the top of the spike.”
There is a cool pattern to this week of “Passion” as well. We gather around the blessing of the Word. We are mindful of our journey to the upper room, the garden, the judgment halls, the way of the cross and to the tomb.

For God had so much “Passion” for the world that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him may not perish, but have everlasting life.

“God is loose in the world.”
rtg

Grace h2odevos fia 041811

2011-04-18T07:15:00.000-06:00

H2o devos 041811 Grace

“From a raindrop to a river
From one word into a song
Source of all gifts, Friend and Forgiver
Bring us together, to pass it on
He has called us, all creation
Every woman, child, and man
To bring our gifts in celebration
To be transformed in the Savior's hands
To be transformed in the Savior's hands”
www.petermayer.com/songs/pass-it-on
Sunday’s services featured the amazing gifts of Biblical Storyteller, Dennis Dewey.
www.dennisdewey.org

He told us the following: The Prologue of John; The Entry into Jerusalem; Stories from John: The Wedding at Cana; Cleansing of the Temple; Nicodemus; The Woman at the Well; The Man Born Blind; The Raising of Lazarus; and Jesus is Arrested. Dennis concluded his storytelling by having us all sing “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley. Rick Seaton played the organ and Dennis played the piano. It was an amazing morning for of light, love and “Grace.”
Dennis is our artist in residence this week. If you are near Denver, be sure to check out the following times and dates when Dennis will be telling more stories from the Bible.
Monday, April 18 – 9-10am during Bible Study and 7-8 pm at night
Tuesday, April 19 – 11-noon for the XYZ Senior Group
Wednesday, April 20 – Noon Worship
Wednesday, April 20 – 6:30 – 8 pm at Calvary Baptist Church to hear the Gospel of Mark
Thursday, April 21 – Maundy Thursday worship at Atonement Lutheran Church
Friday, April 22 – Good Friday worship at noon and 7:00pm
“Grace” is in motion. Her wings facilitate her gliding through space and time. Today I saw “Grace” as people saw themselves as a guest at the Wedding of Cana when Jesus said, “I will serve no wine before my time” (well, that comes from the GRSV- Glusenkamp Revised Standard Version). I saw “Grace” as people heard their voices in the words of Mary and Martha who both said “Lord, if you would have been here my brother would not have died.” I saw “Grace” as we all “saw” the blind man receive his sight. I saw “Grace” as the children of the parish waved their palm branches to welcome the King of Kings who comes in the name of the Lord.

I wanted to share with you another picture from the V+A Museum in London.
This is from the 12th century as the following note states.

(I always take pictures of the notes describing the things I am taking a picture of because as much as I think I’ll remember it, normally I don’t.) There is a “Grace” to the notion that we are all welcome to drink from the chalice of love and peace. And so today, I say “Grace” for YOU!
(put in pix of note)

Send me a note at h2odevos@earthlink.net to let me know where you saw “Grace”
Let’s pass it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rtg

Growth h2o devos fia 041711 PALM SUNDAY

2011-04-16T16:26:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 041711 Growth
Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday

“Follow me to the place where dreams come true
Follow me and we can see this through
Follow me until the end on this you can depend
Follow me and I will follow you
Follow me down the long and lonely road
When I'm lost and the night is black as coal
Follow me until the end on this you can depend
Follow me and I will follow you
And I'm depending on you
And I'll be looking out for you
Be it near or be it far
By a river or under a star
Follow me and I will follow you”
www.petermayer.com/songs/follow-me

The wings of “Growth” are horse shoes. It’s appropriate that we contemplate on something so foundational and down to earth as horse shoes on this day of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Foundational and down to earth is what this day, Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday is all about. Jesus comes into town riding on a donkey. By Friday, that day we call “Good” Jesus is crucified on a cross. We wonder how it all transpired so quickly.
All sorts of different roles come to mind, hero, rebel, Messiah, subversive, criminal, Lamb of God.

The next two photos are from an exhibit in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The exhibit represents the simplicity of the mission and ministry of Christ, as well as the Royal robes and garments of the representatives of the Church of Christ. The items are from a period of time, 1300-1500. In the side view we see a cross in the background.
Jesus’ love of humanity was so foundational and down to earth that he made the entry into Jerusalem knowing that he would be the Perfect Passover Lamb.

One of the followers of Jesus anointed his feet at dinner. This action portrayed in a choir book from 1380 (also at the Victoria and Albert Museum) shows this colorful event..

Here this woman, a follower of Jesus assumes the role of a prophet and anoints Jesus as “king.” He wasn’t going to be a king in the normal sense of the word. She also wasn’t a prophet in the normal sense of the word. This king would be more like a pauper. In fact, he trades places with all the paupers of the world (you and me). Martin Luther is reported to have said on his death bed, “yes, we are all beggars.” And so we go through this holiest of all weeks with our hats in our hands. Our hands are open to receive the gift of grace, forgiveness and new life.

Peter sings,

“Follow me down the long and lonely road
When I'm lost and the night is black as coal
Follow me until the end on this you can depend
Follow me and I will follow you”
Hey, everyone loves a parade!
Peace,
RTG
Ps here is a photo of fresh baked pretzels

Willingness h2o devos fia 041511

2011-04-16T07:17:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 041511 Willingness

Rising up falling down goin' round in ageless circles
Spotlight upstaging all our wanderings
Chasing dreams and desires
They don't know their distance from the fire
That shines on everyone
Walking to the sun

www.petermayer.com/songs/walking-to-the-sun

I often think a lot about “capacity” as well as “volition.”
In other words, does some one or an organization have the ability to perform a particular activity? And also, does some one or an organization have the will to perform a particular activity? Often there is the “capacity” but perhaps not the will. At other times, there is the volition, but perhaps the ability is lacking. Then there are those moments and time when capacity and volition are totally in alignment and in sync with each other.

“Willingness” comes to mind as we enter this week of “march madness.” Here we have the Lord of Life riding into town on a donkey. He is hailed as “hero” like a lion. However, by the of the week he is treated is like a “criminal” a “scape-goat” of sorts. Another way to look at him is to see him as the perfect Passover lamb.

Jesus is walking to the sun, the dawn of Easter day. However, before that joy and light appears there is darkness, sadness and loneliness. And yet, Jesus exhibited “Willingness”
to empty himself out in order that the world might be full of love, grace and forgiveness.

Here’s an old, old song about “Willingness”

5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death —
even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2

“walking to the sun”
rtg

Entertaining Angels h2o devos fia 041411

2011-04-16T07:13:00.000-06:00

H2o devos 041411 Entertaining Angels

“Open up that secret smile
The one you never let me see
Give me more than a moonlit while
That we've forgotten to believe
You say that love songs bring you down
Can't depend anything
But I've seen a silver bird leave the ground
Rising high on a borrowed wing
Chorus
Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”
www.petermayer.com/songs/faith-in-angels

Peter’s line, “You never know where they might be” succinctly summarizes the following verse from Hebrews 13:2,
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

So, today be on Angel Alert. “You never know where they might be”

Drop me a note at h2odevos@earthlink.net and tell me about an angel you bumped ito today.

rtg

Freedom h2o devos fia 041311

2011-04-13T07:57:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 041311 Freedom

What a great line this is,
“By a river or under a star
Follow me and I will follow you”
We are at the point in our Lenten journey, experiencing The Blessing of Being Plugged-In that we stop just a moment to think about where we are and where we are going.”
“By a river or under a star
Follow me and I will follow you”
We are involved in the holiest dance of our lives. It’s a “chain of love.” It’s about “strirrin’ up the water.” It’s about being “still in one peace.”
“By a river or under a star
Follow me and I will follow you”
Jesus said, in Matthew 4:19
"Follow me, and I will make you fish for people."
He also said, in John 8:32
”and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
We are free to follow. That’s not something that our society and culture readily acknowledges or affirms. And yet, that’s the call we hear as we pass through the days and nights,
“By a river or under a star
Follow me and I will follow you”
“Freedom” has a key for a necklace. She has a license plate for wings. Her body is a spike. Sometimes there is the call to stay in place. At other times the key is to follow the call to go “on the road.”
As Peter sings,
“By a river or under a star
Follow me and I will follow you”
blessings,
rtg

Creativty h2o devos fia 041211

2011-04-12T06:44:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 041211 Creativity

Hey ey Hey ey this mercy moves
God is loose hey ey
God is loose in the world
Hey ey hey ey the universe is singing
Loose hey hey God is loose in the world

www.petermayer.com/songs/loose-in-the-world

It’s my understanding that in the Hebrew Scriptures also called the Old Testament that the major word used to convey what we understand to mean “create” is used only when God is the subject. So, in other words, “God creates” but humans make, put together, manufacture, assemble, produce and do all sorts of other things. “Creativity” is then something that is divine, holy and quite unique.

David prayed this prayer after he was caught in what I like to refer to as “Bathsheba-gate”

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me. (Psalm 51)

David knew that some major cardiac care was needed. He needed a heart-transplant in order to move forward. Not only did he need a new heart, but he also needed some spiritual CPR.

Peter sings, “God is loose.” This past Sunday we heard the story of Lazarus. He was unbound and became “loose.” Our God is unbound and is “loose.”

“Creativity” just might mean that we have the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the hands to move and the heart to feel that “God is loose in the world.”

