In the Midst Of Storms

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
​
Hello!  
I will be out of town for a couple of days, but please do not hesitate to drop me a note if you are interested in a Zoom worship, or if someone would like a phone call.  ​

When the time is right for visitors to return, I would be happy to lead a small group conversation or service as well.  I would love to talk with you about what is possible either now, or in the future.  In the meantime, blessings to you all as we move into autumn.  May your fall harvest be abundantly blessed.  

Image of Elijah. Source: copyright FreeBibleimages and released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Scripture:  1 Kings 19:11-13   
He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;  and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”    ​

Meditation 
Imagine you are Elijah.  Despite your reputation as a prophet (or a teacher, pastor, director, or some other respected role), you are afraid. There are those who have vowed to take your life for your beliefs.  Imagine the cave where you are hoping to hide.  Imagine hearing the question, "What are you doing here?"  At some point of our life, in the midst of struggle or worry, we can all become like Elijah.  We just want to run and hide.  Yet, we know that God does not call us to live in fear, at least for long. 

Even in the midst of all our storms, whether they are the ones in our hearts and minds, or the ones we witness in the world, if we listen closely, we will hear the eternal words, "Be not afraid." 

​No matter what role we might have had in the past, or the one we have today, God does not want us to hide.  

​People of faith are called to be present in this world. 

Yes, even in a storm, if we listen closely, we will hear God asking, "Why are you hiding in fear?  I need you to take part in love."  These words are for us all.  
   
Prayer   
There is much going on in our state, our country, and our world.  I share with you a prayer from the beautiful book, Earth Prayers from around the World.  This prayer was written by Helen Weaver, an American writer. Let us join her in prayer for our wonderful Earth. 

Almighty God, who are mother and father to us all, 
Look upon your planet Earth divided. 
Help us to know that we are all your children, 
That all nations belong to one great family, 
And all our religions lead to you.  
 
Multiply our prayers in every land
Until the who Earth becomes your congregation, 
United in your love. 
Sustain our vision of a peaceful future 
And give us strength to work unceasingly 
To make that vision real.  Amen  

Even if we cannot "work" in the way we may have in the past, let us remember we can always pray.  Let us do so with courage, conviction, and love.

Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com