The Commissioning of Sunday Church School Teachers and Staff and Blessing of the Backpacks and Lunchboxes

The Commissioning of Sunday Church School Teachers and Staff

&

Blessing of the backpacks and Lunchboxes

Grace Lutheran Church

Springfield, Illinois

Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy

Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers and Staff

In Christian love, you, the parents and families of this congregation, presented your children for Holy Baptism just as you yourself were Baptized. In baptism, sacred promises are made. It is your calling to keep these scared promises:

� To faithfully come AND bring others to the services of God’s house.

� To study AND teach the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments.

� To use the Holy Scriptures AND to share those with those who do not know the stories.

� To take the opportunities to be instructed AND to provide for the instruction in Christian faith.

One of the ways we, as a congregation, help you do this is through our Sunday Church School Program. Sunday Church School is an important part of the life of a Christian, from birth until death, because it is here that you grow in your faith, learn the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and Ten Commandments. You learn the stories of our faith and you join with other Christians as we build up the body of Christ. Today we commission our Sunday School Teachers and Staff.

At this time I would like to invite all of our Christian Education staff members to come forward as your names are read:

Teachers: ____________________________

Staff: ____________________________

Worship Staff: ___________________________

P: Our Lord, who came along among us as a servant, calls us to faith and a life of loving service to our neighbor. You stand among us as one called to render a particular service, a gift from God to inspire us to love and good works.

For as in body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, {5} so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of another. {6} We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; {7} ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; {8} the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4-8 NRSV)

The Minister questions the teachers:

P: Will you assume this ministry in the confidence it comes from God?

R: I will, and I ask God to help me.

P: Will you teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church?

R: I will, and I ask God to help me.

P: Will you be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures and faithful in your use of the means of grace and prayer?

R: I will, and I ask God to help me.

P: Will you trust in God’s care, seek to grow in love for those you serve, strive for excellence in your skills, and adorn the Gospel of God with a godly life?

R: I will, and I ask God to help me.

P: Almighty God, who has given you the will to so these things, graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them.

C: Amen

P: I now declare you teachers in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen**

The teachers and staff may sit in the front row until during the children’s sermon portion.

P: Will all of our students join us and bring your backpacks and lunchboxes with you.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS AND LUNCHBOXES

Invite all students (preschool through post graduate) to come forward.

Who can tell me what a vocation is?

A Vocation is a call to a specific job. For example: some people are called to be doctors, some teachers, and some even pastors. A vocation is the job that you are naturally good at doing. Our moms and dads have their jobs. They are parents, but they also get up in the morning and go someplace to work. Hopefully, the job they are doing is the job God intends for them. Do you know how we know that? If they love what they are doing and they are good at it then chances are they have found their calling. For example: Mrs. Christell is a schoolteacher. She loves children and is excited about finding new ways to teach you here at church about God and her school kids about English. That’s her vocation.

Now, do you know what it means when we say we are called to be something?

Being called means that God has given you special gifts that are different than others in order to do something special. The Bible tells us that we have all been called to serve God.

OK, if our vocation is that thing we are called to do~ what is your vocation right now in your life? To be students. God wants us to be the best students we cam be. And, God wants us to be the best Christians we can be. In Matthew 5:16 we are told to “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Then other people will learn about God through you.

What are some gifts that you have as students? Eyes to read, ears to hear, teachers, schools, tools, books, computers….Even our backpacks and lunchboxes. PULL OUT TOOLS (paper, pens/pencils, folders, rulers…) and our lunchboxes carry the food we need to stay strong and healthy. We know we need to eat to keep our brains working and our energy level up. Maybe you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and carrot sticks for lunch. But if we eat healthy, we take care of one of the best gifts Gods has given us-our body.

Now, one more question: What is a blessing? A blessing is a way that we bring God into our daily lives. When we get new songbooks we ask that God will help us to use them to sing praises to God. Today we are going to pray that God will help us use these tools- our backpacks and lunchboxes-to make us be the best students we can be.

So let’s lay all of our bags and boxes on the floor together, I’d like for you to place your hands on someone’s backpack and lunchbox. Let us pray. Dear God. Help us to use the tools you have given us in our job as students. We especially ask that you bless these backpacks and lunchboxes to your service. May they remind us always that you have called us to do our best and to be a light for you no matter where we go. Amen.

