Lenten Devotional Blog

We're trying something new with this year's Lenten Devotional. We're going to share daily devotions in a couple of different ways. First, in blog format, which can be read here or set up as an RSS feed using the orange button below. Second, you can request that you be added to our Lenten Devotional email list, and we will email you a daily devotion throughout the Lenten season. We hope that you will choose to receive this year's devotional in this way. Isn't technology great!?!?

Save the Date for Christian Writers Workshop

04/05/2010
By York, Becky

We hope you have been blessed by receiving and reading by e-mail/blog the daily devotionals from our Devotions for Lent booklet published by The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) in Vienna, Va. This marked our 11th year of publishing a Lenten booklet, our first year in posting a devotional blog.

Writing and sharing our Lenten stories has become an important part of our church’s ministry, as has helping to build a community of Christians who share their faith with one another through the written word. We will host our 4th “Alive in Words” Christian Writers Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 13 and invite you to join us in this community event. We’re blessed that noted Christian author, editor and retreat leader Vinita Hampton Wright has accepted our invitation to take part. Vinita is a novelist as well as author of THE SOUL TELLS A STORY: Engaging Creativity With Spirituality in the Writing Life. Watch our web site in the coming months for registration details.

Our 2010 booklet will continue to reside on our church web page along with most of the other Lenten devotional booklets we have published. You can find these at www.GoodShepherdVA.com under “Listen/Connect,” then “Lenten Devotional.”

Easter Sunday, April 4 Lenten Devotional

04/04/2010
By York, Becky

Easter Sunday, April 4                                       Read: Matthew 28:5-10
A DREAM OF HEALING

My uncle died recently, so I went to his funeral in Florida. When I got
there, my cousin told me about the dream her 9-year-old daughter had.
She dreamed that her grandfather had come to her and told her that
he was all right. Now the reason this is amazing is because the young
girl didn’t know her beloved grandfather had passed away, and yet he
“visited ” her on the night he died to tell her everything was fine.

This dream was shared with my aunt hoping it would make her feel
better. My aunt had just one question for her granddaughter: “What
did Grandpa’s voice sound like?”

“Oh, his voice sounded like everyone else’s, not his normal voice,” the
child replied.

What a great comfort this is to my aunt, knowing that her husband
has been healed and is now free from suffering. You see, my uncle had
throat cancer, and his voice box was damaged from cancer treatments.
For years, he spoke in a whisper and never in a normal voice. His young
granddaughter had never heard his normal voice before the dream.

This story was shared many times with friends and family who gath-
ered to honor my late uncle. Each time I hear it or think of it now, I am
touched again by God’s grace and presence in our lives. God does talk
to us, comfort us, offer us hope. And He never leaves us, especially
when we are afraid and alone.

I am especially thankful that I reconnected with my aunt and uncle
after more than 25 years and had these last five years to grow closer
to them, to share family stories. I look forward to supporting my aunt
and reconnecting with more cousins.

As a Christian, I know that this family story is also the Easter story.
We know that death is not the end of the story. As we celebrate
Christ’s Resurrection on Easter today, let us also celebrate the life that
is ours beyond the grave—Life eternal with God, given to us by God’s
grace through Jesus Christ.
                                                                            -- Elaine Woodward

TODAY: It is Easter. Celebrate family and friends. Then make time to
reach out to someone who needs to hear the story of how God is
alive in your life.

 

Saturday, April 3 Lenten Devotional

04/03/2010
By York, Becky

Saturday, April 3                                                      Read: Psalm 46:10
THE GIFT OF CHANGE

Early last year, the American people witnessed the historic inauguration
of a president who ascended to the highest office in our land on the
theme of “change.” On a cold winter’s day, the nation stood proud and
mesmerized as Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United
States. It was a day few had predicted but many Americans welcomed
asa sign of national reconciliation and healing.

I also was very proud of America on that day, but to be truthful, my
thoughts were of a different change -- my own. For the past five years,
I had served as a senior foreign policy official in the White House under
PresidentGeorge W. Bush. Now, I had tendered my resignation, as is
the American tradition for political appointees, and my replacement was
already announced. It was time to move on, and I was scared.

The time at the White House had been tough on my family. They had
become accustomed to canceled vacations, missed events at school and
very long work hours. Even when I was home, I would sit down to watch
TV with my son and immediately fall asleep. Or I would be on the phone
with one of our ambassadors overseas dealing with yet another crisis.
Going to a movie was just another opportunity for me to catch a nap.

