Violence against women in Delhi reached a critical point in recent years.  In response to the concern for the health and well-being of women in the city the public transportation system, police services, and other agencies began to reserve spaces for women only.  There is also a small group of women who take regular walks through the city at midnight to reclaim public space.

Jonah was protected as he walked into the city to reclaim it.  God protected the psalmist and, in the human form, God walked among us to reclaim our hearts.  To what is God calling us as we move into a new future?  We can respond to this call trusting in God’s steadfast and constant presence and provision.

Reading for the 3^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jonah 3:1-5, 10                                               Psalms 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 67:29-31                                  Mark 1:14-20

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of Cyprus, Greece & Turkey

Prayer for the week
Persistent God, you are the credible incredible and the probable impossible.  We ask that you show us how and when we are called to you by you.  Amen.

The first month of the year is a time to begin something new.

Many cultures think of the new year as a time to make a significant change, not just because a calendar tells us but because they believe that all creation responds to changes in the amount of light and darkness that are available or the angle and pull of the moon against the tide.  Do you wonder how the changes in weather or the length of time between sunrise and sunset affect your faith?  Does the calendar inspire us to make changes to the spiritual practices we rely on?

In the “Hymn of Promise,” one of the music suggestions this week, speaks about the “promise of dawn that lies within the deep night.”  If you find yourself holding on t negative associations with the night or the darkness, remember that God created us to need both light and dark, day and night.  We cannot know the future, but we plan and hope and dream.

As your faith community looks ahead at the calendar for the new year, encourage one another that we are more than our busy schedules and routines; we are children of God and part of creation.

Reading for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)             Psalms 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20                       John 1:43-51

 Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of  Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Unite Arab Emirates, Yemen

Prayer for the week
Calling god, your servants are listening.  Help us recognize your voice.  Help us respond to your instructions with courage and honesty so that we may show love for you and your people.  Amen

At the beginning of a new calendar year, many people take the opportunity to reflect on what the previous year held, and to make plans and promises for the year ahead.  Although the church year began back in Advent, this Sunday can serve as an appropriate time to do such reflecting.  The Christmas season is drawing to a close.  With the coming of Epiphany, we look ahead to the ministry of Jesus and what that means for us.  The second Sunday after Christmas is a day which can be used as a time of transition.  We look back and Recognize where we have been and how god has worked in and through us this past year.  We sit in the present and Re-engage with God and our loved ones after a busy holiday season.  We look ahead in Response to God’s amazing grace, thinking about where we would like to go in our lives and our common life together.  Regardless of age or position in life, we can all spend time in hopeful reflection for what the future brings.

Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas
Jeremiah 31:7-14                                         Psalm 147:12-20
Ephesians 1:3-14                                           John 1:(1-9), 10-18

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of Egypt, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan & Lebanon

Prayer for the week
Energizing God, you know there are times when we are tired and uncertain, when we doubt that we can do your work in this world.  As we approach a new year, help us recognize and embrace your love for us, so we have what we need to re-engage the world you love so much.  Amen.

The chaos of preparation is over, the gift-giving complete.  2021 is on the horizon and there are conversations about resolutions for change in the New Year.  Yet, we are still in the Christmas season!

How might you capture the wonder of Christmas, even as the secular world has moved on?

This week’s scripture readings invite our wonder at God who promises to continue the work of reshaping and restoring.  On this first Sunday of Christmas, we join with Anna, Paul, and Simeon in praising God for the long awaited gift.  What words and deeds proclaim the good news of this redemptive act of God coming into the world?

Readings for the 1st Sunday of Christmas
Isaiah 61:10-62:3             Psalms 89148
Galatians 4:4-7             Luke 12:22-40

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
For the Stateless People

Prayer for the week
Spirit that strengthens us, grant us the courage to shout praise and adoration for the work of your hands.  Grant us the peace and clarity of mind to think, act and love in your name.  Amen.

The story told in Luke 1:26-38 is likely to be very familiar, even to some who are new to the church.  The Nativity and the Christmas stories are told in our culture as well as in our churches.  How might we approach the story so that the familiarity doesn’t keep them distant from our lived experiences?  How might we help people enter back into a story we may have acted out for generations using the same sets and costumes?

Readings for Fourth Sunday in Advent

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16                                       Psalms 89:1-4, 19-26

Romans 16:25-27                                           Luke 1:26-38, 46-55

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar

The peoples of Japan, North Korea & South Korea

Prayer for the week

Love incarnate, we ask that you move us beyond the daydreams of a world that shows your love to the reality that is your love in the world.  Move and breathe within us until your reality becomes our reality.  Amen.