Life at Littlefield - March 2010

 LITTLEFIELD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
7560 Littlefield Boulevard
Dearborn, Michigan 48126-1699
313/933-3740
Fax: 313/933-7787
E-mail:

MINISTER - FRAN HAYES

“Pray as you can, not as you can’t.”

I’ve seen these words quoted twice in the past week, attributed to two different sources. I think what it means is that there are many ways to pray. So, instead of trying to force yourself to pray “the right way,” in a way you think you “should” but that may not work for you right now, you can find a form of prayer that does fit you. Ignatius of Loyola—founder of the Jesuit Order—once said “everything that turns one in the direction of God is prayer.”

In Prayer: Finding The Heart’s True Home, Richard Foster suggests that many people pray more than they know. If we have a “stained glass” image of prayer, we can fail to recognize what we are experiencing as prayer and feel guilty for not praying more.

The approaches to prayer are many and varied. We can meditate on the scriptures. This “lectio divina” is an ancient Christian practice. Our session has been practicing a variation of this when we do the Kaleidoscope Bible study.

Like Brother Lawrence, we can “practice the presence of God” by being in communion with God as we go about our daily tasks. We can meditate as we walk a labyrinth or as we experience God’s good creation. We can walk through our neighborhoods and pray for those we encounter on the way. We can listen to a guided meditation on a CD to help us visualize the healing and wholeness we long for and that God desires for us.

As Martha Grace Reese writes in the introduction to the 40-Day Prayer Journal in Unbinding Your Heart, “good prayer habits act like an incubator for our relationships with God. If we pray, if we “show up,” God has a much better chance of getting through to us.” Those of us who signed up for Unbinding Your Heart made a Lenten commitment to “show up” daily to pray, using the prayer journal in the book. We will be practicing a discipline that will open us more fully to God. The prayer journal invites us to meditate on a scripture passage, then read a few reflections, and to jot down ideas, drawings, or whatever the day’s passage evoked. The prayer journal will invite us to practice and to experiment with some different forms of prayer. If you didn’t sign up for the book study, you could still commit yourself to a similar discipline for the remainder of Lent, using the devotional resources provided by the Evangelism and Membership Committee.

When we “show up” in prayer, when we pray together and talk about faith with others, our hearts and spirits are unbound, and amazing and wonderful things can happen! May it be so for us this Lent!



INTERFAITH RELATIONS - William G. Gepford, American-Arab Relations
 “Keep the Vision”
The February 22, 2010 issue of Newsweek magazine carried an article on religion, or more accurately an article on the struggle at Harvard University over how to include courses on religion in its curricular offerings. Any serious student of Medieval history knows that it is a study of the interrelationships between the secular and the religious (church) history, much of which might be classified as a struggle for power.

As Christians begin their Lenten journey it is made abundantly clear to them that there is a difference between religion and faith. Religion can often be nothing more than "what is popular," while faith is a struggle for one's soul.

Jesus was tempted, as aren't we all, to accept short-term fixes that ignore long- term consequences. The story that describes these temptations of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Luke, at the beginning of chapter four. The devil tempted him to provide food for himself (temptation for self-gratification); to control all the kingdoms of the world (temptation to absolute power); and to put God to the test (temptation to challenge God's absolute authority). Had he accepted any of these, he would have had to give up the central purpose of his life.

On any one day, any of us might be tempted to give up our vision of compassion, peace and justice. Popular religion wants us to accept that which is comfortable, "feeling good" about ourselves, taking short cuts to success and living in communities that are just like us. Faith, on the other hand requires going against popular religion, crossing boundaries to meet others, and spending time and energy getting to know those who fight for a place in this world. Religion seeks control over others. Faith seeks communities of consensus. Religion is concerned with quantity and bigness, while faith seeks a place where God’s vision of life can be fulfilled.

As we contemplate the evils in this world we may be tempted to give up our values. But people of faith do not give up. They keep always before them the vision of God's kingdom of truth, righteousness and justice.

Ironically, the story of Jesus' temptations is focused in the Middle East, the place where he lived his entire life, and where much of today's world still hesitates in choice between religion and faith.

