Ashes and crosses

Last night we had Ash Wednesday worship with the imposition of ashes. This morning I read a devotional that connected the covenant with Noah (the rainbow) with the cross - the way that God's promise has been revealed to us. What a great connection, to know that I am dust, and to dust I will return, but I don't go alone. God promises to go there with me (and has).

Where has God gone with you? What has God said to you in times of struggle? Pray to hear and try to be patient. God isn't always speaking loudly and clearly.

Visiting with God

How much time does it take to pray?

I think many people think it is too hard to pray because they simply don't have time to do it. But it really doesn't take a huge chunk of time to stay in conversation with God. Yes, it's important to take time out of your day to read the Bible and pray. But even when you don't carve out that much time from your schedule, you can still find time for prayer.

One way I have found time to pray is while I run. When I run around Middletown (which hasn't been for a while since I really don't like running in cold weather), I always have to run home uphill by Memorial Park (which is better than runnin up and down the big Jefferson St hill). As I get tired from the run, I take that time to thank God for all the strength I have and to ask God to continue to be with me. Sometimes I repeat the very old prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." It helps me keep going and gives a rhythm to my run.

Where have you found times to pray in unusual ways?

Unbinding Begins

If you were in class today, you know that we're going to try to use this blog as a way to communicate as we journey through Unbinding together. Please feel free to comment as you are able.

A thought about today:
Some of you were in worship at 11 when we had a baptism. It was truly amazing to be a part of God claiming Olivia Belle as a child. As I held her in my arms I was able to watch her cry when she woke up to getting cool water on her head and stop crying and close her eyes again as I prayed for her to be blessed by the Holy Spirit. I saw her watch her mom intently while we sang "Jesus Loves Me" to her. The presence of God's love was a definable feeling for me today in worship. I felt blessed to be a part of the work of the Spirit at that sacred moment. Truly one of the best things I get to do as a pastor!

Do you remember your baptism?

• If you don't remember, ask your parents about that day.

What does being baptized mean to you today?

What can you do to remember your baptism and what it means for you?