Piloting Faith: As we begin Lent...

A Word for the Day...

Welcome to the season of Lent, a time of reflection where we consider the fragility and sacredness of life. My friend and colleague, Rev. Shawna Bowman, wrote this stunning poem as an offering to the rest of us. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. - Cameron

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You Belong to God

The elements in your body
are made from stardust
calcium and iron,
mixed with marrow and sinew
stretched just like that God-child
with skin that one day
will again, become dust.
Blessings on the cosmic dust
of all creation,
from which we come
and into which we will return.
And in the meantime –
as we go on living,
blessings on the dust
in which you journey,
blessings on the dust
that you will shake off your feet,
blessings on the dust that smudges
foreheads and hands in ancient days,
And on this day.
Bear this holy dust mark
knowing you are not alone,
you are all made from the same dust
that busted forth at the birthplace of creation,
and you belong,
In life and in death,
to the one who calls you beloved.
You belong to God.

- Rev. Shawna Bowman, pastor of Friendship Presbyterian Church in Chicago

Prayer for the Week

A contemporary translation of The Lord's Prayer:
Creator in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Adapted from The Message)