Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma, on this Monday Morning of Holy Week.
The drama of Holy Week has three acts, beginning on Palm Sunday with a mood of carnival. A parade, children singing Hosanna (which means Save Us Now), this first act is one of joy.
Act 2 - the Upper Room...the Last Supper...arrest, trial...crucifixion. An act overflowing with grief and sorrow.
Act 3 - Easter victory over sin and death. It was women who discovered the empty tomb. The men were crushed and doubted the word which the women brought. Slowly their eyes of faith were opened. Despair turned to a mood of triumph. Christ is risen!
We've all known such bittersweet times. Two moods given - causes for joy, reasons for sadness. The third offers a matter of choice. One can choose to accept or reject Christ's offer of new life, of resurrection now and beyond the grave.
It's your choice!
Richard
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
2010.03.22 Monday Morning!
Top of this Monday Morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.
We are told often that we are living in a period in which the Gospel is not relevant and the Church is ineffective. The result has been ceasing to expect anything and realizing our expectation.
There is plenty in the world to make us prophets of gloom and doom. However, Christians can tune into another message which shows signs of hope rather than despair.
One such message comes with an opportunity to give to an annual appeal called the One Great Hour of Sharing. Our Presbyterian Church joins with other Churches in receiving this offering.
You are invited to walk the "Road of Service" (the Jericho Road) and involve yourself in ministry to the physical needs of those crushed by disaster, persecution and war, those trapped in poverty, homelessness, suffering.
For Christians this offering is a moment of spiritual opportunity:
Jesus said: "Truly, as you gave to one of the least of brother and sisters, you did it to me."
"Feed my sheep" with your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing, which will be dedicated at Pilgrim Church on Palm Sunday, March 28.
The quality of mercy still is twice blessed!
Richard
We are told often that we are living in a period in which the Gospel is not relevant and the Church is ineffective. The result has been ceasing to expect anything and realizing our expectation.
There is plenty in the world to make us prophets of gloom and doom. However, Christians can tune into another message which shows signs of hope rather than despair.
One such message comes with an opportunity to give to an annual appeal called the One Great Hour of Sharing. Our Presbyterian Church joins with other Churches in receiving this offering.
You are invited to walk the "Road of Service" (the Jericho Road) and involve yourself in ministry to the physical needs of those crushed by disaster, persecution and war, those trapped in poverty, homelessness, suffering.
For Christians this offering is a moment of spiritual opportunity:
Jesus said: "Truly, as you gave to one of the least of brother and sisters, you did it to me."
"Feed my sheep" with your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing, which will be dedicated at Pilgrim Church on Palm Sunday, March 28.
The quality of mercy still is twice blessed!
Richard
Presbyterian 101 - the Meaning Behind the Seal
The following is an article by Elizabeth Mark. She has written a very informative article about the Presbyterian Church Seal in the form of our Cross. It has been a long time since I have looked at this specific cross and I did not realize all the symbolism contained within it. Perhaps everyone else does, but I thought I would share this article. I talked with Richard and he thought it would be alright to share, so here it is. Also if you have a chance, please click on the link provided to visit the Author's blog, A Spiritual Break and have a look at some of her other writings.
** This article has been reproduced with permission of the author, Elizabeth Mark. If you have any questions regarding the origins of Presbyterian 101, please contact me at briandishman@gmail.com
Presbyterian Seal
Presbyterian 101
Religious symbols are a part of human history.
Let’s take a closer look at the seal of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
This seal is a registered trademark designed by Malcolm Grear (Rhode Island School of Design) and a task force made up of various Presbyterians. It is comprised of several basic components; the seal being: cross, scripture, a descending dove at the upper part of the cross, and flames on either side of the lower part of the cross; and the name of the denomination encircling the symbol. The seal is a symbolic statement of the church’s heritage, identity, and mission.
Now for a closer look at the symbol.
The Cross: represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ, his passion, his resurrection. The Celtic cross was chosen as a model because of its association with Presbyterian history.
The Open Book: The two center lines of the cross are the representation of an open book. This highlights the emphasis which the Reformed tradition has placed on the role of Scripture as a means of knowing God’s word.
The Dove: The slightly-flared shape of the top of the cross depicts a descending dove thus a symbol of the Holy Spirit and is intimately tied to the representation of the Bible. The Spirit is both inspiring and interpreting Scripture in the life of the church. The dove also symbolizes Christ’s baptism by John and the peace which is resurrection brings to a broken world.
The Lectern or Pulpit: Beneath the image of the book is the suggestion of a lectern or pulpit, which captures the important role of preaching in the history of Presbyterian worship.
The Flames: Found in the lower part of the design, they also form an implied triangle with the dove. The flames have a double meaning. As a symbol of revelations in the Old Testament when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush; and as a symbol of the beginning of the Christian church when Christ manifested himself to his apostles at Pentecost & charged them to be messengers of the good news of God’s love.
The Triangle: A traditional symbol of the Trinity; also a symbol for Presbyterian government with its concern for balance and order.
