Visitation Pastor and Stephen Ministers

A Thanksgiving Blessing

2010-11-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

In a previous post I mentioned Tthe Pilgrim's Prayer that has been recorded was prayed on the first Thanksgiving. I suggest our prayer be very similar this Thanksgiving day.

We are grateful for our bountiful and innumerable blessings. We are thankful that God has brought us to this very day, this very hour, this very minute. And we are hopeful that God's providential care will enable us to see the unbounded possibilities of the future. Amen

The Horn of Plenty

2010-11-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

The symbol that best expresses the abundance that Thanksgiving celebrates is the cornucopia. The cornucopia is an ancient symbol used in both Greek and Roman mythology. In some myths, the goat Amalthea, whose milk fed the infant Zeus, was said to have a horn that was always filled with whatever anyone wanted to eat or drink. In other tales the Roman goddess of plenty, named "Copia", always wore or carried a horn filled with fruits and drinks. The horn of plenty was always full; its abundance could never be exhausted.

Today the cornucopia sounds the joyful noise of God's bountiful blessings, of the abundant, overflowing graciousness that God makes available in our lives. This horn also sounds a note to remind us that we must use our blessings to bless others. Adapted from "Homiletics"

Now thank we all our God. Have a blessed week. Diana

The Pilgrim's Prayer

2010-11-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

What kind of people were the Pilgrims? Clearly, they were fervent Christians who pursued their dream of religious freedom with a dedicated zeal that never wavered.

One hundred one of them crowded into the ship known as the Mayflower and sailed from Lyden, Holland, to a land most of them had never seen. They sailed across a wild churning sea from September 16 to November 21, 1620. A year later, only half of them had survived all of the various afflictions and hardships which came to them.

Nevertheless, they were grateful. They had religious freedom. They had opportunity. They had a New World to explore, develop, inhabit and appreciate. They wanted to thank God. Thus, all who were left, gathered with their Native-American neighbors, and had a joyous celebration of Thanksgiving. It is recorded that they prayed this prayer: "Thanks be to God for the strength which he has given us and the blessing he has provided in bringing us to this hour which is laden with possibilities for the future."

What an appropriate prayer for us today also. Many Blessings, Diana

What Seekers Look for in a Church

2010-11-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Researchers printed a list of six things that mattered most to people seeking a church to join back in 1999. They were:
1. Church doctrine with which they were comfortable.
2. The care church members exhibited toward one another.
3. The quality of the sermons.
4. The friendliness of the members to visitors.
5. The congregation's willingness to serve the disadvantaged.
6.The quality of the programs for children. --The Barna Report

Rockport Church has what people are looking for in their church, if this list is accurate. I guess it is up to you and me to share what is going on in these walls. Have a blessed week. Diana

Greatest Financier

2010-10-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. I thought a little joke was in order as we talk about stewardship at worship. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?

Noah--he was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Enjoy this beautiful fall weather and pick out your pumpkin at the pumpkin patch in front of the church. God's Blessings, Diana

Make New Friends but keep the Old

2010-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

This past week I was on vacation with 7 of my closest friends from nursing school 43 years ago. We all live in different parts of the country but still have surprisingly much in common. Some of us are married, some are widowed and one has never married and one divorced. Some have had prosperity, some have struggled with not much money but all of us have worked in nursing in one time or another after graduating from nursing school. We all love helping people, we all have some affiliation with a church and we all care about having God in our life. What a lot of talking and laughing took place even though it rained every day we were there.

