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h2odevos
Advent and Lenten Devos based on the music of Peter Mayer and written by Pastor Ron Glusenkamp.
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March 2009 Episodes:
- Be A Faith Former
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- “In this blueprint for living
From the word that touched the earth
Round this house we plant a Garden
God’s grace is our rebirth
Lend your voice in celebration
Lend your hand in lifting up
This is the day of creation
Built on the cornerstone of Love”
Blueprints by Peter Mayer and Jim Mayer
I was working late on Sunday night when I received the picture in this devo.. I was so taken by it that I asked Katy (the smiling mother in the photo) if I could share it with you all. There in that hospital room is a holy vision of love, family, hope, dreams, church and grace. Katy is the daughter of a dear friend of mine by the name of Shirley. Shirley is a perfect comedic foil for me. So much so, that sometimes I introduce her has my twin sister (although she is much older than I am).
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Link- be Tree 033009 Monday, March 30
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- As we draw near to Holy Week we think about gardens. Way back to Genesis with the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve had it made in the shade. However, due to human nature that wasn’t quite enough and so they disobeyed God and were evicted from paradise. Living East of Eden human beings still search for a way to “return to the garden.” Next week we will go to the Garden of Gethsemane. Where we stand in the shadows of our culpabilities and iniquities to watch and wait. The once luscious and productive tree is now a cross. We stand beneath that cross. We have it marked on our foreheads and we ask each other “were you there when they crucified my Lord?”
- Be Directional 032809 Saturday
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- I had a wonderful time in St. Louis. One of the benefits of being back in that fine city was
the opportunity I had to spend time with dear friends. Cynthia (who performs so many tasks in getting these devos out to you in a manner that is timely, lovely and efficiently) and I were able to have lunch together on Friday. After our lunch I was following her car because sometimes when I am in a familiar town I experience “crypto déjà vu.” In other words I tend to get lost because I remember parts and pieces of directions but not all of them like I should. So, as we driving along, I thought I knew where I was going and so I honked and waved while passing her car. Not too long after that she called on my cell and said, “I think you missed your exit back there.” And of course, she was right. I missed the turn I should have taken. She also gave me a suggestion on how I might compensate for my mistake.
- Be Tastin' 032709 Friday, March 27, 2009
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- I love making pretzels, too. As I told the first communion class a few weeks ago, the only thing better than making pretzels is eating them. I’ve made pretzels with church council members, first communion classes, Bible study folks and participants in staff retreats.
It’s amazing how folks react differently to a set of instructions and getting their hands
all lubricated (by Crisco) which was a major food group in my family of origin. People who are normally in front of keyboards all day long sometimes rejoice in the opportunity to be creative with water, flour, yeast, salt, a pinch of sugar and egg. Other folks freak out at not being the person whose yeast is the most bubbly or whose pretzels aren’t perfect looking like “store bought.” But, all that seems to fade away and go into the background when it comes to samplin’ the product.
- Let it Be 032609 Thursday
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- “When we must say farewell my friend, L ove light my way
A new beginning with each end a bloom upon the grave
A time to mourn, a time to dance, Lord light my way
Stand with us, hand in hand, the circle will not break”
Light My Way by Peter Mayer and Patricia O’Reilly
Sloane Charlotte was born yesterday morning at 742am Ft. Wayne time. She was born to parents Sarah and Ted the day after her grandfather John Folkening was buried.
Her grandmother, my sister Ruth Ann was very happy and breathed a sigh of relief.
A friend of mind sent me a note about “grief and relief.” I think that is probably where you find several of us these days
We had an amazing celebration of life on Tuesday.The pastor wisely exhorted us to push the “pause button on Lent.” For we sang alleluias again and again. We sang of Baptism, Death, New Life, Easter and Resurrection. I was very happy that Noah and Hannah were able to fly in for the service. Sue Ann is visiting Nate in England. But, I know they were with us all in spirit, thought and prayer. Tears and laughter were constant companions.
- Be Givin, Be Pardoning and Be Livin' 032409
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- “I’ve believed betrayed swayed and discussed
Still I feel like a wrapped up Lazarus
Haven’t made sense of the Mystery
But it makes sense of me”
Still In One Peace by Peter Mayer
I’m writing this devo on Sunday night. I’m on my way to Chicago for the visitation and the funeral of my brother-in-law John Folkening. I don’t know what kind of time I’ll have to write to you. I don’t know if I’ll have wireless access, so here we go.
On Saturday, I was conducting a make-up session for First Communion students. I like that idea, a “make-up session” for First Communion because communion is all about making up. It’s making up after things have been broken down. It’s making up, being restored and refreshed by the gracious meal of bread and wine.
