Small fish, big pond

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving - The Reprise

2010-04-07T17:01:53Z

Reflecting on my experience of Lent this year, I wanted to record here some updates and thoughts...

Prayer - As mentioned in my previous post, I undertook an eight week practice of focused prayer, devotions and contemplation using Paul Wesley Chilcote's wonderful book, "Changed from Glory into Glory" as my guide. What a wonderful experience! Until only recently, when I decided to give the church another look, it had probably been years and years since I actually prayed. And, I don't think I've ever before undertaken such a structured and focused practice of prayer. It wasn't always easy. Life being life, there were many times throughout the period when I felt too tired, or simply just "didn't feel like it" that day. But, I persevered and the rewards have been great. I sometimes say, half-jokingly, that "I have a brain like a sieve.' Sometimes I just have difficulty retaining information, especially information I've read on a printed page. But, "Changed from Glory into Glory" is blessedly focused and succinct; I don't think any of the chapters are more than 10-12, or so, pages long. It's been easy enough to go back and find any point about which my mind needed to be refreshed. Having seen this practice through, my prayer-life is in a much better place than it has ever been. While I still have moments of fatigue and dispassion, I, for the most part, truly look forward to and enjoy my time in prayer.

Fasting - The reduced meals and the abstention from drinking coffee proved less trying than I expected. That is not to say there weren't times when I really craved a nice cup 'o Joe; there were many! I really think, though, that allowing myself an extra cup of tea each morning to stave-off any impending caffeine withdrawal was a tremendous help. I don't know that I could've endured otherwise. I never intended my abstention from coffee to be permanent, and now that the season of Lent is passed, I'm again enjoying my morning coffee. However, my coffee consumption remains greatly lessened. This is surely healthier, so, an unanticipated benefit!

Almsgiving - I stated in my pre-Lenten post that any monies saved due to my fasting would be given to charity. I was actually quite surprised at the savings this fasting produced. I am very happy and feel blessed to have fulfilled this pledge by making donations to both First Church of Winthrop and Radio Methos ( http://www.amplifyhope.org )!

To God be the glory, great things he hath done!

Christ is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!

2010-04-05T15:52:20Z

What a glorious day yesterday was! I was able to take the time off work to attend the beautiful Easter services at First Church. The day was sunny and exceptionally warm. After church, I enjoyed a relaxing day taking a nice long walk in the park with the dog. The rest of the afternoon and early evening was spent reading and listening to some of my favorite music.

First Church, Easter morning 2010

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

New hymnal(s)

2010-03-04T11:59:32Z

I love The United Methodist Hymnal. I've been using a 1939 hymnal I found at a Salvation Army thrift store several years ago. Yesterday, I received a copy of the new (©1989, Thirtieth Printing 2008) hymnal I recently ordered from Cokesbury. Hurrah! I also picked up a copy of The Faith We Sing.

I find it at least a little amusing that the version of The Faith We Sing I purchased is the "Singer's Edition." Amusing because I don't sing, at least not very loudly! I wish I had a good singing voice, but I don't. My range is terrible, and I can't carry a tune in a bucket. I so love these hymns, but when I'm in church, being mindful of my poor voice and in consideration of the congregants seated near me, I will sing, but very very softly. Still, as one who appreciates music so much, I wanted the Singer's Edition so I could see the different parts, or voices, of the hymns even if can't pull-off the singing myself.

Oh!, and I opted for the purple cover color on The United Methodist Hymnal. Nice!
: )

Methodist Brass!

2010-02-26T17:56:19Z

The United Methodist Brass Quintet (Birmingham, Alabama), on tour in the Baltic from the summer of 2007.

Amplify Hope

2010-02-26T00:10:58Z

Church buildings I esteem - XIII

2010-02-20T18:40:28Z

Christ Church (Episcopal), Boston, Massachusetts

More commonly known as "Old North Church," Christ Church is probably the city's most known church because of the role it played in the American War for Independence. Most American school children are probably familiar with "One if by land, and two if by sea" from the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, "Paul Revere's Ride."

It was fun while it lasted...

2010-02-19T15:06:10Z

...but, today is the last day of my vacation from work. The alarm clock is already set to alarm at 1:30 A.M. tomorrow morning! Time to make the doughnuts.

Church buildings I esteem - XII

2010-02-19T14:25:05Z

Trinity Episcopal Church, Boston, Massachusetts

There are so many amazingly beautiful and awe inspiring churches here in the City of Boston. Trinity is, perhaps, one of the most well known and most visited by tourists to our fair city.

O THAT I could repent!