Now, we are going to bless you as students. Will the adults in the congregation raise your hands as if you were laying them on the head of our young people. Let us pray. Gracious God, we give you thanks for the opportunities to learn. We ask that you bless these students. Give them wisdom to learn; patience in their studies, courage to face new things and compassion for all those they meet that they may let their light shine each and every day. Amen.

Now, will all of the teachers, Sunday Church School and public, come forward and kneel at the altar. And will the children come up here with me and place your hands on the teacher’s heads. Let us pray. O God of wisdom, in your goodness you provide faithful teachers for your whole Church. By your Holy Spirit give all teachers insight into your Word, holy lives as examples to all, and the courage to know and do the truth; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And to help you remember you are a child of God to be the best you can be every day no matter where you are I have something for you to take as a reminder. (Stickers/pencils)

**Ending when there is no blessing of the backpacks and lunchboxes

P: I now declare you teachers in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

The teachers may kneel:

P: Let us pray, O God of wisdom, in your goodness you provide faithful teachers for your Church. By your Holy Spirit give all teachers insight into your Word, holy lives as examples to us all, and the courage to know and do the truth; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen

The minister blesses the teachers:

P: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, guide, bless, and keep you that you may be faithful in the ministry to which you have been called.

C: Amen

***Commissioning Service is adapted from the Lutheran Book of Worship Occasional Services

"Litany of the Blessing of the Backpacks" and "Backpack Blessing"

At this time, I do not have a source in order to give appropriate credit for these works. If anyone can identify the source, I will gladly edit this post in order to give appropriate credit.


Litany of the Blessing of the Backpacks

Left: Crayons,
Right: Pencils,
Left: Scissors,
Right: and glue
Leader: Backpacks, school bags, pencil boxes, too.
Left: Getting up early,
Right: Walking,
Left: So very much to learn.
Right: So many to help:
Left: Teachers, counselors, principals
Right: Bus drivers, secretaries
Left: Cooks, librarians and janitors, too.
Leader: God is with us in our learning and in all that we do.
Left: Riding
Right: or taking the bus
Leader: New teacher, new classmates; new subjects to learn.

Unison Prayer: We thank you, God, for the resources and school supplies
that help our children and students of all ages learn. We thank you for
children and all involved in our children's education. We ask you to
bless workers with children, the children of this extended community, and
persons of all ages who seek to learn and to grow. Amen.

Backpack Blessing
To be used with "Bless-A-Pack, Share-A-Pack,"

L: This Sunday, before the school bells ring, we invite all children who will be returning to school this week to come forward for a blessing. Those of you who have your hearts full of hopes, uncertainties and dreams for this new year, come forward, along with those who have also brought their new supplies and backpacks today.

[Children come forward.]

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Youth: Amen

L: In the book of Romans, St. Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2b). When Jesus was twelve, he went with his parents to Jerusalem. He stayed in the temple, listening to and asking questions of the teachers there. Will you do your best to listen and learn from the teachers in your school this year? If so, please say: "We will and we ask God to help us!"

Youth: We will and we ask God to help us!

L: Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to rely on what we think we know. If we remember the Lord, the Lord will show us the right way. Will you trust God and look for signs of God’s presence as you go through your school day? If so, say, "We will and we ask God to help us."

Youth: We will and we ask God to help us!

L: (Lifting a backpack) For all the good things God has provided for us, let us join in praise and thanksgiving. For pens, pencils, crayons and markers,

Youth and Congregation: Thanks be to God!

L: For notebooks, paper and folders, calculators and student planners,

Youth and Congregation: Thanks be to God!

L: For these special students: in preschool, elementary, junior high or middle school, in senior high school, college or vocational school; for all their different talents and gifts; and for their insights and commitment to learning,

Youth and Congregation: Thanks be to God!

L: (To the students) As you prepare to go back to school this week, you can bring to God your fears, wonderings and uncertainties about what this new year will bring. Will you invite God to walk with you as you encounter each new day? If so, please say, "We will and we ask God to help us."

Youth: We will and we ask God to help us.

