Welcome to the Weekly Devotion. The author is Troy Henshaw of the Chester, VA, Congregation. Thank you, Troy, for this beautiful devotion. Easter is really more than one day - it is a season.

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Happy Easter! The most sacred day on the Christian Calendar. The reason we celebrate Pentecost, Epiphany, and even Christmas.

But, we don’t have Easter if we don’t have Friday.

We all have Fridays in our life. Sometimes it seems like the whole world is stuck in Friday. Friday is violence and war. Friday is marginalized people. Homeless, sick, or just different. Friday is being hated for whom you love. Friday is being persecuted for wanting to make a difference. Friday is the anger and hatred that dominates our social medial. Friday is loss and grief. 2,000 years ago, Friday was betrayal, a sham trial, scourging, and an execution. And then Friday was pain, grief, shame, terror, loss, and feeling lost. Friday is the world saying “You can’t live like that. You can’t love like that.”

Sunday is hope. Sunday is healing. Sunday is faith. Sunday is forgiveness. Sunday is Christ saying “Yes, you can love like that.”

As I think about my own personal Friday, I realize that those emotions that run through Holy Week and Easter are too painful, too deep, too joyful, too sublime for words. I can’t express in words the pain I have felt. Nor can I express in words the joy and the love I feel when I think of the empty tomb. We can do nothing but fall to our knees both in anguish and in joy.

And, so, this morning as I cling to the hope of the empty tomb, as I cling to the love of Jesus that has saved my life this past year, the love that takes our pain and says “I understand.” “I can carry that with you.” “I can even carry you,"

I would love to hear about some of your own personal Fridays and the hope that Easter.

Palm Sunday Hosannas and Joy

Hosanna they cried so loud and so clear

With loud joy-filled voices for all people to hear!

Who is this man on the donkey today

Around whom the children are dancing in play?

“Hosanna! Our King! Hosanna, Our Lord!

See us and save us!” their voices implored!

They laughed and they shouted as he rode into town.

“He is our king!”  But where is his crown?

 “Tell everyone, sing with confident joy.

This is a happiness that none can destroy.”

The crowds raise their hands and give homage to him,

For he has the power to bring freedom to them.

He looks at the crowds and his heart’s full of love.

His job here on earth was to serve God above,

To teach all God’s children to seek and embrace

A new life eternal filled with hope, peace and grace.

Jesus looks at the faces of these strangers and friends.

Where will they be when the week’s at its end?

They understand not what God has in His plan:

To save all God’s children, women and man.

The road’s filled with cloaks and branches of trees.

But do they understand; do they truly believe?

How great is their faith? Is their belief truly strong?

Their faith will be tested as the week moves along.

Jesus’ mind forms the thoughts that are not yet spoken

“Forgive them, Dear God, their faith will be broken.

Send them your Spirit so they can discern

That you’re their Creator, to whom they can turn.

Their voices will rise again in your praise

And they’ll seek out your Spirit with their faces upraised.”

So the donkey moves on through the chants of the throng,

And Jesus sits stoic, knowing these cheers will be gone:

“Hosanna, O Lord, please hear us and save us!

We are your kingdom, so hear us, O Jesus.”

Jesus is silent, his mind deep in thought,

“You do not know how your souls have been bought.

‘Save us’ they say. If only they knew…

And could understand, I am saving you.

If only they knew – I am saving you.”

(author - Bonnie Barber)

February 14th was Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent, and Lent is a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Some people of the Christian faith attend special services where they receive the mark of ash on their foreheads. The mark of the ash is a reminder that “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, and its observance lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays, so this year Lent ends on Thursday, April 6th. During Lent, many Christians give up things. It could be habits, such as watching excessive television, or food and drink items. The tradition’s origins go back to Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the desert. But it also can be adding things , such as spiritual practices, that affect our spiritual lives.

How did you observe the first day of Lent? For me, I committed to exploring a spiritual practice each day because they are tools we can use to open us to God. My favorite spiritual practice is journalling, but I want to explore more possibilities.  I want to commit to connecting to my spiritual life on a daily basis. It is so easy to miss a day, and then to miss another day. Below I am sharing links to spiritual practice possibilities for all of us to explore.

In Community of Christ, we often use spiritual practices in our worship, but also encourage people to add them to their daily spiritual journey. What do you commit to doing during Lent to build your relationship with God?

Here are a few links to different spiritual practices. The first are links to Community of Christ Herald House Publishing and the electronic version is a free download.
Yearning for God: Discernment and Spiritual Practice (PDF Download)
https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/yearning-for-god-discernment-and-spiritual-practice-pdf-download?_pos=1&_sid=5f6e4ccd3&_ss=r
Learning to Recognize God (PDF Download)
https://www.heraldhouse.org/products/learning-to-recognize-god-pdf-download?_pos=6&_sid=5f6e4ccd3&_ss=r
Enduring Principles Meditations
https://www.heraldhouse.org/collections/church-life-spiritual-formation/products/enduring-principles-meditations-pdf-download
Outside the Community of Christ, here is Spiritual Practice Toolkit that has a plethora of spiritual practices to explore.
https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/features/view/27713/spiritual-practice-toolkit

We use spiritual practices to seek God and to open our minds and our hearts to God. Scriptures speak to us as God speaks to us.
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)
And from Jeremiah 29:11 -
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Find your path for this Lenten Season.

Welcome to the Weekly Devotion. We’ve put away the Christmas decorations, and without the greenery, red bows and colorful lights, we may think the celebration is over. But it is not. It has only begun. Now we begin the year celebrating all that happened because God sent an amazing gift - his son, Jesus.

Looking at Acts 19:1-7 we have Paul’s accounting of his time in Ephesus when he met with people who had been baptized just as John the Baptist had instructed to be done, but when asked about their encounter with the Holy Spirit, they asked, “What is the Holy Spirit? We’ve never herd of it.” They did not know the “rest of the story”. Paul then baptized them in the name of Jesus and then laid his hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift, a powerful gift, and one that is always available, so the celebration is not only not over, it is eternal. What do you remember about your baptism of water and the Holy Spirit? How old were you and what did it mean to you? When have you encountered the Holy Spirit and how did it make you feel? Don’t you just yearn for more time with the Divine? What happens – where does it go?

I love the story of the young man who complained that whenever he was filled with the Holy Spirit, he was like a bucket with holes. The Spirit merely drained out of him. His friend said, "That may be true, but even a bucket full of holes can be filled with water if it is immersed in the river and left there."

Sadly, we are all buckets with holes. How do we immerse ourselves in the “river” of the Holy Spirit? Even if total and continual immersion may not happen, we can seek those special moments that help us feel closer to God and the Holy Spirit. For example, when I start the day with a simple song from my church campfire repertoire, such as “In my life, Lord, Be Glorified”, the song comes back to me off and on through the day. It’s a spirit-seeking earworm. I also have an alarm set on my phone to direct my attention to God at 8 am every day. I may open a journal entry on my computer and type a prayer or prayer thoughts. Or I may only succeed in directing my attention for that moment. There are so many spiritual practices that help move us into a deeper relationship with God. What kinds of spiritual practices are special to you? If there is not a way to share in comments to this devotion, share your thoughts by emailing the DC Community of Christ through our email contact@cofchristdc.org, I’d love to hear from you and share your experiences with others. Your testimonies help others grow in faith.

Galatians 3:14 says that we “receive the promised Spirit through faith.”  And in Romans 10:17, we are told, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.”  I pray that each of us find ways to connect our hearts to God’s heart, and may our buckets be full.

Welcome to the 3rd Sunday of Advent when we celebrate with the Advent Candle of Love. We are getting so close to the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth. The best-known passage of scripture is about God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) That amount of love in hard to fathom. Even as I told my kids, “I love you so, so much, but God loves you more,” it was hard for me to fully comprehend.

In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied the words of the Lord, “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed.” (Isaiah 54:10).

For 100’s of years God was steadfast in his love for us – humankind. Then he sent his son and God incarnate was a human infant child. God brought his love to earth, to live, love and suffer as humankind lives, loves and suffers. Jesus lived a life teaching and exhibiting love. What do we do with that? Are we just waiting for a second advent – a new arrival of Jesus? As we wait, what do we do? We do what Jesus did.

When his critics tried to test him, asking which commandment is the greatest, Jesus answered, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39).

In 1 John 4:7-12 we are told, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

I recommend you read the above scripture from 1 John 4:7-12 again, then read it tomorrow when you wake up and read it everyday. Share this with others, for there are some who do not feel loved. God has given them to us to nourish and care for, and to show God’s love through our hearts.

From Community of Christ’s Doctrine and Covenants 153:9a-b:
“Let my word be preached to the bruised and the brokenhearted as well as those who are enmeshed in sin, longing to repent and follow me. Let the truths of my gospel be proclaimed as widely and as far as the dedication of the Saints, especially through the exercise of their temporal stewardship, will allow.
My Spirit is reaching out to numerous souls even now and there are many who will respond if you, my people, will bear affirmative testimony of my love and my desires for all to come unto me.”

If you have a candle at home, any candle, light it, and declare it the Candle of Love. Breathe in God’s love and hold it close to your heart and let it grow. And get ready for the birth of Jesus Christ.

​Author: Bonnie Barber 

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  We see the effects of fall around us – the crisp air, the leaves changing to beautiful colors, the energetic activity of the squirrels gathering acorns.  With these transitions to our autumn season, I find myself nestling into the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, which in turn, turns my thoughts to a mood of thankfulness.  I admit the pressure of preparation for Thanksgiving day can interrupt the tranquility of peaceful thankfulness, but in silence and solitude I find my way back to that place where I embrace the people, opportunities and events for which I am truly thankful. Take a deep breath, hold, exhale. Close your eyes if you need to so you can shut out the clutter of the world around you.

Where do your thoughts go when you reach out to embrace thankfulness? I asked my students this question the other day. There were no immediate replies. As I prodded for their answers, a couple students hesitantly voiced a reply. Perhaps I should tell you that these students were adult ESL learners. I had shared some background about Thanksgiving in the United States and encouraged them to tell me if they had holidays in their countries where thankfulness was the focus. They couldn’t identify anything similar. What would we miss in our lives, without this emphasis on being thankful?

Even if we did not have our Thanksgiving holiday, we do have faith connections where we are reminded to be thankful to God for our blessings. Yet sometimes we may feel so much weight of the inequities and suffering in our world that we push aside what we are thankful for. I am not advocating that we turn our eyes and our hearts away from the pain and hate we see in the news. But it is okay to focus on that for which we are thankful. Focusing on positive emotions can affect our mental and physical health. And when you merge it with your faith, it turns your mind and heart to God.

What would you say to God as a thank you? Starting your day with thankfulness can help that positive mood seep into your day. I recently placed a dry erase marker in the bathroom. When I brush my teeth at night, I use that marker to write something for which I am grateful on the bathroom mirror. When I get up in the morning that’s what I see that first thing. It’s a small act but it does start my day in thankfulness. It can be a positive earworm.

Scripture tells us to be "thankful in everything, in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

In embracing gratitude, our actions can become positive actions. We must love one another and be a source of encouragement and hope.

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Welcome to our Sunday Devotion. As I read through the lectionary scripture for this week, Matthew 14:22-33, I felt comfortable reading the well-known story of Jesus walking on the water. Jesus beckoned for Peter to join him. Peter stepped onto the water, but then filled with fear, his faith faltered and he started to sink. Peter’s fear became stronger than his faith. Perhaps I’m sad because I know there have been times in my life where my fear or worries also overcome my faith. Can you look at your life and find similar times?

I can look back at so many instances where I believe God was truly watching over me and I can see the love  and wisdom of the Holy Spirit at work. So why do I at other times doubt God is walking my journey with me?

One of my favorite parts of the book (and movie) The Shack by William P Young is when the narrator was sinking in his boat. Jesus came to him in that moment of distress, walking on the water to him, assuring him he was alright. Jesus held out his hand and invited the narrator to get out of the boat and walk with him. When it was time to cross the water again, the narrator stepped out onto the water first and immediately sunk onto the sandy bottom. Jesus stepped up beside him and said, “It always works better when we do it together, don’t you think?”

“It always works better when we do it together, don’t you think?” Why do we forget to include God in everything we do?  Why do we let fear and worries control our actions instead of “doing it together” with God?    

Many times I have tried to wrestle a solution out of my brain, so intensely focused on it I could not go to sleep. But I also remember one night turning to God in conversation, expressing my confidence that I could to go to sleep and God would help me find that solution when I awoke. It was a bold move for me. The next morning when I awoke, the solution came to me quickly. So why do I doubt this can happen again?

I’m sure that many of you have similar experiences where your faith is overcome by worries or fear.  In the scriptures this happened multiple times for the disciples, so we are in good company. The best part of this lesson is that God is faithful in his desire to walk with us, We are given wonderful opportunities to experience faith over fear and we, too, like the disciples in today’s scripture, are able to declare our belief in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

May you recognize the workings of God in your life and may your faith grow stronger than your fears and worries.

(Author: Bonnie Barber)

Welcome to the Sunday devotion. During this time let’s clear our minds of the things left undone on our to-do list. Clear our minds of those frustrations that distract us. Are we hoarding any anger or disappointment? Focus on breaking free of worries and burdens. Letting go means we can focus our mind and heart on God and open our hearts to experience compassion. And forgiveness. Whether in silence or out loud, say this: “God, I come to you. Help me open my life to you.” Take a breath and say it again. Breathe and say it a third time.

As you open space for God, start allowing yourself to reflect and identify all the good things about yourself and seek to acknowledge your giftedness. Do you accept and acknowledge that you are special and have gifts to offer to the world? Many of us feel we do not have a special gift or talent. Perhaps we‘ve overlooked them. Perhaps we are too focused on wishing for a gift that we see in someone else. Do you fall into one of these categories? In Romans 12:6 we are told “Since our gifts vary depending on the grace poured out on each of us, it is important that we exercise the gifts we have been given.”

I remember speaking at church about sharing our gifts and talents and it caused me to once again wish that I could sing with a clear and beautiful voice. There was a woman at church whose voice I loved. It was magical and I dearly wished to have such an amazing gift. But then I assessed the kinds of things that were my gifts. I do have the gift of creativity. I find ways to incorporate drama, puppetry, poetry, and Christian clowning into my ministry and I realized how much I enjoyed offering this gift. So would I want to trade my creativity for a voice that could sing so beautifully?  I realized that the answer was no. I didn’t want to give up my creativity. So I was content and truly appreciative to God for giving me my gifts.  

Next I reflected on valuing others for their unique gifts instead of feeling frustrated about their weaknesses.  We need all the gifts to make up the body of Christ. “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” So build each other up and help one another recognize and celebrate the value of all persons.

Recently in our congregation we focused on the gift we all have when we share in the ministry of presence. With that gift we enjoy the Blessings of Community, the Unity in Diversity and Worth of All Persons – all part of the Enduring Principles of Community of Christ. (https://cofchrist.org/about-us/)

 “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10). As we identify and value the gifts of every person, we are building our relationship with Jesus Christ and, in turn, building our relationship with God. Make it a goal to share with someone today, the value of their presence in your life. Make a phone call. Send a text. Recognize and honor them as God recognizes and honors you.

(author: Bonnie Barber)

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. As I take a breath and turn my focus to this devotion, I reflect on this week’s worship theme, “Reach Out In Faith”. The scripture that comes to mind immediately is the story of the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years. “ Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on.” (Matthew 9:20-22, The Message)  How do we relate this to our lives today?”

There are so many examples of people who came to Jesus, reaching out in faith. Have you ever found yourself reaching out in faith to Jesus? Were you sick and needing healing? Or were you facing a situation where you reached out in faith asking for help? What were the outcomes?

How about when others need assistance? Who do you respond to? There are many on the street corners holding up a sign, asking for help. Do you reach out in faith to help? Do you find more comfort when others’ lives seem to align with yours? When an unknown visitor walks into your congregation, do you automatically reach out in welcome? What if the person comes in with a plastic bag or three of their belongings and they obviously haven’t taken a shower in days or weeks? Wouldn’t this also be an act of reaching out in faith? Who do you invite to go to lunch with you after church?

