Pastor’s Blog (Page 5)

Jesus’s prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” transcends time and space. The “them” includes all of humanity. Are you ready to accept this free gift? Is there someone you need to forgive?

Many people mark the forty days of Lent by choosing asceticism: denying one’s self of worldly pleasures. Giving up something creates space in our life so we can take something up that helps us to grow closer to God. So, how will you use these forty days?

For a relatively small congregation, Epworth continues to make a big impact on many lives. Learn more about how the simple habit of buying your grocery and retail cards from Epworth can help to prevent homelessness in our community.

Where in your life, church, or Worcester area do you see the poor getting good news? Where are captives getting word of their release, blinded being able to see, oppressed set free, and Jubilee happening?

Heading into 2016, we have much to be grateful for!! Through Christ, we begin anew and we can accomplish all God asks of us because God has given each baptized disciple the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Epiphany is celebrated January 6th. May we continue to seek God in our everyday, ordinary events, and life experiences that the eyes of our heart might be awakened and we are able to see the gift and beauty of each moment and event.

At Christmas, as at other times in life, it’s easy to become so focused on the one thing that we want that we miss the joy and beauty of other gifts that surround us. Are you willing to be open to appreciating what is happening in the moment?

Every day we have many opportunities to honor God, wherever we find ourselves. Even my waiting in the post office this morning became a holy moment when I shifted my thoughts away from myself and began focusing on others and on God.

I share a poem from colleague Steve Garnaas-Holmes – “Unfolding Light”. My prayer is: May we make our heart open that Christ may enter in, renew us, and make us into all God created us to be.

As we head towards Christmas, many of us will receive cards in the mail. What a wonderful gift that someone has thought about us and taken the time to share their message with us.