"We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of his love."
St. Vincent DePaul
( April 24, 1581 -September 27, 1660)
The patron saint of charitable societies, St. Vincent de Paul is primarily recognized for his charity and compassion for the poor. What a wonderful "God-incidence" that his feast day, September 27, should fall during our celebration of NEIGHBORING WEEK in Midland! Ask yourself, "Who is my neighbor?" Is it just the nice person who lives next door or is it also the person who makes me feel uncomfortable by the way they look or act or by the choices that they make? Are my neighbors people to be encountered, known, and loved or are they inconveniences in my day? St. Vincent DePaul would say that we are all neighbors and that through our words and actions we must be loving and compassionate to all. Blessed Sacrament is hoping to start a St. Vincent DePaul chapter. If you are interested in knowing more about what that means and how you can be part of this charitable organization, drop by the Parish Center Music Room on Wednesday, September 29 between 6pm and 8pm. I'm looking forward to seeing how God is going use this group to change people's lives, one act of compassion at a time.
One of my heart's desires, and the desire of many people that I encounter is that, despite our best attempts and good intentions, we have a difficult time setting aside intentional time to pray. Perhaps you just haven't found the type of prayer that speaks to your heart and connects you to God. Perhaps you set aside a time to pray, but then "life" just seems to pour in and fill that time. If either is the case, we have 3 opportunities for you to try a new way to be in God's presence and to build a relationship with him through prayer:
Cemetery Pilgrimage
September 30, 6:30-7:30
Midland Cemetery
When is the last time you set aside one hour to be with God in prayer? I know it sounds kind of crazy and creepy, BUT visiting this holy place with Angela Pasek for prayer and reflection will reveal God's presence to you in a whole new way. Visit the website for more information and to register:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/15/cemetery-pilgrimage/
The Prayer Labyrinth
October 11 @ 6:30/October 14 @ 1:00
Perhaps you have heard of a labyrinth and thought that it was nothing more than a maze. We invite you to come to Sheryl and Bob Lane's backyard labyrinth and be A-MAZED by finding out how this ancient form of praying while walking can change your perspective of prayer. The website has more information and a link to register:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/27/prayer-labyrinth/
Praying with the Senses Nature Walk
October 21 @ 10am & 5:30pm
When the question is asked, "How do you most often experience the presence of God?," the most common answers are family, friends, and nature. If you love spending time outdoors and are looking for a new way to pray, join us at the Nature Center for 90 minutes of prayer time using each of the 5 senses. To find out more and to register, click the link:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/27/prayer-walk/
Journaling Workshop
The desire to tell our story is as old as human communication and remains a fundamental need for most human beings. Journaling is simply filling a blank page with our reflections, hopes, fears, sorrows, dreams, and miracles in our lives. God speaks to us through this process. It is a form of prayer.
Come along with Mary Jo Kerlin October 21 from 7:00-8:30 as she introduces you to her journey with journaling. She will explain the differences between a diary and a journal, will share the benefits of journaling, and will take you through several journaling prompts to get you on your way to learning how to journal. Register by clicking the link:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/27/journaling-workshop/
Learn About the Bible with Us
The Bible Blueprint
If you've ever said, "I can't join a Bible study because I don't know enough about the Bible," then please join me on October 14 from 6:30-9:00 for a Bible Blueprint workshop. In one evening, we will go over the highlights of the book in a fun and interactive setting. For more information about the book and to register, click on the link:
Books are $7 and can be purchased that evening.
Laidback Book Club
If the Bible isn’t a science book, instruction manual, or position paper, then what is it? New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans invites readers on a journey of rediscovery as she explores the magic of the Bible, engaging the old, familiar stories in new ways that honor the past and enlighten the present.
Grab a book, electronic copy or listen along. If you would like to join our Facebook group that would be great, but not necessary. We will gather as a group to discuss the book on October 28.
A Final Prayer
God who is love,
"Help me to see people with eyes of grace. Father, help me to see the beauty, dignity, and your image in people, much more clearly than I notice their brokenness and inconsistencies. And when I do see their weaknesses, may I do so with compassion and understanding, not with shock and irritation. Help me to see what you see in my spouse, children, and friends—even in total strangers.
Help me to see creation with eyes of grace. Father, don’t let me miss your majesty revealed in the ocean and mountains, sunrises and sunsets, flora and fauna, rainstorms and rainbows. Help me live more as a worshipful steward of your creation and less as a selfish consumer of your creation. Help me to live at the pace of grace that I might notice more of the wonders of your love, everywhere."
An excerpt from A Prayer for Seeing People and the World with Eyes of Grace by Scotty Smith
Looking forward to diving into God's big love story with you and praying along side of you!