- Be Loving 032309 Monday, March 23, 2009
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- “Snake bit.” That’s what kept running through my mind as my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann preached on portions of Numbers 21:4-9 at church yesterday.
In case you missed it, here it is:
4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food." 6Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 8And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live." 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
I was waiting for her to offer the caveat that “if your kids hav bad dreams tonight give the pastors a call.” “Snake bit.” She made the case that we all have been “snake bit.” And so that’s probably why we have ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) literally and figuratively
- Be Willin' 032109 Saturday
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- I received the call a little after 5pm on Friday evening. Sue Ann shared with me the news that one of our nephews, Aaron Folkening and his wife, Lisa had a baby boy around 4:52pm Chicago time and named him John Michael Folkening. Aaron was able to call his father, John Folkening who is married to my sister Ruth Ann. John was diagnosed with esophageal cancer about five months ago. John was was able to hear the good news about the birth of another grandchild. John then breathed his last breath about twenty minutes later.
You can read about John and Ruth Ann’s valiant struggle coupled with intense faith, hope and lots of amazing support from a myriad of friends, family, colleagues and students. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnfolkening
- Beyond Abbey Road, Friday, March 20, 2009
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- “take these hands and never let them go
to lift you up and guide you like a good friend
That you know
And a promise that comes from above
That you’d be carried by the hands of Love.”
The Hands of Love by Peter Mayer
Forty years ago this year the Abbey Road album was released. I was a freshman in high school and I can remember how excited I was about the music I heard on that album.
Tonight Peter and friends are doing a concert in Illinois where most of the music will be from that particular Beatle album. In fact, during the past few months he’s been working night and day on making a cd called “Beyond Abbey Road.” Watch for the release of it by checking out www.petermayer.com from time to time.
- Be Walkin' St. Joseph Day, March 19, 2009
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- Today is St. Joseph Day. It’s a grand day to reflect on the whole idea of faith. And by that I mean to really celebrate Peter’s exhortation to “keep walking” no matter what. As you know that’s not such an easy thing to do. For example, sometimes when I am out doing one of my training walks my legs get tired. Or the weather doesn’t seem to be cooperating with my agenda. At times I feel I just don’t have enough time to do what I want to do. So, you know what I’m talking about. It takes faith to get started walking. It maybe even takes more faith to keep walking given the detours, obstacles and impediments along the way.
Many of you have written to me about some of the struggles or problems that you’ve encountered in the past or that you are currently experiencing. Despite the severity and intensity of those situations you have continued to walk in faith. I applaud you and pray for you as you keep moving.
- Got Living h2o? Wendesday, March 18, 2009
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- “Comfort and joy the spirit brings
In darkest trials, drink from the spring
Hear the promise that no time could ever hold
That’s forever, for young and old”
Stirrin’ Up The Water by Peter Mayer
I have promised to be authentic with you along this Lenten journey.
And so as we find ourselves at about the half-way mark between ashes and alleluias it seems to me that now would be a good time to ask the question, “got living h2o?”
On Saturday we had a baptism seminar. Five young couples were in attendance. Three of the couples have children who have been born already. Two of the couples are due in the next few weeks. I reminded the couples that just as their physician or mid-wife reminds them to drink water and stay hydrated throughout their pregnancy, that staying hydrated with living h2o is a life long journey in faith formation.
- Be Green 031709 St. Patrick's Day
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- “The call goes out to near and distant lands
Come all you children into my hands
Grow like branches on the living tree
Washed in water, reborn and free”
Stirrin’ up the Water by Peter Mayer
When I was a young, green (read inexperienced pastor) serving in my first call, I was approached by a faithful member of the congregation who said to me, “Pastor, I just don’t understand the concept of the Trinity.” I took his comment as a request for didactic intervention. So, with dedication, inspiration and lots of perspiration we arranged to meet every Friday for approximately two hours each time for about eight weeks.
During our intensive sessions we read theology, studied history, looked at artwork and debated physics and all sorts of other things.
At the end of our time together this young, green (read self-satisfied pastor) asked his pupil, “So, how do you feel about the Trinity now?” He looked at me with soft caring eyes and said, “Pastor, I’m even more confused now than when we began.”
- Be Bread 031609 Monday, March 16
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- “Pass it on
Break the bread, lift the cup
Pass it on
The broken will be lifted up
Every gift grand and lowly
Every purpose great and small
At this feast they are made holy
By your name you have been called
By your name you have been called”
Pass It On by Peter Mayer & Patricia O’Reilly
- Beside Us 031409 Saturday, March 14, 2009
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- I hope you have a blessed day today. I pray that you feel loved. I want you to know that you are a child of God. May you sense peace, hope, forgiveness and joy all day long.
