Mary's
Celebration Lunch
Saturday 10th January 2009

        Cheese Board
        Tea / Coffee . . . with mints
   

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
You're with us all today,
as we rejoice with one accord
at Mary's service to your word,
in humble homage pay.

In simple trust she heard your call
to action through her prayers.
She knows that prayer must urge us all
to give ourselves, what e'er befall.
On you rest all our cares!

The prophet speaks of plans now due,
that future young and old,
may prosper most in service true
to love and care in all she'll do.
Your kingdom to enfold!

Drop down your gift of confidence
on Mary, strong as fire!
May hopes and dreams, her heart fulfill,
receive this blessing, as she will.
The calling to inspire!

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control.  Galatians 5: 22/23a

When we get up in the morning it is then we can choose how we will go through the day ahead.
Because Jesus died on the cross we have choices!

I choose Love
God showed he loved me so much that he let his own dear Son die on the cross for me.  Nothing can be worse than that sacrifice so how can I not choose to love others?

I choose Joy
I will invite God to be in control of my day.  I will try to look at everyone as a creation of God.  I will try to see problems as opportunities to see God.

I choose Peace
I will accept that I am forgiven.  I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose Patience
I will try not to rush throughout the day but will try to take things at a slower pace.  I will not get cross when someone is desperate to take my place in a queue but instead I will offer them my place.  Instead of complaining that the wait is too long I will thank God for an opportunity to be still and pray.

I choose Kindness
I will try to be kind to the poor because I have riches in Christ.  I will try to be kind to the rich as they have many fears.  I will try to be kind to the unkind because God loves me in spite of who I am.

I choose Goodness
I will go without rather than gain something through dishonest means.  I will be overlooked before I boast.  I will confess before I accuse.

I choose Faithfulness
Today I will keep my promises.  My friends will know I am trustworthy.  My family will know that I love them.  I will keep to the things I am committed to and won't let people down.

I choose Gentleness
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose Self Control
I am a spiritual being.  I will be drunk only with joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith.  I will be influenced only by God.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control  I will commit my day to the fruits of the Spirit.  If I am successful I will give thanks.  If I fail I will ask God for his Grace.  And at the end of the day I will put my head on my pillow and rest.

Mary Evans