the channel contentsthe channel contents moderator’s report page 1 spring gathering/annual meeting...

The Channel Contents

Moderator’s Report Page 1

Spring Gathering/Annual Meeting Flyer Page 2

Synod Summer Gathering (SSG) Page 3

Scholarship application for SSG Page 7

Sisters Stand and Walk Together Page 8

Visitor from Sudan Page 10

Cluster G Page 10

Search Committee Report Page 11

Dates to Remember Page 11

Historian Reports Page 12

Spiritual Nurture – Lenten Meditation Page 13

The Channel

Presbyterian Women of the National Capital Presbytery Spring 2011

Moderator’s Report

If the last article was the penultimate or the next to the last, then this must be the valedictory for it is indeed the

last message that you will receive from me as your moderator. By the time that you read this, I hope you would

have decided to attend the Annual Meeting/Spring Gathering at Darnestown, Presbyterian Church on Saturday,

April 9 as we greet our new PW/NCP/CT leaders, have ―conversations‖ about our roles and responsibilities and

feast together with all the saints in the joy of the Lord’s Supper.

May I call your attention to the following in this issue of The Channel:

The Synod of the Mid Atlantic (SMA) 2011 Summer Gathering—Massanetta Springs. Harrisonsburg, VA, June 10-12 –Deadline for Early Bird Registration to Massanetta is April 1---Partial Scholarships of

up to $150.00 are available. See application in this newsletter with deadline of March 21st.

PW Histories due—email Betty Ann Yurkewitch at [email protected] or send to 6930 Poppy Drive, McLean, VA 22101. If you don’t preserve your own history, it will not be known. Share

it also with others.

You are being called to servant leadership in NCP and SMA. Many positions are waiting for you to help PW’s in the congregation or other positions at the Synod level. Just email Ernestine Brown at

[email protected] or Margaret Anderson at [email protected] for additional

information, to volunteer or to refer someone. It’s amazing what God can do with just a few willing

women.

Sisters Stand and Walk Together will meet at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 14, 11:00am-2:00pm. Come and enjoy the spirituality inspired in this multicultural caring community of

women. And, since the Sisters will be presenting what they do for the SMA Summer Gathering in 2011

and the Churchwide Gathering in 2012, you can be on the ground floor to help us plan for both of these

major events.

Please send in the names, email and other addresses and phone numbers of your new leaders to Mary Ellen Absetz at [email protected] or to Judy Wenig, Moderator-Elect at [email protected] for

the PW Directory. This is how we stay connected. And then, don’t forget to pick up your new PW

Directory at the Fall Gathering in September.

My sincere thanks to all of you who have made this responsibility such a joy. Let’s keep encouraging ourselves

and others to understand and live fully the Purpose of Presbyterian Women—forgiven and freed by God in

Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to nurture our faith through prayer and

Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace and to build an

inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the

promise of God’s kingdom.

Farewell—to God be the Glory!

Margaret

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Presbyterian Women National Capital Presbytery

2011 Spring Gathering

April 9th

9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

From Washington D.C.

I-495 to I-270

On I-270 move to the right to the local lanes

Exit 6 in Rockville onto Route 28 West (To Darnestown)

Follow Route 28 (Darnestown Road) about 7 miles to:

Darnestown Presbyterian Church

15120 Turkey Foot Road

Darnestown, MD 20878

Ph: 301-948-9127

www.Darnestownpc.org

Join in the Conversations:

Missions

Social Issues

Keeping the Books

Recording the Meeting

Recording History

Moderating

Please try to register before April 3, 2011. The hostesses need to know how many women plan to come so they

can purchase and prepare the breakfast. Babysitting will be available. Make your $10.00 check payable to Presbyterian

Women, NCP and send it with this registration form to:

Rachel Messman, 2508 Appian Court, Alexandria, VA, 22306 PH: 703-765-2083

_______________________________________________________________________________________

I plan to attend the PW Spring Gathering on April 9, 2011

Name________________________________________Church___________________________________

Phone number________________________ Email address____________________________________

Presbyterian Women of the National Capital Presbytery Spring 2011 Page 3

2011 Mid-Atlantic Synod PW Summer Gathering 23rd Annual Summer Gathering • June 9-12th 2011

Confessing the Beatitudes Study Author and Featured Speaker: Rev. Margaret Aymer, Ph.D.

http://mid-atlanticsynodpwsummergathering2011.webs.com

Registration Form: You can print this page and mail it for your registration form. Please see the Workshop Information and the Options Page for further information or contact someone on the Staff page with any questions.

