2013 Writers

This blog and the meditations-to-come starting September 15,  represent the commitment of clergy and lay people associated with the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). 

Source: http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2011/08/on-importance-of-joining-writers-group.html

In 1989, the UCC and Disciples approved a historic partnership of full communion. The two churches proclaimed mutual recognition of their sacraments and ordained ministry. This book represents a common ministry of the two distinct denominations. 

The following are the contributors to the 2013 devotionals:

Pat Barton 

David Cobb

Carol Cook

Karen Cote

Kimberly Crowley

Nathan Dannison

Susannah DeBenedetto 

Jeffrey Dick

Karen Eckhardt

Bruce Epperly 

Kate Epperly

Molly Goodrich

Tim Graves

Donna Hanby

Ola Harrison

Samantha Houser

Shayanna Jolly 

Marcus King

Brenda Matkin

Susan Meeter 

Wes Morgan 

Brian Morse

Tammy Nelson

Laura Phillips

Karen Provost-Switzer

Olivia Robertson 

Chris Rodkey

Sara Rosenau 

Lisa Setty

Travis Stanley 

Johanna Kennealy Ullman

Olivia Updegrove

Kate West

Laura West

Karen E. Ziel

Cover of the 2013 Meditation Book

Swords Into Plowshares: Creating Peace with Children

The 2013 Light a Candle for Children Prayer Vigil begins in less than a month. How will you promote the needs of children in your community?

2013 Light-a-Candle for Children Prayer Vigil

The 2013 Light-a-Candle for Children Prayer Vigil begins Sunday, September 15 and concludes on the Interfaith Children’s Sabbath Sunday, October 20. The theme this year is “Beating Swords into Plowshares: Creating a Peaceful World with Children.” Watch here or follow us on Twitter @Pray4Children for more information.

An Indignant Savior

Mark 10: 13-16

The clueless disciples of Mark’s narrative often get a bad rap. They were just trying to make sure that the adults could hear Jesus. They didn’t want any crying babies or giggling three-year-olds disrupting their leader. And instead of thanking them for their efforts, Jesus barked at them!

He was displeased and annoyed. He was irritated and offended. He was appalled his own disciples sought to keep the children away from him. Jesus was indignant! 

The extravagant love of God is for everyone: brown or pink, men, women, gay, straight, middle-aged or old-aged, the bully and bullied, the contemplative, crotchety, or bubbly, girls and boys, and babies, too. And Jesus is angry when we keep others away from his extravagant, unconditional, love.

God of All, give us an unquenchable desire to dismantle the stumbling blocks to you. Help us to love and educate your children that they might read your word, feel your healing caress, and follow your luring to be the human beings you created them to be. Amen.

Rev. Tim Graves

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Mosier, Oregon

Can I Have That?

Luke 11:5-13

Children typically aren’t constrained by social niceties. If they want something they ask for it. Whether it is candy in the grocery checkout line or borrowing someone else's toy, children just ask. 

The problem is that children don’t always know what they need. Children don’t understand that their limited access to education, food, water, clothing, or shelter hinders their opportunities and greatly impacts their ability to succeed. 

It is our job to look after our children--all of our children--and fulfill their needs. God urges us to be direct in prayer. We should also be direct in the care of children. 

Dear Loving God, may we see the specialness of each child. May we take note of what they need, and find ways to provide them in order for them to have a chance. Each day, may we love them more completely than yesterday. May they always have the ability and courage to seek out what they desire. Amen.

Johanna Kennelly Ullman

Assistant Minister

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Portland, Oregon 

http://www.fccpdx.com

Bless the Boys and Bless the Girls

Genesis 48:15-16

Sometimes blessings come to us upside down and backwards. Jacob famously stole his brother’s birthright, then less famously flouted tradition by overlooking Joseph’s eldest and giving the greater blessing to a younger son. 

Throughout scripture, God’s realm is a place of unexpected blessing. By turning the expected way of doing things on its head, God sends blessings into new and far-off places . . . often in the hands of a child. How we care for and nurture our children matters.

Holy God, bless the boys and bless

  the girls.

Bless their footsteps in this world.

Bless the hands that dry their

  tears.

Bless the hearts that calm their

  fears.

Bless the girls and bless the boys.

Grant them peace and teach them

  joy. Amen.

Connie Myers

First Christian Church (Disciples of

  Christ)

Bloomington, Indiana

http://www.fcc-blmgtn.org