I've moved my blog to Word Press. Please check out new posts at prissiesissie.wordpress.com.
Hope to see you there soon,
Rev. Tracy
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Robes and Stoles and Seasons 3
Currently, we are in the season of Lent, which runs from Ash Wednesday through Easter. The season of Lent is 40 days long. It is a time for reflection. For centuries, it has been a time of instruction for candidates preparing for baptism. We are called to confess our sins and abstain for self-indulgent behavior. We fast, pray and practice other spiritual disciplines to discern our need for the grace of God. We consider our relationship with God and with our neighbors.
The season of Lent excludes the 6 Sundays from Ash Wednesday through Easter. The Church celebrates on those Sundays, just as every Sunday, the coming Easter morn when the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed. As we worship God on the Sundays in Lent, we are strengthened to continue the Lenten journey of self-examination.
In the past several months, I have posted blogs about vestments (robes and stoles) and paraments (table cloths and pulpit/lectern banners). You might remember that the colors and symbols portray meaning for the day or season of the Church liturgical year. The paraments in the sanctuary and Jay's stole are purple. The liturgical color for Lent is purple which symbolizes the majesty and royalty of Christ - purple or violet is also a color that represents penitance.
The stole I will wear during the season of Lent is the one you gifted to me when you installed me as your associate pastor. It too is purple. The crown is symbolic of the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus' head after he was flogged. The cross, of course, is the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It is much more comfortable than the burlap stole we wore on Ash Wednesday!
May your study of the word of God guide your journey,
Rev. Tracy
The season of Lent excludes the 6 Sundays from Ash Wednesday through Easter. The Church celebrates on those Sundays, just as every Sunday, the coming Easter morn when the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed. As we worship God on the Sundays in Lent, we are strengthened to continue the Lenten journey of self-examination.
In the past several months, I have posted blogs about vestments (robes and stoles) and paraments (table cloths and pulpit/lectern banners). You might remember that the colors and symbols portray meaning for the day or season of the Church liturgical year. The paraments in the sanctuary and Jay's stole are purple. The liturgical color for Lent is purple which symbolizes the majesty and royalty of Christ - purple or violet is also a color that represents penitance.
The stole I will wear during the season of Lent is the one you gifted to me when you installed me as your associate pastor. It too is purple. The crown is symbolic of the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus' head after he was flogged. The cross, of course, is the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It is much more comfortable than the burlap stole we wore on Ash Wednesday!
May your study of the word of God guide your journey,
Rev. Tracy
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sowing the Seeds of Love
There are many types of mission trips. You can invest a day, weeks or months. Some mission work involves sharing your faith story; other mission work includes listening to others' story. There's lots of ways to do mission. I've heard it said, "Sow a seed, do a deed, meet a need." This phrase might best encapsulate all the ways we do mission.
A few years ago, I went on a learning mission trip. I did no getting your hands dirty work. My mission work was to listen to the stories of the people I met. Then, I was challenged to return home & share their stories. (I will have to share their stories with you some time.) It was difficult to see this as mission at the time of my travel. However, when I returned and began to share their story, I understood that teaching others was significant, meaningful work.
I've spent a day or two here or there doing the getting your hands dirty kind of mission work, but I've never been on an extended work trip. I'm really looking forward to the trip to Hiram Living and Learning Farm. It's both a learning trip and a getting your hands dirty trip. We'll work on the farm, in the fields and in the barns. We'll also learn about organic farming and the autism spectrum.
This trip could prove to be more challenging than past trips because our work doesn't end when we leave Ohio. Our hands-on work ends, but our sharing work begins. It's an easy task to tell our friends how much we enjoyed our trip and what we learned.
May you meet a need this week,
Rev. Tracy
A few years ago, I went on a learning mission trip. I did no getting your hands dirty work. My mission work was to listen to the stories of the people I met. Then, I was challenged to return home & share their stories. (I will have to share their stories with you some time.) It was difficult to see this as mission at the time of my travel. However, when I returned and began to share their story, I understood that teaching others was significant, meaningful work.
I've spent a day or two here or there doing the getting your hands dirty kind of mission work, but I've never been on an extended work trip. I'm really looking forward to the trip to Hiram Living and Learning Farm. It's both a learning trip and a getting your hands dirty trip. We'll work on the farm, in the fields and in the barns. We'll also learn about organic farming and the autism spectrum.
