Holden Evening Prayer

You don't have to know how to play an instrument or sing in an organized choir ensemble to appreciate the benefits of music in your daily life.

It's influential in all cultures and results in improved memory, focused attention and physical coordination. Check out this TOP 10 list of beneficial effects:

1. Effective therapy for pain
2. Reducing blood pressure
3. Medicine for the heart
4. Speeds post-stroke recovery
5. Chronic headaches and migraine remedy
6. Music boosts immunity
7. Enhances intelligence, learning, and IQ
8. Improves concentration and attention
9. Improves body movement and coordination
10. Improves memory performance

Throughout this Lenten season, the Wednesday night service at HT includes Marty Haugen's Holden Evening Prayer. As a composer of contemporary hymns and liturgical music, Haugen wrote the piece while serving as the musician-in residence at Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington state during 1985-86.

The lyrics are meaningful, they stay in the mind for hours and days after walking out of the sanctuary. Without intention, they may drift in and out of thoughts, bridging the gap between the chaos of daily earthly commitments and moments of sacred connection with the Lord.

From Psalm 141, on page 4 of Holden Evening Prayer, the words "Let my prayer rise up, like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands, as an offering to you. Oh God, I call to you, come to me now; oh hear my voice as I call to you...Keep watch within me God, deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright...All praise be to Christ and the spirit of love."

Allow these words and the melody that you know so well bring you close to Jesus each day. Receive the benefits of music in your heart, mind, and soul - and let your prayers rise up as an offering to the Lord.

No Sunday School - No Problem!

It's spring break and Sunday School is on hold for a couple of weeks. There's no better time for a planned Family Devotional to recognize the Holy Trinity. As HTLC prepares to celebrate it's 60th Anniversary as a congregation in Chandler, continue the conversation in your home and talk about God the father, Jesus -His son, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday is March 16th, the day before St. Patrick's Day.

The holiday recognizes St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

The Holy Trinity is represented in this shamrock craft with symbols depicting Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit.

How about a tasty treat to celebrate the Holy Trinity?

Shamrock Pretzel Bites

Ingredients Needed:

Hershey Kisses

Green M&M's

Green Tube Icing

Small Pretzels

Supplies Needed:
Cookie Sheet
Parchment Paper
Small Icing Tip

Instructions:

• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

• Place pretzels down and top with an unwrapped Hershey Kiss.

• Bake at 200 Degrees for about 7 minutes.

• Remove from oven and immediately press three green M&M candies onto each pretzel/kiss.

• When cool, use icing tip on a tube of green frosting to draw on the stems of the shamrocks.

• Enjoy!

Note: You want the Hershey Kisses to be soft but not completely melted on the pretzel. Watch them carefully and adjust as needed.
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ST. PATRICK'S PRAYER

St. Patrick's prayer for the faithful captures the wonderful spirit that
made him Ireland's patron saint and one of the Church’s most beloved missionaries.
In this prayer he asks for God’s help in various ways:
May the Strength of God pilot us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Host of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil ones.
Against temptations of the world 
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord,
Always be ours, This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.