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SEASONAL INVOCATION
By Jenny Andrews
Heavenly Father,
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested barista who can’t make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our Christmas shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last Christmas they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. At this giving time of the year, open our hearts not just to those who are close to us but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judgment and quick to forgiveness and patience and empathy and love.
Amen.
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Friday Potpourri
The bell was struck by President Goldfarb and another meeting was underway! The Invocation was delivered by Jenny Andrews (see right).
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Sayoko Powell (L) and Jenny Andrews greet Bob Vallat.
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Sayoko Powell greeted two visiting Rotarians and a host of guests of Rotarians.
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Daniel Feussner
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New member Daniel Feussner brought back a banner from Brazil, after completing a business trip to Rio.
Sergeant At Arms Jay Powers put the crew through the paces of “Happy Christmas Tree,” with an all-star cast of players. Unfortunately, Jim Kindsvater was one of the players,
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Jay Powers
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so we have no pictures of this memorable event. His new camera is too complex for any of us to use, and he complained, “Gee, I never get to act up in one of these silly skits.” Well, he did on Friday and we have no pictures to show for it. Let that be a lesson to us!
For the New Year, Madeline Gauthier gave a heads up for the collection of luggage and clothing for Treehouse, the group that supports foster kids. Collection date will be January 11.
Chuck Barnes, Chairperson of the RI Foundation Committee called members’ attention to an article in the latest issue of The Rotarian magazine on “The Year of Volunteer.“ He urged every member to read the article and be prepared to answer a pop quiz at future opportunities. It’s all for a good cause. Making each Rotary member aware of the Foundation and the good work it does throughout the world is one of the responsibilities of a good Rotarian.
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Alex Rule
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Alex Rule, Chairperson of the Preserve Planet Earth tree planting project, shared a letter from King County, with a report on the latest planting project. It was held on November 10, and more than 500 volunteers planted over 3,000 trees during the 4-hour planting frenzy. Slowly, the County’s Department of Natural Resources is reclaiming land along the Sammamish River, between Woodinville and Redmond, by planting trees and shrubs on the banks. As the trees grow, they will provide necessary shade and nutrients for the migrating salmon. This is the sixth year for this project and it’s beginning to take shape. |
