Update, Wednesday, September 23, 2020

From – Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley
Regional Executive Minister – American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York

Dear Friends,

“Prayer is not an old woman’s amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.”
-Mahatma Gandhi

Let us continue together in prayer.

As we pray to God who loves us most, we pray that today’s prayers will reach and encourage the ones who need them the most. We would love to hear from you. If you have a prayer to contribute please send to cdudley@abcmny.org.

Questions for your reflection:
What was the most difficult thing about yesterday or today?
How did God’s presence surprise or comfort you today?

Mammon

“No one can serve two masters; for either (s)he will hate the one and love the other, or else (s)he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
-Matthew 6:24

God Who Abundantly Loves Us,

You provide houses and land for your people.[i] Is this also true in this old world? Scripture tells us that in your house there are many mansions.[ii] Are the riches in your kin’dom beyond what we could possibly imagine? Are the streets paved with gold and inlaid with celestial diamonds that were once the tears of pilgrims and saints shed because they have finally arrived home? Is your throne carved from an expended branch of the Tree of Life? Does the river of life that runs through the holy city cool the worn feet of those approaching your throne of Grace? Some believe our soul’s destiny—if they work hard enough, there will be a highly esteemed spot in your glorious kingdom. We believe instead, O God, your Grace brings us home to you.

This is my fantasy of what we might enjoy in eternity, but in this finite world, where we enjoy our current life, our material aspirations sometimes detract from our discipleship commitments. What are the signs of your favor, O God? What shall we do with the mammon you have provided us, particularly during these precarious times?

This may be why the rich young ruler in the gospel account became quite sad when he heard Jesus’ words.[iii] Many who are among the rich recognize a spiritual indictment in these words, but as with all things of life, we lay it at the feet of your Grace, O God, and know that what seems impossible can become possible.

God of all Possibilities,

Continue to help us sort out the challenge in our hearts about money. We see it so often as our money, and not Yours, nor do we see it enough as treasure to be shared with others. Together, may we move toward You rather than toward mammon as the ruler of our lives. Speak to each of us anew. We seek your leading.

In the name of the One who came so we might have abundant life, Amen.

[i] Deuteronomy 6
[ii] John 14:2
[iii] Luke 18:18f

From Minister Sandra

Hello Lakeshore Family and Friends,

Just a reminder to join us on Wednesday Sept 23rd at 6pm for our monthly live session with hymn writer Rev Dan Damon.  As the files are large and the music is copyrighted, I sent out the music video link and sheet music only to those who had some previous involvement with our worship classes.  Please email me if you would like to be added to my email list.  Come and learn more about the short song form.  Attached for our class, are the text for some of Dan’s short songs. (Please let Pastor Jim or me know and we will send you the attachment.) We ask that you use this for the class only, and not otherwise share or distribute his music.

Sunday September 27th at 2pm will be our second class with Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette for September.  Her teaching will include the topic of songs about welcoming the stranger.  I will be sending out her second recorded meditation and pre class questions later this week.

As a reminder, Lakeshore has the opportunity to study how hymns/songs for worship are written, and experiment with writing our own songs related to some of our social justice ministries because of a grant we received from the Vital Worship Grants program, which is made possible by the generous support of Lilly Endowment, Inc.  Please take advantage of this special opportunity and try out one of several opportunities for learning between now and mid-November!

Sincerely,

Sandra Lee

PS.  We will use the same sign on information for both sessions

Wednesday September 23, 2020 at 6pm

Sunday September 27, 2020 at 2pm