This trip could prove to be more challenging than past trips because our work doesn't end when we leave Ohio. Our hands-on work ends, but our sharing work begins. It's an easy task to tell our friends how much we enjoyed our trip and what we learned.
May you meet a need this week,
Rev. Tracy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
There's a Spring in My Step
It's still a few weeks before our clocks spring forward one hour allowing us to enjoy more day light. We had a sneek peak at Spring weather. It was warm and sunny and breezy. The snow melted. I heard a few birds singing. Kravitz laid on the porch basking in the sun one evening while I swang on the front porch swing reading the day's paper. It was so nice that I bought a new pair of sandals.
Winter weather came through again last week - snow, cold, rain, windy, slush. (The most recent bout of winter weather may be Karma's response to me spending money on sandals instead of replacing the snow brush I broke during the ice storm.) Winter is the dying season in the cycle of the Earth and it is the season in which we are less active. We get around town less. We socialize less. Really, who wants to be out in the muck and cold!?
And, now, we're back to Spring-like weather. Hopefully, this will be the last time Spring weather has to overcome the wintry stuff. At least, according to Puxsutawney Phil, 2011 will have an early Spring. Excited for the bleak gray days to be history, I've heard some, and even I have, been making plans for when the snow has finally cleared and the birds are chirping.
Spring, in the cycle of seasons, is when we see new life break through. Daffodils, crocus and hyacinth will soon peek out of the soggy soil. They are the first to announce that Spring has officially arrived. I find it so odd that the signs of new life emerge before Easter. I've often thought that all the Spring flowers should miraculously bloom on Easter morn. Mary first met Jesus in the garden and she supposed him to be the gardener (John 20: 15). If a gardener had been expected to be there, then there was a garden to be tended. The gardens would have already been growing when Jesus was laid in the tomb.
Let the flowers begin to bloom, as we'll need a garden to tend come Easter morn. Lent is the season of the Christian year when death gives way to resurrection. Perhaps, the signs of Spring emerging are a reminder that, as we follow Jesus into the city of Jerusalem and to the cross, there is new life in Christ.
May Sower of Life tend the garden of your soul,
Rev. Tracy
Winter weather came through again last week - snow, cold, rain, windy, slush. (The most recent bout of winter weather may be Karma's response to me spending money on sandals instead of replacing the snow brush I broke during the ice storm.) Winter is the dying season in the cycle of the Earth and it is the season in which we are less active. We get around town less. We socialize less. Really, who wants to be out in the muck and cold!?
And, now, we're back to Spring-like weather. Hopefully, this will be the last time Spring weather has to overcome the wintry stuff. At least, according to Puxsutawney Phil, 2011 will have an early Spring. Excited for the bleak gray days to be history, I've heard some, and even I have, been making plans for when the snow has finally cleared and the birds are chirping.
Spring, in the cycle of seasons, is when we see new life break through. Daffodils, crocus and hyacinth will soon peek out of the soggy soil. They are the first to announce that Spring has officially arrived. I find it so odd that the signs of new life emerge before Easter. I've often thought that all the Spring flowers should miraculously bloom on Easter morn. Mary first met Jesus in the garden and she supposed him to be the gardener (John 20: 15). If a gardener had been expected to be there, then there was a garden to be tended. The gardens would have already been growing when Jesus was laid in the tomb.
Let the flowers begin to bloom, as we'll need a garden to tend come Easter morn. Lent is the season of the Christian year when death gives way to resurrection. Perhaps, the signs of Spring emerging are a reminder that, as we follow Jesus into the city of Jerusalem and to the cross, there is new life in Christ.
May Sower of Life tend the garden of your soul,
Rev. Tracy
Friday, February 11, 2011
Oh, Baby!
Following the example of the successful revolt to overthrow the Tunisian government, Egypt banned together via social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and set to the streets. It was difficult to watch the riots and protests and gunfire and molotov cocktails filling Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt for day after day. Finally after 18 days of protest, the Egyptian people celebrated the resignation of their president Hosni Mubarak. The crowd chanted: “Egypt is free! Egypt is free!”
Mubarak had been president for 30 years. He has been hailed for maintaining peace with Israel, upholding martial law sanctioning detainment without cause, and staving off radical Islamic movements. On the other hand, Mubarak is blamed for 40% of Egyptians living in poverty, state controlled press, and numerous human rights violations. Remembering his legacy as Egyptian leader, some have described his as the “last Pharaoh.”
