Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

🕊️ Bread for the Journey — April 13, 2025

🕊️ Bread for the Journey

Palm Sunday Reflection on Luke 19:28–40

As Palm Sunday arrives, we find ourselves at a turning point in the story of Jesus—a moment of celebration that leads directly to the cross. In Luke 19:28–40, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, welcomed by crowds shouting praise, laying down cloaks, and waving branches. It looks like a victory parade, but beneath it lies something much deeper.

Jesus is not entering the city to claim a throne. He’s entering to give Himself away. He is becoming bread for the journey—for the disciples, for the people, and for us.


🎉 The Joy of the People: Nourishment Through Worship

As Jesus approaches, the people rejoice with loud voices. They’ve seen His miracles, heard His teachings, and sensed something holy in His presence. Their praise is passionate and heartfelt.

Yet we know how quickly the mood will shift. From “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him” in just a few days. Their joy is real—but fragile.

Still, this moment teaches us something essential: joy is food for the soul.
Even if we’re walking through hard times, worship sustains us. Singing, praying, laying our hearts before the Lord—these are ways we take in spiritual nourishment.

Worship is bread for the journey.


🕊️ The Humility of Jesus: Gentle Strength

Jesus chooses a colt, not a warhorse. He doesn’t enter Jerusalem as a conqueror, but as a servant King. This is not how the world expects royalty to behave—but it is the way of Christ.

In our own journeys, we often hunger for peace, not power. Gentleness can be more nourishing than strength. In the quiet humility of Jesus, we find a model for how to live, how to love, and how to keep going.

Humility is bread for the journey.


🪨 Even the Stones Will Cry Out

When the Pharisees try to quiet the crowd, Jesus responds:
“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

What a powerful truth. The praise of Jesus is so real, so essential, that even creation would rise up if people stayed silent. We were made to worship. And even when life feels heavy or quiet, praise keeps us connected to something bigger than ourselves.

Whether sung in full voice or whispered in prayer, our praise matters. It keeps our spirits fed.

Praise is bread for the journey.


🍞 Jesus Is the Bread

This triumphal entry leads to an upper room, where bread will be broken. Then to a cross, where His body becomes the broken bread for the world. Then to a tomb—and finally, to resurrection.

Jesus doesn’t just walk the journey—He becomes the nourishment for ours.


🌿 As Holy Week Begins…

What do you need for your own journey right now?

Maybe you’re weary. Maybe you’re grateful. Maybe you’ve been quietly carrying burdens no one else sees. Wherever you are, Jesus meets you—on a colt, in humility, with joy, with peace. He offers Himself again, not as a concept, but as living bread.

So come. Lay down your cloak. Lift up your voice. And let Him feed you.

Jesus is your bread for the journey.


Wishing you a blessed Holy Week. May your heart be fed and your spirit strengthened for the road ahead.

Link to full worship experience:

Linden Park United Church weekly announcements and information:

Linden Park Contact Information:
484 East 16th Street, Hamilton, ON L9A 4K8
For Pastoral Care please call (905) 252-1894
Rev. Barbara Creelman/OM
Sunday at 10:30 A.M.
Mailing/Cheque donation address:484 East 16th Street
Hamilton, ON L9A 4K8
Office – 905-385-7891
Dial-A-Sermon number: 905-296-1014

LINDEN PARK FUNDSCRIP GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER – Please fill out an order form (on top of mail slots in the Narthex) along with a cheque made out to Linden Park United Church
Due Sun. April 27th

PAPERLESS OPTION FOR ENVELOPES – If you wish to
go paperless, Linden Park offers:
1)PAR (Pre-authorized Remittance). Please email or call Sheri for more information.
2) E-TRANFERS are also available and can be sent to
Lpuc@rogers.com

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE:

Today: Refreshments following worship

7:00pm Gemini AA

Monday 6:30 pm Beavers & Cubs

Tues. 4:00 pm T.O.P.S L/H
7:00 pm Police Choir Practice

Wed. 8:00 am TOPS – L/H
9:00 am Quilters
9:30 am Bible Study – Library
10:30 am Coffee Time

Thurs. 12:00 pm Gemini AA – Rm. 1
7:00 pm Scouts, Ventures & MedVents

Friday 10:30 am Good Friday Worship
Sat. 10:00 am The United Church of God – L/H

Our Lenten Project this year will be for SOCKS Canada. Your donations can be directed in two ways: i) the general fund – which supports the children, gardens and education; ii) Women 4 Women : W4W: This gift of $30.00 will provide one girl at Joyland Special Needs School with feminine hygiene products and underwear for a full year. Please pick up a sock for your donation. Feel free to make a cash donation. If writing a cheque, please make it out to: SOCKS Canada Relief Organization.
You can also e-transfer your donation to kenyanhugs@gmail.com
security question- name of charity / answer – socks.

