Devotions for the Third Week of Lent: Visit the Sea of Galilee

Lent is a journey, returning to God amidst the hectic, frivolous, important events of our lives. Lent is a journey returning to God who gives us peace, stillness and comfort, whose name is written on our hearts.


God of graciousness and might, you are present in every moment of our lives, from the smallest corner to the greatest event. The sun does not rise nor does the moon shine without your command. Help us to call on you, and to trust your care. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

The Sea of Galilee is mentioned frequently in the New Testament gospels. It is here that Jesus’ disciples and followers witnessed Jesus as the son of God, leading them and us in faith and trust to God. Let our prayer this week be for our faith and trust to be strengthened as we journey through Lent.

Galilee is located about 150 KM north of Jerusalem and is the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee. This is the site of the major portion of Jesus’ ministry. He was a Nazarene, (from Nazareth) a place located in the south west part of Galilee.

This body of fresh water has been known by many names throughout history: Sea of Tiberius; Lake of Gennesaret; or simply the Lake or the Sea. It lies about 700 feet below sea level, and reaches a maximum depth of 150 feet. It is about 8 miles long, and about 32 miles around.

Because it is surrounded by high hills, abrupt temperature and wind shifts cause violent and sudden storms on the water. We were able to venture out in a chartered boat, but did not go too far from shore.

Scripture references to the Sea of Galilee: Jesus calls his first disciples on the shore of Galilee– a story of amazing trust and faith. The first disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew fill their boats with fish and then leave to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16)

Jesus calms the storm: Crossing the Sea a storm suddenly came up and the disciples were terrified. In their fear they called to Jesus who woke and commanded the storm to be still. An account of the power of Jesus through God, so even the wind and the seas obey him! (Matthew 8:26)

Feeding the multitudes: Each of the books of the Gospel have one or two versions of this miracle where thousands of people were fed from a meagre supply of food. (Matthew 14 and 15; Mark 6 and 8; Luke 9 and John 6)

We pray “Give us our daily bread” but do we really believe that the food comes from God?

Prayer: let my prayer rise up in faith and trust oh Lord. Give us our daily bread and make us truly thankful. Amen

Pause in your devotions here if you wish, or you may continue on to read more about the Sea and area of Galilee.

The sea of Galilee is fed by water from the Jordan River, and then it flows into the dead sea. In Bible times it was an important source of food and employment for the people of the area, the heart of a viable fishing industry.

A discovery in 1986 of an ancient Galilean fishing boat from the first century was an historically significant find. The boat, 27 ft. long, and 7.5 ft. wide with a preserved height of 4.3 ft. was found by two brothers, Moshe and Yuval Lufan, during a drought when the water level in the sea receded.

The task of excavating the boat from the mud was conducted by an archaeological team and Israel Antiquities Authority. Care was taken to work quickly without damaging the boat before the water level rose again. The boat was found to be the type that was row-able, with four staggered rowers, and also had a mast allowing the fishermen to sail the boat.

This find is important to Christians because this was the sort of boat used by Jesus and his disciples, several of whom were fishermen. Boats such as this played a large role in Jesus’ life and ministry, and are mentioned 50 times in the Gospels, though there is no evidence connecting the excavated Sea of Galilee Boat itself directly to Jesus or his disciples.

The Seminary class was able to see this archaeological find. It is currently on display at the Yigal Allon Museum in Kibbutz Ginosar, Israel, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee where it was discovered.

Another event, The feeding of the 5000 is remembered along the banks of the Sea of Galilee. A church is built on the site of the miracle of the multiplication. Inside, a simple altar protects the stone on which Jesus is thought to have placed the loaves and fishes to bless them. Beautiful mosaics of loaves and fishes appear on the floor at the altar.

Visiting these locations brings the ministry of Jesus alive for us. Feeling the fear of the disciples as we look at the remnants of a similar fishing boat stirs our fear of the unknown. The hunger of those who followed Jesus and were fed on the sea shore alerts us to the hunger we see around us. In all these things, we turn to God for guidance and strength.

