There is a Balm in Gilead, ELW 614
Devotion
Refrain
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole;
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again. Refrain
If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all." Refrain
Don't ever be discouraged,
for Jesus is your friend;
and if you lack for knowledge
he'll ne'er refuse to lend. Refrain
A Tribute to John M. Mason II
He sat there alone at his favorite place, the picnic table, under the tall pine in front of his summer cabin. His eye would sometimes stray to a gem across the lake where once he'd received a stellar assignment to develop the legacy of a congressman—a substantial tract of land on a point between two clear lakes—into a unique expression of the church's purpose. It was to be a summer retreat for children with special needs. He could remember those early days of physical work, securing contractors, forming a board, involving constituent children's services. Now, decades later, he saw how this place of beauty and service had flourished—children with severe skin disorders, heart disease, autism, Down syndrome, HIV-AIDS—each group coming in turn throughout the summer. The gentleman was better known for other work, but this one he treasured.
Prayer
Dear Lord, as we step into our church, give our souls rest. And as we step out again, guide our heart’s purpose. Amen.