May God’s blessings be returned to you as you bless others.

Daily Bread: A Reflection — March 23, 2025

Daily Bread: A Reflection

The Lord’s Prayer in Many Forms

  • Have you ever prayed the Lord’s Prayer in another language?
  • I recall singing it in French, German, Dutch, Latin, and even French Sign Language.
  • It’s a prayer that unites us across cultures and time.

The Meaning of Daily Bread

  • Jesus taught us to pray for “daily bread”—our needs, not our wants.
  • The Israelites in the wilderness received manna each day, just enough for that day.
  • Trusting God means relying on God daily, not storing up out of fear.

More Than Physical Bread

  • Jesus is the “Bread of Life,” offering spiritual nourishment.
  • We need Scripture and faith as much as we need food.
  • Gratitude should be a part of our daily prayers.

Generosity & Trust

  • We often hold onto too much—possessions, worries, control.
  • How much do we truly need? Can we share more with others?
  • Sometimes, we are the answer to someone’s prayer through kindness and generosity.

Living Out Our Faith

  • Faith isn’t just about Sunday prayers; it’s about daily trust and action.
  • We should be mindful of how we engage with others.
  • A simple smile or greeting could be the encouragement someone needs.

Give Us This Day

  • The prayer doesn’t say “give us bread for the month”—it’s a daily act of trust.
  • We give thanks for what we have and trust in God’s continued provision.
  • How will you share God’s love today?

Amen.

Lenten Devotions for Days 15-22 — March 19, 2025

Lenten Devotions for Days 15-22

Introduction: Finding Strength in the Psalms

As we journey through Lent, we are invited to draw closer to God through reflection, repentance, and renewal. The Psalms serve as a rich source of encouragement, reminding us of God’s presence in every season of life—whether we are seeking His protection, thirsting for His presence, or crying out for His mercy.

In this week’s readings (Days 15–22), we will walk through psalms that highlight themes of trust, forgiveness, longing, and divine shelter. These passages offer a place of refuge in times of struggle and a song of praise in moments of renewal. Each day provides an opportunity to meditate on God’s faithfulness and to respond with prayer, inviting Him to work in our hearts during this sacred season.

As you engage with these psalms, consider how they resonate with your Lenten journey. What fears or burdens do you need to surrender? How is God calling you to deeper trust? May these readings strengthen your faith and remind you that He is your light, your portion, and your ever-present help.

Let me know if these readings bless you in any way.

Blessings,

Pastor Barb

Day 15: Psalm 27 – Confidence in God’s Protection

📖 Reading: Psalm 27:1-5
🙏 Reflection: The Lord is our light and salvation; whom shall we fear? This psalm reminds us that God is our refuge and strength.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Reflect on a time when God has been your stronghold. Ask for renewed trust in His protection.

Day 16: Psalm 32 – The Joy of Forgiveness

📖 Reading: Psalm 32:1-7
🙏 Reflection: This psalm celebrates the blessing of being forgiven. Confession brings freedom, and God’s mercy covers all sin.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Spend time in confession and thanksgiving for God’s unfailing forgiveness.

Day 17: Psalm 42 – Thirsting for God

📖 Reading: Psalm 42:1-5
🙏 Reflection: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You.” In times of dryness, God remains our living water.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Ask God to deepen your hunger for Him and to satisfy your spiritual thirst.

Day 18: Psalm 51 – A Clean Heart

📖 Reading: Psalm 51:10-17
🙏 Reflection: David’s cry for mercy is a model for repentance. God delights in a broken and contrite heart.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Pray for a renewed heart and spirit, asking God to restore your joy.

Day 19: Psalm 63 – Seeking God First

📖 Reading: Psalm 63:1-8
🙏 Reflection: David longs for God in a dry and weary land. True satisfaction comes only from seeking Him.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Dedicate your day to seeking God first in all you do.

Day 20: Psalm 73 – God is My Portion

📖 Reading: Psalm 73:21-26
🙏 Reflection: When our hearts fail, God remains our strength and portion forever.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Meditate on what it means for God to be your portion and your inheritance.

Day 21: Psalm 91 – Resting in God’s Shadow

📖 Reading: Psalm 91:1-4
🙏 Reflection: Those who dwell in God’s presence will find rest and protection under His wings.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Pray for peace and security in the shelter of the Almighty.

Day 22: Psalm 121 – My Help Comes from the Lord

📖 Reading: Psalm 121:1-8
🙏 Reflection: The Lord watches over you and will not let your foot slip. He is your keeper.
🧶 Prayer Prompt: Lift up your concerns and trust God to be your help and keeper.