Natalie's Grace Notes

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church Palm Sunday March 28, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: Patient God, we confess that we love a parade. We are very happy to see banners waving and hear people shouting their praises. Our hearts thrill to the spectacle. But we fail to see the sadness on the face of the Savior; our shouts block out his sorrow. He comes to us as King, and we expect that royal treatment will follow. We do not and cannot believe that in a few days we will be among those who will turn our backs and run from his presence. How fickle we are, O Lord. Yet you continually forgive us and call us to turn our lives around--to see the needs of others, to reach out in trust and faith, to be willing to witness to your good news of saving love. Heal our hearts and give us courage for the days ahead; for we ask this in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.   Mark 11: 1-11 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 11  As they a...

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church March 21, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: Lord make me a channel of your disturbance. Where there is apathy, let me provoke, Where there is silence, may I be a voice. Where there is too much comfort, and too little action, Grant disruption. Where there are doors closed and hearts locked, Grant me the willingness to listen. When laws dictate and pain is overlooked . . . When tradition speaks louder than need. . . Disturb us, O Lord, Teach us to be radical. Grant that I may seek rather to do justice than to talk about it; To be with as well as for the poor; To love the unlovable as well as the lovely; To touch the passion of Jesus in the Pain of those we meet; To accept responsibility to be church. Lord, make me a channel of your disturbance.   Psalm 51: 1-12 Psalm 51 [ a ] For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to h...

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church March 14, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: The Prayer of St. Patrick I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's hosts to save me Afar and anear, Alone or in a multitude. Christ shield me today Against wounding Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, ...

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church March 7, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: Dear God, It’s been a long week. We need you now more than ever. We ask that you would direct our hearts and minds towards you, and fill us with your Spirit, bringing refreshing, renewal, peace, and joy. You remind us in your word that you are faithful to carry our burdens. You tell us that you will renew our strength, and you promise to give us rest as we come to you. Forgive us for the times we have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting our need for you, living independently of your Spirit. Forgive us for letting fear and worry control our minds and for allowing pride and selfishness to wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and for living distanced from your presence. Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways and your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Thank you that you ha...