Reinhold Niebuhr first shared the serenity prayer in a sermon in 1943. Today, it is a beloved prayer around the world and has been embraced by many groups, including Alcoholic Anonymous. His first version placed courage first, but this is the version that most of us know:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
This Sunday we begin a new sermon series on the Serenity Prayer. In these tough days of navigating COVID-19, it helps to sort out what we cannot change and what we can. We cannot go back in time and halt this outbreak. We can, however, make choices on how to respond: selfishness or generosity, courage or fear, hate or love.
I celebrate the ways that Hyde Park Community has chosen to adapt to new ways of loving and blessing others during this difficult season:
How we worship: Gathering online for worship, with amazing musicians, has blessed many people in many states.
Online Communion, May 3. Bishops have given permission for churches to extend the table, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion in their homes. During worship on May 3, Rev. Dave Weaver will consecrate the bread and cup (those in your homes and those in the sanctuary). If you would like to participate, please have your bread and juice ready before connecting to live stream worship on Sunday, May 3 at either 9:30am or 11:00am.
How we Connect: Classes and small groups are connecting through Zoom meetings. Phone calls from 70 servant volunteers to our church family lifted many hearts.
How we Give: People have faithfully given their offerings online or sent them in the mail to the church.
How we Serve: More than 80 servant volunteers have distributed over 3,000 meals to children and families in the communities of Hyde Park and State Avenue UMC.
May God fill you with serenity, courage, and wisdom, today and always!
Joy in our Risen Lord,
Pastor Cathy