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Eastern Shore Chapel Blog RSS Feed http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm This is an RSS blog feed available from Eastern Shore Chapel. Virginia Beach, VA Wed, 22 May 2013 20:41:22 GMT 60 Monday, December 24 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=53 Daily Readings: Psalm 45, 46; Isa. 35:1-10; Rev. 22:12-17,21; Luke 1:67-80

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
~ Luke 1.67-80

At last, it’s Christmas Eve. Joseph and Mary are nearing Bethlehem. They’ve come on foot from Nazareth to Bethlehem, more than seventy miles. The sun is setting. Perhaps Mary, so close to childbirth, rides a little donkey. Joseph walks. Ahead, they see lamps lighted in Bethlehem. Tonight, they’ll find the stable where the manger waits. Tomorrow, the world will change forever.

You and I, also, are nearing Bethlehem. It’s the last day of Advent— the time we set aside for prayer, study, and preparation for the Savior’s birth. Tonight we’ll remember the stable, the manger, the star. We’ll tell the Christmas story, and sing the traditional Eve carols--“Silent Night;” “O Little Town of Bethlehem;” “O Holy Night” -- joyful, triumphant songs.

But the lectionary Gospel passages for Advent don’t lead us toward joyful celebration. Instead, we prepare for the Savior’s birth through a sobering review of the last week of His life (Luke 20-22): dire prophecies; signs of the apocalypse; His last teachings; the Last Supper, His arrest.
It troubles me. Where is that stable, that star, that holy night? What became of ‘joyful and triumphant?’ These Gospel selections shock us out of our comfortable Christmas mood, and bring us to the Nativity in somber awe. They tell us the Savior’s birth is not the whole story. The crucifixion will happen. There will be suffering, destruction, bloodshed.

A wise friend once told me, “You don’t know what the story’s about until it’s over.” God in His tender mercy will find us in our darkness, at last.
And the story isn’t over yet.

-- Lynn Dean Hunter

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=53 Sat, 22 Dec 2012 11:50:19 GMT Sunday, December 23 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=52 Daily Readings: Psalm 80:1-7; Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45(46-56)

And blessed is she who believed…
Luke 1:45

Elizabeth’s words to the young Mary have been used by generations of sermon writers to give hope, inspire confidence, reward steadfastness, counsel patience and give comfort that things always work out to fulfill God’s plan. Bible scholars point to Luke’s words as a link to the prophesy of the Messiah and the community’s hope that a savior was coming to their aid.

Belief doesn’t always result in happy endings. The people of Israel are once again living through uneasy times. Plans remain unfulfilled and hopes and dreams sometimes don’t work out.

And still, most of us continue to believe. We believe in the order of God’s world, even in the midst of turbulent times. And we continue to gain strength from believing. One of those strengths is the time of waiting for what we believe will be, a strength that is often lacking in these busy days before the wonderful moments of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – the time of waiting, of anticipation. In a later part of the first chapter of Luke, the writer tells us that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months while she waited, before returning to her home. He doesn’t tell us how they spent those days, but he included that as a part of the events leading up to the birth of Christ.

Between the time when an idea, plan or a child is conceived and the time of birth or fulfillment, there is a time for dreams, for decisions on how we will manage this new chapter of our lives, a time to prepare our hearts. We have this day the opportunity to get ready for the birth of the child. We have time to reflect and decide how we will live our life in Christ.

Blessed are we when we believe.

--Carrollyn Cox

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=52 Sat, 22 Dec 2012 11:48:49 GMT Saturday, December 22 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=51 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 55; PM Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23)
Isa. 10:20-27; Jude 17-25; Luke 3:1-9

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
Psalm 139:13-14

The psalmist describes the most intimate of relationships, that of creator and created. Jeremiah 1:5 declares the good news prior to conception: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Mary was told who was coming: it was a precious baby for their family, and so much more. She and Joseph would be sharing him in a way that would dramatically change lives and shape history.

In this time of anticipation and gestation, I am devoting myself to focusing on the coming of the Lord. This involves the postponement of holiday festivities to the extent that is possible, given the scheduling of concerts and get-togethers.

My aim is to take time each day in Advent to be quiet, and especially to contemplate how this time might have been for Mary. She and I were both mothers. A song, “Mary Did You Know”, has helped me to imagine a small glimpse of her experience. Here is part of that song:

Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you
Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

--Penny Moulis

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=51 Sat, 22 Dec 2012 11:36:12 GMT Friday, December 21 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=50 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 40, 54; PM Psalm 51
Isa. 10:5-19; 2 Pet. 2:17-22; Matt. 11:2-15

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
   and put a new and right* spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
   and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
   and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Psalm 51: 10-12

“When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.”

So begins Constantine Cavafy’s 1911 Poem, Ithaka, which goes on to illuminate the beauty of the journey. It is a poem worth reading and savoring. As I read today’s assigned readings, I kept coming back to the Psalm 51. Verses 10-12 have been a frequent resting place along the way in my personal journey. Like so many pieces of scripture, I read and react to them differently as I move through the various way stations on life’s path.

While contemplating these familiar words at this particular juncture, I was struck by the dynamic nature of their meaning. After making it a “certain distance” in this miraculous and astonishing journey called life, we have each had our fair share of opportunities to veer from the appointed course, stray into an intellectual cul-de-sac or two, backtrack, plod through mountains of switchbacks, and be astonished at the view around the next bend. And, whether that view elicits a “Wow!” or an “Aw heck!,” we can be sure that each resting place will give us the opportunity to give thanks for where we’ve been, re-plot our course, and ask for God’s help on the next leg. These words are also a helpful reminder that we are not alone, as God’s presence and holy spirit surround and envelope us on the journey.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
…and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

--Jim Deppe

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=50 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:06:19 GMT Thursday, December 20 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=49 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 50; PM Psalm [59, 60] or 33
Isa. 9:18-10:4; 2 Pet. 2:10b-16; Matt. 3:1-12

Our soul waits for the Lord
He is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
Because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
Even as we hope in you.
Psalm 33

Christmas is next week. Many of us will be taking off tomorrow on an extended weekend to spend very special time with family and friends. Last minute shopping has to be completed, and the grocery list needs to be checked one more time. This is such a familiar and comfortable routine.

But maybe not this year, not for the Body of Christ that is Eastern Shore Chapel.

We have been blessed with a very special season of transition. We have learned to know and love three very special priests, priests who have brought us close together, even in a time of trial. Each with their own strengths, they have blessed our parish family in unmistakable ways; we are so much better off because of them.

In their short time with us, they have become part of the very fabric of this church family. It is comfortable with them here. This Christmas season, we open our hearts to and with them. What an amazing gift our Loving God has given us in these three wise and wonderful clergy. We give thanks for them and lift them up to the Lord.

What will next Advent bring? Of one thing, we can be sure: the steadfast love of the Lord will be upon us. We will be a stronger, closer, more mindful congregation, thankful for what has been and hopeful for what surely will be.

-- Lee Davis

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=49 Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:36:44 GMT Wednesday, December 19 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=48 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]
Isa. 9:8-17; 2 Pet. 2:1-10a; Mark 1:1-8

Why should I fear in times of trouble,
   when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me,
those who trust in their wealth
   and boast of the abundance of their riches?
Truly, no ransom avails for one’s life;
   there is no price one can give to God for it.
Psalm 49: 4-7

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.     Mark 1: 4-8

Advent is a time of centering, of preparation and (especially this year) a time to turn down the noise of the 24-hour news cycle and prepare for the arrival of the Messiah.

We need to spend a little time assessing our situation among the very fortunate in the world, when it comes to security, safety and material wealth.

Where do we stand in terms of readying ourselves for Christ, and the gauntlet that we know will challenge us? Today’s Psalmist does not mince words: an abundance of riches will not save one’s life. How do we at Eastern Shore Chapel translate our wealth into the action that Christ will ask of us?

And, while we ponder the meaning of the Psalmist, John “appears in the wilderness.” (Hello, Mark! No birth narrative here!)
Mark cuts right to the chase.

Perhaps our preparation during this Advent could include a thoughtful mental journey to our own particular wilderness, leaving the noisy baggage of our frenzied lives behind.

Let’s face it; our lives are full to the brim. By purposefully setting aside some of the busyness and worries in our lives, we can make room to recognize Christ in each other and within ourselves. And, through this recognition, just maybe, we will have emptied ourselves enough to receive the Christ and a new baptism with the Holy Spirit.

“Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.” ~BCP

--Jim Deppe

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=48 Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:29:23 GMT Monday, December 17 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=46 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 41, 52; PM Psalm 44
Isa. 8:16-9:1; 2 Pet. 1:1-11; Luke 22:39-53

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!” Luke 22:52-53

The babe in the manger is born under the shadow of the cross. Bethlehem leads to Golgotha. Not what we want to think about during this lead up to Christmas, with all the Christmas Pageants and beautiful Midnight Masses. We want to be joyful; we want to remember the Incarnation as embodied by the beatific babe and his holy parents. We want shepherds, and A Charlie Brown Christmas, with Linus telling Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. We want to sing the joyful hymns; we want Santa Claus and presents. We want celebration.

We have celebration. We do get to anticipate with eagerness the Incarnation on December 25. We get to rejoice and be glad in it. We get to celebrate God breaking into the Creation in human form, in flesh and bones, showing us God’s love for us in a concrete way. But we also have to remember where the Incarnation leads. We have to remember how the bright promise of the manger is swallowed by the power of darkness, only to re-emerge all the brighter on the day of resurrection.