I wish for all people good Christian friends who keep us all laughing and talking and caring for others throughout life's journey. Diana

The Divine Original

2010-09-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

I am a unique
spiritual creation,
a divine original
with my own special God-given spark,
capable of becoming
a channel for God's love
to pour forth into the world.
This is God's plan.
It is up to me to get into harmony with it. By Charles R. Fillmore

Let us work on looking for our spark given to us by God and carrying forward God's love. Have a wonderful week. Diana

We are Sent by God

2010-09-20T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers, As the week begins, I am enjoying a message sent by a Latin- American chorus:
We are sent by God.
Our hands are ready,
To build with God
A world of love.
The angels aren't sent to change
A world of pain into a world of peace.
It's our job to make this a reality.
Help us Lord to do your will. Love and Peace is our work with God, Diana

Football and the Game of Life

2010-09-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Football is on our TV a lot of the time lately and thus this topic found in the Baptist Press for you and me.
Joe Gibbs, the former coach of the Washington Redskins, spoke to a conference of Baptist men in Orlando, Florida. He compared the game of football with the game of life--a game we don't want to lose."We've got to have a head coach. A coach who cares about us. That coach is God. God cares about us. He cares so much that he willingly sacrificed his Son on our behalf. That's love beyond what all of us can comprehend.
Our team, the coach suggested, is really our family. "What you're taking care of at home is more important than what you're taking care of at work," he said. Then he offered this advice: "Don't ignore your wife and your family in order to be a success. The most important thing you can leave in life is your influence at home."
"The Bible," Gibbs pointed out "is God's game plan." If we follow God's game plan, we'll be able to handle any setbacks or losses. Indeed, we may discover that our losses end up being the greatest victories in our life. In closing, Gibbs said, "The real question is: How are we playing ?" Have a good week all you bloggers. Diana

A Thought for Labor Day

2010-08-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

From the Internet I took this thought: Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world.

Have a wonderful week. Diana

The Good We Find in Loneliness

2010-08-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Jesus knew the value of being alone with God and nature. Recall the occasion when he sent the disciples on a boat trip to the other side of the lake? Then Matthew writes, "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray"(Matthew 14:23). Being alone with God can help us focus on the mission God has for us. It can also enable us to find the stren gth needed to carry out the work God would have us do. Carl Sandburg once said "A person must get away now and then to experience loneliness. Only those who learn to live with loneliness can come to know themselves and life." God bless your week, Diana

The Bible in 50 Words

2010-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this writing by an unknown author:
God made.
Hope died.
Adam bit.
Love rose.
Noah arked.
Spirit flamed.
Abraham split.
Word spread.
Joseph ruled.
God remained.
Jacob fooled.
Bush talked.
Moses balked.
Pharaoh plagued.
People walked.
Sea divided.
Tablets guided.
Promise landed.
Saul freaked.
David peaked.
Prophets warned.
Jesus born.
God walked.
Love talked.
Anger crucified.

Blessings this week, Diana

Knowing God

2010-08-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Bloggers,
The Stephen Ministry program is alive and well at Rockport. A Stephen Minister is a caring Christian friend who walks beside a hurting person. A Stephen Minister is a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. We have 18 such people in our church. If you are in need of someone to talk to, call the church office and ask to speak to me about possibly receiving a Stephen Minister.
Sometimes the troubles and trials around us can seem overwhelming from our viewpoint, but as we grow closer to God and focus more on God's Kingdom, we begin to see that God is much larger than any of the problems we face, and we begin to understand that God is indeed able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Here is a prayer out of my daily Upper Room: Dear Lord, help us to see our world the way you see it. When troubles arise, help us to remember that you are greater than anything that may happen to us. Amen Have a wonderful week, Diana

Family of God

2010-08-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

From Mark 3:35..."Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister." Obedience to God, therefore, makes us the family of God. Let us at Rockport try to fulfill the promise. Have a blessed week.
Diana

Communion at Home

2010-07-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I thought I would remind everyone that Stephen Ministers can give communion at home to anyone who is unable to get to church on Communion Sundays. All Stephen Ministers have gone through training by Rev. Gordon and have portable communion kits to administer the elements. These elements have been consecrated at the communion service each month just as is the communion served at the worship service. Call the church office if you would like this service. Communion is this next Sunday, August 1st at church. Gods Blessings, Diana

