Calm Presence in the Boat
A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat,
so that the boat was already being swamped.
Mark 4:37 (NRSV)
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so that the boat was already being swamped.
Mark 4:37 (NRSV)
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Dear friend,
I’m not much of a boat guy. For example, the idea of spending my vacation on a
cruise ship, which you might enjoy and I respect that, kind of freaks me out. So I
sort of get it when those on the boat with Jesus are freaked out by his being so calm
it appeared he was sleeping, as a terrifying storm rose up on the Sea of Galilee.
Yet, then when I think of it, that’s just what’s needed, right?
One more person freaking out in the midst of the storm
isn’t all that helpful really. They needed calm.
And it’s like that with every storm of life, isn’t it?
When someone has the ability to offer calm presence in the middle of one of
life’s storms, creative solutions appear amidst the chaos and peace emerges.
And so, for worship this week we’ll focus on Mark 4:35-41 with the
theme “Calm Presence in the Boat.” Following that, on June 23, I’ll
share a podcast titled “Calm Presence in the Room.”
No matter where you find a storm swirling around you,
calm is what is needed.
Fortunately, calm is what is offered.
We’ll talk more.
For now, blessings and love,
Pastor John
____________________________________________________________________________________________
I’m not much of a boat guy. For example, the idea of spending my vacation on a
cruise ship, which you might enjoy and I respect that, kind of freaks me out. So I
sort of get it when those on the boat with Jesus are freaked out by his being so calm
it appeared he was sleeping, as a terrifying storm rose up on the Sea of Galilee.
Yet, then when I think of it, that’s just what’s needed, right?
One more person freaking out in the midst of the storm
isn’t all that helpful really. They needed calm.
And it’s like that with every storm of life, isn’t it?
When someone has the ability to offer calm presence in the middle of one of
life’s storms, creative solutions appear amidst the chaos and peace emerges.
And so, for worship this week we’ll focus on Mark 4:35-41 with the
theme “Calm Presence in the Boat.” Following that, on June 23, I’ll
share a podcast titled “Calm Presence in the Room.”
No matter where you find a storm swirling around you,
calm is what is needed.
Fortunately, calm is what is offered.
We’ll talk more.
For now, blessings and love,
Pastor John
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you pray with me?
Storms swirl around us, God…
heavy rains of deep sadness and grief…
…the result of pandemic, gun violence,
racial injustice, climate change,
unresolved conflict and shattered relationships,
broken minds and broken hearts,
in communities, families and ourselves…
Storms swirl around us,
filling our boat with waters called “anxiety”
filling our boat with waters called “shame”
filling our boat with waters called “fear.”
Storms swirl around us,
threatening to sink the boat called “our lives”
threatening to sink the boat called “our hopes and dreams”
threatening to sink the boat called “our joy and our peace.”
Holy Spirit,
center us and help us breathe.
Jesus,
forgive us for freaking out
and even considering you not being here for us.
Jesus,
thank you for standing strong amidst our weakness
thank you for demanding peace
thank you for calming the storms
swirling around us and within us.
Help us, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit…
over time, as we are able,
to become calm for others, amidst their storms,
knowing you are with us always,
we are never alone.
Amen.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Become the Love you Seek!
JOURNEY on The Way
SEE the Face of Jesus in All People
BECOME a Light of Peace, Justice
& Revolutionary Love
Blessings always,
Pastor John
Storms swirl around us, God…
heavy rains of deep sadness and grief…
…the result of pandemic, gun violence,
racial injustice, climate change,
unresolved conflict and shattered relationships,
broken minds and broken hearts,
in communities, families and ourselves…
Storms swirl around us,
filling our boat with waters called “anxiety”
filling our boat with waters called “shame”
filling our boat with waters called “fear.”
Storms swirl around us,
threatening to sink the boat called “our lives”
threatening to sink the boat called “our hopes and dreams”
threatening to sink the boat called “our joy and our peace.”
Holy Spirit,
center us and help us breathe.
Jesus,
forgive us for freaking out
and even considering you not being here for us.
Jesus,
thank you for standing strong amidst our weakness
thank you for demanding peace
thank you for calming the storms
swirling around us and within us.
Help us, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit…
over time, as we are able,
to become calm for others, amidst their storms,
knowing you are with us always,
we are never alone.
Amen.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Become the Love you Seek!
JOURNEY on The Way
SEE the Face of Jesus in All People
BECOME a Light of Peace, Justice
& Revolutionary Love
Blessings always,
Pastor John
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_______________________________________________________________________
If you wish to receive Pastor John's weekly e-mail, known as PJ's Place, please contact
Pastor John at jwhite3646@charter.net with a request to be put on the mailing list.
_______________________________________________________________________