We have to remember the real gift of God; God Incarnate is willing to take on all the power of evil and die so that we may live.

The babe in the manger is born under the shadow of the cross. Bethlehem leads to Golgotha. And that, truly, is a reason to celebrate.

-- The Rev. James Medley

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=46 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:05:56 GMT Sunday, December 16 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=45 Daily Readings: Canticle 9; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

As I read the passage from Luke, one line stood out to me above all else. The people were asking John the Baptist if he was the Messiah. He responded that he was not the Messiah, but that there was one coming who was the Messiah.

I tried to put myself back there in Palestine, a person who was waiting for the Messiah. Here is what I might have been thinking when I heard the news of the Messiah coming:

I was very excited over the possibilities that would lie ahead of me. Another coming of King David, how glorious that would be. Israel would rise again, throw off the oppressive hand of the Romans, and we would rise again to greatness. Ah yes, the good old days, the ones we heard about in our scriptures.

But as it came to pass, Israel did not rise again to greatness, and in fact was destroyed as a nation, but not as a people. Jesus was no King David, but he promised a much greater reality.

Jesus showed to me that when you live your life in love, there is nothing to fear and power by might is a fleeting thing. David conquered by might, Jesus conquered by love. The Roman Empire ruled by Pax Romana, with the ultimate penalty for disobedience being crucifixion, a slow and painful death. Jesus taught us an alternative path of love and forgiveness. Jesus did not fear death, because he knew that love is the ultimate victor.
Where is the Roman Empire today and where is Christianity today? Whose message endures into our time?

In this time of Advent, may we truly remember the message of love and forgiveness Jesus taught us. Let us encourage our leaders to hear the message of love and forgiveness because that is what truly endures. Let us live our lives as beacons of love and forgiveness, and in that we can be sure we have truly listened to what our Messiah taught us.

-- Carter Sinclair

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=45 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:58:38 GMT Tuesday, December 18 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=47 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 45; PM Psalm 47, 48
Isa. 9:1-7; 2 Pet. 1:12-21; Luke 22:54-69

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved,* with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18

The date this beautiful passage was written is speculation, the author is equally argued. The message, on the other hand, cannot be debated. The writer was there and heard the very voice of God. That was a long, long time ago but it was real then and it is real now.

The good news is that our Loving God still speaks to us. Sometimes it is in majestic glory booming from heaven, sometimes from a burning bush and sometimes it is that still small but unmistakable voice from within.

God still speaks to each of us, young and old. Do you long to hear that voice – that message? You can. Start with prayer. Ask God to wipe away your cares and concerns and make you an empty, willing vessel. Ask Him to speak to you in a manner that is clear, clearly identifiable. Pray believing that your prayer will be answered and that the message will be delivered. Don’t try to put words in God’s mouth. Then, as in any conversation, listen; be still and be quiet. Listen. Listen. Listen. Repeat your prayer.

God will answer your prayer, He will speak to you. And when He does …. You will know.

Thanks be to God!

--Heidi Greer-Davis

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=47 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:49:34 GMT Saturday, December 15 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=44 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 30, 32; PM Psalm 42, 43
Isa. 8:1-15; 2 Thess. 3:6-18; Luke 22:31-38

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
Psalm 42

Can you imagine the anguish of the psalmist as he sits and begins to pen these lines? I imagine him sitting in muted, smoky candle light, hunched over a parchment scroll with a scraggily stump of a feather quill. He’s alone, very alone, almost in hiding from those who ridicule him. He is in absolute silence. His heart aches. He longs for the closeness of God. He thirsts for the sense of His presence. The deepest heartfelt cries of the psalmist to his God appear to have gone unanswered. Why God, WHY? Then he is strengthened by his faith, and his inner spirit begins to stir. Thanks be to God.

I am reminded of the penitent prisoner, the inmate now forever judged by everyone for the worst decision he ever made. Release day is so far off, if there is one, that counting down brings only pain. On the side of a cold, hard prison bunk, cramped for space, his “cellie” is ominously ever present. He tries to craft a letter, albeit brief, to the KAIROS team member who recently visited. The cellblock is raucous; shouts, jeers and painful screams reverberate around and through the heavy locked doors.

He heard of this man Jesus, and he saw love as never before in the eyes and hearts of those men from the outside. He saw and deeply felt unconditional love, agape love, for maybe the very first time. On his KAIROS weekend, he received amazing grace, the forgiveness offered through the Holy Spirit.

He accepted Christ as his Savior and was born anew. As he writes his letter, he thanks God for His presence, for the gift of His Son, and for the new peace that he feels in his heart, a peace that passeth all understanding. Thanks be to God!

--Lee Davis

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=44 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:53:26 GMT Friday, December 14 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=43 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 31; PM Psalm 35
Isa. 7:10-25; 2 Thess. 2:13-3:5; Luke 22:14-30

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 31: 24

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

In the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, the states just to the North of us were plunged into chaos similar to that experienced on the Gulf Coast following Katrina. Natural disasters of this magnitude are always a reminder of how vulnerable we actually are without power, food, transportation and shelter. The sheer power of Mother Nature is nothing new to us in the Tidewater region and we have been hammered enough by Nor’easters and Hurricanes to be prepared for the worst. Nonetheless, prepared or not, we all run the risk of being overcome by fear and helplessness when the light of day illuminates the devastation in the wake of the storm. Similarly, stormy events in our day-to-day lives have the potential to overwhelm us with feelings of fear and helplessness.

Fortunately, our families, our church family and our circle of friends provide us a place of refuge during the toughest of times. Our “village” dresses our wounds, feeds us, shelters us and lifts us up in the face of life’s great challenges. Today’s readings point us to the strength, courage, and comfort we can gain through reliance on our Creator God’s encircling embrace. As we look for God’s help in weathering the storms in our personal lives, we are guided to be a lens through which God’s healing Presence can illuminate the world around us and provide comfort to those in need. So, whether you are the one being comforted or the one reaching out to those in need, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage”.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep protection near
and danger afar.
From a Celtic Prayer by David Adam

--Jim Deppe

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=43 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:46:26 GMT Thursday, December 13 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=42 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 37:1-18; PM Psalm 37:19-42
Isa. 7:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; Luke 22:1-13

Do not fret yourself because of evildoers;
do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
For they shall soon wither like the grass,
and like the green grass fade away.
Psalm 37: 1-18

How often we fret ourselves, or are jealous of those whom we perceive are doing wrong. We wait impatiently for them to fade away, like the green grass of the soon to be forgotten summer.

We forget that God exists beyond our boundaries of space and time. God understands our faults and those of others whom we encounter in our daily lives. Often, He/She provides space for us to gain understanding of the actions of others; the space for us to listen to their concerns, needs and suffering.
Just by listening, we often can ease the anguish in the lives of others. We may just need this space to learn to walk in their shoes. In so doing, we may find commonality in our lives and theirs.

Be still before the LORD *
and wait patiently for him.

--Cliff Bateman

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=42 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:19:56 GMT Wednesday, December 12 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=41 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48
Isa. 6:1-13; 2 Thess. 1:1-12; John 7:53-8:11

Put false ways far from me;
and graciously teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your ordinances before me.
Psalm 119:25-48

I know of a man who decided to take a road less taken. He had a family, children and many friends. He drifted into alcohol and drugs and lived on the street. There were times when he was quite well and he chose to wear his Gospel Shoes in the woods in the homeless community. It became a Christian ministry to this community, never asking anything more than to be in God’s lap, never saying why me. As he was dying of cancer, he accepted this and tried to continue to tell his friends, there’s room for you in God’s lap.

When we stray onto a different path and become unacceptable to friends and family the only comfort may be that you are always in God’s lap.

In memory of William Duncan, a member of our homeless community

-- Lou Ann Laurance

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=41 Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:09:36 GMT Tuesday, December 11 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=40 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 26, 28; PM Psalm 36, 39
Isa. 5:13-17, 24-25; 1 Thess. 5:12-28; Luke 21:29-38

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
Our heart is glad in him.
Psalm 44:20-21

Today, it is just two weeks before Christmas. For even the most faith-filled, it is so hard to step back from the frenzy of the season to gain some perspective about what is going on. But, maybe, it is not so much the quantity where our priorities are concerned. It is the quality that is so important.

Even in the midst of this swirl of activity, we can give ourselves permission to let our souls rejoice in the certainty of God’s incarnation in Jesus Christ. Even in the middle of a pulsing shopping mall, we can let our hearts be glad that “unto us is born a savior, who is Christ Jesus our Lord.”

My friends, take care yourselves today. Look for moments of peacefulness and gentleness. Back away from the frenetic demands placed upon you and behold the coming miracle of peace and good will to you.

If you can do this, it will be like breathing in fresh air. A kind of spiritual health will fill you and you can carry on with your chores with a renewed spirit.

--The Rev. Jim Sell

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=40 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:46:37 GMT Monday, December 10 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=39 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 25; PM Psalm 9, 15
Isa. 5:8-12,18-23; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Luke 21:20-28

There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Luke 21:25-28

The Son of Man is coming. This time of year, we’re more likely to think about the babe in a manger with the shepherds and wise men than we are about the Second Coming. But Advent is not just about waiting for Christmas, it’s about waiting for Jesus to come again and make everything right. We are waiting for Jesus to come in glory and power, Jesus coming to assure us of redemption. Because we know that everything isn’t right. The world can be a messed up place.

