Devotional

Genealogy and history:The family tree

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Matthew 1:1-6

Question for Reflection:
Brethren like to play the “name game”—when we meet, we often ask each other “Are you related to… ?” Discovering how people are related often helps us make meaningful connections. But being connected by our bloodlines is not the only way we can be family to each other. This Christmas season, are there people in your neighborhood, at your workplace, or in your congregation whose families are far away, or who have no family, that you could offer hospitality to? Who knows, you might just extend your concept of family as you talk and laugh and break bread together.


Prayer for the day:
We thank you, creating God – for families and friends and even strangers – who brighten our lives by sharing moments of time with us. During the busy-ness of the Christmas season, help us to pause and reach out to people who may need a smile, a word of encouragement, or a listening ear. May we spread joy during this season of hope and anticipation. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Zechariah’s song: A new day

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Luke 1:67-80

Question for Reflection:
Waiting can be hard. I remember, as a child, waiting impatiently for Christmas morning to arrive so the presents under our tree could finally be opened. Zechariah, too, had been waiting. But what he was waiting for was immeasurably more wonderful than any present under a Christmas tree ever could be. Zechariah was waiting for the promised Messiah, and God did not disappoint. As Advent devotional writer Walt Wiltschek says, “In one angelic message, Zechariah receives everything he could have dreamed of and more.” What are you wishing, dreaming, praying for this Advent season?


Prayer for the day:
God of mercy, giver of Light, like young children on Christmas Eve, we eagerly await the dawning of a new day when the light of your Son will guide us all on the pathway of peace. As we wait, help us become aware of the ways your kingdom is already at hand. Open us to your Presence, send us your Spirit, grant us your Peace. We ask these things in the name of the Light of the World, Christ Jesus. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Neighbors and relatives: Community

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Luke 1:57-66

Question for Reflection:
The Message uses the phrase “surprise followed surprise” (v. 63) to describe the astonishment of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors when words of praise began flowing from the lips of Zechariah. Throughout Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of another baby – the Messiah – be alert and mindful of ways God is providing moments of surprise in your life. Like the neighbors in this passage from Luke, share God’s blessings and God’s Good News with your family, friends, and neighbors.


Prayer for the day:
Kind-hearted God, you have shown us the importance of relationships and community by reaching out to us through the birth of Jesus Christ. During this season of anticipation, help us to reach out to those among us who are most in need of a kind word, a warm coat, a hot meal. Stir us to be your healing touch to a hurting world. Help us to share your Good News of Jesus Immanuel – God with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Mary’s song: from the heart

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Luke 1:46-56

Question for Reflection:
What is your vision for our world? I invite you to read Luke 1:46-56 again. Circle two or three words or phrases that you want to memorize or keep as your guide toward the manger and for 2013 and beyond.


Prayer for the day:
With Mary, my spirit rejoices in you, O God. You are the Holy One, the mighty God at work in this world. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Elizabeth: Buoyed by blessings

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Luke 1:23-25; 39-45

Question for Reflection:
How will you bless the people you meet today with your loving presence?


Prayer for the day:
The unlimited love of your presence blesses me all the days of my life. May your love and peace radiate from me and touch each person whom I meet. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Gabriel: Messenger service

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Luke 1:26-38

Question for Reflection:
As you move about your neighborhood and community, what signs and wonders of God’s activity are you observing?


Prayer for the day:
O God, prepare us to observe, to be amazed, and rejoice in God’s good news available to the least of us, and the greatest.  Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Zechariah: Once in a lifetime

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Luke 1:5-22

Question for Reflection:
According to Scripture, fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. So, how can fear lead to wholeness, love, and freedom from self-indulgence?


Prayer for the day:
We trust in your presence and will not fear. You are great in our midst. Your love and peace, O God, exceeds all understanding. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Setting the stage

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Luke 1:1- 4

Question for Reflection:
Is there an event or story that profoundly captured your attention? How did you feel, what were your thoughts when you learned more about the occurrences that shaped that event or story? How has your life been impacted by the event or story?


Prayer for the day:
O God, the inspiration of such an incredible story. We are touched by so many stories.  May we be open to what the stories reveal to us and shape our life. In the name of the One who is the center of the story. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Youth Peace Travel Team

Camp Blue Diamond through the eyes of the Youth Peace Travel Team

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Camp Blue Diamond: Home of giant swings, wooly-mammoth-snail trail fossils, 24/7 Gaga Ball, and the most awesome 3rd through 5th graders ever! Our week at Blue Diamond could have easily been a real struggle; we had never worked with a group this age, and we weren’t sure how we were going to alter our sessions to be meaningful for a group that was so young.

Even with these concerns, I think that Peace Team achieved having a great week. We talked with each family group about small things that they can do in their own lives to make a big, positive impact on other people and even the world. It was so awesome to see these kids coming up with such great examples of selfless acts that they can do, like donating their time and money to a wide range of causes. It was certainly inspiring and incredible to get to spend so much time with this group of kids and to be able to introduce peace to them at such a young age!

Peace, Katie

Youth Peace Travel Team

YPTT at Camp Pine Lake

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Many of the discussions at Camp Pine Lake focused on how we can use love as a tool for peacemaking. A popular phrase at camp is “breathe in love, breathe out peace.” We repeated this often during times of mediation and allowed it to inspire our actions throughout each activity.

It even permeated the discussion we had about the film, Gracecard, which we watched as a large group. In the move one of the characters tells another that “Jesus works on the streets.” It became apparent that if we breathe in love and breathe out peace, we too may be opening ourselves to see God’s workings everywhere around us, just as Sam did in the movie.

Any week that inspires both love and peace is a good week in my book. Thanks Pine Lake for such an awesome week!

–Molly