On September 2, 2015 at Noon, the Dr. Rebecca Dali with her staff and some volunteers of the Center for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiative (CCEPI), distributed a bag of maize, a mat, a blanket, a bottle (or bag) of soap, a pair of sandals, and a dress for young girls to over 300 widows
compassion
Plans for prospering
By Hannah Shultz, BVS unit #307 Chapel reflection May 6, 2015 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This was my favorite Bible verse as a child. There is something inherently comforting in
The Splendor that is Here
Haggai 2:1-9 I thought, I have time to take a look around town before my meetings in the morning. The dropping dusk light makes long, ominous shadows of the unfamiliar city. On the corner is an older homeless man leaning over a shopping cart. Three younger men are standing outside a thrift store, talking loudly
Crushed bones
Psalm 51:7-12 Question: How can we ensure that confession and forgiveness remain at the center of our Christian experience? What should be the marks of a community genuinely forgiven and loved by God? What are ways your congregation can increase those marks? Prayer: Gracious God, how great is your faithfulness. Forgive us, Holy One, according
Forsaken?
Psalm 22:1-22 Prayer: Compassionate God, we ask all the “Why?” questions and receive little consolation. But when we pause to look back over previous months or years, we can see you were there with us. We just were unaware of your presence. Open our hearts to receive your compassion. Practice: Sit quietly, be alert, and
Compassionate worship
Luke 13: 10-17 Prayer for the day: God, May I not become so consumed in the routine of “worship” that I do not see those struggling before my eyes. Stir my heart to act in the ways of compassion that each moment of my day will be lifted up as worship to you. Question for
Protecting the vulnerable
Matthew 1:18-25 Prayer for the day: Protecting God, I ask for seeing eyes to take in the vulnerable people in my midst. May I have a heart of compassion, like Joseph, that is open to the moving of the spirit in my life and those around me. Question for reflection: Who are the Marys,
Oreo Jesus
Hebrews 2:1-9 Question for reflection: “The Jesus in Me Loves the Jesus in You” is often sung at Church of the Brethren intercultural gatherings. As we sing, we move from person to person, holding their hands as we acknowledge that we see Jesus in each other. It is energizing to connect with each other
Old-time religion
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Question for reflection: Think of your life as a movie. Who is directing the movie? Who is starring in it? What is the conflict/issue driving the action? What role does God play in the production? Prayer for the day: Great Author of All, thanks for your creativity and compassion. As you