Let this be our prayer for our journey this week: create in me a clean heart Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me, a spirit of Trust in God’s grace and favour. Amen

I
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Devotions for the Second Week of Lent: Visit to Jerusalem

Our journey today looks at a city that is home to just about every nationality and culture in the world. It brings us face to face with a gentle look at our prejudices as we share food, practice our faith, and be neighbour to each other. Blessings as you engage in this work.

During Lent we read of Jesus turning his face toward Jerusalem to complete the task set before him. The Holy places in this city are remarkable in that they still exist. The most prominent site is the Temple in Jerusalem. We were able to climb the steps leading to the temple. This is the only places in Jerusalem that it is known for certain Jesus walked.

We also walked the way of sorrow, the Via Dolorosa which is the street it is believed that Jesus walked on the way to the cross. We saw places he might have placed his hand as he rested, where he fell, and where he met significant people face to face. Along the way, there is a large door carved with the image of Peter and the cock crowing. The Via Dolorosa ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is an emotion filled walk.

Jerusalem is built between two hills in the Kedron Valley. We entered the city on foot, walking from the hilltop opposite Herod’s palace. Today, much of the hillside holds cemeteries, Muslim and Jewish, which are in turn torn apart, depending on who rules in that time period.

In Bible times, faithful people made a pilgrimage each year to the temple for Passover. This is why the city was so busy when Jesus and his disciples arrived before his crucifixion. The meal they shared in the upper room was the Passover meal. Today, much of the land is divided by barbed wire and concrete walls.

cemeteries on the hillside.

We work so hard at maintaining barriers, even as we know that Jesus came to tear down these divisions. We remember the words of Paul saying (Galatians 3:28) “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

Pause in your devotions, and breathe in acceptance for those who have different traditions. Pray to be freed from prejudices. Place a token (a cross, a stone, a coin, or other item) beside your devotion candle as a reminder of this prayer.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen

Candle and white Chrysanthemum flower

Continue reading more about the city of Jerusalem as you find time:

Jerusalem has a history of great wars and great kings. The temple has been the centre of the city life for most of the time.

Most of the Temple was destroyed in 70CE, but a large part of the retaining wall, built by Herod to protect the temple still remains. A section of this retaining wall has been set apart and is known as The Western Wall. Jews and people of other faith traditions come to this wall and pray. Some tuck small notes in the crevices of the wall. I did not know when we visited the wall, but out of respect, people back away from the wall instead of turning their back to it when departing.

In Jesus’ time, people approaching the temple needed to stop at several places as part of their pilgrimage: they needed to change their money into temple currency; they needed to pay their temple tax, and they needed to purchase a sacrifice, anything from a small pigeon to a lamb, ram or bull.

The outline of the rooms where the sellers sat still exist. We had fun taking this photo.

Water was precious and scarce in Jerusalem. 2 Two springs existed which supplied all the water for the city. It entered through the “water gate” and was held in several pools (Mamilla Pool, Hezekiah’s Pool, the Pool of Bethesda, Solomon’s Pools, and the Pool of Siloam.)

The city was built with fortification walls, and they still exist. Gates, or archways in the wall are named, and you need to know which gate to take to access the part of the city you need to visit.

The city within the walls is a winding series of hallways lined with shops and merchants, and open spaces and winding streets. Sounds, aromas and sights are a feast for the senses, full of colour and busy-ness. And in the midst of all the hustle, it is common to see the men gathered in clusters, smoking and chatting, and conducting business. Today, and in Jesus time, the city was alive. As tourists we found it to be an exciting place. One of the gates was near a bakery cart where we purchased fresh bread every day for communion.

The name “Jerusalem” means Place of peace, (think of the word Shalom- Hebrew – , and Salam – Arabic –  both which mean peace)  and visitors looking for the presence of God can certainly feel it in many of the sacred locations. The city is home to 3 Abrahamic Faiths – Muslim, Christian and Jewish. As far being a place of peace, a bit more work needs to be done in that direction. We hold fast to the vision outlined in the book of Revelations chapter 21: “and I saw a new heaven and a new earth; …and I heard a loud voice saying: “see the home of God is among mortals… and he will wipe away every tear from their eyes…” The writer is describing the way things can be when God makes all things new.

