Poetry Reading 01/20/17

The Negative Teacher

Wave, a revulsion

gaining momentum.

Contempt for another,

threatening to crest.

Then I confess, and

the loathing recedes

Where did the sickness go?

Whence came its antidote?

The answers will come

when I behold God.

Baptism of the Lord Sunday: Affirmations

Based on Matthew 3:16, 17 -- The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”  (The Message)

I approach the font, touch the water, and remember --

• I am cleansed.
• I am filled.
• I am claimed.
• God is pleased.

• I Am Cleansed
• My sins are forgiven.
• My mistakes are no longer held against me
• My faults do not define me
• My bad choices do not determine who I will become

• I Am Filled
• The Holy Spirit cleanses me
• The Holy Spirit empowers me to live a life patterned after Christ
• The Holy Spirit has imparted to me the gifts of Christ's peace, kindness, and joy

• I Am Claimed
• God claims me as part of the Body of Christ
• I am a member of God's tribe
• In this extended family, I have brothers and sisters from every race, ethnicity, class, and ability

• God Is Pleased
• God is proud of me
• God welcomes my attempts to serve
• My efforts are acceptable to God

The Failed Doorkeeper

Resolution

Passing Peace?

“Passing Of The Peace”

It was their High Holy Moment:

a cheery “Morning” followed by

a brief handshake.

The congregation’s circulation

more family reunion potluck

than the exchange of divine grace,

the external power that helped me

endure their act of worship.