Peter makes a claim which I happen to believe is true. He sings,
“When below and above heaven’s beside us
There for you night and day.”
Wow, heaven’s beside us. The kingdom of God is NEAR!
I’m hoping you get a taste of that wonder and joy today.
- Be Sabbath 031309
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- Abraham Heschel wrote eloquently about THE SABBATH. It’s a classic book which sings the beauty of taking time to be refreshed, renewed and regeneration.
Heschel wrote, “The meaning of the Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath we try to become attuned to holiness in time. It is a day on which we are called upon to share in what is eternal in time, to turn form the results of creation to the mystery of creation; from the world of creation to the creation of the world,” (page 10).
So, in this season when we take time to “Believe, Be Light Be Love” take some time to
Be Sabbath!
- Be Blue 031209 Thursday, March 12, 2009
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- “You can run, You can hide
You can die of thirst by the river side
Don’t leave me out on the blue river
You can run, You can hide
You can live your life by what’s denied, now
Don’t leave me waiting on the blue river”
Blue River by Peter Mayer & Vince Varvel
http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/GER/BlueRiver.mp3
http://www.artic.edu/artaccess/AA_Modern/pages/MOD_1.shtml
Picasso has an amazing painting at the Art Institute in Chicago.
Click on the above link to see it and read about it. It’s probably a good thing to
write about being “blue” when you aren’t really feeling blue. I’m not feeling “blue” today. Although I have been in that hue before on several occasions.
Yesterday at church we focused in on Psalm 137. It is a psalm of lament which features a perspective of being “dis-oriented.” You know, lost, confused, off-course, out of whack, thirsty, hungry and tired. The “song” is a communal complaint!
Check out our church’s website to see more resources on Psalm 137.
http://www.bethany-denver2.org/psalm-137/
- Loose in the World, 031109 Wednesday, March 11
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- The official title of today’s devo is a long one. So here it is:
Loose in the World is the real story and NOT losing my religion.
You can check out the news stories about the declining numbers in mainline Protestant churches. You can sing with R.E.M. these words, (can you put in punctuation here in the song?)
“Thats me in the corner
Thats me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I dont know if I can do it
Oh no Ive said too much
I havent said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try.”
You can wring your hands, mumbling and grumbling about the sorry state of things in the local congregation. But, I’m hear to tell you that what Peter sings is true:
“God is loose in the world!”” Love is loose in the world!”
- Light Your Load 031009 Tuesday, March 10. 2009
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- Peter sings “make light your load.” I’m sure he’s playing with two images of light in this lyric. First of all, I believe he’s saying, “don’t’ make it heavy.” So, just “pick up what is precious” and carry on. Secondly, I believe he’s saying be sure to carry the light! In other words don’t walk about where it is dark and cold. But, carry the light, reflect the light and let the light shine through you. “Believe, be light, be love.”
I know there are ways to quantify “light years” and “candle power” but I’m not sure if there is a way to calculate “light pounds.” I mean what does “light actually weigh?”
If any of you know, just drop me a note.
- The Estate of Greed 030909 Monday, March 9
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- Dirty Hands Dirty Feet
I’m over my head it’s made a mess of me
But it keeps you coming back to the
Way of love never stops on easy street
You’ve gotta walk through the muddy water to come clean”
Dirty Hands Dirty Feet by Peter Mayer, R. Scott Bryan, Marc Torlina & Mac McAnally
We were on a Lenten retreat on Thursday night, Friday and until noon on Saturday. About 45 people from church accepted the invitation to dig deeply into the book of Psalms. Our Lenten theme as a congregation this year is PSALMS- God’s Positioning System. Each week we are looking at a particular psalm. If you want to check out what we’re doing, visit our website
http://www.bethany-denver2.org/faith-formation/psalms-gods-positioning-system/
- Blessed and Broken 030809 2nd Sunday in Lent
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- “and you’re Still in One Peace
Still in One Peace
We are blessed we are broken
Given one more chance to be
Found in you we are one”
Still in One Peace by Peter Mayer
http://www.petermayer.com/AUDIO/SIOP/StillInOnePeace.mp3
We’re into our second week of h2o devos. I don’t believe that I have sung yet the praises of oatmeal. Peter and I both believe that oatmeal is an amazing gift of God’s grace.