Who are the “sinners” that our society rejects? Do we blame people for their lack of resources? Do we blame the homeless for their homelessness? Are there people in your life’s sphere that suffer mental illness? How can you help? They may need professional help, but they also need your acceptance. They need to feel they are a person of worth. How would Jesus treat those people today? Do our actions show that we are truly followers of Jesus?

One winter season I was working at a homeless shelter dishing up plates of food. At first, the many faces going through the dinner line were quiet, politely responding when I greeted them. On the third day, their responses were more personal about their lives. They recognized me and felt more comfortable about sharing. They began to feel their answers mattered, and I learned how one was trying to drive across several states to get to family but his car broke down and he had no money to get it fixed. A couple men were jobless and working on getting their GED so they could find better work opportunities. I volunteered to tutor them with English grammar, and, in appreciation, they insisted on walking me to my car to ensure my safety. We mattered to each other.

Reach out in faith. Then reach out again, and again. Jesus continued his ministry with those who were poor, marginalized, and rejected. The Worth of All People is one of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles, in addition to Unity in Diversity and Blessings of Community. As followers of Jesus, we apply what we learned from his example – these are enduring principles for all of us to live by. Live the active life as followers of Jesus, the Peaceful One.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. This Sunday is often referred to as Trinity Sunday in the Lectionary. But what is Trinity? It is God, as the one God, who is experienced in three persons: God the Creator - traditionally identified as the Father, Jesus Christ the Redeemer (the Son), and the Holy Spirit - the Comforter or Sustainer. In other words, God is one and God is three. From Community of Christ Basic Beliefs: “We believe in one living God who meets us in the testimony of Israel, is revealed in Jesus Christ, and moves through all creation as the Holy Spirit. We affirm the Trinity—God who is a community of three persons.” —CofChrist.org/basic-beliefs. How do you view the Trinity?  Is there one of the three to whom you feel you have the closest relationship- God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? Do you have a specific time in your life where you came to understand and accept God as one and three?  Or do you struggle with this concept?

I ask that question because I know the concept of Trinity (Three in One)- God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, can be a difficult concept to accept. When explaining this to children, I personally relate to the examples we use to explain it. “The Trinity is like an egg. Just as ONE egg has THREE different parts – the shell, the white, the yoke – ONE God has THREE different Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Similarly, we often hear the Trinity compared to an Apple. ONE apple has three different parts – the skin, the flesh, and the seed.” (https://ahearttoknow.com/) To update the concept for the children of today, I use the triangular fidget spinner. The individuality of the three parts of the fidget spinner blend into one as it spins. And we see the representation of this triangle in the picture offered today.

Each of us may have one part of the three whom we address when we pray, ultimately believing we are talking to our one God. I have observed friends pray directly to Jesus. I’ve seen some speak to the Holy Spirit and others address God directly as our Father (often referred to today as Our Heavenly Parent). How do you address the Divine in your prayers and conversations?

Personally, I pray to God, and see God as my Creator, my Friend, and my Companion in my life’s journey. I find each of these descriptions in the Trinity. God, my Creator, I first find within the history and stories of the Old Testament. God is all powerful and has been with us forever and always. I find the humble and incredible personal love of God in the New Testament walking in human form as Jesus, showing us God through parables and loving peace-filled actions.  And I look to the Holy Spirit daily because the Holy Spirit came to walk with us daily as a promise from God when Jesus left this earth.

This is my reflection on how I view God as one and as Three-in-One. How I address God in my prayers today is not the same as it was yesterday and it is not the same as it will be tomorrow. That is because God provides for our needs and will be strength, compassion, love, guidance and whatever I need at any point in my life’s journey. This is what I pray for you – that you find God and all that God has given you in whichever of the three speaks to you. This is what Paul said to the people of Corinth in his letter (2 Corinthians 13:13). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. As we face a new week, let us put ourselves into the shoes of the first Christians living in Corinth. Paul wrote in his first letter to them, encouraging them to appreciate their various gifts, yet acknowledging their differences, their diversity as Jew and Gentile. His words identified issues that created the differences, much like we have today. It was, no doubt, often a situation of we versus them. What kind of labels do we apply today?

Why do we make such distinctions? Think of the labels we apply today. If you identify with a label (i.e., group) below, make a mental note.

·       Are you a person who likes to get up early in the morning to get an early start on their day?

·       Are you a person who needs their morning cup of coffee to energize?

·       Are you a person who likes to watch fashion trends and new innovations?

·       Are you a person who likes to work with their hands to make things?

Where do you fit into the above groups? If you fit in, how do you view those who do not? Do you see the advantage of both the included and those not included?

In 1 Corinthians 12:10-13 (Bible version: The Message), we are told, “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful.”  Paul goes on to further say, “We are each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he [God] has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of [Jesus] resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink.”

As we see the many parts of our own body: eyes, hands, feet, brain, etc., and know that they do marvelous works when put together in one body, so do we all benefit when we experience unity in our diversity and the blessing of community, two of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles. Live life knowing “we are better together.”  Do not draw lines between us where we cannot see the strength and promises and hope and peace of unity together.

To once again view the boxes that we often put people in and see the differences and the strength of getting rid of those lines that separate us, watch this video https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&ei=UTF-8&p=don%27t+put+people+in+boxes+video&type=E211US105G91768#id=1&vid=b00294ec2aaa5c9b0d035ddd43331995&action=click

Thank you, God, for helping us correct our vision where we only see differences and instead be the expanded body where we practice unity and love. Amen.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. The days are still growing longer and the light of day is flooding in through our windows. I am drawn outside to spend more time with the rising sun and the flowers and trees. Yesterday I attended my first outdoor barbeque. Although I went into this blur of people not knowing anyone very well, I left having a few new relationships begin to bloom. It took investing in conversation, sharing life experiences and allowing an investment of time. All of this makes me realize that this is what I could be doing with my relationship with God- being involved in conversation, sharing life experiences and allowing an investment of time. My relationship with God can bloom as well as I get to know God. What can I do? What would you do?

In the scriptures we are encouraged to build our relationship with God through prayer and  we have the example of Jesus who intentionally found time and space to spend time with God. We need to not just know about God, we need to know God. I could move through the blur of people at yesterday’s barbeque and find out a little about them. But by spending intentional time with some people, I got to know them. It takes the investment of time and interest.

In Ephesians 1:16-17 Paul writes, “ I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, And as we come to know God through his son Jesus, we can take our knowing into action.”  Here we find the real reward of living life as a Christian – to know God better.

Just as springtime provides more light and that light draws us into the day, may the light we find in Jesus grow and draw us to seek more time to know God. Find God in the crowd and stop to build your relationship through Jesus and his teachings. Get to know God.

In Ephesians 4:1-32 (ESV), I offer Paul’s words, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. We celebrate Mother’s Day today. On Mothers’ Day social media overflows with pictures of mothers and wonderful tributes. I join many others in remembering my mother – her kindness, her wisdom, her perseverance and determination. So many adjectives come to mind. Take a moment to reflect on your mother or a mother-figure that you admire.

Many years ago, my pastor asked me to offer a testimony about my mother using a scripture that expressed something about my mother. I struggled a bit with that. Google didn’t exist yet. What came to my mind was not a set of adjectives, but an action. I found my mother in Jesus’ words, “Feed my sheep.”  My mother was ready to offer a strong, yet quiet, determination to “feed” the sheep in Jesus’ flock. I remember her working so hard to welcome others to a meal at our house. She was always ready to provide what was needed, whether it was food, encouragement, or opportunities. She worked hard to provide a life where people had the opportunity to attend church and be fed by the word of God. This was the woman who during World War ll sat up all night in the church building to keep it from becoming a dance hall. So I offered the scripture, “Feed my sheep” to paint a picture of my mother.

I did use Google this time to find scriptures that offer characteristics of mothers and mother-figures. I say mother-figures because I think it is important to acknowledge that not everyone has a positive mother in their life. But hopefully everyone has found someone who has been a mother-figure (female or male).  I offer the following scriptures to help us find those special characteristics of a loving, wise, and devoted mother.

In Proverbs 1:8-9 we find this reference to mothers: "Pay close attention, my child, to your father's wise words and never forget your mother's instructions. For their insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions."

In another Proverbs scripture (Proverbs 31:25) we find a wonderful description of a mother: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." I must admit, when I read this one, I laughed at the reference “she can laugh at the days to come”.  A few weeks ago, I sat with a couple of my adult children sharing memories of their antics when they were small, and also their escapades as teenagers. We may laugh at these teenage adventures now, but the adventures of teenagers are not so funny when we first experience them.

In 1 Peter 3:4, we read this advice to mothers, "You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

We commend the loving characteristics of mothers and mother-figures today. Pay attention to the characteristics of someone devoted to God and God’s love. Those are all characteristics of people we need in our lives. It is important that we ALL proudly be mother-figures and offer God’s love, grace and generosity. These are characteristics that show no gender. Be thankful today for “mothers” who make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. And be ready to be that person for another.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  It's the start of a new week, and I, for one, am thankful for the opportunity to refuel and refresh and get a new start. I especially love the first Sunday of the month because in Community of Christ the 1st Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. For me, Communion signals a new start, a clean beginning, an opportunity to reset my relationship with God and my commitment as a creature of God’s love and grace.

 I attended a pre-communion service that was unique in that it offered one hour devoted entirely to spiritual preparation for communion. Typically communion is part of a worship service, not the sole focus. To have this entire service devoted to preparing for communion was a powerful experience. I can’t begin to describe everything that happened in the service and the responses that were evoked, but there is one spiritual practice that I’d like to share. That was using Lectio Divina with the Community of Christ’s Prayer of Blessing on the Bread and Wine as the focus.

 In Lectio Divina a scripture is generally repeated 3 times and each time we listen for a different emphasis. This practice opens our minds, helping us engage with the Holy Spirit and feel God’s presence.

 I want to share this experience of using Lectio Divina with the communion prayer. .                                   

First time it is read, just hear the words as if for the first time. Treat them as if you have never heard them before.  

“… bless and sanctify this bread and wine to the souls of all those who receive them, that they may eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of your Son…”  Be silent for a minute to rest on those words. Imagine these words are presenting new thoughts and ideas. Perhaps read it a second time to gain a better focus.

 Next – as you read it again, listen and think about your global brothers and sisters.

“… bless and sanctify this bread and wine to the souls of all those who receive them, that they may eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of your Son…”  Be silent again and reflect on this new emphasis. What images or thoughts does it bring to mind about your global brothers and sisters.

 Now for this 3rd time reading it, remember the body and blood of Christ

 “… bless and sanctify this bread and wine to the souls of all those who receive them, that they may eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of your Son…” What comes to your mind and your heart this time?

 If Lectio Divina is new to you, I invite you to read this prayer 3 times through again so you can feel the impact of those words with each new focus. We hear this prayer once a month and there is not a lot of time to contemplate the words. This opportunity to explore the prayer with 3 different lenses can be a real spirit-filled gift. May you also find this practice helps reset your communion experience so it is new and fresh. Do you remember your first communion? How did you feel?

 If you participated in a communion service recently, what speaks to your mind and your heart? Did the experience give you the sense of a new start or perhaps the never-ending love of God who is forever and again, loving you despite your failings. May you find God moving into your mind and into your heart with each communion experience.

Amen.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. I come in such thankfulness for the blessings of fellowship, friendship and love of my faith community. It is so strengthening to share the faithfulness of united hearts. I was blessed to attend Community of Christ’s World Conference this last week where roughly 60 countries were represented. The delegates in front of me represented the Pacific Islands and before we adjourned the conference, I had been blessed by Rajini from the Fiji Islands and Ral from Hawaii, whom I had never before met. I saw friends whom I’d lost touch with several decades before, a woman who had been a youth when I served as Youth Group Leader about 40 years ago. I reunited with friends who had lived in the DC area, but who now resided in Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Colorado, Oregon and Washington state.

I share this because I want to testify about the value of being in a faith community following the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Peaceful One, with hearts united in purpose. Together we advocated for the refugees, examined our role in Climate Change, and addressed our responsibilities while having difficult conversations of racial, ethnic and gender injustice. Do you have such a community, one in which you can grow and offer opportunities to others to grow in Christ-like behavior and values.

The disciples had such a group as they traveled with Jesus. It must have been such an amazing bond of “family”. Their conviction of faith, although severely tested, was strengthened by having one another – a strong lesson for us today. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we read, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

We need each other. We find great value and strength in our community of faithful believers. In Romans 1:11-12, we are told, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. In Romans 12:5 we are told, “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

This is the strength of participating in a faith-filled community. It doesn’t preclude us from reaching out to others who have not pursued or been introduced to a spiritual path. But as one body we gain strength, knowledge, and a treasure of gifts that enhance our abilities to do more in Christ’s name.

Seek the fellowship of a faith community. Find the light of Jesus in others. Then share it with the world.

Welcome to the Sunday devotion.  As we move forward in this new year, we are looking at new ways to face and embrace changes that seem to be happening rapidly in our lives. Even as we engage in pursuing Christ’s mission, we must discern how we go about doing that amidst a new normal that seems to be constantly evolving. When you go to church, what are your expectations?  Why do you go? Or why do you choose not to go? What parts of Sunday morning traditional worship speak to your spiritual self? Do you find the music to be the most engaging, or is it prayers, readings, sermon, etc.?

As I reflect on my worship experiences, it is often the music that fills me with the presence of the divine. It is said that those who sing, pray twice. Whether it is the music of the choir, the hymns or special instrumentals, music calms, inspires and fills my heart, mind and soul. It helps nullify the anxieties of my daily life. It awakens my senses and allows the spirit more avenues to enter in. What parts of worship speak to you?

Some people question the value of gathering together for 1 hour a week – what does it really accomplish? In the traditional worship service, it offers a separate time to intentionally spend time worshiping and focusing on our relationship with God. Some may not find this valuable. Others really look forward to it and need it. We must realize that the diverse ways of worship help speak to the unique and diverse souls gathered together. Plus, it brings us together with others who share our basic beliefs and need for community and fellowship with those who share our faith.

I also have to admit, I really like it when worship is ”outside the box” and offers something new. I catches my attention. Perhaps it is something like writing special thoughts of God on strips of cloth and attaching them to a tree in the churchyard to “allow  our prayers and thoughts to blow in the wind and into the world.”

But we must also recognize that we are a community that pledges to live Christ’s mission. And that mission exists outside the church walls. As a way to reach out in mission and take advantage of the dedicated Sunday worship time, our congregation has found ways to incorporate service into the worship hour. We’ve created inspirational artwork to send with packages to Ukrainian people, letting them know we are thinking of them. It is amazing the responses we hear about these handmade offerings. We’ve also packed lunches for those experiencing homelessness and cooked meals to be delivered to shelters. This, too, is worship.

May we continue to expand our expectations of what is worship and how we express God’s love to others. May we grow to appreciate the spiritual needs of others and allow the unity of diversity and the blessings of community to be exhibited in our worship time and expanded in living Christ’s mission.

We’d love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to contact the Washington, DC Community of Christ at dccofchrist@gmail.com and share with us what worship means or can mean to you.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. We step out every day, making a new path at times and, at times, retracing the old. Are there significant moments where you have had the good fortune to cross paths with someone who shared their experience and their faith and hopes bolstered your state of mind or resolve? Those moments, those testimonies, big or small, may offer strength or peace, hope or grace, just when you need it. Sit back for a moment and allow yourself to draw those experiences from your memories and reflect on the good feelings they offer.

I can remember when as a young adult I first heard people offer personal testimonies in a church Prayer and Testimony service. In Community of Christ, there is a rich history of these services. I remember being amazed by people’s testimonies. Not necessarily because those testimonies were astounding, but because they gave witness to people seeing and experiencing God during their normal day. It made me aware that every day, God was present in even the simplest of moments. I began to look for those moments in my life where I encountered God. I found my faith expanding as I felt God walking with me, holding me and loving me.