Blessings today for you
rtg

Surrender h2o devos fia 041111

2011-04-11T07:13:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 041111 Surrender

“I've believed betrayed swayed and discussed
Still I feel like a wrapped up Lazarus
Haven't made sense of the Mystery
But it makes sense to me
And I'm Still in One Peace
Still in One Peace
We are blessed we are broken
Every day a chance to be
One together again”
www.petermayer.com/songs/still-in-one-peace

Every time I hear Peter sing this song, “Still In One Peace” it makes me feel so very hopeful. Yesterday at church, my colleague, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry preached an amazing sermon www.bethany-denver2.org/church-life/sermons/?sermon_id=192
all about hope, renewal, walking through the valley of the shadow of death. She took us through the valley of dry bones to the valley that Mary and Martha were walking through as they grieved the death of their brother Lazarus and then to our own valleys.
After venting their anger, grief and pain to Jesus, Martha and Mary were able to “Surrender.” They were able to “give up” and “give in” to hope, life and resurrection.

The other day I found the “bent halo with rust and a dent.” And it made me think about why I like Delia’s angels so much. It is because she sees beauty in what we normally see as “junk” or trash. She sees wings when we see rust. When pieces are bent and have a dent she re-imagines the graceful lines of heavenly hosts that fly into our lives. So, with here gracious permission she is willing to re-assemble, re-cycle, re-use pieces and parts of stuff that you have around in your basement, garage or in my case, sitting on my desk.
So, here’s the deal, for the next 7-10 days, with a cut-off on Wednesday April 20th, send you “junk” to

Pastor Ron Glusenkamp
%Bethany Lutheran Church,
4500 East Hampden Ave,
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113.
All stuff set becomes the property of BLC and we will then auction it off for ELCA Malaria Campaign. If you write a note about the stuff you are sending that’s helpful, too. Delia will “weld” the angels together.
Right after Easter we will conduct an online auction. Depending on how much stuff we get, will determine how many angels get made.
It’s all about being “Still in one peace.”
rtg

Delight h2o devos fia 041011 The Fifth Sunday in Lent

2011-04-10T00:05:00.003-06:00

H2o devos fia 041011 Delight
Fifth Sunday in Lent (a)

“They say happiness
Is just around the bend
‘Til I'm there
It's good to have a friend”

www.petermayer.com/songs/good-to-have-a-friend

Today our congregation begins its reflection on The Blessing of Being Plugged-In. We are playing off the notion of “being unplugged” (i.e. Sabbath) in order to be “engaged.”
It is our hope and prayer that we will truly celebrate as Peter sings, “it’s good to have a friend.” That friend is Jesus. And of course, we have the opportunity to be-friend others in our world today. When you know, feel, sense, realize and experience friendship there is a “Delight” that comes your way. We have a graphic that blends the Nike “swoosh” with the cross. In other words, as the Letter to James said so succinctly and eloquently, “JUST DO IT.”

“27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)

http://www.bethany-denver2.org/2011/04/be-the-blessing-pamphlet/

Our Faith Formation Team and Be The Blessing Team is in the process of formatting, tweaking and revising our hopes and goals for May 22, 2011. Today we are having a service fair featuring the 20 plus partner ministry sites where we will be friends on May 22nd. We are grateful for your “Delight” and prayers.

This weekend also marks the release of the movie Soul Surfer. A young woman from our congregation, Anna Sophia Robb has the lead role. If you haven’t checked this movie out, I encourage you to do so. It’s about faith and determination.

The Psalmist sang about “Delight” in the first song of the hymn book of the people of God, Psalm 1,
“Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.”

At our 10:30am service this morning we are celebrating families who have loved ones serving in the military. Our congregation has created a response to what these families are experiencing as they go through the deployments of their loved ones. Our Health and Wellness Cabinet, inspired by the marvelous book Welcome Them Home- Help Them Heal (which was given a lift by Wheat Ridge Ministries) www.wheatridge.org
www.welcomethemhomebook.com has gathered around the idea of
OPERATION ONE NATION.

These efforts have led us to work with an amazing group called Project Sanctuary. You can learn more about them by check out www.projectsanctuary.us/

There are many ways to “plug in.” I pray that you strengthen and deepen your efforts at being a “friend.” May you find “Delight” in doing God’s work.

As those theologians from Illinois, The Blues Brothers used to say,
“we’re on a mission for GOD!”

peace,
rtg

Direction h2o devos fia 040911

2011-04-09T00:05:00.003-06:00

H2o devo fia 040911 Direction
+Dietrich Bonhoeffer February 4,1906-April 9, 1945+
www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/bonhoeffer/

“You can run you can hide
You can die of thirst by the river side
Don't leave me out on the blue river
You can run you can hide
You can live your life by what's denied
But don't leave me waiting on the blue river
Save your strength for the good fight
Save your tears for the sorrow
Spend your love it's alright
Before it's gone gone gone tomorrow”
www.petermayer.com/songs/blue-river

Thanks for your prayer, notes and support for me going unplugged for 24 hours. I must tell you that I must have reached for my Blackberry 100 times and that was just during the first FIVE minutes of going unplugged. Here’s what I found out. People are very understanding and supportive when you state that you are going to do something like this.
Folks really get it! I felt your love throughout the 24 hours. It was hard. At one point I forgot that I was supposed to send an email to someone and so I dictated something to my lovely wife, Sue Ann. She graciously sent it. I must also say that about 18 hour into it, I took a sneak peak at some phone messages from colleagues at work. So, I wasn’t totally “pure” or absolutely unplugged for 24 hours. However, I did feel better. I felt like there was less stress, more focus and a different kind of energy. I felt the Blessing of Being Unplugged.

I’ve been reading the first chapter of Joshua again and again these past few days. Part of it is due to the fact that our church council, worship and music ministry team and vision team are all reading a book called, Borderlands Churches-A Congregation’s Introduction to Missional Living. The author is Gary V. Nelson. I find the book to be one of the best that I’ve read in years. It is inspiring, hopeful, scary and wonderful. His advice is that we need to “crossover” just like Joshua and the children of Israel did. So there is this image of the blue river, the Jordan right in front of us.

Just yesterday, I visited with a man whose wife died a few years ago. Due to medical ailments and life situations he recently moved into a senior living facility. Yesterday was his birthday. I asked him what he wanted me to read and he told me, “Joshua 1.”

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying, 2My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites. 3Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, as I promised to Moses. 4From the wilderness and the Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, to the Great Sea in the west shall be your territory. 5No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. 9I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1

He said, “that gives me great comfort, for I know that God is with me wherever I go.”

He has “crossed over” with the help of family, friends, facility staff and church members.

Peter sings,
“You can run you can hide
You can live your life by what's denied
But don't leave me waiting on the blue river”
The words ring true, “Be strong and courageous.” We just gotta “wade in the water.”
That’s the “Direction” we’ve been given. That’s the way we need to go.

Peace,
rtg

Kindness h2o devos fia 040811

2011-04-08T07:28:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 040811 Kindness

“You say that love songs bring you down
Can't depend anything
But I've seen a silver bird leave the ground
Rising high on a borrowed wing
Chorus
Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”
www.petermayer.com/songs/faith-in-angels

Today’s devo is what my sainted mother Levera Glusenkamp would call “leftovers.”
It is made out of things that have been in the refrigerator (i.e. desk, computer, notebook).
It is all good stuff. There is some of “this” and some of “that.” Nothing has reached an expiration date or even “smells bad.” And do since this is being written two days in advance for Friday the 8th (and I haven’t had time to go to the grocery store- Metaphorically speaking that is) then you as my virtual congregation and family are gonna be treated to “Levera’s Leftovers.” I’m thinking today about the angel of “Kindness” who appears with a casserole of food just at the right time. I’m thinking today about the angel of “Kindness” who lends a hand or “wing” without expressing any kind of judgment. I’m thinking about the angel of “Kindness” who helps us when we are lost.

There are some wild numbers and statistics out there about SCREEN TIME and kids!

(Source: Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, "Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year Olds," January 2010)
Children ages 8–18 spend the following amount of time in front of the screen, daily:
• Approximately 7.5 hours using entertainment media
• Approximately 4.5 hours watching TV
• Approximately 1.5 hours on the computer
• Over an hour playing video games
These data lie in stark contrast to the 25 minutes per day that children spend reading books.
Today's youth also have the following media in their bedrooms:
• More than one–third have a computer, and Internet access
• Half have video game players
• More than two–thirds have TVs
o Those with bedroom TVs spend an hour more in front of the screen than those without TVs
You can learn more about this by checking out the following resource which makes wonderful suggestions about reducing screentime:

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/reduce-screen-time/index.htm

8Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10But the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do any work — you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. 11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. Exodus 20
27Then he said to them, "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; 28so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath."Mark 2
Judith Shulevitz in her article, “Bring Back the Sabbath” paraphrases Rabbi Elijah of Vilna about the importance of the Sabbath by stating, “We have to remember to stop because we have to stop to remember.”
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9404EEDE1F3DF931A35750C0A9659C8B63&scp=5&sq=sabbath&st=cse&pagewanted=4
Note to readers- the following lines are from my noon day Lenten sermon on
“The Blessing of Being Un-plugged.”
And so it is on this day at this time in this place and space that we “remember to stop because we have to stop to remember.”
And what is it that we remember? In summary and in short we remember that God is God. In fact, I can shorten that assignment by 33 1/3 %, we remember that “GOD IS!”
That is the purpose of that wonderful creation song, Psalm 8. Just listen to those words again:
3When I consider your heavens, the work | of your fingers,
the moon and the stars you have set | in their courses,

4what are mere mortals that you should be mind- | ful of them,
human beings that you should | care for them?

5Yet you have made them little less | than divine;
with glory and hon- | or you crown them.