I’ve toyed over the years of trying to write an ODE de OATMEAL, but so far the Spirit hasn’t inspired me. But, you can be sure as soon as that happens there will be an immediate announcement about it. For, oatmeal IMHO (in my humble opinion) makes the world go around. I have the title already in my head (and stomach)
The Gospel According to Oatmeal. I have dreams at night doing for oatmeal what Orville Redenbacher did for popcorn. (I already have a full set of bowties in all the liturgical colors).
http://www.orville.com
- Only You 030608 Friday, March 6th, 2009
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- During my recent visit to London I attended a couple of amazing exhibits on Darwin at the Natural History Museum and the British Library. This is the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of THE ORIGIN of THE SPECIES. It is also the 250th anniversary of the death of Handel (Nate and I made a pilgrimage to his house as well) In all we attended four plays, five worship services and 10 museums. Our motto is “Sleep on the plane.”)
Prior to my trip I did some reading about Darwin and Evolution. And while these devos do their best to stay away from controversial issues it seems to me that the British seem to have moved beyond the conflicts in talking about faith and evolution. Since my visit I’ve been wondering why we have so much trouble talking about issues related to faith and science. Part of it I believe comes down to the whole issue of the authority of the Bible. Another aspect of the discussion get’s into the reality of being able to live in tension with competitive ideas and notions.
- Becoming by 030509 Thursday, March 5
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- A few weeks ago we had a very large funeral at church. There were lots of people from
the community in attendance. In fact, most of the people who were at the funeral were people I had never met before. During the reception which followed the service I was making the rounds of visiting with various individuals and groups. I found myself saying to them, “how are you connected?” “How do you belong?”
Those are appropriate questions for us to consider today: “How are you connected?” “How do you belong?” Now initially your answer might be, I don’t know that I do belong, of that I feel very connected. Well, if that’s the case then let’s spend some time there.
Peter spells it out for us in a formula that is pretty traditional, in fact one could say quite
Trinitarian:
“We are one in God our creator
Reborn by the breath of the spirit
We belong by the blood of the lamb”
- Becoming 030409 March 4, 2009 Wednesday
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- I went to my Weight Watcher meeting yesterday. I’d like to say that it was
a wonderful time. However, instead of loosing weight this past week, I gained a pound.
And what is particularly vexing at times like this is as I stepped on the scale I was feeling pretty good about the week I had in terms of eating and doing physical activity.
However, when I saw that I had gained a pound (okay not so bad, just 2.5 ounces per day) I felt sad, a little frustrated and like all of a sudden wanted to go and eat all the things I didn’t eat this past week. Last week, when I wasn’t feeling so certain about my intake and physical activity I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had lost a pound (okay, maybe not so good, just 2.5 ounces per day). But, here’s one of the many things I have learned from doing Weight Watchers for about eight years, it is very important to attend the meetings and weigh in week after week after week. So, what I know and feel is that I am in the process of becoming. Today’s experience was a “snapshot” along the way. It is not the final picture or the end result.
- Because 030309 March 3, 2009
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It was a grey, cloudy and snowy day when I took the picture of the “Give Way” sign in Brighton. My sense is that it means “yield.” Somehow “Give Way” sounds a little more elegant, mannerly and exquisite than “yield.” To “yield” sounds somewhat passive. Whereas to “Give Way” sounds more action oriented.
The word/topic for today is “Because.” A quick check on my laptop concordance indicates that “Because” is used at least 357 times in the New Testament.
Peter sings, “Believe, be Light, be Love just because.”
- Be Light 030209 Monday, March 2, 2009
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- Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Yesterday we had three baptisms at the 10:30am service. Abbigail, Elissa and Elizabeth were all welcomed into the family of God. Once the water was poured on each one of them and they were anointed with oil, a lit candle was presented to their parents and/or sponsors with the words from Jesus. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
I could hear Peter’s song in my mind and in my heart, “Believe Be Light Be Love.”
Candles are about as low-tech as one can get.
- Believe 030109 1st Sunday in Lent, March 1, 2009
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- Ironically, the story ran on January 6, Epiphany. The day the church has set aside to celebrate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. The headline read, Atheist Bus Campgain goes nationwide. If you want to read more about the campaign, check out the link.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/06/religion-atheist-bus-campaign-national
A quick summary of the story tells about the activities of atheists in London who
have purchased advertisements on the sides of buses. The message reads “There’s Probably No God. Now Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life.” Many commentators, including both atheists and people of faith have commented on the word “probably” in the phrase. Some pundits have suggested that if atheists have to “hedge” their bets then “what is the world coming to?”
Peter sings, “Believe Be Light Be Love."