Questions and ponderings
A story about a little girl who goes to a new school in her new home, and a song about strange words. What parts of the story are sad or scary? What parts are funny? Do you know anyone who speaks another language instead of English?
Words help us communicate, but so do our actions – Here is a fun song with words and actions. https://youtu.be/69f9sCwhwYk?si=7nNq-47T8XBA1Hhh
A game and a story about two friends who share something that distance cannot take away. Draw a picture of something that you might share with a friend.
Play a game about going on a trip: the first person says: “Im going on a trip and iI’ taking _____ (the person names something that begins with the letter “A”- such as an Apple. ) The next person says ” Im going on a trip and im taking an apple (or whatever the first person said, and add something that begins with “B”. Play the game adding things by alphabetical order until the list is too long to remember. Continue playing by adding something that begins with the next letter. Have FUN! Pastor Pam
I hope you like this story! Pastor Pam
a song about all the animals
A story and a song. This story is about Crocodile, having to get used to living in a new place. Many things might happen to make animals find a new place to live. Their “habitat” might change because the climate changes where they live, making it colder, wetter or hotter, or sometimes our towns and cities get bigger and the wild animals don’t like living so close to people. Draw a picture of a place that would be safe for wild animals to live.
What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?
Beginning of August 3
6 Stories, with songs or crafts, hugs and laughs. Presented by Canadian Lutheran World Relief for your summer fun.
Vacation Bible Stuff at home. Watch the story video with your family, play the games and sing the songs. The adults might stay and play or they might run away. Either way, I hope you have fun. Love Pastor Pam.
Pamela McNeil is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Sunday worship May thru August
Time: May 3, 2026 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82160146317?pwd=ealYcQSpFtZ22Y7CZJIpqaHvUVb6Qr.1
Meeting ID: 821 6014 6317
Passcode: 349453
Approaching a most sacred site in Jerusalem, we bow in prayer: Jesus, Remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus remember me, Amen
Today we make our final stop for this devotion series. We arrive at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a holiest of holy Christian sites, revered as the site of the tomb and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church was planned to enclose the site of both Golgotha and the nearby tomb where Jesus was laid.
We entered and our eyes adjusted from the bright sunlight to see a glowing mosaic in the dim light of the entrance. Slowly, we were wrapped in the golden highlights of a brilliant mosaic of our Lady of Sorrows.
As we contemplated the authenticity of the claim that the cross of Jesus was once in this spot, Bishop Pryce came up behind us and gently said “go and touch the place of the cross”.
In other words, we were there and he encouraged us to enter into the full experience. (Thank you Bishop!)
So we moved from the shimmering entrance, and stood in line, recalling the events of the day Jesus was crucified.
Inside the church is a rocky outcropping which marks the traditional place where the cross was placed. Archaeological excavations have demonstrated that this site was outside the city but close to one of its gates and thus would have been a used as a location for a crucifixion. Today this chapel is controlled by the Greek Orthodox Church.
When my turn came, I knelt at the altar, and reached out my hand placing it into the crevice beneath the altar where Jesus’ cross had stood. The terrible cruelty of Jesus’ crucifixion became very real at that moment: Christ died at the hands of cruel and oppressive powers. From this place he had prayed: Father forgive them. Oh my heart!
I stood and slowly moved away from the place of the cross, wandering the chapels and thinking, until I came to the huge wall of mosaics.
Join me in looking at these pieces of art.
This is the hall of mosaics. The anointing stone is also here – the place where Jesus’ body was laid for quick anointing before being placed in the tomb.
Mosaic image of anguished angels weeping at the cruelty in the world.
Jesus is taken down from the cross:
The words “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing” have been spoken. (Luke 23:34)
The words “It is finished” have been spoken to fulfill the scriptures. (John 19:30)
And the prayer “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” has been cried. (Luke 23:46)
These mosaics are on an interior wall in front of the stone of anointing – the place where Jesus’ body was laid and quickly anointed as it was taken from the cross. That day in the Holy Sepulchre people were kneeling around the stone, praying and weeping. There was deep emotion reflecting the cries of vulnerable humanity heard across the ages.
Jesus was killed by the evil in the world. Jesus was not sent by God to be killed. Jesus took on human flesh to point humanity toward God, who is creator, and redeemer, loving us more than we can imagine – enough to forgive every nasty thing we do. This is the place where our lent journey leads us – to unconditional and all encompasing love.
