13 hours ago

**Seventh Sunday of Easter**

**May 16, 2021**



*Acts 1: 21-26*

So one of the followers who have accompanied us during

all the time that Jesus went in and out among us,

beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us

—one of these must become a witness with us to Christ’s resurrection.”

So they proposed two,

Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus,

and Matthias.

Then they prayed and said,

“God, you know everyone’s heart.

Show us which one of these two you have chosen

to take the place] in this ministry and apostleship

from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

And they cast lots for them,

and the lot fell on Matthias;

and he was added to the eleven apostles.

*Prayer*

Sometimes, O God, it feels as if fate is decided arbitrarily,

that life is decided by casting lots,

that we are destiny’s children, and

that this is one big crap shoot.

Creator of the Universe,

why are some born with silver spoons,

and others are beaten with wooden ones?

Holy Mystery,

why do some escape poverty and war in rickety row boats,

and others sail through life privileged and unscathed?

Source of Love,

why do some exist in peaceful, pastoral bliss,

and others fall victim to a mass shooting?

Architect of Life,

why are some able to cope happily with COVID,

and others are overwhelmed and descend into anxiety and sadness?

My God, my God,

why does the colour of one’s skin determine, in so many cases,

expectations, outcomes, and interactions?

Creator, Mystery, Source of Love, Architect of Life, our God,

you call us to make responsible choices in the face of so much suffering and sorrow.

And so, we pray,

looking for guidance,

hoping for clear direction,

longing for grounded wisdom.

Help us to acknowledge our blessings with humble thanksgiving.

Lead us outside ourselves and our circles with active intercession.

Enable us to discern right choices that address injustices.

Empower us to listen and learn and love. ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

Tomorrow -- May 10 -- DOTAC hosts the second in our Seminar Series on Diakonia -- Mondays in May. Dr. Sister Dottie Almoney will present on "Reclaiming the "D" Word -- Diakonia in the Church" 1 PM Central Daylight Time
If you aren't yet on the list, send an email to teddodd@live.com to be added and receive the Zoom link. ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

Join us for the second in our series
# **Mondays in May:**
# **A DOTAC Seminar Series on DIAKONIA**
## *“Reclaiming the “D” Word -*
## *Diakonia in the Church”*

**Monday, May 10 at 1 pm Central Daylight Time**

*If you are not already on the list send an email to *

*teddodd@live.com *

*to join.*

Sister Dottie Almoney is a member of the ELCA Deaconess Community and a rostered deacon in the ELCA. She currently works at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA as the Director of Education and Outreach. She is also a member of the Poor People’s Campaign, the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania and POWER. She will be graduating May 8th from the Lancaster Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry Program with her final project, Understanding Diakonia in the ELCA. (Congratulagtions, Sister Dottie!) ... See MoreSee Less