Hyde Park Speaks

I Will Return Strong

(A note from Amelia Lubrano-Farrel)

I was absent last night from reConnect class because I traveled to Gainesville with my friend of 31 years, Toni. Toni has just suffered through 2 rounds of chemotherapy and one of radiation for breast cancer, when she developed a speech and swallowing problem. She was sent to Shands hospital for a diagnosis and she got the worst-ALS. This is the same disease my youngest son died from last September. I was devastated and could not face class. But I will return strong next week. I spent last night asking "Why". I'm not going to get an answer. God does not explain. My friend Connie says that God prepared me to take care of Toni, who has no family at all, no husband, boyfriend , children to help her through this. I do not want to lose my friend, too, but I know I will. The time I spend with her and with God during this time will be well spent. I was with her when she got the news and she fell into my arms and we cried together. The disease has already taken her voice and I will be her voice. Prayer and fellowship are both needed by me now. I wanted to share this story with you because last night I was angry with God again and told him so. And again I asked Him "Why me?" But it isn't about me. It's about God and Toni. I'm just the facilitator. That is my purpose.

Amelia Lubrano-Farrell
"The difficult and troubled path I have traveled has led me to this place to give my heart to others in need,which is the highest attainment man can have and will lead me to everlasting grace."

When You Make Your Commitment To Serve, Don't Forget That "Other" Is Also An Option

Well, I see the commitment packets are going out for the reConnect series. If I remember right, when it comes time to look for a place on the form to indicate your gift, you can always say "other." At least, I think there will be a place to check "other." Basically, that's what I did last year during the "Transformation" series. Because "Start a blog for the church" wasn't one of the choices. ;-)

So, I started this blog. The one you're reading now. The one more and more of you have been so gracious to contribute to. My point is that just because something isn't on the suggestion list in your commitment packet, doesn't mean you can't contribute in some "other" way.

Hmmm ... have a gift for writing? Just asking.

Listening To God's Voice

Week 2, Day 2.........Listening is the hardest part for me. Turning off the noise in my house created new noise. I am talking about the "hums" from around the house and neighborhood that are astonishingly loud when usually drowned out by the television or radio. Before I could commit to my study that evening, I was compelled to find the noises. Once I identified the humming in my home, the refrigerator, air conditioner,  computer, the neighbor's piano, cicadas, and the traffic, I could start my study. Now, the "hums" are the song of peaceful quiet. I hope to relax with those sounds and begin to find a way to listen for the great "hum" of God's voice in my life. 

Tweak ... And Ye Shall Find

Just checking out the left column of page 16 in the reConnect book and found the most awesome passage.

... I do not seek to understand so that I may believe, but believe that I may understand. (An excerpt from St. Anselm (1033-1109) [The English Spirit, p. 17]

What's cool about it is the simple tweak in the language that gives you a whole new perspective. We all automatically want to understand before we believe. But imagine believing first ... in order to understand. Wow, how liberating!

Ready to reCONNECT and Unwrap The Gift

Day One for me!

I began to "reCONNECT" today. As one of the many Hyde Park members and staff who have been preparing for our fall reCONNECT worship and study series, I have been longing for some weeks now for it to actually start.  After all the planning and preparation, opening my book today feels like Christmas morning, unwrapping the gift I’ve been anticipating, and soon, sharing the joy of others discovering the gifts awaiting them as well.

More than 700 other members of the church will be reading the same workbook and daily Bible readings as I am over the next six weeks, and our worship will reflect what we are learning about God and ourselves in these days and weeks. My small group starts meeting next Wednesday so I’m starting my Week One daily readings today.

This (free!) reCONNECT workbook was written by our own members, and already it speaks to me. Take the quote on the first page from St. Anselm:

“Come now little, child. Turn awhile from your daily work; hide yourself for a little time from your restless thoughts, put aside your wearisome distractions. Give yourself a little leisure to talk with God, and rest awhile in him…”

How peaceful that sounds to “rest awhile in him.” In my busy life, yes, I do long for that. I know I long to spend more time with God, and am excited about the prospect of doing so in coming weeks. What will this mean for my life and the life of our congregation this fall? I’m ready to learn.