Stir Up a Hunger

2010-07-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

So many wonderful things are going on at Rockport. We have free ice cream on Wednesday nights drawing big crowds, trail groups going on theatre trips, bike trips, book study group, and golf outings, and always outdoor worship each Sunday this summer. Spread the word and watch us grow.
At worship yesterday we had a "Ministry Through Music" sermon. Marty Miller sang beautiful worship songs and one song in particular touched me and I would like to repeat it:
Day into night
You can turn the dark into light
You can take a soul that was lost
And turn it around
Lord on my own
My heart can turn as hard as a stone
But You can make it tender again
With Your love
Chorus:
Stir up a hunger, stir up a hunger in my heart
Nothing will satisfy me, nothing else will do
Stir up a hunger
A hunger in my heart
Stir up a hunger in my heart for more of You
Have a blessed week. Diana

Family of God

2010-07-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

We are having a busy church week. This weekend we had a funeral and a wedding, both with receptions after the services. This next week we have another funeral. One active church member said to me how close he felt to our church through working to make a reception or event come together with other church family. We might consider growing closer to Christ through Mark 3:35... "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister..." Obedience to God, therefore makes us the family of God. Let us try to fulfill the promise. God's Blessings, Diana

A Prayer for Independence Day

2010-07-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

The outdoor chapel was beautiful for Independence Day this past Sunday. Communion was had by all. I found this prayer for the 4th, from an Episcopal Church prayer book:

Lord God Almighty, in whose name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have the grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Blessings this week, Diana

The Art of Being

2010-06-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

The outdoor chapel was beautiful this morning for worship. Our Vacation Bible School children sang songs they learned this past week in VBS and we had a report on our annual conference at Lakeside. God was in our worship. The following is a reading from Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, California and something worth repeating:

Be understanding of your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.
Be striong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.
Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with what you need for yourself.
Be open enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys.
Be eager to share the sorrows of others.
Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.
Be the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be the last to criticize a colleague who fails.
Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not stumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you, and they may change.
But above all, be yourself. Have a blessed week. Diana

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone, and especially to all the fathers on this Father's Day.What blessings our families have given to us! What a blessing our church family is to us! After all, we are all God's children and he is our Father.
Have a good week, Diana

Hello Friends

2010-06-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

After a 2 week absence from this site, I am back. My computer has had a virus and my son has nursed it back to health. My visitation ministry has been continuing. A lot of Random Acts of Kindness by congregation members, in the form of meals for those home from the hospital, have brought joy to the givers and the receivers. This week the minister and most of the staff are at Lakeside for the Annual Conference. I will be calling on those members in the hospital or in need and referring any needs I can't meet to the pastor for his return next week. At church yesterday a member and certified lay speaker gave the sermon. The title of the sermon was "Forgiveness Through Faith". It was a beautiful sharing which included the song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". I thought I would share the words with you in my blog as they touch my heart.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

What a thought to carry with us through life. God's Blessings, Diana

A Breath of Prayer

2010-05-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

As impossible as it is for us to take a breath in the morning large enough to last us until noon, so impossible is it to pray in the morning in such a way as to last us until noon. Let your prayers ascend to him constantly, audibly or silently, as circumstances throughout the day permit.-O. Hallesby I enjoyed this reading on prayer. Have a good week. Diana

Prayer for the Elderly

2010-05-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

I was at my Mother's house this afternoon, and we were planning what we were going to do as hostesses of the older womans' circle this next Wednesday. My Mother saves articles that she likes and inspirational verses. She pulled out her files and found a beautiful prayer she will say prior to lunch this week. I will share this with you, so you can use it too if it pertains.
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growoing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody: helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details, give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint-some of them are so hard to live with-but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen

