February 2012 – Martha and Mary readings A small group of PSU faculty and staff gather over lunch twice each month and explore some of the stories of women in scripture and how their stories illumine our own stories. If you would like more information about these lunch conversations, contact Alicia Anderson, campus minister. Luke 10 38Now as they …
Giving Out – The Power of a Gift Pause for Thought Try to remember times when others have done something or said something that has made you feel loved and accepted. The Gift of Encouragement I am frequently surprised by things that other people remember that I have forgotten completely. “Do you remember,” said my very oldest friend recently, “when …
To continue your reflection It is fascinating to note that fasting is a common factor in all major religions and even among those whose reasons for limiting their food intake are not specifically religious, as the proprietors of health spas and Weight Watcher groups can testify. Perhaps what we are looking at is a common human urge to strip life …
As people of faith, we join together in offering our joys and concerns to God. Some things to pray about this week: Safety and wisdom this weekend. We pray that celebrations will be reasonable, safe and healthy for all invovlved. May those who gather here in State College make wise choices, for their own health, and the health of others. …
Happy Lent, everyone! Each week’s posts for the Chocolate for Lent Bible study and disucssion are online here Through Lent, two or three pieces will be posted each week. Whether you can join the conversation on Thursdays over dinner (after worship) at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center or not, we hope you find the readings, reflections and questions helpful in your journey this …
Personal Reflection Note: This is an exercise in imagination; there are no right or wrong answers. These questions will be discussed during the group encounter. You will find each reading at the end of this post. Read Matthew 4:1-11, 18-22 What would have happened if Jesus had not withdrawn to the desert and been tempted for forty days before he …
Giving up – the Prelude to Change From the author of Chocolate for Lent, Hilary Brand I love chocolate. Dark and bitter, rich and creamy, lemon creams, mint thins, caramels, truffles, pralines, profiteroles, Mars bars, Mississippi mud pies . . . event he names make my mouth water. Caramels, fudge, dream bars and M & M’s. . . . I’ll …
Origins of Lent The name “Lent” comes from the Saxon word Lenctentid, used for the month of March in signifying springtime and the lengthening of days. The idea of a fast before Easter, however, goes way back before Christianity reached the Saxons, to the first centuries of the Church. It seems to have sprung up spontaneously, albeit only practiced for …
Check out Busted Halo (who call their website an online magazine for sprititual seekers) where you will find a calendar for each day of Lent – http://bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give Every day of Lent, our FastPrayGive Calendar will feature a Daily Jolt of spiritual contemplation relating to Lent, and new and practical ideas for fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Traditionally, Lent was a time for personal …
We met in Sbarro at Noon on Monday, and plan to meet there again next Monday (and all the Mondays that follow), so come join the conversation. It will be informal, friendly and open. You can bring a Bible, but we’ll bring the readings printed out (and a Bible for reference, too). Below are the readings for Sunday, February 26th …