6You have made them rule over the works | of your hands;
you have put all things un- | der their feet:

7all | flocks and cattle,
even the wild beasts | of the field,
So, it is on this day at this time in this place and space that we “remember to stop because we have to stop to remember.”
And we remember that Abraham Heschel wrote eloquently about THE SABBATH. It’s a classic book which sings the beauty of taking time to be refreshed, renewed and regeneration.
Heschel wrote, “The meaning of the Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath we try to become attuned to holiness in time. It is a day on which we are called upon to share in what is eternal in time, to turn form the results of creation to the mystery of creation; from the world of creation to the creation of the world,” (page 10).

Our theme this week is The Blessing of Being Un-plugged. The big idea is:
“Un-plug in order to Re-charge.” Over the past few days I’ve been writing and praying about Stillness, Energy, Balance, Patience along with Wisdom and Understanding.

Most of us here are old enough to remember a time when Sundays/the Sabbath were very, very un-plugged. And I am not advancing a argument to go back to times when no store was open on a Sunday. But, what I am suggesting, is that if you are aware of something that is taking your energy, that is draining your resources, that you might want to “Un-plug in order to Re-Charge.”
www.sabbathmanifesto.org/unplug/
01. Avoid technology
02. Connect with loved ones
03. Nurture your health
04. Get outside
05. Avoid commerce
06. Light candles
07. Drink wine
08. Eat bread
09. Find Silence
10. Give back
On Saturday the 9th, I’ll let you know how the 24 hours of unplugging went.
Thanks for your prayers.
Rtg

PS- “Have a little faith in angels”

WISDOM + UNDERSTANDING h2o devos fia 040611

2011-04-06T00:01:00.006-06:00

H2o devos fia 040611 Wisdom + Understanding

Wisdom

Understanding

“Heaven help us all
If we should fall from Love
Heaven help us all
If we should fall from Love”
www.petermayer.com/songs/heaven-help-us

I was out making home visits today. At one facility three health care attendants came into the room that I was visiting because the resident had told them that her pastor was coming to visit. As we sat there for a couple of moments in awkward silence I asked the three workers what it was they needed or wanted. The first one said, “I need a prayer for my husband and for my mother.” The next one chimed in and said, “I too want a prayer for my mother and for me, too.” The third one was quiet. And so I asked if we all could grab hands, making a circle or more accurately an oval. We prayed a simple prayer as I just recited what had been told me while repeating their names and their requests.
There was an amazing sense of energy and joy in the room. What had been filled awkwardness and shyness (both mine and that of the health care attendants) had been transformed in the hands of God’s love and grace. The resident had been talking about God and her church. She would be surprised to imagine herself as an evangelist, but that is how I see her. She is a “good newser.”

I am always mindful of the words of St. Paul in Romans 8:26,
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”

This devo entitled, “Wisdom and Understanding” is as they say, a “two-fer.”
It is going to be for TWO days, today and tomorrow. The reason that it is a “two-fer” is that at 9 pm tonight, Wednesday night, I’m gonna go UN-plug in order to recharge. That’s right, I’m going to experience and learn about The Blessing of Being Un-plugged.

At baptism we pray for the gifts of the Spirit:
“The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.”
Isaiah 11:2

It takes “Wisdom + Understanding” to be a faithful person in our world today. I’ve unplugged before, but I ask that for this 24 hour period that you pray for me to receive a portion of “Wisdom + Understanding.” I want you to know that I’m going to be praying for you.
As Peter sings,

“Heaven help us all
If we should fall from Love
Heaven help us all
If we should fall from Love”

peace,
rtg
ps I’m going to write Friday’s devo on Wednesday and send it to Cynthia on Wednesday

Patience h2o devos fia 040511

2011-04-05T06:54:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 040511 Patience

“While speed is not listed as one of the ‘fruits’ of the Spirit in Galations 5:22, patience is.” Kirk Byron Jones

“They say Joy will be
Just around the bend
‘Til I'm there
It's good to have a friend”

www.petermayer.com/songs/good-to-have-a-friend

This week our Lenten journey takes us to The Blessing of being Un-plugged. Our big idea is “Un-plug in order to Re-Charge.”

I need to grow in my ability to be a more patient person. I remember that my first modem had a baud rate of 2500. Of course, that was back in 1988. I remember what a marvel and miracle it seemed to be. It was fast enough back then, but today it’s not even in the ballpark.

Kirk Byron Jones writes in Addicted to Hurry, “Patience is a necessary tool for living in a world characterized by increasing complexity and paradox. Without patience, despair and cynicism become our most preferred options. Patience-alert waiting-readies us for creative breakthrough and imaginative problem solving (p.9).
“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,” (Gal 5:22)
I often comment to folks that when we are anxious or hurried in our minds about healing or recovery that most of us deep down in our hearts want what I refer to as Mc-healing or Mc-recovery. In other words we think it should be “fast” just like “fast food.” But, you know as well as I do that healing and recovery takes “Patience.”
Today I am connecting the notion of “Patience” with the idea of friend. For I truly believe that a friend is someone who reveals their patient side with us. They give us time to sputter and putter around. They give us a space and place to blossom and grow. A friend is patient. A friend is kind. A friend is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.
“4Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5or rude” (1 Cor 13)
Today I hope that my friends remind me of the angel of “Patience.” Today I am going to dis-connect some of my dependency on hurry and slow down.
Peter is right when he sings,
“It's good to have a friend”
rtg

Balance h2o devos fia 040411

2011-04-04T00:01:00.004-06:00

Balance h2o devos fia 040411

"I could live without you but my song is still about you
Nothin's gonna change my mind
First you say you'll leave me then you say you need me
Somewhere in between we're fine

This bittersweet concoction of fear and grace
Chases me inside
But what's the harm in hoping that time won't erase
This momentary rhyme"

www.petermayer.com/songs/somewhere-in-between

Peter is so, so, so right when he acknowledges the "bittersweet concoction of fear and grace chases me inside." Our lives are full of moments in which we sense fear and at other times grace. Sometimes we experience both at the same time. We live, I suppose, as the title of the song states, "Somewhere In Between."

It's all about "Balance" isn't it? We strive to do our best. We are at the same time a single actor or actress who has many simultaneous roles: daughter/son, wife/husband,

sister/brother, parent/child, friend/teacher, chauffeur/cook, nurse/neighbor, etc., etc., etc.

My friend, Kirk Bryon Jones, has a new book entitled, Say Yes to Grace- How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out. Check out the link to find a cool interactive introduction to his book.
kirkbjones.com/say_yes_to_grace.html

Here's what I love about Kirk's writing. It is all about being expressive. It is not oppressive.

Kirk is an engaging speaker, writer and child of God. You can read about his other books at kirkbjones.com/kirk_books.html

A few of my favorite KBJ's books are:

Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers (Judson Press, 2001)

Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down (Judson Press, 2003)

The Jazz of Preaching: How to Preach With Great Freedom and Joy (Abingdon Press, 2004)

Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose

Any or all of these would be a lovely, sweet, low-fat addition to anyone's Easter basket.

The Wholeness Wheel is a way of regaining and maintaining "Balance" in one's life, family, congregation and community. In the center we are reminded of "who we are and whose we are." The external "tire" is Spiritual Well-being. Between the center and the external "tire" is the "somewhere in between" that we live, love, work, play, cry, laugh, eat and sleep.

May the angel of "Balance" wing her way into your life today.

Peace,

rtg

Fourth Sunday in Lent (a) Sermon ANNOINTED by Pastor Ron Glusenkamp

2011-04-03T12:01:00.002-06:00

Fourth Sunday in Lent (a)
April 3, 2011
Pastor Ronald T. Glusenkamp
“Annointed”

The angel for today's message is Abudance

PSALM 23

1The LORD | is my shepherd;
I shall not | be in want.

2The LORD makes me lie down | in green pastures
and leads me be- | side still waters.

3You restore my | soul, O LORD,
and guide me along right pathways | for your name's sake.

4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall | fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they | comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence | of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days | of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the | LORD forever.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26681.

Grace to you and peace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The psalm appointed for today is the 23rd Psalm. I want to say once again a line from that beloved psalm that summarizes the spiritual place, the physical space and the amazing grace that we are blessed with on this wonderful day.

“you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.”

Our cup(s) indeed do run over today as we celebrate all the blessings that have come our way. Our cup(s) indeed do run over today as we plan and meditate on how we can “Be the Blessing” in our community. Our cup(s) indeed do run over as we give thanks for that amazing gospel lesson, for the fantastic first lesson and for the 23rd Psalm that is really a GPS (God’s Positioning System) for us as we walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.”

I invite you to take in hand the ELW and turn to the section where the psalms are to be found. It is like the last red tab. Theologically the Psalms are the first hymns of the people of God. So that’s why they are presented and listed in that format. The first 150 hymns in the ELW are the 150 songs from the Book of Psalms.
This week we focus our attention on The Blessing of being Un-plugged! Our big idea is “Un-plug in order to recharge.” I don’t believe there is any passage in the Bible, there isn’t any song on our I-pods, there isn’t any slogan or card from Hallmark that “recharges” or “restores” the soul as much as the 23rd Psalm.

“you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.”

And so, just take a look at this marvelous poem. Six verses. It’s in many ways a psalm of being “un-plugged.” It’s about you and your relationship with God. It’s very intimate and private. It’s authentic. It’s affirming. It’s available. It is about you and your relationship with God. And what’s great here is that even if you or I have strayed from the flock to wander off, there is a point of access and welcome. Even if you and I are so busy or tired from doing whatever we do, there is a time for still waters. Even if we go into the valley of the shadow of death, there is light, life and love. It is about you and your relationship with God.

At the same time, it’s about us and our relationship with God. We don’t live in a world by ourselves. We live in and around one another. One of the riddles and rhymes of our global society and community today is that the world at the very same time gets smaller and larger. We can communicate, literally “reach out and touch someone” with our phones and send pictures around the globe in a few seconds. And yet, we don’t even know the names of people who live next door to us. We don’t know their story of where they came from or where they are going.