It was clear that whatever I did next, the priorities in my life had to shift
drastically. Our son Peter was 14 years old and growing up quickly.
I needed to tend to my family and make up for lost time in helping him
to become a man. But all change is difficult, and the loss of power and
position were not easy to accept. I needed to turn to my faith for help.

What I learned quickly is that the only way through such a profound
life transition was by having faith that God would guide my steps. I
could not sort this all out on my own. I could not see into the future
and know exactly where I would land. I had to believe that God was
there with me, and if I listened to His quiet voice and was open to His
direction, He would lead me.

To make a long story short, God did show me the way, but it did not
show it to me instantly. I’ve had to work through many issues over the
past year. I have reclaimed my family life, and I am enjoying leisure time
with friends. But I am now, again, working for the president of the
United States in a job that yields great personal satisfaction. My life is
indeed richer because of “change” guided by trust in the Lord.
                                                                                 -- Dennis Wilder

TODAY: Give yourself this Saturday a gift of a few hours to do
something you always say you don’t have time to do.

Good Friday, April 2 Lenten Devotional

04/02/2010
By York, Becky

On this Good Friday, the sanctuary will be open from 4-7 p.m. for a prayer vigil
with silent meditation. A Tenebrae service, based on a 12th-century extended
meditation on the passion of Christ, begins at 7:30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Good Friday, April 2                                                  Read: John 12:20-33
THE GRAIN OF WHEAT

“Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

A simple grain of wheat contains within itself all that it needs to grow and
produce more grain. Each year in the fall farmers set out to produce wheat
bylaying seed one by one into the ground and allowing time for them
to grow.

From a single dead seed a shoot will begin to rise through the earth
as it reaches up for the sun. The shoot then sprouts a leaf to capture
the sun’s rays, which is then converted into energy through the process
of photosynthesis. Leaves continue to grow from the shoot on average
of one every five days while secondary shoots or tillers begin to grow
along the side of the main shoot. Soon heads begin to sprout from the
shoots and tillers and within weeks they are being turned into kernels
of wheat. These kernels can be used to make bread, cereal, pancakes,
pies, cupcakes and doughnuts, but some of them simply fall to the
ground as seeds to be used again to produce more wheat.

For the grain of wheat, the goal is to produce more grain. But to
do this, it must die. In this passage from John, Jesus too, is stepping
toward death as a way to create. Christ, the seed from the shoot of
God, is choosing to be buried under the soil of all sin knowing that in
three days time He will rise as a new creation penetrating the very dirt
that sought to bury Him. By dying Jesus will bring forth new life and a
new way of living for His disciples.

We often recognize Christ’s life-giving moment on the cross as a
moment of atonement for our sins and the ultimate sacrifice for
humanity. But this moment also holds great significance for the way
in which we as disciples are to live. Jesus asks us to “follow him” and
tells us that if we serve Him we will be where He is.

The moment of the cross is profound not only for its cosmic and
spiritual consequences but also for its model of discipleship. We too
are to be grains of wheat giving up our lives to service, worship, prayer
and purpose so that God may produce life through us. Christ calls us
to place finances, job, family and our entire existence into the hands of

God, allowing our Father to use us where we are needed. This is no
easy calling , and not everyone will do it. But to those who do, Jesus
tells us that the Father will honor them.

Jesus’ death underscores His entire ministry. Without it, His words
and deeds would be left as the poetic rhetoric of another social
prophet. It is His action on Good Friday that gives credence to “love
your enemies” and “lose your life to find it.” Jesus crawled up Calvary
bloodied and beaten not only to save us from all sin but also to place
before us the model of true discipleship.

Today on Good Friday take time to meditate on what the death of
Christ means for you and how God may be calling you to sacrifice for
Him and for others. How can you be the grain of God today ready to
be planted and used to feed others?
                                                                                    -- Rob Ulmer

TODAY: Get a packet of seeds and plant them today. Watch the
miracle of spring in the days and weeks ahead as they too
escape the confines of the soil and reach for the sun.

