iHOPE

Wildfire

 Yesterday, when I shared Lee Ann's observation that the prospect of going through cancer felt like going through an oncoming wildfire. The image sparked something in Bob Rotruck.  His son is heading to Afghanistan and the image of an oncoming wildfire seemed appropriate. He was inspired to write the following poem and when I asked, he consented to letting it be printed here:

Wildfires

 I stood on the plain facing the fires fierce flames,

I was looking for someone to place all the blames.

I didn’t want my son to face the horrors of war,

I wanted to go in his place to settle the score.

But I know my son wanted to do his part,

He agreed to do it from the very start.

That is how military men and women approach life,

They know from the beginning that there might be strife.

And so we stand in this field of wildfire together,

Our spirits locked together no matter the weather.

But a third party has joined our stance,

He is not just there by mere chance.

But Jesus is there holding each of our hands,

And together the three of us are taking our stands.

To face the unknown trials of the fight,

Together in spirit we are there at first light.

I have no fear for my brave, strong son,

For at his side will always be number One.

So this wildfire, we can face each day,

Each day I will be there in spirit to pray.

“God be with my son and all his comrades,

And be home with all of the moms and dads.

For they too face the horrors of war,

We just pray, there will be no more!”

AMEN

Thanks, Bob!

Holding The (Pink) Bag

The bag on the left is what is given to cancer patients. It was hard to believe we were holding one, but we were- and are.  Lee Ann has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

We set up a page for folks who want to know more and get updates as we move through the treatments towards wellness.  You can get there by clicking: here. If that doesn't work, you can also cut and paste the following: http://leeannandruss.wordpress.com/

We know we are not the first- or the last, to be holding a cancer bag. In fact, when I asked for a show of hands of all those affected by cancer- for themselves or immediate family, the result was amazing. It looked like 80%+ of the congregation had their hand up.

The response we have received is wonderful and we are grateful to be a part of such a caring community. Of particular help were all those women who gathered around Lee Ann after the service. One by one, they identified themselves with something like, "I am a 5 year survivor."  "I am an 8 year survivor."  "I just finished my treatments."  Alongside that circle, was the circle of husbands who gathered around me with similar stories and offers of support. These were the people who could say, "I know exactly where you are because I have been there, too." The strength and encouragement that comes from people like that is immeasurable.

Since Sunday, we have been showered with cards, emails, prayers  and other expressions of care. It all helps and it is all appreciated. Thank you

The above appeared in a shorter form on Sunday and has since been updated.

 

 

Ash Wednesday: What to Expect

We are celebrating Ash Wednesday tonight at New Hope. In my last post I talked about why we are having and Ash Wednesday Service (see below). In this post, I wanted to explain what you can expect if you come to tonight’s service. If you have never been an Ash Wednesday service (and didn’t think Presbyterians even celebrated it!), then this will be helpful. Even if you have been to services in other traditions, you might find this useful, too. By the way, we begin at 7:00 and the service lasts about an hour.

It’s a Quiet Service

Ash Wednesday is a somber service- not morose, but quiet.  It is a time to reflect on our own lives and to focus on the journey of discipleship. The music is reflective, the lighting will be low, we won’t use our screens and there will be times for silent reflection.

It’s a Communion Service

Christ meets us in our brokenness. That is why we celebrate communion on Ash Wednesday.  As always, Communion at New Hope is open to any who profess a need for Christ and his grace in their lives.  As we usually do, communion will be celebrated by people coming forward and participating (it’s called intinction).

Ash Wednesday- What's THAT About?!

Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 22. Like we did last year, we’ll have a service at 7:00 pm. Like last year, there are bound to be a few folks who say, “Ash Wednesday- I thought that was for Catholics!” Ash Wednesday is actually observed by many denominations- including Presbyterians. It’s true, we haven’t had a special service until last year, and it may not be for you. But here are some reasons why some people find this to be a powerful way to connect with God and deepen their faith:

Prayer Workshop: Saturday @ 9:00 am!

The Prayer Workshop is coming this Saturday! Many people have asked for more information using the Connection Cards, and I've responded by email. I also thought I would post the information here for anyone else who is thinking about attending.

 

Here are a few things to know:

This Should Be Interesting

Ever felt like this?

You start out thinking you don't need much in life to make you  happy. Just a few things, and that's it.

Then, maybe a few things more.

Before you know it, you have more stuff that you know what to do with. Your closets are full. Your basement, too. You have a three car garage- and there isn't enough room for your cars.  You have a storage unit. Maybe two. You're thinking about getting another- or larger, one.

You've got stuff. In fact, you sometimes wonder if you have your stuff- or if your stuff has you. At some point, you may even feel…like a jerk.

Come to the (New) Table

The Communion Table is one of the most powerful symbols we have in the Christian Faith.

Not unlike the dining table in our homes, it is where we gather, mark moments, are nurtured and reminded of who we are. At the Communion Table, we are also reminded of the price that was paid for us to become a new creation.

This Sunday marks our first time we gather for Communion around a new Table. It has been in the sanctuary for the past four Sundays, but this will be the first week we partake from it. It is the gift of several families in our congregation. It is meant to complete and complement the Cross and the Baptismal Font.

A Workshop for the "Devotionally Challenged"

If you are like most people, prayer is one of those things (like eating healthy and exercise) that you know you should do - and do better. No one has to convince you of that. What you need is for someone to show you 'how' to do that in the midst of a busy and hectic life.

That is why I am leading a workshop on February 18 called, "a prayerful life:  helping real people get real prayer into real life." It will be short on theory and long on a few simple practices that I have found useful in my own life and would love to share with you.

We'll meet from 9:00-noon. Childcare will be available upon request and you can register through the Connection Card in worship or by emailing me (link in right column under picture).

If you have a deep and rich prayer life already, you don't need this workshop. But if you struggle to find time to pray, feel inadequate in knowing how to pray and would just like some practical ways to get prayer into your everyday life, then you might want to check this out.