As Christians, we are called to work as hard as we can to make the world a better place but, as Christians, we know that we can’t do it all. We can’t complete the work of God without the help of God, without the Son of Man coming in power and great glory.

So, we wait. We wait for Jesus to come back, for the powers of heaven to be shaken; we wait for God’s kingdom to break fully into the world. We pray for it to happen, we want it to happen. And, when it does happen, the Creation will be transformed and us along with it. We’ll be made new, and bright, and perfect and Jesus will be with us. Our redemption will be upon us and we’ll hold our heads high and see God face to face.

But, until then, we wait.

--The Rev. James Medley

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=39 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:46:39 GMT Sunday, December 9 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=38 Daily Readings: Canticle 4 or 16;
Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come into his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed he is coming, says the Lord of hosts….” Malachi 3: 1-4

Oh how long the hearers of this prophecy had to wait before the appearance on the scene of John the Baptist, “to prepare the way.” What a great blessing it is that we don’t have to wait to hear the good news of salvation and forgiveness that John preached. In this Advent season, as in all others before it, we prepare for the coming of the Living God. We hear the old stories about Mary and the angel Gabriel, Elizabeth and her son who would be known as John the Baptist, we hear again about the humble birth of Jesus, the Son of Man, who would bring the Living God to our earthly home.

I wonder who your “John the Baptist” was. Who was it that told you that God really did love you and that your sins were forgiven? Who was it that prepared the way for the Holy Spirit to become real to you? What a great and never ending gift that message was.

Now, I wonder to whom you have been “John the Baptist”, that “messenger of the covenant”. Have you given to a child that overwhelming love and peace that can only come through the knowledge and love of God? Have you shared the joy? Have you been a reflection of the amazing grace that has been given to you? Really?

This Advent season I pray that I will be the messenger of the covenant, a reflection of the grace I have received.

--Lee Davis

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=38 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:43:43 GMT Friday, December 7 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=36 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 16, 17; PM Psalm 22
Isa. 3:8-15; 1 Thess. 4:1-12; Luke 20:41-21:4

“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” Luke 21:1-4

Fifteen years or more ago, I attended a Holy Week service that still affects me when I am reminded of it.

It was an evening service, sparsely attended, and was rather somber. A collection was being taken up, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman a few pews ahead of me put a small handful of change into the plate. I was intrigued.

There was nothing about this woman to indicate she was living in poverty, yet I knew in my heart she was giving all she could that night--a handful of change.

This woman’s humble act not only reminded me that there are people struggling to get by in my community, but more importantly, it reminded me that there are people with such great faith in God, that they will give Him all that they have, even out of their poverty.

In this season of Advent, let us try to live this kind of faith.

--Cindy Foy

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=36 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:42:12 GMT Saturday, December 8 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=37 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 20, 21:1-7(8-14); PM Psalm 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117
Isa. 4:2-6; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Luke 21:5-19

I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Psalm 116: 1 – 2

I find the readings for Advent to be “tough.” Not tough to understand – they are only too clear! But tough to find comfort in. Tough to accept, whether literally or metaphorically. In Luke, Jesus warns the crowd “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.” This sounds a little too much like The Left Behind series for this lifelong Episcopalian!

Yet I am not so naïve as to think we can avoid difficult times. Indeed it has been in the darkest times of my life that I have felt closest to God. It was then that my prayers were most honest and earnest. It was then that I felt heard by God. That I knew that I was loved and treasured. Somewhere during one of my times of trial I began to read the Bible for words of comfort. I found many passages that soothed my heart and soul! I have returned to them many times over the years. Many of those pages are now dog-eared in my Bible. But none of those passages is in the readings for Advent.

Instead, the Advent readings are filled with warnings of persecutions and hardships ahead. But in the true spirit of Advent… out of the darkness there is hope. In the midst of the tough scripture passages there is God’s promise of love. From The Message we hear Isaiah’s words “Everyone left behind in Zion, all the discards and rejects in Jerusalem, will be reclassified as “holy”—alive and therefore precious.” God will always find us “holy”, precious and beloved. There is no greater comfort than this!

--Mary Lou Crifasi

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=37 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 13:08:11 GMT Thursday, December 6 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=35 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 18:1-20; PM Psalm 18:21-50
Isa. 2:12-22; 1 Thess. 3:1-13; Luke 20:27-40

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another

and for all, just as we abound in love for you.

I Thessalonians 3:12

It all began with the innkeeper welcoming Mary and Joseph.

I do not think there is a church in the world that does not yearn for more worshipers. Some of that yearning is noble, but some if it is pathetic.

The noble is if they wish to draw more people to the gentle act of adoring our Lord. The pathetic is if they want to bask in the pretences of success, power and wealth.

In fact, for people like us, one can follow the other in a natural harmony, like that wildly successful innkeeper. When a church increases its love for one another and abounds in its God-given gift of valuing one another, something happens that is so startling we are often unprepared for its consequences. Lonely, aching, isolated people will be lining up at the doors, begging to come in for spiritual shelter.

Growing a church is the easiest task in ministry. If we are attentive to the Advent vision of inclusion and acceptance, we will grow in love for one another and the downstream result will be to wonder whether there will be enough room in the inn.

--The Rev. Jim Sell

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=35 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:41:24 GMT Wednesday, December 5 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=34 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14
Isa. 2:1-11; 1 Thess. 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26

Like David, we ask O Lord to hear a just cause and attention to my cry. Help us, dear; Lord, imbue us with the Holy Spirit as we once again celebrate the birth of Jesus. This season of Advent calls us to prepare for what we know is coming but also prepare for whatever tomorrow brings.

Life changes in an instant; families are torn asunder, accidents happen. Our foundation of trust in God may feel shaken, but will not be discarded. We are sustained and surrounded by his love. He brings light to our tired and weary souls, an ever-new awakening coming to heal and comfort us and our world.

Prepare; do not be afraid for the light is always with us .Pray, with great expectations and stir up our hearts, O Lord.*

Pray this Advent season that God will keep you as the apple of His eye and will comfort and shelter us in the shadow of His wings all the days of your life

*BCP earlier version

-- Lou Ann Laurence

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=34 Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:14:24 GMT Tuesday, December 4 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=33 Daily Readings: AM Psalm 5, 6; PM Psalm 10, 11
Isa. 1:21-31; 1 Thess. 2:1-12; Luke 20:9-18

Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him. Luke 20:13

What is the landowner going to do to the wicked tenants who have been so ungrateful? How does he show His wrath and displeasure after they have had the use of the vineyard and have now plotted to kill the owner’s own son?

Jesus shocks his audience when he shares with them that the Landowner will destroy his tenants and give the land to another. This parable tells us that God, the owner of all, is more patient with rebels than we would ever be, but that there is a final day of reckoning.

He reminds us in this parable that we are caretakers for this magnificent creation and that we are to use the whole of His creation well. Gather our joy and harvest from it, but in all things, give praise and honor from whom all blessing flow. Share your flowing bounty and your abundance with your Divine Father.

He smiles broadly as he witnesses us creating and reaping the joyous fruits of our labor. He desires each of us to gather a bountiful harvest from this vineyard. Share your gratitude and offer Him the honor, praise and glory that are rightly due.

--Adrien Jacob

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=33 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:43:09 GMT Monday, December 3 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=32 Daily Readings: Psalm 1, 2, 3; PM Psalm 4, 7
Isa. 1:10-20; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Luke 20:1-8

The scripture for today is rich in meaning and admonition for us. In our tradition in recent years there has been almost an exclusionary interest in the love of God. Certainly, as scripture says “God is love,” but that’s not the whole story.

Isaiah (the first Isaiah) lived during a time of great upheaval. Assyria invaded Israel and carried away the “ten lost tribes of Israel.” Hezekiah the great king of Judah managed to resist the Assyrian siege but ultimately paid tribute to Assyria. “Hear oh heavens and listen Oh earth... “Later he says, “I hide my eyes from you … (but)… if you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land.”

In the Gospel lesson, our Lord was confronted by the chief priests who sought to test him. It was not necessarily a trap. The priestly method of discourse was to engage the Socratic method of argumentation. They asked about Baptism; one of our primary sacraments; once considered necessary for admission to our community. Jesus said to them and to us, if you will not declare the divine origin of our sacrament, He will not do it for you. Not very long after he said, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the corner stone.”

Do we focus too much on one just one part of our faith walk, or like Jesus, should we do the hard work involved in serving Him? Our Lord uses the metaphor of the cornerstone referring to himself, but in the context of our Baptismal sacrament. Our sacraments, especially Baptism, are important. They are not conveniences or empty rituals. They are the outward sign of our inward conversion; an important manifestation of our love for Him and one another.

David Wynne

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=32 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:42:36 GMT Sunday, December 2 [Advent Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=31 Daily Readings: Psalm 25:1-9; Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

In today's passage of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of the restoration not simply of daily life, but also of one of the chief signs of God’s favor – the restoration of the Davidic line. A righteous Branch will sprout from the line of David. This image is one of hope and unexpected joy: new life springing up.

One of the chief tragedies of the Babylonian Exile, of course, was the end of the Davidic dynasty. For nearly four hundred years, descendants of David had occupied the throne of Judah, and God had promised that it would always be so (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89). But the Babylonians destroyed David’s city, burned Solomon’s temple and took David’s heirs into exile. The promises of God seemed to have come to an end.