Maundy Thursday, April 1 Lenten Devotional

04/01/2010
By York, Becky

Maundy Thursday, April 1                          Read: Matthew 26:17-30
THE LORD’S SUPPER

The first time I presided on my own at Holy Communion I was still
a student in seminary and appointed part-time as pastor of a small
church in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Today, many years and several hundred communion services later,
I still never share what the church calls the “words of institution” without
feeling an enormous weight of responsibility. It is believed that these
were, after all, the very words of Jesus as He broke bread for the last
time with His disciples. What’s more, they mark the beginning of
an “institution” that now has endured for nearly 2,000 years.

So whenever I stand at the altar and repeat the words “Take, eat . . .”
and “Drink from this, all of you . . . ,” I am aware that I am part of a
tradition extending as far back as perhaps the apostles Peter and
Paul and that I am but one in a seemingly endless procession of
souls who have similarly found comfort and strength in the breaking
of the bread and the sharing of the cup.

Indeed, there are times when I am almost overwhelmed with emo-
tion as I sense that I, too, have become one with that great cloud of
witnesses who have gathered around the Lord’s table.

I anticipate that this Holy Thursday I’ll revisit many of these same
powerful experiences. I’ll break the bread, elevate the cup, share the
words and understand in a most visceral way that I am not alone.
Christ is with us, inviting to His table all who love Him, who earnestly
repent of their sins and seek to live in peace with one another.
                                                                      -- The Rev. Mark Burgess

TODAY: Raise this prayer: Blessed Lord Jesus, who, when about to
depart out of this world, having loved Your own, and loving them
to the end, instituted the holy sacrament of Your Body and Blood,
the dying legacy of your love: Grant, we pray, that we may never
draw near Your altar, except with hearts enkindled by love for You
and for one another; for Your dear name’s sake. Amen.

Wednesday, March 31 Lenten Devotional

03/31/2010
By York, Becky

Wednesday, March 31                                   Read: Matthew 26:36-56
WITNESS

This could be my big break! My big story! My friend Carole told me
something huge is going down at The Garden of Gethsemane. She said
her sister overheard her husband and another high priest discussing
payment to Judas Iscariot. Payment for what? She didn’t know, but it is
all going down at Gethsemane.

I hope she was right about it being tonight. I’ve been hiding behind this
rock for two hours and nothing. Wait! I hear voices. That’s Peter and
Zebedee’s two sons, James and John. Who’s that with them? The one
they call Jesus. I’ve heard a lot about Him lately. A lot of other reporters
have been writing about Him.

I hope they don’t show up here. I know most of all my work is pictures,
but several kings and high priests say my drawings are so detailed that
words aren’t needed. What’s He doing? He’s on His knees. He’s praying
to His God. I can’t understand it all through the snores of the others.
“Wake up! Can’t you pray with me for even an hour?”

No sooner than His prayers begin, the snores join in. I’ve never heard
anyone pray in such agony. This man called Jesus is laid flat out on the
ground. He’s crying out! Sweat is pouring from Him. Is that blood?!
Blood literally coming from His pores! Can I draw that? I want to wake
the others. Get up! Help Him pray!

I hear moaning and groaning. It takes me only seconds to realize its
coming from me. Way down deep inside myself. My hand has never
moved this fast. I have to capture it. Even the slightest detail. Is that
an army marching? They’re upon us. That’s Judas with them. A kiss? He
just kissed Jesus’ cheek. Oh yeah, now you’re awake, Peter. O my God!
Peter just sliced off one of their ears. It’s Malchus, the high priest’s ser-
vant. Jesus reaches out His hand and touches Malchus’ ear. It’s healed!

My hand captures everything the minute my eye sees. Oh no; they ’re
taking Him away. He sees me! At the exact moment our eyes meet, I
realize He knew I was here all along. I must follow. Wherever this leads,
I must go. I hold tight to my drawings. My clothes are ripped off me.
Still I must follow. Not for the same reasons I came. Not for my glory
but for His. I came. I saw. I accepted. I am a witness to it. The Biggest
Story ever told. Let me tell you the story of Jesus.
                                                                          -- Elva (Chick) Nixon

(Elva Nixon resides at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women and
wrote this after a “putting yourself into Scripture” course at a two-
day Kairos prison ministry retreat in August 2009.)

TODAY: Recall the thief on the cross next to Jesus who seemed
to be the only person present who understood who Jesus was.
Then Jesus said, Today you are welcome in my Kingdom. Pray
for all prisoners, especially that they will learn they too are special
children of God and are welcome in His Kingdom.