Have you shared such testimonies from your life with someone? We shouldn’t be shy about sharing. Just as another’s testimony spoke to my heart, your testimony and my testimony may also offer a window of hope, love, peace, insight, or any of so many feelings. It builds relationships with each other and with God.

Perhaps as you sit here reading these humble words, you have recalled such testimonies. Even if you don’t remember the details, your heart may remember the sense of a spiritual space where you felt God working in people’s lives.

Make it a point to develop new testimonies where you see God working in the lives around you and in your life. At the end of the day, as you settle your head on your pillow, look back at the course of the day and find your moments where you see God’s presence. And be ready to share your testimony, remembering that not all testimonies are through words; many testimonies are through actions.

Dear God, our Ultimate Companion, help us to approach each day with eyes open to your presence. Help us to share our stories with others so they may find You in their life. May our community of faith grow and reach out to others so that the peace of Jesus is shared throughout the world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

(author: Bonnie Barber)

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. I love finding inspirational stories and today I want to share the following story. This week the Advent theme is Joy. What better way to add joy to someone’s life than do something unexpected for them. Give of yourself. Be generous. You can make a difference.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought his paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice check, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said “You've already paid me for painting the boat Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It's for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service... certainly it's not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened:

“When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole.

“When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip.

“They did not know that there was a hole. I was not at home at that time.

“When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole.

“Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.

“Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!

“You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your 'small' good deed.”

So no matter who, when or how, continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively, and carefully repair all the 'leaks' you find. You never know when one is in need of us, or when God holds a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important to someone.

Along the way, you may have repaired numerous 'boat holes' for several people without realizing how many lives you've save. ❤️

Make a difference....be the best you...

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  I expect there are still leftovers in the fridge from your Thanksgiving meal. And, I pray, you have some meaningful and special memories of time spent either in person with family or friends, or via phone, texts, or social media. This is a wonderful time of year when we get to transition from a swelling of thankfulness to the special meaning of Christmas.  

This is the first Sunday of Advent and as we progress through the weeks leading to Christmas, we often assign Peace, Hope, Joy or Love to one of the four candles of the Advent Wreath.  This week we assign Peace to candle #1.

If you are feeling euphoric from your season of thankfulness, it might feel natural to move into the sense of peace emitted from the flicker of the Advent candle. God gave us His son, Jesus, to further His love and peace into the world. However, there is not peace in the world today. There are warring nations, heartbreaking acts of violence, and politically-divided people. As we face unrest, frustration and brokenness, this is a perfect time to gaze into the flame of the Advent candle and remember the immense love and grace of God as we reflect on the birth of His son, Jesus.

One of my favorite scriptures foretelling of a peoples’ move toward peace is in Isaiah 2:1-5 where “[people] will beat their swords into iron plows, and their spears into pruning tools. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war.” In Isaiah, the people of Judah were being invited to take the first steps toward creating Zion and the reign of God: “Let us walk in the light of the Lord” (v. 5). We must also walk in that light and we keep alive the hope of peace to come. But how can we do that?

Remember in your preparation for Christmas to mindfully move through each step, allowing God and God’s call for peace, to be part of it. What gestures or generous acts, big or small, can melt the weapons and words of war into a spirit of love, compassion and oneness?

Let’s begin our Advent season with peace. May God’s spirit fill you and give you inspiration and resolve to be an ambassador for peace and justice as you walk your journey in this world. Amen.

(author: Bonnie Barber)

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  Happy World Kindness Day! And it couldn’t have come at a better time, right? World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998 to promote kindness throughout the world.  As part of the World Kindness Movement, it is observed annually in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.A.E.  Beautifully stated, the theme of World Kindness Day this year is “Be Kind Whenever Possible,” which was taken from a Dalai Lama quote: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

As I look at my statement earlier when I said World Kindness Day couldn’t have come at a better time, I realize that I need to retract that statement. It infers that we need World Kindness Day to make us kind. But it is not a day delegated to kindness that will make a difference.  We need to make a difference. And we shouldn’t need one day of the year to remind us.  But, unfortunately, perhaps we do.

Kindness must go beyond a fleeting trend or a singular act. Kindness needs to be a lifestyle and mindset that implores us to live our lives with greater empathy and justice. Kindness asks us to go beyond niceties and good manners. Kindness must be a transformative action that offers compassion, inclusion and love.

Did you know that there are scientific facts about being kind? Experiencing acts of kindness makes kindness contagious. We experience kindness and we react by offering acts of kindness, as well.

I googled for inspirational quotes and found these:

“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

“Because that’s what kindness it. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.” Andrew Iskanders

 Yes, we can go to modern quotes and inspirational phrases about kindness, but the best words of kindness are rooted in scripture. 

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV) “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

 We must celebrate and live kindness every day. “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)  In offering kindness, we can be like patient zero – we can start an epidemic of kindness.

Be well, my friends. And be kind.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday morning devotion.  Our theme today is “Have Courage” and our scripture reference is from Haggi. This reference is basically the story of the Jews who were banished to Babylon returning to Judea.  They want to restore the temple that was trashed by the Babylonians, but resources were scarce, and the people put off restoring the temple.  Eventually God lets the people know that it is time to stop procrastinating and get on with rebuilding the temple.  However, the people are still reluctant to do the renovations.  Their hearts were not in it and resources remained scarce. 

Have you ever put off doing something which you knew needed done because you were uncomfortable and didn’t think you had the resources to do it.  I have.  There was a time not too long ago that I knew it was time to relocate, sell my house and begin a whole new chapter in my life.  I kept putting it off. I felt that my life was over and not worth moving on.  Eventually, with the help of my family and my church family I began to move forward.  God paved the way for me to sell my home and find a new place to live. It’s not the same but it is fine for my needs. 

I found the courage to move forward as did the people of Israel.  The temple that they built was not as glamorous as Solomon’s temple, but it was good in God’s eyes.  They knew that God had not deserted them and loved them for their efforts.

 There are going to be many times in life when we have to do that which is scary and uncomfortable, and it will take courage - the courage that comes from a close relationship with God.  God can do marvelous things and he wants to walk with each of us as we move into new territory.

 As we go into this next week with a national election, may we use the courage that God shares with us to vote with confidence and courage.

 Author: Kathy Wolfe

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. As a church, we have various seasons we celebrate which cause us to focus our gaze in a certain direction and spend time in meaningful reflection and preparation. Advent and Lent are 2 of the most widely known. In Community of Christ we also recognize the Season of Generosity. This is a period set aside to recognize the grace of God and to discover a deeper joy in discipleship through intentional whole-life stewardship. What does whole-life stewardship mean?

A steward is really a “manager.” So we could say that in whole-life stewardship we manage God's resources God's way because of God's love.  Many times our thoughts automatically go to giving 10% of our money. But in whole-life stewardship we manage, i.e., take care of, 100% of everything God gives us. As stewards, we are tasked to look after the world for God. We must look after the interests of the planet and all life on it.

In making this part of your spiritual journey, how do you view the generosity of God? One way to meditate on the beauty of the earth is to find videos such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyZMCd6nS0Q 

But there is more to the whole-life stewardship. As we gaze and meditate on the powerful beauty of God’s creation, we must also be thankful for God’s generosity in all that is provided to us.

Think about all the blessings you see around you in God’s world. Around me I also see food, shelter, people of compassion, unique gifts and talents of others, the blessings of a diverse community, and a desire to make a difference.

We are so blessed by the generosity of God in all things and there are things we can do in sharing the responsibility to protect and nourish all those parts of God’s world. It is in the responsibility to protect and nourish that we live the life of the disciple, sharing the message of God’s love not just through words, but also through action. In 1 John 3:17 we are told, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” I challenge you to find ways to make a difference. What programs offer compassionate assistance to others in your community? In the DC area, we have the upcoming Winter Warmth https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/SQPKJWN5BXQ?ref_=wl_share

where Friendship Place sponsors a program to offer coats, hats, and gloves to those in need. There are also special programs in 46 of the states and Washington, DC, that offer a weekend food backpack program providing food to children experiencing food insecurity. (see https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/)

 Make a difference. Respond to the generosity of God by responding generously yourself. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

What will you do?

(Author: Bonnie Barber)

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Think back over this last week. Did you have a week you’d describe as hectic and fast-paced? Or did you have a week filled with peace and joy? What were your high points? What were your low points? If you were to list your accomplishments, what would they be?  Do they include eating out at a nice restaurant where you experienced great food and great service? Did you buy new technology? A new computer or a new phone?

While those are wonderful things that might make you feel happy, what about things that did not represent anything materialistic? At your meals, who was at the table with you? Family? Friends? Let’s expand your virtual table and think about people you encountered this week. Where were your encounters?

In various scriptures found in Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus speaks about having “treasure in heaven”, meaning to relish the non-material things. Why? “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) God wants to offer us so much. His kingdom is a place of generosity and love. A place where we offer and experience the gifts of relationships with one another and God.

What were the high points of my past week? I would like to tell you who was at my “table”. Every Tuesday night we make a point of getting together for dinner with family. It’s a very casual dinner at a local Tex-Mex restaurant. Tuesday nights are one of the highlights of my week. As soon as Tuesday is over, I start to look forward to the next Tuesday. We are blessed by sharing this evening with our family, but we are also blessed by the people who work there. They are like family. It’s all about relationships. Relationships with my loved ones. Relationships with people who are like family.

This last week my “table” was even bigger on Wednesday night. Although the English classes that I teach are suspended for a couple of summer months, I organized a casual Zoom meeting in case any students just wanted to get together and catch up. Over the course of the meeting, more and more students signed in. We had a wonderful time where we shared in the joy of one student finally getting her driver’s license, consoling another over the illness of her sister, and getting updates on weddings, pregnancies, and final trips of the summer. It’s all about valuing each other and reaching out with a generous and loving heart, offering compassion and acceptance.

But if these were the only people at my table, I still have a very small table. My students sign in from places all over the world, however, there are so many more people whom I must set a place for. We have a wonderful hymn in our Community of Christ Sings hymnal, “For Everyone Born”.  “For everyone born, a place at the table. For everyone born, clean water and bread, a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing, for everyone born, a star overhead. And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace….”

 God offers us his kingdom freely and generously, so we must respond generously, as well. Our “tables” should illustrate the Enduring Principles of our faith, e.g., Blessing in Community, Unity in Diversity, Sacredness of Creation, Pursuit of Peace and Worth of All Persons.

 Where can you…where do you…reach out as a disciple of Jesus, showing value in the treasures of heaven?

 Dear God, the One who loves every person who walks this earth,

Teach us, guide us and push us to create infinite room at the table and to be the hands, the feet, and the heart that offers shelter, food and hope. Help us be creators of justice, joy, compassion, and peace. With all of these, we indeed have treasures in heaven. Amen

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. How much time have you devoted to God this week? If you are like me, my assessment looks pretty dismal. It’s just that every day I face so many things to do. But I have to ask myself – what things eat up my time and snatch away my focus.? Have you ever felt your life needs decluttering? That is what I have faced this week. As I prepare for bed, I list those things that I need to prioritize when I wake.  But my morning to-do list often dissolves due to the clutter. Can you think of what clutter is in your life? While we are in this moment together, take a deep breath and let’s examine the ways we add clutter to our lives.

My obvious clutter often starts with the kitchen countertop. It usually collects a bit at a time. There is the flour canister that used to be stored in the pantry, but since it was being used often for a series of days when I cooked, it stayed out. Now in its place in the pantry stands a box of Bisquick, so the flour canister stays on the counter. Also on the countertop sits the recently purchased jar of garlic stuffed olives that hasn’t found a home and a towel on which set several pans, air-drying after being washed by hand. So the clutter grows and soon it needs a focused stretch of time to get everything in order. And there are other ways we add clutter to our lives.

Why do my morning plans dissolve and the to-do list suffer? Because I turn on the news to see what is happening and scroll on my phone to check news links. It’s amazing how I can be distracted by not-so-news-worthy items, like “50  Kitchen Hacks You Never Thought Of”. This seems like a worthy pursuit; however, when I check the time, I wonder how an hour (or more) could have possibly passed already. Has this ever happened to you?

It is far too easy to get distracted and let the clutter take over. When the flat surfaces in my home start to gather miscellaneous items, so do the spare moments when I react to things to do, read or research. Have you discovered Google? It is an amazing tool for the easily distracted mind. I’ve gotten to the point where any casual conversation can bring up a question where I must instantly turn to Google for an answer. It doesn’t matter if the answer is all that important, there are numerous answers, and then I also find other suggested queries that lead me down more Google “rabbit holes”.

Although it’s embarrassing to admit to the clutter in my life, I bring it up to show it’s a powerful force. The clutter of material things and the clutter or distractions for my mind detracts from the time I could be focusing on my relationship and communication with God. But how can I declutter? How do you eliminate the clutter so your focus on God is intentional and uninterrupted?

I’ve mentioned before that I find it easier to focus when I write prayers and thoughts in a journal. But the clutter of to-do lists distracts me. Here’s a thought! I should add journaling to my To-Do list.  That is one way to be more intentional. I also find that if I don’t have the right kind of place in my house to get away from it all, I get in my car and drive to a nearby park. I have discovered multiple paths in the county parks.

I appreciate the time that I’ve just taken to examine the clutter in my life. It helps me understand it and, hopefully, control it instead of it controlling me. I pray the same for you. Look at your time and how you’ve spent it. How do you manage the physical and mental clutter in your life? This is a sincere question and I appreciate any suggestions that you may have.

Dear God, I thank you for your listening ear. Help me to declutter my mind so I can focus on the praise and prayer that I need to express. Hear my voice and help me be quiet and hear yours. Help me be released from the clutter of material things and the attention-seeking thoughts crowded in my head. I praise you for your power and strength and thank you for your never-ending grace. Amen.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. The lectionary theme this week is about prayer, using Luke 11: 1-13 where Jesus provided instructions about praying and offered a part of what we call The Lord’s Prayer as an example. This caused me to reflect on prayer life, in general, and mine specifically. What draws us to prayer? Joy, love, repentance, worries, sadness? What provides us with the best prayer experiences? Let’s take a deep, cleansing breath together, open our inner selves, and listen for the whispers of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for our conversations with God.   

Let me ask you – what is your prayer life like? When did you first experience prayer? When has your prayer life been strongest? What impacts your prayer life?

These last couple of weeks have brought me face to face with a full spectrum of absolute joy to deep sadness, and all of this has impacted my prayer life. My emotions overflowed in both directions, and, truthfully, rarely resulted in voiced full sentences to God. My prayers were, at times, unvoiced words and thoughts. But prayers don’t need to be worded in flowery phrases. Jesus taught, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7).

This last week I experienced friendships, some were newly formed and others were deeply-rooted and developed over the years, even decades. I offered my thankful praise to God in popcorn-type moments for the great joy that filled my heart. I was especially thankful for those moments because they helped me turn to God when my heart felt broken or scared. I took those feelings and requests to God, also, sometimes in sentences, sometimes in broken thoughts and concerns.

Often my prayers are quick reactions to moments of happiness or periods of need. But prayer life is incomplete if it is not given intentional and devoted time. Where do you find your intentional prayers best expressed? My drive to work or my walk from the parking lot to my office provided me with a time to pray. Now that I am retired, I seek out a quiet walk in the morning along one of the paths in a nearby park. How about you?

I also appreciate the shared prayers and guided meditations in our worship services, at retreat campfires, and in any group experiences where we have intentionally sought the presence of the Holy Spirit as a faith community. Sometimes I struggle to set the intentional time aside, but I never regret it.

Where and when are your best prayer opportunities? What do you include in your prayers? Have you included praise, thankfulness, repentance, and supplication? In the scripture from Luke, we are told to pray using all these aspects. As I reflect on my prayer life, I am reminded that I must slow down; pray in the moment, but also pray intentionally; pray in private and in community; pray for myself and pray intercessory prayers for others. I must designate intentional prayer time and remember the guidance that Jesus taught.

