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Subject: Leap for Joy!
Posted by: Donna Manocchio
- [2411111017] Sat, Dec 12, 2009, 20:11
Leap for joy!In those days, Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. Luke 1:39-44
God’s love, made incarnate in Jesus, carried in Mary’s womb, creates a flutter of joy. First in John the Baptist - the child in Elizabeth’s womb - and then reverberating throughout the story of the birth of Christ: in Mary, in Elizabeth, in the angels, in the shepherds, and throughout the ages to each of us.
In my sermon on December 13, I invited the congregation to consider the following questions: What brings you joy in these days? What persons, events or experiences make you leap in delight? When do you know the presence of God is near? Responses were given during the service as well as the invitation to continue to ponder joy – and share it!
That is the first purpose of this forum: to allow church members and friends to witness and share the joy that God has placed in our lives. Write a few words – or a few paragraphs – about what brings you joy in your work life, in your family life, your school life, in your church life. Where did you know joy in the past day or week?
Once you’ve posted your joy, read what others have written, for that is the second purpose of the forum: to have our faith deepened by the witness and testimony of others. By hearing another’s joy, we can be opened to new possibilities for knowing God’s grace and love in our own lives.
May you know joy in all its fullness this season!
Donna |
| 1 | Donna
ID: 2411111017
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 12:43
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What a joy in this morning's worship:
the gifts of toys - the gift of music from Kylie and Bill - the gift of Jennifer's sharing signs - the sound of joy as people shared their joys with each other.
GOd is good! And ready to be born again among us!
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| 2 | Janet W. Hansen
ID: 2211531312
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 13:53
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The night sky! I find the stars, the moon and its phases all wondrous. To get up during the night and see the moon or watch it set when full early in the morning is a joy. When we spend time at our son and daughter-in-law's place in the White Mountains the stars are so magnificent because there is no light pollution. The vastness of it all is so amazing. Nature with all it's miracles is always breathtaking.
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| 3 | Liz Reed-Swale
ID: 2311401313
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 14:40
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I find joy in the music at church every Sunday. We are so blessed to
have Will, the choir, and all of the many soloists. Beautiful work!
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| 4 | David Lewis
ID: 411591314
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 15:59
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I enjoy being with the children in church school. Today we made Christmas cards and ornaments.
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| 5 | Laura Pawlich
ID: 5211511315
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 16:51
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I especially enjoy when my whole family is together for the Holidays. It is peaceful and wonderful!
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| 6 | Dave Hall
ID: 11114914
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 18:40
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As Donna mentioned this morning, I find joy in writing computer programs that other people will use - such as this message forum.
(I'll bet you all thought I was going so say something about music!)
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| 7 | Tom Rolfe
ID: 5111171318
Sun, Dec 13, 2009, 19:22
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I just found joy standing outside in the 36 degree rain, in a puddle of slushy snow, hitting a tennis ball for a dog. She is so joyful in the chase that she is oblivious to the elements, and I find it quite impossible not to share in her joy.
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| 8 | Arlene Painter
ID: 391120148
Mon, Dec 14, 2009, 09:21
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I had that feeling of joy this past summer when I vacationed at Hilton Head, SC. I went by myself and enjoyed a peaceful week just looking at the water and jumping into the surf with abandon! I would love to retire somewhere where I can enjoy a water view!
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| 9 | Bob Inderbitzen
ID: 181150149
Mon, Dec 14, 2009, 10:51
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I find JOY in watching Victoria swim or run.
Ron Buford, who created the UCCs "Still Speaking" initiative, reflecting on Isaiah 12:2-6 (surviving tough times), explains JOY like this:
"Joy is the bucket. It draws water from the wells of salvation. Joy is not inappropriate or senseless happiness, frivolity or complacency in tough times. It is hopeful remembrance of God’s Presence and Power on our behalf as we recall survival with God through past tough times. Here, an active image of drawing water reminds us to keep moving forward, to keep hoping in God, listening for God, confident that we will eventually draw up real salvation--real solutions for real living."
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| 10 | Michael Bower
ID: 5011291414
Mon, Dec 14, 2009, 15:29
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I find joy in complete solitude. On solo hikes, walks through tidal pools at the Cape early in the mornings. When I am the only person around for miles is when I feel most connected to creation. When I find the opportunity to "unplug" from time to time and immerse myself in nature, it feeds my spirit and brings me peace.
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| 11 | Gail Hall
ID: 11114914
Tue, Dec 15, 2009, 06:50
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I found great joy in the Lessons and Carols program on December 6. The joy of singing such beautiful music, of expressing the words of Jesus' birth, and of knowing that those who attended also felt joy.
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| 12 | Kathryn
ID: 1711241519
Tue, Dec 15, 2009, 20:24
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I find joy in the many Christian programs at my
school, the theater program there, and my friends.
I also find great joy in stepping int RHCC on a
Sunday morning, especially if it is my first time
back in a while.
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| 13 | Steph Heneghan
ID: 541101816
Fri, Dec 18, 2009, 17:01
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My Joy is the smile of one of my grandchildren: remembered, anticipated, running to me, sitting on my lap, swimming, eating, well, you get the idea!
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| 14 | Marge
ID: 2611262915
Tue, Dec 29, 2009, 16:26
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I find joy in nature. when I see the wild things as deer and wild turkeys in my back yard. Nature awes me with it's diversity and beauty. A bird at my feeder, bathing in the bird bath. I also find it joyful when I get a phone call from the grandchildren telling me about a football game or the 6 year old calling to say that on the Santa tracker "Santa's in Estonia" because she knows her grandpa is Estonian.
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| 15 | Louise
ID: 430531016
Sun, Jan 10, 2010, 17:56
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Many joys at this morning's service (1-10-01)watching and listening to the children as they participated in the Christmas pageant - Yes, "God is still speaking ... " at RHCC.
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