God's work. Our hands.

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

Matthew 18:20

From Pastor Ron's sermon today: "This is a truly awesome and holy thing that we do Sunday after Sunday. It is part of who we are. It shapes us, forms us, reforms us again and again, it comforts us, it gives us a sense of meaning, purpose and being. As an old and lovely Thanksgiving song clearly states, "We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing." Thank you, Hunger Relief Community, for gathering together and blessing those in need with your generosity and care.

Pastor Ron continues: "And so we celebrate today on Labor Day weekend. We plan on blessing your hands today as you come for communion. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the priesthood of all believers. That the waters of holy baptism all of us, each one of us is called to let our lights shine. We know of no better way than to say, “God bless these hands and the work they do.” For it is “God’s work, our hands.” It is this work to which all of us has been called."

Day of grace. Day of blessings.

An extra prayer today for those helpful, blessed hands:

The Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. (Source: Holy Spirit Interactive)

9.10.11 Detail of the Day:
There will be big trucks in the Bethany Parking lot, ready to collect your donated food on Saturday, September 10th! Watch for signs and traffic cones in the parking lot as you enter off of Hampden Avenue!