2010-02-19T00:23:05Z

1 O THAT I could repent!
With all my idols part,
And to thy gracious eye present
A humble, contrite heart;
A heart with grief opprest
For having grieved my God,
A troubled heart that cannot rest,
Till sprinkled with thy blood.

2 Jesus, on me bestow
The penitent desire;
With true sincerity of woe
My aching breast inspire;
With softening pity look,
And melt my hardness down,
Strike with thy love's resistless stroke,
And break this heart of stone!

Hymn 102 - A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists (1889)

Church buildings I esteem - XI

2010-02-18T16:13:25Z

The Upper Room Chapel, Nashville, Tennessee

While not a church, per se, but rather a chapel, museum and gardens, The Upper Room Chapel is quite lovely. It is near the top of my list of places I hope to visit.

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-18T01:23:45Z

Just back from Ash Wednesday service at First Church. It was a nice service. The congregation was a small one, giving the service a very intimate air. Very nice, indeed.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving

2010-02-17T16:11:52Z

The season of Lent has begun. I'm excited about this opportunity to develop a more mature practice of prayer, to strengthen my faith and deepen my relationship with God in Christ. Especially so, as it's been many years since I've undertaken any meaningful observance of Lent. The dispostion of my Lenten observance this year is one built on prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Prayer - As mentioned in a previous post, Last Sunday I began an eight-week practice of daily prayer and contemplation using the book, "Changed from Glory into Glory" as a guide that will carry me from the Transfiguration through to the Resurrection.

Fasting - I will limit myself to one meal, and two "snack-sized" meals each day throught this period. I will also abstain from drinking coffee. I normally drink both coffee and tea with a strong preference for coffee, especially throughout the morning, and usually have a cup of tea with my main meal. Due to the amount of coffee my body is accustomed to receiving, I will allow myself an additional cup of tea in the morning in an effort to stem the onset of any potential caffeine withdrawal headaches.

Almsgiving - The monies saved as a result of not purchasing coffee at work each day will be donated to an as yet undetermined charity. My current thought is I will donate these savings to either Radio Methos ( http://www.amplifyhope.org ), or to First Church of Winthrop, directly.

So, this is the observance of Lent I've outlined for myself for this year. I don't expect it to be easy, but I do expect it will be doable. I don't think this plan so difficult as to be unreasonable, but it should prove, for me, rigorous enough to give meaning. And that's the point!

Blessed Assurance

2010-02-16T17:38:20Z

Another favorite hymn.
Lyrics by Fanny Crosby
Music by Phoebe P. Knapp

Blessed Assurance

vs.1
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

vs.2
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

(Refrain)

vs.3
Perfect submission, all is at rest!
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.
(Refrain)

Here is a nice instrumental version performed by a brass quintet:

Church buildings I esteem - X

2010-02-16T12:09:13Z

First Church of Winthrop United Methodist, Winthrop, Massachusetts.

I moved here to New England 17 years ago. After many years of periods alternating between the practice of no religion and exploring other faiths, it's only been the past year or so that I've felt I wanted and needed to give Christianity another look. Since this past Christmas, I've been attending First Church as my schedule allows (which unfortunately isn't as often as I'd like). I love everything about First Church: the beautiful building, the services, the music, and above all her warm and welcoming people.

Changed from Glory into Glory

2010-02-15T15:44:15Z

As part of my observance of Lent, I'm undertaking an eight week period of study, prayer and contemplation to deepen my practice of prayer and my relationship with God in Christ. I began this practice yesterday, on the Sunday of the Transfiguration, which means I will finish on Easter Sunday.

I'm using the book, "Changed from Glory into Glory: Wesleyan Prayer for Transformation," by Paul Wesley Chilcote as my guide, focusing on one of the eight chapters each week to bring me through the eight weeks. Each chapter consists of scripture texts, narrative discussion of the scripture, a hymn text by Charles Wesley, reflection on a work of art, and a meditation.

The first chapter, and my focus for the first week is, "The Rhythm of the Transfiguration." This chapter suggests a paradigm of prayer rooted in the event of the Transfiguration that incorporates, 1) catching a glimpse of the divine, and 2) translating that vision into action.

I'm very much looking forward to this period of study, prayer and contemplation and am happy to have found this book to use as a guide.

For anyone who may have an interest in this book, it can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/ykqzx22

Church buildings I esteem - IX

2010-02-15T12:07:29Z

Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, Buffalo, New York.