L: Will you pray for those who prepare for school without backpacks to fill and those throughout the world who have only a dream of being a student some day? Will you pray for them, share what you have with them, and offer kind and encouraging words? If so, then say, "We will and we ask God to help us."

Youth: We will and we ask God to help us.

Unison: We thank you, God, for the resources and school supplies
that help our children and students of all ages learn. We thank you for
children and all involved in our children's education. We ask you to
bless workers with children, the children of this extended community, and
persons of all ages who seek to learn and to grow.

A Collection of Resources for Blessing of the Backpacks

This group of resources was compiled by Rev. Lisa Heckman, The United Ministry of Delhi NY

Blessing of the Backpacks>From the Diocese of Georgia courtesy of the Rev. Silito Romero, St. Philip's, San Jose

O Lord God, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world. Grant that teachers and other school personnel may be a means of grace and learning to these students this year. May this year be full of promise for students and teachers alike: . a promise of new beginnings for some and fresh starts for others. . a promise of friendships with classmates and colleagues that refresh the spirit and honor God. . a promise to grow in knowledge and wisdom all the days of their lives. . a promise of safety for each classroom and mutual respect for each student and teacher. May there be enough challenges in school to call upon their best efforts and enough accomplishments to satisfy and delight them. Now bless these backpacks and briefcases as a symbol of your divine wisdom, care, and abiding presence with each of these your children. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.



------------------------------------------------- from Connections, the online newsletter of Centered Life Initiative at Luther Seminary

Ahead of time, publicize that all those who attend school should bring their backpacks to worship that Sunday. At the beginning of the worship service on Rally Day, have all students (young and old!) come to the front, asking those who have remembered their backpacks to place them close to the altar. Then invite everyone else who is involved in education to stand-parents and/or guardians of those attending school, teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, school crossing guards, school board members or school activity volunteers, school nurses and social workers, and so forth. Wish everyone well as they begin this new school year. Assure them that your congregation is a community that loves and supports them in all that they do. End by asking God's special blessing on them all, using the prayer that follows if you desire:

Lord, God of Wisdom and Learning, of leaders and learners, these backpacks remind us that a new school year is about to begin. We pray your blessing upon their owners and upon all students, young and old, as they begin this new school year. We ask your blessing, also, on all who work with or support them in their education. Let each person who stands before us now feel the love and support of this congregation, and grant this congregation the wisdom and means to meet their needs throughout the coming year. We all are called to be part of your work in the world, Lord, and you have given each one of us gifts and strengths to use in that work. Help each of these students to discover and develop his or her gifts and strengths and know how to use them for your purposes. Remind them, too, that whatever their gifts, they are doing your work when they are kind and caring to others, when they do their best in their studies and other activities, when they respect others and themselves, and when they contribute in even small ways to make things better or more pleasant for others. Bless also, Lord, those who stand here with the students. Whatever their task or role in education, guide them to do it with a conscious effort to in some way make life better or more pleasant for others. Give them pride in what they do, reminding them and us that even the most ordinary task becomes extraordinary when done in your name. We ask this all, Lord, knowing that you love and hear us. Amen.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pastor Jennifer English, Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND Kids' Time - When does school start? How many of you are excited? Are any of you a little scared? Why do you have to go to school? God gives all of us jobs; things to do that help us to serve God in the world. This is called our vocation. You have a vocation, and one of your vocations right now is to go to school. You can serve God by going to school and learning about God's world, by being with other people, by being loving toward others. And you learn things you need to know for whatever vocation you might have later in life. And you learn things you need to know for whatever vocation you might have later in life. And you're not just learners. You are teachers; kids have lots of stuff to teach grown-ups about God. You can teach us about faith and love. We need you in school, and we need you here with us at church. So now we want to say a special prayer for you, asking God's blessings as you get ready to start your vocation of being in school. Listen to this story from Matthew's book in the Bible, "Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." God, bless this bag and the child who will use it. Let him/her not be scared, be with him/her as he/she learns and grows this year. Show him/her how to serve you and help him/her to teach us all about your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have all school workers stand: Read Romans 12:4-8. The school system that teaches children and helps them to live out their vocation requires a body of people with different gifts. We bless you now as you begin your vocation of helping children. Let us pray, "Lord God, we ask your blessings on these women and men who serve you in so many different ways. We pray that you would give them patience, wisdom, and a sense of humor. Use them to show children your love and to guide children as they grow in the body of Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Have everyone stand: We all are called to support, encourage, and pray for the children who are members of the fellowship we all share with Christ Jesus. We are all called to be teachers and learners with children; we are to teach them about God's love, and also to learn from what children have to teach us. We bless you now as your support these children. Let us pray. "Lord God, bless all the people you have gathered here today. Especially bless them as they support, protect, and encourage the children among us. May they, with the children, be both teachers and learners. In Christ's name we pray. Amen."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this world of instant messaging, may our children
and young people find your word to be a blessing
in every moment of their lives.