To a people devastated by loss, Jeremiah’s prophecy offered hope: “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” All might seem lost, but God still is faithful. The house of David might be cut down, but God is able to bring life out of death. A branch will sprout.

Historically, of course, the Davidic line did not return to the throne, so passages like this were in time interpreted to be speaking about the coming ideal ruler, the Messiah. That is certainly the reason this passage is one of the lectionary readings for the first Sunday in Advent. The descendant of David who will “execute justice and righteousness in the land” is the one for whom we wait in this Advent season. And his salvation encompasses not just Judah and Jerusalem, but the whole world.

Such is the word of promise and hope in this text. We read these words in a time when many are experiencing great loss: loss of job, of security, of home. While there are no invading armies on our doorstep, we can resonate with the fear and hopelessness of Jeremiah’s original audience. We are called today to speak a word of a hope and promise in a world often filled with fear and uncertainty, even despair. Especially in this season of Advent, we speak words of hope. In the midst of darkness, light is about to break in. In the midst of despair, hope erupts. After long waiting, a branch will sprout.

Debi Wacker

]]> Advent Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=31 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:41:23 GMT Saturday, April 7 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=30

AM Psalm 95 [Invitatory] 88
PM Psalm 27
Lam. 3:37-58
Heb. 4:1-16[AM]
Rom. 8:1-11[PM]

For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.’ Hebrews 4:4

On the seventh day, God rested. We know the story from Genesis; God creates the world in six days and on the seventh day God rests. But for the writer of the Gospel of John and the writer of Hebrews, the seventh day did not happen in the beginning. For the writers of these two books of our Bible, the seventh day happened today, Holy Saturday. This is the day between the crucifixion on Good Friday and the resurrection on Easter. This is the day where Jesus’ body lies in the tomb in death and, according to an old Christian tradition, Jesus’ spirit descends into Hell in order to free all the souls who had perished before the crucifixion. Another old Christian tradition holds that Holy Saturday, two thousand years ago, is the only day in the history of the Creation when God totally withdrew God’s self from the Creation. God rested, withdrew from the Creation, on the day God the Son lay in the tomb.

God withdrew, rested, because the Creation is completed in the crucifixion. The cross is the ultimate act of the sixth day of Creation. Through the rough wood of the cross, God draws all people to God’s self. Through God’s sacrificial act, the Creation is no longer estranged from its Creator. Through God the Son, we can now see God as though for the first time. God rests on Holy Saturday and invites us into God’s rest, invites us to participate in God’s rest. The Creation is complete but now comes the hard part. Now we must live like the Creation is complete. We must live like the Kingdom of God is on Earth as it is in Heaven. On Holy Saturday, we must prepare ourselves for the eighth day of Creation, Easter Sunday, and begin living into the truth of the resurrection, the truth that says God is right here, right now, and we need to act like it. God invites us into God’s rest, the rest that is the life of God. The Creation is complete; let us rest and eagerly await the resurrection, the sign of that completeness. And God rested on the seventh day from all his work.

James Medley

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=30 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:04:24 GMT Friday, April 6 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=29 AM Psalm 95 [Invitatory], 22
PM Psalm 40:1-14 , 54
Lam. 3:1-9, 19-33
1 Pet. 1:10-20
John 13:36-38 [AM];
John 19:38-42 [PM]

Artwork by Lynn Hunter

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=29 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:56:54 GMT Thursday, April 5 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=28

AM Psalm 102
PM Psalm 142, 143
Lam. 2:10-18
1 Cor. 10:14-17, 11:27-32
Mark 14:12-25

Maundy Thursday

And during supper Jesus 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 wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.

Dusty roads and open-toed shoes generally make for dirty feet, no matter how clean the rest of you might be. I imagine after a long day of being mobile in Jerusalem, Jesus and the disciples had feet that needed attention. Now it was customary at this time that either a basin of water be provided near the door for washing, or else the lowliest of the servants of the household would be assigned the task to wash feet. The Gospel does not mention why neither of these actions took place. What the Gospel does tell us is that it is Jesus who decides he will take on this menial task. As rabbi, this is not his assumed job, but he does it nevertheless.

I would imagine that Jesus’ disciples were amazed and probably confused, but Peter is the only one to question. Peter, being impetuous, wants his whole body washed. If just the feet were good, the whole body would be even better. Only after Jesus has washed all of the disciples’ feet, including Judas, does Jesus explain his actions.

Do you know what I have done for 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.

In my reading of this passage, Jesus is telling us that we are all equal, even the one who is about to be the betrayer. In addition, if Jesus is the incarnate Word of God, then this very simple action of washing feet shows us a very humble God. Actually, I do not believe we are called to wash others feet on a regular basis. However, we are called to serve others, no matter their station in life. Remember, Jesus washed Judas’ feet, as well. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

If you have never participated in a Maundy Thursday service with the foot washing, at least go watch. This yearly action is our gentle reminder of how we, as Christians, should behave all year long. This is an incredibly moving service. Choosing to have your feet washed and to wash someone else’s feet is intimate and personal. Jesus was a servant to all, and he calls us to be one too.

Go and take up the basin of Christ, serving
God and your neighbor in all that you do.
And may the peace of Christ the servant
Be with you now and evermore. Amen

David N. Mosser
Prayers for Lent and Holy Week

Susan Jones

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=28 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:12:10 GMT Saturday, March 31 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=27

Psalm 85:1-7
Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-53

Hear the song of the psalmist to the God of salvation, full of faith and hope; a psalm repeated through the ages and surely known by the Jews in Bethany and Judea. The writer sings “Will you not revive us again, so that your people will rejoice in you?”

The prophet Ezekiel tells the story of the dry bones brought back to life as it was given to him after “the hand of the Lord” came upon him. He repeats the promise that the Lord God had spoken to him in our reading today; ‘I will .. gather them from every quarter”, “I will make them one nation”, “never again shall they be divided”, “I will save them …”, “Then they shall be my people and I shall be their God.” The prophet continues with the revelation he had received;”I will make a covenant of peace with them”, ”I will bless them”. A powerful prophecy indeed; a mighty predicition of the renewal to come.

And then comes Jesus, the one of whom Nathanael asked “Can anything good come from Nazarath?” How can this possibly be the long awaited Saviour? Jesus had just raised his friend Lazarus from the dead in an unquestionable way. Jesus had revived Lazarus, given him new life, saved him, knowing that this would be the miracle that drove the Pharisees over the edge; that convinced them Jesus must die. Mary and some others had been with Jesus since the first miracle at the wedding at Cana, they had seen and heard the Son of God as he walked among them. They had seen it all, “but some of the went to the Pharisees..” the reading continues.

What does it take to make you a believer? In hindsight it’s not too hard to see how these readings fit together but standing there in Bethany that day would you have believed that you were really looking at the very Son of God, the Redeemer, the Prince of Peace? Thankfully we have scripture to guide us. We have the blessing of the Holy Spirit among and within us. Has this season of Lent brought you closer to Christ? Do you feel and hear his call to you to follow Him? What does that mean to you? As a “believer” what are you called to do?

Lee Davis

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=27 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:55:42 GMT Friday, March 30 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=26

Psalm 141, 143:1-11(12)
Exod. 9:13-35
2 Cor. 4:1-12
Mark 10:32-45

. . . Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:42-45)

This passage redefines the pathway to being of “great” and “first.” It is vastly different in the Kingdom of God than in political kingdoms. And there is a huge difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. Choosing to serve leave us still in charge to decide whom we will serve and when we will serve. We may also worry about who might take charge over us. There is great freedom in choosing to be a servant because when we are not in charge we are not as likely to be manipulated. We surrender the right to decide when we will serve. We become both available and vulnerable. A basic principle of authentic servanthood is unannounced service with no thought of recognition or return.

In addition to a personal commitment to being a servant, there are some aspects that we can encourage in our children:

empathy and compassion - inherent concern for others;
godly work ethic - people who comprehend the purpose of work and find satisfaction in a job well done are most likely to behave in ways that will improve the world;
volunteering, serving and giving - in God's economy, our time and money are not our own - we are stewards of his earthly kingdom;
discernment in servanthood - Compassion must be tempered by wisdom. Even if your motives are pure, other people's may not be. Look for ways you can protect yourself while giving your time and money as wisely as possible.

We serve for two reasons: 1) to be like Jesus and 2) to demonstrate service to others so they will understand the practicality of servanthood and will pass it on.

Servanthood is a path towards the Kingdom of God.

Penny Moulis ]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=26 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:27:50 GMT Wednesday, March 28 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=25 Canticle 2 or 13
Daniel 3:14-20,24-28
John 8:31-42
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ (John 8:31-32)

Truth will come up again during Holy Week as Pilate asks Jesus, “what is truth?” This, in response to Jesus when he said, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18: 37-38)

What is truth? The question and the resulting arguments (check out John 8:31-42) resound loudly in today’s shouting matches between countries, religions, states, political parties, candidates, and commentators. In fact, if you dare watch any television, the question usually results in a discussion that shifts into an argument that morphs into a one-sided rant. Listening to someone else’s interpretation of the truth typically results in not listening at all, instead triggering a march through a memorized set of talking points. Respectful listening and civil discourse are in short supply these days.

As the conversation continues in John 8: 39-42:

They answered him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.’ They said to him, ‘We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.’

