The Good News Across Upstate – Vol. 1

The good news of God’s grace comes to us in many guises. St. Francis is reputed to have told the friars of the order that he founded, “Preach the good news, and sometimes use words.”

Indeed, actions do speak louder than words, but words also have their effect. So, for this posting, I thought I’d share some of the words written in newsletters from across the Upstate Region for your meditation, instruction and consideration.

Many pastors in their newsletter columns for March wrote about the spiritual aspects of the season of Lent.

John Gibbon, pastor at The Park Church, Elmira, wrote of how Lent “recalls for us the whole reality of human life. It reminds us that there is a rhythm in life of good and bad times, joyful and sorrowful experiences, comic and tragic moments. Lent can help us to remember that life needs a balance.”

Patty Farr, writing from her desk as co-pastor of Emmanuel Church, Watertown, reminds us that the “most interesting thing about this [Lenten] journey is that it does not require us to move one single inch! It is an inner journey, a journey we can take in our living rooms and kitchens and workplaces. It is a journey of the heart. Christ wants to lead us to discover more deeply who we are – and what it means that we have a soul, that we ARE a soul, and that our soul is linked with the Soul of God.”

Joe Connolly wrote to the saints in Norwich that growing spiritually requires discipline. He remembered how much he used to be able to read when he lived in New York City. The hour long commute before and after work on the train afforded him the time to read the bible and other religious works. He urged his parishioners to find those times that can be set aside for making the most of such soul-searching and mind-expanding pursuits.

Jane Winters described the questions that the faith community of First UCC, Elmira throughout the Sundays of Lent: Am I God Centered? Am I Committed to My Church? Am I Developing a Satisfying Prayer Life? Am I Reaching Out Beyond Myself to Serve Others? Am I Seeking to Constantly Strengthen Relationships in My Family? And How Will I Use My Gifts After Easter to the Glory of God?

A Prayer for the Spiritual Blessings of Lent

Gracious God, help us to embrace every day that you give us as a precious gift. Teach us to look for your love and mercy in every moment, through all of our experiences. Strengthen us to walk with you in faith, to set aside times of study and prayer for and with you each day, and help us to consider how we will grow into a deeper relationship with you. Open our hearts to our sisters and brothers around the world who are hungry, or cold, or afraid, or poor, or who suffer violence or the threat of violence. Remind us that we are followers of the Prince of Peace and hear us as we pray in this blessed name, even Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen.

Rick