First of all I would like to say, “Thank you for the wonderful Christmas gift received from you.” Archie
and I will be able to have a nice vacation next week when we go to North Carolina. We are going to visit
my cousin David who lives on a big creek just off the intercoastal waterway. He and Archie will be doing
some fishing and I will be doing some resting and shopping – and hopefully some cooking fish. I am happy
to be the designated cook.
Thank you, too for a very good year at Emmanuel. There were lots of things going on and lots of people
pitched in to help out. For all of us who have worked hard during 2011 I pray that the same spirit will
continue into the new year! There will continue to be much to do.
Enjoy this prayer for the New Year from Litanies and Other Prayers by Phyllis Cole and Everett Tilson
copyright 1990,1993 by Abingdon Press.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Therefore,
If this is a time to be born, let us emerge from the womb with a cry;
If this is a time to die, let us say farewell with a smile.
If this is a time to plant, let us scatter the seed with a prayer;
If this is a time to harvest, let us reap the grain with a song.
If this is a time to break down, let us topple the walls with a shout,
If this is a time to build up, let us raise the foundation with care.
If this is a time to mourn, let us catch the tears with a chalice;
If this is a time to dance, let us leap the moon with a laugh.
If this is a time to embrace, let us wrap the world with a ribbon;
If this is a time to stand alone, let us face the crowd with a mirror.
If this is a time to remain silent, let us proclaim the truth with a deed;
If this is a time to speak, let us counsel the words with the heart.
If this is a time to do battle, let us sustain the weak with a vision;
If this is a time to make peace, let us anoint the wounds with a balm.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;
O Lord, teach us to know the times!
God Bless and Happy New Year!
