Lenten Devotional – Thurs, Mar 11: FILLED
As he talked to the people of his time, Jesus used imagery that helped them identify with the conditions of humanity: those who would receive the blessing. Hunger. Thirst. The same metaphors translate well for modern folks.
We understand such deep and essential needs. Authors of the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Biblical commentaries write about this Beatitude by including it among the three earlier ones that addressed being poor in spirit, mournful, and meek. These scholars say that those who receive the first four blessings are “conscious of their need of salvation” and that they do not yet act as if they are “possessed of it.”
They’re metaphorically empty. And they know it. And somehow, this need or ‘lack’ is always creating space for the presence of God in their lives.
Folks who are about to be ‘filled’ are among those in the early stages of the twelve-step recovery model: a helpful way to compare the journey through the Beatitudes. They’re in need. They’ve admitted to that need. They’ve named the nature of their issues and challenges. They have handed over their lives and wellbeing to redemptive relationships, such as Godself. They long for help. They have turned themselves toward God for that help.
If we’re longing for a healthy and sustainable relationship with Godself, mirrored in our self-care and ethical connections to other people, then the answer to our desire is to experience a wholeness of connection that satisfies what seems missing in our lives. That’s what being ‘filled’ means. That’s the blessing.
It’s an easy metaphor to understand. Harder to live out.
Think of this desire as life-threatening. As vital as lack of food or water would be.
You need to be filled. Fulfilled. The promise of the Beatitude is that the need is met. More than met, by forming a relationship with Godself.
Our desire to be in relationship with God, when fulfilled, is satisfied in such a way that it may remain sated. It continually renews wellbeing. We’ll probably have relapses. Bumps along the way.
Yet our holistic connection to God restores equilibrium. In such conditions, we can care for ourselves and others, because we are anchored in a bond with Godself.
Of course, the human experience, named at the start of the blessing, is that we’re constantly wanting. We start out empty: devouring and processing whatever we can imbibe. In a sense, that’s how we learn.
Even if we want good, healthy, ethical conditions and outcomes and connections, we’re on the empty end of the equation, wishing for fulfillment. And we’re perpetually out of balance, we cannot stand alone: we need to be in relationship.
Simply wanting to be connected to God turns us in a life-affirming direction. It won’t be easy or absolute. The state of reaching toward God, as God leans close to meet us where we are, remains part of our journey. Apparently, we must exercise the option to say yes, over and over.
While we’re always invited to belong to God, the choice remains ours. The opportunity to say yes — or not — is within our power. So the only one who gets in the way of the relationship with God is us and our human experience.
God always draws close. Pursues us. Never backs down. Never gives up. Always shows up. ANd that presence … that’s what fulfills. And fills. — Rev Gail
It’s emptiness, not fullness, that Jesus blesses. — John Koessler
Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? — Bob Marley
Man is the only animal whose desires increase as they are fed; the only animal that is never satisfied. — Henry George
To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not. — Akhenaton
You must accept that you might fail; then, if you do your best and still don’t win, at least you can be satisfied that you’ve tried. If you don’t accept failure as a possibility, you don’t set high goals, you don’t branch out, you don’t try – you don’t take the risk. — Rosalynn Carter
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. — John Piper
Challenge or Question: When do you feel that you are enough? How does that reflect on your connection to Godself? What gifts have you received that allow you to experience that feeling of contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction, and being enough?
BLACK HISTORY MONTH (Racial Justice Programs – Early March)
SUPPORTING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION in the OUTDOORS:
A Sense of Place Community Forum
WED • 6:30pm
This event is free. Please register for the event at bit.ly/2NcStjR.
How can we cultivate a more inclusive outdoor recreation community in the Mount Washington Valley?
On Wednesday, March 3 from 6:30-8PM live via Zoom, the public is invited to participate in “Supporting Diversity & Inclusion in the Outdoors,” a Sense of Place community forum. Join us to consider what practical steps user groups, local businesses, and local community members can take to support more diverse participation in the outdoors. Panelists from the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, REI, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Venture Out Project will share their perspectives, followed by a facilitated discussion. Emily Greene from the Saco Watershed Collaborative and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve will moderate. This event is free. Please register for the event at bit.ly/2NcStjR.
About the Panelists:
Kent Jackson, Director of Education at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Boston, MA, is a seasoned environmental educator who has successfully created, developed, directed, and evaluated environmental youth leadership programs. He is a certified American Canoe Association Instructor, a Wilderness First Responder and a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
James Saunders is Logistics and Marketing Coordinator for The Venture Out Project.
Becky Smith is Director of Retail for REI’s Washington, DC flagship store.
Janet Zeller served as the National Accessibility Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service for 17 years, and wrote their ADA guidelines. She is now retired, but continues her work as an Accessibility Specialist in outdoor recreation.