The Jews with whom Jesus was speaking are just like us. They simply didn’t want to hear it. Nor do we, for the most part. We have a carefully rehearsed script and we are sticking to it, regardless of the fact that the Truth may be staring us in the face. Perhaps we need to sit back and listen for a change. Right here. Right now. For starters, we can make eye contact, turn off our cell phones and iPods, and listen to what the person next to us at ESC is saying. Let us pay attention to the Christ in one another. We just might catch a glimpse of the truth in the eye of our brother or sister in Christ.

Imagine, for a moment, that Eastern Shore Chapel can become a catalyst for Truth in our community. We have a simple, yet profound, reminder right in our Baptismal Covenant.

Celebrant    Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People         I will, with God's help.
Celebrant    Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People         I will, with God's help.
Celebrant    Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity
                  of every human being?
People        I will, with God's help.

Jim Deppe

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=25 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:33:45 GMT Tuesday, March 27 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=24 Psalm 102:15-22
Numbers 21:4-9
John 8:21-30
And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him. (John 8: 29)

In today's reading we hear and can witness of the magnificent and pure obedience of Jesus as Son. He is moving into a more direct rebuke of the the Pharisees as they direct remarks as a deeply cutting insult to Jesus. He calls them to believe the I am. The "He" is rightly in italics and added by the translators. The title "I am" is a claim to deity, and if the Pharisees will be saved from dying in their sins, they must believe in Jesus and in who He really is - God the Son.

Jesus plainly foretells them that they will "lift up the Son of Man"...lift him up high on the cross. Jesus acknowledges his pending crucifixion as the pathway for the unbelievers to find the great I AM. He knows firmly now that his death and resurrection are the Will of the one who sent Him. He knows the people who are standing in front of him, insulting him, his enemies, are the very souls that his death will provide salvation for. His obedience to the Father is perfectly manifested.

As we prepare for Holy week the invitation is for each of is to show our pure obedience to the Father in the face of our adversaries. Your individual adversary may not have the form of a Pharisee, but it may be far more personal for you. It may be a form of dependence, of addiction, of self judgement or another emotional demon. The great I Am calls each of is to know that he has not left you alone. Your Abba invites you stand in your Truth, to call upon Him and to lean into His great strength and do what is pleasing to Him.

Amen and peace...
Adrien Jacob

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=24 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:10:23 GMT Friday, March 23 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=23 Wisdom 2:1a,12-24
Psalm 34:15-22
John 7:1-2,10,25-30
…his hour had not yet come. (John 7:30)

Time! It is our constant guide through the cycle of our day. Sometimes it feels like time controls our lives - appointments, schedules, calendars. All revolve around time. Throw in a seasonal time change like the start of daylight savings time and you have several days of adjustments – at least I do. (I hate springing forward, but I do like that extra hour when we fall back.)

The Greeks understood that time was too complex to be contained in only one word, so they had two words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos is the kind of time that we are most familiar with. It is “clock based” time and quantitative. The word chronological derives from it. The Greeks also recognized Kairos time meaning “the right moment.” It is qualitative and not measurable. Often Kairos is described as God’s time. (It is so appropriate that the prison ministry program is called Kairos as it brings God’s time to those serving time.)

In our gospel reading Jesus is in Galilee because the Jewish authorities in Judea are looking for a chance to kill him. Several verses of the gospel are omitted from today’s reading of John. In one of those verses Jesus’ brothers like true siblings are urging him to go to Judea so his disciples, who have apparently abandoned him, can get a good look at the work he does. (John informs the reader that his brothers didn’t believe in him either.) Jesus responds to his brothers saying, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here.” (John 7:6) Jesus lives in Kairos – God’s time. His brothers live in Chronos… the time of this world.

Jesus does make the trip to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. But he goes at “the right moment”. He arrives after his family. The town is crowded. As Jesus wanders through Jerusalem he is recognized by many as someone wanted by the authorities. As he teaches in the temple the people are impressed. They recognize that he is speaking openly and the authorities are saying nothing to him. They began to infer from the inactivity of the opposing Jewish leaders a tacit acknowledgment of Jesus’ claims. The leaders look for a way to arrest him but they are unable to touch him because it is not the right time.

But the right time will come…

Mary Lou Crifasi

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=23 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:23:46 GMT Wednesday, March 21 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=22 Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-19
John 5:19-29
When I think of 40 and all the things that it is attached to in the Bible, it really makes me stop and appreciate what the 40 days of Lent are all about. There is Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, Moses in the wilderness for 40 days, Noah preparing for his adventure with 40 days of wild weather. For me the 40 days leads me back to the wilderness. For the past few years I have been giving up watching television. It is just a small step, but it does take me a step closer to the wilderness and away from the dominant culture of the world. That is something that we all need from time to time to take us away from the dominant culture of the world. I think that was one of the reasons Jesus was crucified, he was battling the dominant culture of Pax Romana, peace through domination. The prophets of Israel all looked back to the time of the Exodus, when the Jewish people were falling prey to the dominant culture of the times. God was not pleased with the dominant culture of the world, he hoped that Noah could reboot and start all over, leading us from the dominant culture of the world. Lent is the time of the year when we have the chance to step away from the dominant culture and take a stroll through the wilderness.

Carter Sinclair

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=22 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:36:33 GMT Saturday, March 17 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=21 Psalm 51:15-20
Hosea 6:1-6
Luke 18:9-14
Today's lessons have two messages for us.

The words from Psalm 51 are very familiar to us from the Invitatory in Morning Prayer (pg. 80);

"Lord, open our lips.
"And our mouth shall proclaim your praise."

Praise is a good thing. It's a way of expressing gratitude; and gratitude is the real deal for God. It's an old saying but no less true, when you are feeling bummed out and getting ready to do some self-pity, take on an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful. There are folks who have it lots worse. Interrupt the "shoulda-coulda-woulda" and count your blessings, one by one.

Hosea and the Gospel lesson remind of us of Isaiah's famous rebuke that our offerings, without love, are filthy rags to God. When we think we are "pillars of the church," God has no interest in our pride and noisy religiousity. God wants our love; first for Him, then for each other. Micah says it best; "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly before your God."

Dave Wynne

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=21 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:57:52 GMT Friday, March 16 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=20 Psalm 81:8-14
Hosea 14:1-9
Mark 12:28-34

Prior to our lectionary for today, God gave the House of Israel, through Moses, their set of rules: the Ten Commandments. The first four statements deal with how God is to be treated and respected. The last six deal with how they are to live in community.

In today’s psalm, the House of Israel is a frustration to God and the psalmist. The Israelites are not able to follow those first four commandments honoring Yahweh. God promises to deal with their problems if they will just be faithful. In the reading in Hosea, nothing has gotten any better. The Children of Israel are still making choices outside of those Ten Commandments. If only they would honor those expectations, all should be well. I can only imagine how those of us who have been rule-makers, in whatever capacity, can relate to God’s frustration at others not following the rules. Now, we come to the reading in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus is being pelted with questions from the scribes about what should be believed and how they should conduct their behavior. My image of Jesus in this passage as the Rabbi, teacher, is that he knows that he needs to ‘monitor and adjust’ (teacher talk) to condense and summarize the Ten Commandments. Somehow, ten rules are just too many for the people of Israel to keep straight. He takes those ten and sums them up in two.

Jesus takes the first four of the Ten Commandments and says, “The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength.” Then Jesus takes the next six, five of which are written in the negative, combines them and rephrases them into a positive statement. “The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” As a follower of Jesus, I no longer have to worry about what I should not be doing, but that was somewhat easy. I was not killing, stealing, slandering, etc. However, now, I need to love my neighbor as myself. I find that to be a much more challenging commandment. Our planet is no longer the large dominion it used to be. In a very global sense, there is no one who is not my neighbor, either nearby or far away. What I hear when I read the passage from Mark is Jesus asking me to reflect on all the choices and attitudes I summon up everyday. Who is my neighbor, and how do I treat them? Yes, it is easy to think about the people I know or deal with on a daily basis. Did I treat them the way I would want to be treated? However, what about all those others that I do not know, but to whom my actions cause a consequence? How mindful am I of the amount of energy I am using, or the amount of resources needed for my food sources when other neighbors on this global planet have so little. These are only two examples.

As we edge closer and closer towards Holy Week and Easter, I ask us to consider prayerfully, who is my neighbor?

Susan Jones
]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=20 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:27:33 GMT Thursday, March 15 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=19

Psalm 95:6-11
Jere. 7:25-28
Luke 11:14-23

Herbert Howells (1892-1983) was an English composer, organist, and teacher; most famous for his large output of Anglican Church music. At the age of 23 he was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and was given six months to live. His poor health prevented him from being called to the Front in World War I. He was subsequently cured by the previously untried treatment of radium injections in the neck, administered twice a week over a period of two years. He continued to produce numerous orchestral, chamber and choral works over a long period of his life and career. He joined the staff of the Royal College of Music in 1920 and remained in that post until 1979. During this period, in September 1935, his beloved nine-year-old son Michael contracted polio during a family holiday, dying in London three days later. Howells was deeply affected and continued to commemorate the event until the end of his life in numerous works. One of these works “Like as the Hart” is based on the soothing text of Psalm 42.

“Like as the Hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth my soul after thee, O God.” And ending with the affirmative statement of faith: “Put your trust in God: for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.”