Tuesday, March 30 Lenten Devotional

03/30/2010
By York, Becky

Tuesday, March 30                                                  Read: Mark 11:27-33
BY WHAT AUTHORITY …

I am writing this on Jan. 11. Four years ago, my father died on this day, at
age 84. And today, I attended a memorial service and inurnment of
Tim, a young man who died at age 35.

Today, I stood in the winter sun at the Columbarium at Arlington
Cemetery, looking beyond the grievers, beyond the honor guards and
gun salutes, to rows and rows of white gravestones. All those who
have gone before.

The dying, the death, is hard. Pain. Pain of the illness, the injury, the
war that ended with the dying. Grief. The grief of a wife left alone, or
of the unborn child who does not get to know her father, or of the
children who miss the counsel of their dad. A grief that is there
because there was love.

And we don’t understand. Why the death? Why the illness? Why the
war? What we might be able to understand is that love prevails. In the
words of Tim’s father-in-law: “ What I have heard as each of you has
spoken about Tim is love.”

In this Lent, we ponder the living and the dying and the loving of
Jesus. In Mark 11:27-33, and Luke 20:1-8, and Matthew 21:23-27,
Jesus was asked, “By what authority are you doing these things?”

Jesus did not answer His questioners, possibly to allow us to answer.
By what authority does love prevail? For me, it is the Three, it is the
One.

Praise God.
                                                                           -- Marilyn Dukes Bursch

TODAY: Spend some time today reflecting on the special gifts of
a loved one. A father or mother. A favorite aunt or uncle or neighbor.
A teacher. What can you do to add purpose to those lessons today?

Monday, March 29 Lenten Devotional

03/29/2010
By York, Becky

Monday, March 29                                                Read: Matthew 6:25
WHAT, ME WORRY?

As I reflect on the past year that has zoomed by quicker than any
other, I think about the things I tried to do better. It is a really long list
of things that I need to get better at: work/life balance, taking care of
myself, taking care of my husband, patience, sustained commitment to
daily devotion, exposing my children to Christian teachings AND mod-
eling Christian behavior for them, remembering to turn things over to
God and not worry so much.

The list goes on and on . . . but if I could only master the not worry-
ing , the rest of the list would probably take care of itself. Worry is
everywhere. As soon as I learn to stop worrying about something ,
there are more and seemingly bigger things to worry about: everything
in the world (war, peace, hunger, natural disasters), surviving my job,
paying for college, raising teenagers, my children being old enough to
drive. As if worrying about the big things isn’t enough, even the small-
est things can become huge sources of stress when I forget to let go
and let God.

Recently, I was (very) late, racing my daughter to a soccer game, and
I tried to remember what I had been reading in the book Fearless by
Max Lucado. “Slow down . . . let God be enough. God meets daily
needs daily.” Knowing that God can needs daily.” Knowing that God
can work miracles, why do I forget that He can help with any problem
I have? Why do I forget that I don’t need to worry? Why do I forget
that whatever I need, He will provide?

I was feeling terrible for letting my daughter down since she would suffer
the consequences of her parent-caused tardiness. My heart raced, I
desperately calculated and recalculated our estimated time of arrival.
I mulled over the different series of words that my daughter or I should
tell the coach. My muscles ached from my quick changes between
intense driving and restraint so as to try to maintain some semblance of
safe driving (a soccer game wasn’t worth compromising safety, right?).
I couldn’t figure out how this could possibly end up OK, but I took a
deep breath and prayed. Her late arrival was just in time. Turns out,
the games were running late, and there was no other open space
for the team to warm up so they had just been standing around.
No harm done.

I stopped to think about how often I worry about things that don’t
turn into problems. I fret over and live through terrible outcomes in
my mind without stopping to pray, and turn it over to God. One sim-
ple step could save me so much energy and time if I could just
remember to do it more often. He wants to take all my worry away,
if I could just remember to let Him.
                                                                                   -- Heather Cogdell

TODAY: Write five things that preoccupied you yesterday. Now look
over the list and reassess. Of that list, how many things were worth
the anxiety? Now pray this prayer: Dear God, please help me
remember that You know what I need and that You always meet
my needs. Please remove my worry and fear that I may feel the
full blessings and peace of your presence. Amen.

 

Palm Sunday, March 28 Lenten Devotional

03/28/2010
By York, Becky

Palm Sunday, March 28                                       Read: Luke 19:41-48
CROSSROADS

Palm Sunday. For Jesus, there were two days in one. First was the joyous
welcome and palm-waving procession to the city of Jerusalem. And then
as the scripture relates, when the city came into view, he stopped.

