|
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings, everyone! May you all be experiencing and witnessing the blessings of health in your communities, families, and in your very own lives. Please know that God is with you., and that we of SpiritCare are as well. Please let us know how we can be of service to you.
Meditation
I thought of this text while I was in conversation today with the wife of a colleague . He has a serious cancer, and he has been discerning as to whether he should take part in an experimental treatment trial. Today I learned that he is going to participate. The deciding factor for him was the ability to take part in a study while he was living. I was not surprised to hear of his decision because that seems so much in alignment with the beliefs that I know he holds dear. I believe he is offering himself as a living sacrifice to God in the hopes that all those who suffer from this disease can benefit.
Paul often used the word perfection, and sometimes that can be confusing. How can we be perfect? However, if we think in terms of living into the wholeness or fullness that God is offering us, then it seems more doable. Whatever our health condition, we can be whole if we but surrender our lives to God. If we do that, God will always accept us, and transform us. Our health may not be "perfect" but we can always be filled and fulfilled with the love of God.
Thank you for teaching us to be people of generosity. Show us the way to even more generosity of spirit for we know that is the way to draw closer to you. This is the life we want to live. This is a life in Christ.
In gratitude we pray, Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
0 Comments
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Good Morning, Everyone! I am a little late with this week's meditation. I had too much going on yesterday. This meditation is really a reminder to myself. Please take good care of yourselves. Do try to find time to enjoy some recreation and Sabbath time. Remember, you are blessed and loved, so take time to open that gift.
Meditation
I woke up yesterday morning thinking I knew exactly how the day was going to unfold. I had a schedule and there was work to be done. However, when living with an older dog, one finds it is not uncommon to need to put your treasured schedule on hold. That was the case yesterday. Eventually, I decided that Jack might benefit from an earlier walk than I had planned. I was a little frustrated, but after walking only half a block, I noticed the neighbor's magnolia tree was blooming. As I admired an unfolding blossom, I felt the residue of my frustration slip away. I then realized that my morning felt askew, not because of the dog, but because I started the day with expectations.
I am currently leading a study of the Psalms, and we are intentionally reading not just the comforting Psalms, but also some of those that express anger, frustration, and despair. I believe the exploration of these Psalms may teach us to pray a little more honestly.
My experience this morning leads me to believe that some of the psalmists' sufferings were rooted in expectations. They were expecting life to be different, and they were pleading, and sometimes demanding that God do something to return life to what the psalmists believed to be good order. However, as we know, God is God, not a Pez dispenser. Sometimes we must accept the gift of the Spirit that is patience, and let life unfold as it will. God is always doing something new. I think that is why most Psalms end with gratitude or praise. Because the psalmist prayed honestly, there was room in the psalmist's heart for the mystery of God once more. Surely what we truly yearn for is to dwell in that sacredness that is so much more than we can imagine or control.
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings, everyone, and blessings! Thank you for accepting and sharing these meditations. Thank you for praying for the ministry of SpiritCare. Some of your communities have been able to make a donation to the ministry, and please know how grateful we are. Donations can always be made at www.spiritcareministry.org. Our prayer for you all is that your communities are loving and healthy. May all residents and staff know that they are being held and guided in God's love. Remember, God wants us all to be loving, happy, and free. This is our divine inheritance, and is for all.
Meditation
There is a small family owned produce market less than a mile from where I live. I shop there frequently. I love seeing fresh food, and even with the drought, beautiful produce is one of the blessings of living in California. At the market, I can peruse the day's offerings, and decide which fruit and vegetables look the most appetizing. Those I tend to buy.
As tempting as it is to believe the gift is for us alone, that is not God's way. God's banquet is for all, and we are asked to share our abundant harvest with all life. Accepting the entire gift and sharing that gift allows all creatures, including us humans, to live more fully in wholeness. Such sharing is how we are called to live, and how we can "work for the good of all (6:10)."
May we not fear to accept and be your healing presence. May we not fear being a blessing in our families and communities. May we remember Jesus' commandment to love you, our neighbors, and ourselves. May this commandment be our sustenance and our guide. Not only for today, but for the rest of our journey.