Herbert Howells led a troubled life in so many ways and found sustenance in the Psalms. So may we.

Bill Hunter

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=19 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:03:09 GMT Wednesday, March 14 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=18 Psalm 78:1-6
Deut. 4:1-2,5-9
Matt. 5:17-19
He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children… (Psalm 78: 5-6)

As we approach the midpoint of this Lenten season, it might be a good time to take stock of how we are doing in our Lenten disciplines and assess whether or not we are sticking to whatever behaviors we intended for this period of reflection and preparation.

For most of my naval career, there was no such thing as a reliable GPS. In fact, the satellite constellation wasn’t even in orbit. No, we made our transits of the great oceans using celestial navigation to keep us on track. Morning stars, morning sun lines, local apparent noon, afternoon sun lines, and evening stars were our daily routine. With practice, discipline and attention to detail, we were able to navigate using only the navigation aids provided by the Creator. There were periods of time, however, when clouds, fog or heavy seas prevented us from taking a celestial fix and we fell back on the practice of dead reckoning, factoring in winds, currents, and the ship’s course and speed to make an educated guess. As with celestial navigation, we attended to this guesswork on a reliable schedule of calculating our “estimated positions” at least five times a day.

So, where am I going with this? It occurred to me when I was pondering the assigned readings and thinking about my particular experience this Lent, that there is a clear analogy between navigation in the open ocean and adhering to the prayer and discipline of a Lent well observed. The art of navigation and the practice of Christian discipline in many of our denominations and religious orders include a predictable daily routine to maintain focus and stay on track. When faced with events that pull our attention away or obscure our vision, we know that by observing the routine and by sticking with the routine’s exacting disciplines, we will eventually find our way back to our originally intended course. In our Christian life, this might be a quiet, spiritual center where we are attuned to sensing the presence of God.

Master navigators and our cloistered brothers and sisters learn their discipline through rigorous training and lengthy apprenticeships. The rest of us, however, probably learned our prayer discipline through the blessing of parents who passed their faith forward or clergy, Sunday school teachers, or mentors who spent time with us, modeling their prayer lives, gently nurturing our spiritual growth and illuminating the path ahead.

Lord, we give thanks this day for those who go before us and respond to your call, “neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) Circle us with your encompassing embrace and remind us that even in times of uncertainty, complacency, or despair, we can find our way back to the illuminated path through the disciplines of prayer and practice that our mothers, fathers and friends have taught us. Amen

Jim Deppe
]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=18 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:43:40 GMT Tuesday, March 13 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=17

Psalm 25:3-10
Song of the Three Young Men 2-4, 11-20a
Matt. 18:21-35

The readings for today all focus on forgiveness. In the Prayer of Azariah, the writer begs God to “deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy.” Psalm 25 plaintively cries out, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions.” And the parable in Matthew reminds us that God forgives our sins and expects us, in turn, to forgive one another from our hearts.

This is a powerful message: We are forgiven, and we must forgive.

While forgiving others can be difficult, what I find harder is forgiving myself. Caught up in the “what ifs” or the “if onlys,” I spin my wheels, going nowhere, stuck in the past. Jesus calls us to “love our neighbors as ourselves,” yet if I can’t love myself because of my sins, then how can I love my neighbor or forgive anyone else? So my Lenten resolve is to let go, to let go of my transgressions, my failings, my follies, those things which I use to separate me from God. As St. Paul writes, “nothing separates us from the love of God” but I would add “except our own actions.”

Susan Buchanan

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=17 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:49:59 GMT Monday, March 12 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=16 Psalm 42:1-7
2 Kings 5:1-15b
Luke 4:23-30

So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (2 Kings 5:14)

Namaan was a commander of the army of the king of Syria. A great and honorable man. Here the prophet Elisha offers him a simple instruction to provide him healing for his horrible and incurable disease. The commander has traveled a long journey to find healing and has prepared himself to endure greatly in order to cure his leprosy. He had brought a King's ransom with him in order to pay for the treatments. He is ready to wage war against this disease and is surely ready for whatever he is asked to endure.

The only thing he was not prepared to be tested was his faith. True healing and grace is not something that is bought with piles of gold and silver. The entire wealth of the King would be meaningless as a path to receive this healing. His healing would only come from him humbling himself and allowing himself to receive God's divine healing. Naaman finally relented and did exactly what Elisha told him to do. Therefore we can say that each dunk in the Jordan was a step of faith, trusting in the word of God through His prophet. Naaman ‘plunged’ in the River Jordan. This signified total obedience to the divine word.

Naaman was attacked by Pride; he demanded that Elisha come out and see him, and he questioned why he should wash in the Jordan when he had better rivers back in his homeland. Naaman overcame this enemy and did what God told him to do. His response of faith was generously rewarded. God answered his faith with complete and miraculous healing.

We are all invited to respond in faith to God's call to us. Faith in and of itself is an action that requires immense inner strength and deliberate intention. Step out bodly in faith today and receive the blessings that our Divine Abba is ready to shower upon you!

Adrien Jacob

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=16 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:17:47 GMT Saturday, March 10 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=15 Psalm 103:1-4(5-8)9-12

Micah 7:14-15,18-20
Luke 15:11-32

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
and passing over the transgression
of the remnant of your possession?
Micah 7:18

This might sound controversial but there are times when we all turn away from God. Times when the last thing we want to do go to church or pray. We’re angry; we’re depressed; we feel as if God is just not answering us and that silence can be deafening. We can feel as if we are not enough for God, not good enough, not perfect enough.

The three readings for today remind us that even when we are lost, God is waiting for us and will rejoice when we return. In the Gospel of Luke, when the prodigal son returns, the brother who stayed with his father asks why his father celebrated his brother’s return. The father responds, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found” (Luke 15:31-32). Both readings from Micah and Psalms reiterate this; God is just waiting for us to return. It is not about us not being good enough; God loves us no matter what. “He does not retain his anger forever. Because he delights in showing clemency. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot” Micah (7:18-19).

I think that this time of Lent is a wonderful time to reflect on reunion with God. Christ’s sacrifice was to redeem us so that this reunion with God would be possible. Easter is fast approaching and we are the ones who need to take that first step. God loves you and is just waiting.

- Alex Gaver
]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=15 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:43:06 GMT Friday, March 9 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=14
Psalm 105:16-22
Gen. 37:3-4,12-28
Matt. 21:33-43

“And Then They Sat Down To Eat”

Some Bible stories should be R-rated. The Old Testament follows a legacy of revenge, violence, and betrayal: these are shocking tales, not for the faint of heart. Blind hatred, grisly murder, lust for power; all seven of the deadly sins-- there’s something in scripture to cover every human failing.

Today’s verses (Gen. 37:3-4, 12-28) introduce us to the twelve sons of Jacob. This is not a happy family. The eleven older brothers are overcome with resentment of the youngest, Joseph, their father’s favorite.

“They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him.” (Gen. 37:18)

Out in the desert, the brothers tear off Joseph’s fancy clothes and dump him in a pit.

“The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat.” (Gen. 37:24-25)

Then they sit down to eat. That little sentence is a shocker, isn’t it? Such an ordinary thing, lunch. Part of the daily routine. As if nothing unusual has happened. These guys have no clue how to live like monsters! Over the meal, they talk about what to do with their little brother. Should they kill him? What profit would that bring? Should they sell him? Agreed. And so they sell Joseph to passing nomads, who take him, a slave, to Egypt.

The price? Twenty pieces of silver. Let me see. Twenty divided by eleven… then subtract your soul… What a bunch of losers, these sons of Jacob! Far from being evil masterminds, they are just plain human. With faults and failings and a big streak of stupid.

Like us.

And there’s this: God chose them, these bumbling brothers. The rest of the Genesis story unfolds a process of contrition, confession, atonement, and forgiveness. It is a salvation story. The brothers were part of the cycle of human redemption.

--Lynn Hunter

Drawings courtesy of:
The Project Gutenberg EBook of Joseph the Dreamer, by Amy Steedman
]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=14 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:59:52 GMT Thursday, March 8 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=13 Psalm 1
Jere. 17:5-10
Luke 16:19-31

Jeremiah lived during the end of Judah as an independent entity, during the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and during the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah knew really tough times. He was in the midst of the collapse of his society and culture and he wrote about it in real time. He knew first-hand what he was talking about. He came to the conclusion that the failure of Judah society was because they had turned from God.

Jeremiah in today’s reading sets up two conflicting ways to live. A personal choice has to be made. Do you chose to live like a stump in the desert, surviving in the parched places in uninhabitable salt land or do you choose to live like a mighty tree near a nurturing stream, healthy, bearing fruit and spreading your roots into a world full of good soil. The catalyst for this selection is a simple decision—Whom or what do you put your trust in? The answer to Jeremiah is clear…you must put your trust in God.

I believe many of the events that affect our lives outwardly are random (disease or accidents for example). But absent mental illness, you can control your inner soul by trusting in the love of God. Trust in a loving God, as Jeremiah directs, will free your inner spirit and mindset. The strengthening powers to you that come from trusting a God who will always love you provides the happiness, confidence and liberation to go forward into the World to do God’s good work. You become a strong fruitful tree watered by your trust in God. Being fruitful you begin by your influence to create other strong fruitful trees and they begin to create others. Soon society is no longer a place of shrubs and deserts but a beautiful thriving forest of trees. This Kingdom begins with you planting one simple yet important seed-Trust in God.

