Mark 4:35-41

³⁵ As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” ³⁶ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). ³⁷ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

³⁸ Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
³⁹ When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
⁴¹ The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

As I sit in front of my keyboard trying to decide what to write, I am swept away by a wave of emotion as it seems our Creator is speaking directly to me through these words from Mark.  You see, next week I'm "in charge" of taking a group of mostly young people to Kentucky serving with SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian People). Coordinating travel, snacks, first aid kits, health forms, devotions, money, etc. etc. etc.-- the "to do" list is not short.  I am responsible for the safety and well-being of these teens, and it feels a bit like I'm about to set sail into a territory fraught with unknowns. The youth are counting on me. Their parents are counting on me. My church is counting on me. YIKES!  My stress level has increased with the approaching date, and I suddenly realize I've failed to truly commit this into Jesus' hands and recognize that God is "in charge" not me.  Thank you, Jesus!
"Why are you afraid, Carol?  I am in the boat with you."  (or a 15 passenger van!)
And again I say, "Thank you, Jesus!"

Please pray for our group.  There will be no communique next Friday as I may be on a rooftop. :) 

In his pre-sermon notes, Brother Mick states, "We have become conditioned to think we must exhaust every possible avenue on our own and only when we find ourselves at the end do we turn to God in Christ crying out to be saved. Perhaps if we could hold the available presence of God a little clearer in our minds we would find that we could stop allowing our lives to get out of control before turning to God for help." The Mark passage is the sermon text with adjunct texts being Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32.

Please join us at 10:15am on Sunday morning for worship.
I'll be in the Upper Room at 9am for conversation and prayer.

You'll find additional details and the prayer corner in the bulletin. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/index.php

Today we celebrate the life of our sister Frances. Many of you have been recipients of her prayers, cards, crosses, and love. She once wrote in a note to my daughter Korinne, "Even after I'm gone from earth, you may feel a tickle of a breeze on your cheek, and that will be me thinking of you from heaven."
 Love ya, Love ya, Love ya, Frances!

My prayer for today: Lord, before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God, our refuge and our hope.  Help us to truly trust in you; to recognize your presence with us; to know that you will not leave us nor forsake us.  We ask that your loving arms of healing and hope would cradle Rose, Craig, Albert, Larry, and the many others who are hurting today.  We pray that your peace and your grace would overflow from us to our neighbors. Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 
Love and light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd

There have been two times in my life where I've literally run in small, meaningless circles; both events involved dogs.  The first was when I was a teen and our dog got kicked by a horse. In my state of helplessness, I ran a lovely concentric pattern in the yard.  The second tale is the one on which I will be expounding today. Stop reading NOW if you have a weak stomach. (Note: No dog or person is physically injured in this event but periodically the horror...Oh, the horror... overwhelms me.)

Brave Bo, our yellow lab, fit the description of a classic, muscular 85lb. Labrador retriever. He buried his bones as well as his food dish; he was adventurous; he was loyal; he could catch tennis balls and Frisbees; he howled; he had a special rug, and he was protective.

On this particular 100+ degree July 4th, the husband was golfing with the neighbor while our friend Carl worked on the wiring in the basement. I was doing those few things moms do; laundry, cleaning toilets, playing barbies, vacuuming, mediating squabbles, washing dishes, preparing food for the masses, kissing booboos--you know the drill. When I stepped outside into the steamy rain forest for something, I realized Bo wasn't around.  I called him a few times to no avail.  For the next 45 minutes I periodically went outside and called for the dog.

"BO!"  I called again from our front porch. This time he came slinking out of the open garage. Those of you who are dog owners know the look. "Bo, where were y..." My sentence remained unfinished as my senses were suddenly, shall we say, buzzing?

Flies, thousands of flies, were teeming around the garage door and into the garage. What on earth? A gaggifying odor filled my olfactory passages, and with dread I stepped into the garage.

"Oh, Bo! What have you done?"  My heart rate began to climb, and I pinched my nostrils. On the garage floor leading to the interior door was a stream of bloody maggots, yes, you read that right. Maggots! 

If there are maggots, there must be something on which they are feeding... (Insert screeching violins from "Psycho here.") There, at the very foot of the door to enter the house was a (wait for it!)... dead fawn, one that had been obviously dead for a few days and was engulfed with horrible little, white larva! AHHHHHHGGGGGG!