Thank you, for giving us good travelling companions as we continue to move closer to who you are calling us to be. We thank you for nourishing our souls. We lift to you our lives as an offering of gratitude to you. In gratitude we pray, Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Hello Everyone, I hope the long weekend provided you with some time off to enjoy family and friends. My husband and I actually had some extended time together which was really nice. Fireworks terrify our dog, so we needed to stay close at home, although the three of us had a nice hike Monday morning. I am grateful to see our SpiritCare calendar grow as more communities open up. When you are ready, do let me know. It has been so wonderful to see familiar faces (yes, even masked) and to meet new people as well. God continues to call us together. We do not travel alone. Blessed be.
Meditation
This scripture came up in one of my readings this week, and I was struck by its beauty. Some scholars say it was indeed written by the Apostle Peter. Others disagree. Both first and second Peter are reported to be written in very sophisticated Greek. Let us keep in mind that Peter was a first century Galilean fisherman. Would he know how to write, particularly in Greek? Unlikely, but truthfully, I do not worry too much about knowing who actually wrote a text. For me, it is miraculous enough that these ancient texts were written and preserved, and that they still inspire us.
It cannot be hoarded. However, when it is shared it glows even brighter because others will then add their light to yours. This is how we can bring peace to the world, one illumined heart at a time.
Prayer Holy One, may our love shine like the noonday sun. May we not be afraid to let our hearts be bright and welcoming in this world. May we be like Advent: a light shining on the horizon so all can find their way to letting their lights shine as well. We thank you for the love you have given us and for the Holy Spirit who brings that love to us. We thank you for life. We thank you for Christ. We thank you for all our faith journeys that have carried us to this moment when we recognize we are all your children. May we not waste this precious gift of love by hiding it, but rather to simply give it away, like Jesus. In Gratitude we pray, Amen. Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings to all! Blessings as summer gets underway, and may you share many happy days with those you love, including the upcoming 4th of July.
Scripture: Matthew 14:14-16
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, 'This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.' Jesus replied, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.'"
Being present with a listening ear and heart can be quite comforting. Our good intentions, while often subtle, can make a difference in someone's life. Remember, you can always offer a silent prayer. God will hear it.
My husband and I try to take turns walking our dog in the morning. Jack (the dog) and I walked in the neighborhoods throughout the pandemic. It was fairly easy to provide physical distancing when we met other walkers. Often we would say hello, but rarely was there much conversation. When we were finally able to go without a mask outside, people's behavior changed and people started talking to strangers once more. What a relief! I suddenly realized that in every meeting, Christ is present. I knew that intellectually, but it took a year of isolation to deepen that knowledge.
We can all treat one another as Christ-filled beings. If you are of another faith, you will word this differently. However, as long as our intent is to honor the sacred within every person, we all can silently offer blessings of acceptance and peace. This is true whether we are masked or not.
Prayer I have been sharing on my blog and Facebook page a set of novenas (a prayer a day for nine days) that I first shared in 2005. I have found returning to them enriching. I will share here the prayer from Day 3. Please note I have made one edit: In the first and last line, I substitute the word Christ for the word love. This has deepened the prayer for me. Feel free to make the prayer your own. I pray each one of you remembers that your soul is sacred, for it is God's own. May the world know peace. Day 3 I greet this day with Christ in my heart. I will love those I confuse as enemies and find ways to know them as friends. I encourage my friends as they become my brothers and sisters. I will find ways to applaud. I release harmful words and thoughts. When I am tempted to criticize, I will find compassion. When I am moved to praise, I will speak out clearly. I will join the birds, the wind ,and the sea as nature speaks praise for the Creator. I will become as music with the children of God. As I remember my resolve, I will uplift my life. I greet this day with Christ in my heart. Rev. Carol E. Parrish-Harra Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Dear Friends, I am so grateful to see communities beginning to open up again. Yes, lots of precautions are in place, and that certainly makes sense. Please continue to take good care. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do, and when your community is ready for a Bible study, a small group meeting, or a worship service, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!
Most of us who enjoy shopping and looking at nice things probably have had moments like my friend experienced, so these two parables are fairly easy to relate to. We know the excitement of finding something we believe to be perfect, or as my mother would say, something that is " just the ticket!"
However, we must remember that these are parables. Jesus is not giving us instructions about shopping or buying real estate. I believe he is talking about the pearls of great price that are our souls. Jesus is encouraging us to get focused, and take note of what really is of value. He is also telling us to get rid of anything that is of lesser value. After all, what could possibly be of more value than our souls? What could possibly compare?
