Shamrock, Roger Harrison

Spreading Love & Hope...

Welcome to today's devotion created for your use at home during these days of physical social isolation and virtual social connection. May this devotion and the links provided help you stay connected to God and the wider community.

Thanks to Roger for the vibrant Shamrock photo. (I've had problems with certain photos appearing upside down, no matter what I do. So if you haven't seen your item yet, don't give up hope.)
Blessings & peace, Ana & Tod
email 
PHOTO-2020-04-27-03-21-24

Music

A child's laughter is surely music to the ears! Here are some children's voices and musical talent that I hope will bring joy to your ears.
Click on the blue button above to listen to the Capital Children's Choir in self-isolation and staying home. They write, 'The only thing we want to spread is music! We love this song and wanted to share it with you....so here is a virtual performance of Across The Universe, by The Beatles: each chorister filmed his/her part on their phone, from home.'

Want to join the choir?
And if, like us, you are under 18, stuck at home, and want to sing in our next virtual performance - all you need to do is write to the choir here: www.capitalchoir.com - We will tell you what you need to do (you don't need to know how to read music).'
A moving piano piece performed by soloist 6-year-old Elisey Mysin, a student of the Central School of Music at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Theater.
Send in your favourite music links to share.
love stone

A Psalm a day: Psalm 19

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
my rock and my redeemer.

Such familiar words, recited by preachers around the world before diving into their message, hoping that the words to follow and the thoughts behind them will find meaning in the ears of the listeners.

Today, I'm interested in the phrase 'my rock' or 'my stone' -- that hard chunk of earth crafted over millenia.

Where have our lives intersected with stones?

In my office, I have stones decorated with words, phrases and images of peace and love, many of which are gifts that remind me of friends near and far.

I have always enjoyed skipping stones across a quiet lake's surface. Searching for the perfect thin, flat rock to fling out over the waters. The best I've found have been in the glacial beds of Alaska and moraines of Wisconsin -- smoothed by ancient waves.

In South Africa, during the years of violence, my children learned to play with stones and slingshots, imitating others fighting against the oppressive apartheid powers. Remembering David, the child-hero who slays the giant --symbol of all that opposes God -- with a single stone.

Stones. That versatile message-bearer, weapon, foundation -- a symbol for the solidness and power of God. A Living Stone, a cornerstone 'chosen and precious'. (1 Peter 2:4-8)

Pray with me.
'Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.' May each stone we encounter remind us of you, our strength, protector and redeemer. Amen.
basket with stones

Looking toward Sunday - Creating Living Stones

Stones We Carry
You'll need a stone (or more if you are energetic) – one for each person in your household– that is small enough to fit in your hand and big enough to feel some weight.

Gather around, on the floor, on the grass outside or around a table. With each person holding a stone, take turns naming the hard, heavy things you are carrying right now. This could be worry about a loved one, fear of getting sick, loneliness without seeing friends, difficulty with school or work at a distance. Parents, encourage and model naming specific things while holding and looking at your stone. If you are alone, try speaking aloud, inviting Christ into the conversation.

When everyone has shared, place your stones in the centre, and pray together, “God we carry hard, heavy things, but we know we do not carry them alone because you are with us. Just like the stone that was rolled away from Jesus’ tomb, you are rolling away things from our lives to bring new life. Help us know you are bringing hope and joy and new possibilities. Amen.”

Stones Covered in Hope
Sometime after you have shared in the 'Stones we Carry' activity, take your stone – now a symbol of the hard things – and cover it/them in hope.
Wash your stone with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly. Next, on your stone, draw/paint a symbol of hope, perhaps an heart or the sun.

Set your stone in a special space as a reminder of God's hope (and bring it on Sunday to worship).

This idea came from Petaluma United Methodist Church in California where my brother, Eric, is the Minister.
Flowermania, Hampton Court flower show (80)

The Way, Truth and Life –Michael Reiss, UK

Inspired by John 14:6

You are the Way
Help us to find new ways of Walking
You are the Truth
Help us to find new ways of Talking
You are the Life
Help us to find new ways of Living
You are Love
Help us to find new ways of Loving.
Amen.

Originally posted on
Accepting Evangelicals website

Thanks to Gio for the photo of your cross.
Zoom screen

Sunday Worship on-line 10:30

Andover, Broad Chalke & Salisbury congregations of the United Reformed Church gather for worship. Everyone is welcome. To join the Zoom worship service, click on the button above.
Bible on stand, Salisabury URC
Click on the blue button above to visit Worship Words for prayers and reflections related to the Lectionary Readings for this Easter season.
Sun

In case you missed it...

Yesterdays' Daily Home Devotions
Missed a Daily Devotion? Find it here.

Subscribe to Daily Home Devotions

To receive this Daily Home Devotion in your inbox, please click on this www icon and subscribe on the Salisbury United Reformed Church website.
website 
Contact us by email and visit (and join) Salisbury United Reformed Church on Facebook and our website.
facebook email website 
MailPoet