Given by Dwight Gertz
on Sunday, December 2
Let us pray together to the God we call by many names…
The Communion table set before us is another reminder that we are in the midst of a season of gatherings at the table.
There are traditional gatherings—Thanksgiving and Christmas—and unusual, hopeful gatherings—Israelis and Palestinians sitting across from each other in Annapolis.
Every table carries on it the hope of understanding, empathy, and friendship.
But we pray today for all those who aren’t at the table.
Maybe someone is missing for a good reason, we say things like—“it’s his year with her family” or “Isn’t it exciting that her team made it all the way to the championships out in Oregon.”
But sometime the absence causes pain, we say—“I wish he could bring himself to join us,” or “I hope he is safe over there” or “I wish she had lived long enough to see this group together again.”
Whatever the reason, we feel longing when we think of the empty chairs at our tables.
We pray today for all those who are not at the table.
May those who are away on the journeys of life come safely back when they can.
May those who feel unwelcome be welcomed soon.
And may those who will never sit with us again be present in spirit.
Amen.
Given by Peter Pease
On Sunday, December 9
Great and glorious God of the spinning earth, creator of the universe
Spirit of Life, whose breath fills our world and animates our being
Your endlessly repeating journey takes us onward, further and
Further into the deepest darkness and shortest light
We’ve learned to use this time well, to gather close
To sing and dance with our loved ones, friends and family
To tell ancient stories, to remind each other who we are and
Where we are going
Even into the shadow of death we go
Knowing we will pass through into the light
In body or in spirit We have known this forever
We learn this again, over and over, in your embrace
We light the candles for this festival of lights
We sing the carols celebrating pure new life
We fast and purify, feast and glorify
Seeking, finding, gently caressing, taking joy
Lead us now, precious Lord, that we may share this light
Feel it grow in our hearts and bring it forth
To flicker and dance in others’ eyes, here, there, everywhere
Take our hands, precious Lord, lead us home
Amen
Given by Dwight Gertz
On Sunday, December 16
A Prayer for the Storm
In the busily scheduled lives we have built for ourselves, our first reaction is to be consumed by the inconvenience.
What will be cancelled?
What will be postponed?
How will we get there?
Is the Airport open?
What will the two of us do with dessert for ten?
As the snow piles grow, we worry, with good reason, about the danger.
Do the neighbors have power?
Does your mother have oil in the tank?
Should he be on the road?
If we can transcend the inconvenience and be safe from the danger, we can begin to be blessed by the storm.
A happy few can huddle in this old church and feel a deeper connection to each other and to the worshippers of winters past.
Children of all ages can slide down the hills and wallow in the drifts.
The view out our windows changes by the minute as the snowscape transforms.
A full schedule turns into a cup of coffee and a quiet talk.
And, finally, on top of the blessings, comes the wisdom.
The living earth has shown us again that there are things we cannot control. The majesty of nature makes us truly worshipful. We think again about the ways in which we will choose to live.
For all help in living through the inconvenience and the danger, for the blessings and the wisdom, for all of this, we are truly grateful.
Amen
Given by Peter Pease
On Sunday, December 23
Great and glorious God of the spinning earth
Creator of all life
You who have blessed us with this lengthening day
You who sparkle and shimmer throughout the universe
in a blazing supernova
a single candle
a guiding star
O great mystery
Magnum Mysterium
Miracle of life
We celebrate all you bring us
We trust and love your rhythms and cycles
even as icicles drip from our houses
created by warmth escaped from within
We begin in darkness now in darkness
Around the table bring them all in
Gathering family friends at the door
Who are we missing
God of infinite love
Inspire us to welcome cherish and affirm our loved ones
There is no higher art than the practice of this love
Many among us are troubled at this time of year
Good cheer comes naturally for some
while others long for Christmas past
or Christmas never was
We ask your help and inspiration
to carry this joyous candle forth
to share our descants freely
to seek out those in need
to find a greater purpose and
devote ourselves to the task
in the pure loving spirit
we celebrate this day
Amen