“Pharaoh, Pharaoh! Oh, Baby! Let my people go!” So goes the chorus of a favorite children’s song about Moses’ call to lead God’s people out of the hands of the Pharaoh’s oppressive rule enslaving the Hebrew people.
If history reports itself, 2011 has seen the modern day Exodus. Pharaoh has let the people of Egypt go free – without frogs, gnats, flies, boils, locusts, and thunderstorms. Now, the people can work to develop a government that is fair and just. God has heard the cries of the people. Justice and freedom reigns for the people of God.
May you know God's liberating power in your life,
Rev. Tracy
Mubarak had been president for 30 years. He has been hailed for maintaining peace with Israel, upholding martial law sanctioning detainment without cause, and staving off radical Islamic movements. On the other hand, Mubarak is blamed for 40% of Egyptians living in poverty, state controlled press, and numerous human rights violations. Remembering his legacy as Egyptian leader, some have described his as the “last Pharaoh.”
“Pharaoh, Pharaoh! Oh, Baby! Let my people go!” So goes the chorus of a favorite children’s song about Moses’ call to lead God’s people out of the hands of the Pharaoh’s oppressive rule enslaving the Hebrew people.
If history reports itself, 2011 has seen the modern day Exodus. Pharaoh has let the people of Egypt go free – without frogs, gnats, flies, boils, locusts, and thunderstorms. Now, the people can work to develop a government that is fair and just. God has heard the cries of the people. Justice and freedom reigns for the people of God.
May you know God's liberating power in your life,
Rev. Tracy
Monday, January 31, 2011
Good. And you?
How many times a day to you ask someone, "How are you doing?" I imagine we ask everyone we encounter that question. We often reply, "Good. Thanks. How are you?" This general greeting pattern is almost as automatic to us as breathing. It doesn't mean it is insincere. It is a greeting and an invitation to a conversation.
There are many times that good really isn't good. Good can better than good; good can be not so good. Sometimes good is good. Regardless, we often respond, "Good." We may give a few details about our life, but are often not honest about what's really going on within us.
As Christians, we might instead ask, "How is it with your soul?" A response to this question has nothing to do with how your day is going. A response to this question has nothing to do with the traffic on your morning commute or burning dinner. A response to this question has nothing to do with getting enough rest or having a good hair day. A response to this question has to do with your soul's state of being, being before God.
In all of life's situations, our soul effects our response to life. We know that God is the One who raises us to soar like an eagle. We trust that God is the One who makes us lie down in green pastures. We can confess the guilt of our sin and accept the consequences and God's grace. We are comforted by God in our mourning. We rest in God's presence. We know God is working in our lives.
If we remain in prayer and present ourselves humbly before God, our soul may be well-balanced. If our burning both ends of the candle results in neglecting our devotion to God, our soul may be anxious. If we've overcome a challenge strengthened by God, our soul might be free.
If you were to ask me, "How is it with your soul?" I would say, "It is well with my soul." I'm good. I'm not soaring on eagle's wings. I'm not walking through the valley in the shadow of death. I'm good. Good is good. How is it with your soul?
May your soul thrive,
Rev. Tracy
There are many times that good really isn't good. Good can better than good; good can be not so good. Sometimes good is good. Regardless, we often respond, "Good." We may give a few details about our life, but are often not honest about what's really going on within us.
As Christians, we might instead ask, "How is it with your soul?" A response to this question has nothing to do with how your day is going. A response to this question has nothing to do with the traffic on your morning commute or burning dinner. A response to this question has nothing to do with getting enough rest or having a good hair day. A response to this question has to do with your soul's state of being, being before God.
In all of life's situations, our soul effects our response to life. We know that God is the One who raises us to soar like an eagle. We trust that God is the One who makes us lie down in green pastures. We can confess the guilt of our sin and accept the consequences and God's grace. We are comforted by God in our mourning. We rest in God's presence. We know God is working in our lives.
If we remain in prayer and present ourselves humbly before God, our soul may be well-balanced. If our burning both ends of the candle results in neglecting our devotion to God, our soul may be anxious. If we've overcome a challenge strengthened by God, our soul might be free.
If you were to ask me, "How is it with your soul?" I would say, "It is well with my soul." I'm good. I'm not soaring on eagle's wings. I'm not walking through the valley in the shadow of death. I'm good. Good is good. How is it with your soul?
May your soul thrive,
Rev. Tracy
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What's Your Dream?