Now is an intentional moment for each of us to pray.  Don’t worry about the smoothness of your words. Pray your heart. That is my prayer for you. Open your mind to communicate to God and allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to flow from your mind to your heart and from your heart back to the Holy Spirit.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. How has your life gone this week? I would love to hear the blessings that have poured upon you. In fact, I’m sure that could bolster all of us. But let me ask you, what issues have caused you pain? What has strained your soul? Some of you are, no doubt, asking why am I focusing on the negative? Why am I scratching at the irritants, digging at the abrasions, and focusing on the pain? I found myself asking this same thing. Especially since I have been reading the story of The Good Samaritan. Do you remember this story? Let’s review it.

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” (Luke 10:30-35)

All the times I have encountered this story I have focused on the Good Samaritan, the person who was filled with compassion and put aside his distrust and ill feelings and helped someone in need. We learn that to help our neighbor, to love our neighbor, we see that person with the eyes of someone who lives the Enduring Principle “The Worth of All People”.

But there is another story here. There is the story of the divisions that cause us to distrust and pull apart from one another.  Perhaps we have to identify those issues whether it be about social status, religious views, gender equality, gender identification, or whatever way we define “us” versus “them”.  

Let me ask you what conditions (characteristics) might make you hesitate to help a person in need. Think of people you might describe as angry, outspoken, homeless, non-conforming, troubled, unclean, or mentally ill. What would you add? What about your neighbor – what do you think they would add?

Now I want you to fill in those characteristics using Love Your Neighbor.

Love Your Neighbor.

Love your ___________ neighbor.

Love your ___________ neighbor.

Love you ____________ neighbor.

You get the idea.

Now you need to ask yourself, what about these conditions make you respond the way you do?

We are challenged to love those neighbors who make us uncomfortable, those neighbors who upset us and don’t agree with us, and those neighbors who don’t love us back.

We must identify our issues and find a way to love each other despite our disagreements and our divisions. And that is part of our mission.

Dear God, forgive us our transgressions and help us learn from one another. You love us all. Help us embody your love as we struggle to love one another. Help us open our eyes, open our arms and open our hearts every day and truly live your commandment to love one another.  Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  This week I was overwhelmed with beauty. There was a picture on social media that as I gazed at it, it pulled me closer to the Holy Spirit. My heart began forming thoughts and a sense of invitation. This picture stirred so much in me that I would like to share it with you as our simple devotion today. So take a deep breath and exhale. I invite you to find the majesty of God as you gaze upon this magnificent expression of God’s sacred creation.

When I look at this tree, I see the outreached arms of God.

O God, I am only a small speck in this world, but I know you have room for me where I can shelter when I am afraid.

A place where I can be weak because you are strong.

A place that is sometimes distant from you, but never so far that you can’t reach me.

There are so many directions that I could go, but you are always there.

 Look again at this picture. Where are you? Down low and well-grounded? Near the center, or up high? Perhaps you are out at the outermost tip of a branch. But are you confident of God’s strength or are you hanging on and fearful of falling? Somedays, are you snug at the center, resting well where the branch starts to spread outward, but close to the trunk of the tree?

I invite you to gaze again at this magnificent tree and create your own story, your place, in the arms of God. Where are you?

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Welcome to a place of peace, kindness and exploration of faith. As you reflect back on this past week, please stop a moment and think deeply and carefully. I’ve suggested before that at the end of each day we should stop and look back to see where your life moments were tied to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Whatever time of day it is for you right now, I challenge you to look back over the last 12-24 hours and find where the Holy Spirit nudged or guided you in a certain direction.  

So,  “What is God doing in your life these days?” Perhaps I should have led with that question.

Our congregation has been focusing these last few weeks on the Holy Spirit – how to be open to it and discern where our faith journey should lead us. In years past we’ve provided a building as a women’s hypothermia shelter. We’ve also offered English classes for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and when the pandemic closed the DC churches, we surprised ourselves by plunging right in and successfully moving our classes online.

These are great projects but I feel a persistent push to continue to ask what is ahead for us. This week I began scouring for potential service projects and I was drawn to Friendship Place and its program/support to end homelessness in DC. I took a few screenshots about their speakers who would come to churches to present their programs and help organizations explore what they could do.

Then, in the midst of my research, I received word that there was a person who was literally on our church steps and in need of shelter and food. I met with this person, listening to a bit of their history and passions, their desire to take what they experienced as a homeless person and raise consciousness that would better serve the homeless. I can’t ignore the timing and circumstances of this situation. It too closely intersects with my recent quest for a way ahead for our congregation and the detailed shelter information I had recently acquired. Now as I ask myself, “What is God doing in my life these days?”, I have an answer.

I don’t know where this recent experience will take me nor the congregation. Is it a nudge, or is it a significant step? I don’t know. I do know that I can’t ignore it. I do know that the presence of the Holy Spirit is undeniable here. I do know that no matter the outcome, our first steps are acts of love, kindness, and acceptance. The words of the Community of Christ’s Mission Prayer ring clear: "God, where will your spirit lead me today? Help me to be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen”

So what is God doing in your life these days?

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Today is Pentecost – the 50th day after Passover commemorating the day so long ago when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, just as Jesus had promised. All done in a marvelous and miraculous way.

  “Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.”  (Acts 2:2-3)

Yes, that image is miraculous, but we need to realize the full miracle is that the Holy Spirit came to stay. It was not just for the people of that time. It was for us today, a true testament to God’s everlasting love. Do you ever wonder why God gave us the Holy Spirit?

Jesus taught about God’s love. He spoke about it and he showed it in the way he lived his life. When Jesus died he told the disciples that he was leaving, but he promised they would never be alone because God would send the gift of the Holy Spirit. Why? So God could remain close to us. That is a profound statement…  the gift of the Holy Spirit is so God could remain close to us. Are we really talking about God’s intentional desire to be close to us? It is He that is seeking us? Don’t we usually think of it as us seeking God?

Think of a time when you opened your heart and sought the comfort, guidance, and support of the Holy Spirit. It was an intentional act on your part.  Now think of a time when you were not seeking the Holy Spirit, but you felt its presence anyway.  It was an intentional act of God.

I find it interesting that we talk about inviting or “invoking” the Spirit of God to be with us at the beginning of our worship services. If we acknowledge that God is always with us, I think we are misidentifying that moment at the beginning of our worship services. We are not opening the church door and calling for God to enter. We are opening ourselves to receive God’s presence – through the Holy Spirit.

I particularly love the hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”. I love the image of feeling God’s breath on me. God would have to be so close for me to feel His breath. So close. I know He is all around us, but to realize He is that close that I should, could and would feel His breath startles my mind. It must have been like that on that day when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples.

Let me leave you with that hymn. “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”.  Take a deep breath 3 times. Click on the link and close your eyes. Feel God’s breath upon you.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ph-t8P2r_I

God is seeking you today and at this very moment. Feel his breath?

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. In the DC area this week, we have had a huge range of weather. I looked at our outdoor church sign and it made me smile. ”Weather forecast – God Reigns and the Son Shines.” I had to leave it up one more week because it will, no doubt, bring smiles to commuters’ faces as they pass by the church this next week, as well.

God reigns. Jesus, God’s son, shines. This simple statement gives me hope and I believe it can do that for you, as well. The power of God is great. And I need to hang onto that promise of God’s power.

When we dealt with ferocious winds this week, I cowered, afraid of the power of that wind which was accompanied by sizable hail. I prefer to think about the goodness of God’s power, but the wind blowing sideways and the battery of hail against my windows reminded me of Old Testament stories of God’s wrath.

Some people really focus on the wrath of God. And I’d have to agree that God certainly could have a long list of the awful things we human beings have done. But my Christian upbringing has focused on the love of God, his forgiveness, his grace. He is the source of the strength we all need to keep going in the face of the ugly parts of our lives. He is the source of comfort and support we all need when we find ourselves falling into the depths of despair. How could we possibly pull through life’s painful times without our faith to hold us together?

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

 And when my faith is hitting empty like my gas tank, I need your faith to keep me going.

We are a community, a faith community. We find additional strength in that. We have a responsibility to one another. Community is life-giving—and essential to following Christ. Scripture says that’s because we’re better together than we are alone. “A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.”Romans 12:4–5.

 We are stronger as a faith community.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

“This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them.” Matthew 18:20

 I am truly thankful for all of you who walk this path of faith. May we call on one another as we navigate through life. May we reach out our hands and draw our circle wider, pulling together, taking a risk in the name of Jesus, to correct the wrongs and set straight the journey.

Amen

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. A song keeps going through my head these last few days as I prepared for Sunday’s lectionary theme, “Prepare a Sanctuary”. This is a song often sung around a campfire at retreats and camps. It is one of the ways we close the campfire, having shared in fun and fellowship, recognizing the ever-presence of God in all the moments we engaged with him individually and in community. It can provide a transition to a deepening relationship with God, or it can be seen as a meaningful step before we go back out into the secular world. I want to share the words with you using a spiritual practice called lectio divina which is usually used for prayerfully reading scripture. The message or petition of this song is truly a parallel to scriptures given to us in the old and new testaments.

Lectio Divina means “divine reading” and it is a way to take the words of scripture and personally engage in finding a deeper meaning. Some describe it as reading with the “ear of the heart.” So let’s begin with step one – read the words all the way through, looking for a word or phrase that stands out to you.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. And with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary, for You.” This song is a conversation that we initiate with God; a prayer of the heart.  Read it again and let the words flow into your mind and soak down to your heart.

Don’t restrict yourself to a specific number of times you read it. This is your time. Feel free to read it again. I find that reading it several times just takes it deeper and deeper into my conscience. What word or phrase stood out to you as you read it? There is no right answer. This is a time when you are conversing with God, so let the Spirit speak to you.

As you reflect on this word or words, repeat them over and over. [Do that now.] Each one of us probably picked different words. Use the silence to repeat them and open the “ears of your heart” to hear God’s response to you. Do you feel encouragement? Peace? A desire to deepen your connection to God?

For me, the first time I used lectio divina with this song, the words “prepare me” stood out. “Prepare me.” “Prepare me to be a sanctuary.“ At that moment the sanctuary represented a peaceful place devoted to worship. I realized that I deeply needed that. I needed to find that place within me where I could wall off the outside world and center my heart and mind on God and devote myself to God. Please realize that whichever words stood out to you and what they meant to you is personal. It is your time with God.

And what you hear as God’s response is also unique and personal for you. Give time to your experience. Take the feelings and reverence of the moment to extend your reflection, your thoughts, and your understanding. Take those thoughts and respond in prayer to God, telling him however you feel led to respond.

Then take a moment and just sit in silence with God.

What was your experience using the words of this song?

I pray you engage in this spiritual practice and allow this special time with God. Any scripture can be used. And it is okay to expand this to use other songs or text. I would love to hear your testimony of your experience. (http://www.cofchristdc.org/contact)

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. I love the theme for this week – “Love One Another – Can We Do It?” We know “Love one another” as one of the great commandments, but we are being quite blunt in asking, “Can we do it?” Let’s look at that.

This is a true challenge. And by using the word “can” in “Can we do it?”, the question asks, “Are we capable of doing it?” Look at the adversity in our world, in our country, and in our communities and read this again, “Love One Another – Are we capable of doing it?” It’s a big question and we must look at it with hope. We must believe that we can do it. We need that hope. And as a faith community, we live that hope.

Let’s take a look at John 13:31–35, the scripture for this week. Jesus is talking to his disciples and saying that as his disciples they must love one another. He’s not directing this commandment this time to the world. I am a little surprised by this. Why is Jesus directing this commandment to his community of disciples? And by this statement, Jesus is directing this commandment to us as a community of disciples. This makes it a different kind of challenge. Are there people in your faith community with whom it is a challenge to love? Have you seen firsthand the power of a faith community that works through times of disagreement and love shines through? What a powerful experience and what a powerful witness of Jesus’ teachings.

Community of Christ has worked through differing thoughts and opinions using Faithful Disagreement and I find this to be an amazingly empowering action/reaction. We love one another even if we don’t agree.  The commandment to love one another that Jesus told his disciples is for all of us. Allow the differences. Show the power of God in our lives, the teachings of Jesus, and embrace the Blessings of Community, the Worth of All Persons, and Unity in Diversity - just a few of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles from which to live by.

If we show our commitment to this love commandment, this is how people will find meaning in Christ, God’s son. The invitation to know Christ will be alive. The communities of joy, hope, love and peace will grow. Because as Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (v. 35). It’s not “Can we do it?” Instead, it should read, “Yes, let’s do it!”

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Do you ever feel so distant from God that you believe God doesn't even know who you are? We are told that the Good Shepherd knows all of his sheep. In John 10:14 we are given the words of Jesus, "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me." When we feel we have drifted away, we can find assurance in those words, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me." How does that make you feel?

We know God. We are his sheep and we can find God by listening for his voice. Sometimes there can be so much noise that it can be difficult, so it may take some effort. But we need to realize that in all the time we are seeking the voice of the Shepherd, the Shepherd is also calling out to us. But you can still feel frustrated and unsure, believing the Shepherd’s voice must not be speaking to you.

Do not despair.  It's not impossible to hear the Shepherd's voice. God wouldn't assure us that we'd know his voice if it were impossible to hear his voice.  

I love knowing that although God loves us all as part of his flock, his love for each one of us is intentional and personal. I may be the lost sheep in a flock of 100, but God, our Shepherd, will come for me. I mustn't doubt myself so much that I feel unworthy and hide. 

Are you hiding? Are you hiding behind feelings of unworthiness or self-doubt? Do you think you are just too busy right now? Or do you think you are too old? Or too tired? Give those feelings to God. I am one who can get overly anxious about getting something done and done well. But I have someone close to me who reminds me that I'm too focused on doing it all by myself and I need to give it to God. I need to be open to God’s voice, to know God's intentions and to trust our Shepherd. 

Listen for the voice of the Shepherd. Find that activity (or inactivity) that provides an opening to the Shepherd's voice.  Seek out the companionship of others of faith. In their strength, find your focus. Or spend time alone when you can concentrate on listening for God's voice. Listen in the silence and find your focus. And always proceed with expectations that you will hear the Shepherd's voice. 

 “Listen in the silence. Listen in the noise. Listen for the sound of the Spirit's voice." (Community of Christ Sings, hymn 153)

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. How do you feel right now? Are you happy? Are you anxious? Are you feeling the spirit of God? As you identify your current emotions, take a breath, then another. Inhale deeply, exhale to the fullest amount you can. Now breathe in again – easy and relaxed. Let’s center our thoughts and our focus on God and walk together spiritually for a moment.

I come to the close of my Saturday feeling tired, with aching feet and an exhausted mind. But I am full of joy. That’s the most satisfying of feelings. Exhausted, but filled with deep satisfaction, love, and renewed spirit. Within our faith community, we tried something new today – a new expression of exploring Christ’s mission is our mission. A group of Community of Christ members and friends went to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, with the intent to learn, question, embrace and be challenged in mission and social justice issues.

Within the culture of the First People of the Americas, we found pure truths that match Community of Christ’s Enduring Principle Sacredness of Creation. We witnessed in this history of Native Americans the honor and respect for the land, the sky, the waters and the living creatures that inhabit this amazing planet. I found myself being drawn in awe and reverence to a new spiritual relationship with God’s creation. But I also was reminded of the vulnerability we are facing with limited natural resources and the real evidence of climate change. With the amazing gifts of nature comes amazing responsibility.

I also found Native American history painful, heartbreaking, and even agonizing. My mind turns again to more of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles, the Worth of All Persons and Unity in Diversity, and I question how people in U.S. leadership could have made such inhumane decisions. What about the Enduring Principle ‘Responsible Choices’? How did our governing leadership miss the ‘Blessings of Community’, another Enduring Principle we profess?

We gathered together after this trip to reflect on all that we had learned and what it meant to each of us and to us as a community. We asked ourselves hard questions. What will we do, individually and collectively, with what we have learned? What is our role as a community of believers in challenging these things?