Prayer
Holy God, you who are closer to us than our own breath, forgive us when we become so distracted that we forget you. Forgive us when we forget ourselves, and when we forget that our souls are a sacred temple where we can meet you every day. Sometimes we treat ourselves rather shabbily, when we should be creating an inner temple worthy of your presence. Yet, you are always right with us, regardless. We thank you for your abiding presence. May we all come together, and begin creating a living temple of beauty and peace now. Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Hello Everyone, I pray this email finds you, your families, and your communities healthy and in good spirits. Blessings as we move into the first day of summer. Let us pray that this drought will let up soon. Let us pray for farmers and all of those who tend to the land and harvest our food. I am also praying that your communities are beginning to open up for worship services and other activities. Do let me know! Also, please keep in mind that I offer a weekly Christian Meditation session via Zoom every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Drop me a note if you would like the link. I share a reading; we then sit in communal silence for 25 minutes, and then have a short discussion afterwards. We generally finish in under an hour. Our intention is to make room in our hearts and minds for Christ. Christ is always present, but sometimes our mental and/or emotional distractions keep us from the peace that Jesus offers.
Meditation
Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise, attributed to David whose reign flourished in 1000 BCE. I often forget how ancient the Psalms are. I have recently learned that the name David can be translated as Beloved One. That means that we could all address one another as David, but then, that would quickly get confusing. Still, I love the idea of everyone going about their day, addressing all they meet as the Beloved One. We can, at least, do that in our hearts. I am ordained United Church of Christ, and we do not hear much royalty language in our current liturgy. Some of this is probably because we are deeply rooted in the Congregationalists who fled to this country to flee the reign of English royalty. However, if King David did write this Psalm (or someone in his court), he is expressing humility as he refers to God as the true king., the One that he serves. The One to whom all creation must bow. Hopefully, not out of fear, but because God is so completely beyond our comprehension.
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Dear Friends, I know some of you are experiencing many changes in your communities. May God give you the steadfastness you need to move through any lingering changes and challenges. A friend sent me a quote today that read, "Don't give up before you see the miracle!" That is good advice. Let us all keep going, and come together when we can. May we always celebrate God's love. Because of that love, we are never alone. Grace and Peace to each of you, your families, and the communities you serve.
My husband and I live just off of I 580, across from the Dunsmuir Ridge. This time of year the ridge turns gold and the grass will soon yellow as the heat increases. It is quintessential Northern California terrain. I love the tender green of spring, but I find the gold beautiful as well.
It is a system that has worked for generations.
What I have noticed over the past couple of days is that there are three primary colors of these goats: white, brown, and black. Yet, few of the goats are a solid color. The three colors combine in a myriad of ways, and while I have not done a scientific study, there does not seem to be a repetition of any pattern. Some closely resemble another, but there always seems to be a difference. Maybe one has black ears, and another white. Perhaps the patterns on the body vary. I can't get close enough to see the eyes, but I suspect they may vary some as well.
Prayer
Holy, Eternal Presence, we thank you for this world so full of change and diversity. May we learn to honor your good creation, and to treat all creatures with the dignity they deserve. Help us to tread lightly on this earth. Help us to not fear one another, but to reach out to one another as brothers and sisters. We are all one for we are all your children. May we learn to come together, and befriend one another on this journey through this world. May we use our words not to cause pain, but to create bridges. Help us to come together in love. Amen. -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Her life became small and very large at the same time. Yes, she withdrew from the world, but she was really drawing closer to God.
This is a good model for those of us in the third part of our lives. I know I periodically worry that my life is shrinking. Yet, as Julian's life has shown us, we can grow more deeply into God when external occupations and distractions diminish. I love the image of being clothed in Spirit now. I have always believed that when our physical lives come to an end, we dissolve into Spirit. We might as well start dressing up for it now!
If you, too, sometimes worry that your life may be shrinking, think of yourself as an anchorite - one who is keeping vigil for God. Maybe this is a good time to deepen your prayer practice. Remember, we are being clothed in Spirit, and God is holding us, much like Julian gently held that hazelnut so long ago. We are all a part of God's Everything.