Day Two. All at once, He faced the new reality. For three decades, He had
traveled freely, learning, teaching, serving and inspiring. But now on the
hill overlooking the city, reality struck. He was approaching a new chapter,
the last days of his life.

What would He do? How would He deal with this? Would He choose the
comfortable way, turn back to the cheering crowd and pursue the path
that was easiest for Him? Or was there another path?

We know His decision. He was angry and sorrowful. But He moved on,
pursuing the path He believed God had set for Him.

In the days following Palm Sunday, He angrily cleared the temple of bankers
and thieves. His teaching left His crowds spellbound and at the same time
defied the local religious leaders’ attempts to discredit Him. Finally He
submitted to the Roman authorities.

It was not easy, but Jesus chose the path God had set for Him.

Families face crossroads too. Ours certainly has. Cancer, retirement,
separation and divorce in the past year, all captured in a song Kristen has
written: “How did what we have become what we had?”

Experts call them “life transitions,” those moments when your circumstances
change and you face serious choice. Marriage. Divorce. Losing a job. Having
children. The death of parents or a spouse. Serious disease. Retirement.

How do we respond? We agonize. We calculate. We try to balance. But do
we ask the right question? It comes from the ancient prayer: “O God. Grant
us in all our doubts and uncertainties the grace to ask what thou wouldst
have us do.”

Yes there are easier choices. Jesus certainly had them as He entered
Jerusalem and the last week of His life on earth. But in the end, our faith
requires that we follow His lead and seek the path that “God wouldst
have us do.”
                                                                           -- Haydee and Jim Toedtman

TODAY: Make a point of hearing Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” this week. Listen
for the alto’s aria of assurance near the end: “See ye.Jesus holds out
his hand. He would draw us to himself. Come! To Jesus’ arms. Seek
redemption. Seek ye mercy. Seek them. Live ye, die ye, rest ye here.”

Saturday, March 27 Lenten Devotional

03/27/2010
By York, Becky

Saturday, March 27                                           Read: Isaiah 1:10-20
GOD SPEAKS TO CHRISTIANS IN
NORTHERN VIRGINIA IN 2010

Here is what God says —
Look, I have something to say to you,
Important officials and regular people alike,
And it isn’t a suggestion!

Whether you offer 20 dollars, a tithe, or more than a tithe,
Whether you come to My house on holidays, or weekly, or more often,
Am I supposed to be impressed?

My Kingdom is not a place where
you can “fake it ’til you make it.”
Showing up is not half the battle, if your
heart is somewhere else!
I am just one item on your so-lengthy
“to do” list,
And I’m sick of it. Don’t bother.

Have you even confessed, even repented
Have you even confessed, even repented
The filthy things you’ve done, or
approved,
Or allowed through sheer negligence?
How dare you pray to Me as if you were
Mine without following my Word?

Stop doing wrong — and then, start
doing right!
Seek justice.
Help the oppressed and destitute.

Listen to Me now, really engage.
I will make you more clean, more whole, more alive,
Than you’ve ever been or imagined — if you are willing and obedient.

But the rebel path, the path of resistance,
Has death as its destination
Here and now, as at all places and all times
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
                                                                                 -- Linda Moody

TODAY: How can you help the oppressed and destitute?
Consider joining in The Church of the Good Shepherd’s weekly
sandwich ministry to provide for the Food for Others food bank
or participate in our Hot Meals Program for FACETS by cooking
a meal on the fourth Thursday of each month. After prepar-
ing the meal, another team delivers it to four distribution stops.

Friday, March 26 Lenten Devotional

03/26/2010
By York, Becky

Friday, March 26                                            Read: Proverbs 3:5-6
EMPTY NEST

Very loud chirping birds outside our bedroom window woke us up
early one morning late last spring. I hurried to check on the four baby
birds that had hatched weeks before in the bird’s nest built atop our
wreath on our front door. Through the glass, I could see — just as I
arrived — one of the birds flying out of the nest toward the shrieking
calls of his parents. It was exhilarating!

I called to my husband to come quickly for I didn’t want him to miss
this. Over the next 30 minutes or so, each of the remaining three
birds took their first flights to new life beyond the nest. We watched
in wonder and amazement (and took photos and video) as each baby
bird flapped its wings and took off in the direction of the encouraging
parents in the trees just beyond the front porch.