Individually and corporately we say, “The Lord is my shepherd” and looking around we acknowledge, “The Lord is our shepherd.”

Let’s read the psalm together:

1The LORD | is my shepherd;
I shall not | be in want.

2The LORD makes me lie down | in green pastures
And leads me be- | side still waters.

3You restore my | soul, O LORD,
and guide me along right pathways | for your name's sake.

4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall | fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they | comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence | of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days | of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the | LORD forever.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26681.

Read quote from Lent for Everyone- Matthew-Year A by Tom Wright, (page 72)

“you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.”

This morning you have the opportunity to receive a sign of the blessings which have come to you. As you come up for Holy Communion you can be marked with the sign of the cross (in oil) and hear these amazing words, “Child of God you are marked in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You are blessed to Be the Blessing.”

Being anointed is what the prophets did to the people who were going to become king.
That’s what the OT reading for today from 1 Samuel is all about. You and I through the waters of Holy Baptism have become part of God’s royal family. We are blessed to Be the Blessing.

A famous civil rights leader always used to respond with these words when he was asked “what gave him the right” or “who elected him” to raise such complex issues of justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God.” His response was, “while others have been appointed, I’ve been anointed.” At first hearing that sounds a little arrogant, full of hubris and pride, but you and I have been called, we’ve been anointed and our cup overflows.

Take in hand if you will the BE the Blessing insert in your bulletin. Scan the front page and the open it up to pages 2-3. Check out the organizations, our partners listed there who are ready, willing and able for us on Sunday, May 22nd. There is a handy chart that lists the following: project description; project time frame; and age notes. Next Sunday, April 10 and Wednesday April 13th you will have the opportunity to “sign up” for where you choose to BE the Blessing.

www.bethany-denver2.org/outreach/btb-be-the-blessing/

Turn to page 4, a couple more sites are listed. We have FAQs with answers.

Today come up, to “taste and see” that the Lord is good. Take a time to be anointed!
Pray this week about where God is calling you to BE the Blessing.
Celebrate that “you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.”

Amen

Energy h2o devos fia 040311 4th Sunday in Lent

2011-04-03T00:05:00.003-06:00

H2o devos fia 040311 Energy
Fourth Sunday in Lent

“Only You can break down the walls that hide me away
Only You can turn the night into day
Only You can stop the darkness from over taking me
Created the land the sky and sea
I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You”
www.petermayer.com/songs/only-you

Jane E. Brody of the NYTIMES has a column called Personal Health. In her column of January 31, 2011 “Scientists See Dangers in Energy Drinks” there is plenty of info regarding the current state of conversation about “energy drinks.” www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/health/01brody.html

Now in the spirit of full disclosure my favorite delivery system for caffeine is coffee. I don’t normally drink soda or pop, but I like coffee. In fact, I LOVE coffee. And I was quite interested that this conversation about “caffeine” in drinks has been going on for at least 100 years. www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/health/29caffeine.html

Today is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. We are more than half way to Easter. In about 21 days our outlook and perspective will be renewed and refreshed. But, today, this day, I’m thinking and praying about “Energy” as we start our contemplation this week on The Blessing of Being Un-Plugged. The big idea is “Un-plug in order to Re-Charge.” I acknowledge the seemingly counter intuitive nature of that idea, in other words, “disconnect” in order that one might have more “Energy” or power. Can that actually happen, I mean, “Un-plug in order to Re-Charge?”
St. Paul was a complex guy. But, there are sometimes when because of his struggles it seems that our struggles have more clarity and light. In 2 Corinthians 12 he writes about his “thorn in the flesh.” Now, scholars aren't sure what his “problem” or “issue” was (and you can make your own guesses) but something was zapping his “Energy.” 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

St. Paul “un-plugged in order to Re-Charge.”

There are lots of “energy drinks” out there in the grocery store and in the “spiritual landscape.” In other words, there are lots of products, systems, techniques and programs which promise a form of energy and life. But Peter sings about the answer to the questions. Peter reminds us that Living h2o comes from Jesus.

“Only You can break down the walls that hide me away
Only You can turn the night into day
Only You can stop the darkness from over taking me
Created the land the sky and sea
I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You”
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28
”Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
I echo the words of the psalmist who sang,
“taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34).
Rtg

Lovin' Spoonful h2o devos 042111

2011-04-02T00:01:00.008-06:00

H2o devos fia 042111 Lovin’ Spoonful

Refrain
From a raindrop to a river
From one word into a song
Source of all gifts, Friend and Forgiver
Bring us together, to pass it on
He has called us, all creation
Every woman, child, and man
To bring our gifts in celebration
To be transformed in the Savior's hands
To be transformed in the Savior's hands
Refrain
In the Word the walls will crumble down
And all are welcome to enter in
In the blood of Christ the great sacrifice
The withered branches bloom again
The withered branches bloom again
Pass it on
Break the bread, lift the cup
Pass it on
The broken will be lifted up
Every gift grand and lowly
Every purpose great and small
At this feast they are made holy
By your name you have been called
By your name you have been called
Refrain
www.petermayer.com/songs/pass-it-on

We begin these three days. In our tradition it is seen and understood that there is one service which is spread over three nights, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil. There is a strong sense of “to be continued.” Tonight we welcome 50 of our young people to celebrate their First Communion. I reminded them and their parents just a few weeks ago that the Lord’ Supper is the “real, meal, deal.” It is authentic, it is bread and wine, it is given for the forgiveness of sins.”
As Peter sings,
“Pass it on
Break the bread, lift the cup
Pass it on
The broken will be lifted up”
Delia’s angel “Lovin’ Spoonful” adds a touch of joy to the meal we celebrate tonight. She echoes the love and respect that Mary had when she anointed Jesus. There is an extravagance which reminds one of the Wedding at Cana, the Feeding of the Five Thousand with five bagels and two pieces of sushi and points to the Feast on the Mountain top when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. (Isaiah 25)
I asked Delia “what’s up with the red paint on ‘Lovin’ Spoonful?’” She said,
“The red on Lovin' Spoonful was already there on the metal, just a splash of paint - I didn't put it there. Definitely could be viewed as her heart:)”

So tonight we pray and hope for “just a splash” of good news.
Peter sings,

“In the Word the walls will crumble down
And all are welcome to enter in
In the blood of Christ the great sacrifice
The withered branches bloom again
The withered branches bloom again”

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” which means “commandment.”
On this night we hear and receive the commandment that Jesus gave to us,
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13

It’s time to “spoon it out.” Share, pass it on, reach out and touch someone, just do it!

We pray together,
Holy God, source of all love,
on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment,
to love one another as he loves us.
Write this commandment in our hearts,
and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all,
your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen (ELW)

Stillness h2o devos fia 040211

2011-04-02T00:01:00.005-06:00

H2o devos fia 040211 Stillness

“Tried to run fast enough
Tried to fly high enough
Thought that I could dive deep enough
To lose your hold on me
The end of the road the bottom of the glass
The grip of fear that holds you fast
Lost in the valley no song to sing
When you're brushed by an angel's wings

And you're Still in One Peace
Still in One Peace
We are blessed we are broken
Given one more chance to be
Found in you we are In One Peace”

www.petermayer.com/songs/still-in-one-peace

On Sunday we begin our week contemplating The Blessing of Being Un-Plugged. Our “big idea” is “Unplug in order to Re-Charge!” As we divided up the preaching responsibilities for our Lenten journey it was unanimous among Pastor Ruth Ann, Intern Jess and Joni that I be the one speaking about this particular topic. My sense is that it was for reasons which are prescriptive and also descriptive. For as some of you know, I have four twitter accounts, three blogs, at least a couple of e-mail addresses, my Blackberry and then also a family cell phone and an I-pod or two. So, in some ways it was like a technological duel presented by them. “Hey, RTG can you walk the talk, besides talking the walk?”

And I know that I’m hyper connected and “wired” in so many different ways. So, I’m hoping and praying that Peter words are a prayer,

“Given one more chance to be
Found in you we are In One Peace.”

I want the angel of “Stillness” to brush her wings against me this day.

I recently read that four out of ten people admit to texting while going to the bathroom. I am not saying “as they are walking to the bathroom” but as they do what they do in a bathroom. I believe this is taking the concept of “multi-tasking” just a little too seriously.

There is a group that sponsors a National Day of Unplugging. You can learn more about them by checking out :
www.sabbathmanifesto.org/unplug/
They have put together ten principles to guide people like me through the maze and daze of technology. Avoid technology
01. Avoid technology
02. Connect with loved ones
03. Nurture your health
04. Get outside
05. Avoid commerce
06. Light candles
07. Drink wine
08. Eat bread
09. Find Silence
10. Give back
I’d be interested in hearing how you feel about these ideas. Drop me a note at h2odevos@earthlink.net

Judith Shulevitz has written in her NY Times article, “Bring Back the Sabbath”
http://bit.ly/fcpEGx “Religious rituals do not exist simply to promote togetherness. They're theater. They are designed to convey to us a certain story about who we are without our even quite noticing that they are doing so. (One defining feature of religious rituals, in fact, is that we often perform them for years before we come to understand what they mean; this is why ministers and rabbis are famously unsympathetic when congregants complain that worship services or holiday rites feel meaningless.) The story told by the Sabbath is that of creation: we rest because God rested on the seventh day. What leads from God to humankind is the notion of imitatio Dei: the imitation of God. In other words, we rest in order to honor the divine in us, to remind ourselves that there is more to us than just what we do during the week”.