Pause in your devotion now. Bow in prayer recalling power abuses seen in the world today. Pray Jesus’ prayer “Father, forgive them, (Father forgive me,) We don’t know what we are doing. Please release me from this burden of hatred and ego. Fill me with your love. Make me new and bring me to joyful thanksgiving that all people are forgiven through your grace. . Amen
Return to visit the Holy Sepulchre when you are able to spend time here. Peace be with you as we journey through Jesus’ life and death. May you be blessed as you prepare for the Holy Celebration and say the words: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again”, witnessing to what God is doing in our lives.
One more Holy location in the Sepulchre is found in the largest part of the church. The Edicule, or shrine that encloses the tomb where Jesus was laid and from where he rose is protected by what looks like an elaborately decorated box – the size of a room within a room.
This structure preserves the location of Christ’s tomb. A clear history shows that this is the revered location of the tomb. When we visited, the Edicule was undergoing significant restoration, and as part of this work, the tomb was opened for the first time in centuries.
During that work, visitors were not able to access the Edicule, but as you can see from the photo of our group, people still crowded around to touch as near as they could, the spot where Jesus had been laid.
When Constantine converted the empire to Christianity, he had the church built over the spot and the Edicule constructed inside.
The best piece of evidence that the tomb of Jesus was in this area is the fact that other first-century tombs are still preserved inside the church. Called the “Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea,” these burial shafts (kokhim) are clearly from the time of Christ’s death and thus attest to some kind of burial ground in the area. Combined with the evidence from tradition, this church is most likely the true location of Christ’s death and burial. The picture below shows an empty tomb.
This significant religious artifact, also known as the Stone of Unction, is located within the church and is believed to be where Jesus’ body was anointed after being taken down from the cross.
Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days. As we observe the three Holy days, plan to carve some time for your own personal reflection.
Hold time to see how God fills open hands with the things we need – not material things, but things of God’s kingdom: Love, relationships, hope.
Reflect on the things which hold us prisoner and in fear – and turn them over to God so that our relationships and lives can be free from burdens of fear, control, and ego.
Remember our baptism promises, and God’s promise to be with us always. Hold this promise close to your heart.
Sit in contemplation regularly as Jesus did, going into nature and breathing in peace, God’s peace -which human minds cannot create on their own.
Most sincerely, give thanks to Jesus for opening the gateway to God’s presence, and his prayer pleading for God’s forgiveness for us all.
Form your prayer this day around these gifts of your Lenten journey.
Peace be with you until we gather together and cry “Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed.”
Amen
Exterior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Lent is a Journey – from the wilderness to seeing how God touches our life.
A prayer for our journey: My Soul proclaims your greatness O Lord. We rejoice in your love for all people and creation. Be with us as we journey. Open our eyes and hearts to your presence in our life. Amen
Today we visit The Mount of Olives and sit under the ancient olive trees in the garden of Gethsemane.
My hope is to share with you the peace of this place where Jesus prayed, and yet, Jesus was deeply troubled that night. The world remains a place where people chose evil and greed, and seek power, acting without compassion.
I wish to share with you the care and time that it takes for Olive trees to grow, and produce the fine oil which Mary (no last name) used to honour and anoint Jesus. Judas criticised her action, but Jesus spoke to him. Perhaps that strengthened the resolve of Judas to harm Jesus. He later regretted that. The peace of God is pure. The peace of the world is fleeting.
The Mount of Olives is one of the oldest Biblical cultivations of olive groves, and some still remain in the Garden of Gethsemane. We were able to walk in the Garden.
Our tour leader arranged for us to spend an hour in the Garden of Gethsemane and we instinctively separated to walk alone. It seemed the right way to be there. Of course, the grounds are looked after very lovingly, and perhaps it looked different than when Jesus found retreat there. In this time, the peace of the space was perfect. It did not seem important to take pictures during our time there, so I only have a few. When I say or hear the words “The peace which passes understanding” I think of this place, and immediately my stress and anxiety lowers. That same feeling can be found in places closer to home too, especially if one’s mind holds the words of God’s peace. Where do you retreat when you need space to sit and just breathe?
These are a few of my photos from the garden- myself in the first one and Pastor Jason in the second.
