Prayer for All Natural Disasters

Holy and Gracious God, 
we call out to you in these hours of desperate need following the destructive forces of nature. 
Help us most powerful One, by moving within the hearts of all that you have already called and equipped to be first responders. 
Open our hearts to be generous before speaking out. 
Increase in us the power to sit in stillness, offering listening hearts to the broken-hearted of this and all tragedies.
Do not forget us in our hour great pain. 
Do not abandon those whose lives were cut short. 
In your great mercy bring them into your eternal presence that they may become one with you in your majestic realm which dwells impenetrably beyond our human capabilities. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ who lives together with you and the Holy Spirit, Eternally One and reigning in Heaven. Amen

Class Starting May 18

NEW Class: Scripture Models for the Friendship of Women

Most of the time we read scripture looking for ways to understand ourselves in relationship to God. Seldom do we take the time to read the scriptures looking for models of friendship between women in the scriptures. Searching scripture for role models can be a productive and engaging way to expand our ability to love our neighbor as ourselves and to enrich our lives through the development of lasting friendships with other women of the parish and our community.  

Our study will be centered around the book, The Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible, written by Joan D Chittester. In her book, she offers an easy to read yet delightful look at several of the often overlooked female characters contained within the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Each character study lifts up a specific attribute admirably illustrated by one female member in the immense cast of women contained in God’s stories of the faith. 

We will use the short studies for reflection and for personal growth. We will gain greater appreciation for diverse ways in which women can, and do demonstrate friendship across the ages. Timeless characteristics; wisdom, support, truth, presence, leadership, availability, acceptance, joy, nurturance, trust and love, self, growth, all characteristics which anyone can appreciate and many will want to develop personally into daily living are demonstrated by the female Biblical archetypes which Chittister lifts up to the reader.

We will meet twice a month, on Saturday Mornings from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, gathering for coffee, and refreshments before we settle into the discussion and activities of each meeting.

Leaders for the class will be Barbara Bunsold, M.Div. and Gabrielle McKeever, members of the healing team. One aspect of the class will be learning and using one on one listening, as it was taught to the members of the healing ministry team. Women of all ages and stages of life and relationship are encouraged to join the conversational study with a light emphasis on spiritual growth in prayer, and presence toward one another.

First class will be May 18 in the fellowship hall at 10:30 AM. Dates for June and July are June 1, and 22, July 13. Subsequent dates will be scheduled after our first meeting with the book study finishing in November. 

^^Originally published in the St. Timothy Newsletter, May 2013.

  FOR Location http://www.sttimshd.org/