She wrote that article in 2003. She now has a book out entitled The Sabbath World- Glimpses of a Different Order of Time.

I really like what she is saying.

I’m interested in hearing from you, how do you “Unplug in order to Re-Charge!”

Peace,
rtg

Trust h2o devos fia 040111 APRIL FOOLS DAY

2011-04-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

H2odevos fia 040111 Trust
April Fools Day

“And the eyes in his head,
See the world spinning around.
Well on the way his head in a cloud,
The man of a thousand voices talking perfectly loud”
Lennon/McCartney
www.petermayer.com/songs/fool-on-the-hill

“3when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

Upon closer observation of “Trust” one can see that the main body is a large bolt. I suppose Delia chose this particular piece of steel to imply that being “bolted” down tight results in “Trust.” And yet, at the same time we’ve all been in positions or places of “Trust” when the “wheels” have come off. In other words it’s not hard to feel like one has (if you pardon my English) been “screwed.”
However, “Trust” also has a necklace (or bling) if you will of ball bearings. In other words, life, the world, belief, light and love goes “spinning round and round.”

On this particular Friday, April Fool’s Day my mind immediately goes to another Friday we call “Good.” It is on that particular day when we think of The “fool on the hill” who gave his life for the sake of the world. He even said, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me,” (Psalm 22).

As someone who has been trusted and unfortunately then “fooled” and as someone who trusted and has “been fooled” I am grateful for the angel of “Trust.” I give thanks for the words of the Psalmist who sang,
“3when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.”

I trust in God’s forgiveness and grace.

On this day celebrating fools and foolishness, I celebrate “Trust.” I “Trust” that you know God’s love is ”bolt” on you. No foolin’!

Peter was in Denver on Thursday so we were able to work on stories and songs for a project we are doing at Camp Arcadia this summer (July 9-16) called PASSAGES4PASSAGES. It will be songs by Peter and stories by me based on familiar and unfamiliar Bible passages about the various passages of life. www.camp-arcadia.com/coming-to-arcadia/schedule/family3/
We also were able to stop in at Metro CareRing and check out the marvelous good things they do with the food stuffs and donations en-trusted to them.

trust-fully yours,
rtg

Trinity h2odevos 033111

2011-03-31T07:12:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 033111 Trinity

“Believe, be Light, be Love just because
All along you've belonged
In this love song
This now, befriend
Come what may, with your heart begin
Believe Be Light Be Love”
www.petermayer.com/songs/be-etc

Thanks to all of you who sent encouraging words and thoughts about BTB- Be the Blessing Sunday. Your delight and joy around this ministry gives us encouragement, hope and peace. It is as Peter sings, “Believe, be Light, be Love just because.”

Delia’s angel for today is “Trinity.” I really like the three circles on her front.
Just yesterday I was reminded once again of the connections, the linkages and bonds we have with one another that transcend geography, time and current place.

It is as St. Paul wrote, “Grace, Love and Communion.”

“13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” 2 Cor 13:13

We’re hoping that approximately 1,000 people will join us on BTB Sunday. We even have green bracelets to “tell the story” of “Grace, Love and Communion.”

“Believe, be Light, be Love just because”

It is “God’s Work. Our Hands!”

rtg

Purpose h2odevos fia 033011

2011-03-30T07:37:00.001-06:00

H2o devos 033011 Purpose
Wednesday

“Believe, be Light, be Love just because
All along you've belonged
In this love song
This now, befriend
Come what may, with your heart begin
Believe Be Light Be Love”
www.petermayer.com/songs/be-etc

I just love this song by Peter. It’s soothing. It’s inspiring! It’s rockin’. Peter has brought the message of Micah 6:8 into a memorable line of lyrics:

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?”

“Believe, be Light, be Love just because”

Peter has a gift when it comes to words. He makes them rhyme and places them in juxtaposition to each other. There is a lovely economy in this holy trinity,
“Believe, be Light, be Love.” And if you need a reason to do that, he provides one, “
just because!

His words embody the meaning and message of Delia’s “Purpose.” It seems to me that her wings are made from hinges. I am mindful of Jesus’ words,

“I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture,” (John 10:9) and
“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you,” (Luke 11:9).
Our purpose is to have wings of hinges, to “Believe, be Light, be Love just because.”

Hannah, Nate and I are reading Barefoot Disciple-Walking the Way of Passionate Humility by Stephen Cherry . As part of our Lenten journey we committed to read this book together and talk about it once a week. We had our first conversation last week and spent some time talking to one another about this quote:
“Ministry is nothing as long as it is a theory, and yet, when it becomes a humble practice, it can be a powerful force for good, and announcement and anticipation of God’s kingdom.” (page 32) I am very grateful for the fact that Nate, Noah and Hannah all strive in their personal and professional lives to be “forces for good.”

At one point this year, Intern Jess approached me about having a “service blast day” at Bethany. I think the angel “ Purpose” must have been in the room and so I said, “let’s do it on a Sunday and CANCEL church!”
So, read on!
If you show up to worship as usual at 8:00 or 9:00 am at Bethany on Sunday, May 22, you may find the building empty. A sign will say that worship is cancelled

at these times and our congregation has joined the service in the neighborhoods of our community. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to walk the walk that we usually talk Sunday mornings, because on May 22, the Church won’t be contained by walls: we’ll be let loose in Denver! There will be opportunities to serve fit for little ones through 100 year olds. Your spiritual gift might be prayer, so a special service will be held at 10:30am to pray that we might BTB.
Answer the call to worship in a whole new way as a part of our Be The Blessing service day! Jesus commands and compels us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and reminds us that when we serve others, we serve God (Matthew 25:31-40.) We are blessed in order that we may be a blessing to others. Be the Blessing May 22, 2011.
To read more about the day, check out :
www.bethany-denver2.org/outreach/btb-be-the-blessing/

If you don’t live in the Denver area we invite you to remember our congregation and partners on that date.

Intern Jess designed “BEE the Blessing” as a carnival mask for our carnival fund and fun raiser for youth mission trips.

Be Aware today how you can BE………………………………

“Believe, be Light, be Love just because”

It’s all the buzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rtg

Strength h2o devos fia 032901

2011-03-29T00:01:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 032911 Strength

“Longer than shadows
Closer than emptiness
Oh…. Mighty this love
Oh…. Mighty this love
It led me to peace at the river
It woke me in the rage of the wind
Called me up to the mountain back through the valley again”
www.petermayer.com/songs/mighty-this-love

At the same time there is something ironic and holy about a “stained glass clown.”
Usually only very serious people get their image made into a stained glass window.
I remember as a child looking at all sorts of stained glass windows (primarily in churches). I don’t ever remember anyone ever being depicted as smiling. In fact, in most cases the images were of martyrs who were giving up their life for the sake of the gospel.

So this stained glass clown (a gift from my wife Sue Ann, given to me 30 years ago when I was ordained) captures the “foolishness of the gospel). Designed by seminary classmate David Rumbold it features big green hair; a large red nose; a great smile; a cross and a rainbow. Contrary to popular belief, I was not the model for the clown! %^))))
The clown reflects the words of St. Paul who wrote to the Corinthians i chapter 1:25,

“For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.”

Delia’s angel “Strength” coupled with the lyrics of Peter’s song reflect the whole notion of strength and weakness. God’s love as Peter sings is “Mighty.” At times it might appear to be “weak” or even “foolish” but it is “Mighty.” In the midst of whatever struggles we are going through we are connected by a “chain of love” which connects us to God, to one another, to the past and to the future.

Peter’s song and Delia’s “Strength” echo the lovely words from Isaiah 55:

8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
12For you shall go out in joy,
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

I pray that today you will experience “Strength” in new, different and even funny ways.

Peace,
rtg

Transformation h2o devos fia 032811

2011-03-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

H2o devos fia 032811 Transformation

“Cruisin' downtown on a Friday night
Hey honey baby that's a real nice ride
Take me somewhere anywhere fast just step on the gas
Chorus
They all come back one day to Romeo's Garage
They all come back one day to Romeo's Romeo's garage”
www.petermayer.com/songs/romeos-garage

I think that one of the first times I ever heard Peter sing “Romeo’s Garage” it was Christmas Eve at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in St. Louis. It was a holy moment. It seemed to me that I “time-traveled” back to the manger in a little town called Bethlehem.
It was in that “service station” the Word was made flesh. God the Ultimate Lover and Romeo of the universe “repairs” the people of the world in that “garage.” I looked out at the congregation to see the regulars, visitors, guests and prodigal daughters and sons coming back to the manger, Romeo’s Garage.

Delia’s angel “Transformation” is a serious but comical character. One just has to smile when you look at her. And so with those smiles it is my hope and prayer that any sadness or problems you have today experience a “Transformation” through the “transmission” of joy in today’s devo.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12

Blessings on your road trip today.
Peace,
rtg

INSPIRATION 032711 The 3rd Sunday of Lent -The Blessing of Community

2011-03-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 032711 Inspiration
The 3rd Sunday of Lent
The Blessing of Community
Happy Birthday Trina Glusenkamp Gould

“We hunt for miles and all the while it paints the scenery
Scatters and whirls an arabesque
Chorus
Hey ey Hey ey this mercy moves
God is loose hey ey
God is loose in the world
Hey ey hey ey the universe is singing
Loose hey hey God is loose in the world”
www.petermayer.com/songs/loose-in-the-world

“Inspiration” hovers over my desk in my office at home. Sue Ann collaborated with Delia to make sure that this lovely angel would “inspire” me on a daily basis. Several weeks before Christmas 2010 I found a busted tire gauge. So, I gave it to Delia one day as we were talking about angels and Lent 2011. . Lo and behold on Christmas morning, “Inspiration” was right beneath our Christmas tree.
St. Paul wrote to the folks living I Galatia. They were having all sorts of problems, issues and church fights. Some folks were still living by the flesh. Paul texted them with a series of “tweets” about what the flesh does to a person and also to folks in community. After he shared with them that he “didn’t like” the way they were living he provided a great post about the fruit of the Spirit:

22By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

The line, “there is no law against such things” was St. Paul’s way of saying, “go for it!”