We felt so blessed to witness this scene from nature after weeks of
watching and observing the birds hatch, then grow. How exciting for
us to look at the empty nest with joy, knowing what all had transpired.
Since then, I’ve thought a lot about the bravery of those little baby
birds. How scary it must have been for each of them to do something
they had never done and fly. Yet, these fledgling birds just seemed to
go where led, trusting in the loving encouragement of those who nur-
tured and fed them.

The little birds are a reminder to me of God’s love. God is always there
with love and encouragement to follow Him, to go where He leads us.
He will be with us in all seasons of our life, when we are flying high and
even if we fall out of the nest.

I’m an “empty-nester” myself now, with a son and daughter in their final
years of college. I want my children to feel the power of their own wings to
fly to where they are led by God. And I know that God has a plan for me,
too, even in this season, if I will just listen and go where He leads me.
                                                                                -- Becky Todd York

TODAY: As we approach Holy Week and Easter, think about the empty
tomb and its promise for new life. Share your fears, anxiety and doubts
with God. Ask Him to help you create something new.

Thursday, March 25 Lenten Devotional

03/25/2010
By York, Becky

Thursday, March 25                                         Read: Exodus 4:10-31
CALL TO SERVICE

Exodus Chapters 3 and 4 are among a number of passages in the Bible
that illustrate God calling persons into service. These passages are of
continuing interest to me, as I continue my spiritual journey.

I am reminded of a small group meeting a number of years ago where
another layman was explaining these texts, paraphrasing the dialogue
with God, using a modern dialogue. My friend used all of our excuses
to try to avoid being the one chosen for the responsibility to carry
God’s message and service to the people. “I am not capable. I do not
know how. I am not smart enough. I cannot speak well. I cannot inspire
others. I do not know where to start. I am not a leader. Why would
you choose me with all my limitations? Choose another who has the
capacity!”

And always God responds that there is a need to be filled and pro-
vides assurance that if we answer the call and accept the challenge,
God will prepare the way. That in rising to the call, we will not be
alone, but will be empowered by God’s grace and mercy to fulfill
the call.

Each of us has talents and skills that we may not use or even realize
that we have. We tend to want a comfortable life. To do only the
things that interest us, or do things in our own way, unburdened by
complexity or adversity. We want to do what we want and when we
want to. Frequently, we do not have a vision of what may be possible
if we commit and serve.

But still, God has a need that is unfulfilled. God’s call is extended.
Prayerfully consider your life. How or where are you being called
to serve?

God, help us to have a vision of how our service will become a part
of your kingdom.
                                                                                      -- Jim Frost

TODAY: The example of The Rev. Sam Dixon may be impossible to
match. But he should serve as an inspiration for all of us. After serv-
ing as a pastor in North Carolina for three decades, he became
executive director of UMCOR, the United Methodist Church’s
highly regarded emergency response agency in 2007. He worked
tirelessly, and on Jan. 12, he was in Haiti meeting with colleagues
about improving medical care when the recent earthquake struck
and destroyed the hotel where he was staying. He did not survive.
Honor him and all volunteers with a contribution to Haiti relief.

Wednesday, March 24 Lenten Devotional

03/24/2010
By York, Becky

Wednesday, March 24                                     Read: Romans 12:9-21
A LESSON IN HOSPITALITY …
FROM THE TENNIS COURT

During our family vacation last summer, my wife Kathy and I decided
to take a week-long group tennis class. Each day, the head pro
divided up the class and dispersed us to various courts. Within our
groupings, most of us didn’t know each other when the week began.
One group, however, stood apart because the players were already
good friends. This group — which had signed up for multiple weeks of
this class — was always assigned to Court 1, with the head pro serving
as their coach. (Indeed, Kathy had taken the same group class the
previous summer, and the Court 1 group had been together then too.)
The players all came from the same nearby city, and their families had
summer homes at the vacation community.

Judging by the jokes and laughter coming from their court, the Court 1
group clearly enjoyed each other’s company. They also did not go out
of their way to intermingle with the rest of us. One day, I was assigned
to play doubles with them. I had fun — they were good players. But I felt
like an outsider among them. They clearly had their routines for how they
liked to play, and I was expected just to fit in. They were cordial to me, but
not particularly welcoming.