Biblical references to the Mount of Olives:
Jesus shares a meal with his disciples. Bread and wine is offered as the body and blood of Jesus. They sing the Passover hymn and go out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:26-31)
Before he is betrayed, Jesus takes three disciples with him as he goes to pray, because he is so very anguished. The peaceful garden lulls the disciples to sleep. (Matthew 26:36-46). When we give our worries and burdens to God, we too are able to sleep.
The events of Jesus’ arrest occur at the Mount of Olives and are recorded in three of the Gospels: (Matthew 26; Mark 11-14; Luke 19-22;)
John records the account of the woman accused of Adultery as happening on the Mount of Olives – (John 8) a story where the law of society is used to shame those who are already vulnerable. We do that – when we say “those people” or “someone should…” suggesting that we know what should happen and are therefore superior. (“shame on them” is the unspoken message) The way of Christ is not to shame, but to lift up those who are vulnerable or weak.
The Olive branch is a symbol of peace.
Reflection question or thought: We seek peace in our life, we pray for peace and sometimes we do actually know the joy of living in peace. Too often, however, we find ourselves lacking in compassion, criticizing like Judas- taking the moral high ground, or being complacent about loving Jesus, maybe even falling asleep/taking Jesus for granted – just as the disciples did.
These traits hurt our heart when we think about them afterwards, and that is good. There is hope for us. These are the things that the refining fire of God will purify, and our true generous and loving soul will be returned to God: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Facing the truth about ourselves is hard. Facing the grace of God who loves, and forgives is hard too, it makes me weep because I deserve nothing. God forgives us and holds us in love.
Pause here with a prayer for God to create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us.
Return to this devotion when and if you have time. Read about olive trees, and the significant sites on the Mount of Olives.
Olive Groves: One of the oldest Biblical olive groves that covered the mountain slopes of the Judean Mountains still exists today. An olive tree does not produce fruit until it is at least 5 years old, but then it can produce for thousands of years if properly pruned and cared for.
Fruit grows on new growth from the previous year, so pruning needs to protect those branches. The fruit ripens best on a tree that is pruned so “a bird can fly through the centre” – meaning that pruning allows the light to filter onto the fruit.
The trees are not able to survive cold temperatures, but the root system of an olive grove is very strong. Even after trees are cut down, sprouts come forth around the stump, and new trees grow.
The symbolism of the olive tree is ancient too – branches represent peace and abundance and are presented to deities and powerful people as signs of purification and blessing. The oil continues to be used in many religious ceremonies and is considered sacred. Olive production is a livelihood for many Palestinian families.
In addition to the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations stands on the Mount of Olives. It is a Roman Catholic church located next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is built over the rock Jesus is said to have prayed on in agony before he was betrayed by Judas. Often called the Church of Agony, it is built on the foundation of 2 earlier buildings: a 4th century Basilica and a 12th century Crusader chapel. The funds for the building came from 12 different countries, and the coat of arms of each country – including Canada- are displayed.
The Church encloses the rock of agony, seen in the picture below. The inscriptions above the columns at the front door are two scripture passages:
(Luke 22:43–44) “And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
(Matthew 26:42b) “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”
The day we spent on the Mount of Olives ended with communion in a shaded area, reserved for our use. Sharing the bread and wine at the end of the day left us with profound gratitude for Jesus who met evil and death and conquered them. We went on our way, touched with deep faith for God’s promised redemption.
My prayer is for the love of Christ to live in us, changing the world and changing our lives. Amen
pastor Pam
Lent is a Journey. Our journey of faith circles the baptismal font, and Lutherans LOVE to “liturgize” these events!
One of the liturgies of thanksgiving for baptism declares “we remember the waters of Jesus – baptized in the Jordan River, calming the Sea of Galilee, drinking from Jacob’s well, healing at the pool of Bethesda, washing the feet of his disciples”. We will visit some of these places this week.
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me” (John 7:37)
A prayer: God of flowing waters, fill us with longing for you as one in the desert longs for quenching water. And satisfied let your love be an ever flowing stream through us to a thirsty world. Amen
We arrive at the Jordan River and the first sight is breathtaking – branches of palm trees waving in a lovely breeze on a very hot day. A steep pathway leads to individual areas for groups to gather and celebrate baptism or baptism renewal.
A few of us removed our shoes and moved into the water. I was thankful for wooden steps which continued under water, because I’m squeamish about stepping on the bottom of lakes or rivers. The water was a clay colour, definitely not clear. It was not cold, nor did it have a strong current.