As we begin our third week of Lent our congregation is focus on The Blessing of Community. Check out these words about “social capital.”

 “Social capital refers to social networks, norms of reciprocity, mutual assistance, and trustworthiness. The central insight of this approach is that social networks have real value both for the people in those networks-hence networking as a career strategy, for example, as well as for bystanders... “both bonding and bridging social networks have their uses. Bonding social capital is a kind of sociological Super Glue, whereas Bridging social capital provides a sociological WD-40. (page 2)
Robert Putnam and Lewis M. Feldstein in
Better Together: Restoring the American Communing

I grew up in a home where we gathered around the table each and every day at 5:30pm. I didn’t realize it at the time, but there were some very important community lessons being modeled and taught by Frank and Levera Glusenkamp and Grandma Vogel (my mom’s mom).
 Miriam Weinstein in her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals- How Eating Together Makes Us Smarter, Stronger, Healthier, and Happier writes: “families who eat supper together”
 Discourage smoking, drug use, and teen pregnancy
 Position their kids to do better in school
 Pass on their ethnic, familial, and religious heritage
 Help prevent eating disorders and obesity
 Build their kid’s literacy, vocabulary, and conversational skills
 Teach their kids manners
 Promote a sense of resilience that will last a lifetime
 Enjoy each other more as a family

I hope you experience the angel of “Inspiration” today and decide to celebrate the blessing of community. You can gather together, eat together, pray together, walk together and be “super glue and/or wd 40” for one another and your communities.
And hey, if you want me to come over for dinner, just give me a shout!

Peace,
rtg

Serenity h2o devos fia 032611

2011-03-26T00:01:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 032611 Serenity

“Every morning lately I wake up and find me gone
Feel a weight on my shoulders and I think of movin' on
Looked to the sky saw a black wing gull soar for miles on a boundless wind
With no need to understand what carries him
Chorus
Rising up falling down goin' round in ageless circles
Spotlight upstaging all our wanderings
Chasing dreams and desires
They don't know their distance from the fire
That shines on everyone
Walking to the sun”

www.petermayer.com/songs/walking-to-the-sun
Last night when I was writing this devo my ITUNES account was rocking to:
“Walking in your Footsteps” by THE POLICE
“Walking on the Moon” by THE POLICE
“Walking on Broken Glass” by ANNIE LENNOX and
“Walking to the Sun” by Peter Mayer

Yesterday morning, Intern Jess and I “walked” through the entire Bible in 25 minutes. Jess wrote up this amazing way to communicate the “story arc” of the Bible after having inspiring conversations with another staff member, Joni Grundman. Joni and Jess presented it to our confirmation students and parents earlier this year. And then on a Sunday morning at all three services on February 27th, Jess and I presented in just 25 minutes. If you click on the link, you can listen to it or download the script from the pdf.
So, as I stated, Intern Jess and I “walked” or more appropriately we “RAN” through the entire Bible in 25 minutes at a chapel service at Denver Christian School on Friday morning.
www.bethany-denver2.org/church-life/sermons/?sermon_id=180
You know as well as I do that our lives involve times when we walk “through the valley of the shadow of death” as well as when we “walk to the sun.” There are “ups and downs” as well as “in’s and out’s.” As Peter sings,
“Rising up falling down goin' round in ageless circles
Spotlight upstaging all our wanderings
Chasing dreams and desires”

As I indicated a week ago, I’ve been going to physical therapy to help “heal up” my knee and Achilles heel. I’m doing well. The treatments are working and helping me grow stronger. I just wish that it was happening faster. But, I need to have more patience.

That’s where the angel “Serenity” comes in. I know that whatever you and I are experiencing didn’t come about as a result of one minute, one day, one week or one month. And the reality of it is that whatever we are wrestling with isn’t going to go away in just one minute, one day, one week or one month.
As Niebuhr wrote and prayed,

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”
May the angel “Serenity” fly into your life today and all days.

Peace,
rtg

Courage h2o devos fia 032511 +The Annuciation of our Lord+

2011-03-25T06:45:00.000-06:00

H2o devos 032511 “Courage”
March 25
The Annunciation of our Lord

“Little shoes bring me the news the sky has come down to play
Winter snows and summers will go with no time for yesterday
A is for Angel that's where we start
A is for angel took hold of my heart”
www.petermayer.com/songs/a-is-for-angel

“Let it be.” Those words were first spoken by Mary, the Mother of our Lord when the angel Gabriel came to her with a heavenly birth announcement. So often we see great paintings like the one by Carlo Crivelli
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli-the-annunciation-with-saint-emidius
which depict the appearance of Gabriel winging in to see Mary. I would like to suggest on this holy day that we celebrate the “announcement” of a lifetime that there was another angel in the room that day. The angel I am referring to is “Courage.” For it took at great deal of courage for this young girl to be open, vulnerable and receptive enough to hear and believe the angel’s message. “Let it be,” is what she said. It’s a prayer. It’s a dream. It’s an answer.
Today you might want to mediate on the notion of “Courage.” What angel might be visiting you with a message full of potentiality, hope and new life? How might you and I have the courage to say and pray “Let it be.”

“Pour your grace into our hearts, O God, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son, Jesus Christ, announced by an angel, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; for he lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen” (ELW)

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38
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several listeners and readers have responded to the conversation on PEACE
From Mark Reinking- St. Louis
“For me, peace is finding that place where I acknowledge the God is in control, not me.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From Warren Miller-Denver
“A few quick thoughts...

Peace has so many dimensions -- it can be illusive, and yet, it can be found. It seems it comes to us and to the world in it's own time; then it can dart away so quickly. For so many it seems to not come at all. "My peace be with you..." just isn't.

Time and distance from our Center and the tawdry tale of our human circumstance hides us from the face of peace. Then, at the Holy Spirit's time Peace joins with Hope and we are found. "My peace be with you ..." is.

Once we find Peace and Hope we don't want to let them go; Peace and Hope are so very soothing to the soul. It's in Peace and with Abundant Hope we find our footing in our relations with God and our fellow man...”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From Andrea Moser
“I’ve been thinking about your email on Peace all day. It’s Wednesday, I have a standing “lunch date” with my grandfather who has dementia. I go during his lunch and visit instead of after work. It started when we first moved him to a nursing home as a way to reassure him I’d visit, it gave him a sense of peace that he could count on Wednesdays even though I’m frequently there more often. My way of giving him peace has given much more peace to me. Peace is lunch in the day room at the nursing home with grandpa, the quiet moments we share when he’s having lunch. He needs help more and more these days but there is a sense of peace during the meal when we laugh and he tells me of a Key West I never knew. “
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“The Peace of God is what I seek when everything around me appears to be chaos. His peace gives me the ability to stop, regain my focus, and see what needs to be compeleted. Even in those times I may have fear about the task that needs to be completed, the peace of God gives me the strength to see it through.

May His peace be with you today as well,”

Jeff Sagester
Midlothian, VA

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Guidance h2o devos fia 032411

2011-03-24T10:23:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 032411 Guidance

Peace h2o devos fia 032311

2011-03-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 032311 Peace

h2o devos fia BLESSING 032211 WORLD WATER DAY

2011-03-22T00:05:00.002-06:00

H2o devos 032211 Blessing
World Water Day
Water.org

“Stirrin' up the water
Stirrin' up my soul
A Light comes to the darkness
Come and make me whole
Oh Stir it up, stir it up, Oh Lord”

www.petermayer.com/songs/stirrin-up-the-water

If I had to describe the amazing gift of water in just one word, I’d say, “blessing.”
It’s a blessing that most of us take for granted. Even our ancestors in Exodus 17:1-7 took water for granted until they didn’t have it. Their complaining and quarrels revealed their dehydrated spirits.

The good people at Water.org have a basic vision and mission:
We envision the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water. It is easy to take for granted ready access to a safe supply of drinking water. Yet nearly one billion people lack this most basic commodity. Creating accessible, safe water supplies in developing countries liberates people to live healthier, fuller, more productive lives.
Our Mission
Water.org is challenging the traditional approach to assisting people in developing countries. Our goals are to draw attention to the world’s number one health problem, unsafe and inadequate water supplies, and to raise funds to help fight this immense problem – one community at a time.
Our mission is to inspire people to act:
• Donors – to provide consistent financial resources with a sense of solidarity for those in need of safe water
• Staff and volunteers – to seek innovative and efficient solutions to meeting the global water supply needs of today and tomorrow
• People in need of safe water – to take the lead in meeting their own needs
Together, these people form the “waterpartnership” that will allow us to realize our vision.

Listen or read the first line of their vision one more time:
We envision the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water.
It’s so beautiful. It’s so necessary. It’s so large. I’m in, how about you?
So, today join the 1,000,000 voices who are raising awareness about this.

