Dear Glen Morris United Church,
Our wandering hearts will be wandering to Telfer Place this Sunday and I look forward to this opportunity to be sharing communion with the Telfer Place residents, including some of our very own congregation members. I love the idea that sharing in worship can be a way of reaching out into the community.
This week we continue to follow Peter’s footsteps, remembering how he and the other disciples witnessed Jesus walking on water. Peter is the one who steps out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus but when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” To cry out for help is such a vulnerable act: sharing that you’re in need, trusting that someone will respond, hoping that the problem can be solved. I invite you to take a moment to read Rev Sarah Speed’s poetry about this moment and reflect for yourself: when have you called out for help? What prayers for help or saving have you made? Who in your life do you see calling for Jesus?
Rescue Me
I’d rather not need rescue.
I’d prefer a five-step plan
and a quick-fix solution.
I’d prefer stubborn insistence
over honest vulnerability,
because rescue requires
asking for help.
Rescue names
the rising water.
Rescue sees
the tired, treading feet.
Rescue feels
the swell of the wind
and the rain at a slant.
But when the floor falls out
and the world is on fire
and my small hands
cannot fix the hurt welling in me,
the prayer that slips out
is rescue
rescue
rescue me.
In our asking and our receiving of help, may the Peace of Christ be with all of us,
In your journeys through the stormy parts of life, may the peace of Christ be with you,
Yours in Christ,
Rev Michiko
PS: for more art and poetry to guide your Lenten reflections, check out the daily devotional: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/1072485778/14/
image: Lift Off by by Nicolette Peñaranda