I wish I could offer you a list of the profound and concrete answers we came up with. We did not create such a list. We still face these challenging questions. But we do have a better understanding and appreciation of the challenge we face with Community of Christ’s Mission Prayer: "God, where will your spirit lead me today? Help me to be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace.  Amen "

 We experienced “Mission at the Museum” and pray for discernment as we search for ways that we as a community of believers can make a difference.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Can it really be just one week after Easter? I hope you, like me, are experiencing the Easter afterglow, reflecting on and celebrating that Jesus has risen from the dead! But what was happening with the disciples one week after that glorious Easter day?  Jesus had already appeared to them, they knew he had won against death on the cross. Yet, they were in the same locked room where they had been on Easter day. In the scriptures, the focus is now on the disciple Thomas… “Doubting Thomas,” who had said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:24-25) But there is more to the story…

The term “Doubting Thomas” has crept into our vocabulary and we know it well, but I’d like to dispute the labeling of Thomas as the “doubting” one. Thomas hadn’t seen Jesus like the other disciples had. Poor Thomas – now and forever labeled as Thomas the Doubter. Yet, the other disciples… How strong was their faith? They had seen Jesus 7 days before, yet they were still in the room behind the locked door. If Thomas is a doubter, are not the other disciples, as well? They all had an imperfect faith. How about your faith? Is it imperfect, as well? The disciples’ faith was imperfect so ours can be, also.

What else did Jesus say? “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Evidently, Jesus did not expect perfect faith. I mean, he did find his disciples in a locked room twice! He told them what he had been telling them for quite a while, they had a job to do. And he didn’t expect them to go out alone. Upon telling them that he was sending them out, Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.“

Here we must realize that in this act of Jesus sending out the disciples, it is more than that. It is a message to all of us - He is sending out his church. The disciples had Jesus. We have Jesus’ teachings. On those days when our imperfect faith is weak, find what bolsters your faith, your experience with the Holy Spirit. For me it is listening to contemporary Christian music on the local radio station. And I find focus when I journal my prayers and reflections. My faith is also strengthened when I’m in fellowship and experiencing communal worship with others in my faith community. All of these help my imperfect faith. What helps yours?

Now it is time for us to leave our “locked room” and go forth to share the message of Jesus. Even when our faith is imperfect, we can lean on the Holy Spirit and share the love, hope, joy and peace of Jesus.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotional. He is Risen!! What glorious words to hear! What glorious words to say! We’ve traveled the solemn road of Lent and today we bring out the Alleluias!  Let’s share our joy with all people. Jesus is Risen! Who will you share with today?

For me, as I was shopping for flowers to contribute to our Flowering of the Cross for the Easter worship service, I shared the joy of Easter in the tender buds and blossoms and the beauty of the Easter lilies with others as we filled our carts. It lifted my spirits to fill my car with so many colors and the sweet smell of the Easter Lilies, tulips, daisies, and pansies. I pray you see, hear and smell the joy of Easter as spring evolves from our winter weather.

I teach English as a second language and have students from many different countries and of different faiths. They are hungry to learn about the United States and our traditions. We discover what we have in common and what is beautiful about our differences, and some of that covers faith traditions. Easter finds many forms in other countries – religious and secular. But one thing we did discover on the religious side – 2022 offers a unique overlap where the holy days of the world's Jews, Christians and Muslims are all happening together. As more than 1 billion Muslims fast for Ramadan, Jews will be commemorating Passover and Christians will be celebrating Easter. The world will be filled with the prayers of so many who believe in God with a steadfast faith.

Our communities are diverse and with an Enduring Principle declaring the Worth of All Persons, we can celebrate with the shared Ramadan, Passover and Easter an invitation to get to know our neighbors. Our religions may be different but our collective faith calls all of us to treat our neighbors with love and respect.

During Easter, as Christians, we celebrate the miracle of Jesus' resurrection. God loves us so much that our Creator of Life gave us Jesus, who lived and died and rose again to give us everlasting life. We have not just words of scriptural counsel, but Jesus’s life which teaches us every day to rise up against the battles of life, embrace those who are different and those who are on the fringes of our communities. Recognize the Worth of All Persons, and be responsible for working together to build a better life for all. Create a fresh world where we all love our neighbors and peace is possible.

So let all of us – all the billions of us – pray unceasingly for the blessing of peace in this world. May we also be resurrected to new eyes that behold our beautiful world and new energy to make a difference.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

[Author: Bonnie Barber]

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Here we are at the beginning of Holy Week. We’ve accompanied Jesus as he went through the wilderness and then as he came back to the people, teaching and preaching about the love of God and doing marvelous things. He said things to the disciples that they didn’t understand. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Stories about Jesus were quickly passing from person to person and the people were ready to welcome this incredible person whom they felt was destined to be their king, their savior. “Hosanna!” That’s the cry we associate with Palm Sunday. “Hosanna. Hosanna to the Son of David!” What a time it must have been as the people gathered along the road, excited to see Jesus coming into their town. Picture the joy! Picture the excitement. Hear the rising sound of the people’s shouts. Would you have been in the crowd, welcoming Jesus and shouting, “Hosanna”?

Hosanna is a strange word. I went to a dictionary to see exactly what it meant. If you look in a Greek dictionary to find what it means, you find that it is not originally a Greek word, after all. The men who wrote the New Testament in Greek did the same thing to a Hebrew word that our English translators did to the Greek word: they just used Greek letters to make the sound of a Hebrew phrase. Our English word "hosanna" comes from a Greek word "hosanna" which comes from a Hebrew phrase hoshiya na. And that Hebrew phrase is found in one solitary place in the whole Old Testament, Psalm 118:25, where it means, "Save, please!" It is a cry to God for help.

We see this word as a shout of hope and exultation. It used to mean, "Save, please!" But gradually, it came to mean, "Salvation! Salvation! Salvation has come!" So "Hosanna!" means, "Hooray for salvation! It's coming! It's here! Salvation! Salvation!"

The word was a cry for help and it is now a cheer of confidence. It was a desperate plea, now it is an expression of profound praise. When our Palm Sunday hymns ring out “Hosanna”, we sing with joy and confidence that indeed Jesus entered Jerusalem that fateful day and began his final journey toward our salvation. We can sing “Hosanna!” with confidence and assurance. Salvation! Salvation is here! Jesus is here!  Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

Yes, picture yourself in the Jerusalem crowd, excited to be welcoming Jesus. Then picture yourself today, in a community of Christians, all expressing the same joy.

 “Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna, Son of David!”

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotional. We’ve been traveling the Lenten path for 5 weeks now. As we count the 40 days of Lent, did you know that Sundays are not in the count? Only 6 days of each week count toward the 40. So let’s allow ourselves to rest on this 7th day and reflect on Jesus’ journey together as we find it in John 12:1-8…

This week we find Jesus at Mary and Martha’s house. He has traveled many miles in his ministry, and he knows his time on earth is coming to an end.  How tired Jesus’ feet must have been when “Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair.”(John 12:3, NLT). The disciples, particularly Judas, objected to Mary’s action noting that the perfume could be sold to raise money for the poor. Jesus defends Mary’s action by pointing out the great kindness it showed, saying, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (John 12:8). He appreciates the extreme kindness given to him.

I found myself also questioning Mary’s action, still wondering why this anointing is so important. But as I ponder this, my eyes are opened to realizing the humbleness of the situation. There is a stark contrast between the use of expensive perfume and the feet of a serving, suffering and dying Servant-King. In this action, I feel the compassion and extravagant anointing of all people, no matter how lowly. We all are given the best gift, the gift of Jesus, God’s own son. Have you ever judged yourself or others as undeserving of this gift?

All are deserving. “For God so loved the world…” he gave us – all of us -  his son and the gift of eternal life. There is no one so lowly that the gift is not offered to them. And this gift in no way depends on our worthiness to receive it. God is the ultimate giver.

We are so loved that God gave this gift to us freely. And feeling this love makes us want to respond in love and give to others. What can we give that is worthy? Do we need to raise copious amounts of money, establish far-reaching charities, or find ways to feed all the homeless? These would be wonderful accomplishments. But we can also find small ways to give in return. Small ways are equally important. We can have the feet of a servant. It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose.  Small acts are important.  Reaching out in small ways is the worthiest of actions. Listen to the song, “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOBaLrItEyc

God has given us extravagant love.  Seek God’s guidance and be a grateful giver in return.

Mission Prayer: God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. If you are like me, you need help in pulling away from the helter-skelter of daily life. So let’s take this moment and focus together on the love and peace of God. Let’s take a breath, take a seat, and take a moment to turn our minds and hearts to God.

This week’s scripture story is about the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32) and it’s probably one of the best-known of Jesus’ parables. Having heard it first as a child, I aligned myself with the son who decided he could strike out on his own, then loses everything given to him by his father and he returns home. Have you ever been in this situation?

Humbly, the prodigal son comes down the road, no doubt rehearsing what he will say to his father – meekly asking for forgiveness and a place as a servant to the household. He completely submits to acknowledging the patience, wisdom and love of his parent. When the father sees his son in the distance, he drops what he is doing and runs with open arms to greet him. The father doesn’t seem to care about his son’s words of contrition; he just rejoices at his son’s return and sets about putting together an elaborate celebration. Imagine the son’s amazement at being received like this. Have you ever felt welcomed with a joyful hug filled with love?

Perhaps we do an injustice to this story by calling it the story of the Prodigal Son, because this is really the story of the Unchanging Love of the Father. This is a love that doesn’t care about what happened in the past. This is a love that flings open its arms before hearing words admitting wrong-doing. This is a love that is always ready for the return of one he loves. This is the love of God for all of his children. God is ready with open arms and all we must do is turn towards him. What magnificent, unconditional love, and it is ours to receive. All we need to do is turn towards God and God comes running with open arms, greeting us, loving us, and enveloping us in his arms. Close your eyes and imagine this overwhelming reception.

The scriptures tell us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Even when the helter-skelter chaos of daily life pulls me in multiple directions and the presence of God seems to fade – I must remember that it is I who is drifting away, not God. Even when I feel guilty that I find myself wandering on directionless paths, making poor decisions, and becoming focused on mindless games and materialistic things – I must remember that God is ready to forgive unconditionally and in an instant welcome me back.

So don’t let your tarnished life ever keep you from turning or returning to God. You don’t need to do anything but turn to God and God will see you and rejoice. Allow God’s love to make a home in your heart, and then with God’s love inside you, you will find a new life, ready to reach out to others.

Dear God, our loving parent who stands ready to receive us with open arms. We come in awe and wonderment of your amazing love. We cannot comprehend how your love can be so unconditional – your grace so unending. Humbly, we seek you. May our minds and our hearts be always open to your spirit. May we take this faithful love and spread it out wherever we go. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  It is sobering to realize that we are now in the season of Lent. It seems that time moves on sometimes without notice. But time is a precious gift from God and we must use that gift and give time back to God. We have entered these 40 days that call us to fast and pray and repent as we walk with Jesus. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and live with intentionality that focuses on God. So let’s do that now. Let’s take a deep breath, clear our minds, and spend some time with God.

Each year, we are reminded to enter the Lenten season with a focus on the sacrifice that Jesus faced. Many people do this by giving up something, usually a food like chocolate or dessert. If we follow that choice, we face this sacrifice as a daily reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice as his journey took him closer to the cross.  If you were to give up something, what would it be?

Others look to add something instead of taking something away. It might be a commitment to daily prayer or some other spiritual practice, such as journaling or meditation. It might be new involvement in volunteering a service to others. What could you add?

Whatever the decision, the action should remind us of God and provide us a new moment of time with God. Today’s challenge is to find an action or inaction that reminds you to turn your mind and your heart to God. As part of this challenge to spend time with God, I’ve passed out 2-minute timers of sand to the children in our congregation and tasked them to use the timer to help them focus on spending time with God. Start the timer and focus on God and Jesus. How much time passed by? Did the sand fall all the way to the bottom of the timer? We all need to look at how much time we spend with God in our thoughts, in study, or in conversation.  I wonder how we’d all do with a 2-minute timer.

Dear God – our Giver and Forgiver, we thank you for the blessings of life. As we course through our day, may we set our mind on you in thankfulness and repentance. Forgive us those times we get so caught up in the trivial. Help us focus on you and hold you in our hearts. May we walk this journey to the cross with Jesus, ever aware of the sacrifice that was made in love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. I really look forward to greeting you each week. And this is a great time to be together as we get closer to the national day of love – Valentine’s Day. If you’ve been in any store in the last month, you’ve probably seen the red heart-shaped boxes – a clear reminder that Valentine’s Day is coming. I don’t know about you, but I feel deluged with red heart-shaped boxes of chocolate candies everywhere I turn. The commercialism of it all can be off-putting, but the heart shape softens the blow for me.  But as I look at these chocolate symbols of love, I realize that I need to look for love itself. Stop a second and think about where you find love.

I have been spending this last week visiting my daughter and her family. As a grandparent, I love looking into the faces of my grandchildren and seeing the pure love that shines through as they gaze at their world. They live in a world of pure faith -  faith that they are loved, faith that they will be taken care of, faith that they are forgiven when they’ve done something wrong. Then I realize that that is how it is with God. We, too, can live with the faith of a child – faith that we will be taken care of, faith that we are loved, faith that we are forgiven when we do something wrong. But as adults, we can be jaded in our outlook, thinking we are not worthy, thinking we have gone too far away from God to be welcomed back into His arms. But we are not to judge others, let alone ourselves.

God’s love is abundant and free. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we have the most wonderful example of love in the love God has for us. In Romans 5:8 we read, “...God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“ Think about that. What a tremendous love that is. God loves us this much!

There are so many references in scripture about God’s boundless love.                    John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”                                                 Corinthians 16:14  “Do everything in love.”                                                                      1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ..”                  1 John 4:8  “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Join me in making a personal pledge to show love this week. Even the smallest gesture can make a person feel worthy. Consider making a personal phone call just to check in with someone; buy a pack of blank notecards and a dozen stamps and write a few words of kindness to a friend or family member; or just offer a friendly ear and allow someone to pour out their heart to you.

God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.

If you are particularly lonely as we approach Valentine’s Day, let me tell you that I am sending you my love. You are special; you are worthy. I’d love to have a conversation with you. But above everything else remember how much God loves you.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. (1 John 4:7).

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. It’s time to take a deep breath, relax your shoulders and take another deep breath. Our lives can be so busy and full of distractions. Let’s tune out the noise of the world and tune in to the promises of God.

The scripture Isaiah 6:8 says, “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’” (NLT)  Do you hear God’s voice calling you?

If someone is trying to talk to you and you are far away, the voice may be hard to hear. It may be too soft and the words may not be distinct enough. But if you move closer, the words are louder and clearer. That is how it is with God. God is talking to us, but we are too far away so we do not hear His voice. When we focus on God and work on our relationship, we move closer to Him. The closer we are to God, the better we can hear the voice of our Heavenly Parent.

God is always speaking to us, through creation, through scripture, through the Holy Spirit.  Hearing God’s voice requires that God is speaking, but also, and this is the one most challenging, that we are listening.

Sometimes God is calling us to new paths and sometimes God is confirming the path we are on is where we should be. When I am tired and thinking of giving up, I might not be listening for God’s voice. But God finds a way to communicate despite my lack of focus. Researching and creating lesson plans for my ESL classes can leave me drained and wondering if this is where I should be. But then the dynamics within the class feel like the magic of fireworks and I see the relationships glow brightly and fan out in all directions. Students are happy and excited, helping one another, joining in on the humor of a situation, commiserating with each other, and offering advice and encouragement. Overcoming their language barriers and the restrictions of being online, the students are building relationships with each other and creating building blocks of peace that cross all manmade borders. That is confirmation that I am following where God is calling me.