By the way, if this prayer is appropriate for you, you may be interested in a wonderful circle that meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the parlor at 12:30. This circle is the Mary Martha Circle and each month 20 or more women gather for fellowship, dessert and a short program. Everyone brings a sandwich and hostesses provide the coffee, tea and dessert. This Wednesday the 19th is the next meeting. Call the church for info or a ride. Blessings, Diana

Consider the Lilies

2010-05-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

"Why are you anxious...?" asked our Lord. Then he said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28-29). His point was that just as God sees to it that the lilies of the field always come forth in their wholeness and beauty, so God can be counted on to provide for us. God's reliablity is seen in the familiar flowers that now are bursting forth in their beauty. What a comforting thought for Rockporters and the world. Love, Diana

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! Let us thank God for our families and pray that all family members may grow close in love and respect for one another. May all church families also be mindful that we are indeed "members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25). God's blessings, Diana

Rules from God for 2010

2010-04-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

1. Wake Up! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up! the best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his sole." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good.. Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up! To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up! For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."

7. Lift Up! Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead Pray about Everything." Philippians 4:6

I pray this for the people of Rockport and everyone. Diana

United Methodists in Maui

2010-04-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Bloggers, My husband and I just returned yesterday from Maui and while there we had the opportunity to visit the Lahaina United Methodist Church. I was amazed at how welcoming this church was to us. They gave us a necklace of flowers on entering and had us stand and introduce ourselves. People came over and welcomed us after worship and invited us to their potluck after church. The order of service was as ours is, although the responses were in Hawaiian with English typed in the bulletin. They said a prayer called "Queen Liliuokalani's Prayer": Your loving mercy is wide as the heavens; Let us too with love and truth, regard ourselves and others. Amen At the end of the service we joined hands in a circle and said the Circle of Ohana: (Our dear islands, long as mountains stand. I will sing of truth and justice, heavenly peace; I will sing of Hawaii nei! Hawaii's youth now raise your voices, O Hawaii nei! This glad day! This glad day! While the gentle winds are wafted o'er God's blue sea, I will sing of our Hawaii!) Then we sang "He Lives" to end a beautiful service. My sister and her husband went to the Catholic church down the street from the church we visited, and found that same warm feeling and familiar service. Eighteen hours away in a far off island faith lives in peoples hearts. Beyond the warm weather and sites we saw, this Sunday was a high point of a special trip. Love, Diana

Building Belief in God's Help

2010-04-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a note from Norman Vincent Peale's book, Believe and Achieve: Think of the many times God has been good to you. List each one on paper and review the list from time to time. For example, you might list: recovery from illness, the time your loved one was devinely protected, the occasion--when in deep discouragement--you found a way out of your difficulty. "God is helping me now." Repeat this affirmation every day, and your mind will become tranquil and relaxed as you assure yourself of his love and mercy. Then, you will know that you can meet whatever the day brings. Life will be good, even though it may be difficult at times. Here is the prayer he asks us to pray: Our Heavenly Father, help us to remember that when we take Jesus, our Savior, into our lives, we can handle anything. Help us to obtain spiritual power to overcome our problems and help others overcome theirs. T
hank you, Lord, for letting us live in this wonderful world and be part of its challenge. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I pray you are having a blessed Easter. Diana

Life Is Eternal

2010-03-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

This last week my father died and my family so appreciates the many kind words and prayers and food we received. In reading my Lenten devotional this day I read the prayer: Lord of Life, when my time comes to breathe my last earthly breath, may I die trusting that I will continue to live forever with you in glory. I believe my father knew this prayer and is with God in glory this day. Gods Blessings to you all, Diana

How God Comes

2010-03-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

Each morning, when the eastern sky
With opalescent tints grow bright,
From out the dawn for those who hear
There comes a whisper, "I am light!"

When spring arrives in bright array,
Transcending storms and winter strife,
The budding trees and opening flowers
Tell their sweet story:"I am life!"

Then through the glorious summer days,
Long hours of bliss without alloy,
The sun, the birds, all nature joins
The great, glad chorus:"I am joy!"