Prayer Holy One, We thank you for all the voices of Wisdom and guidance that continue to surface in our lives. As our communities and churches begin to open, we offer our gratitude to you. May our openings provide safe places where people can come to talk, to listen, and to laugh. We thank you for new friendships that are forming, and for old friendships that have endured. Where there is a sense of loss, dear God, may we make room for your healing presence. Holy One, we also pray for those places in the world that are still struggling under the burden of Covid. We pray that governments will work together to help heal our world, and that all of creation will know peace. We are grateful for all the ways you hold your creation, Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Blessings to you all and to the communities you serve! May the peace of Christ surround you and bring you joy.
Meditation
Some of what happens in our lives, we really do not consciously choose. That includes both of what we call our joys and what we call our sorrows. Consequently, the first line of this scripture causes me to pause and ponder that maybe, much of what we go through, we go through as appointed ones. That we are being called to learn from all our experiences in order to produce good fruit that lasts.
Prayer
Holy One, we are grateful for all the ways you feed us, even in ways we do not completely understand. We thank you for the gift of one another. We thank you that our communities are beginning to open up. We thank you for the staff members who have worked so diligently to see us safely through. We thank you for friends and family who have been praying for us. We pray that those who are suffering in this world may know your peace. We pray that all governments will keep the well being of their citizens in all their decisions. We pray for peace in this world. We pray that our prayers can be good fruit in this world. In deep gratitude we lift these prayers to you, Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com www.spiritcareministry.org
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Hello Everyone, I hope this meditation finds you all doing well. I pray your communities are healthy, and are beginning to open up. I am making some in person visits as well as continuing some Zoom worship services and meetings so I hope to see you all soon. The ministry is coming back to life, but the budget has suffered considerably. If your community can possibly contribute any amount, we currently have been offered a matching grant. If you would like more information, please go to our website: www.spiritcareministry.org. Thank you!
Jeremiah is one of my favorite prophets. He was in exile, along with others, and he was a voice of encouragement for people to take root where they find themselves. This week, this text led me to ponder the beautiful Genesis 2:7 where God lifts up some earth, breathes life into it, and thus begins the story of humanity. Our journey began by being held, and we are always held. This was not a one time event. However, Jeremiah reminds us that God may very well rework and remold us as needed. Such forming and reforming may get uncomfortable at times, but nonetheless, we cannot fall out of God's embrace. Yes, it is easy to feel discarded in times of change, and there are enough shifts going on in my life that I am tempted to believe I am being cast aside. However, in my heart I know that is simply not possible. God continues to breathe life into us all. This is how we are made new again in, and for love.
Prayer Holy One, we thank you for vaccines, for people who do research, and for those who work in seemingly ordinary ways, but with extraordinary results. Please watch over our communities and our families. Help us to be steadfast. We look to you, to Christ, and to the Psalms and the writings of the prophets, knowing you are the one source of all. We thank you for literally holding us together and helping us to move forward. May our world be healed.
In gratitude we pray, Amen.
-- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough,
Grace and Peace to each of you! I pray this newsletter finds you all in good health and spirits. We are all in a time of transition, so this passage from Hebrews seems appropriate. Please keep in mind that SpiritCare honors all faith traditions. This passage mentions Jesus, but you should feel free to substitute any sacred name that has meaning for you. We are on this journey together and what a blessing that is.
Meditation
There was a time when this passage made me uncomfortable. It reminded me when I was in high school and was encouraged to try out for track. I was very shy and not interested in athletic endeavors. The idea of running around a track had no appeal for me but there were those who thought the endeavor would do me good. As you can imagine, I was the one who was always coming in last, usually in a bad mood. I was definitely not chosen for the track team. It would take me many years to realize the value of coming in last.
He said he did not quit because he felt that his family and his country were counting on him to not give up, but finish this long journey he had started. While I do not know if a great cloud of witnesses was there to see him cross the line, many people did return to the stadium to witness his triumph.
As I mentioned it took many years for me to understand the value of coming in last. The value of not giving up. The value of feeling compassion for others who are also struggling.
Prayer
Holy One, help us to find the stamina and the courage to keep going. Many times we stumble, and many times we yearn to turn back because we are afraid. Yet, you constantly call us forward. We thank you for giving us good traveling companions. We do not have to journey alone. May we have the sensitivity to pause and see if someone appears to be lagging behind. May we always have the compassion to cheer one another on and to lend a helping hand when needed. In gratitude we pray, Amen. -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings to all! As the ministry starts to emerge, it is a pleasure to begin seeing people in person or on Zoom. Connection is essential to us all. Yes, we must be prudent, but I think this past year has taught us that where there is a will there is a way. Let us be intentional in our willingness to come together to worship, study, and pray. I pray that your families are safe and healthy, and that there is joy in each of your hearts.
