At dawn, I found myself running
To the tomb where Jesus lay –
Shocked! To find amazingly
The stone had been rolled away.

I ran to tell the others
They, too, rushed to the tomb to see =
Surprised, frightened to the core
They whispered, “This cannot really be”.

They went off to their homes, hearts heavy
Trying to figure out what was going on –
I stayed behind in the garden
When I heard my name being called.
There the Lord stood – right before me!
My eyes could scarce believe!
My heart filled with joy – the Lord is here!
Risen from death in the grave!
Alleluia!!

St. Thomas UCC Easter worship service:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hgfQNQ6ecOCt1VPcEW16stPJzTKmhfYL/view?usp=sharing

We journeyed with Jesus
from the meal to the garden,
to the cross, then the tomb…
While our hearts break in sadness,
darkness, disbelief and gloom.

St. Thomas UCC Good Friday worship service 040221 –
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GvNPlosMtXEhwPHdTeSPkfJwoyRI9VEX/view?usp=sharing

Shared a meal tonight with Jesus and friends…walked with Jesus to the garden…..

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem Maundy Thursday worship April 1st –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y1_AcIq9a0uOsbYUD3oHX1jOX4Auy3tA/view?usp=sharing

The snow-laden trees
The vibrant leaves
The budding hyacinths
The green, green grass
All seasons.

The grieving hearts
The children’s laughter
The sounds of silence
The wrinkled hands
All seasons.

The life of crime
The life well-lived
The lost and lonely
The world at large
God loves us in all seasons.

They sat on the dock – fishing
Their young hearts full of wishing –
For the best of life to come.
Retired now. just chilling –
Their hands and hearts – still wiling –
To share the best of life to come.

The last stretch of our journey through the wilderness is upon us, as we enter these most Holy days.

Day drew nigh and eve crept in.
Shadows danced across the lawn –
Willowy shapes pliéd all night,
Until the breaking dawn.

The early light was revealing,
Of the heartache all around –
Everyone bent and crying,
Of the blood spilled on the ground.

Our Lord was nailed upon the cross,
A searing tug pulled on my soul –
Then these words reached my ears,
‘Forgive them, they know not what they do.’

St. Thomas UCC Bethlehem Palm Sunday worship 32821:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b6_C26_QkG5Cqj2jQcGqeD5OMelTRu-G/view?usp=sharing

I see the cross in front of me
A symbol of my faith,
I thought I knew its fullest breadth
Until I saw his tear-stained face.
I see the cross in front of me
With a figure of a man,
His body wet with blood drops
Nails… driven in his hands.
I see the cross in front of me
Endeared it to my soul,
Never, no never, will I ever
Know a greater story to be told.

Enjoy this beautiful day that God has made!

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem worship audio 032121 –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tfHp9A0LFKlKbtrNgpZVmur54EQ6MhdM/view?usp=sharing

Spring arrived early this morning. By this afternoon, all the snow will have melted from my backyard (I hope!). Enjoy the day, friends!

My discipline this Lent has been to write daily poems. I share again.

Hope is in the springtime
Hope in the sky that’s blue
Hope in the birds now singing
Lord, we find our hope in you!

Hope in the stunning sunsets
Hope in the morning dew
Hope in every breath we take
Lord, we find our hope in you!

Hope in one another
Hope in all things new
Hope in the blooming flowers
Lord, we find our hope in you!

What is it Lord, that troubles me,
My heart, my mind, my soul?
My bones don’t ache, my head no pain,
I don’t begin to know!

Yet, there’s a restlessness within me,
Like the rustling of the wind,
I know not where I’m going,
Only the places I have been.

My feet are set toward something new,
Though I shrug at knowing why,
Content I am, the way I live,
Each day and night of my life.

Still, on the edge of asphalt,
With the field wide in view,
I trust that you will lead me,
To however I’ll be serving you.

It really doesn’t matter,
Because in my heart you’ll be,
Forever with your love and grace,
My Lord, eternally.