Do you hear God’s voice? Perhaps you need to move closer to Him. What can you do to close the distance? Set a small goal to acknowledge God’s presence daily. Speak to God, even if it is just to say hello. Open your mind and your heart to God. Grow your relationship intentionally. You will hear God’s voice talking to you, encouraging you, guiding you, and affirming you as worthy and loved. God is calling each and every one of us to something every day.

Dear God, the one who is ever watchful over all of us, thank you for calling out to us each day. Help us to open our eyes and our ears and to move closer to you so that we may hear your voice. May we listen and respond, “Here I am, Lord. What is it that you would have me do today?”  Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Good morning! My name is Deborah Van Heest and welcome to this morning's devotion. The theme for this Sunday is "Speak Truth to Power" and I find no greater example of this than Jesus' own life. After his baptism, he spent forty days and forty nights being tested and tempted by Satan and then he returned home to preach. He was anointed to preach and he didn't hesitate to stand right up and say what was true and right. I look at his life and I am in awe. His journey, his story, changed the entire world, and his example - living and dying for us- even after years and years and years of telling and retelling, still influences my life. I am one person, nobody of any mention, and yet I am special, loved and worthy because of Him. And so are you! Every aspect of Jesus' journey impacts me and speaks truth to the power of God. How does it influence you? 

In speaking truth, Jesus' life is our example. I can feel his joy when sharing a meal with his family or his disciples, and I can identify with his quiet reserve when he's hounded by a rowdy crowd. I can feel his pain when his friend betrays him and I can empathize with him on that final night in the garden when he needed time alone to pray. All these things and more influence me because I've allowed God, through His power, to change my life.  That transformation allows us to bear witness to the spirit of truth to others through our actions and our words. When have you witness God's truth in your own experience? Please share with me now. 

 We need to recognize God's Truth when we hear it and that's often hard. Saying what's right and true like Jesus did, is not always easy. People reject uncomfortable truths, and we know it wasn't in Jesus' nature to be mean or petty. He didn't call out the negative, but gently remind them of God's blessings and how those blessings were not intended for a select few and neither was the redeeming presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Salvation is for everyone. I think that's the most important lesson here, given the year and time, 2022. Let us break down the walls that divide us from each other and us from the Lord. God's love extends beyond ourselves, beyond our family, our community, nation and religion. We are first and foremost servants who live Christ's mission for the benefit of all; from the rich to the broken and lost. Ephesians 4:15 says, "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ."  

 May we keep love in our hearts and let us always speak truth to the power of God. 

Author: Deborah Van Heest

Good morning,

This is Kathy Wolfe.  Welcome to this morning’s devotional.

Today we are centering on A Call to Ministry and our scripture is from Luke 4:14-21. This scripture tells of Jesus’ return to Galilee after he has been baptized and spent 40 days is the wilderness. He tells the people in the synagogue that he has been sent by God to preach the good news to the people. 

The thing that is important to know is that Jesus always knew what his ministry was. He knew that he was the Son of God.

We don’t always know what our call is. Is it the sudden urge to call someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while? Is a request to do something completely out of our comfort zone?   We have to be open to learning what our mission is and to act on those promptings.

So, as we go into next week let us consider the Mission Prayer

God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me the courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.

 May we go forth in love, ready to respond is my prayer.

Author: Kathy Wolfe 

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr Day, the only federal holiday that is a national service day. What a wonderful way to honor Martin Luther King Jr. He was a man of dedication, commitment and humble service. He was a man who lived his convictions trying to bring peace and love to our country, using Jesus as his model. As I’ve contemplated Dr. King I’m drawn to his quotes. I believe the best way to share the peace and love that he described is to share his actual words.

One of Dr. King’s images he used in his last speech, “I Have a Dream”, was that of a Drum Major. He spoke of the Drum Major instinct – that instinct to be first in order to be the most important. “But that isn't what Jesus did; he did something altogether different. He said in substance, "Oh, I see, you want to be first. You want to be great. You want to be important. You want to be significant. Well, you ought to be. If you're going to be my disciple, you must be." But he reordered priorities. And he said, "Yes, don't give up this instinct. It's a good instinct if you use it right. It's a good instinct if you don't distort it and pervert it. Don't give it up. Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity. That is what I want you to do."

When I  walk through the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, I stop to read the quotes that offer the depth of his message. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere… Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." It reminds me of a favorite passage from Doctrine and Covenants. (163:4a)  “God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.”

We mustn’t allow ourselves to become complacent, believing our contributions to the welfare of others is inconsequential. Every kind word, every kind act is meaningful and may be the only encouraging gesture of compassion and worthiness a person may encounter that day.

Dear God, our leader of justice and love, direct us in ways of compassion. Turn our eyes so we see the pain, hunger, loneliness and needs of others. Ignite our passions to serve so we may show others their worthiness and your love. Help us to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Morning Devotion.  If you are like me you are feeling rather harried at this very moment. It’s difficult to enter into time with God when your mind is thinking of a hundred other things. So let’s take a deep breath. Inhale deeply. Exhale fully. Dear God, clear our minds. Wash away the lingering emotions of worry and stress. Remove the clutter of thoughts that hang on like filmy fragments of cobwebs.

Perhaps we should work hard to align our gifts to our perceived view of God’s plan for us. But could that actually impede our progress? Instead of focusing on “his will for ME”, we need to focus only on “HIS WILL” Don’t chase your call but chase the God who calls you.  

The words in the hymn “The Summons” says

“Will you come and follow me

If I but call your name?

Will you go where you don't know

And never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown,

Will you let my name be known,

Will you let my life be grown

In you and you in me?”

 Let’s look at those words again. “Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?” Yes - Chase the God who calls you.

 If we can but clear the clutter of our will and allow God’s will in our lives, we might hear God’s call more clearly. Embrace the quiet where God resides. Don’t just expect a push; be ready for the nudge. By all means, use the gifts and talents that God has given you. But don’t limit yourself. God knows you are able to do so much more. He might be preparing you for something that has never even been on your radar.

 “Lord, your summons echoes true

When you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you

And never be the same.

In your company I'll go

Where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I'll move and live and grow

In you and you in me.”

 May we open the door of our mind and our heart to allow the breath of God to enter in. As the breath of God fills the very center of our being, may the mighty wind or the gentle breeze of God’s call be heard.

 Amen.

[The words of "The Summons" are printed with permission under ONE license 722962.]

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion.  Are you a stargazer? I was disappointed last night that it was raining. I was hoping for a clear night where I could view the stars. The rain was intermittent, but it was just enough to keep me inside, stars or no stars.  I’ve been thinking about the star that shown so bright at Jesus’ birth. So bright that men could use it to navigate their way to Jesus. If there were no star – how would they have found Jesus? We don’t have that particular star, so how do we find Jesus?

What shines bright in your life? What person or event has been an important part of your journey to Jesus?

I look back I have to place my parents as the star. For them, going to church was important and we went every Sunday. But my parents didn’t only take me to church, they were part of church. My father was the Christian Education Leader. My mom was an active behind-the-scenes person, offering her time and support to the church events. The scripture that defines my mom is “Feed my sheep”. Our home was a meeting place for church outdoor dinners and get-togethers. Church was established as an important way of life. My parents were my star. Who was yours?

Is there an event in your life that was life-changing that led you to Jesus? I know there have been several events that have shone brightly for me. My introduction to Community of Christ has had a significant, over-the-top influence. I found Community of Christ as a teenager when dating my boyfriend, now husband. Within that body of people, I found an exercise of faith that was astounding. People shared their faith so personally. People from all walks of life taught classes, gave sermons, and shared personal testimonies where they saw the hand of God and the Holy Spirit active in their daily lives. It was those testimonies that changed the way I looked at my life. They helped me see God in my every day. And those testimonies were stars leading me to Jesus.

I also label God as a star. God led me to Jesus and leads me today. It is through God’s word. It is through God’s strength and comfort where I lay my head. It is His hand that guides me and holds me up. It is His patience, and it is His grace. It is His overwhelming love for all people. I will stop in a crowd and look around and my mind explodes as I realize anew that God loves each and every person that I see. I don’t know all these people. There are so many strangers, and God loves them all and walks amongst them. God leads me to Jesus.

How has God been a leading star for you? What events or people have been instruments of God’s heart and hands in your life? Whoever, whatever and wherever your star has been, keep your eyes on that star. There was only one star that led the shepherds and the wise men to Jesus. We have many stars. May those stars shine bright in your heart, mind and soul every day and lead you on. And may you be that shining star that illumines another person’s path to Jesus.

Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber, Co-Pastor, Washington DC Community of Christ

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Here we are the day after Christmas Day. The cookie platter sits almost bare except for a couple of broken cookie pieces and some crumbs. The torn wrapping paper is scrunched into balls of various blurs of color, and there are stacks of new clothes and games in various corners of the room. Christmas is over. We can take a breath… Wait!! Christmas is not over – it has just begun!

I said, “Christmas has just begun,” and that might have confused many of you. Some have already begun to take down their Christmas tree. But that’s okay. I’m not talking about Christmas trees, wrapping paper, nor the Christmas dinner leftovers. We celebrated Jesus’ birth on Christmas day. But it was the beginning of Jesus’ life and we continue to celebrate God’s Christmas gift. We read and study. We worship. But most of all we continue to marvel in the reminder that God loves us so much that He came to be with us, live beside us, and walk the journey of human life with us. “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”(Matthew 1:23) Do you feel God is with you? When are those feelings the strongest? When are those feeling the weakest?

The scripture in today’s worship lectionary is about Jesus going to the temple with his mother and his father. Mary and Joseph left the temple and were making their way home when they realized Jesus was not with them. They thought Jesus had met up with family to begin the journey home, so they were concerned when they realized after a day of travel that Jesus was missing. Yes, they found Jesus back at the temple, having a conversation with the teachers. But Jesus had been missing.

Have you ever found Jesus missing in your life? Did you keep him near on Christmas day?  Now that Christmas Day is past, will Jesus go missing in your life like he went missing in Jerusalem?

Life is complicated and changing away from what we considered an inevitable routine. We have to work hard to take care of our families and keep them safe and healthy. Jobs are challenging and stressful. But doing it without God is so much harder. The peace, comfort and strength of God offers a strong foundation on which we can build not just our life but our lives together in community.

Don’t “lose Jesus”. Keep him close. Find the best path for you that keeps Jesus in your life and in your community.

Dear God. We come in remembrance and thankfulness for your great gift of Jesus, your son, and the spirit of love that is reborn in this Christmas time. May we keep that spirit of love vibrant as we move ahead each day. May we not lose Jesus in the crowds, in the workplace and in our hearts. Instead, let us walk together, work together and live in constant companionship. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. We are getting so close to Christmas and it gives me such a joyous heart to be singing the Christmas Carols. For the church service today we are singing eight favorite carols. As I review each carol, typing up the verses to be projected on the screen for our church members who are attending in-person, and for those who are connecting online, it’s been interesting to actually read all of the verses. I know the first verses by heart and sometimes the second. But when I delve into the rest of the verses, I am finding myself surprised by the depth of the messages. Come along and let’s explore “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”.  

On Christmas day in 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write the poem we now know as the “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Suffering depression due to the death of his beloved wife and being in the midst of the Civil War, Longfellow found his spirit strengthened as he heard the Christmas bells ringing on that Christmas Day.  

The first verse of this particular carol is so pleasant. “I heard the bells on Christmas Day”. It brings our fond memories of past Christmases. And the message of the last line of the first verse is beautiful, “and wild and sweet, the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men”. The Advent Candle being lit this fourth Sunday of Advent is “Peace”, so this makes this a wonderful song for the church service. And it is an eternal wish so often expressed during Christmas time. We see it repeated in holiday literature and Christmas cards. 

Verse 2  is more of the same message as verse 1. Sweet and innocuous. “I thought how as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good-will to men.” The words make me feel safe and peaceful. I love the last phrase that is repeated at the end of each verse “…peace on earth, good-will to men.”

But then we get to the third verse, “And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men.” This really hits me in my gut. First of all, it hurts to acknowledge there we see and experience strong hate in so many places each day. This song was written over a hundred and fifty years ago so why are these words still so true? There continues to be hate. How do we handle the weight of this truth?

Thank goodness, the song rescues the darkness and gives hope.  Verse four goes on to say, “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men.”  This offers such hope!

Verse 5 comes out even stronger, offering with conviction that we can turn away the hate and embrace and empower the love for one another. “Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day, a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good-will to men!”  

Although we are imperfect in loving every person as God loves us, God loves us anyway. He loved us so much that he sent his son to live among us, to suffer ill-will, yet teach us love and grace. We can fight hate by loving all people. At Christmastime, we see the spirit of generosity show itself in so many ways. We need to keep this spirit going. “Peace on earth, good-will to all!”

Dear God, you offer us renewed hope every day. We must open our eyes to look for the goodness around us. Help us clear our minds so our hearts are open to your love and free to love as you would have as love. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Welcome to the Sunday devotion. This is the third Sunday of Advent and on this day we light the candle of Joy. If I would ask you if you feel joy today, or happiness, what would be your answer? Do you differentiate between the two? I see a big difference. Let’s take a deep breath and clear our minds and light our own virtual candle of Joy.

When reflecting on happiness versus joy, think of an example of when you have felt happiness. I’m happy when my favorite baseball team wins. I’m happy when I put dinner on the table and the food is warm and good. What makes you feel happy?

Happy is good, but joy is better. There’s a deeper sense of love, peace and comfort that surrounds joy. I feel joy when my sister tells me her doctor says she is cancer-free. I feel the depth of our relationship. I feel joy when my family is together and enjoying each other’s company. Last night 3 of the 4 “kids”  were playing on their video system together. They are together because it makes them happy. More than that, they are together because it gives them joy. What makes you feel joy?

So let’s take a deeper look at joy. One of the very obvious differences between happiness and joy is that happiness tends to be achieved externally, while joy is something achieved internally. For example, we can feel happy when we receive something like a gift or achieve something like awards or honors. Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper. It is something we feel internally in our lives as human beings. Happiness can come and go depending on the circumstances of your day. But joy, pure joy, is deep like a well of cool water. How would you describe joy?

As we travel through the preparation for Christmas and experience once again all the wonderful carols we sing in celebration of Jesus’ birth, the true meaning of Christmas is reborn within me. And there is no better Christmas song that goes deep into my soul to express that joy than “Joy to the World”. Every finale should be “Joy to the World”.  The complete picture is in this carol. “[Let] heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.” There is such complete joy. All the earth celebrates Jesus’ birth.  In the 2nd verse the image of all the earth celebrating Jesus’ birth continues, expanding in depth and detail, saying, “while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy!” Can you imagine the immense echo rebounding over and over. In Christ Tomlin’s “Joy to the World” I love the phrase, “unspeakable joy”. You can listen to it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC3SwhJsLqU

I pray that the joy of the season seeps deep into your soul. Reach for it. Soak it in. And watch it glow from within as you ponder on the joy and wonder of Jesus, the baby in the manger, come to save the world.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. The Washington DC Community of Christ congregation is meeting in person for the first time since the pandemic closed the building in March 2020. As I checked in with people to see if they were coming, people were eager to get together again. I sent emails, made phone calls and talked about it to everyone. It really made me think about the song “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. The number of people making plans to come grew.

“O Come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.” Even if people still can’t make it to the worship service, their faithfulness is not in question. We are Faithful Servants of God as we walk our journey in life. And there is a sense of triumph. We have waited so long, been faithful in seeking out ways to make our bes life and also find opportunities to worship online. So after so long – we are triumphant!

The next line is “O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.” We are being invited to Bethlehem. Just like the shepherds were invited so long ago. But they didn’t know what was waiting for them. We do. I keep asking myself what it would have been like to have lived in that time. People talked about the coming of the Messiah but they had no idea what that meant. We have such amazing hindsight. I read those 2 lines of this carol again and imagine myself on a trek to Bethlehem. Close your eyes and repeat the line “O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.”

When we sing this carol, the refrain repeats, “O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.” When we sing the chorus and begin repeating those words, each repeated phrase just seems to naturally swell and swell in volume.