This is the point where I turned and bolted for the grass creating a vortex of horror energy as I ran in mindless circles. 

Cliff, did we give Carl a bonus for his assistance as he and I gagged and exclaimed as we committed the carcass to a garbage bag? 

Hmmmmm.... The husband is golfing at this very moment. Excuse me while I go put our dog in his crate!

This story has no relevance at all to the service on Sunday.  I just couldn't decide what to write about, and periodically this story niggles my grey matter so I thought it might be therapeutic for me to share it! :)

Enjoy your pets today!

The 50th celebration at Ridgeview on Sunday was truly memorable and wonderful. Thanks to all those who worked so hard to make it a special day!

This Sunday we will be joining our community with a 10am service at Intercourse Community Park.  Several area churches including Ridgeview will be participating in the service.  Here is the link for Sunday's bulletin.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Vacation Bible School in the park begins Monday night through Thursday.  If you are interested in helping or attending, contact the church office. :)

Please be in prayer for Rose Reiff and her family as Rose remains in critical condition in a Pittsburgh hospital.

Craig, we are praying for you too!

It seems there are many from our church family who are facing serious life stuff.  Life is hard, but God is good.  Keep praying, Brothers and Sisters!

My prayer for today: God of all creatures, great and small, we give you our thanks and praise today!  You never leave us nor forsake us though sometimes we don't acknowledge your presence--gentle, mysterious, faithful, and loving. Open our hearts, minds, and souls today, Lord, to your breath upon us--guiding, healing, nourishing. Remove hatred from our spirits that we might treat each other with kindness and mercy.  Touch Rose, Craig, and the others who we know to be hurting today, with your light and warmth, providing for their needs.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,

Carol

 "Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd

  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Celebrating God's Faithfulness

Andy welcomed me at the door of their modest home in Intercourse, PA while Leah began bringing cookies and weak coffee to the table.  The three of us sat together while the jackalope stared down upon us, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jackalope_101.jpg and this long-married, elderly couple shared the latest of their activities.

-Andy shot a groundhog in their backyard. (Did I mention they live IN the village?) 

-Some of the younger relatives stopped in on Sunday night. 

-Andy had fallen in the yard, and diminutive Leah wasn't strong enough to lift him up so she got a five-gallon bucket which he leaned on, and with Leah's help he was able to get back on his feet.

-Leah's back pain has been getting worse so Andy has to assist her in and out of bed.

-I heard wonderful tales of times past and present including their many trips to FL. 

I've no doubt this couple struggled during their years of marriage and probably still did even after 50 plus years. But what I witnessed during the latter days of their earthtime, was a promise to keep trying and to support and help one another.

I don't have a study to back this up but one of my own observations of young couples today is that they often enter marriage as better friends than previous generations, discussing topics and feelings much more openly than those twosomes before them.  What I see as much more lacking today is the commitment of a life of positive growth together. (Ok, I'm using my old lady voice now!) :) My challenge for those of you currently in relationships is to take seriously your vows of commitment-- not just for the sake of staying together but rather because it can be a wonderful journey of growth and joy even though sometimes it feels like a sea of pain and challenge.

Before I left that morning, Leah and Andy insisted on giving me beautiful sea shells and a sea star for each of my daughters.

As I thought about what to write this morning, the many dear ones from Ridgeview who've passed on but so influenced my life filled my thoughts.  -Mattie, who my girls called the candy lady,  Ike- with his twinkling eyes and big grin, Elma- with her wise words,  Iva- with her gentle faith, Chester and Catherine- with their healing ways, Katie- with her spunkiness, Minnie- with her passion for the church and God's many people... I could go on and on and on.  I have been blessed by those who've gone before me!

Happy 50th  Anniversary Ridgeview Mennonite Church! 

Like marriage, we've had our ups and downs, hurts and sorrows, but we celebrate God's faithfulness and presence through it all. 

Amish turkey, classic cars, stories of God's work and faithfulness, music, displays-- Sunday is a day full of wonderful activities and sharing.  Rather than list everything, check out Sunday's bulletin for the details. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

I am personally eager to hear from our sister Lorie Hershey, pastor at West Philadelphia Mennonite Church http://wpmf.org/index.htm along with others during the 9am hour, and the blending of words from Brothers Bob, John, and Mick during the 10:30am hour. God is good, all the time!