As mentioned in the previous post in this series, Baltimore was only a brief stop on my way to Buffalo, New York, where I would live for the next 12 years. I attended services at Lincoln Memorial maybe 2 or 3 time throughout this entire period. It was during this time my drifting away from the church had almost become complete and all connection with church and Christian community ceased. I do feel I should state this in no way had anything to do with dissatisfaction with Lincoln Memorial or her people. There were plenty of other Methodist churches (or churches of other denominations, for that matter) I could have attended had that been the case. This drifting away was all about me, my own unease and discontent. I own full responsibility.

Moustached Little Devil

2010-02-15T01:33:54Z

Gratuitous picture of my little Affenpinscher boy, "Dutch."

Jesus, keep me near the cross

2010-02-14T21:02:49Z

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
"Near the Cross," lyrics by Frances J. "Fanny" Crosby

I'm on vacation this week (Hooray!). Because of this, I was able to attend Transfiguration Sunday services at First Church this morning. This was the third time, now, that I've attended services at First Church. It is such a beautiful church, and I don't just mean the building, either. Everyone there is so welcoming, and I'm becoming quite fond of Pastor Alecia. She has such a wonderful Christian spirit. Her love and concern, and her enthusiasm and energy are infectious. Even though my schedule restricts my regular attendance, I'm beginning to think First Church just may be the Christian community I've been searching for.

One of the hymns sung for the Anthem by the church choir (the Anthem was actually a "medley" of three hymns) was "Near the Cross." This has always been one of my favorite hymns, and Fanny Crosby one of my favorite composers of hymnody aside from Charles Wesley. Truly beautiful.

Church buildings I esteem - VIII

2010-02-14T14:09:39Z

Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, Baltimore, Maryland.

After my short stint of time working in Charlotte, I passed an even shorter stint in Baltimore before moving on to Buffalo, New York. I didn't really know about the history of this church while living in Baltimore. I wasn't much of a church-goer during this time. Understanding, now, the significance of Lovely Lane in the history of the Methodist Church, I wish I'd visited this church. Should I ever make it back to the Baltimore area, Lovely Lane UMC will definitely be on my "must see" list!

Church buildings I esteem - VII

2010-02-13T12:54:53Z

First United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. After exiting university and the city of Pittsburgh in favor of employment, I lived for a short time in Charlotte, North Carolina. By now, my church attendance had become infrequent but I did attend services at this church a couple of times.

My Shepherd Seeks Me

2010-02-12T19:04:54Z

From "The Upper Room" daily devotional for today, 12th Feb., 2010. As one who has been wandering for years (decades), I find this reassuring, comforting, and a source of hope.

Read Luke 15:3-7

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- and I lay down my life for the sheep."
John 10:14-15

It was a bitterly cold February day, and a snowstorm was approaching our farm. My wife and I went to the barn to check on our flock of sheep. We counted the lambs twice; Nora was missing. We looked in all the places where a lamb could hide, but she was nowhere to be found. As we searched around the barnyard, we heard her faint, frightened cry. She was wedged between two rows of large, round hay bales and could not move. I hitched a hay spear to my tractor and pulled the bales out one at a time until Nora was able to wiggle free. She ran back to her mother, bleating loudly. As I was replacing the bales, I remembered the story Jesus told about the lost sheep.
Like any good shepherd, I would go to great lenghts to find a lost animal. Our Lord feels the same way about us. Sometimes we stray from the true path and find ourselves in a place we don't want to be. But even before we call out, our Lord begins to search for us, to bring us back to the fold. Indeed, as the parable says, there is great joy in heaven when one who is lost returns to God's house.
Charles E. Shoemaker III (New York)

Thought for the Day: No matter where we wander, Christ seeks us.

Prayer: We give you thanks, O Lord, that you watch over us as a good shepherd watches over the flock. Keep us close to you, and seek us when we stray. Amen

Church buildings I esteem - VI

2010-02-12T13:51:13Z

Delaware Avenue Baptist Church (American Baptist Churches USA), Buffalo, New York. A very dear and longtime friend is a member of this church. I've attended services with him, here, a few times over the years. The ABC-USA recently came up in conversation, so I thought I'd post a photo of this beautiful church building.

Church buildings I esteem - V

2010-02-11T12:09:13Z

Clarendon United Methodist Church, Arlington, VA. My cousin Richard lives in Arlington. I've been thinking of him what with all the snow they've had recently, and was glad to hear from him that he is well and warm. This is his church.

Church buildings I esteem - IV

2010-02-07T20:45:30Z

This is First United Methodist Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I visited this church sometimes during my college years in Pittsburgh.

Church buildings I esteem - III

2010-02-06T18:03:54Z

This is St. Paul's United Methodist Church, in the little village of Grampian, Pennsylvania. This was my maternal grandmother's church.