Streams of Mercy

This morning was our third Sunday back in the sanctuary. It was the Sunday we receive the Cents Ability Offering and I found myself introducing a toddler and his little brother to our mission quilt and globe and Children of the World Floor puzzle. The last time I shared with the children was so long ago, these little ones have no memory of it. A tiny hand touched the globe and moved the ribbon attached to Jackson Springs around one way to Israel, and back around the other way to India, and we spoke of the struggles boys and girls and their families are facing in those lands. We stood in a circle around the floor puzzle and the congregation joined in singing, “Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World.” It was so good to be able to share this special time with our little ones today.

Brian Wren’s wonderful hymn text came to minds as I reflected on the joy of this day in worship together, and I share it as we move forward together.

“This Is a Day of New Beginnings”

This is a day of new beginnings,

time to remember and move on,

time to believe what love is bringing,

laying to rest the pain that's gone.

For by the life and death of Jesus,

love's mighty Spirit, now as then,

can make for us a world of difference,

as faith and hope are born again.

Then let us, with the Spirit's daring,

step from the past and leave behind

our disappointment, guilt, and grieving,

seeking new paths, and sure to find.

Christ is alive, and goes before us

to show and share what love can do.

This is a day of new beginnings;

our God is making all things new.

Elizabeth