This is the Lutheran Church in Jerusalem. The picture below is on the Temple Mount with the easily distinguished The Al-Aqsa Mosque. The tower of the Lutheran church is visible in the background.

This is the hope we cling to as we journey through Lent, seeking peace; seeking relationship with others and with God.

Blessings to you on this journey.

Prayer: God of grace and glory, guide us in your path to all things new. Open our hearts to receive the stranger, and to enjoy fellowship together. In your most Holy name we pray. Amen

Devotions for Lent: first week

Lent is a journey – from the wilderness to a place of being close to the heart of God.
To guide us on this journey, I invite you to join me in visiting Biblical locations in the Holy Land.
A Blessing: May God bless and keep you! May the radiant face of God shine upon you as we begin our Lenten journey from ashes and dust to the blossoming of the love of God. Amen

We begin today in the Wilderness.

The wilderness around Jerusalem is a windswept landscape of deep valleys and high cliffs formed by ancient waters flowing through the sandy land. Today the river beds are dry, except for trickles of water in the rainy season. These dry stream beds are called Wadis (pronounced wadees). These are pictures of the Wadi Qelt which is a 25 km path between Jerusalem and Jericho. Our seminary class walked about 15 km of that path on one of the hottest days of our stay (34C)


Biblical references to the wilderness: Rubin, eldest brother of Joseph, arranged for Joseph to be thrown into a pit in the wilderness instead of being killed by his jealous brothers. Ruben planned to return and rescue him later. (Genesis 37:22) Ruben felt alone in the wilderness but God was there.

Moses met God in a burning bush in the wilderness. Moses had tried to run away and he thought he was alone but God found him in the wilderness. (Exodus 3)

The Israelites wandered in the Wilderness for 40 years complaining to Moses anbout being taken from their homes (and lives of slavery). They wavered from trusting God, but God was with them, guiding and teaching them to live as people of God. (Exodus 14:11)

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. (Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4)

sometimes life gives us wilderness times which hijack the joy of living. What wilderness time have you experienced?
as you begin your Lenten journey open your hands and release those wilderness times to God who is always with you.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51: 10) Amen

pause your devotion here, or continue reading more about the wilderness in the Holy Land to learn how the wilderness is a place where change is very noticeable and growth does happen.

More about the Wilderness in the Holy Land

The trail we walked in Wadi Qelt is believed to be the same route travelled in the parable of the good Samaratin. As we walked we could see numerous caves where bandits could hide and come upon unsuspecting travellers.

the “Valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23) is also thought to be the walking path through Wadi Qelt, and at some seasons of the year when small amounts of water trickle through the river beds, it is said to be a most beautiful place. The river banks sprout flowers and the trickle of water draws birds so their songs fill the air. I like that image, because it contrasts a life without God, dry and barren, and a life with God, lush and alive

Around 500CE a monastery was constructed near the edge of Wadi Qelt, St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Holy Land.

It is believed that Elijah visited the cave where the monastery is now located as he fled the threats of Jezebel after he killed the false prophets of Baal and Asherah. (1 Kings 19:1-3)


Around the 4th century, monks began to live in the many caves of Wadi Qelt and the monastery of St. George was founded in the 5th century by John of Thebes, an Egyptian. He gathered a small band of five Syrian hermits who had settled around the cave where they believed the prophet Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1–7).

The buildings were ravaged and destroyed through the years as warring nations battled and the crusaders travelled the lands.  

In 1878, a Greek monk, Kalinikos, settled here and restored the monastery, finishing it in 1901.

We began our walk at the base of this monastery. It towered over us seeming to hang on the edge of the cliff, an impressive structure. The walk itself was, as you might imagine, hot and monotonous, the landscape changed very little and one horizon looked like the next. However, as we neared the end and saw buildings and palm trees I felt overwhelmed for some strange reason. I could barely speak for the emotion of having encountered an ordeal, and having made it through. That is the way of a wilderness journey. It will end and there will be joy.