The song is an invitation, but it is also a song of praise! “Glory to God, all glory in the highest.” It is healing to praise God. As you repeat your joy and adoration, the words become feelings. What feelings do you feel when singing this song?

As I read through the words of all the verses, I find myself slowing down as I read through the last stanza of the last verse “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.” God’s word morphed into human life, lived with us, walked beside us, breathed our air, and shared our meals. It’s a marvelous, miraculous, and incredible act of God.

As we sing the old familiar Christmas carols, don’t let the words mindlessly slip past your tongue. Sing the praises loudly, feel the joy grow within you. And marvel at the story they tell.

Dear God, we come as part of the Faithful. As part of those singing in exultation. Help us absorb the marvelous wonder of your greatest gift of all. May we be reminded that baby Jesus was just the beginning of an incredible journey you walked with us. And help us realize you still walk with us today. Thank you for loving us so much. In Jesus’ extraordinary name, Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Are you still in the afterglow of Thanksgiving? Hopefully the leftovers are consumed or tucked away. Maybe there’s even a piece of pie left. But I hope you feel the peace of love surrounding you. The Thanksgiving holiday is such a perfect catalyst for entering into the preparation time for Christmas because we are entering a new season now – the season of Advent. Let’s explore this new beginning. Take a deep breath as you prepare for the journey.

Advent means ”the coming or arrival of something or someone that is important or worthy of note.” It’s a beautiful definition as we fill in Jesus as our “person of note”. It’s a time to prepare ourselves and our heart to receive Jesus…again. That’s the beauty of knowing Jesus already came. We get to relive the joy of his birth every year. So we can use the Advent season to really focus on the marvelous gift God gave us. What do you recommend doing in preparation?

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.

Do you have a battery-operated candle in the midst of your Christmas decorations? If not, stop by any Dollar Tree or discount store and buy an inexpensive battery-operated tealight. Light it in the morning so it catches your eye as you get ready for your day. Look into the light of the candle and say, “Jesus brings Hope.” If you have no candle, simply inhale, pause and say those three words. Inhale and say the phrase again, then a third time. Small rituals like this can set the tone for your day. Start your day centering on hope.

When do you feel hopeful? For me, I feel hopeful when I see people respond with generosity when they see a need. In the Chesapeake Bay Mission Center, we have a Mission/Social Justice Team and we regularly watch for opportunities to serve with generosity of spirit and/or funds. Supporting social justice opportunities, such as providing shoebox presents for the homeless, or gift cards or food items for families in need are ways to offer hope to others.  You can view our Social Justice Corner on the new Chesapeake Bay Mission Center public website at https://www.cofchrist-cbmc.org/social-justice-ministries.html.  What opportunities do you see there that tug at your heart?

As we offer hope for others, we take steps in preparing for Jesus’s birth. What opportunities have you responded to that offer hope to someone in need? It can be a simple overture of welcome or a bigger contribution to a worthy cause. Each evening review your day and find where you offered Hope.

Dear God, we pray in the name of your son, Jesus, the Source of all Hope. We pray that we take time during the beginning of our preparation for celebrating Jesus’ birth, to remember those examples Jesus lived in providing love, grace and mercy. May we offer those same things and bring more Hope into this world, recognizing that though times in life seem desperate or full of despair, we can look forward with hope, for You are with us. May we allow your guiding hand to direct our ways. We pray in Hope. Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber, Pastor

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. In only a few days we celebrate Thanksgiving. Life has been changing since Thanksgiving a year ago. It is a tradition for many of us to take a few moments when sitting down for our Thanksgiving meals to go around the table and say something we are thankful for. Let’s get a head start on that and take a moment to reflect on our blessings and feel gratitude for people, events, and things in our lives. “This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24)

As I reflect on changes in my life over the last year and a half of the pandemic, I feel thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to connect to people online. People who were acquaintances before the pandemic are now my friends. My life’s circle has grown larger and it crosses boundaries of cities, states, even countries. Community of Christ of Washington, DC holds English classes for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We had been actively teaching English for 6 years, holding our classes in our building in Washington, DC. Nineteen months ago the pandemic caused us to close the doors of the church and we took our classes online. Now the relationships we’ve established with our students continue as they move home to their countries. How has your group of friends and acquaintances grown? For whom are you thankful?

And as a teacher, I have met amazing people and been given the privilege of seeing our country from different perspectives. One of the questions we ask our students is what they like about the United States. What do you think are the special things that people from other countries see in the United States?

One observation that really surprised me came from two students from South Korea. What did they like best about the United States? The blue skies. I thought they must be speaking about their experience when flying across the United States, but they were speaking about the blue skies they see everyday living in Washington, DC. The skies of South Korea are so full of pollution (smog), even outside the major city of Seoul, the students are struck by the clear skies of Washington, DC. Some students comment on the amount of green grass, plants, and parks in our cities. For others, the foremost observation is the friendliness of strangers. In their countries, people would never greet or strike up a conversation with a stranger while standing in line at a checkout register, on an elevator, etc. The students help me count my blessings.

Let me go another direction about what we can be thankful for as we enter our “post-pandemic” life (I hope we really can call it “post-pandemic”.) A good friend just posted a picture on Facebook of them visiting a parent who has been in a nursing home for multiple years. This wife/mother/grandmother got to physically see her family for the first time in 18 months. I can’t imagine the heartache and immense joy that the family is all feeling. I am thankful for the growing opportunities to rejoin our life’s circle as vaccinations have become available.

I am also thankful for reconnecting with people within my neighborhood. Those evening walks helped us reacquaint ourselves with the parents of our children’s school friends of 20 years ago. How about the new people in your lives or those you’ve reconnected within the last 18 months? Let’s be thankful.

If you are the parents of small children, what are the blessings you account for since the pandemic hit? For many, it might still be hard to get past the stress and hardship of having school-age children connecting to school via their computers while you were working from home yourselves. But we saw no harsh colds, flu, ear infections, etc. during our time of isolation. And we have some precious memories and insights from those times.

There are so many things we are grateful for. And in our gratitude, let us reach out in generosity and offer kind moments to others. Smile at the passing stranger and say hello, say a word of thanks to the cashier who’s been on their feet for hours, offer a word of encouragement to the parent who is placating their child in the crush of people in the grocery aisle. Be generous of spirit. Not only do you offer a gift of comfort and peace to another, you receive the same yourself. Christ is in those moments. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Amen.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. I write this after having traveled across many states over the last three days, and as I unpack my suitcase, in an act of mindfulness, I also unpack the stress of my travel, stretching out the cramps in my shoulders, releasing the stiffness in my muscles, and focusing my mind on the enjoyment of my destination. Come with me and unpack the cares and stress of your last few days and focus on where you are at this moment.

 As I looked at the worship resources for this Sunday’s worship service, the suggested Call to Worship really spoke to my heart. I want to share it with you and reflect on it together.

Leader: “We believe in the gathered community of faith. Through it, we learn to love and to value life. In it, we find acceptance.” People: We believe.

On this Sunday morning, I will be at a Community of Christ other than the one I call home. As I walk into that building, I know I will feel comfort and love within those walls, because I know I will be in a community of faith, my community of faith. The first time I visited a Community of Christ congregation while on a weekend trip, I was surprised to be welcomed so warmly. Now I know I can expect it and I look forward to it. You don't have to know anybody there, but there is a very good chance that you'll find someone who knows someone you know. Community of Christ is a family across all the miles. Yes, I believe in the gathered community of faith where I learn about love and the value of life, where I find acceptance. Have you ever had an experience like that?

Leader: “We believe in the wholeness of life. We are not intended to be split and divided as persons. We are created and set in a fractured world, so that we can bring it to wholeness as well.” People: We believe.

 We believe in the wholeness of life. One of the descriptions of Community of Christ I love to share is that we are a peace and justice church. Our Enduring Principles point us toward valuing Worth of All Persons, Unity in Diversity, and Blessings of Community. We work toward goals which value resolution over being entrenched in the division. In Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b we are told, “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.

   Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”

Leader: We believe in one God expressed in three ways: Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit. When we worship one, we acknowledge all. When we are troubled, God responds.  People: We believe.

Creator, Healer, Spirit of Wisdom, Spirit of Love? What names for God do you use? 

How has the presence of God helped you through troubled times? When I have felt broken, just knowing that God is there and walks beside me helps me continue to put one foot in front of the other. Finding or recalling scripture bolsters me and provides a handrail for added strength. From Isaiah 41:10 we hear God say, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” How does God give you strength, peace, forgiveness or hope in troubled times? 

Leader: We believe in the flow of life, from birth through death into everlasting life. We cannot capture the wonder of life before God with explanations. We only know God is with us. People: We believe.

 What is your experience with God? The Bible teaches that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). How do you feel when you feel God's presence? As you have experienced God in your life, how do you describe that experience?

 Each day as you travel your journey in life, may you seek God’s presence. And when you feel the joy of God within you, or the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, respond and say,

                                                                   “I believe.”

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. This is the time of year when I take a deep breath and turn my focus from the crazy end-of-summer fun to the gentle and blessed season of thankfulness and generosity. So take a breath, shrug off your stress, clear your mind, and come along as we walk the path of a thankful response to a generous God.

In thankfulness, I look around and re-engage in the beauty of nature and the joy of community. When I take a walk there is so much to see, even in the concrete jungle of our cities. And I say thank you, God, for helping me see You in all that is around me.

God is truly a generous giver. And in that spirit of generosity, I find myself looking for ways to give of myself. In Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 we are told: “Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return.” Giving generously of our time, talents, treasure, and testimony - that is a life that embraces whole-life stewardship.

The gift of time is unique for each of us because we are the only ones who can give it. Time is precious and cannot be stored up like grain in a barn. Once a day is gone, it is gone forever. But does that mean we must fill every hour with a long list of tasks? Looking at my To-Do List, I feel the need to answer that question with a, “Yes”. However, that is short-sighted. It is the Martha in me (Martha, of Martha and Mary). God wants us to slow down and be like Mary. God wants us to spend time with Him, build our relationship with Him, and draw him into our minds and our hearts. Let the Martha in you make room for Mary.

Have you ever truly assessed your talents and gifts? Do you think you fall short? How about your “Mary” qualities? Do you listen as a friend shares? Do you offer a smile or word of encouragement to a stranger as you pass? If you are like me, it is hard to slow down. On Saturday we had the mission center’s Women’s Gathering and we were provided a preparatory booklet of spiritual practices. I started to rush through those about 45 minutes before the gathering began. Soon I found myself slowing down, allowing my vision to clear and become more focused on my journey in life and what I could offer in God’s service to my neighbor. God gives us talents and gifts to use for enriching the lives of others and in that, we serve God.

When we address giving generously of our treasure, we can think about opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those neighbors whom Jesus tells us to love. Look at the poor widow who could only put 2 small coins in the temple offering, but whom Jesus pointed out was offering more than the richest people who gave only that which they felt was from their excess. Give generously without looking for reward. In 2 Corinthians 9:12-13, “What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God’s people and with everyone else.”

The last element in our whole-life stewardship is testimony. How can you spread the message of Jesus, the Peaceful One? You say you are not a preacher? Don’t forget, action is louder than words. All that you do, in even the smallest ways, makes a difference. Be the yeast that makes the dough grow. Be the seed from which springs a mighty oak. In Josh Wilson’s song, “Dream Small” it is the little things that change the world. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOBaLrItEyc)

O, Heavenly God, we come in thanks for all things. Help us to see the world with our eyes opened to your generous hand. In thankfulness, may we dedicate our lives to being stewards and caregivers of your creation, realizing that in even the smallest ways, we are your hands and feet. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber, Pastor

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Are you in your comfort zone? Do you awaken each day knowing that you are secure and happy? Not everyone is so blessed. Some people are facing insurmountable pressures of their jobs, the death of loved ones who had served as their anchors, or the unsurety of what each new day held for them. In this week’s scripture in the book of Ruth, we see where the death of a husband and sons put the Naomi in a situation of grave proportion. In the biblical culture of her story, Naomi has no property, no family, and no future to count on where she can survive.

But her daughter-in-law, Ruth, makes a sacrificial decision to stay by her mother-in-law’s side to offer a potentially hopeful future. “Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god.” These words in the book of Ruth have always spoken to my heart. There is such a sign of strength against adversity in this statement of compassion and loyalty. These are words of commitment, devotion, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice. With whom do you pledge such loyalty and commitment?

I am a transplant from the Midwest. I left behind my parents, my sister, my cousins, my community – everything that I had in my life up to age 21, and I moved from the midwestern culture and farmlands of Illinois to the dense metropolis of our nation’s capital. In our wedding vows, my husband and I recited this scripture from Ruth. It was part of our pledge together. But it was quite evident to me that I was the one who was moving. My husband had settled in the area before me, and he was established. I entered his world. Met his friends. Attended the church where he was already settled. I say this only because it really hit me after a few weeks - nothing here was mine. Have you experienced such a drastic move?

How do you go about becoming part of a new community? For one thing, you need to find people with whom you share something. That is where the Community of Christ was important  – a church family. I view this expansive family as a rock on which to stand. There were always friends, fellowship, and new challenging responsibilities. It is an expanded family. How has your faith community provided for you?

Ruth made a strong commitment when she decided to go with her mother-in-law Naomi to Naomi’s homeland. Ruth sacrificed her own security and well-being to follow Naomi because she knew her mother-in-law was facing a bleak future with no husband or family to care for her. Have you committed to something or someone where the benefit was purely for someone else and not yourself?

In my life and in the lives of my children, I have experienced and witnessed commitment to stick with someone through tough times. What an amazing experience when you come out the other side. It may take a while – a long and tumultuous while. As I made my way through heartaches and times of brokenness, I learned that faith gave me strength to keep moving. With faith came undefined hope. And with that faith, God delivered blessings I hadn’t foreseen. When has faith helped you hang on and given you a lifeline?

In Doctrine and Covenants 163:3c we are told, “Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.”

There are so many in our world, even in our community, who are suffering brokenness and threat of injustices. People in need of divine peace. We need to have our eyes wide open so we can see where we need to make the commitments of Ruth. Then act upon those inequities. Speak up.  Make a difference. Community of Christ believes in “The Worth of All Persons” (one of the Enduring Principles). Our actions must be a testimony of this commitment to the worth of all people.

Dear God of All, thank you for putting people in our path who challenge us and push us to be an active testimony of your word. May we keep our eyes open and our hearts ready to risk unsurety and discomfort so we may bring surety and comfort to others. May we keep faith and hope in our hearts and our eyes on You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Author: Bonnie Barber, Pastor

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. I’m writing this as I’m traveling home from a week in Florida where we visited Disney World and Universal Studios. It was a tiring week and the leg muscles are sore, but my spirit is light because we had wonderful experiences with people. As I look back, it is my experiences with people outside my family that brings special smiles because it was a generosity of spirit that shone at unexpected times. So sit back and take a deep, relaxing breath and let’s allow the spirit of generosity seep within us.

I know that within these theme parks the employees (i.e., cast members, as Disney refers to their employees) are told to smile and be friendly. But a smile usually causes a smile in return. And just the physical act of smiling affects our emotions. While waiting in lines, I found it fun to see how people react to those around them when conversation is initiated. It can start over a fun phrase on a shirt or our experience on a particular ride. My favorite experience is when we shared a raft with 6 others on a white-water ride. As we prepared, we helped one another get settled, put on jackets (like that would help), and offered to share plastic bags to keep cell phones dry.  Laughing with strangers as we all experienced a generous deluge of water and braced for another  – well, it makes you feel closer. Lol. There was definitely a spirit of generosity that reached beyond our individual worlds. There were so many other instances of generous spirit – what have you witnessed?

Generosity grows. It’s like planting a seed. From the seed grows a flower, a bush or possibly a tree.  A year ago, we planted a spindly tomato plant in a planter on our front porch. It didn’t grow big and luscious, but it grew and offered us some wonderful homegrown cherry tomatoes. This year as we cleared our side garden next to our porch, we discovered a tomato plant starting to blossom and it had by far the best offering of cherry tomatoes this season. It had to have grown from a cherry tomato gone astray last fall whose seeds fell on fertile soil. You plant a seed of generosity and it grows where you planted it, which can also send off other seeds that spread, sprout, grow and blossom. What seeds of generosity have you witnessed from others or planted yourself?

