February 2012

From Rev. Heather Leslie Hammer

Grace for the Journey

Bill Moyers has a new DVD release tracing the history of the favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace." It tells the story of a slave trader, John Newton, who later became an abolitionist and wrote this song, sung by Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash, and Judy Collins. To hear part of the interview Moyers had with Judy Collins, and to hear her sing this beautiful piece, go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLqXE4UL6aU

When I have made mistakes and feel badly about letting people down, it helps me to hear Judy Collins say, "You always have a second chance."

When she talks about frequently "being at the end of the road," I remember that my road has miraculously gone on, and that the end wasn't really the end after all.

And when she says she believes in "a revolution in a human life," I know why I am giving my life to spiritual leadership in the Church.

Grace is the core of our faith. It allows us to make mistakes and try again. It allows us to know that the end never really is the end. And it gives us the momentum we need to deal with change in our lives and in the world.

May it be yours,

Heather

Creator God,
Here we are on the threshold of a new year.
Our minds and spirits are busy anticipating new beginnings,
bringing closure to past experiences,
carefully storing away precious memories,
managing our unease with unfinished business and
changes to come.

Creator God of all the earth,
as the mystery of your creation unfolds in this new year to come,
we think of the magi and wonder……
Will there be wise women and wise men who will watch and learn
from the skies;
who will follow signs that foretell our future?

Bless us all with discernment and vision as we witness the changing earth,
and as we care for life as we know it,
and as we seek to preserve and restore our planet home.
Amen.

Lynnewood United Methodist Church 4444 Black Ave. Pleasanton, CA 94566 Phone: (925) 846-0221 Office Hours: 9AM-2:30PM, Mon-Fri Email: office@lynnewood.org