And when the heart is strangely stirred
With mystic echoes from above,
A voice divine speaks to the soul--
Ecstatic moment!--"I am Love!"

Or if life's problems vex us sore
And from our woes we seek release,
God sends His dews of quietness
And gently whispers, "I am peace!"

And should there come the darker hours,
The shadowy vale can hold no fear;
That reassuring voice speaks forth,
"Courage, my children, I am here!"

I hope you enjoy this poem as spring arrives. This speaks to me as I continue the journey with my father in his struggles with a second stroke.

Taken from St. Andrew's Epicopal Church, Saratoga, California

Instead of Worrying

2010-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, The thought for this week is one that I need to listen to. "Instead of worrying, pray. .....Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down." Ephesians 5:15 The Message Love, Diana

Abraham Lincoln, a believer

2010-02-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

This past Monday was President's Day and with that in mind, I write about Abraham Lincoln as taken from the book Mr. Lincoln.
Lincoln believed in God. He believed that God was intimately concerned with human affairs, that nations as well as (humankind) were dependent upon him, that (people) and nations were punished for their sins, in this world and the next. He believed in the Bible as the best gift ever given by God to (humankind). And he believed with all humility that he himself was an instrument in the hands of God. Indeed, Lincoln was a man of...intense religiosity.
J. G. Randall in Mr. Lincoln

Happy Valentine Day

2010-02-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

We are in prayer today and this week for pastor Gordon as he starts a healing process after a diagnosis at Lakewood Hospital ER of cellulitis. He has come so far in the healing of his knee replacement and now more healing is needed.
Today is Valentine's Day and here is a story from the calendar "Angels on Earth" showing how God puts people in our lives to help us along the path:
Hearts filled the florist stand where I stopped with a friend, but I wanted to forget Valentine's Day. My husband of 40 years was divorcing me, and I'd never felt so low.
I thought about my dad, my first valentine. Every year I'd wake to the heart-shaped box of chocolates he'd left on my pillow. And every spring he'd let me pluck the first lavender-colored rose off the bush in our back yard. Sterling silver, the hybrid was called. I never saw another like it. That lavender bloom was Dad's special gift for me. But those days were gone.
My friend picked out a bouquet and paid the florist.
"Excuse me," the man said to me. He held out a rose. I would have recognized the pale, silver petals anywhere. The sterling silver! "For you," he said.
I inhaled the rose's scent--an unexpected valentine, just when I needed it most.

Blessings, Diana

Heart Health Month

2010-02-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

February is Heart Health Month and in honor of this, I want to pass on a tip from my old Parish Nurse position at the church.
Do you know what your blood pressure is? The CDC tells us that high blood pressure killed 49,707 Americans in 2002. Early detection, treatment and control are important in saving lives. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. About 1/3 of American adults have high blood pressure. The top number (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart is beating and the bottom number (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. A blood pressure below 120/80 is considered normal, anything over 140/90 is considered to be high blood pressure. High blood pressure is easily detectable and usually controllable with lifestyle modifications such as increasing physical activity or reducing dietary salt intake, with or without medications. Have your blood pressure checked and know your numbers!