VIDEO SCREENING & DISCUSSION ofLADAINIAN TOMLINSON and
The Backstory Behind His Hall of Fame Speech on Unity | NFL 360
***** Tue, Mar 9 • 7pm *****
(corrected date)
CORRECTED date for this discussion due to schedule conflict that Rev Gail didn’t catch in original scheduling for this program.
Zoom gathering:
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83640998864?pwd=aU96VjNBUWFpazZocmxFbVROZG5Bdz09
- Alternately, call in: 929 436 2866, Meeting ID: 836 4099 8864, Passcode: 72247
To preview the 20-minute video of the interview with LaDainian Tomlinson: https://youtu.be/uUZ02WkG3Qk
Introductory statements from Dr. Tony DeLuca:
“I would appreciate it if you would share this with the members of the congregation. As an historian and someone who is involved in the spiritual life of the church, I feel I have a duty and a responsibility to make this information available to others. The timing is most apropos given that’s it’s Black History Month and we are still enjoying the aftermath of the Super Bowl experience. It’s the type of thing I hope we will be able, in the not-too-distant future, to come together as a group and engage in another form of Christian conversation.”
Tony DeLuca continues: “The video presents a positive alternative to the highly-charged, confrontational nature of the events of the past year. The video is not rhetorical. It’s personal. It provides valuable insights into how we can approach the goal of racial harmony. To paraphrase Shakespeare: “The solution lies not in the stars, but in ourselves.” The timing is right. I suggest we arrange to do this via ZOOM as soon as possible.”
Tony Deluca will help us think about this 2017 video message from football professional and NFL Hall of Fame recipient LaDainian Tomlinson.
This week’s Lenten Fast suggestion: Tips to Use Less Plastic
From: THE UCC’s Environmental Justice Mission Group
Check out these easy ways you can start reducing your waste in your everyday life! Did you know that of the 30 million tons of plastic waste generated in the US in 2009, only 7 percent was recovered for recycling?
Here are 17 ways to reduce your plastic waste:
- Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw
- Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often!
- Give up gum. Gum is made of a synthetic rubber, aka plastic.
- Buy boxes instead of bottles. Often, products like laundry detergent come in cardboard which is more easily recycled than plastic.
- Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging.
- Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk.
- Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop
- Bring your own container for take-out or your restaurant doggy-bag since many restaurants use styrofoam.
- Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter.
- Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you’ll be eating fewer processed foods!
- Don’t use plasticware at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box.
- Ask your local grocer to take your plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) back. If you shop at a farmers market they can refill it for you.
- The EPA estimates that 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the US each year. Use cloth diapers to reduce your baby’s carbon footprint and save money.
- Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It’s healthier and better for the environment.
- Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner.
- Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups.
- Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor.
Trying even one or two of these ideas can lead to good habits that will last well beyond Lent!
AT JCC & AROUND TOWN: Mar 2-7
Ongoing – Lenten Devotionals (downloadable copies):
https://jacksoncommunitychurch.org/lenten-devotionals/ (password required to access copyright-protected content).
Note: New addition to the Lenten resources available for individuals and families on the Beatitudes.
TUE, Mar 2
- LENTEN STUDY GROUP: The Walk by Adam Hamilton
9:30am • Zoom (link & password required: contact JCC)- Join Sue Davidson for a bible study focused on The Walk by Adam Hamilton. It helps participants develop five spiritual practices that allow us to walk closer with God.
- A few copies of this book are available to borrow inside JCC’s front doors, on the Lent-Easter library shelves. Otherwise, you may order e-book or hard copy on Amazon
- RING BELL
Noon • Jackson Community Church - CLERGY LUNCH
12:30-2pm • Zoom.
Meeting of Clergy of the Eastern Slope for peer work and community networking. Rev Gail attends. - Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-6pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.
Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/.
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Event: VIRTUAL YOGA
4:30pm • Zoom
The Friends of the Whitney welcome back yoga instructor, Anjali Rose to host virtual yoga to the community for the next six weeks. This yoga class is free to Jackson community residents and is designed for all levels to participate. The process to sign up is simple, the registration link is listed here, each person attending can register and upon registration will receive an email within 24 hours with the Zoom link for the class. It’s important to register as soon as you can and no later than 2:00 on Tuesday.- Register in advance for this meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZclceGgqzIpHdXzJDVEGz…
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- If you are new to yoga and have questions, please reach out to Anjali at: anjalirose15@gmail.com with questions.
- DEACONS MEETING
7pm • Zoom (link & password required: contact JCC)
Deacons meet to report on community care planning and also to plan upcoming worship themes and experiences.
WED, Mar 3
- DE-GREENING/DE-BIRDING the SANCTUARY
10am • JCC
Volunteers meet to remove birds and winter greens from sanctuary and prepare for Lenten themes such as Stations of the Cross. - RING BELL
Noon • Jackson Community Church - Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-5pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.
Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/.
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Event: PLANT BASED COOKING with ANJALI ROSE (zoom)
5pm • Register in advance with this link.