Full Time Registration:

Regular Early Bird

Double Room-3-night, 8 meals, Registration............$395.00............$370.00

Single Room-3-night, 8 meals, Registration..............$435.00............$410.00

Late Fee (If postmarked after May 2nd).....................$ 25.00

Total Enclosed.....................................................................$_________________

Part-Time Registration----2 Consecutive Nights (Thurs-Fri or Fri-Sat) Circle which night you will be attending Thurs/Fri or Fri/Sat

Regular Early Bird

Double Room:5 meals:2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch Registration......................................................................$290.00............$265.00

Single Room:5 meals:2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, Registration......................................................................$320.00............$295.00

Late Fee (If postmarked after May 2nd).................. .....$ 25.00

Total Enclosed.........................................................................$_______________

Part-time Registration----1 Night, 3 Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Meals and Registration...$165.00

Late Fee( if postmarked after May 2nd)..............................$______________

Commuter Registration-Those not needing room arrangements at Massanetta Springs

Regular Early Bird

Full Event..................................................................$200.00...........$180.00

Single Day.................................................... ..............$ 65.00

Meal Prices: Breakfast.....$9.00 • Lunch...........$10.00 • Dinner...........$13.00

Circle the days you will be attending and the meals desired:

Thursday Dinner

Friday Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Saturday Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Sunday Breakfast

Total Enclosed..........................................................................$_______________

All registrations must be postmarked on or before May 2, 2011.

http://mid-atlanticsynodpwsummergathering2011.webs.com/http://mid-atlanticsynodpwsummergathering2011.webs.com/

Refunds-No refunds will be given after May 23, 2011. Your cancelled check will be your confirmation.

Name:________________________________________________________

Name for Nametag:_____________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________________

Phone:( )_____________________Cell( )________________________

Email Address_________________________________________________

Special Needs (physical, dietary, signing, etc)_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Home Church: _______________________________Presbytery:________________________________

Are you attending for the first time?______________________

***Registrants for Roommates Must be mailed together to insure your housing request! ***

Name of Roommate: ____________________________

Medical Information

As all of us who visit health care providers are aware, patient privacy is a concern for everyone. In order to protect your privacy and care for in case of emergency, please comply with the following procedure. Please bring with you, in a sealed envelope with your name and Presbytery on the outside of it, with the following information: Your Health Insurance Policy with ID number, a list of medical conditions and current medications. Upon arrival at the Summer Gathering, you may give your information to the Nurse or to your roommate, and take it back home with you at the end of the Gathering.

Emergency Contact:

Name:______________________________________________________

Telephone Numbers:

Work:( )_______________________________________

Home:( )_____________________________________

Cell:( )______________________________________

Workshop and Options:

Workshop A:_________________________________________________

Workshop B:_________________________________________________

Workshop C:_________________________________________________

Option:____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Please make your check payable to: Presbyterian Women/SMA SG

Mail form to: Anne Wright

P. O. Box 1752

Jamestown, North Carolina 27282-1752

Early Bird Registrations must be postmarked by April 1, 2011

WORKSHOP A: Friday, June 10th, 10:45 - 12:15

1. “Living Unsqueezed: Springing Free from Skinny Jeans, Nose Jobs, Highlights and Stilettos” - Rev. Margo Starbuck author of this book and others will share how to live in our “image obsessed culture” and not fall victim to the “death-dealing preoccupation with ourselves”.

2. “USA Mission Experience in South Dakota” - Pat Clarke will share about mission work in the mid-west with our Native American Sisters.

3. “Chair Yoga” - Layna Erney, Sunnyside Assistant Director of Wellness, will lead us to increased flexibility, balance and muscle strength and stretch all our muscle groups. (Class is limited to 35)

4. “Alzheimer’s Support” - Charlotte Hampton will share the experiences of living with and caring for a spouse who travels the Alzheimer’s journey.

5. “Grant Writing” - Carolyn Sprinkle will show us how to write an effective grant to secure funding for projects and missions.

6. “Women: Their Quality Quilts and Their Quality Lives”- Carol Tigges shares her beautifully made quilts which reflect the incredible lives of women featured in them.

7. “Embracing Diversity”- Learn from the Sisters Stand and Walk Together group how we can be a part of change within family and society by practicing loving our neighbors as ourselves.