Rabbi Melchior is one who works towards peaceful resolutions of conflict. He said “for faith to become instead of a force to blow up the future, it needs to become a soothing (of) differences.” He went on to say faith “may even bring some kind of salvation for the human being, which is more important than salvation of any piece of land” (emphasis added; conference call, August 11, 2006.)

The almond tree is one of the earliest trees to bloom in Palestine. Before it puts forth leaves it puts forth blossoms. While the land is still cold from winter, the warm blossoms, untended and unforced, surprise us with a promise of spring. The blossom is a delight in itself. But it is more. It is anticipation. It is promise. It is a metaphor for God’s vision leading to fulfillment.

May each one of us become that blossom that keeps the promise of faith alive.



SCRIPTURE READINGS
March 7
O.T. Lesson-Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
Epistle Lesson-1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Gospel Lesson-Luke 13:1-9

March 14
O.T. Lesson-Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
Epistle Lesson-2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Gospel Lesson-Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

March 21
O.T. Lesson-Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Epistle Lesson-Philippians 3:4b-14
Gospel Lesson-John 12:1-8

March 28 - Palm Sunday
 O.T. Lesson-Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 or 31:9-16
Epistle Lesson-Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Lesson-Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 or Luke 19:28-40



PRAYER MINISTRY

“Lord, to make sure I am not using my solitude as an escape,
I resolve anew to live patiently and kindly with those around me.
This Lent I will seek out at least one person with whom I can share your healing presence.”
- Henri J. M. Nouwen


He walked on by on the other side.
- Luke 10:31 (TEV)


A Day Worth While
 I count that day as wisely spent
In which I do some good
For someone who is far away
Or shares my neighborhood.
A day devoted to the deed
That lends a helping hand
And demonstrates a willingness
To care and understand.
I long to be of usefulness
In little ways and large
Without a selfish motive
And without the slightest charge.
Because in my philosophy
There never is a doubt
That all of us here on earth
Must help each other out.
I feel that day is fruitful
And the time is worth the while
When I promote the happiness
Of one enduring smile.


 PRAYER
 Help me, Lord, to truly love my neighbor as myself. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
 I will strive to make my priorities match God’s priorities.



TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICE - MARCH 2
Our next Service is Tuesday, March 2, @ 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All people regardless of faith background and age are welcome. You are invited to dress comfortably and casually. Invite a friend!



CALLING ALL FEATHER BOWLERS
It is time to sign up for our annual Feather Bowling outing. The big event is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, at the Cadieux Cafe. We will begin at 4:00 p.m. with two hours of feather bowling followed by dinner. We hope you will add your name to the sign-up sheet in the library, and as always, we encourage you to extend the invitation to those outside the Littlefield congregation.



PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
In March, PWPD will gather in our clusters. Littlefield, with 9 other Dearborn and Downriver churches, is part of Cluster 4. Our cluster gathering will be on Saturday, March 20. We will meet at Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church in Dearborn for Brunch at 10:00 a.m. Following the meal, Pamela Frucci and her granddaughter, Emily Frucci, will present a short program on how they came to co-write their book "A Visit to my Great Great Grandpa." They will share with us the importance of preserving the stories of our past generations for our future generations. Pam is the PWPD Justice and Peace Vice- Moderator and a member of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. The cost for the brunch is $5 per person. Please make your reservations by Saturday, March 13, to the church office. All women of Littlefield are invited to this event.



EASTER FLOWERS
As we enter the season of Lent, we look toward Easter and the coming of spring. We will again adorn the cross with both spring plants and lilies. If you would like to purchase plants for Easter, the cost will be the same as last year, $10, and you may take them with you following worship on Easter. The deadline for orders will be Monday, March 22. This is a wonderful way to express your gratitude for someone or something, remember special people or a loved one. What glorious things God has done for us!



HOLY WEEK
The most important week of the Christian year is approaching… inviting us to “survey the wondrous cross”…to reflect on God’s amazing love and how we are called to respond. For many of us, the Holy Week services are the most meaningful and powerful services of the year. We hope that you will set apart time and be with us and invite a friend as we move through the events of Holy Week and prepare our hearts to receive the good news of Easter.