Adult cooking using plant-based recipes. Anjali sends recipe ahead of time so you can have ingredients gathered for the class. REGISTER by 4pm Tuesday! - Community Event: SUPPORTING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION in the OUTDOORS: A Sense of Place Forum (zoom)
6pm • Click here to register. The event is free. How can we cultivate a more inclusive outdoor recreation community in the Mount Washington Valley? Join us to consider what practical steps user groups, local businesses, and local community members can take to support more diverse participation in the outdoors. Panelists from the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, REI, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Venture Out Project will share their perspectives, followed by a facilitated discussion. Emily Greene from the Saco Watershed Collaborative and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve will moderate. - Local Class: BEGINNING LANDSCAPE PAINTING: Trees and Snow (zoom)
Jackson Art class series. Registration required. Questions: Contact 603-387-3463. Cost and information available through link: https://www.jacksonartnh.com/event-registration/?ee=1093
THURS, Mar 4
- RING BELL
Noon • Jackson Community Church - Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-6pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.
Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/.
Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - Community Service: WAY STATION SHIFT
3pm • Curbside package preparation
5pm • Shift at curbside with guests
15 Grove St, North Conway, NH
Rev Gail and JCC volunteers serve this weekly outreach to local homeless and housing-insecure residents.
FRI, Mar 5
- Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
2-5pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse.Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/. Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org - RING BELL
Noon • Jackson Community Church - Community Event: FIRST FRIDAY SAMPLER (Mountain Top Music)
Enjoy excerpts of past First Fridays, and a few surprises! You might even hear a bit of orchestra music. Get your free ticket code here. - Community Event: FRIDAY SLIDERS & GLIDERS (Weather Dependent)
1 pm (Gliders) • 1:15 pm (Sliders) • 1:30 pm (Easy Sliders) • Jackson XC Ski Center (JXC)
Note from JXC: Registration required. Call: 603-383-9355. - C3: COCKTAILS & CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS
5pm • Zoom (link & password required: contact JCC)
A series of discussions about Beatitudes. Bring your adult beverage and your curiosity.
SAT, Mar 6
- Community Resource: LIBRARY for PICKUP or BROWSING by APPOINTMENT
10am – 2pm • Jackson Library
Pick up holds, print items, or book an appointment to stay on site and browse. Request appointments: https://jacksonlibrary.simplybook.me/v2/. Contact the library for additional help: 603.383.9731 or by email: staff@jacksonlibrary.org
SUN, MAR 7: Third Sunday in Lent
- INTERFAITH GATHERING
8am • Zoom (link & password required: contact JCC)
Join us for poetry, prayer and conversation. Zoom-only. - CHOIR PRACTICE
9am • Zoom (link & password required: contact JCC)
Welcoming new members! Join us to prepare songs for the coming year. - VIRTUAL WORSHIP (Zoom) & IN-PERSON
10:30am • (link & password required: contact JCC)- Join us for worship with music, scripture, prayer and reflection.
- Message by Rev Gail, live music by Alan Labrie
- Lenten series on Beatitudes
- Stay for virtual coffee hour (via Zoom only).
- In-person attendance requires masks and social distancing.
- Service will also be live-streamed to website and Facebook (if technology supports this function on the day of event). Afterward, recordings of worship service will be posted to Facebook, Vimeo.com channel & Youtube.com channel.
- RING BELL
Noon • Jackson Community Church
Lenten Devotional – Mon, Mar 1: WHO
The people referenced in these blessings are considered in a communal way. In particular, they are the followers of Christ within the Greek-speaking community for whom the author of the Gospel of Matthew wrote. They are also, in another sense, all humans. Common folk. People like you and me.
We might not want to recognize ourselves in these lists, or in others who find themselves described within the Beatitudes. It’s an uncomfortable association.
Yet among these lists of challenging human conditions, we’re likely to identify with one or more of the circumstances that are described by Christ in the Beatitudes. Since we’ve had these experiences, we are encouraged to develop empathy and connection with others. If we have recognized ourselves in these Beatitudes, we can also reach out to those who are living within these circumstances and experiences.
These blessings remind us that we are connected to each other, as well as being welcomed into the community of God’s children. This expansive view of who is blessed also cautions us that we’re not in charge of the invitation list for the kingdom of heaven. We don’t decide who sits at the common table.
This human community belongs to Christ, who has given out the invitations. Now, elbow to elbow, we’re invited to share more than just a meal. — Rev Gail
Meditations:
You are me, and I am you.
Isn’t it obvious that we “inter-are”?
You cultivate the flower in yourself,
so that I will be beautiful.
I transform the garbage in myself,
so that you will not have to suffer.
I support you; you support me.
I am in this world to offer you peace;
you are in this world to bring me joy.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Challenge or Question: Who in your life is a sounding board for you? Who holds up a mirror for you and helps you become more self-aware? And for whom do you offer this reciprocity?