Today is World Communion Sunday, and it is observed in the United Methodist Church.
Once again from Apples of Gold, compiled by Jo Petty, we have these words. You will undoubtedly recognize them.
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference."
Reinhold Niebuhr is the author of these words, the beginning verse of what is known as the Serenity Prayer.
From the United Methodist Women Prayer Calendar for 2014, today's Mission Focus is Israel/Palestine: Wadi Fukin Community Development Project, West Bank. Janet Lahr Lewis is the missionary, General Board of Global Ministries, serving Palestine. From page 83 in the Prayer Calendar, we are given this information: As part of the Global Ministries sponsored Community Development Project in the village of Wadi Fouqin (Fukin), a joint basket-weaving project has been embarked upon with women from Sindyanna of Galilee in Israel coming to instruct the local Palestinian women the traditional art of basket weaving. An interfaith initiative funded by international Christians for Muslim Palestinian women in the occupied West Bank, an organization administered by Israeli Jews is also a partner in this endeavor. The baskets are items available in tourist shops, and the income from their sale will help provide much needed income to the families in Wadi Fouqin who are living under occupation.
I have been referring to Apples of Gold regularly in recent months. The book takes each of the characteristics mentioned in the fruit of the Spirit reference in Galatians 5:22-23 and gives quotes that elaborate on each of these - love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. This is particularly meaningful to me as this has been my Conference United Methodist Women theme for the past two years.
So, my wish for you is that you may be surrounded by love, joy, and peace on this day.
Nellie, I love that prayer. It can lift us. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful prayer, and one we should all pray for our own lives.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate learning about that class that the Israeli people conduct for the Palestinians, too. The mainstream news media never seem to tell us about the good things that are happening behind the scenes in that troubled part of the world.
Have a simply super Sunday, Sister!
Used to wear that prayer on a necklace.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday, Nellie.
A very wise prayer.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely wish and I wish the same for you.
I love that prayer too - it's so full of meaning. Lovely post Nellie.
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