Sunday, March 28 - Palm/Passion Sunday
Join us at 10:30 a.m. as we wave our palm branches in the service and as we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Follow Jesus to the cross on Calvary as we hear the Passion story from the Gospel according to Luke.

Thursday, April 1 - Maundy Thursday
This reflective service begins at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude with the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and the stripping of the paraments.

Friday, April 2 - Good Friday
This year we are having a Good Friday Tenebrae Service at 7:00 p.m. where we will experience the passion of Christ through Scripture and Song in a service of light and shadows.

Sunday, April 4 - Resurrection Sunday
This festive service, which begins at 10:30 a.m., is the most joyous in the Christian year. Come and hear the good news, enjoy the beautiful music and leave with a “Hallelujah” in your heart. Invite your friends to worship with you and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.



ONE GREAT HOUR of SHARING - APRIL 4
Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) to share God’s love with people experiencing need. “Jesus said, ‘Do you love me? Feed my sheep.’” Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen their families and communities. Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future. Where does the money go? The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36 percent of undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32 percent.

These are examples of how your contributions are used: A gift of $20 can provide mosquito nets for a family, helping them avoid malaria; a gift of $150 provides fishing nets and 500 fish fingerlings; or a gift of $300 will provide one InterChurch Medical Assistance medicine box which helps to prevent or treat disaster-related diseases.



SAVE THE DATE - APRIL 17
The Church & Society Committee is sponsoring another volunteer morning at Gleaners Taylor Distribution Center. We will work from 9 – 12 noon on Saturday, April 17. Let’s have lots of volunteers!



SAVE THE DATES: PEACE CAMP JULY 20, 21, & 22


THE APOSTLES’ CREED SYMBOLISM

The Somber Brown Color: The difficulty and rigor of early Christianity under persecution; also, the monastic tradition.

The Purple Arches: The entrances to caves or catacombs, where early Christians met in secret; also, the shape of Gothic church windows.

The Anchor Cross: Security in Christ, as found by the apostles, some of whom were fishermen.

The Fish: An ancient symbol for the Christian faith, perhaps a secret code mark. Letters of the Greek word for fish can be used as first letters in the phrase “Jesus Christ God’s Son Savior”.

The Chalice: The Lord’s Supper, and thus the earnest and simple fellowship of the early church.

The Upside-Down Cross: Peter, chief of the apostles, who, in legend, is said to have been crucified upside down because he thought himself unworthy of a death like his Master’s.



WORSHIP & CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Applications for interest free tuition loans are available from the office and should be submitted to the Worship and Education Committee for review by April for Session approval by May. We look forward to serving our community in their quest for education.



SUPPORT THE ARTS
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” (Quote from Anne Frank’s Diary)

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK will be presented at the FORD COMMUNITY AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER in Dearborn this month by the JEWISH ENSEMBLE THEATRE. This is a professional production at an incredibly discounted price as it is sponsored by the Stephen, Nancy & Sam Grand Philanthropic Fund. Trudy Mason McCreadie will be returning in the role of Mrs. Van Daan along with a stellar cast of actors. This story is as relevant today as it ever was. It is part of the JET Outreach program designed to teach tolerance and advocacy to our youth.

Performances for student groups (and the public) are 10:00 a.m. March 22 – 24, Thursday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. Public Performances are March 27 at 7 p.m. and March 23 at 3 p.m. Dr. Jamie Wraight from the Voice Vision Project, U of M Dearborn, will be conducting ‘talk-backs’ after each morning performance.

Tickets are available at the Box Office 313-943-2354 and school and group rates are available for ALL regular performances. Students $9, Adults $15 and Seniors $10.



ASSISTANCE FOR HAITI
Thank you Littlefielders! We collected 38 CWS Hygiene kits and 9 Baby kits and over $150 for shipping and donations. The kits have been sent to the CWS warehouse in Maryland in preparation to be sent overseas where needed.

For those that still want and are able to send a financial donation, consider sending to Haiti through Littlefield. Make the check payable to Littlefield Presbyterian Church with DR000064 written on the memo line. Because it's a church mission, there's no overhead, and the whole amount we donate through PDA actually goes to Haiti. The website listed here is a link to a list of indexed resources including updated reports: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latiname rica/haiti-index.htm.

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