In this world of chatrooms, may our young people
and children see you in every one they meet on
FaceBook, MySpace, and YouTube.

In this world in which cultures meet every day in
neighborhoods, at Starbucks, in classrooms,
may our children and young people open their
eyes, their ears, their hearts to those differences
which can enrich their lives.

In this world which calls you by many names, may
our young people and children discover ways
to talk about you which affirms and values the
faith of every person around them.

In this world bombarded with videos, iTunes,
and cranked up audio systems in cars, may
our children and young people find that silence
each day where they might hear your still, small
voice of hope, joy, and grace.

In this world - in their world, O God, may our
young people and children always find you!

Amen.

Thom M. Shuman

too long for twitter but worth repeating

I saw this in a longer story about the church at The UM Portal and thought it was worth passing along.


A story tells of St. Francis of Assisi being escorted through the opulence of the Vatican vaults in Rome. The curate said: “See Francis! No longer must the church say with Peter and John, ‘Silver and gold have we none!’”

To which the saint responded, “But can you say with Peter and John, ‘Rise up and walk’?”

best wedding story I've heard in a long time

Posted on PRCL by Dawn Dickerson

"My florist was part of a wedding where the invitation read something like, "Please refrain from wearing dark or bold colours to the ceremony. Examples of acceptable colours are taupe, cream, beige, sage " etc.

So florist, who is at the wedding hanging out in the background with the wedding planner is looking out at this well co-ordinated and very bland congregation and notices an older woman with short FLAMING red dyed hair. So, he turns to the planner and asks, 'Who is that angel with the beautiful hair?!'

The planner replied, 'That is Great Aunt Ruth. Great Aunt Ruth is 92 years old and thought she would not need to add anything else to her wardrobe for the rest of her life. She was looking forward to wearing her favourite red dress when she got the invitation and had to buy a new outfit. So, she bought the outfit and dyed her hair the colour of the dress she wanted to wear.'"

It's not what you know, it's who you know

Now that the funeral service is all over, let me say it was an adventure finding a pianist.

Our fabulous pianist was already committed to rehearsals accompanying students practicing for solo competition. Many other capable pianists were involved in a piano contest at the local university. After talking to our pianist, from 9:15 am to about 2:00 pm, I called 5 methodist churches, 1 Christian (Disciples of Christ) pastor, 1 Presbyterian elder (who happens to teach piano to the Entertainer), Mid-Life Rookie, multiple musicians whose numbers I received as possible suggestions, and one of my best friends that I've known for 14 years who suggested another pianist that I've known for 15 years. I had already called her but my friend said, "I'll call her. She'll call you back in a minute." And she did and she did.

We worked together on staff all those years ago. So I had no worries about her skill or her flexibility. And she played and sang. As a matter of fact, she's the one that suggested the songs -- that were perfect. And, before the service, when I said, the other job that you didn't know you had is to pray that I don't say something stupid. She said, "You won't. You'll be fabulous. Well, here ..." and she grabbed my hand and prayed right then and there.

Doubly blessed

Sat 5/3

On Saturday, instead of attending the last class session for my last doctoral class, I will be officiating the service for a 30 year old who was murdered.

There are way more questions than answers.

His grandmother is one of the very active older members of my church. He was living with her when I first came here almost 3 years ago. So, while I didn't know him well, I did know him and had talked to him casually. I just recently learned that he was divorced and had a 7 yr old son.

