GLIMPSES OF GOD

We were gifted a wooden cross from a man at the church who made it from a tree that was struck by lightning on the church property. It’s my favorite possession in our home.

Anyway we just moved and unearthed it yesterday. I hung it immediately and a few minutes later this happened….

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a wall of windows so I adjusted the blinds to see if it changed it but it didn’t… it slowly faded away. Hoping it happens daily but we shall see…♥️

- Jimmy & Amber Cashwell

I do not know when we can gather together again in worship, Lord.

So, for now I just ask that:

When I sing along in my kitchen to each song on Stevie Wonder’s Songs in The Key of Life Album, that it be counted as praise. (Happy 70th Birthday, SW!)

And that when I read the news and my heart tightens in my chest, may it be counted as a Kyrie.

And that when my eyes brighten in a smile behind my mask as I thank the cashier may it be counted as passing the peace.

And that when I water my plants and wash my dishes and take a shower may it be counted as remembering my baptism.

And that when the tears come and my shoulders shake and my breathing falters, may it be counted as prayer.

And that when I stumble upon a Tabitha Brown video and hear her grace and love of you may it be counted as a hearing a homily.

And that as I sit at that table in my apartment, and eat one more homemade meal, slowly, joyfully, with nothing else demanding my time or attention, may it be counted as communion.

Amen.

- The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, Lutheran pastor and author (and now podcaster - The Confessional) offered this reflection yesterday, which I think is a perfect response to the "White House Commandment."

“I get a glimpse of God every time I see someone wearing a mask at the store. They are doing it to protect ME, not just to protect themselves. It’s a visual reminder that we care for our community.” 

- Becky Peer

Poem sent by Jean Chavez.

Reframing

I’m trying to reframe things. Instead of being disappointed about this or that with all the various restrictions, I’m telling myself: “Look, now I have time to do some of the things I’ve been meaning to do for a while.” This really helps!

- Jessica K.

An Empty Tomb and a Full Table

Jerome recounts how a congregation member called him to ask how he was doing and also asked about one of his friends who helped nurse his wife throughout her illness. When asked if the friend had enough food for Easter, Jerome said they didn’t have much food period, much less anything special for Easter. The congregant soon came with a spiral ham, veggies, biscuits, and a sweet potatoe pie, which Jerome took to his friend for Easter. The friend not only had a wonderful Easter meal, but shared it with another family facing difficult times. After the original Easter, the disciples were so struck by God’s grace and power that they began sharing even more amongst one another. Similar glimpses of God are being seen (and needed) today. Thanks be to God for your sharing which enables us all to share!

- Jerome H.

“This illness today reminds me of some of the times our country has previously been in the midst of hardship, illness or war. I remember being with my parents as a kid in Boston during one such time. My Grampy (my father’s father) was living with us at the time, and thank God…because he was calm and collected and kept everyone in the family from fretting. There would be times when a neighbor couldn’t do their laundry and another would step in and help. Later one the first one would return the favor. Mom could make enough soup for anyone on the block…all they needed to do was bring a carot or potato and she would make enough for everyone. People really banded together. I’ll never forget that. I think people are doing a good job today. I’ve already decided there’s no use in worrying. God’s in control.”
- Ellen Bode

Last night when I cut all the lights to go to bed I looked out the front door because the moon was so bright. The blooms of  the dogwood tree in our yard were so bright that the first thing that went through my head was the BURNING Bush.

It gave me a peaceful moment – May the peace be with you all”

- Martha & Larry Howle

Betty W. says that this reminds her of the time around WWII when the whole country pulled together and political differences melted away a bit. She sees many acts of kindness from her family, community, state and country. Family is visiting her more than ever now, but they’re staying outside and 6 feet away and bring her what she needs so she doesn’t need to go shop.

“In this stressful time, I have found peace. We must think positive thoughts. Where can we find them? Read Philippians 4:8  ‘Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’ Focus on Paul’s thoughts. Make a list of all the things for which we are thankful. In order to be happy, we must first be thankful. Also, I close my eyes, take a long deep breath and feel God’s loving arms around me.”

- Betty Wilson

Reflection on Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9)

As I sat in the early morning darkness, trying to make sense of this new world, a peace I can only explain as the calm of the Lord came over me. The insight: This is a Noah’s Ark moment – a time of grace, of God, keeping his convenant, upturning the world to create the space  into which we can heal.
How else can we understand what we observe? A congress, once so hopelessly split, coming together in a matter of days to see that the unemployed are not forgotten. Eyes open to a common understanding that many live from paycheck to paycheck. Our country waking up to the truth that there are children dependent on a meal a day from their school for their nutrition – and then mobilizing to keep that food coming even as the schools close. Forced to stay home, families have time together to truely connect. Teachers, healthcare workers, grocery stockers and delivery drivers recognized as the heros of our times. Time for introspection and meditation leading to a new understanding of our priorities. Nature allowed once again to breathe.
- Susie E.

Zentangles from Blanche Morrison:

Nature

God’s tender mercies are all around us – Jan


 God’s tender mercies are all around us – Jan

Cheryl Robbins

Cheryl Robbins

Music

Scripture and Devotionals

See Deuteronomy 29:29, Luke 12:25-26 and Psalm 32:8

See Ephesians 5:20, Psalm 118:1 and Psalm 89:15

See Genesis 50:20, Psalm 23:4 and Ephesians 3:20

See James 1:2-4, Psalm 107:21-22 and Psalm 33:21

Concepts

Pittsboro Presbyterian Church

95 East Street (physical address)

PO Box 713 (mailing address)  
Pittsboro NC 27312
(919) 542-4702
office@pittsboropres.org

 

Office Hours

Tuesdays 9-2pm*
Thursdays 9am-2pm* 

Call ahead if you would like to meet the pastor or other staff outside of regular office hours.

*occasionally emergency visits or meetings away from church affect these hours.  

Worship Service

Sunday 11am
Sunday School 10am

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