8. “Growing as a Beautiful Woman of God” - Jaxie Julian will discuss topics of how spiritual formation helps us grow in beauty, resistances to spiritual beauty, and living into hope as a beautiful woman of God. 9. “Delightful Dynamics” - Carol Sargent Miller will teach how to develop and/or facilitate small group discussions within your church body; focusing on purpose, personalities and potential of small groups.

10. Bible Study - Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, author of “Confessing the Beatitudes”, our 2011-2012 Horizons Bible Study, will share her knowledge of this scripture.

11. "Flyers and Posters and Facebook, Oh my! : Marketing Your PW Event" Donna Rae Barrow

WORKSHOP B: Friday, June 10th, 2:00 - 3:30

1. “Tell It, Sisters!” - Rev. Fred Archer and the Tidewater Tellers will demonstrate telling Bible stories. Pick up new ideas and resources to make you a better story teller.

2. “I'm Blessed When I Thirst For God” - Kristine Rand will teach us to connect spirit, heart and soul. Go beyond reciting, “Lord, I need” and be transformed by encountering the Word with Spiritual eyes.

3. “Groovin' with the Beatitudes” -Rev. Martha Goodman will lead us in study and then allow us to listen and reflect upon music and poetry written on the Beatitudes, so we can confess God’s blessings.

4. “Synod Summer Gathering Choir” – First of two sessions, directed by Millie Fling Harris. Singers wanted. Sign up for both sessions.

5. “Women: Their Quality Quilts and Their Quality Lives”- (See Workshop A-6)

6. “PW Mission and Celebration Giving”- Jen Lenard Benson will share the latest information on our Celebration Giving programs including the Mission Pledge, Birthday Offering and Thank Offering projects.

7. “Growing as a Beautiful Woman of God”- (See Workshop A- 8)

8. “Leadership Personalities” – In 2nd Timothy 1 we learn we are not given a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and a sound mind. Paula Bass will teach us how each personality leads.

9. “Earth Care Congregations” - Nancy Fayer will tell us about a new Mission

10. “USA Mission Experience in South Dakota”- (See Workshop A-2)

11. "Flyers and Posters and Facebook, Oh my! : Marketing your PW Event” (See Workshop A-11)

WORKSHOP C: Saturday, June 11th, 10:45 - 12:15

1. “Spiritual Exercises Through the Sermon on the Mount” - Kristine Rand- Use Lectio Divino, journaling and other experiential exercises to move your prayer life from the intellectual to the spiritual level.

2. “Tell It, Sisters!”- (See Workshop B-1)

3. “Blessed Are Those Who Mourn” - Rev. Martha Goodman-Learn some skills and techniques for you and your PW Circles to extend comfort of God to those who mourn. A lay person’s witness of comfort & care is powerful & needed.

4. “Synod Summer Gathering Choir”- (See Workshop B-4)

5. “Chair Yoga”- (See Workshop A-3)

6. “Conversations with Middle Eastern Christian Women” - Racial Ethnic Committee

7. “Leadership Personalities”- (See Workshop B-8)

8. “Earth Care Congregations”- (See Workshop B-9)

9. “Delightful Dynamics”- (See Workshop A-9)

10. Bible Study - Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer- (See Workshop A-10)

11. "The Campaign for Fair Food: Preventing Human Trafficking, Advancing Human Rights" - Rev. Noelle Damico -Learn how the PC (USA) has been working as a partner with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and allies from the religious, human rights, and student communities to improve wages and working conditions for farm workers harvesting tomatoes in Florida.

12. "Alzheimer's Support"-(See Workshop A-4)

OPTIONS: On Saturday Afternoon, you will have several options of things to do! It will be your choice!:

Rest and relax! Sit in a rocking chair and catch up with old and new friends, sneak away for a quiet nap, or take a walk around the beautiful grounds at Massanetta. How do you spell R-e-l-a-x?

Take a Historic Tour of Massanetta Springs. Discover the history and mystery of Massanetta Springs on this informative and interesting walking tour. Wow!

Go to our Links page and check out the Harrisonburg Chamber of Commerce Web site. There is so much to see and do in Harrisonburg. Why not take in the sights? Did you know a Quilt Museum is nearby? Wow!

Sign up for a Tour of Sunnyside. You will catch a bus and have a tour and tea/dessert social in the Florida room in the Highlands. You must sign up in advance and spaces are limited. Delicious!

