To: All Readers Everywhere
From: Myron & Margaret Talcott, Editors, 2003-2004

Last summer our writers began a conversation with Advent texts and a plaintive cry from a Psalm: "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land and in a strange church?" Ps. 137:4, adap

We invite you to become thoughtful and prayerful companions in this conversation through the seasons of Advent-Epiphany. The two seasons are joined for we believe God's Good News cannot be fully heard until it is boldly shared.

May your reflections be honest, compassionate, and energizing so your faith, hope and love is deeply refreshed. We pray that all our lives may become springs in the deserts of our congregations, communities and the whole world.

One way you can be a spring: share these Readings widely!

Week One: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; Luke 21:25-36; I Thess. 3:9-13
John Kruse is a retired ministerial member of the Wisconsin Annual Conference. About 25 years ago he helped to organize the Wisconsin chapter of the Methodist Federation of Social Action. He has sung all the songs discussed in the meditations he wrote - either in a congregation, a chorus, or as an occasional bass soloist. He is a recipient of the UMFSA Perry Saito Award.

Week Two: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Luke 3:1-6; Philippians 1:3-11
Mark Bromley lives in southwest Wisconsin with his wife Patricia. He is a bankruptcy lawyer, representing debtors across the southern third of the state.

Week Three: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:7-18; Phil. 4:4-7
Diego and Ana Orsini are natives of warm, sunny-year-round Puerto Rico. Currently they are serving in their 4th cross-cultural appointment in Wisconsin with their four children.

Week Four: Michah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55; Luke 1:39-45; Hebrews 10:5-10
Marianne Cotter has been a pastor for 19 years, serving both in the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Methodist Church. Currently she is serving as lead pastor of Trinity-Pilgrim United Methodist Church in Brookfield. Marianne is married to Jim Cotter and they have two sons Samuel (16) and Carl (13).

Week Five: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Ps. 148; Luke 2:41-42; Colossians 3:12-17
Dave Steffenson has been seeking wisdom through a ministry of social ethics and social change. He's carried out that ministry through various avenues such as campus minister, pastor, college teacher, writer, editor, activist, gadfly and curmudgeon. While the land seems to get stranger all the time, he values most his companions in the struggle and his fun with family and friends.

Week Six: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2:1-12; Ephesians 3:1-12
Amanda Stein is a probationary member of the Wisconsin Annual Conference and is serving in her first appointment at Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison. Prior to pastoring a church, Amanda and her husband, Jason, spent two years volunteering for peace and justice organizations in Guatemala and Mexico. Amanda stays busy working with Trinity's growing congregation and spending time with Jason and their two year-old son, Zane.

If you are interested in being a writer for our 2004-2005 Devotions (Lectionary Year C) please contact Myron Talcott (myrontalcott@tds.net). Ideas for themes are also very welcome.

All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.