Scott Darnell

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=13 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:41:13 GMT Wednesday, March 7 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=12 Psalm 31:9-16
Jere. 18:1-11,18-20
Matt. 20:17-28
When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

Today’s readings are full of the human condition. Jeremiah is taken to a potter’s house and reminded that God is the potter and we are but clay in the potter’s hands. We have little control over the events and circumstances of our lives. The psalmist is full of distress, of misery who is wasting away“ because of grief, who hears whispers of terror all around. Matthew’s gospel reading for the day deals with the disciples response of hubris, jealousy and bickering in the face of Jesus telling them that he is going to be mocked, flogged and crucified. The mother of James and John, those sons of Zebedee who have been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry, even asks if they can sit at his right hand and his left in his kingdom. And the other ten are outraged at this request, probably upset they did not think of it first!

We can be comforted when Paul writes to the feuding and proud Corinthians, “we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” (2 Corinthians 4: 7) I remember a story that ends with reminding us that the cracks in our clay jars let the light in. Our imperfections are the starting place God’s power in our weakness. There is no way we can follow Jesus’ teaching to be more interested and capable of serving one another than being served without the healing power of God. Let us say with the psalmist:

But I trust in you O God.
My times are in your hands O Lord.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

Rev. Sue Crommelin

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:14:35 GMT Tuesday, March 6 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=11 Psalm 50:7-15,22-24
Isaiah 1:2-4,16-20
Matt. 23:1-12

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23: 11b – 12)
In the Gospel passage Jesus teaches his disciples how to serve. He tells them to follow what the scribes and Pharisees teach about the Law of Moses, which these men know well, but not to model such prideful behavior. He reminds the disciples that they are called not to receive public honors but to serve our Lord--humbly, as equals.

Growing up, I was not inclined to think this passage applied to me. I knew these New Testament scribes and Pharisees were a bad lot--hypocrites--and, living in a small town, I could look around and find contemporary examples of those who did not practice what they preached, many of them church leaders. It fit into the teenage psyche to make such observations and smugly to assure myself I was safe from this particular sin. Growing up taught me otherwise. Truly, it was not an issue of where one stood to pray or how one dressed, nor even practicing what one preached.

I see that the core of this passage is remembering whom one serves. Certainly here one is called to be humble, one is called to be honest--but one is primarily called to keep all things subject to one’s relationship with God. A false humility of never speaking up because one does not want to appear forward may be as hypocritical as wearing fancy hems like the Pharisees. With Christ as master, we best serve one other as we allow God’s truth to be revealed in our lives. The Christians who have affected my life the most deeply were like that, humble people who quietly but firmly lived that truth, proud only of their relationship with God.

JoAnn Hunter

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=11 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:32:24 GMT Monday, March 5 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=10 Psalm 79:1-9
Daniel 9:3-10
Luke 6:27-38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:27-38)

Before Lent I was talking with a friend about what our Lenten disciplines would be. He told me he would NOT judge people for forty days! It was an area of his life that he felt really needed to be addressed, and he looked forward to the opportunity to change his behavior. I wonder how he is doing with that pledge now that we are ten days into the season.

My guess is he has stumbled on the journey. (Sound familiar?) Not because he isn’t a strong faith-filled Christian but because he is a human, with human weaknesses. I would also bet that he hasn’t given up; he recognizes his setbacks, but because of his deep faith he keeps trying. (Now, does that sound familiar?)
In the Gospel for today Jesus tells us not to judge or we will be judged. I feel that we will be judged indeed by a loving God that knows our hearts, our strengths, and our weaknesses. Jesus says that if we will forgive those who have sinned against us, we will be forgiven. I believe we will be forgiven by that same loving God.
If we do that, if we don’t judge or condemn, if we forgive in good measure, if we give to others the very gifts that have been given to us by that loving God, He will give them all back to us in good measure.

Did you ever pour flour into a measuring cup? Pour it full. Now, just giggle it a bit and you can pour more in, repeat and pour, repeat and pour. Think that’s a good measure? Pat the flour down; shake some more; then pour in some more flour. Repeat. Now that’s a good measure. I believe that’s what our loving God will give back to us.

We try; we fail. Please don’t judge or condemn; please give and forgive.

-- Lee Davis

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=10 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:49:05 GMT Saturday, March 3 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=9 Links to today's readings:

Deut. 26:16-19;
Psalm 119:1-8
Matt. 5:43-48

We think life can be frustrating; imagine how God feels. In Deuteronomy, the writer exhorts us again and again to follow God's commandments and His covenant; the deal he made with them (and us) at Sinai. But, just like the children at Sinai, the faithful are constantly wandering. In the lesson today, he urges them to observe His statutes diligently, with all their heart. In other words, stop giving lip service and let the God's righteous ways penetrate your hearts; that is, your being, your behavior.

Across millennia God's exasperation continues with only occasional relief. Humanity just doesn't, won't, get it. Finally, in Jeremiah (31:33) we read the familiar, "I will write it on their hearts." How important is Love in God's plan? It's so important that, to use a modern image, he wants to write it on our foreheads.

In the Gospel lesson for today; Jesus puts the rubber on the road. Love the people you don't like; the ones who aren't particularly nice to you. Everybody loves people who love them, but we are called to a higher standard. Be glad these annoying people are in your life. They are an opportunity and they remind you of the power of Christ that dwells in your heart.

Dave Wynne
]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=9 Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:38:07 GMT Friday, March 2 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=8 Links to today's readings:

Ezek. 18:21-28
Psalm 130
Matt. 5:20-26

Back, once upon a time, a man named Jurgen Moltmann wrote a book entitled, “The Theology of Hope.” I am not so sure that I remember much about it, but I took one thought away from it that stands at the bedrock of my faith. He said that hope creates in the believer a “passion for the possible.”

In Mark, Jesus encounters a man whose son is possessed by an evil spirit. Jesus asks him if he believes. The man answers like many of us would; “I believe; help my unbelief.” Moltmann might say that an antidote to one’s feeling of inadequate faith is hope. When we mix our fragile faith with our eternal hope, something amazing happens. Both are strengthened and made more authentic.

Eastern Shore Chapel is in a time of hope. In this transitional season, we hope for a spiritual leader who will enrich us on our journeys. But, that is undergirded with a faith that God has already set apart a particular person and our hope will be fulfilled. In Lent, our faith clings to hope, trusting that the in-breaking future of Easter awaits us.

-- Rev. Jim Sell

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=8 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:44:25 GMT Thursday, March 1 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=7 Links to today's readings:

Esther 14:1-6,12-14
Psalm 138
Matt. 7:7-12

Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. (Matthew 7:7)

My father recently passed away at the age of 99. He was a man of few words and was never one to tell us what we should or shouldn’t do. He simply accepted us as we were and even though there were nine children, he never showed favorites. The only time I recall him giving me advice was to say as he pointed to the bible is, “Christina, all the answers you are searching for are here.”

Now, years later I have to say he was right. If we open our hearts and minds to the wisdom contained within the bible, it can be our North Star. The words contained within can steer us in the right direction. Ponder the words and ask what they mean to you. When I use the wisdom contained as my guiding light I find unexpected answers and surprises. Looking through the lens of love, I notice the abundance of blessings.

In Joan Chittister’s book Called to Question, she quotes an old monastic, “We fall and we get up, we fall and we get up, we fall and we get up again.” And so must we, continue to search, question and knock and not fall into despair. Set your compass, and hold a steady course.

-- Christina Wyman

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=7 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:18:52 GMT Tuesday, February 28 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=6 Links to today's readings:

Isaiah 55:6-11
Psalm 34:15-22
Matt. 6:7-15

Jesus said ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.*
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,*
but rescue us from the evil one.*
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’
(Matt. 6:7-15)

In this reading from Matthew, Jesus gives his followers words of instruction concerning prayer. He first tells us two things not to do: do not be a hypocrite, and do not recite memorized words that are devoid of personal thought and meaning. Then he gives us a model prayer to encourage our simple, sincere connection with God. He invites us to speak directly to his own Father in heaven, the Creator and Sustainer of all that there is. We are to pray authentically, in genuine relationship with our Maker. Jesus says that God knows what we need. Although we don’t have to convey our needs, it is essential to pray to keep open the sacred channel of connection – praise, thanks, and the dialogue of question and response. My prayers often vary from any form you might expect, and I aim to have them be honest and whole-hearted.

The Lord’s Prayer asks that we be forgiven – debts, trespasses, sins – as God has forgiven us. The processes of repentance, forgiveness, and transformation are central to our Lenten walk. And for God’s forgiveness we are to be thankful!

The most simple prayer advice I have ever heard is also from across the centuries. Meister Eckhart, a medieval theologian, philosopher, and mystic, wrote:

“If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.”

There is certainly added benefit to naming your blessings, to acknowledge them and honor the Source. You may find, as I have, that things that don’t seem like blessings at the time may become, over time, things for which you can be thankful. I aim to make a habit of being thankful. Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. The unintended consequence of this simple discipline will make you a more thoughtful person in every area of your life. And if you keep working at it you will eventually become a grateful person and grateful people are the happiest and most productive."

I would also like to share a poem from my favorite poet, Mary Oliver:

Praying
It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

--Penny Moulis

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=6 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:37:15 GMT Monday, February 27 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=5 Links to today's readings:

Lev. 19:1-2,11-18
Psalm 19:7-14
Matt. 25:31-46

The Scriptures for today reference God’s Law – the Truth, His Word.