Our Prayer and Spiritual Nurture Center, located in Lupton, will be open. Kristine Rand and other prayer partners from First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk's Prayer and Spiritual Development Center will be available to pray and speak with you. How wonderful!

Jewelry Making with Mary Hecht-Sign up in advance (limited spaces) to make an earring & necklace set of semi-precious stones with a sterling silver, bronze, or gold-filled settings/findings. Please bring $2.00 to the event to offset the cost. All materials will be provided. 2 complete sessions. Sign up for a time slot in 2:00-3:30pm or 3:30-5:00pm. Oh-la-la!

Fresco Painting on Plaster by Mary Robinson-Fresco (from Italian meaning "fresh") is pigment applied to a plaster surface. This technique is thousands of years old (like "The Last Supper.") Participants will create a small 8" x 8" plaster painting on burlap, suitable for framing. This will be in 2 complete sessions. Sign up for a time slot in 2:00-3:30pm or 3:30-5:00pm. Amazing!

How to Jazz Up a T-Shirt by Mary Ellen Absetz-Using beads, ribbon, and scissors to improve the fit and appearance of t-shirts. You bring the t-shirt and Mary Ellen will supply the rest. What Fun!

Bible Reading and Drama with Shirley Bueche. Make the Bible stories come alive through drama. Learn to read the scriptures in such an exciting, dynamic way that others will feel as though they are hearing these marvelous words for the first time and will want more! Exciting!


PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF NATIONAL CAPITAL PRESBYTERY Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Summer Gathering

Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center

Harrisonburg, Virginia

June 9-12, 2011

Scholarship Application

(For Women in the National Capital Presbytery Only)

Form must be received (mailed, faxed or emailed) no later than March 21st

Fill out and send to Margaret Washnitzer (PW/NCP Moderator) at [email protected] or fax—202-

966-3405 or mailed to 3045 Chestnut St., NW, Washington, DC 20015.

I am interested in being considered for a partial scholarship for the 2011 SMA Summer Gathering.

Name: ___________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________

Phone Number:__________________ E-mail:________________________

I have held or plan to hold the following PW leadership roles:

(Check as many as apply)

____ I have never attended a PW Synod Summer Gathering.

____ I have attended one PW Synod Summer Gathering.

____ I have attended more than one PW Synod Summer Gathering.

____ I have previously received an NCP/PW scholarship for the Summer Gathering.

____ I am participating in Sisters Stand and Walk Together .

I want to be a part of the 2011 Synod Summer Gathering, ―Confessing the Beatitudes,‖ because

(if necessary, use an additional sheet of paper)

Partial Scholarships are up to $150. Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 25th. The Early Bird Registration Deadline is April 1st.

mailto:[email protected]


The DC/MD and VA Sisters Stand and Walk Together (SSWT), groups met jointly on a wintry Saturday in January

2011 to continue their journey in understanding the challenges and experiences of those who have migrated to

the USA. Though falling snow threatened, it did not dissuade this diverse group from meeting, once again, at

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church. This was our group’s

seventh dialogue and it centered on personal devotional

or other practices on which we rely to “take care” of our

souls. Questions suggested by the recent “Soul Keeping”

article in Horizons were used to spark much interesting

dialogue which revealed an array of methods we have

devised on our own to give care to ourselves. We used the mutual invitation communication technique to

ensure everyone had an opportunity to share.

The literal and figurative warmth in Geneva Hall brought us closer together as we heard the moving stories of

young Shella Fon, who came from Cameroon to the USA as a child, and Rev. Lucy

Dergarabadian, who faced her own struggles as a highly educated adult immigrant to this

country. As we listened raptly to these women’s very personal

experiences, those of us born in this country empathized with the

plights and challenges immigrants face and grew in understanding of our own ignorance. I

believe that our immigrant sisters were also bolstered by the opportunity to share and

understand each other’s experiences, whether similar or differing from their own.

Once again, Lakesha Bradshaw, Director of Christian Education at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, led us in a

brief but meaningful worship and meditation she had conceived. It incorporated a “Lectio Divina” exercise

focused on a scripture passage, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Judging from our response, those of us

who had not used this method before, as well those familiar with it, found it personally

beneficial. We were also surprised by how many of us chose the same phrase/words from the


passage as speaking directly to us. Nina Khouri, our host at Chevy Chase, is among the founders of this group

and is our resident expert on the stages of transition experienced by those who migrate from another country.

