Scripture - Mark 5:21-43 “Grant that we may follow the example of Jesus’ patience.” That is what Thomas Cranmer, the author of the original Book of Common Prayer, wrote as a prayer to be used on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. It is in the prayer book I grew up with. But what does he mean by patience? Patience is love for the long haul; it is bearing up under difficult circumstances, without giving up or giving in to bitterness. Patience means working when gratificatio

Scripture - Mark 4:35-41 Gracious God, great Teacher, we come today seeking your wisdom. Open our ears to hear your word, & open our hearts to perceive possibilities, seen & unseen. Amen. Each part of the story Mark tells reveals a little more of who Jesus is – his power, his purpose, & his self-understanding. Mark is revealing Jesus gradually, like an expert storyteller, peeling back the layers. But at the same time, he is also a faithful reporter. Today’s text is full of de

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34 I have always enjoyed singing. Some of my earliest memories are of me, my brother & 2 neighbor friends pretending to be The Monkees, singing in our backyard. And boy, were we good! We sounded just like the real thing – if my mom had the stereo on loud enough. Later I sang in a couple of children’s choirs at church & even in an adult choir as late as my 40’s. My voice has never been that strong, I have always feared my amateur ability would reveal itse

Scripture - Mark 3:31-35 Scott, our youngest son, called this week. There was no important news; he just called to touch base & tell us he & his family were all well. Scott is very thoughtful & calls us nearly every week just to say Hi . Sheryl & I are beginning to get used to having various holidays, even Memorial Day, without the boys & their families. It is harder at Easter, Christmas & Thanksgiving, of course. But those are about the only times, apart from family weddings