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise...Ephesians 5:15

Blessings, Diana

God's Peace

2010-01-31T17:13:00.000-08:00

Our church was the site of a beautiful memorial service today for the father of a long time faithful Rockport family. Approximately 150 people came to the service and reception after. It was wonderful to see the love and support that family and church friends shared in God's presence. The family was so embraced in this difficult time and the seemed to relax. The following story is about what happened at church this afternoon although in another man's life in a different circumstance.
A minister, Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas, once told of a terrifying childhood experience. He was 4 years old and was in the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The caregivers thought it was best for him to spend the first night in the hospital. Thinking little Ellsworth would be well take care of, his father and mother went to their hotel room for the night. Alone in a strange setting, the child was quickly overwhelmed by fear and loneliness. His wailing and profuse tears compelled the nurse in charge to telephone the parents. Here is how Dr. Kalas describes what heppened when his father came for him:
"I remember his dressing me there in the darkness. Then I remember getting on a street car, and sitting way back in the car as we rode to the hotel. He held me very close to him, his long ungainly arm wrapped around me. And the little boy who had been so frightened was now at peace."
Dr. Kalas went on to say that we all have those times when the odds are too great for us to handle. "How good, then, to draw deeply on the resources of God! In Him, there is a peace which is greater than the trouble. How good, indeed, to burrow into a place of security, and to feel an arm wrapping strong about us and to know that it is the arm of our Heavenly Father."

Have a Blessed Week, Diana

A New Year Brings a New Beginning

2010-01-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

To the 12 wonderful women who went on the annual Women's Overnight Retreat this past weekend, I want to say thank you for their sharing, and Christian faith that made this event so special. Our retreat leader, Ginny Pippin, was so knowledgeable and the topic "Mary, Woman of Faith and Strength" was so interesting. To all those who have not been on a retreat, I invite you next year to come and be a part of a powerful weekend. Beyond growing in our faith, the fellowship is something that binds us together throughout the year.
The following is a poem sent to me by a friend on the retreat:
As the New Year starts
and the old year ends
There's no better time
to make amends
For all the things
we sincerely regret
And wish in our hearts
we could somehow forget--
We all make mistakes,
for it's human to err,
But no one need ever
give up in despair,
For God gives us all
a brand new beginning,
A chance to start over
and repent of our sinning--
And when God forgives us
we too must forgive
and resolve to do better
each day that we live
By constantly trying
to be like Him more nearly
And to trust in His wisdom
and love Him more dearly--
Assured that we're never
out of His care
And always welcome
to seek Him in prayer. Blessings, Diana

Let It Begin With Me

2010-01-16T15:55:00.000-08:00

This week my father had a sroke and is in the hospital working to recover. He is a strong and gentle man who has loved life and God and this poem is how his life is lived.

To awaken each morning with a smile brightening my face,
to greet the day with reverence for the opportunities it contains;
To approach my work with a clean mind;
To hold ever before me, even in the doing of little things,
the Ultimate Purpose toward which I am working;
To meet men and women with laughter on my lips and love in my heart;
To approach the night with weariness that ever woos sleep and joy that comes from work well done--
This is how I desire to waste wisely my days. --Thomas Drier

The Weather

2010-01-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!' and the rain, 'Soak the whole countryside!' No one can escape the weather-it's there. And no one can escape from God. Job 37:6,7 The Message

Did this week's snow remind you that yes, we do live in snowy Cleveland? Do you have a winter safety kit at home? The Communicable Disease Council (www.cdc.gov) suggests that we have a week's worth of food and safety supplies including drinking water, canned/no-cook food such as crackers and dried fruits and bread, non-electric can opener, baby food and formula(if needed), prescription drugs and other medicines, first aid kit, rock-salt to melt snow on walkways, supply of cat litter or bag of sand to add traction on walkways, flashlights and extra battery-powered lamps or lanterns.(Avoid the use of candles to prevent the risk of fires.) Be safe! This is a Temple Maintenance Tip from the Wellness Ministries of the North Coast District. Diana

Words of Welcome

2010-01-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first full week of the year 2010 and this blog. Let us follow the instructions of the old hymn: "Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in him always, and feed on his Word; Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing his blessings to seek." God's Blessings, Diana

"Song of the Old English Caroliers"

2009-12-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

God send you happy,
God send you happy.
We pray God send you
a happy new year." "Song of the Old English Caroliers"

Who is that knocking at our door this New Year? "Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in the eat with him, and he with me."-(Revelation 3:20) Fondly, Diana