Nina further heightened the impact of Shella and Rev. Lucy’s stories with her presentation explaining the stages

of emotional adjustment that immigrants experience.

Although much planning precedes these meetings, it is often those “unplanned” moments that have a lasting

impact. The personal stories shared by Shella and Rev. Lucy certainly impressed us all. These were followed by a

delicious pot-luck lunch that was further enhanced by the spontaneous and beautiful

piano music played by Rev. Lucy on the baby grand in Geneva Hall. It seems that our

meetings are examples of a “perfect storm” – where all elements – individuals, talent,

and physical space combine with the Holy Spirit to create a sense of community,

provide an experience that follows us home, and leaves an impression that lingers long beyond our meeting.

While I am writing this recap almost three weeks after we met, the experience is still fresh and close to the

surface.

So, ladies the take away is simply this - please prayerfully consider attending these meetings!


Visitor from Sudan

Milcah Lalam, a peace building development specialist with special expertise in trauma healing, drama as therapy and

story-telling, was a panelist at the recent UN Commission on the Status of Women and was sponsored by Presbyterian

Women. She also came to National Capital Presbytery where she gave presentations regarding her work in countries

experiencing the trauma of war, poverty and violence. She works closely with women, children, youth, victims of rape

and abuse, displaced persons, development and human rights workers in post-war contexts. She has facilitated peace

building interventions with women and children and led reconciliation and trauma recovery processes initiated by women

for women between communities experiencing inter-ethnic violence. PW/NCP set up the speaking opportunities for her

while she was here.

To learn more about the work of Milcah Lalam, visit the following website to view the video: Reconciliation - Women’s

Peace Building in the Sudan. http://missioncrossroads.ning.com/video/reconciliation-womens-peace.

News From Cluster G

Fifteenth Street installed their new Coordinating Team the last Sunday in January with Sharon Williams as Moderator

and Regina Smith as Vice-Moderator/Spiritual Nurture Communicator. They have developed a calendar of activities for

the year and began by Celebrating the Gifts of Women on February 20th

.

PW at Redeemer are adhering to their belief of PW purpose. Recently the attendance at the meeting has increased.

"Praise the Lord". The ladies are working toward our goals. We had a big disappointment when we were told by the

session to change the dates of some activities due to a conflict, We were planning to send boxes to a person in the armed

service, but we found out a week ago that the person was being discharged in two months.

We are presently preparing for our Women’s Day service, which will be held on the 13th of this month. Dr, Audrey

James will be the speaker. We are working together to make our Prayer Brunch a success, which will be held on the 17th

of April. We gave two boxes of items that were on their wish list to Courtney’s House.

Presbyterian Women at Northeastern attended:

Church Women United Quadrennial Regional Meeting at Massanetta Springs Conference Center. The theme was

Stewardship for a Healthy Life Style-Spiritually, Physically and Financially.‖

Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Committee of Women of Color 2010 Consultation in Kernersville, N. C. The theme was

―Women and Church Growth.‖

The Vesper Service/Thank Offering held on October 17, 2010. The theme was ―Grace Abounds.‖ Northeastern PW gave

presentations on Breast Cancer, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking,

Bread for the Soul’s Annual Christmas toy and book party to benefit children living with HIV/AIDS and children whose

parents are HIV positive.

Darfur Freedom Walkers rally on the Capitol lawn on October 7 and ―Our Walls Bear Witness: Sudan at the Crossroads‖

at the Holocaust Museum on November 8.

http://missioncrossroads.ning.com/video/reconciliation-womens-peace


SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT

Article IV, Section 5 of the Bylaws state that the following leaders shall be elected in odd years: Moderator,

Treasurer, Secretary, Issues Communicator and Resource Communicator.

Proposed 2011-2013 Leadership Slate Moderator: Judy Wenig

Treasurer: Michelle Clover

Secretary: Mary Ellen Absetz

Issues Communicator: Barbara Allen

Resource Communicator: Peggy Sisson

Search Committee Moderator: Ernestine Brown

Search Committee Members: Hazel Anderson,

Pat Carvellas, Bonnie Nasr Margaret Anderson

Cluster E: Mary Maximuangu

Cluster F: Margaret Washnitzer

Cluster G: Jeannette A. Blackmun

We have made numerous contacts and still are in the process of finding persons to fill the following positions:

Newsletter and Visual Communicator

Cluster Coordinator

Cluster D Leader

One Search Committee Member

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN - NATIONAL CAPITAL PRESBYTERY

2011 DATES TO REMEMBER

PLEASE PUT THESE 2011 DATES ON YOUR PW CALENDAR March 12, 2011

Sisters Stand and Walk Together

See article P.