You are invited! Be sure to look for me. :)

My prayer for today: Creator God, we celebrate your faithfulness to all generations.  Thank you.  Today as we go about our tasks, let us be open to recognizing your presence, to hearing your call, to following your way.  Breath of God, intervene in our lives and weave us together as one people. For those hurting and broken, breathe light and love, and let us be good neighbors to one another sharing healing and hope. You ride on the wings of the wind and are covered in light as a garment; we praise you, Lord God! Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.
Love and Light,
Carol

 "Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd

 I stepped out into the bright, warm sunlight after a few a few hours of listening and challenge in the San Jose convention center. Could I really do this?  Live the call? Vive el llamado?

This was the third day of the  2007 Mennonite Convention, and the youth (and I) were being challenged to daily tune-in to God and follow God's leading and call even if (fill in the blank).  We were apprised that as we open ourselves to God, opportunities for caring, sharing, and loving in the name of Christ would be presented. "Lord," I prayed. "Help me to follow, even if..."

The short path back to my hotel took me through a small park where people from many walks of life, both affluent and homeless, congregated. I nodded and smiled as I strode past people, making eye contact and offering a greeting.

"Miss, Miss, can I talk to you?" a young man on a bench stood up and approached me. 

I breathed a silent prayer. "OK, Lord.  Here we go!"

I sat down on a bench with Azmi, a young man from Turkey who had been in the U.S for about 7 years, and he began by asking me questions. Who were these friendly, smiling people who were walking through the park this week? They seemed kind. They were friendly. They seemed different. He said  he was a fighter and a "tough guy" although you wouldn't know that from his quiet speech and sincerity, but his physique and tattoos, one of which was the American flag, corroborated his story. Becoming an American citizen was his dream, but being from Turkey he was greeted with suspicion and rudeness. We talked for 30 or 40 minutes, and we concluded by praying together. I'm not sure if this conversation was helpful to Azmi, but this experience taught me several things: truth was being spoken at the convention; God's "call" is a daily occurrence; I have to choose if I'm going to trust, be open, and be obedient to our Creator. In a sermon I preached some time ago, I encouraged the congregation (and myself) to begin each day with a prayer something like this:

"Lord, today is a new day. Help me to pay attention to your plan. Help me to let go of my distractions to truly see people with your heart. In fact, I will be looking for your plan today. Expectant. Waiting. I will expect interruptions. Grant me courage to act. Grant me patience to step into your plan even if it messes up the timing of my plans. Let me do the small things with great love that you have planned for me today with an an attitude in which others will see YOU in me."

 I fail to follow the call more than I succeed, but the journey goes ever on and on. Today I will breathe the prayer again, and who knows what adventures God has in store! Vive el llamado! 

Brother Mick will be drawing his sermon from Isaiah 6:1-8 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=131969934 with a message he has entitled, "Isaiah Hears A Whom" bringing some understanding to the text with help from Theodore Geisel whose great wisdom is shared through many books geared for children.  (I've sometimes wondered if Dr. Seuss wrote his parables knowing that many parents would be reading these stories aloud to their children.) :)

We will be celebrating the official membership of two of our wonderful Sarahs. :)

Blessing and Joy to Allison and Spencer as they get married on Sunday!  YAY!

On June 10 we will be celebrating 50 Years of God's faithfulness to us in the Ridgeview congregation.  We have a special day of activities planned including sharing by former pastors, great music, an Amish turkey dinner (Don't forget to bring a salad to share!), and a Ridgeview Trivia Game show at 5:30pm. This week's bulletin outlines the timing of events. Oh, and if you have a classic and/or antique car or tractor, you are invited to bring it. :)  I just discovered that there is a couple at Ridgeview who own a Studebaker. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/ 

The new Ridgeview cookbook will be available for purchase too. Whether or not you attend Ridgeview, you are invited to join us!  

My prayer for today is the one I have printed above with a few variations:

Creator God, today is a new day. Help us to pay attention to your plan. Help us to let go of our distractions to truly see people with your heart. In fact, we will be looking for your plan today. Expectant. Waiting.We will expect interruptions. Grant us courage to act. Grant us patience to step into your plan even if it messes up the timing of our own plans. Let us do the small things with great love that you have planned for us today with an an attitude in which others will see YOU in each of us.  Come and fill us with your breath, Lord.  Come Kingdom of God; be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.

Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd