Jack’s Winning words 3/25/16
“O Lord God, guide us now.  May we walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give.”  (ELCA Prayer)  As my mother was dying, one of the attendants went over and opened a window.  “Her spirit is now about to be released to return to the God who created her.”  That’s what Easter is all about.  Death is not the end, but a returning to the Creator.  It’s been said that “Good-bye” is a contraction of “God go with you.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM THE YOOPER PASTOR:  The word of the morning arrived just in time.   The hockey ref who fell and busted his head will be removed from life support this a.m.   Kevin has been one of those supporting the family  while he has been in the hospital.  So I sent Kev your email.  Heaps of thanks and blessed Good Friday and Easter.  L’Anse needed a substitute last night.  Attached is the outline of my message.   I included your word of a couple of days ago from Bishop Tutu as God continues to yearn for close relationships with this crazy world.  I keep praying not only for the terrorists but also for us Americans to realize we are not innocent.  For decades we have been nick-named “ugly Americans” because we have made deals of injustice for our own benefits. ====JACK:  I'm continually amazed at how God is able to use us (Kevin, you, me) to accomplish his work.  It's another take on "Not my will, but thine be done."  It's the omnipresence and omnipotence of God.

FROM TARMART REV:  Appreciate celebrating Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday with a delightful friend together while apart!!====JACK:  Easter Sunday makes Friday Good.====REV:  Someone once said they didn't like Good Friday . . . When asked how they felt that Jesus came and gave His life for him, ransoming him from sin on that Friday? He answered: Good!"====JACK:  B.C. made that into a cartoon today.

FROM HY YO SILVER:  Happy Easter, Jack!====JACK:  Just curious...What does Easter mean to you?  Is there a Jewish equivalent?  I'm always ready to learn.====HY YO:  Happy to chat about it.
The Last Supper, of course, was a Passover Seder.  There are many symbolic connections between the two holidays.  In terms of the resurrection, it is not a part of Jewish theology. Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Good Friday and Easter do not have any equivalent. Mainly, I would say, because they are tied to the messianic resurrection which is not something we acknowledge.====JACK:  Life after death is not necessarily connected with a religious belief.  I think that most people on their death bed wonder, "What next?"   As playright Milton Mizner was dying a priest leaned over and said, “I’m sure you want to talk to me.”  Mizner replied, “Why should I talk to you? I’ve just been talking to your boss.”

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  That's a beautiful image...the symbolism of the open window and the release of the spirit to meet our God in the paradise prepared for us.  This Good Friday takes us back to a day of sadness, but then comes a day of gladness.  A happy Easter celebration to all brothers and sisters in Christ.====JACK:  What would artists, poets and pastors do without symbolism?

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  What lovely thoughts for this Good Friday. Happy Easter!====JACK:  Easter is always a beautiful day, no matter what the weather.

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  Have just returned from 3hours at the cross.  We began with coffee and a short service at the local cafe then walked taking it in turn ( 3 at a time ) to carry the heavy cross and stopping every half mile or so for readings and prayer.  In all walking 4miles to Bradenham church where we spent the final hour in worship.  It was a good day, witnessing to all who drove by, what Good Friday is all about for Christians.  One young man stopped his car and joined us in the walk and then at the church.  We were thrilled that he chose  to do that.  He was just passing through  the village?  Now on to Easter Day and all the blessings it brings including lots of eggs, I  hope! ====JACK:  You seem to do such interesting things in England that are connected with worship.  Those who do not experience the variety of this world are missing out.  I liked the story of the man who stopped his car and joined the parade.====JACK:  No! Coloring eggs is not the tradition  here neither the Easter bunny.  However we do have egg hunts hiding foil covered chocolate eggs in the garden.  Roast lamb is eaten for dinner,  hot crossed buns on Good Friday.====JACK:  I can see why having lamb at dinner is a more appropriate symbol than the American ham.  I love hot cross buns anytime.

FROM AJ:  It seems all your words lately are special to me.  I'm on hold for the bone marrow transplant right now and in lots of pain. Thanks for the emotional and spiritual support.====JACK:  The Lord knows how to type on the computer.  Some days may seem lonely, but remember that you are not alone.

FROM DAVID FRANZ IN OREGON:  Blessing to you, Jack!  Whenever I get a message from our parish, I pray for God’s blessing on and for the individual who is seeking prayer. Thanks, Jack, for a whole lot of inspiration from day to day.====JACK:  I'm moved when I hear names being uttered throughout the church when the pastor pauses and invites us to pray for persons and concerns that important in our lives

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Love the symbolism in that gesture; a soul returning to the creator. I will share with my adult S.S. class on Easter! (We are all 60-93 yrs!)  Just had a call from son John, that Mark's wife, who is in very good physical shape, fell and has a broken ankle. Just going in to surgery. As the old saying goes, 'when it rains, it pours". This is a complication we could have done without! Prayers appreciated! God still holds us close.====JACK:  Mark is one of those on my daily Prayer List.  Sometimes life doesn't seem fair, but sees from a different perspective than we do.

ROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  In this sad and hurting world, Jesus died on the cross....for us all.  It could be a very sad and somber day.  However, Christians know Resurrection Sunday is coming.  We dwell in a life full of the promise of life eternal with our Savior.  Happy Easter!====JACK:  Not knowing what the future holds can be disconcerting.  Perhaps you've read..."I don't know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future."

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  Perhaps it is my upper UP heritage (French, Indian), that has caused me to keep this Native American Prayer for so many years. Today's WW caused me to pull it out from the heap on my desk.
I give you this one thought to keep  I am with you still---I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow  I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,  I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,  I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.  I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone--  I am with you still---in each new dawn.
====JACK:  The omnipresence of God is, indeed, comforting...even more so, at times, than believing in God's omnipotence and omniscience.

FROM ST PAUL IN MESA:  yes,  its   "God be with Ye"  all run together.  like Spittin' Image is really Spirit and Image all run together.  so is breakfast a breaking of the fast.  so many of those words in our daily vocab that have religion overtones.  hope your Good Friday (God's Friday?) is going well.

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS:  I love this!  Just sent to both of the kids requesting they’d open the window for me if they get a chance.====JACK:  Just make sure they don't think that they should go to their computer and open Microsoft's Windows