Hands of Love

H2odevos p4p Lent 2013 “Hands of Love”

"We gather round as family to send you on your way

That you greet each tomorrow with the promise of today

Whatever road your hearts may find

Share your gifts that they may shine

The handiwork of God's design

Formed in the hands of love

Take these hands and never let them go

To lift you up and guide you like a good friend that you know

And a promise that comes from above

That you'd be carried

Carried by the hands of love"

Hands of Love by Peter Mayer

We are in Charlotte for the wedding of Rachel and Reid. Rachel is the daughter of my brother Bob and his wife Linda. Last Sunday their daughter Erin married Jonathan. So, we’ve all gathered here to celebrate the gift of love.

Rachel and Reid asked me to make the communion bread for their wedding. So, you can see in the photo above the cross with the two rings imprinted on the bread. Upon closer scrutiny you can also see that the loaf of bread is not perfect. When I was removing it from the cookie sheet that I baked it on, a little piece fell off of it. Initially, I thought well I can use one of the other loaves which had fewer defects. And Rachel told me she liked this one. I must say after almost 37 years of marriage, 59 years of being alive and almost 32 years of being a pastor and a bunch of years of being a bread baker, I am heartened and comforted by the words of Father Dom who says, “bread is very forgiving.” Bread, especially communion bread is for “imperfect” people. Thus it stands to reason that there should be some “pieces” missing or imperfections present.

So, tonight we’ll gather as Peter reminds us through his lovely, lovely words:

Share your gifts that they may shine

The handiwork of God’s design

Formed in the hands of love

Take these hands and never let them go

Blessings to Rachel and Reid and to everyone who have joined their hands in love.

Peace,

rtg