Reese-isms (for making a difference)

The following post isn't related directly to hunger and environment--but it is about being "wise as serpents and gentle as doves"--exactly what we need to make a difference.

Sometimes cleaning out your desk can yield forgotten treasures along with a neater desk, and I just found one that the Rev. James Foster Reese provided at a workshop a few years ago. He called them "Reeseisms (For Making a Difference." I call them uncommon sense. Here they are:

1. "Don't put your dog in every fight"
2. "Don't argue if you can't win."
3. "Don't think you will learn something from the second kick of a mule." (Mark 6:10-13)
4. "Don't be known for much speaking as for speaking much."
5. "Don't self-sacrifice unless this is your last cause or you know you will rise on the third day."
6. "Don't believe that just because it is right, it is necessarily smart."
7. "Don't forget, you can learn something from a jackass!" (Numbers 22:22-35)
8. "Don't risk more than you can afford to lose."
9. "Don't think you can get clean clothes without agitation."
10. "Don't always believe a meeting is more important than a birthday party."
    

Which one would you like to work on? I think I'm going to work on one a week.

Wishing you traveling mercies, many glimpses of redemption on your journey with Jesus, and the joy of making a difference.

Trinity, Monmouth Presbytery, and Greenfaith

GreenFaith,

in collaboration with Monmouth Presbytery, presents a
Creation Care Conference
Saturday, March 29, 2008
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Trinity Presbyterian Church,
367 Cranbury Road East Brunswick, NJ

For all ages--invite family and friends!

GreenFaith speakers will offer numerous workshops
Crafts and special workshops for children
Information tables from Environmental Organizations

Continental Breakfast About the photo
Light Lunch provided by Trinity Presbyterian Church���s Women at the Well

There is no cost for this event; however it would be helpful if you registered ahead
To register Email: tesattpc@yahoo.com

After the Palms - Imagine Scene 2

The following essay is by Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries. It really is "food for thought"!

"Palm Sunday is that occasion in the church year when we try and get ourselves into a really joyous mood, so that we can experience the full roller coaster effect of Holy Week.

"In many churches this weekend, the members of the Sunday School will be drafted to form a palm-waving procession through the sanctuary. Some lucky child may even get to play the part of Jesus, and ride the wooden donkey, the same one used by Mary in the Christmas pageant. Meanwhile, in the pews, well-dressed adults will sing All Glory, Laud and Honor and look very self-conscious about waving their fronds.

"Through it all, we make a noble attempt to capture the genuine spirit of celebration that is part and parcel of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We try to claim the hope and excitement of the Messiah's arrival in the capitol city. And we set aside the awareness of what comes later in this Holy Week -- the agonizing times of betrayal and death, and the astounding joy of resurrection.

"The Christian liturgical tradition packs a lot into Holy Week. We observe Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter itself.

"And yet, as I re-read the Palm Sunday account in the gospels, I'm struck by what our liturgies skip over. The tradition of the triumphal entry is truncated. Scene 2 is skipped.

"Picture this in your church's observation of the day: The bathrobe-clad Jesus rides the wheeled donkey down the aisle, while the congregation sings familiar hymns of praise and wave their palm branches. Then, as the music comes to a close, Jesus strides to the chancel, sweeps the silver communionware onto the floor, and shouts, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer', but you are making it a den of robbers."

What do you think? Is this true? Read the rest of the article

The painting is undated by Solomon Raj. Asian Christian Art Association

The sculpture of Christ cleansing the Temple is by Brian Burgess.

Make the World a Better Place

Do you dream of a better world? Why not help make your dream come true?

San Jose Presbytery has published a beginners guide on how to do it. A copy is available at the Presbytery or you can watch it on line. The theme of the documentary is:

• Do something to improve the world (even if it's a small something)
• Urge others to do something, too
• Do that something soon (. . . a better time may not come!)
• Notice, stop, act - Be like the "Good Samaritan" who noticed the man in the road, stopped, and acted to help the man recover from his injuries, even as others passed by who could have helped, but chose not to. (Luke 10:33)

Watch the film

"How to Make the World a Better Place...

a beginners guide" online and see how to use it in a discussion on service, social change, advocacy and individual ability and motivation to make change.

THANKS TO PAT PLANT, HUNGER ACTION ADVOCATE

IN SAN JOSE FOR SHARING THIS!