Meditation
We cannot really declare ourselves faithful if we do not trust in God. Furthermore, if we say we trust in God, we must trust our lives. Not that we live perfect lives, but that we learn from what we call our successes and what we call our mistakes. It is all a learning process. If we trust that we are being guided and held by God, we then can find the courage to live. If we can hold lightly to our lives, trusting the Lord and actually taking delight in the Lord, we can be confident that God is providing. This is true in every phase of our lives.
Our hearts are where we can truly dwell with God no matter where our physical bodies might be or in what condition. God does not succumb to boundaries. We can know with a deep knowing that God is indeed Emanuel, God with us. For Christians, we can say that Christ is within. May we all remember that God has many names, including the one that has yet to be uttered. Nonetheless, let us be confident that God recognizes us all when we call with open hearts and minds.
Prayer Holy One, we thank you for this pilgrimage that is our life. We thank you that even when we make troubling mistakes and take wrong turns, you are there to guide us to the right path. May we always be open to this love, this guidance. Help us to be rooted in these lives so we can continue to grow. We know we can grow, because we are always being nourished by your love. May we always be willing to accept your abundant love. In deep gratitude we pray, Amen Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings, Everyone, I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the sunshine and flowers. Be good to yourselves, please! God has created this world to be enjoyed. Please feel free to share these meditations where you see fit. God's love is for all, and love is meant to be shared.
Meditation
Exile and return are important themes in the Bible, and I am grateful. Even if the pandemic had never happened, most of us at one time or another have felt that we, too, have been exiled. We have felt lonely and isolated. Yet, the theme of the Good Shepherd also runs through Scripture. In our stronger moments we know that God continues to call each and every one of us to him. This is true, no matter what our age or health. We are not forgotten.
Prayer
Today I am sharing a passage from Hazelnuts from Julian of Norwich, Meditations on Divine Love by Ellyn Sanna. Julian was born sometime in 1342. In her lifetime, the plague would sweep through England three times. Yet, she could only write of God's love. In her heart she knew that our souls are eternal.
Let us take these words to heart, and live fully in the sweetness and grace that is our divine inheritance.
Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com P.S. According to the UN Refugee Agency, in 2019 "At least 79.5 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are nearly 26 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18." https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html Let us pray that all people who are yearning for home find their way there. Let us also pray for India and their struggles with the pandemic. Holy God, may the nations of the world show your love and compassion by responding to these needs. Lord, you hear our prayers.
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
This week, it has been a blessing for me to be with some of you either via Zoom, or physically distanced on a patio or parking lot. I am continually amazed at how we human beings can adjust when circumstances are less than perfect. However, let's face it; we seldom have perfect situations. Perfection is God's realm. We simply adjust and continue to try to follow God's instructions and God's love as best we can. Thank you all for the numerous ways you have adjusted in this past year. Truly amazing.
Knowledge can be found just about everywhere. Wisdom, however, is deeper. It must be lived. God gives each of us our "starter wisdom," but it is up to us to learn from our lives and develop our wisdom. If we disregard wisdom, we cannot live fully into the person God is calling us to be. The world needs more people exploring their wisdom and living by what they are learning. That is how we become fully human. That is how we learn to live in balance with the world.
Please do not disregard your gift of Wisdom. It is your divine inheritance, and I believe God takes great delight to see his children live wisely. Yes, God takes great delight in us, so let us show our gratitude by loving this life and one another. That is how we can show God our love. Prayer Holy God, we thank you for sharing your gifts of wisdom with us. May we not disregard such a wondrous gift, but rather claim it and make it our own. Today is Earth Day. Our prayer is that humans will learn to live on this earth wisely. May we tend to the earth with love, and leave a beautiful inheritance for those who come after us. We thank you for the progress being made during this pandemic. We pray that the world will know peace and good health. Help us to take care of one another and ourselves. In Gratitude we pray, Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com |
RSS Feed
|
|
1443 Howard Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
|
(650) 483-8328
|
Copyrights - Privacy - Disclaimer - EIN:94-3086781
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License