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Wednesday, February 25, 2026:  And that last line, lead us not into temptation! Strange and captivating phrase! A Reflection for the First Week of Lent, By Joe Hoover, S.J. The Lord’s prayer. The “Our Father.” Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.…  You can say it while sleeping, mowing the lawn, scuba diving, eating Grape Nuts. You can probably say it while you are saying other things. The “Our Father” is a thing that is. It is out there. In the culture.  With the “Lord’s Prayer” we are back to King James. I imagine because it is comforting, it is what everyone prays. And that last line, lead us not into temptation! Strange and captivating phrase! Why would God lead us into temptation! Does God actively do that? Take us directly into temptation such that we need to ask God not to lead us into temptation. No! Of course not!  But yes, yes, he does lead us into temptation. Why? Because it says here he does; in the “Our ...
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026:  This is my prayer for all nations and all humanity Dear Sisters and Brothers: Last Sunday Melva Freeman shared her prayer for peace during our shared homily. It took a lot of courage on Melva's part to - but she shared her prayer and it was wonderful! This has been a troubled time for all of us and, after watching a video linked to our blog,  Melva felt a special sense of grief. Her response was to write a prayer for peace.  Prayer for Peace: Please share this prayer (Melva's request) I cannot change the many, many problems of our world.   All I can do is contact my elected officials, vote, take care of myself and pray for peace.  This is my prayer for all nations and all humanity.  May all people in all nations have peace, prosperity, kindness, safety, food, clothing, safe clean shelter, clean water, health and happiness.   May they experience laughter, love and many blessings, freedom to worship as they wish, fr...
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Monday, February 23, 2026:  This is the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan Before reflecting on the holy month of Ramadan, JoAnn asked me to publish Luis Janssen's new address. Today is his 90th birthday and I'm sure he would appreciate emails, cards or  notes: Luis Janssen:  Phone: (707) 331-6045 Email: LJJanssen@aol.com Mailing address: 3729 E. Strawberry Drive Gilbert,  Arizona 85298 Reflection on Ramadan by Friends of Sabeel: During his ministry on earth, Jesus often ran into trouble with his own people by associating with those of different tribes and groups and by challenging the notions of a “chosen people” who were better than others.  He recognized the humanity of all, and freely associated with the gentiles, the Samaritans, the women, the vulnerable and those rejected by his society as less worthy of respect and dignity. As his followers, we can do no less. It is in this spirit that we view all people with dignity and respect and wish our Muslim si...
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Sunday, February 22, 2026: Join the Emmaus Community for our celebration This Afternoon: The 22nd of February, 2026 Everyone is welcome to our table. Please join us in person at Christ Church United Methodist, Classroom 8 in Santa Rosa. We begin our celebration at 1:45 with a welcoming and then liturgy (the work of the people) – Steve Lyman, Pat O’Connor and all of us at 2:00.  Join Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573?omn=82705164138 Passcode: 1234 Or open Zoom on your browser and use this  Meeting ID: 519 315 8573 Passcode: 1234 Join us by Phone: Dial  +1(669) 900 6833,,5193158573# US (San Jose) +1(669) 444 9171,,5193158573# US Emmaus Liturgy February 22nd, 2026 The First Sunday of Lent:   THE NATURE OF GOD IS LOVE  Pat: Ring the Singing Bell:  Moment of Silence for us to Arrive WELCOME/INTRODUCTION :  Pat: Creating a Lenten Sacred Space:  Steve: Introduction to Today’s Liturgy  OPENING SONG:  HE’S G...
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Saturday, February 21, 2026: Join the Emmaus Community for our celebration tomorrow – Sunday, The 22nd of February, 2026 Everyone is welcome to our table. Please join us in person at Christ Church United Methodist, Classroom 8 in Santa Rosa. We begin our celebration at 1:45 with a welcoming and then liturgy (the work of the people) – Steve Lyman, Pat O’Connor and all of us at 2:00.  Join Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5193158573?omn=82705164138 Passcode: 1234 Or open Zoom on your browser and use this Meeting ID: 519 315 8573 Passcode: 1234 Join us by Phone:  Dial  +1(669) 900 6833,,5193158573# US (San Jose) +1(669) 444 9171,,5193158573# US Emmaus Liturgy February 22nd, 2026 The First Sunday of Lent:   THE NATURE OF GOD IS LOVE  Pat: Ring the Singing Bell:  Moment of Silence for us to Arrive WELCOME/INTRODUCTION:  Pat: Creating a Lenten Sacred Space:  Steve: Introduction to Today’s Liturgy  OPENING SONG:  HE’...
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 Friday, February 20, 2026: That Constitution is founded in values, American values. We treat people with dignity and respect. Retired US special forces officer, Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar A retired US special forces officer, Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar (Ret), has revealed to the BBC why he resigned from his work with US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution centers. 'I witnessed war crimes' in Gaza, former aid worker tells BBC "I witnessed the Israeli Defense Forces shooting at the crowds of Palestinians," Anthony Aguilar told the BBC. He added that in his entire career he has never witnessed such a level of "brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population". Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar (Ret.): “After 25 years of service in the United States Army, I hung up my uniform, but I did not hang up my oath. My oath is to the Constitution of the United States. That Const...
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Thursday, February 19, 2026: anything can be solved at a table with a good meal, along with a slice of apple pie the way you like it warm from the oven From Calling Humanity to the Table by Brenda Bishop In the old ways, power was never loud. It did not scream or demand allegiance. Power lived in hands that knew how to feed others. Power lived where fire was tended and ingredients were honored. My grandmother once said that anything could be solved at a table with a good meal, along with a slice of apple pie the way you like it warm from the oven smelling of cinnamon and vanilla, hearty foods. Not erased. Not forgiven. But softened enough to be faced. Hunger sharpens fear. Nourishment lowers defenses. When people eat, they remember themselves. So, the table becomes sacred space.  The pot becomes a cauldron. The recipe becomes a spell passed down, not written. Butter Bean Curry is made for winter nights when the world feels brittle and split at the seams. Creamy coconut milk holds ...
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