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Archived 12/06: A Message From the Pastor
Rev. Alice Ann Bonham
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From the Pastor's Desk -- "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) This is one of those passages of scripture that many of us have known for a very long time. We take comfort from these words. We're grateful that there is a place that we can go for comfort and rest. Summer vacation is sort of the same idea. We take time away from the normal routine. We get away from the worries and stresses of the daily schedule. Perhaps we catch up on reading or movies or maybe family and friends. However we spend our Summer vacations we tend to let go of the burdens, at least for a few days. While I've been away at Wesley Seminary (Thank you again, for the opportunity.) I was introduced to something that I am finding very interesting and useful. It is something that may actually be closer to what Jesus was talking about when he said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me...." It's a small book entitled: This Day, A Wesleyan Way of Prayer. It was written by Laurence Hull Stookey. Larry Stookey is the Professor of Preaching and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary and the pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Allen, Maryland. This Day, A Wesleyan Way of Prayer, is the most unique book for daily devotions that I have encountered. Professor Stookey incorporated a two year, daily lectionary for Mondays through Saturdays and a three year lectionary cycle for Sundays. It has daily prayers and themes. Don't get panicked, the book explains itself very well. What I find most fascinating about it is that within a two year cycle one is able to read almost the entire Bible in easily read sections. There is much more that I could tell you about this book. But, I'm not going to. I'm not telling you more, because I truly want you to get the book and use it for yourselves.. I am very aware that most of us do not read the Bible or pray as we ought to. We all need to spend a little more time at both and this book does just that. Imagine what our individual lives and our congregation life would be like if we all spent more time in prayer and scripture reading. Let me make this challenge I challenge ten people who are reading this letter right now, to get this book. If necessary, the church will buy all ten. Then I challenge each person to spend June, July and August using it for a time of daily prayer and scripture reading. At the end of August I would like you to share your experiences with me and the congregation. Remember, I will be on the same journey with you. Is there anyone out there ready to take up the challenge? My guess is that those who do will find their lives recharged in ways more powerful than a typical Summer vacation. In the meantime, my prayer will be that we will worship together as often as we can and that while we are away from one another we will be in prayer for each other. Remember, if you worship with a different community of faith, bring the bulletin back and "Share Where You've Been." We all enjoy looking at the different bulletins. May God grant you rest and peace as you abide in Him, Pastor Alice Ann
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