Tag: water

(Re)Introduction of Wind (in the) Chimes

Wind Chimes is being reborn as Wind in the Chimes.

In the time of the coronavirus it seems opportune to revisit and rename Wind Chimes—for a short time it was a regular feature of this Blog.

In the original post I wrote:

When a wind chime catches the wind (even the whisper of a wind) it makes music, it interprets the wind in ways that are always the same and always changing. In regular posts I will share links to news (religion news), reflections and meditations (related to our Sunday readings as often as possible), prayers or prayer starters, resources to help you keep learning and growing (spiritually), and whatever else I come across.

Wind Chimes posted September 25, 2012 on Hear what the Spirit is saying

Renamed “Wind in the Chimes” the intent remains the same: to help you and to help me better hear what the Spirit is saying.

Wind Chimes: 22 Mar 2013

World Water Day, March 22, 2013

World Water Day: March 22nd

Water: we all need it, we all depend on it. Today, take a moment to think about the gift of water in your life. Take a moment to understand that a brother or sister you may never meet could really use your help in obtaining clean water. It is World Water Day.

Here are 2 videos to help you think about water and how you can make a difference:

DivLine360x12 Water. Water. Water. Please? That is what the chimes sound like today.
What do you hear? Please leave a comment.

Logo: UN World Water Day 2013

Wind Chimes: 22 Oct 2012

Setting boundaries for the sea

Bless the LORD, O my soul; *
O LORD my God,
how excellent is your greatness!
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.

Psalm 104:1 The Book of Common Prayer

Today, let’s explore God’s limitless grandeur, a point God made in the ‘speech’ to Job (Job 38). ~dan

What glorious sounds do you hear in the chimes today?

Where were you when I …

… enclosed the Sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment, the dense clouds its wrap, when I imposed my limit for it, put on a bar and doors and said, “You may come this far, no farther; here your proud waves stop”? —Job 38:8-11 CEB

You never enjoy the world aright, …

You never enjoy the world aright, till the Sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars: and perceive yourself to be the sole heir of the whole world. —Thomas Traherne, Centuries of Meditations, First Century, Section 29

A prayer celebrating the God and water

Blessed are you, O God, whose Spirit hovered over the deep and filled it with all manner of living things. May the sea continue to teem with abundant life. May those who move upon the face of the waters rejoice in its beauty and find safety in its perils. May Christ, who calmed the storm, and filled the nets of his disciples, bring us all to the harbour of light and peace. Amen.

“Blessing of Fisheries” in Occasional Celebrations of the Anglican Church of Canada, p. P54

Photo: Office Clip art, photos

Growing an oak from an acorn

I admit it: it’s a metaphor. This post is about water, not oak trees. Please keep reading even if you are more interested in trees than water.

Once upon a time a little girl, Rachel, only 8 years old, wanted to raise about $300 to help provide clean water to children she would never meet (the acorn). For her 9th birthday she asked friends and family to give to charity: water instead of to her. Events after her birthday turned out far differently than she or her family imagined. The hoped for gift ($300) turned into a $1.3 million gift (the oak tree).

In 1975 I was ordained a deacon. Since then I have been to several diaconal ordinations. In the Episcopal Church those about to be ordained deacons are instructed with these words: “You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.” Though I was subsequently ordained a priest I continue to take this instruction seriously. It did not disappear when I was ordained a priest.

In our Forum we seek to understand the needs, concerns and hopes of the world so that we may respond as the Spirit directs.

Clean water, clean and accessible water, is a human need in every time and place. Access to clean water is a concern and fundamental hope of every human being. I continue to contribute to charity: water. Here is why. You will find “the rest of the story” about Rachel in this report from NBC News.

Here you can find out more about Rachel’s Gift from the folks at charity: water

What is the Spirit saying to you?

When there is no water from the faucet, because there is no faucet

Moving from study to action is one of the goals for those who participate in the Sunday Morning Forum, here, or in the classroom, or both. It works the other way, too: action needs to be informed by study. What are the needs of the world around us? What is being done? Listen…are we being called to minister here? Listen…are we being called to support the efforts of others? Listen…what is the Spirit saying?

In my listening i hear again and again the whisper of the Spirit to help others bring clean water to those who must work hard and risk much, every day, to provide water for their families. During Advent and Christmas the ministry of World Vision and charity: water were highlighted in the Advent & Christmas Calendar. As we prepare for Pentecost I put them in front of you again. These two videos are worth seeing time and again to help us remember that the need is still great and that others have already begun to address the need.

They help me to Listen so that I may hear what the Spirit is saying. They make me wonder what the need is in my own part of the world. I pray that they may serve the same purpose in you.

To “see” what the previous video illustrated graphically, I encourage you to watch “Walking in Sabina’s Shoes” from World Vision:

Advent Calendar Day 28: World Vision

World Vision

In the next few days we will hear these thrilling words from Isaiah, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Our hearts and minds, of course, will “see” Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophet’s words. As citizens of the 21st century, however, we cannot escape “seeing” other children, “the least of Jesus’ family,” in their need for safety, for clean water, for food, for education, for love. World Vision is dedicated to serving those children and their families.

Catherine and Richard from our Forum have supported children worldwide through World Vision. Chances are that those you worship with on any given Sunday also support children worldwide through the efforts of World Vision.

Quote . . .World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.” From the World Vision website

Who is served and why

We serve close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.  Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people.

Learn more: Who we are – World Vision

Advent Calendar in one place
About the Online Advent Calendar


For further reflection

It is better to give than to receive

When USA Today asked me about my favorite Christmas gifts given and received, I couldn’t help but reflect on the gifts I have received through World Vision. As a donor to World Vision U.S. for 25 years — and as its president for 13 years — I’ve found that the best gifts I’ve received come as a result of generous giving.  Read the rest of the story

Another story revealing the joy that is a gift to the giver

____________
Logo: World Vision Home Page


A Proper 14 Art for Readings August 7, 2011


 BORRASSA, Lluis
(b. ca. 1360, Gerona, d. 1425, Barcelona)
Click to open Web Gallery of Art Artist Biography and to explore other works by this artist.

St Peter is Walking on the Water
1411-13
Tempera on wood, 102 x 65 cm
Sant Pere, Terrasa
Click to open Web Gallery of Art display page.
 Click on their image to enlage/fit page etc.

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