For some reason, this seemingly innocuous episode stuck with me. I then
applied it to our church community. As church members, we are comfortable
with our weekly routines as well as being with our close friends within the
church. How do we come across to others, especially those from outside of
the church? Friendships and routines are fine, of course, but we must be
vigilant not to make others feel excluded. As Paul reminds us in Romans,
God calls upon us not to be merely cordial to others, but to be especially
welcoming and loving. “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one
another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the
Lord [and] . . . extend hospitality to strangers.” (Romans 12:9-13)
                                                                                         -- Jim Lovelace

TODAY: Go out of your way to greet a stranger. More than
smile, reach out to shake a hand, have a conversation, share
laughter or a concern. Try it again tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 23 Lenten Devotional

03/23/2010
By York, Becky

Tuesday, March 23                                                   Read: John 5:25-30
GOD IS WITH US

It seems everywhere we look there’s doom and gloom. Terrorism,
armed conflicts and now an earthquake dominate headlines. Nationally
we worry about the economy, health care and unemployment. Churches
and nonprofits struggle with resources and budgets. The Church of
the Good Shepherd is certainly no exception as we fret about loss of
members and resources. “How are we going to meet budget? ” is a
common refrain, and negativity can dominate.

Where is God in all this? As I catch myself getting into this frame of
mind, I need a reminder. God is where He has always been: right with
us! If we look at the Bible, a very familiar pattern emerges. God is con-
stantly telling us to keep our eyes on Him and stay the course. From
the Israelites wandering in the desert to Roman persecution in
Revelation, God tells us to keep the faith. For us, as with the Biblical
people, it’s often a struggle to keep the faith. But if we can do this in
hard times, some amazing things can happen!

Secondly, I think He would tell us that even though we hear mostly
bad news, there are many people living a life “worthy of the calling to
which they have been called.” The United Methodist Church, along
with thousands of faith communities, is doing great things. Many
individualsare following the commandments to love God and love
each other.

Good Shepherd is a perfect example. Participating in Stop Hunger
Now, more than 100 volunteers packaged 25,000 meals to be
sent to those experiencing extreme hunger. Who knew “cooking” so
could be so fun? The Lakota mission team continues to build up
community in South Dakota each year, and even before the
earthquake Haiti has been a central outreach focus.

Locally, the women at the Bethany Women’s Center in Washington,
D.C., continue to receive a monthly meal (more than 15,000 served!)
from our church. The homeless in Fairfax are served a monthly meal.
Classes are held (short- and long-term) where people can share their
thoughts, insights, doubts and faith. The youth have fabulous experi-
ences, and worship services are offered in traditional and contempo-
rary styles. The proverbial glass may be half empty, but thank God it
is also half full!

So, as we begin the new decade, I’ll resolve to look for God in all
things, and keep the faith in hard times. And mostly I’ll resolve to stay
positive, celebrating all the things that God is doing through many
faithful people both near and far!
                                                                                        -- Joyce Lynn

TODAY: Reach out. This Sunday (and the 4th Sunday of every month)
we provide lunch at Bethany Women’s Center. Check the
signup sheet in the church’s Information Center and contribute
what’s needed. Better yet, help out on Thanksgiving this fall.

Monday, March 22 Lenten Devotional

03/22/2010
By York, Becky

Monday, March 22                                          Read Matthew 6:1-8
THE KINGDOM
COMETH — TODAY

“Our Father in Heaven.”

In the name that is above every name.
The Lord of hosts is my Lord and your
Lord. He is The Creator, the Sustainer,
the Cherisher, the King of Kings, and the
Holy of Holies.

    “May Your Name be honored.”

Glorified be the Most High

     “May Your Kingdom Come”

Master of the Day of Judgment

     “May what you want to happen be done
     on earth as it is done in heaven.”

If it be His will. He is the best of the planners.

     “Give us today our daily bread.”

He feeds us and He clothes us. He gave us our sight,
our hearing, our understanding, but little thanks do we give.

     “Forgive us our sins, just as we also have forgiven
     those who sin against us.”

Guide us to that straight and narrow path.

     “Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted.”

We beseech His help and ask for His forgiveness.

     “Save us from the evil one.”

Forever and ever with His power and glory,
we take refuge in Him.
Say Amen!
                                                                               -- Marco Ali
                          James River Correctional Center, State Farm, Va.

TODAY: It’s 2010. Compose your own Lord’s Prayer. As you
think of your hopes for God’s presence in the world, what are
the three or four things that are most important?