We've Come a Long Way Since That First Christmas Day

2009-12-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

We've come a long way
since that first Christmas Night
When led by a star
so wondrously bright
The Wise Men journeyed
to find the place
That cradled the Christ Child's
beautiful face----
But like "lost sheep"
we have wandered away
From God and His Son
who was born Christmas Day,
And instead of depending
on God's guiding hand
Ingenious man has assumed
full command
Like the "Prodigal Son"
who seeks to be free
From the heavenly Father
and his holy decree----
But life without God
is corroding man's soul,
Weakening his spirit
and distorting his goal,
And unless we return
to our Father again
We will never have Peace
and Good Will among men----
And the freedom man sought
will make him a slave
For only through God
is man strong, free, and brave,
So let us return
to our Father and pray
That Christ is reborn
in our hearts Christmas Day.

A blessed "Mary" Christmas to all from this lowly Visitation Minister, Diana

What if?

2009-12-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Just another little reminder to all women to sign up for the Women's Retreat on January 23 and 24. We have 9 women but need more. Read the info on my previous blog about the details.

If every deed of love I did
Were a crimson rose near the manger bed,
Would there be enough for a small bouquet
Or a carpet of color to brighten the hay?
If every prayer I prayed for others
Became one stitch in the Baby's covers
When the north wind blew, how warm would he be,
If wrapped in a blanket woven by me? by Phyllis Lee

How far is it to Christmas?

2009-11-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

Remember to sign up for the Women's Retreat on January 23 and 24. The info is in my blog of last month. This would be a nice Christmas present for any Christian woman. You do not have to belong to Rockport to come. Love, Diana

How far is it to Christmas day?
The journey's just as long
As taking time to listen
To a joyful angel song.
It's just as far as one can go
In doing a loving deed
That helps someone feel better
Or that meets their special need.
For Christmas is a journey
That the heart makes every year.
It starts right with your family
And those you hold so dear.
It travels on to strangers
'Round the world to everyone
With the message that God loves us
And that's why he's sent his Son!

A Thanksgiving Song

2009-11-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

In worship today the sanctuary was filled with music. I have found a song that even I can sing at the Thanksgiving day table. (sung to the tune of "Kum Ba Yah")
For our food, O Lord,
we give thanks.
For our homes,O
Lord, we give thanks.
For our families,
we give thanks.
O Lord,
we give thanks.

For our friends, O
Lord, we give thanks.
For our earth, O
Lord, we give thanks.
For each night and
day, we give thanks. O, Lord,
we give thanks.--Marie Senften

Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Diana

Looking Forward to Thanksgiving

2009-11-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

The Pilgrims invited their Native American friends to enjoy Thanksgiving with them. Ninety friends came and stayed for three days. They must have enjoyed the worship, feasting, and merrymaking. The main point to remember in looking forward to Thanksgiving is that the Puritans were willing to pay an enormous price for the privilege of freedom of worship. They were profoundly grateful to God! Here in America, no established church harassed them, no government agency restricted them, and no one ridiculed them. They were free to worship in the manner they chose. And they did just that! On Thanksgiving Day Rockport will be grateful for our abundance,and thankful for our manifold blessings. Let us also be profoundly appreciative of our freedom to worship according to our hearts and minds. Diana

Thanksgiving Kindness

2009-11-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Helen Keller said: "Join the great company of those who make the barren places of life fruitful with kindness." The kindness and teaching of the Native Americans to the Pilgrims allowed the Pilgrims to learn how to live off the land by planting corn, fishing the waters, and hunting the game. At this time of year we must remember how kindness allowed the founding fathers to celebrate the first Thanksgiving.

