As has been my chosen practice the past few years, my gift giving is in the form of a monthly donation to the relief work of Mercy Corps, based in Portland, Oregon; www.mercycorps.org. This year I plan to add a bit toward the specific goal of providing clean water to a community. By accepting this card in an e-format you are contributing as well and Thank You!
2013 has been a great year building to the zenith of the July wedding joining Alexandria and Tim as Mr and Mrs Creese! And then culminating with a family vacation returning to Kauai in October. Both of these events providing an on going Whirling Dervish look at Luther flying and climbing into the “Twos”. Never a dull moment :0)
Between immersion in the mystical world of emergence and the practical need to “preach” short sermons at Fern Gardens, I have been blessed with a peaceful focus toward relationship and service to all God’s Creation. At this period of the year, as we celebrate the Incarnation of God’s Love among us, that “Coming” becomes so close to each of us as we rest in that Spirit of Immanuel (God With Us).
Dealing with the beauty and visceral nature of facilitating a weekly communion service brings the sacramental nature to a new and even deeper understanding. I am beginning to experience the Eucharist as a “Type”, or “Microcosm”, or example of the whole Gospel of Christ; Caring of each other, Serving each other, Feeding the hungry and thirsty.
Being Blessed to be able to start installing two more Labyrinths this year has been a great joy - These both are the same pattern as Sherita’s Labyrinth at the hospital in Ashland, except larger (7 circuits), with one notable difference. They both are composed with native materials and are laid out to incorporate the local terrain; I.e. Trees are walked around or between not needlessly cut down . Because of the aspect of honoring nature, we have come to call these “Franciscan” Style Labyrinths. One is being installed in the hills above Ashland near the nine mile marker off Dead Indian Memorial Hwy. The second is on the bluff just above Pearl Cove on Kauai.
May This Blessed Season and The New Year Find You All Well and at Peace!
Love! Bob / Dad / Gmpa / Chaplain Bob
http://praisegodviathespiritofthechrist.blogspot.com/