Theological symbols: Let’s see if you can find these. The body of the dove becomes a fish, an early symbol for Christ. The center line under the book may look like a baptismal font or a communion chalice (cup).
So, the next time you see this symbol take a moment to think about the Presbyterian heritage and what this special image means to you.
Monday, March 15, 2010
2010.03.15 Monday Morning!
Lent can be an instructive time for all of us! When good intentions are forgotten, when ideals once cherished have deteriorated, when sacred responsibilities make us weary or cynical, Lenten devotions help us rediscover energies which form the inner life.
Take time to retreat into the quiet sanctuary of your soul. That special time will bring an expansion of joy and a buoyancy to your spirit.
There is an unfaltering power in prayer, meditation and daily fellowship with God.
Don't allow your soul to dry up!
Cheers! Thumbs up!
Richard
PS: Try writing in a small notebook Bible verses and passages which you remember from childhood and youth. You'll come up with many, but I'm almost willing to guarantee that Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd", will be on your list. Probably Paul's "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13, will be too. There are "beauty spots" in the Bible never to be forgotten.
Take time to retreat into the quiet sanctuary of your soul. That special time will bring an expansion of joy and a buoyancy to your spirit.
There is an unfaltering power in prayer, meditation and daily fellowship with God.
Don't allow your soul to dry up!
Cheers! Thumbs up!
Richard
PS: Try writing in a small notebook Bible verses and passages which you remember from childhood and youth. You'll come up with many, but I'm almost willing to guarantee that Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd", will be on your list. Probably Paul's "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13, will be too. There are "beauty spots" in the Bible never to be forgotten.
Monday, March 8, 2010
2010.03.08 Monday Morning!
Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.
Last week I wrote that there are four highroads a Christian must travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the Road of Spiritual Awakening. Travel on that road transforms life, thoughts, attitudes, action.
The second road is the Jerusalem Road, a road of commitment. Jesus traveled it to death on a cross. Things that matter most are what we put our life into and what kind of life we put in. That's the test of commitment.
The third highroad on which we travel is the Jericho Road. (Luke 10:25-37). This is the road of service. Travel on this road requires patience and active promotion of justice in our neighborhood and around the world.
The fourth highroad is the Emmaus Road. (Luke 24:13-35). We need to know about Christ as we read our New Testament. Then, we need to walk with him in daily communion. Prayer and meditation sustains our fellowship with Christ and influences the whole of our life by the gift of grace.
This is the road which the Apostle Paul describes as being "spiritually minded which is life and peace."
Peace,
Richard
Last week I wrote that there are four highroads a Christian must travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the Road of Spiritual Awakening. Travel on that road transforms life, thoughts, attitudes, action.
The second road is the Jerusalem Road, a road of commitment. Jesus traveled it to death on a cross. Things that matter most are what we put our life into and what kind of life we put in. That's the test of commitment.
The third highroad on which we travel is the Jericho Road. (Luke 10:25-37). This is the road of service. Travel on this road requires patience and active promotion of justice in our neighborhood and around the world.
The fourth highroad is the Emmaus Road. (Luke 24:13-35). We need to know about Christ as we read our New Testament. Then, we need to walk with him in daily communion. Prayer and meditation sustains our fellowship with Christ and influences the whole of our life by the gift of grace.
This is the road which the Apostle Paul describes as being "spiritually minded which is life and peace."
Peace,
Richard
Monday, March 1, 2010
2010.03.01 Monday Morning!
Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.
On our Christian journey there are four highroads to travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the road of awakening. On it the Apostle Paul experienced a decisive spiritual transformation. As his life was steered in a new direction on that road, so must our life be.
On the Road to Damascus Paul's whole life - his thoughts, attitudes, actions - was changed forever. We need travel the Road of Awakening, keeping in mind spiritual exercise which will renew us daily.
The second high road is the Jerusalem Road of Commitment. Going to Jerusalem Jesus knew he was headed for death on a cross. Those who followed him were afraid. (Mark 10:32).
To follow Jesus means no reservation in dedication, commitment, whatever the cost.
Next week, we'll consider the other two highroads we must take as pilgrims, following our risen and ever present Master.
Cheers...as we travel together!
Richard
PS: Today is March 1. Happy St. David's Day to family and all my Welsh friends.
On our Christian journey there are four highroads to travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the road of awakening. On it the Apostle Paul experienced a decisive spiritual transformation. As his life was steered in a new direction on that road, so must our life be.
On the Road to Damascus Paul's whole life - his thoughts, attitudes, actions - was changed forever. We need travel the Road of Awakening, keeping in mind spiritual exercise which will renew us daily.
The second high road is the Jerusalem Road of Commitment. Going to Jerusalem Jesus knew he was headed for death on a cross. Those who followed him were afraid. (Mark 10:32).
To follow Jesus means no reservation in dedication, commitment, whatever the cost.
Next week, we'll consider the other two highroads we must take as pilgrims, following our risen and ever present Master.
Cheers...as we travel together!
Richard
PS: Today is March 1. Happy St. David's Day to family and all my Welsh friends.
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