Remember the words of Jesus that will be heard in many churches this coming Sunday:
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?" 13Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." 15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." John 4

As Peter signs,
“Stirrin' up the water
Stirrin' up my soul
A Light comes to the darkness
Come and make me whole
Oh Stir it up, stir it up, Oh Lord”

join Gary White and Water.org in “stirrin’ it up”

rtg

God is Loose/Untamed Spirit 0321/11 h2o devos fia 032111

2011-03-21T07:39:00.000-06:00

H2o devos fia 032111 God is Loose/Untamed Spirit
Monday
www.un.org/en/events/poetryday/
World Poetry Day

There is a lot going on today. First of all, it’s World Poetry Day!
Yea, God bless the poets. Two of my favorite poets are Peter Mayer and Brenda Greenwald. So, today you have the opportunity to sample their work which just happens to focus in on the Spirit of God. Some people would call that a coincidence, but I happen to call it “H2o devos HGI” (instead of CSI) HGI which stands for Holy Ghost Incident!

Delia’s angel by the name of “Hope” has a “spring” or buoyancy to it. It’s the Spirit of God that keeps us bouncing along in our world and daily lives. The way the explanation of the Third Article to the Creed states it, “the Holy Spirit, calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth.”

Peter sings, “We hunt for miles and all the while it paints the scenery
Scatters and whirls an arabesque
Chorus
Hey ey Hey ey this mercy moves
God is loose hey ey
God is loose in the world
Hey ey hey ey the universe is singing
Loose hey hey God is loose in the world”
www.petermayer.com/songs/loose-in-the-world
Brenda Greenwald wrote the song, “Untamed Spirit” for worship on Sunday.
She says the the text for "Untamed Spirit" is: Genesis 12:1-4 meets John 3:1-17 meets
• a childhood hymn (Spirit of the Living God) meets
• my very favorite Brahms piano piece (Waltz in A Flat)
• meets the Holy Spirit of Baptism!
It totally rocked and you can read more about it at”
brenda1eye.blogspot.com/2011/03/untamed-spirit.html

Untamed Spirit
tune: iverson, brahms
text: brenda lynn greenwald

Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, Fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me.

Stir from deep within the Spirit of new birth.
For out of darkness into light,
The Savior dwells here on earth.
The promise made, so long ago,
Tells us to let the Spirit blow.
The cursed be cursed, the blessed be blessed,
Our human disbelief confess.

For God so loved the world, He sent
His only son, live testament,
So we’d believe, and have eternal life.

We live in now, not yet,
Our journey keeps us walking wet.
The cleansing hope, the font of life,
Our Christ, our Jesus bears our strife.

Let your light shine so others see
Your works, and Glory be to thee!
We welcome all as members of the body!

GO! Be a blessing to all
Our Father has issued the call!
Gathered and Sent, Baptized and claimed,
Praising God for the Spirit yet untamed!

P: Dominus vobiscum. P: The Lord be with you.

R: Et cum spiritu tue. R: And with thy spirit.

May you have the angel of “Hope” spring into you life today!
Peace,
rtg

SOLITUDE h2o devos fia 032011 2nd Sunday in Lent

2011-03-20T00:01:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 032011 Solitude
2nd Sunday in Lent
March 20, 2011

Peter sings,
“I know it in my heart to be true
The answer to me is only You”
There are questions in the heart and soul. Peter has come to the conclusion after much asking, prayer, doubting and service that “ the answer to me is only You” I thank you for making this virtual Lenten journey with one another. I pray for you each and every day.
“I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety” Psalm 4:8

We have a labyrinth set up today at church. It’s always available on Wednesdays in Lent, but today we have it going so that we can invite a larger group of folks into this ancient practice of walking and talking to God .
”He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2
Eugene Peterson has some great words about how we can be in “solitude” with God.
His translation of Matthew 6 is brilliant. I commend it to you,
Peace,
rtg

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Matthew 6
The World Is Not a Stage
1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2-4"When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
Pray with Simplicity
5"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7-13"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14-15"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
16-18"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Faith -(New) St. Joseph Day h2o devos 031911

2011-03-19T00:05:00.002-06:00

H2o devos 031911 FAITH
St. Joseph Day

“Joseph a good man of Carpenter's trade
Had made plans to make Mary his mate
Then an angel appeared and said Joe don't you fear
But the Spirit will dance with your date
The Spirit will dance with your date
Chorus
Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Hey Joseph Keep walking To Bethlehem
Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Keep walking Joseph you're part of the plan”
www.petermayer.com/songs/hey-joseph

Today is the day of St. Joseph. There are lots of things happening today. There is a perigree moon tonight. Check out links at the bottom of the page for more info. You can also check out a really great article about asparagus which has a connection to St. Joseph Tables which are lovingly prepared and celebrated in Italian households and parishes.
You can even read an article in the WSJ about the custom of burying a statue of St. Joseph in one’s yard when trying to sell your house.

But what I want to talk about is FAITH. Joseph was a “stand-up” guy. He was trying to do the right thing. He thought he had it figured out, regarding what he was supposed to do and how to do it. But, an angel came to him in a dream and revealed God’s plan for him, for Mary and ultimately for the baby they would name Jesus.

Delia’s “Faith” has wings with holes in them. I’m sure that initially these “gaps” felt like cavities. And that these hollowed out spaces didn’t feel very “hallowed” or holy. Joseph like his wings was “torn.” There were “holes” in whatever story he decided to tell himself and community. However, he was blessed with faith. This carpenter was used to working with his hands to ensure a smooth surface and angles which were plum. But, now his world was quickly falling apart. “Faith” was the super glue that held it all together.

20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Peter sings,

“Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Keep walking Joseph you're part of the plan”

The same holds true for us, “we’re part of the plan.” I always share with people who talk to me about “holes” in their wings the following verse from Jeremiah 29:11,
“11For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Remember, “you’re part of the plan,”
Peace
rtg

Enrichment stuff

Wall Street Journal article about St. Joseph

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703572404575634710688904310.html?KEYWORDS=st+joseph

MOON STUFF

science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/16mar_supermoon/

MOON VIDEO

bcove.me/bua62bw5

ASPARAGUS

www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/asparagus.html

THE REST OF THE STORY
18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Matthew 1

Encouragement h2odevos fia 031811

2011-03-18T00:05:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 031811 Encouragement
Friday

“Tried to run fast enough
Tried to fly high enough
Thought that I could dive deep enough
To lose your hold on me
The end of the road the bottom of the glass
The grip of fear that holds you fast
Lost in the valley no song to sing
When you're brushed by an angel's wings
And you're Still in One Peace
Still in One Peace
We are blessed we are broken
Given one more chance to be
Found in you we are In One Peace”
www.petermayer.com/songs/still-in-one-peace

Last weekend at our Lenten retreat I tripped down the last few steps of a staircase and ended up on the floor. I bruised my ego and pride along with my left knee. It’s been almost a week and I’m still walking and making noises like the AFLAC duck. So, yesterday I went to see my favorite physical therapist Susan. She along with her colleagues were very instrumental in getting me back on my feet following my double knee replacement in April 2008. As she was assessing my current situation today I also shared with her that I thought my right ankle and Achilles heel was acting up. As always she was thoughtful, helpful and very encouraging.

Peter sings about being “brushed by the wings of an angel.” Today I want to give a “shout out” to all those angels whose name is “Encouragement.” For on a daily basis these are the kind entities who help us get through our days and nights. When you look at “Encouragement” designed by Delia you can imagine other angels by the same name who have encouraged you along the way. They are teachers, mechanics, servers, ushers, clerks, ticket takers, coaches, healthcare professionals, neighbors, club members, office staff, bus drivers, office staff, parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, grandparents, clergy, attorneys, neighbors and even strangers to name just a few. Perhaps they have been very intentional about this notion of encouragement. Perhaps they are unaware of how important they’ve been to you. Some of them might be deceased at this point in time. Others might be out of your current circle and network of friends. It would be good on this day to give them a “shout out” via mail, phone, text, email, Facebook and prayers.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” 1Thessalonians 5:11

I’ll see you along the way, sister encourager, brother encourager!

“Our steps are made firm by the LORD,
when he delights in our way;
24though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,
for the LORD holds us by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

peace,
rtg

Acceptance h2o devos fia 031711

2011-03-17T00:05:00.002-06:00

St. Patrick's Day 031711

“They went drivin' down the highway looking for redemption
Illinois chain gangs, Dakota grass
Stopped at Ruby's diner she said do you love me he said
I don't even know who I am
Chorus
Chain of Love
I can't break this chain of…
Chain of love…
Set me free but don't let me go”
www.petermayer.com/songs/chain-of-love

When Peter sings this song in a church building he always stops in the middle of it and says something like, “well, I don’t know if the pastor will like this or not, but if this was a Buffet concert there would be a conga line!” And with that folks who are somewhat reluctant to “pass the peace” magically and mystically get up. Without benefit of ushers or greeters, people figure it out. All of a sudden there are conga lines criss-crossing the sanctuary. Folks are laughing and dancing. It’s holy ground. It’s a “chain of love.”

We find ourselves in this “chain of love” on this day we remember St. Patrick. He’s part of the family. And when it comes to families it’s very important to have the angel of “Acceptance.”

Delia has designed “Acceptance” in such a way to push the issue of acceptance. Her wings are not symmetrical. There is oxidation taking place on her front. Her face isn’t a smooth surface. “Acceptance” is all about accepting oneself and others.

I find that when I am hyper-critical of others it is because I’m not very accepting of myself. What’s curious is that the gospel message is all about acceptance.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28. It’s significant to note that Jesus DIDN’T SAY-
“come to me, when you have it all together and are perfect.”
So today let “Acceptance” fly into your heart, your mind and your soul. Let’s see what “chains of love” we can celebrate.

St. Patrick's Day Pretzels

THE BLESSING OF FASTING 031611 NOON DAY sermon

2011-03-16T23:31:00.000-06:00

March 16, 2011
“The Blessing of Fasting”
Pastor Ronald T. Glusenkamp

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The prophet Joel proclaimed the Word of the Lord,

“Yet even now, says the LORD,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the LORD, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.
14Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
for the LORD, your God?
15Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged;
gather the children,
even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her canopy.”