Please pray for his family. Pray that the police officers who are working the case get the information they need to bring answers to the family. Pray that in this difficult time there will be much kindness and gentleness.

I, for once, have a crisis for which I have had training and so have been able to be helpful to the family. However, I've never had to officiate a service like this before so I could use some prayers that the sermon is what it needs to be.

And, prayers that I actually get the course work completed on time, might be a good idea, too.

Holy Week distraction

From Maundy Thursday through the last service on Easter, I will lead 6 worship services, including a wedding.

And somehow, in the midst of all that sermon writing, praying, setting up the sanctuary, cleaning up, locking and unlocking the building, etc., the reoccurring thought I have is: "Thank God I don't have anyone in my congregation running for office."

Finally!

The Irish Times is reporting that the Christian missionaries from Korea that were kidnapped in Afgahnistan are being released. A settlement has been reached. Read it for yourself here

worship planning

In the next two weeks, I'll sit down and plan worship for the coming months. Even though I tend to plan in advance, sometimes flexibility is necessary. We'll be presenting Bibles to 3rd graders and Blessing Backpacks on Aug. 26. We don't usually have presentation of Bibles and Blessing of the Backpacks on the same Sunday. But it'll be okay. I haven't even looked at lectionary to see how that fits into our other, already set, agenda for worship.

Someone mentioned UMW Sunday in the midst of the presentation of Bibles conversation. hmmm, somehow no one had bothered to mention anything to me. Seems "they" set the date but neglected to consult or inform the one in charge of worship. Not that anyone else will be invited to preach. How many times have I heard some variation on "well, since you're a woman, we'll just have you preach?"

One of the worship services I actually like to prepare for that doesn't show on the lectionary is Children's Sabbath. At the first of August, I ordered, from the Children's Defense Fund, the guide for worship services for Children's Sabbath. The guide came today!

I am amazed at the depth of resources offered in this guide. I keep each guide because the resources are so valuable. One year, my mom followed the recipe for cookies included in the guide under a section that was not labeled Christian. I can't remember which section it was. I had cookie cutters that were the traditional gingerbread boy and girl shape. My mom made 5 different batches of cookies representing all the children of the world. During Children's Time, first the kids got cookies and then they helped me pass out cookies to the whole congregation. It turned out not to be as hard as I thought it would and my mom was "game" to make them all during her weekend visit that happened to fall on the weekend of Children's Sabbath.

I would have never thought about something like that for worship if it hadn't been included in the guide. I do think that the suggestion in the guide was for fellowship time or something like that. So the leap to cookies in the sanctuary was mine. In a church that was (and still is) notorious for complaining, the cookies were the ticket for the needs of children who have no voice to be heard just a little bit louder.

Lord, hear our prayer

The following was forwarded to me through a couple of different lists. The message without the forwarding mess is below.

Urgent Prayer Request for the South Korean hostages held in Afghanistan:
We have received an urgent prayer request from Bishop Kyung Ha Shin head of our sister Methodist Denomination, The Korean Methodist Church, in South Korea, as that country waits in fear for the outcome of a hostage crisis unfolding in Afghanistan.

On July 19th, 23 Korean Christians on a medical volunteer mission trip to Afghanistan were kidnapped and are being held hostage by the Taliban in the Qarabagh district between Kabul and Kandahar.

Demands are being made for the release of rebel prisoners. Negotiations have been hampered by the lack of a central government in the region. This past weekend an envoy from South Korea arrived in Kabul to coordinate efforts to secure the group's safe release. Prior to the envoy's arrival the leader of the VIM group, Rev. Bae Hyung-kyu was shot to death by the captors. Rev. Bae leaves behind a wife and nine-year old daughter. Late word this afternoon (Wed, Aug 1) from contacts in South Korea is that a second volunteer has been executed. The nation of South Korea is united in prayer for the safe release of the remaining 21 hostages.

We ask our United Methodist brothers and sisters to pray:

for reconciliation and a just resolution in the situation

for hopeful negotiation and safe release

for all Volunteer in Mission leaders in our churches as many offer
themselves in mission close to home and in other countries

for Christians in Korea and the entire nation, as the Korean Methodist
Church and others feel the pain and anguish of this unfolding situation.


