January 19, 2009

What a week we are beginning. This is the week of prayer for Unity between Churches. Today we honor Martin Luther King, Jr., who had a dream that things could be different in our country. And because of that dream and the many things that happened since then, we have the first black President of the United States of America.

Let us pray for Barack Obama and his team that they be given the support and guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead our country into better times. Let us pray, too, that everyone will do their part to help turn things around in our country. Let us pray, also, for the many people who are loosing their jobs and homes.

Last week the Bloodmobile was at St. Francis. Our total goal for the three days was 260. We came close to reaching that goal. We received 251 units. I think that is very good considering the severe cold and the number of people suffering from head and chest colds. God bless each of you generous donors.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Last week was cold…minus 24, 27, and 33 are the temperatures that I remember. We will have a few milder days and then back into the basement again. But we are tough. We live in Minnesota!

Tuesday evening we Sisters and Employees and their families will be having our own Inauguration Party at the Motherhouse. I’d expect there will be singing, playing games, food and activities for the children who come.

Thursday is the March for Life with marches happening in Washington, DC, at the State Capitol, Brainerd and many other places. I pray that the FOCA bill will not be passed.

At 1:30 p.m., Sunday the 25th is an Ecumenical Prayer Service at Grace Covenant Church ending the Week of Prayer for Church Unity. I hope you can come.

Inaugurations Day
I just finished watching the Inauguration ceremony. How blest we are to have such a peaceful transition of power. I just want to mention a few words and phrases that caught my attention in the talks and prayers: All that we can see and can’t see…exists for God’s glory; wisdom, courage and compassion; united by our commitment to freedom; civility in our attitudes; a more just, healthy nation; Lincoln Bible not used since Lincoln used it; challenges real and serious & they will be met; hope over fear; greatness must be earned; need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again to work of remaking ourselves; Let us remember who we are and how far we’ve travelled; much hope; make choices based on love not hatred; “when brown can stick aroun’’.

God bless America, Land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her…

Pax et Bonum.
Sister Mary Lou