As you may know our theme as a congregation this year is “Blessed to be a Blessing!” Throughout the Sundays and Wednesdays of Lent we are intentionally asking the members and friends of Bethany to “own” each week’s blessing. Today the blessing
we are “putting on” is the blessing of fasting.

Usually when we hear the word “fast” we typically associate it with food, or abstaining from food. To undertake a fast from food, a hiatus from nutrition has a long and blessed history in most major religions. Jews, Christians and Muslims just to name the sons and daughters of Abraham all take seriously the call to “sanctify a fast.”

Big Idea: Give Up and Give Away – Fasting takes on many forms

As Joni Grundman has written in the Mentor/Mentee booklet

“Fasting is an example of a U-turn
that allows you to do without and focus on within. However,
fasting does not necessarily mean giving up all food for 24
hours. For some, that would be unhealthy. However as a traditional
Lent discipline, many people choose to eliminate one
thing like chocolate, caffeine or something else from their
diet. If the focus of Lent is on the heart, let’s think this week
about what you can fast from to help your heart. Ideas for
fasting could include giving up one of the following: soda,
energy drinks, fast food, Starbucks, chips, chocolate, cookies,
etc. God asks us to turn to him with all our hearts, when we
fast from worldly items it is easier to focus on our spiritual
journey.”

"If fasting is doing its work of liberating our focus from self-preoccupation, this will manifest itself in mercy and compassion toward those around us. We will be moved from within to give what we are receiving from God . . . Our lives will be marked by concrete caring responses for others. Fasting must deal with reality. It does not skirt issues. It is not an interior escape" (Thomas Ryan, Fasting Rediscovered, New York, Paulist Press, 1981, p. 119).

I’d like for you to gain a sense of fasting from Christina Rees who has written in her book, Feast + Fast-Food for Lent and Easter (pg. 53-54) the following things to “fast” from or simply give up during Lent:
Procrastination
Apathy
Envy
Jealousy
Greed
Laziness
Indifference
Chocolate
Sugar
Chips
Crisps
Alcohol
Sweets
Meat
Processed food
Criticizing
Negative thoughts
Cynicism
Worry
Being miserable
Holding grudges
Feelings of revenge
Feeling like a victim
Putting yourself down
Judging yourself
Judging others
Gossiping
Making excuses
Blaming others
Shopping for things you don’t need
Watching TV
Listening to the radio
Reading newspapers
Going on the internet

The first seven sound very much like the SEVEN DEADLY Sins.

Today is a time to focus on being “good” and realizing the “plenty” that most of us have.

As Intern Jess so eloquently reminded us this past Sunday, www.bethany-denver2.org/church-life/sermons/?sermon_id=183 there is a blessing in “giving up and giving in.”

Today is the day to “stop” “abstain” “refrain” and make a u-turn in thought, actions and atttidude.
It’s about your heart. It’s about your soul. It’s about your mind. You’ll be glad you did.

“Yet even now, says the LORD,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;"

amen

check out h2odevos.blogspot.com

www.bethany-denver2.org/church-life/sermons/?sermon_id=183
www.bethany-denver2.org/church-life/our-lenten-journey-2011/

A Tip To Bountiful h2o devos fia 031617

2011-03-16T00:05:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 031611 A Tip to Bountiful
Wednesday

“Stirrin' up the water
Stirrin' up my soul
A Light comes to the darkness
Come and make me whole
Oh Stir it up, stir it up, Oh Lord”

www.petermayer.com/songs/stirrin-up-the-water

“Bountiful” the angel has a shovel for a body. It’s upside down and is rather salmon colored. Delia is hoping that you and I “dig it.”

Just the other day I had a conversation with the chair of our Stewardship Committee at church. We were talking about the General Fund. As some of you may know and understand, the General Fund is the mechanism by which the staff is paid, the facilities are maintained, programmatic ministries are supported and the parking lot is plowed and the grass is mowed (not at the same time). In a day and age of designated giving, targeted donations and personalized philanthropy it becomes harder and harder to make a “case” for the General Fund. The chair and I both concluded that we give as a response to the unconditional gift of God.

It is truly “Bountiful.” Subsequently it raises this question which the Psalmist sang years ago, Psalm 116:12

“What shall I return to the LORD
for all his bounty to me?”

I’m going to make potato soup today for those who attend the noon day Lenten service.
I love “stirrin’ it up.”

I hope the participants will have a “bountiful” of smiles.

Peace,
rtg

Happiness h2odevos fia 031511

2011-03-15T00:05:00.002-06:00

H2o devos fia 031511 Happiness
Tuesday

“Sweet Nothing …Nothing at all
Sweet Nothing…
When nothin’ makes me happy
No one does it better than you
Makes me happy”
Peter Mayer/Mac McAnally/Jim Mayer

www.petermayer.com/songs/sweet-nothing

I remember when the Good News Bible appeared in the year 1966. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_News_Bible

One of the remarkable aspects of this particular version was that it translated the word normally translated as "blessed" in the Beatitudes as "happy." There was quite a furor about whether Jesus was actually talking about people being "happy" or not.

I remember lots of caring conversations (well, actually they were arguments) whether or not "blessed" and "happy" were synonymous terms.

Today that debate and conversation seems so innocent and so long ago.

I know and I'm sure you do too, "blessed" people who aren't particularly "happy." Conversely, we all know "happy" people who don't consider themselves to be "blessed." Lent isn't normally a season where we associate "happiness" with most of the proceedings. As a youngster I remember that mid-week Advent services featured cookies and some kind of punch or hot cocoa. However, during Lent we often received a nail at mid-week services and were told to contemplate our sinfulness and responsibility in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

I've been thinking a great deal about happiness and blessedness these days. I know there are sad times as the writer of Lamentations notes:

"my soul is bereft of peace;
I have forgotten what happiness is;" (3:17)

And yet, there are also times and moments of deep, deep happiness. In fact, Jesus said,

"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11) It is truly a blessing to be able to celebrate life and hope.

In fact, just five verses from the previous quote from Lamentations, right in the middle of all that sadness, unhappiness and struggle, these words are confessed and professed:

21But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
23they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
25The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul that seeks him.

Wow, talk about your attitude adjustment. Now, I don't know if that person felt "happy" but they did feel a sense of being blessed. Perhaps the recognition of being blessed leads to happiness and hope.

Rabbi Harold Kushner writes,

"Moses was wise enough to know that people will often disappoint you, that they will be weak and unreliable, that they will forget to thank you, but you must love them anyway. You must do the right thing not for the applause or the reward but because it is the right thing to do, and you must never forget who and what you are really working for. Like the man who visited his Alzheimer's afflicted wife daily, do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are." (page 47-78) Overcoming Life's Disappointments

Having the angel "Happiness" wing her way into our lives might just change how we view ourselves and others.

"For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that's Moses, not Jesus. I haven't heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere."
Kurt Vonnegut

So, today, maybe while you're having the Breakfast of Champions, spend some time
internalizing these words of HAPPINESS and BLESSEDNESS.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets

who were before you. (Matthew 5)

Happiness 2 U !

rtg

"Sweetness" h2o devos fia 031411

2011-03-14T00:05:00.003-06:00

H2o devos fia 031411 Sweetness
Monday

“Sweet Nothing …Nothing at all
Sweet Nothing…
When nothin’ makes me happy
No one does it better than you
Makes me happy”
Peter Mayer/Mac McAnally/Jim Mayer

www.petermayer.com/songs/sweet-nothing

Yesterday my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann and I co-officiated at a wedding for Mary and John. It was a small, intimate gathering among family and friends. For both bride and groom it was a second marriage. Love was in the air. It was all so very, very sweet. A young granddaughter of the groom was very dressed up in a polka-dotted dress. I remarked to her, “you have on a lovely dress.” A big smile came to her face and she sweetly said, “Yes, I know!”

I thought of Delia’s angel, “Sweetness.” When we have a “little faith in angels” we catch glimpses of the joy and happiness which surrounds us. There are honeycombs all around us!

From Thursday evening through noon on Saturday several members of Bethany and the pastoral staff were at a Lenten retreat in the mountains. It was a sweet time of caring conversations, service, rituals and traditions and devotions. It is always great when the people of God gather together to pray, sing and study scripture. I had written my devos in advance and through the wonders of technology was able to time their release through Cynthia’s able and caring hands. We were “fasting” from news media because of intent as well as location. In other words we didn’t receive much info about the tsunami and subsequent tragic consequences, specifically the loss of life, significant property damage and emotional trauma.

There are lots of ways to respond in addition to offering prayers and caring thoughts. Lots of agencies are ready, willing and able to accept gifts of financial relief. I made a gift on Sunday through the ELCA Disaster Response. It felt like a “sweet” thing to do.A link is provided for your convenience.

https://community.elca.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=631

Our good friends at Metro CareRing (a local food pantry) have posted the following sign in the area where clients are able to select food. This food pantry helps the working poor. I often say this wonderful "place is for people for whom the month is 3-5 days too long." I am so happy that clients are able to choose something sweet!

I so enjoy Peter singing the words, “sweet nothing.” At one point in the song he confesses “all I want tonight is something to believe in.” Well, I know the words from the Book of Proverbs (which I like to call the “Twitter of the Bible”) are true and something we can all believe in:

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body,” (Proverbs 16:24)

Today you can be that angels of “Sweetness” as you say pleasant words. You can make someone happy. And as the young folks like to say, “SWEET!”

rtg