going to sing a new song

i leave in a little while -- after i pack and drive two hours to the airport and wait for a red-eye special! -- to a convocation entitled 'sing a new song'. sponsored by methodist federation for social action and reconciling ministries network, we will converge on the sawmill creek resort in huron, ohio, about 1/2 an hours outside of cleavland.

bishops sprague and craig will be there. we'll sing, of course -- what united methodist event do you know of that does not include at least a bit of singing?! we will participate in workshops that no doubt will inspire and guide us to teach. Three from our community will join over 600 others at this event, so that we may re-affirm our ability to be a united faith -- including our gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, trangender, diverse racial and differently-abled sisters and brothers.

we will also have worship and fellowship and participate in small groups. we'll share stories and 'mobilize for mission, turning our faith into action, so that we might seek peace and continue to work toward affirming god's creation and ending poverty and hatred.

i've never been to ohio. but i do love ohio states' marching band! the weather report includes a thunder storm! there are very few things that don't get me excited. i've always loved a good thunder storm with lightening, of course. and music!

i was juicing up my walk-person for the trip, and wondered what was taking so long...all that to discover that my computer was downloading all my pictures too...well, if that is the only thing that happens on this trip that is negative, i'll be a very happy camper!

so, please take a few moments to pray for traveling mercies upon all of those who will be attending and, while you are at it, simply pray for god's presence -- for yourself and for those around you, and for those whom you may never meet.

the daily devotional i received recently has this to say -- from jesus calling by sarah young:

"entrust your loved ones to me (jesus says); release them into my protective care. they are much safer with me than in your clinging hands....when you release loved ones to me, you are free to cling to my hand....watch to see what i will do."

i kind of like that image. sometimes when we hold on too tightly, we restrict and dis-empower. but when we release and 'let god', we no longer have to be anxious about the results.

so, here i go. bless you and your journey as well . . . .