Hello Faith Pals,
It is Holy Week! Seems strange without a bright Palm Sunday service helping us through this solemn week. Keep praying for the world.
Which reminds me-I received this last week from Rohini Mendis. I know it has been sent out to some of you, but just in case you haven’t seen it, I have included it here:
APART BUT
TOGETHER
By
KEITH BATOO
I heard a little rumour,
I don’t know if it’s true
That the world is going to be at peace
For a month or may be two
The shooters can’t go out to shoot
The dealers cannot deal
The bombers cannot throw grenades
So mother earth can heal
I heard that folk must stay at home
And spend time with their kin
Slow down relax and take a breath
And find some peace within
I heard that food and water
Is being shared around
So everyone has got enough
World kindness has been found
The queens and kings and governments
Have settled for enough
Instead of always wanting more
While millions see it rough
The factories have all closed their doors
And so have schools and bars
The atmosphere is cleaner now
A healthier world is ours
And though we may be worried
About money, jobs and bills
We will notice beauty everywhere
Blue skies, fresh lakes, green hills
The social isolation
Is really not a curse
A blessing in disguise I’d say
To stop things getting worse
And when the month or two is over
And we can go back to our lives
People can show gratitude
That their loved ones all survived
Drugs and bombs and bullets
Will be put away for good
There will be no hate or bitterness
All children will have food
I’m not sure if it’s a rumour
Perhaps it’s just a dream
But with all of us together
We can make it as a team.
A suggestion from Geoff Serpell. He was tuning in, trying to find the radio station Bill recommended, and:
‘… stumbled on to FM Southern on 88.30
Between 7 and 9 they had a church service from Mordialloc/ Beaumaris Baptist church with a good message and hymns; called “Songs of Hope”
They will run a service this Friday between 8 and 9 am too.’
Thank you Geoff (and Bill).
During Holy Week, I invite you to think about some of the Easter traditions and customs in your families-maybe whilst growing up, what you kept for your own family, what you have introduced.
Might be interesting to share?
I know that I have never eaten a hot-cross bun before Good Friday. That was so special growing up, and it still is. Even though the shops stock them from Boxing Day onward, Good Friday is the day when I can partake. Over the years I have made them on several occasions, but they weren’t that great! I stick with bought ones.
When I was teaching, I had a tradition for Palm Sunday. I would hand out those jubed mint leaf lollies (not sure if that would be allowed these days). I think the children remembered the significance of Palm Sunday via lollies.
Two poems from Ann Weem, (from her book Kneeling in Jerusalem) for reflection during Holy Week:
Walking Through Friday
‘The gift of myrrh
went from manger to cross.
Mary and Joseph said
thank you to the kings,
but Jesus, on the cross,
when offered wine with myrrh,
said no.
There are times when we, too,
must go heartlong into our pain,
knowing it’s the only way
we will get to Easter living.
(Ann Weems)
The Way To Jerusalem
The pilgrims trudge
toward the death of God.
Only with bowed heads and closed eyes
will they be able to see
the way to Jerusalem.
(Ann Weems)
I have also included a piece/reflection from Bill Pugh. It could be read at any time during Holy Week. I have included it as an attachment today, so I don’t forget to send it!
In last week’s readings in With Love to The World, there was a prayer that would be a good companion for Holy week:
‘Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, plunge me into the passion story that I may find my place there. Amen’
I think that is enough material for you for the moment.
Blessings and love to you all,
Barbara
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