Dear Middletown Reformed Church Family and Friends, The blessings of Pentecost be with you! This Sunday we will celebrate the awe and mystery of the Trinity. Truly, the Trinity is a mystery and many Biblical scholars and theologians find this aspect of our faith hard to describe. But, the other day as I was skimming through one of my liturgy books I found a prayer-poem that I believe is a wondrous description of who the Trinity is for us. It’s called “I am Alpha and Omega.” I hope you find it as inspiring, comforting, and, at times, challenging as I did. I am Alpha and Omega I am Alpha. I was here in the beginning; the beginning of all that is. Before the world was, I was here, waiting, waiting for you. Before there was sea, or crushing waves; Before there was sky, or rushing clouds; Before there was land, or snow-covered mountains, I was here. I was here in the beginning. Before fish swam, or insects crawled; I was here. I am Alpha. I was here before man or woman came into being. Before you built your homes; I was here. I was here in the beginning, I was here waiting, waiting for you. I am Alpha. There is nothing I have not seen; There is nothing I do not know, or have not experienced. There is no situation that I have not encountered, There is no joy too great; no laughter too loud; I was here in the beginning. There is no sorrow I cannot share; Nothing is new to me. Before the world began, I was here waiting, I am Alpha. Before the world was, I AM. I am Omega. I am the end. The end of all that was; the end of all that will be. I am the last, the final curtain. When the world is no more and all is still, I’ll be there waiting, waiting for you. I am Omega, I’ll be there. When wheat no longer grows, nor kestrels dive; I’ll be there waiting, waiting for you. I am Omega. When you have done your worst to destroy my world, I’ll be there. When you have exploded your bombs and fought your wars, I’ll be there waiting, waiting for you. I am Omega. I am the end. One day I will return and take you with me. You need not fear me, for I love you. I created you in my image, To work; to play; to love; To live and breathe and know that I am your God I am the end. When evil is banished and all creation is at peace again I’ll be there. For I am Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. The first and the last. And I am waiting, waiting for you. — Gill Bailey in Summer: Liturgical resources for May, June and July including Eastertide and Pentecost by Ruth Burgess Come, let us gather for worship this Trinity Sunday in person or on Facebook live to worship the Alpha and Omega. I am preaching from Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31 and my sermon title is Wisdom’s Call. We have the added joy this Sunday of confirming Olivia Hertzog and welcoming her into full membership at MRC. Tom Martucci will lead us in our musical offerings, and we will gather around God’s table of grace to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. In gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you, Pastor Trish |