In Leviticus, the Lord directs Moses to spread the Word of God’s commandments to be holy. We are all aware that God is “in the details.” In Leviticus, we have proof of that. We hear “the details” of what it means to be holy – to be holy like God, from God’s actual voice…”for I the Lord your God am holy.”

The spiritual principles referred to in the text begin with Honesty – plain and simple. We are warned against stealing, lying, profaning, defrauding, malice, injustice, slander, hatred and vengeance – in a nutshell: we are called to Honesty in all of our outward dealings.

The nature of an honest life for each one of us first involves deep reflection of WHO WE REALLY ARE. I can tell you that I am a woman, a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a business professional, a church member, a biker, a yoga enthusiast, a gardener, a writer… all outward experiences of self. During Lent, we are called to go inward – to reflect on where we came from and who we are now, the types of perspectives we have inherited from our childhood, the experiences that have molded us throughout our adult life, the actions we have chosen along the way. We reflect on these perspectives and experiences and actions. We see the impact of our choices on our relationships.

The Psalm for today holds that “the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.” During this reflective time of Lent, we willingly OPEN our eyes to see the truth of who we are (the dark and the light), and to see who God wants us to be.

Is there a wall around my heart? Do I tend to keep people at a comfortable distance?
What are my motives as I move about in the world? As I go about my busy day, how often am I thinking of my own needs over those of others?
Have I consciously chosen the pace of my life to be slow enough to “smell the roses” and find God in those details? Have I carved out time for service for others?
Where are my priorities on any given day? Have I incorporated prayer and meditation into my daily life? Am I seeing Jesus in everyone I encounter?

Matthew’s gospel for the day includes God’s holy and powerful words: “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” The honest, thorough reflection that we undertake during Lent cleanses our souls and unites us with the Lord. We take this time to prepare ourselves (in a deeply spiritual way) to be of service to others. We prepare ourselves to change and grow closer to the Lord.

Deb Wacker

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=5 Sun, 26 Feb 2012 12:49:12 GMT Saturday, February 25 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=4 Links to today's readings:

Isaiah 58:9b-14
Psalm 86:1-11
Luke 5:27-32

If you watch your step on the Sabbath

and don't use my holy day for personal advantage,
If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy,
God's holy day as a celebration,
If you honor it by refusing 'business as usual,'
making money, running here and there—
Then you'll be free to enjoy God!
(Isaiah 58:13-14 – The Message)

In the Ten Commandments we are instructed to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. In today’s reading the prophet Isaiah explains exactly why Sabbath is so important. Yet in the 21st century in the United States very few of us observe Sabbath time. In fact this commandment doesn’t even register for most of us. Our weekends are consumed with chores, errands and activities that we just don’t have time for during the week.

I am old enough to remember the Sunday Blue Laws. Laws that were created to enforce religious standards, particularly the observance of Sunday as a day of worship and rest. Most businesses were closed to restrict shopping. Now only a few businesses are closed on Sunday, some have reduced business hours but for the most part we can spend Sunday “running here and there” just like any other day of the week.

In Choruses from the Rock, T.S. Eliot writes:

The endless cycle of idea and action,
Endless invention, endless experiment,
Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;
Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;
Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.
All our knowledge brings us nearer to death,
But nearness to death no nearer to God.

Although our culture denies it, we have an inherent need for Sabbath… to draw nearer to God, to renew our souls and refresh our bodies. Lent seems like the perfect time for Sabbath – to get closer to God and seek re-creation for ourselves.

Yet try as I might I have little luck setting aside an entire day for Sabbath time. Recently I have begun a practice I call “Sabbath moments”. This can be as simple as pushing my chair away from my computer to do a breath prayer, taking a short walk or reading a favorite poem. If I can afford an hour or two I crank up my favorite tunes and get out my paintbrushes for some creative time with God. The most important part of my spiritual practice is that I am present … listening for God… feeling the joy that Isaiah talks about. It can be found in just a moment… a Sabbath moment.

-- Mary Lou Crifasi

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=4 Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:01:29 GMT Friday, February 24 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=3 Links to today's readings:

Isaiah 58:1-9a

Psalm 51:1-10
Matt. 9:10-17

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. (Isaiah 58:6-9a)

Is this not the fast I choose? You can’t get away from it; God wants us to take care of each other. More importantly, God wants us to take care of the people in greatest need: the homeless poor, the ones without food, the ones without clothing and shelter, and those who are bound by injustice and oppressed by forces beyond their power to control.

Theologians have a term for this; God’s preferential option for the poor. It’s not that God doesn’t love the rich and powerful, God loves everyone. It’s just that God has a special place in God’s heart for the poor, and not just the monetarily poor. By poor, we mean all those who are oppressed and bound, be it by poverty or injustice or prejudice or racism or anything. God comes down on the side of the poor because, so very often, the poor don’t have anyone else but God to take their side. And God wants us, the rich and powerful, to be on the side of the poor also. You see this theme all through the scriptures, not least of all in the teachings and actions of Jesus.

As agents of God in the Creation, we work to bring about God’s kingdom. As the Body of Christ in this world, we share Christ’s saving grace. And that means that, we too, must have a preferential option for the poor and practice the type of fast that God truly calls us to, a fast that loosens bonds and breaks yokes. As God loves and helps us, God expects us to love and help others. Is not this the fast that we should choose? I certainly hope so.

-- Rev. James Medley
]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=3 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:46:23 GMT Thursday, February 23 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=2 Links to today's readings:

Deut. 30:15-20
Psalm 1
Luke 9:18-25

Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers
(Psalm 1:1)

Psalm One addresses two types of people we encounter daily, the Scoffer and the Meditator. The Scoffers being those with the closed minds, the ones always right and ready to hurl sarcasm, condemnation, and derision at new ideas, thoughts and people. It is easy and comfortable to be a Scoffer. Many seem to take great joy in it. Just as during the time of the psalmist –we are a world full of Scoffers. It actually appears to be a prerequisite for being a politician today or a talk radio host.

Unfortunately, Scoffers have taken a prominent and visible seat at the modern Christian table. What they know about God and Jesus is perfect and infallible. They know exactly what God requires of us and what Jesus asks of us. This is a remarkable feat considering the great disciples---John, Peter and Paul--- could not totally agree on the message. The Scoffers believe they are inerrant and anyone who has an alternative view is considered less than a “real Christian”. They not only believe they are right but go the extra step of attacking, belittling and condemning brother Christians. This limits God. This limits the advance of Christianity. If the recent political Scoffer who referred to the widely accepted Christian theology that God calls humans to care for his physical creation a “phony theology” spoke out hundreds of years ago and was actually listened to, the theology of the great Saint Francis of Assisi would have been thrown out with the rubbish. God would have been lessened. But Psalm One is clear as to what is happening with these Scoffers. They are following the advice of the wicked and taking the path that sinners tread.

What the Lord wants us to do is clear---meditate on his law day and night. God is calling all of us to abandon our scoffing ways. God is calling us to meditate on the scriptures. God never wants us to be satisfied that we have all the answers. God is asking us to daily meditate on the WORD and contemplate how it fits into our modern world and our present lives. He is also demanding we meet a difficult challenge. He is challenging us also to meditate and contemplate on when and where we have misinterpreted the scriptures in the past and how as present day Christians we make sometimes ground shifting changes in our understanding. Changes that are proper and relevant to the current chapter of the ever evolving story of Gods relationship with his people. This is what the great theologians always have done. Their new ideas having to overcome the Scoffers of their day.
Psalm One is perfect for the start of the season of Lent. Christians are called during Lent to meditate on the scriptures, evaluate how they are doing and contemplate the true meaning of the resurrected Christ in their lives. Lent is a time of change and renewal that fits with the images of spring described in the Psalm brought on by mediating on God’s word. Lent is the time for all of us to for at least 40 days follow the instructions in Psalm One.

The psalmist from over 3000 years ago understood God’s requirement that we meditate on the WORD. We should all listen. The psalm was right then and is right now.

-- Scott Darnell

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=2 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:04:48 GMT Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012 [Lenten Reflections] http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=1 Links to today's readings:

Psalm 103
Joel 2:1-2,12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12
2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday and the amazing Mardi Gras are behind us now. Gone for a time are the “Alleluia’s;” the fine silver is put away. Now we begin a special season, a season for introspection, a quiet time to reflect on things of the past, to praise God for His presence and His presents, and to look forward to a strengthening of our faith as we journey toward Good Friday, Easter and the Risen Lord. For me it is a very personal and somber time.

Jesus suggests in the Gospel reading today that we are to live in an intimate, personal relationship with Him. He says that we should not let our right hand know what out left hand is doing when we give an offering to him. Who is your “right hand?” For me my “right hand” is my dear wife … I could not get along without her. Jesus is saying that my relationship with Him is to be so personal that I should not flaunt it – even to my wife!

In this reading Jesus says that our Father in heaven knows when we give alms or pray to him; he knows when we are fasting and he will reward us.

It’s not complicated - Don’t store up treasures on earth; they won’t last. Store up those rewards Jesus has promised you; they will last forever.

What is your treasure? Will it last forever?

-- Lee Davis

]]> Lenten Reflections http://easternshorechapel.org/content.cfm?page_content=blogs_include.cfm&blog_id=1 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:03:00 GMT