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ADVENT
2007
This past Sunday marked the beginning of the new church year, the season of Advent. The word "Advent" means "coming." Christians celebrate Advent as a time of personal self-reflection and self-examination in anticipation of Christ's birth. It is a time of discovering how we, as individuals, can be lights in the world.
The advent wreath is a circle representing the unending love of God.
Evergreens adorning the wreath symbolize the hope of eternal life that all of God's people share.
Advent is:
A time to stand with the shepherds and hear glad tidings;
A time to discover new birth within ourselves;
A time to turn our darknesses into light;
A time of deeper levels of awareness;
A time of moving from old ways to new beginnings;
A time to allow God to come into our lives, to open our hearts and receive his grace.
Dear Lord;
As anxious children long for the coming of Christmas morning,
So may we yearn to hear the Advent message.
Let us be still this season and receive God's peace -
And let us be heralds of good tidings and joy to all peoples.
Amen.
LIFE'S CREED
November 13, 2007
To be alone, but not lonely.
To desire instead of lust or crave.
To do with or without.
To give freely, and expect nothing in return.
To do for the sake of doing.
To stop searching, only listening to our inner quiet voice.
To not question everything, just to feel and know.
To be now, not in the past or future.
To live life with joy and love.
To trust and love the inner self, and
Show God's truth and love to all the world.
Amen.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
October 30, 2007
Dear Lord: As we gather this evening at our biennial Celebration of Service Gala, denoting Rotary's 58 years of service to the community of Highlands, and, as we enjoy the good times in the company of others, let us remember our purpose, and God's purpose- servant hood, serving others in your name.
Our Rotarian motto- Service above self.Marian Wright Edelman says: "Service is the rent each of us pays for living- the very purpose of life- and not something we do in our spare time after we have reached our personal goals" Edward Bok states: "Man cannot live by bread alone. The making of money, the accumulation of material power, is not all there is to living. Life is something more than these, and the man who misses this truth misses the greatest joy and satisfaction that can come into his life- service for others."
Eternal God: Grant that your presence and power may be known throughout this town, and give us grateful hearts- to better appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us and in so doing, keep us ever mindful of and responsive to- the needs of others.
Amen
THE OBJECT OF ROTARY
October 9, 2007
As Rotarians, we do not serve in isolation, but as part of the Rotary community. Representing many vocations in the business and professional world, we possess a wealth and diversity of experience, ability, and talent.
But what does it mean to serve in our variety of vocations? It means very simply keeping The Four Way Test at the forefront of everything we think, say, and do. If we ask ourselves whether an action is true and fair, whether it will build goodwill and better friendships, and whether it will be beneficial to all concerned, we'll stop short of most of the ethical pitfalls that might otherwise make us stumble.
Dear Lord,
Impart in us a sincere desire to change the world for the better; and to give back to society the variety of gifts that You have given us. Help us to recognize that ethical standards start within the individual and are part and parcel of our humanitarian service - in our homes, our clubs, and our vocations - in all our interactions with people. Help us to be people who are honest, forthright and caring - who have a shared set of ideals, and who have a firm commitment to high ethical standards - to do the work we have been called to do.
Amen.
A DOG'S PURPOSE
October 2, 2007
A veterinarian had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners and their six-year old little boy Shane were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
The vet examined Belker and found extensive cancer and told the family he couldn't anything for him and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. The parents told him they thought it would be good for six-year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt he might learn something from the experience.
The next day, the vet felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting and loving the old dog for the last time, that the vet wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. They sat together for a while, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal's lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening attentively, quietly piped up, "I know why." Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth was a stunning and comforting explanation...
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six -year old continued, "Well dogs already know how to that, so they don't have to live as long."
Dear God:
Help us to live simply, love generously, care deeply, and speak kindly.
Amen.
FREEDOM
September 11, 2007
Six years ago to the day, actually to the hour and minute, we gathered here in prayer. We were in disbelief and fear, for the World Trade Center towers had just collapsed, our military headquarters was under attack, and an unknown number of high jacked planes were flying over our country. Our fate was unknown.
We held hands, prayed for our country and its people, asked for God’s mercy and deliverance, and together said the Lord’s Prayer. What memories! That day will live in infamy; 71% of Americans today call it the most memorable news event of their lifetime.
But we seem to be in the business of forgetting. Time passes and our memories fade. After the World War I generation, Armistice Day faded and today most undergraduates don’t know what that day means.
Dear Lord:
Help us to remember and to teach our children to cherish the freedoms we have – especially today for our country.
Make us mindful of our roles as keepers of the collective good and memory.
Help each of us to seek your guidance in all our choices – knowing that the strength and power we have as a people brings with it great responsibility - and begins and ends with you.
Let us pray for justice and peace on the earth;
For goodwill among all nations; and
For the well-being of all people.
Amen.
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