When asked to give generously, remember that it can go beyond money. We do need to give generously where money makes a difference but enrich the experience by adding your heart.

How else can you give generously of yourself?

Generous with thoughts — about our neighbors AND ourselves. Be generous and non-judgmental even to yourself.

Generous with words — Break the silence. Speak words of encouragement. Don’t save accolades and encouragement for just the children.

Generous with attention — undivided. This is not a time to multi-task. People need to feel your focus.

Generous with time — This is our most valuable commodity. Be sure to share it because you can make a difference.

 In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7  it says, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (ESV)

 As we gaze upon the creation around us, we realize that God has given us so much. Receiving such generosity from God creates gratitude, and gratitude creates a reaction of generosity.

“Free the full capacity of Christ’s mission through generosity that imitates God’s generosity.” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a)

 Dear Generous God, we come in thankfulness for the breath we draw today. We give thanks that we can share a word with those we love and with those we do not know. Help us to recognize your spirit within us and to use it to form words and actions of generosity. Amen

 Go forth today and give freely with extravagant generosity.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. This is a special day. Every year in October we celebrate Children’s Sabbath, a day organized by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) to raise awareness of and offer opportunities to get involved in social justice to children all over the world. It is a day where people of many faith beliefs focus on the needs of children, and call God's adult children to act on behalf of God's younger children. We need to respond to issues of child poverty, education, health, hunger and nutrition, and homelessness. Join us in experiencing the heartfelt prayers and calls for justice provided through CDF’s worship resources. May these words of others touch your hearts and make you respond asking,

“What can I do?”

Where does it hurt?

We gather this morning with listening hearts

to hear the voices of our children.

What do you hope?

We gather this morning with listening hearts

to hear the hopes of children and

to nurture the hope within each of us.

How can we help?

We gather this morning with listening hearts

to hear how we can help

in partnership with those who are hurting,

as ones who are hoping.

Who are you and why are you here?

We gather this morning as God’s people to worship God,

in confidence that God hears our hurts and hopes

before they are even on our lips,

and calls us, as God’s partners, to help

with a passion for justice and hearts full of love.

Come, let us worship God on this Children’s Sabbath day.

     (written by Shannon Daley-Harris)

Prayer for Illumination: O God, by your Spirit quiet our minds, center our hearts, and open our ears that we might hear the word you speak to us through the Word written and proclaimed. Help us to listen so deeply and truly that we might be prepared to go out and loudly live your Word in the world, raising a ruckus for justice, speaking boldly for love, for the sake of your beloved children. Amen. (written by Shannon Daley-Harris)

Prayer for Leaders: O God, as you anointed leaders and called prophets of old, lead us to recognize our true representatives and authentic leaders: men and women who love your people and can walk with them, who feel their pain and share their joys, who dream their dreams and strive to accompany them to their common goal. In your fire, with your Spirit, embolden and commission us to transform our political system, to serve your people, and to bring real glory to your name. Amen. (Philippines, 20th Cent., in United Methodist Book of Worship, p. 544)

Prayer For Children: Great God, Guard the laughter of children. Bring them safely through injury and illness, so they may live the promises you give. Do not let us be so preoccupied with our purposes that we fail to hear their voices, or pay attention to their special vision of the truth; but keep us with them, ready to listen and to love, even as in Jesus Christ you have loved us, your grown-up, wayward children. Amen. (From the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Common Worship)

Prayer for the Courage to Do Justice

O Lord, open our eyes that we may see the needs of others;

open our ears that we may hear their cries;

open our hearts so that they need not be without succor;

let us not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong

nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich.

Show us where love and hope and faith are needed,

and use us to bring them to those places.

And so open our eyes and our ears that we may,

this coming day, be able to do some work of peace for thee. Amen. (By Alan Paton)

Prayer to Take Action: O God, help us to recover our hope for our children’s sake. Help us to recover our courage for our children’s sake. Help us to recover our discipline for our children’s sake. Help us to recover our ability to work together for our children’s sake. Help us to recover our values for our children’s sake. Help us to recover a spirit of sacrifice for our children’s sake. Help us to recover our faith in Thee for our children’s sake. Amen. (In Guide My Feet: Prayers and Meditations on Loving and Working for Children by Marian Wright Edelman, founder of Children’s Defense Fund.)

         I Am Standing Waiting

I am standing waiting, waiting at your door,
one of hunger’s children from a billion poor,
though you cannot see me, though I am so small—
listen to my crying, crying for us all.

I stand at your table asking to be fed,
holding up my rice bowl, begging for your bread,
I stand at your schoolroom longing just to learn,
hoping that you’ll teach me ways to live and earn.

I stand at your clinic begging for vaccine,
I stand at your wash place where the water’s clean,
I stand at your office, beg the heads of state,
I am just a child, so I must hope and wait.

I stand in your churches, listen to your prayers,
long to know a God who understands and cares.
If there is a God, a God who loves the poor,
I’m still standing waiting, waiting at your door.

        (Hymn # 298, Community of Christ Sings. Words: Shirley Erena Murray, 1931– . Music:Words © 1992 Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722962. All rights reserved.)

Benediction: Be strong and let your heart take courage. Go forth with the listening love of God to hear our children; Go forth with the tender love of Christ to heal our children; Go forth with the empowering love of the Spirit to seek justice with our children; On this Children’s Sabbath day and ever more. Amen.

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. How has the week played out for you? Can you look back and count your blessings? Were there any obstacles or stumbling blocks that were particularly hard? This week we look at the story of Job, a man of great faith who loved God through the bad times, as well as the good. Like Job, we can find ourselves facing extreme hardships, but the question is, will we react like Job? How strong is our faith? Get comfortable, take a deep breath, and let’s examine how we can use our faith to face the struggles of life.

In the story of Job, Job’s faith is intentionally tested. The ha-satan, a member of God’s court, proposes a wager with God because the ha-satan is sure Job will lose his faith, love and trust in God when faced with the loss of his animals, his livelihood, his health, and his loved ones. The ha-satan is sure Job will rebuke God. Have you ever faced so much heartache that you get angry with God and your faith “breaks”? When have you “fallen away” and doubt God cares, or even exists?

Job kept his faith even when all was lost and his body was covered in sores. He did not listen to his friends who told him his hardships must be his fault and that God was punishing him. He held onto his love of and trust in God. “…until I die I will not put away my integrity from me. I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days” (Job 27:5-6). Job states that suffering is not always the result of sin which was a radical assertion in his day, and an important one to affirm even today.

Perhaps you don’t walk away from your faith. But do you turn a bewildered and battered heart toward God and ask, “Why?” In my darkest moments, when my world feels like it is mortally wounded, my question is, “God, why did you even allow this to happen?” In our deepest despair many of us cry out , “Why, God?  Why?” Why is my child sick? Why did a co-worker say those awful things? Why does the bullying never stop? Why….WHY? Job shows us that asking these hard and true questions is actually part of being in a relationship with God. His experience resonates with us. Job is at times confident of God’s love and compassion and places his full trust in God. At other times, Job is baffled by what happens in life and realizes there is so much about God he does not understand. But Job does know that God loves him and will listen to his rants and his lament and will hold him as a parent holds his child at the end of a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day”. Have faith knowing that God’s love is steadfast.  

In a recent discussion with friends (part of our weekly Friday, all-are-welcome, Zoom Lunch discussion), we talked about the value of faith. Faith makes us stronger and a result of faith is hope. If we have hope we can keep moving forward. That is worth repeating – a result of faith is hope and when we have hope we can keep moving forward.

So we need to build our faith so it becomes a shield of armor that we can use when faced with the onslaughts of life. There is a sense of peace knowing that we are prepared to face our struggles. So give your anxiousness to God.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath and exhale. Relax your shoulders and invite the Holy Spirit to live inside you. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with each breath. "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!" - Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT) This is faith – a faith that brings hope that the blossoms will come again and the vines will bear fruit. Faith that God holds us in the palm of His hand.   

Dear God, the Forger of Shields. Help us to build-up the metal of our shields and seek the possibilities and promises of tomorrow. During those times of duress, may we remember that You stand near, always ready to hold us close.  May we delight in your love and feel safe in your arms, knowing your love is forever. Hear our prayer as we praise your goodness and accept your grace.  Amen

Author: Bonnie Barber

The United Nations designated Saturday, October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, as the International Day of Non-Violence.  Community of Christ offered a Taizé Worship Service in observance of non-violence. In Taizé worship there are songs, chanted prayers, meditation and periods of silence. In recognition and observance of our mutual desire for a world of non-violence, today we offer elements of a Taizé worship. May the peace offered in this devotion’s time and space speak to you, inspire you and fill you with the desire for peace for all the earth and for all people.

Experience the worshipful words of asking God to hear our prayers.  The music is simple, repetitive and beseeching, “O Lord, Hear our prayer”.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2WZFf_uAc&list=PLLYXW8JdtsuifD8DIv78__nfKCBjhTZD5&index=4

Prayer of Peace: Dear God of All People and All Creation. We come meek and humble, acknowledging the pain and suffering of your world and your children. Our hands do not always reach out in peace. Forgive us. Our hearts are not always filled with compassion. Forgive us. Help us to transform our energy, thoughts and actions to reflect your love and the peace of your son, Jesus. May all people feel their worth because we treat all people as worthy. Help us to heal the scars on this earth by recognizing the damage we inflict and taking steps to renew, regrow and revive its beauty and richness. May we embrace the vision You have for us and this world. Amen

The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirt.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMaCK9JFAZc  What is the Kingdom of God to you?

 In the words of Ravi Sathavivam, seek the peace of the world. When you look for peace
then the peace lies within you
When you search for peace
then it is not hard to find
When you want to keep peace alive
then you allow white doves to fly over you
When you make peace with others
then the whole world lives in your heart
When you let peace be in the world
then you live in wonderful world

 Dear God, Look upon us and bless us. May we be all that you have to offer us.  Amen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYLKrFOLS-E&list=RDj4YgfHcyLlE&index=2

Author: Bonnie Barber

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. As I prepared for classes and worship using this week’s scripture, I learned a biblical act of righting a social injustice. Queen Esther was a Jew, and when she was chosen to be the wife of King Ahasuerus, she hid the fact that she was Jewish, initially out of fear for her and her people’s safety within the kingdom. But as the threat to their lives became greater, Esther became emboldened and risked her life to step forward, identifying herself as a Jew and asking the King for protection for all the Jewish people so they would not be killed. The King vowed protection and got rid of the individual in his court who was the threat. In the Book of Esther, we see this early example of social injustice, confronted and rectified. As the mission center leader for the Mission/Social Justice Team, I find myself growing in painful awareness of the social injustices of our community, our country and our world, and the weight of these struggles weigh on my heart. Do we have a responsibility to respond? Can we make a difference?

 In Doctrine and Covenants 165:1a,d-e we are told, “a. Community of Christ, a divine vision is set before you. Presented over the years through various inspired phrases and symbols, it is expressed now through initiatives in harmony with Jesus Christ’s mission.

d. Undertake compassionate and just actions to abolish poverty and end needless suffering. Pursue peace on and for the Earth.

e. Let nothing separate you from this mission. It reveals divine intent for personal, societal, and environmental salvation; a fullness of gospel witness for creation’s restoration.”

 To raise people’s awareness about social injustices, we’ve identified many issues and ways to help. We’ve followed the bicyclist Ron Edwards, member of Community of Christ, who biked across the country as a fundraiser for Outreach International (OI). One of the amazing things about OI, is that as a charity organization that focuses on poor countries around the world, it operates under PhD, Participatory Human Development. Under PhD the members of the communities are expected to participate in the aid project that OI establishes. OI supports groups who construct new water wells, establish low-interest loan programs, repair roads, grow vegetables, and much more. It empowers people to lift themselves, sustainably, into a future defined by opportunity.

 In July we highlighted the needs of Camp Opportunity (CO), a non-profit organization that for the past 35 years has reached out to kids in the Baltimore area who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and built relationships with these youth that go beyond the camp experience. This organization was founded and is supported by Community of Christ members in the Chesapeake Bay Mission Center. We stepped up to the challenge and Camp Opportunity received $4,130 worth of materials purchased through Amazon Smile. Camp Opportunity says a big “Thank you!”

 A student in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program run by the Washington, DC Community of Christ told us she was trying to collect clothing for the people in her town in Columbia, South America, and again, we responded. We gathered donations of clothing, eyeglasses and money. She was overwhelmed by the response and declared Community of Christ a beautiful community of love and compassion.

 That very same ESL program is in its 8th year of classes. In the name of The Worth of All Persons and Unity in Diversity, we invited students from all over the world into our caring community. Some joined us in fellowship and worship opportunities. Many even brought in their own donations to be added to the Christmas Shoeboxes for the Homeless in DC. When the pandemic caused us to close our church building, we took the classes online. It’s been an adventure and it is thriving. And we need help. We teach Beginner through Advanced English classes and need part-time or fulltime Teaching Assistants in Beginner Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced level classes. Sometimes that extra ear, a fresh discernment of need, or extra words of encouragement can really make a difference. What qualifications are needed? A compassionate heart and an offering of your time. Please consider joining this program. Come and visit an online class. Our students’ stories, struggles and accomplishments are amazing. Building relationships is the most incredible benefit. Contact Bonnie Barber at dccofchrist@gmail.com to ask questions or volunteer.

 These are only a few of the social issues we have addressed. Who in the world do you know is hurting and suffering? What needs do you see in your community? Share what is on your heart. We can share with our readers and make a difference together.

We are told in Doctrine and Covenants 165:1e, “Continue to align your priorities with local and worldwide church efforts to move the initiatives forward. Additional innovative approaches to coordinating congregational life and supporting groups of disciples and seekers are needed to address mission opportunities in a changing world.”

 Dear God who loves us all,  may our eyes be open to the social injustices in our communities, in our country and in our world.  Help us to focus our hearts and our minds on the brothers and sisters who need our kindness and compassion. Help us turn our thoughts into action. Energize our hands and our feet. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Peaceful One.  Amen

Author: Bonnie Barber, Pastor

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Last Sunday afternoon the Washington, DC, Community of Christ was part of the annual Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) Unity Walk. This walk is a post-9/11 event that follows a 2 mile path along which there are 11 different faith traditions. The annual Unity Walk brings together hundreds of people from all faiths and backgrounds in a public display of solidarity and hope. We are a nation in need of healing – healing from the COVID-19 pandemic, healing from the friction of partisan politics, healing from the threats of climate change, and healing from the turbulence of the world. This year’s theme was “Healing”. What healing do you need?

In Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b we are told, “Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community. The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.” As part of our outdoors open house, we offered an opportunity for people to pen their thoughts on healing in whatever words, phrases or prayers they wished to offer and add them to a link of our “Healing Chain”. What words of love, hope, forgiveness, or personal commitment would you put on your piece of the Healing Chain?

We engaged in some wonderful discussions with the over 100 people who stopped by. For some this was a yearly trek and it was truly special to reunite with one another. For many this was a first-time experience and it was indeed strengthening to share the commonality of being people of faith. It is that feeling of community and spiritual renewal that draws us to one another each Sunday- finding us here at this devotion or online or in-person in worship services. Where do you seek the renewal and healing of the Spirit?

May you walk a Unity Walk of your own where you feel the solidarity and hope of sacred community. Seek healing of your personal spirit and strengthen your relationship with God, others and the earth.

Dear God, the One who leads us, nudges us and ultimately waits for us as we walk our life’s journey. Thank you for your patience and your encouragement, for providing us opportunities to grow in our relationship with You and with others who walk life’s path with us and whose steps may cross our own.  Help us to see the wounds and scars around us and be part of the healing. Help us see the purpose of our journey as a people of faith and be part of the hope and the promise of a better tomorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen