From This Evening's Youth Group...and Arena Baseball

The girls wanted me to make a video so that they could show off their new Arena Baseball uniforms.

Stephen (r) and friend Isaac (l) designated themselves as the Fire Extinguishers for tonight's Arena Baseball game. After winning 14-7, they presented themselves with an appropriate trophy. What the far-off gazes are about, I have no idea. We had a smaller group than usual this evening. [Click on pictures to enlarge.]

A still pic of the girls' in their new uniforms.

The boys striking a triumphant pose.

For Ash Wednesday...

...a Franciscan blessing:

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen.

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.

 Thanks to students at Seattle Pacific University and the folks at the relief organization World Vision, for sharing this.

The work of World Vision inspires lots of people to be the blessings to others these Franciscan benedictions envision. Seven youth and three adults from our congregation, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine on February 25-26.

They gave up food for thirty hours, raised money for world hunger relief, learned about the causes of hunger and what can be done about it, and shared some of their experiences with the congregation during worship on February 27. The youth set a modest goal of raising $150 through the famine and ended up raising $2055.

Our congregation's young people have taught me that we are blessed in order to be blessings to others, a lesson I think anyone--wherever they are spiritually or politically--can embrace.

Please do what you can for the poor, not just during Lent, but all through the year.

For Christians, Jesus makes it clear that when we serve others, we serve Him.

And I promise that it will make you feel good!