March 25 – 28

Ecumenical Advocacy Days

Washington D.C.

April 9, 2011

Spring Gathering/Annual Meeting

Darnestown Presbyterian Church

15120 Turkey Foot Rd

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

May 14, 2011

Sisters Stand and Walk Together

June 9-12, 2011

Synod of the Mid Atlantic Summer Gathering

Massanetta Springs Conference Center

Harrisonburg, VA

August 1, 2011

The Channel Deadline

September 24, 2011

Fall Gathering

July 18-22, 2012

Churchwide Gathering

Gaylord Palms

Orlando, FL

SECOND TUESDAYS

The Office of Public Witness offers assistance to Presbyterians who wish to visit their Members of Congress in

Washington. A special program of issue briefings and congressional visits is offered to groups of Presbyterians on the

second Tuesday of each month. More information at www.pcusa.org/washington

http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/washington/second-tuesday/http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/washington/second-tuesday/http://www.pcusa.org/washington


PW Historian Reports

Church name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor's name ______________________________________________________________________________

Presbytery ________________________________________________________________________________

Synod ___________________________________________________________________________________

Names of PW officers OR current contact person and address _______________________________________

No. of women in the church __________________________________________________________________

No. of Circles _________________________________

Average attendance ____________________________

Life Membership pins given _____________________

PW Reading Awards given _____________________

Highlights of the year:

This information is to be sent to the Presbytery Historian: Betty Ann Yurkewitch

6930 Poppy Drive

McLean, VA 22101

Or can be sent by e-mail to [email protected]

Also a copy is to be sent to:

Archivist Special Collections

Columbia Theological Seminary

PO Box 520

Decatur, GA 30031

Although, the January 31st deadline is past, we still would welcome your information! You can send your PW

portion of your church’s Annual Report if that would be easier for you.

mailto:[email protected]


Lenten Meditation

Gunilla Norris writes in her book, A Mystic Garden, Working with Soil, Attending to Soul, about the

value of pruning. Each year, she writes, roses are pruned for the first time in the spring to get rid of the dead

wood and dying branches. They are cut back to green wood to encourage new growth. Fall, Norris writes,

brings the second pruning, when the rosebushes are cut back ―to be able to bear the harshness of winter.‖

By now the harshness of winter is behind us. As I look out my window at the old pin oak behind the

house, I see broken off branches hanging askew in the live branches, the two intertwined --neither free of the

other. These branches are high in the tree, out of reach, and deeply embedded. We could hire professional tree

trimmers, but we usually let the winds and the storms do the pruning.

The season of Lent affords us an opportunity to do some necessary pruning in our own lives –physically,

mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What do we need to get rid of? What do we need to nurture and

encourage to grow? What in our lives do we need to leave to the wind of the Holy Spirit to prune? Are we

willing to release those things to the wind of the Spirit or will we cling to them for a while longer?

It’s difficult to prune effectively if we don’t know what matters and what doesn’t. We might lop off

something essential if we prune mindlessly –-or we may overlook something that needs to be lopped off.

Learning to live mindfully by engaging in the spiritual practice of sacred pauses is one way to learn to tell the

difference.

A sacred pause may be ―as simple as standing attentively before a flowering plant or listening to the

frogs in the pond.‖ Or maybe ―simply stopping for a cleansing breath: Breathe in the spirit of the hour;

breathe in gratitude and compassion for yourself; breathe out love and encouragement for those around you,

friends, family members. Your pause may be an awakening stretch, or sitting quietly and remembering your

name.‖

Seven Sacred Pauses, Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day by Macrina Wiederkehr is the

source of those quotes. Traditionally the sacred pauses of praying or honoring the hours is done at midnight,

dawn, midmorning, noon, midafternoon, twilight, and night.

Each of us can enter into the spirit of the hour wherever we are. ―No matter what we are doing, we can

pause to touch the grace of the hour,‖ Wiederkehr writes. It is in that grace that we find God. It is in that grace

that pruning begins.

Lenten blessings to each of you in this hour.

Bonnie Davis

Spiritual Nurture Communicator

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