Day 29, Jesus and Coffee – Pastor Dave
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NRSV.)
When I think about the many blessings we experience on a Sunday morning, I believe one of the biggest is hot coffee and warm fellowship. It’s probably something we take for granted, but it’s a central part of the Sunday experience. I remember a time at my last church in Joplin where the coffee machine didn’t work for two Sundays in a row. I can’t tell you how many phone calls I received imploring me to solve the problem. While others were ground down, I definitely felt like I was in hot water. I started drinking coffee in college, and, outside of Lent, I have a cup every morning (the stronger, the better.) I do not enjoy decaffeinated coffee; there’s something missing. It looks like it should be just as good, but it lacks the “oomph” I need. This makes me think about the church without the Holy Spirit. It can look and sound the part, but if it doesn’t have the Holy Spirit, it is as weak as decaf. The Presbyterian Church has an uneasy relationship with the “Third Person of the Trinity.” We pride ourselves on doing things “decently and in order”, and we are hesitant to let an outside influence disrupt the familiar status quo. The same Holy Spirit that was present at creation, at Jesus’ baptism, and at Pentecost, is active in our world today. It’s the light within us and the filling breeze at our backs. It’s the hot water poured over our coffee grounds. The longer it stays with us, the stronger we are. May we all make it a habit to welcome in the Holy Spirit as we enjoy our morning joe. I guarantee it will provide more energy for your day than any caffeinated cup.
“Renewing God, we thank you for the many wonderful blessings you provide. Help us to recognize the many ways you help us, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give us strength for today. Amen.”
Day 30, Fellowship Hall – Patty Gingrich
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord” (Psalm 89:15.)
As I walk through St. Mark Presbyterian Church to lock doors and turn out lights, I am often fooled into thinking the lights were left on in our original sanctuary because the windows catch the sunlight and really light up the room. I walk in there to turn off the lights and then realize the room is simply bathed in natural light. Tom Bodett says, “we’ll leave the lights on for you” in the motel commercial to give you a sense of security. As believers, we walk in that blessed light every day and through God, with faith, we move mountains, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, comfort the weary, find Peace and share good will. The original sanctuary reminds me that we are always bathed in the spiritual light of a loving God. What reminds you that you are a precious child of God as you go through your day? The Lord reaches out to us in so many ways, do we miss some of the signals? We may only perceive a fraction of the love, power and support that is available to us as we hustle through each day because our focus is elsewhere but God’s presence is eternally with us, shining through!
“Dear God, thank you for leaving the light on for me. Help me to remember that I am always walking in your light and supported by your loving embrace, even when I feel alone or afraid. Amen”
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