Let us join our hearts in prayer for the pain and fear experienced by so
many in this situation.


Your Servant in Christ,

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung


There's a news release on the main UMC.org website titled "United Methodists pray for Korean hostages. I tried to link to it but Blogger won't cooperate.

remember your baptism and be thankful

That's what the preacher is supposed to say when water is used in a way that cannot be construed as baptism.

We have had seven of these huge fans, yes seven, in the church since late Tuesday afternoon with two de-humidifiers.

The water heater for the oldest restrooms decided that we should have a baptistery in the women's restroom. I'm not sure that the ladies who usually use that room for others things would appreciate the layer of water on the floor. When I first looked in there, I thought, "Did the trustees already get it tiled?" Nope. That was water. Yeah, that shiny surface covering the entire floor was water. The admin asst had already called the chair of trustees and another one had happened by in the meantime. The one that happened by had already shut off the water supply and had called the Rescue Man.

With seven of those fans, I think it sounds like standing on the end of a runway as the plane prepares for take off. This afternoon, the Rescue Man came and took away some fans and removed some baseboard. The missing fans make the church seem almost quiet now. However, even with the very loud fans everywhere, it seemed more quiet than usual because no extraneous noise could be heard. It was kinda like extreme white noise.

After the water, comes the wind.

Maybe the dove will come back with an olive branch tomorrow.

And then there will be a rainbow.

right?

4th of July

Today I partied with the oldest group in the church. They have a standing 2:00 on the 4th party. So I was at work but it didn't really feel like work. I love this church and I love these people. We played Bingo using Texas shaped pasta for our markers. We had a competition to unscramble a list of words related to 4th of July. And, of course, we ate.

Someone asked where the girls were. At dad's. Then someone else said something about it being a sad holiday for me. Not really. This is the 10th 4th of July since separation. I think the girls have been with me 2 or 3 times on the 4th. This is not new. I can remember when I was very sad and it was hard. Now it is just part of the reality that counts as "normal." There is a peaceful grace for me in that.

That conversation at the party and another blogger's recent posts have made me more reflective than usual on the 4th of July about what happened 10 years ago. It was 2 1/2 years from separation to divorce. So, technically, the marriage lasted 10 years but in reality I have now been unpaired longer than I was paired.

And that, too, is not such a big deal. Funny how the turn of a conversation can bring such reflection.

And for the other blogger, the prayers that come from a soul that recognizes the path. Peace be with you.

a dry house

So the house we worked on had 1/3 of a roof left after the tree smashed it two years ago. We had to move tarp to do the work we needed to do -- blue tarp from FEMA. There were packs of shingles stacked in the front yard waiting for us. I thought the construction crew was able to get the delivered early. Yeah! Later I found out that those shingles had been sitting in the front yard for 2 years because there was no one to do the work.

In five days, the two teams working on one house left it better than we found it. When the 14 of us -- 4 adults and 10 Jr and Sr High -- were done there were:

• a finished roof with new decking, tar paper, and shingles making the house dry for the first time in two years
  
• a completely painted house with Kilz under the paint to get rid of the mold
  
• a neater yard because the old carpet, padding, insulation, and drywall that were pulled out 2 years ago were finally taken to the dump by our group
• a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen with new insulation and drywall walls and ceilings
• hope for actually being able to live in their home again

On Sunday night our construction coordinator told us that there were two teams on this one house because it was a big job but we could do it. On Thursday night, when it was obvious that we would finish, he finally confessed that he didn't really know if we could get all of it done. We weren't really supposed to get the bathroom done or paint the trim. Our youth were terrific.

On Friday, there were 14 smelly, sweaty youth and adults sitting in the much cooler kitchen under a completed ceiling eating our sack lunches. We brought extra food with us and shared lunch with the momma and the son for their first meal in the kitchen in 2 years. The mamma said, "You are God's grace. You are an answer to my prayers. You are God's grace."

going along

Well, I get to go along on the youth work trip. I was the "backup." Not anymore. I'm the real deal now. So, not only am I doing laundry for the SportsQueen and gathering the things she needs for the trip, I'm packing for me, too.