Dreams are an important medium of God's revelation in the Hebrew Scriptures. God revealed Divine truth to Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph through dreams. In the wilderness, God said to Moses, Aaron & Miriam: "When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams" (Num 12: 6). The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, and Zechariah all write about their dreams and visions.
Conversely, the story of God's calling of the prophet Samuel to service recounts that at that time there were not many visions (1 Sam 3:1). Proverbs 29:18 teaches: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The Hebrew word for vision in 1 Sam 3:1 is the same word used in Proverbs 29:18. The Hebrew word translated vision here is more than a basic dream; it has the connotation of vision, dream, revelation, oracle, prophecy. The prophets not only wrote about their own visions - they warned of times when there would be no visions.
Of course, the Hebrew Scriptures give witness to the importance of staying connected to God. It is when we are living with awareness of God's presence and seeking God's wisdom that we can see God's vision and set out feet upon the path of righteousness. But, when we try to travel alone, we get lost in the darkness.
The prophet Joel reminds us that when darkness has kept dreams and visions from us, we need only to rend our hearts and return to the Lord (Joel 2:13) and God will receive us. "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." (Joel 2:28)
Remembering the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., one cannot help but hear his words, "I have a dream." In all that MLK said, it was apparent that he had a vision of God's justice. Everything MLK did was a response to the vision of the beloved community living as one equal diverse human race. Though there were days that must have seemed bleak, he saw the Light of the World guiding his steps.
Have you dreamed dreams or seen visions lately? Helen Keller said: "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." Are you blindly walking through life or are you driven by God's revelation?
May you dream dreams and see visions of the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven,
Rev. Tracy
Conversely, the story of God's calling of the prophet Samuel to service recounts that at that time there were not many visions (1 Sam 3:1). Proverbs 29:18 teaches: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The Hebrew word for vision in 1 Sam 3:1 is the same word used in Proverbs 29:18. The Hebrew word translated vision here is more than a basic dream; it has the connotation of vision, dream, revelation, oracle, prophecy. The prophets not only wrote about their own visions - they warned of times when there would be no visions.
Of course, the Hebrew Scriptures give witness to the importance of staying connected to God. It is when we are living with awareness of God's presence and seeking God's wisdom that we can see God's vision and set out feet upon the path of righteousness. But, when we try to travel alone, we get lost in the darkness.
The prophet Joel reminds us that when darkness has kept dreams and visions from us, we need only to rend our hearts and return to the Lord (Joel 2:13) and God will receive us. "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." (Joel 2:28)
Remembering the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., one cannot help but hear his words, "I have a dream." In all that MLK said, it was apparent that he had a vision of God's justice. Everything MLK did was a response to the vision of the beloved community living as one equal diverse human race. Though there were days that must have seemed bleak, he saw the Light of the World guiding his steps.
Have you dreamed dreams or seen visions lately? Helen Keller said: "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." Are you blindly walking through life or are you driven by God's revelation?
May you dream dreams and see visions of the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven,
Rev. Tracy
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Facebook Faith
Kravitz doesn't like it when I sit on the couch with my computer to keep up with my friends on Facebook. He'd prefer I pay attention to him. Sometimes, he barks at me until I put the computer aside to pet him. Sometimes, he whines until I close down to play with him. Other times...well, you see the picture. He cuddles up right next to me and lays his snout on the keyboard. As I'm blogging tonight, he's laying on the floor giving me his best sad puppy dog eyes.
Honestly, Kravitz is like any other dog. He just wants to be with me and get some attention from me. It doesn't matter what we do - go for a walk, throw a ball, do laundry, watch a movie - it's his favorite thing to do because he's with me.
Before Kravitz and I moved to Litchfield, I asked the veterinarian about how he would adjust to a new home. The vet told me that dogs are 'people' animals. Cats are attached to places, but dogs don't care where they're at or what they're doing as long as they are with their 'people.' I'm Kravitz' people.
Many may not see the connection between the Divine God and a canine mutt. Musician Wendy J. Francisco does. She sings about how a dog has qualities that are reminiscent of God's constant presence, unconditional love, and ever-flowing grace. "I'm the one that walks away. Both of them wait for me. And dance at my return with glee."
Wendy reminds us that a dog is created by God and so reflects God image. A dog reflects God's desire to be acknowledged in all we do and everywhere we go. A dog's wagging tail reminds us of God's excitement to be involved in our lives. A dog's bark reminds us of God's desire to protect us; well, sometimes Kravitz just wants dinner.
May you seek God with the same determination
that you stalk your Facebook friends,
Rev. Tracy
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