(August 18, 2019)  Lectionary: 120

Adults: When has your taking a strong stand on a moral issue created division rather than healing in the short term?

Children: Is it important to do the right thing even if others are angry as a result? Why or why not?

(August 11, 2019)  Lectionary: 117

Adults: Other than Jesus, which of the ancestors of Christian faith has served as the greatest example to you? Why?

Children: Which person of the Bible has been a good example to you of how to live?

(April 14, 2019) Lectionary: 37/38

Adults: When have you felt that you betrayed the confidence of another, as Peter did when he denied Jesus?

Children: When have you let someone down who trusted you? How did you feel?

When my youngest son decided to move from New Jersey to Michigan to make a new start for his life journey, I resigned myself to his decision, but I cried. I would miss him terribly. 

Almost a year later, as I began planning for Christmas, I came across a unique pocket compass. I bought it to put in his Christmas stocking and added a little note about always being able to find his way home. I wanted to support him in his decision, but remind him that his family would always be his home.

(April 7, 2019)  Lectionary: 36 

Adults: Have you ever been too willing to “cast the first stone” when you disapprove of someone’s behavior? How can you resist these feelings? 
Children: When have you criticized or made fun of someone? What could help you act differently? 

By Mary Morrell

As a child I always felt that spring was the perfect season for Easter.  When I was dressing up in smart patent leather shoes, white gloves and a pastel dress that made twirling worthwhile, it just seemed right that the flower boxes should be blooming with pastel flowers and forsythia bushes bursting with yellow blossoms.

As we made our way to Easter Mass, the newly green lawns and freshly budded trees were a lovely backdrop to the Easter parade of parishioners decked out in new finery. 

(July 28, 2019) Lectionary: 111

Adults: Have your most recent prayers been prayers of praise, petition, or sorrow? Which kind of prayer do you need to practice more often?
Children: What are you most thankful for right now?

When I have time to watch TV, one of my favorite shows is a particular home remodeling show. The hosts help clients decide on a home which will then be remodeled from frumpy to fabulous. One of the hosts routinely asks the question, “Are you ready to take on a fixer-upper?”

I’ve heard her say it a hundred times, but today, when she said it, I heard her challenge in terms of taking on a person, not a house, who needed some tender loving care, and, perhaps, a demo day.  While it is often said you can’t fix people, we can certainly help them try to fix themselves.