A Bit of Peace, March 24
A Bit of Peace, March 23
A Bit of Peace, March 22
Worship Service, March 22, 2020
April 18, 2019 – Maundy Thursday
Gifts of the Dark Wood
The Gift of Disappearing
WE GATHER
WE ENCOUNTER THE WORD
John 12:1-11
Mary Anoints Jesus
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’
The Plot to Kill Lazarus
When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
Mary, Friend of Jesus
John 12:3-8; 12-16
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table,took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.
Simon Peter, Disciple
John 13:21-30
Jesus Foretells His Betrayal
After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
Judas, Disciple
WE GATHER AT THE TABLE
WE DEPART
Puerto Rico notes, Wednesday 3/27
More reflections from Sarah L ~
Well it is day 5 on the island of Puerto Rico and day 3 of work is completed. Today was hard work. Some were sealing roofs with sealant in preparation for reflective type paint to be put on tomorrow. Others were painting. No concrete work today! It amazes how much we have accomplished in 3 days. Not only have we gotten physical work done but we have built relationships with our leaders, drivers, cooks, etc. Puerto Rico amazes me every day. Most of us have had home cooked, authentic meals for lunches at the homes we are working on. (Shhh… Don’t tell Charlie and Joe. They are only ones that haven’t gotten this. 🙁 ) They also pack us the most stuff in our lunches I have ever seen. Plus you’re always offered coffee in the afternoon. The Puerto Ricans are happy people and are always there with a hand shake and a smile. They astound me with their positive attitude. Everything is on the timeline of before hurricane Maria and after. That is how devastating it was. We were told that from the storm itself, 35-60 people perished but the aftermath of the storm, water shortages, no electricity, food shortages, etc., killed 3,000 people. Something I just can’t fathom this. Just pulls at my heart strings.
I am signing off as 2nd youngest person in the trip and the 1st in bed! Listening to the sounds of Puerto Rico as I drift off to sleep tonight. Something I will miss.
Thoughts from Puerto Rico, Tuesday 3/26
Sarah L. shared:
I write early tonight as it has been a long day. We are learning more and more about the people that we are helping. We are meeting their families. Hospitable doesn’t even begin to describe what they are to us every day. If it’s stopping by a road side stand to buy fruit for some of us or taking a different way to a worksite so we can see the best view of Puerto Rico from a mountain top to the ocean. They have fed us so much, we all fear we will come back heavier than what we started the with! More concrete work in the morning for some. Others will be sealing roofs and it is up in the air as some have completed their original jobs today. They just keep blessing us for coming but they don’t realize how much they are the blessing to us. They give so much more to us than they will ever know.
When Pastor Amy called me this morning telling me of the loss of Jim, our driver never said your friend. He referred to Jim as losing our brother in Christ. They often refer to us as their brothers and sisters in Christ. The last thing Jim said to me was that I would have a blast in Puerto Rico and he was not wrong. He was so happy that I was going. I feel so far from my friend as she is going through this. I hope she knows that we are praying for her and send her and the family love from Puerto Rico.
Sounds of Puerto Rico are different each night. Well except the Rooster that is pretty much up 24/7. Tonight is no different. It’s so peaceful and provides a good reflection time for each one of us.
Puerto Rico Monday Update
Sarah L’s reflection on our first work day:
Hola!
No my Spanish hasn’t improved only my confidence has grown. Jennifer, Steve H. & myself were power washing a roof of man that was the guitar player at church on Sunday. Krista, Minta & David were at a house painting. Steve C. , Joe, Charlie and Bill were the concrete crew. They mixed it all by hand. They got 2in of cement down in six rooms. Pretty awesome accomplishment for doing it all manually!
At our morning meeting, Jose talked about how much we are helping them. They said even FEMA wouldn’t come but we did and that is what matters. The Puerto Rican people are always smiling and happy with every new face we meet. I can only speak of my crew, our driver/leader Alex is so easy going. He said he was excited to learn English around us. Oh boy! I don’t speak that language very well either. While Steve H. was giving me proper instruction on how to power wash, Alex announces that Steve is the boss! So Alex calls him boss. Too funny. Steve took it in stride.
We met tonight and had communion. Grape Fanta and a Burger King Bun. A first for me but so special. We don’t know what tomorrow brings, but we go to sleep knowing that we are helping people that have been forgotten. In that alone, I can sleep.
And here are some thoughts shared by Jennifer B.:
We had our first work day today and feel very good about our work experience. One group had a really tough task (Joe, Charlie, Bill, and Steve C) of mixing cement to cover four walls in a house. They are tired but laughing! Tomorrow is another day and we look forward to working with our hosts. As our friend, Alex, said today – “you came to help us but I plan to learn from you.” Another has made it very clear we are together In Christ.
Update from Puerto Rico, Sunday March 24
This reflection was shared by Sarah L:
What a day we have had! I experienced one of the most sacred church services of my life. It was beautiful and so spirit filled that I choked up. I had no idea of what they were saying but you didn’t need to. It was felt. After 2.25 hrs of service, they had us leave early and go upstairs for a meal. We happened to be visiting on their 39th year anniversary. When we left, the service was still going. The minister had preached for 2 hours! No stopping! His preaching style I sum up as a charismatic televangelist auctioneer. Of course since I know little Spanish it all sounds fast.
They have all been super friendly and church was no different. Offering time was amazing. You line up and go up front and drop your money in the basket. They would dance up there. Such pride and I would see that they were putting in a dollar or a few coins. One dollar and you would of thought they put in a hundred dollars! We spent the next couple of hours in traffic. The cruise ships were docked in San Juan so the crowds were crazy. We went to the Fort and the guys toured the inside while us ladies walked and looked for shopping. We had Burger King for supper and they were so kind and patient with us reading a Spanish Burger King menu. They even handed us coupon books and they were so proud and kept saying God Bless You.
In my heart, I wish that everyone could see beyond San Juan. The housing, the road side stands, the food trucks, etc. To me that is Puerto Rico. You talk to them and they want to be a state. They want to feel more connected to us. Every house or shack of a house is built on the mountain side. We saw some really nice houses in like gated communities. Asked what the price of those houses were, they were $150,000. Astonishing to think that is what a lower to fair priced house is in the states!
I am signing off as it is late and we start work bright and early. It’s is raining and some funky birds making calls outside my windows. We are all excited for work and think a little nervous too. We will be working at a DOC church and a Methodist church on Monday.
