Dear Friends,
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (John 29:20)

Phil and I enjoyed watching the Artemis II space mission in April. Like many others, we watched the launch and followed the 10-day NASA lunar flyby. There were many details that went into making this mission a success and we were amazed by the exact precision of the splashdown landing.

While watching an interview with the astronauts, I was struck by a comment made by the commander, Reid Wiseman. He said that he was not a particularly religious person, but when they returned, he requested a meeting with the Naval Chaplain to help him process what he had seen and experienced. He said that when he saw the cross on the chaplain, he broke down. Taking in what they experienced changed everything for him. I perceived this to mean that while he may have questioned God before, seeing what he did in space took away his doubt.

There are those of us who see God in everything around us and others who need a bit more proof. We have seen this throughout our lessons during the Easter season with Thomas wanting to see the nail prints in Jesus’ hands and the travelers on the road to Emmaus. Jesus tells us, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (John 29:20)

Weekly the risen Lord is made known to us in the breaking of the bread. Each time we share the Eucharist, we remember the covenantal relationship that we have with God. Wecan see the moon, stars and planets from here and know that God is always with us. I promise!

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

“Sing to the Lord” -Psalm 96:1

 I feel that the music during our services can make a difference in our level of worship. Whether we are singing out loud or quietly, hearing a beautiful hymn, anthem or familiar service music can make us feel as if we have prayed twice, as the old saying goes. I am always thankful for the outstanding music program that we have at Manakin Church, and I am especially appreciative of Rita and the choir members for their hard work and commitment to bring us the fullness of each service during Holy Week.

As you are receiving this newsletter we are making our way from the pageantry of Palm Sunday to the festive celebration of Easter Sunday. Sometimes I think that it would be nice to go straight from the parade of palms and the singing of “All glory laud and honor” to “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” on Easter morning. We could skip right over the Passion reading, the Last Supper, the betrayal by Judas, the abandonment of the Disciples, the Stations of the Cross, the pain, the suffering and Jesus’ death on the cross. But I believe it is necessary for us to experience this week, and I hope that you will participate in the services either in-person or online. I feel that we must know the anguish of the journey to the cross to fully understand and appreciate Easter. The singing, the joy and the excitement of Easter are more fully experienced when we take this trek with Christ.

 Knowing that every hymn and anthem is especially chosen to compliment the lessons of each service, may we sing along and feel the Spirit moving within us.

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

I have thoroughly enjoyed the few days of springlike weather that we recently experienced with warmer temperatures and sunshine. With the forecast for a bit more snow, I realize that spring is not as close as I hoped and that we will have to endure a bit more of winter before getting there. I see this as an analogy for Easter. I can’t wait for Easter Sunday, but I know that we must go through the season of Lent to arrive.

Although Jesus’ time in the wilderness was grueling, our time during Lent doesn’t need to be dreadful. We can look at this season as an opportunity to transform our lives to be more open to and in a better relationship with God. This can be an exciting time of growth.

Several folks have reached out to me asking for guidance with their Lenten discipline. Although we are a couple of weeks into the season, it is not too late to start, change or add to your current practice. Maggie Dawn, an English author and theologian offers 40 ways to keep a joyful, thankful and holy Lent. I would like to share some of my top favorites for your consideration:

1. Choose a new musician or artist and listen to their work regularly throughout Lent.
2. Say “I’m sorry”. Is there a relationship that needs healing?
3. Send a brief email, make a phone call or send a note to a friend every day or week during Lent.
4. Make a point of smiling and saying “thank you”.
5. Power down. Take a break from your electronics committing to “power off” hours as you spend time with your family and friends.
6. Read all the way through one Gospel of your choice.
7. Say a prayer of thanksgiving every day.
8. Take your unwanted clothes and household items to a charity for donation.
9. Turn your heat down one or two degrees to save energy.
10. Find a source for locally grown food or try growing something yourself!
11. Take a daily walk.
12. Clean the windows to let the sunshine in!

And to add my own:

13. Practice “Praying in Color” using coloring as a prayer tool. (prayingincolor.com)
14. Participate in Forward Movement’s Lent Madness to learn more about the Saints of the church. (lentmaddness.org)
15. Attend our family Wednesday night dinner and movie program. This is a terrific time of fellowship and learning during the season.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Whatever you choose to do or abstain from in this Lenten season, may this be a time of spiritual growth and opportunity and not just merely a time of endurance.

Blessings,
Gini+