eBrethren

Learning

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Photos courtesy of Chris and Jenna Horgan

Photos courtesy of Chris and Jenna Horgan

by Jenna Horgan

When I walk out of the school on Friday I feel a little bit like a rock star. Kids come running to say goodbye. “Jenna! Adios! See you Monday for music class!” I can’t leave without a giant hug from every child, and groups of first and second graders watch me walk down the street until I’m out of sight.

My husband Chris and I teach music education to over 300 children at our Brethren Volunteer Service placement in Suchitoto, El Salvador. Kids here don’t know many songs (singing is more for churches than children), so we give them the opportunity to sing, play instruments, and learn about music from different cultures.

I also regularly visit La Mora, a rural community where I teach music to another group of 75 school age children.

When I first started working in La Mora, I was uneasy about what I should do during the students’ 45-minute recess. I felt that I should work, or prepare for class—the American way. But then came little Michelle, with her pigtails and her big brown eyes. Every time I came to La Mora, she would bound into my classroom and say, “Let’s play!” I’d tell her I was working but she wouldn’t have it. “No, let’s play!”

I have never felt so loved and appreciated. The children here are so fascinated by me; they want to sit by me (all of them) and stare and ask what my favorite color is….

But sometimes I feel guilty. Receiving so much love and attention can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. Why me? Why am I so special? I don’t deserve their love.

Fortunately, these little ones are patient with me as I learn. I’m not there yet, but I have made progress. Now, when Michelle invites me to join her at recess, I accept. I talk with her and the other kids and their teachers, and though my Spanish is still not perfect, it is good to be with them. They are teaching me to not take myself so seriously. They are teaching me to rest. They are teaching me to play. They are teaching me to accept the love that I receive, and to give it back with all my heart.

Jenna Horgan is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in El Salvador. Visit www.brethren.org/bvs to learn more and support this important core ministry of the Church of the Brethren.

(Read this issue of eBrethren)

Devotional

Calmly present

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Psalm 46

Prayer for the day:
You are my refuge and my strength, O God, yet I am still fearful when things change. Forgive me my lack of faith, and remind me that I need only be still and know that you are God.


Question for reflection:
When, in a time of chaos and uncertainty in your life, did you hear the still, small voice of God? What did it sound like?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Hush, God is speaking

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1 Kings 19:11-13; Mark 4:35-41

 

Prayer for the day:
God of all things great and small, help us to be mindful of not only of your greatness, but also that you are quietly present with us in small ways. Let us be that calming presence as well, in each of our relationships.


Question for reflection:
As spring begins, go outside and mark off just one square inch of ground. Where do you see God in this small space?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

Praying like Jesus

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Matthew 6:5-6

Prayer for the day:
Hearer of all prayers, teach us to pray.

Question for reflection:
Matthew’s gospel text suggests that public prayer should be limited, perhaps completely avoided. What do you think?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

Praying for others

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John 17:9-26

Prayer for the day:
O Lord, bless us with the integrity to do what we say we will do in all things, but especially when we promise to pray.

Question for reflection:
For many people prayer is not easy. Distractions, worries about finding the right words, and remembering everyone on the prayer list provide lots of excuses. What do you do to ensure that your prayer time is focused?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

The Mount of Olives

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Luke 22:39-46

Prayer for the day:
Jesus, the story of your life on earth is marked by both time and space. In taking human flesh and bone you walked among us, marking certain places as holy by the events that took place there. Yet, in your presence you sanctified not just one place but all. In this season of Lent open our eyes to the holy moments and places around us. Help us take notice that we need not stand on great mountains, but that your grace is present here and now. Amen

Question for reflection:
Where are your holy places?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

Prayer in a mixed-up world

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Matthew 11:25-27

Prayer for the day:
Lord of every gift, we often fail to see that what we possess is truly a gift from you, gifts that grow when we loosen our own grip. We are formed by the news and the markets to think our gifts are to be investments and not offered in the same way we received them from you. Help us, O Lord, in this season of Lent, to hold our possessions a bit more loosely, that we might find life and true joy in the sharing of the grace we have been given. May we act differently in this mixed-up world where vice has become virtue. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What is your prayer as you offer gifts from your abundance?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Prelude to Joy

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Mark 6:11-44; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 24:28-31


Prayer for the day:
Lord Jesus, your prayers brought life. With your blessing the simple meal fed thousands, and with similar words you gave thanks and offered us all the bread and cup of life. We confess that all too often we overlook our own prayers of blessing so that we might get to what we think really matters. Turn our wandering minds back to your blessing so that we might see joy in the fullness of your grace. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What are your practices of giving thanks or offering a blessing?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Prelude to a decision

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Luke 6:12-16

Prayer for the day:
Lord of both the sunrise and sunset, we seek you in the nighttime that we may come to see the day. In our prayers we seek to understand your ways, longing to know how we might live more faithfully from day to day. As we pray ourselves into your light we know our decisions may not make sense to those around us. Grant us courage to do what others say cannot be done. Give us your Spirit that we might see your path before us. Amen.


Question for reflection:
As you seek to discern God’s work around you, how do you pray?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Alone with God

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Mark 1:35-39

 

Prayer for the day:
O God of the quiet places, we often desire to meet you but find ourselves distracted by so many things. At times even the idea of silence and solitude frightens us. In this season of stripping away the clutter and distractions, enflame our hearts that we may truly seek you alone.  Embolden our minds that we may seek you even when our schedules dictate we have more pressing matters. May our desire to see you be matched with faithful imitation of Jesus who went out alone to prayer, for it is in his name that we pray, Amen.


Question for reflection:
Where do you go to find alone time with God?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.