In the past two weeks, we enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning of Contemplative Photography, lived through Hurricane Helene, celebrated our fifth Sunday tradition of Testimony Sunday, and continued our Pilgrimage Psalms series.
During our Contemplative Photography times, we gather to walk around the beauty of God’s creation and listen to the sounds of birds and creatures. We notice light breaking through the clouds and overcast skies. We find mossy places and reflections in the water. We tune our eyes to notice what we see and experience holy nudges from God as we delight in the surrounding beauty. We record inspirational photographs on our cameras or cell phone cameras and share what inspired us and our photos with the gathered group. Here’s a video from September’s Contemplative Photography time.
In Testimony Sunday, Pastor Karen gave us some question prompts to consider as we considered what we might share with the group. We also invited those who joined via Zoom to share their responses. I resonated with the question, “How have you grown in managing your feelings and reactions to a situation you’ve been in?” That question relates to this: “What has helped you to remain calmer under pressure than you have on previous occasions?” Question prompts for reflection are valuable in this season of life with the upcoming political elections and rhetoric we hear from various and varied news sources.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many communities needed assistance with food, water, and basic supplies and help digging out of the flooded places and spaces. Organizations like Convoy of Hope are on the ground helping in storm-struck areas. Power companies and utility services are there. We can pray for those affected and be generous in support of communities who need our assistance in practical ways.
As we continued with Pilgrimage Psalms yesterday, Jim Roberson shared Psalm 127 and asked us to summarize it in fifteen words or less. Jim emphasized our part in cooperating with God as we get to do some things we are invited to do in partnership with God. The winning summary belonged to Bart, “Work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Trust God for results. Don’t strive. Children are valuable.”
From one of our worship songs, “Promises of Wonder” from Vineyard Worship: “God, Your love meets my heart like a song. And it echoes on and on. In bitter cold winter’s storm, Your melody comes. Sets my feet on the path leading home. You’ve dropped your love in my heart like a stone. And it ripples on and on. Though the dark stretches far. One thing I still hold. That you never have left me alone.” (Amen).
Please tune in next week as we continue with Psalm 128.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Dr. Nancy Penton
Associate Pastor, Liberty Vineyard Church
404.695.3181
Recent Sunday sermons: