Day 359 | Saturday, 13 March 2021

Day 359 - Audio Version

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Day 359 | Saturday, 13 March 2021

 DO NOT BE AFRAID – REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS, WATCHES AND SUN DIALS AHEAD ONE HOUR WHEN YOU RETIRE FOR THE NIGHT!!!!!!

 If you are familiar with the hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” substitute these words from Dean McIntyre, 1995.  His version is titled “Time Change Song”.

“God of sleep, and God of slumber,
help us not be late, we ask:

changing clocks one for-ward number,
may we not for-get this task.


Choir di-rec-tors, preach-ers, teachers,
all will bless your ho-ly name,
if to Sun-day church on time we came.”

 We certainly have been enjoying some wonderful weather this past week as we experience spring fever.  Then, we must not forget St. Patrick’ Day usually is surrounded with a reminder that it is still winter and comes just 6 weeks after that fur ball of a critter saw his shadow.  We have seen geese and ducks on the pond.  We have also seen and heard a red-winged black bird.  Still looking for robins.

 Lent continues and I offer this Lenten Affirmation of Faith:
 “(Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:12-13)

We believe the prophet, where it is written "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

We believe the statement of John the Baptist, who saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

We believe that we need to clean out the old yeast so that we may be a new batch, as we really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed.

We believe that we were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from our ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.

And so, we lift up our voice, and join with the heavenly host as they sing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
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 “Just and merciful God: According to the ancient story, you cleansed the earth of all corruption in a giant flood that raged for 40 days. Your church long ago appointed this Lenten season of 40 days for stock-taking, repentance and cleansing. We pray for the proper humility, Father, that we may acknowledge our need to be made clean and that both our common worship and our personal prayers during Lent may open up our hearts, help us to get honest with ourselves and with you, and allow us to experience the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of our savior at a fresh, adult depth. Imbued with his teachings, inspired by his self-giving life, may this season prepare us to accept what he has done for us and to show our gratitude and love to him in new and effective ways. We pray in his glorious name Amen