In closing, bring to mind the words of Psalm 23. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death i will fear no evil for thou are with me. Thy Rod and staff comfort me.

Peace to you in your Lent journey.

Pastor Pam

zoom link for Ash Wednesday evening service at 7:30

Pamela McNeil is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Prepare to participate in worship by setting a table with a candle, a portion of bread and wine or juice for each person, and a small dish of oil for marking your head or hand with the symbol of the cross, saying “remember you are dust, and to dust you will return.”

Topic: Ash Wednesday evening service
Time: Mar 5, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84405467135?pwd=L8OyFbafwcMvmXWU4Qdbb0JJg6DapN.1

Meeting ID: 844 0546 7135
Passcode: 454583

Dial by your location

  • +1 647 558 0588 Canada
  • +1 778 907 2071 Canada
  • +1 780 666 0144 Canada
  • +1 204 272 7920 Canada
  • +1 438 809 7799 Canada
  • +1 587 328 1099 Canada
  • +1 647 374 4685 Canada

Meeting ID: 844 0546 7135
Passcode: 454583

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcB4jazPFD

Lenten Devotion invitation

You are invited to join in a journey through the season of Lent. We travel from the ashes and dust of living as sinners even as we are beloved to God, and move to a place of blooming in fullness through that love.

To guide us on this journey we will visit significant places in the Holy Land. Please join this exploration. Blog posts will begin here on Thursday, March 6, and continue once a week. You can scroll to the bottom of this page to “subscribe” and receive the devotions in your email once a week. (subscribers can opt out at any time)

I look forward to sharing this time with you.

Pastor Pam

Sunday Worship live stream

Worship link for January, February and March

Pamela McNeil is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Sunday worship
Time: Beginning Jan 5, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87275107331?pwd=CjUb9BNyaTBAZMflxlbvTD9ysEsHOQ.1

Meeting ID: 872 7510 7331
Passcode: 835820

Dial by your location

  • +1 438 809 7799 Canada
  • +1 587 328 1099 Canada
  • +1 647 374 4685 Canada
  • +1 647 558 0588 Canada
  • +1 778 907 2071 Canada
  • +1 780 666 0144 Canada
  • +1 204 272 7920 Canada

Meeting ID: 872 7510 7331
Passcode: 835820

Some favourite Christmas hope

#1, monarchist or not, a message of peace and care for each other from a leader is something I need to hear…

#2, family joy… Paul’s niece recovered from hearing challenge, sings O Holy Night in Gaelic (copy and paste)

https://youtu.be/GKvufqlAEIM?si=_ToVOA5OplKuWt6b

favourite #3, Kate Bowler shares …. May we let this year unfold slowly, one imperfect step at a time, and find grace in the in-between.

You are already enough. You are becoming. Her poem opens to Facebook, (sorry if you aren’t able to get this… https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12DMe675BCt/ (cut and paste)

Waiting for Jesus – December 19

Two music selections for you today.

Music: Inshallah – Jesus what a wonderful child:

Inshallah events are spirited affairs. Thanks Bradley Moggach for your work on the keys! The traditional African-American spiritual was arranged by Jeffrey Radford.

And listen to this for fun moving music: Christmas in Capetown – new apostolic Church S Africa. https://youtu.be/YL9nACK7_U4?si=sC3Rj8ONqbe5pAZn (if the link does not open, copy and paste the purple link into your search browser.

Waiting for Jesus – December 18

Prayer: Matthew 1: 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary
as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’

i’m dreaming of …

communities
where building houses
for families living
on the streets is
important

neighbourhoods
filled with
children from every
place on earth,
playing
together in peace

streets
which do not
have room or time for
drug dealers and
gun wielders

homes
whose residents
live out
justice
peace
and hope

people
who love more
than hate

give more than
take

share more
than hoard

Jesus come