Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives, through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17

I really love the way the courtyard garden at our church has been shaping up. Not just the flowers but the architectural features too.

The latest addition is this cross, set right inside a circle that represents (to me) the Earth, Heaven, the sky all around us, the Universe, eternity, and more. It speaks to the completeness, the ineffability, the perfection, and the wisdom of The Creator.

It speaks to the compete victory and healing power of the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus.

It was a good morning on a bright, beautiful day. I also enjoyed the rare privilege of helping to lead, serving as liturgist for the call to worship.

It is a powerful thing to stand in front of a room full of good people and call our attention, collectively, to the startling fact that we are gathered in the presence of God. Not just some vague idea but our understanding and experience of Trinity: Creator, Savior, and Sustainer.

“Please stand,” I said, “take a moment to lift your spirits toward the pure light and beauty of The Creator’s great love, breathe in the presence of God, and then read – both responsively and enthusiastically….”

Posture of devotion:

This turns out to be a really helpful posture with which to begin any day, the posture of devotion, the call to worship.

So this new day, at the beginning of another week full with possibility and invitation and newness, let me invite you too to take “this moment” to lift your/our spirits toward the pure light and beauty of The Creator’s great love, and to breathe in the presence of God.

Amen, and amen – DEREK