This is our opportunity to renew our baptism promises while standing (on a step) in the Jordan River. It was meaningful to acknowledge our belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Doing that in the place where those words were first said was powerful.
Biblical references to Water:
God claims us through water of baptism – And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:21-22;)
Jesus revealed God’s unconditional love through water –At Jacob’s well Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman. It was an unusual act for a man to speak directly with a woman, especially a woman who was considered to be a foreigner: Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
Through water God’s love is given to everyone – The story continues with marvelous developments: Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” (John 4:11)
Reflection:
Water is vital to our health. It plays a key role in all of our body’s functions, including bringing nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature. Does thinking of Jesus as necessary as the water we need to live and grow and to maintain our temperature/attitude change the importance we give to having Jesus part of our every day?
Prayer for our journey: God of refreshing waters, cleanse us, calm us, heal us and make us new in your loving grace. Remove the burden of our mistakes; calm us from fear of things that are not familiar to us; satisfy our thirst to be held in your love. Heal the hurts we are not able to release on our own. We open our hands to you in trust. Amen
Pause in your devotions now if you wish, or continue on to see more waters of Jesus.
More about Waters of Jesus
The Jordan River is a unique waterway – water flows into the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River basin from rain runoff flowing down from the surrounding hills. This is why the water is clay coloured and not clear. It carries sediment and soil from the land. The water flows through the valley and to the Dead Sea.
It is a unique water system which does not flow into the ocean. (If you are a word collector, it is called an Endorheic waterway.)
The minerals from the land are eventually deposited in the Dead Sea as the water evaporates. Hundreds of centuries of evaporation has increased the salt content of the Dead Sea. We were able to experience the weird buoyancy of that water.
The photo below is the 2017 view of The Dead Sea from the mountain top fortress of Masada. The Dead Sea is seen on the horizon.
Jacob’s well:
Located in the land of Shechem, on what today is the West Bank. This is known as the place where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman and asked her for a drink of water. He then told her everything she wanted to hide about her life.
We sometimes pretend that we are different than we truly are, but Jesus knows us to the depths of our joy and despair. There is no need for pretenses. This is an endless source of truth, just as the well, -dug in the time of Jacob- is an endless source of clean water –still to this day.
The well is protected in a Greek Orthodox Convent, and guarded by Greek Orthodox priests. When we visited, one of the priests told us that his predecessor had been killed on the job when bandits came in and shot him.
The Bethesda pool:
The pool at Bethesda is recorded in scripture as healing water. The first person in the pool after “the angels stirred the water” was healed. Jesus saw a man who had been there for 38 years who could not get into the pool without help. Jesus compassion healed the man to the protest of religious leaders who chastised Jesus for breaking the Sabbath. (John 5)
When we visited the pool, we saw an archeological site – ruins and the barest outline of anything resembling the story in the gospel of John (5:2) We stood in the full sun, and we could appreciate that the people waiting for healing had shaded, safe places – porticoes – to sit while they waited.
It was common to build on existing structures. Earthquakes and waring destruction leveled many historical sites, and new buildings were erected on those spaces. That is what happened around the pool of Bethesda. In archaeological digs conducted in the 19th century a large tank was discovered, which was thought to be the Pool of Bethesda.
Further archaeological excavation in the area, in 1964, uncovered the remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches, Hadrian’s Temple of Asclepius and Serapis, the small healing pools, the second of the two large pools, and the dam between them. It was discovered that the Byzantine church had been built in the very heart of Hadrian’s temple and contained the healing pools
To this day, there is no explanation of what ‘stirred’ the waters and why people were healed.
This map shows the archeological excavation of the pool area. the description at the bottom of the map is enlarged for easier reading.
We hear Jesus say, “I will give you living water and you will never thirst” and we know that we are loved just as God made us: skin colour, gender and sexual orientation, mistakes and successes, all are known.
Jesus interacts with water in many places and ways.
His first miracle used water and turned it to wine to teach us of God’s abundant generosity.
His final act before his passion and crucifixion used water to show his friends how to humbly serve one another by simply washing their feet.
As we journey through Lent we give thanks for the living water of God’s grace which frees us from the things we want to hide, and allows our lives to unfold in the fullest and most meaningful way as God intended. Praise be to God.
Let us pray, Create in me a clean heart o God and renew a right spirit within me, a spirit of knowledge of your presence, and the joy of your loving grace, flowing like water through our lives and the lives of all who we witness to. Amen
finding Grace in Surprising Ways