God is looking for Hands to Use

2009-11-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, an Irish physician, Dr. Alexander Irvine, wrote a book dedicated to his saintly mother. It was called My Lady of the Chimney Corner. The lead character in the book, a godly woman named Anna, lived and ministered to others as Dr. Irvine's own mother had done. The book tells of Anna going to the home of a neighbor who had just lost a son in a tragedy at sea. Anna and the bereaving mother visited for awhile, then Anna suggested that they have a prayer together. As their heads bowed, Anna reached out and placed her loving hand on the neighbor's forehead. When the prayer was over, the mourning mother said, "I think I felt His touch upon my brow."
Anna said, "God is everywhere looking for hands to use. Sometimes he takes the hand of a doctor and uses it in healing. Sometimes he takes the hand of a mother to soothe the brow of a fevered child. And sometimes he takes the hand of an old critter like me to bring a bit of help and comfort to a neighbor. But they are all God's hands, and God is everywhere looking for hands to use." Let us say this week, "Here I am Lord" as we sang this Sunday in our hymnal. Diana

Happy Fall to You

2009-10-25T18:18:00.005-07:00

Thought for the Week:
A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"
The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smilling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see." God's Blessings, Diana

Thought for this Week

2009-10-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 25 we find Christ telling us how we will finally be judged. Judgment, Jesus indicated, would center on how we meet the needs of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those without adequate clothes, those who were sick or imprisoned. Christ's word was, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethen, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40). Let's all go out, this week, and do a random act of kindness. Diana

Overnight Womens' Retreat

2009-10-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Overnight Womens' Retreat
Saturday, January 23 @10AM-Sunday, January 24 @ 10AM
River's Edge Retreat Center
3430 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland
Topic: Mary, Woman of Faith and Strength

Ladies of all ages are invited to a relaxing overnight retreat, including 3 prepared meals and a private bedroom suite. There will be a study of Mary, lead by Ginny Pippin, a Rockport retreat leader favorite. If time allows we will use the heated indoor pool in the evening. The retreat site is completely handicap accessible. Mark your calendars now and sign up on the bulletin board. Cost this year: $120. This fee is due by December 30. All checks are payable to Diana Shook. Questions contact Diana through the church office. (440-331-9433)

Hello from Diana Shook

2009-10-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the ramblings of Rockport's Visitation Co-ordinator, Stephen Minister Leader and Mary Martha Circle Member. My visitation ministry involves visiting those who aren't able to come to church...including those hospitalized, homebound, or sick. It also includes visitation to those with major events affecting their life, such as family death, divorce, loneliness, or depression. I am not a minister or a counselor, but I am a person who loves caring about others. In my previous years of working ,I have been employed as a registered nurse. I receive much more than I give in this calling, as I travel along to different households, ministering emotionally and spiritually. We are blessed with a congregation full of faith, life and love, who at times hit a bump in life's road, as all human do. The church can help at those times if we know what is going on in a life. It is so important to notify the church if you are ill or need help in any way. Along with pastor visits or my visits, we run a "Random Acts of Kindness" program that pairs those with identified needs(rides, meals,etc.) with volunteers who have offered to help in those areas.
Another ministry of caring in our church is a group called Stephen Ministers. A Stephen Minister is: a child of God who walks beside a hurting person, a caring Christian friend who really listens, and a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. Rockport Church has 15 Stephen Ministers and a group of 4 parishioners in training to become ministers. S.M. is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-on-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support themselves. Call the church office to talk to me or Pastor Gordon to receive a S.M. or volunteer to train to be a S.M. Being a S.M. is rewarding and our potlucks throughout the year are pretty out of this world! The S.M.s have been trained by Pastor Gordon in how to give communion and we are beginning to share communion with their care receivers.
Last but not least, I want to talk about Mary Martha Circle. I am priveleged to work with and attend this vibrant circle. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 in the parlor. We number 20-25 ladies, who get together for fellowship with lots of talk, laughter, and good eating. A short program is given by myself and others. We bring a sandwich and 2 hostesses provide dessert, coffee and tea. Members of the church and guests are so welcome. This is such a good way to meet some friendly ladies. As tradition would have it, the pastor provides the cheesies. Gentle Blessings, Diana