I love worktrips. I love our youth. But I was kinda hoping to be "extra" instead of really needed.

We're going east of Houston almost to Louisiana. We're doing hurricane recovery work. While I'm panicked about getting everything done (including getting someone else to preach on Sunday), I'm thrilled to be helping those impacted by Rita.

Good thing I was able to get the arthritis meds on Monday, my body is going to need it next week.

Easter Sunday

On Easter we had a baptism for a 2 yr old. He was quite precious. We were concerned that he would be less than precious because he had strep. However, with the aid of antibiotics, he had recovered enough by Sunday morning to be precious.

But let me back up: I usually have my acolytes help with baptisms. When they get to help with baptisms, they feel important instead of used. Master Youngest of Five has been acolyte when no one else would. Of course, the girls were there but not willing. So over and over, Master Youngest of Five has lit the candles, recieved the offering, snuffed the candles, and entertained both the choir and minister while doing the most reverent of tasks. He has danced, he has tripped on his untied shoes, he has had his shirt half tucked and half untucked, he has gone to his pew before the Doxology was completed, and all the while we think he is cute. And so we gently encourage him to mend his ways and we tell him how glad we are that he is an acolyte.

So on Easter Sunday the question was posed: Do we have any acolytes? There was not an obvious positive answer forthcoming, so I went and recruited Master Youngest of Five. I was telling him that we had a baptism this morning and I could really use his help. His twin sister, regularly one of the unwilling girls, was standing nearby and was willing to acolyte if she could help with the baptism. I gently explained that I thought it was fair that he get to since he has acolyted so many times when no one else would. It must have been an acceptably fair response because there was no protest offered to the explanation.

When Master Youngest of Five lit the candles he was all tied and tucked but not by the time the baptism rolled around. Regardless, he did a great job!

Now back to the 2 yr old with strep: During the beginning of the liturgy, the Baptisee was fussing and switching back and forth between mom and dad. I thought, "This could be interesting." But when I dipped my hand in the water letting it fall into the font, his attention was captured. His mom had been to the Holy Land several years ago and we added Jordan River water to the water in the font -- he was facinated.

When it was time, I asked him, "Will you come here?" He readily came to me. I said, "We have some water here. Do you want to see it?" He reached toward the font. I asked, "Do you want to touch it?" As he put his hand in the water, he said, "Water" very, plainly into my lapel mic. I said, "I'm going to put some water on your head in just a minute." As I put the water on his head, he leaned toward my hand. After the baptism, I gave him back to mom. He leaned toward the font saying, "Water, water." So I took the font back to him, he put his hand in the water, and then on his head right where it was already wet. The congregation loved it, the parents were smiling, the grandparents were beaming.

It was time to move on so I said, "Okay, let's say goodbye to the water. Bye, bye water." And he waved goodbye while saying, "Bye, bye, water."

I think this one might be my favorite baptism.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy

Etymology: Middle English maunde ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday, from Anglo-French mandet, from Latin mandatum command; from Jesus' words in John 13:34

While I think it's clear I don't like footwashing, I do believe that living out the command "love one another" is our calling.

I'm ending my sermon tonight with this.

Edward Hays wrote GIVE ALL OF YOURSELF in "Psalms for Zero Gravity: Prayers for Life's Emigrants"

Beloved Jesus, Lord of the Meal, I rejoice
that a mother and a father,
laboring for their family,
begin and end each day's work saying,
"This is my body, this is my blood."

An adult child nursing a sick elderly parent
with compassion and patient care says,
"This is my body, this is my blood."

A volunteer giving time to a needy cause
without thanks or acknowledgment says,
"This is my body, this is my blood."

A preacher, with prayerful study, preparing a homily
that no one may remember or be moved by, says,
"This is my body, this is my blood."

A singer forgetting self and the audience,
making love out of the music, says,
"This is my body, this is my blood."

Artist or teacher, dancer or doctor,
auto mechanic or office worker
attending to each detail of their work
with full-hearted involvement, proclaim,
"This is my body, this is my blood."

Ten thousand thousand consecrations occur daily,
as all heaven's angels chime in,
"Holy, holy, holy,"
to the thunderous praise
of a thousand silent silver bells.
Listen. Listen.