This Sunday we had with us Suite Notes, a recorder group that has been playing for many years. The played several things, including “Simple Gifts”. I wish we had a recording of their playing. Which to my surprise I do. Please note that the recorder was in my shirt pocket and right above the Suite Notes. Here is “O Savior Sweet” and the Doxology:
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Also in attendance were representatives from Sharon’s Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. We got to hear a bit about Masons. The joined us because it is St. John’s Day. Masons revere John the Baptizer and this is the feast day of his birth. The scripture lesson was selected in honor of this.
Scripture: Mark 4:1-9
Sermon: “The Tyranny of Names”
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Prayer:
God of All, teach us to be like Esther. Remind us that her star rose as she opposed the oppression of a minority, second class citizens scapegoated by a racist bully, who wanted power more than the responsibility of leading. Teach us to be brave like Esther.
Lord of heaven and earth, teach us to be like John the Baptizer. Remind us our sins are forgiven. Free us from the yesterdays of yesterday. Heal our regrets, remorse. Settle the ache that happens whenever we think of particular times, actions and even inaction. We confess we have not always done what we should. Our guilty feelings remind us we do not feel forgiven – by you or ourselves.. Forgive us. Let us forgive ourselves.
Forgive us, so tomorrow might be a new day without the weight of the past. Forgive us, to teach us how to forgive – we don’t do that well. Teach us to forgive ourselves – we do that most poorly – holding on to our guilt as if it is the guilt that will bring forgiveness and wholeness. Let our guilt be a sign that we have spiritual work to do – making amends, seeking to never do so again, and trusting you – that you do and will forgive. And then, Holy One, teach us to let it go. Let the sin and the guilt go and trouble us no more.
Lord we have mighty people in our faith story. Remind us to trust you and act like them.
Amen