Recently, I found myself pondering the subject of saying grace before (or after) meals. I was curious if today’s on-the-go lifestyle lent itself to this practice. My very unscientific and small sample group didn’t really produce a conclusion that I would like to stake my reputation on, but overall, it would seem that saying grace regularly may have fallen somewhat by the wayside. But then again, the act of gathering around the family dinner table to share a meal often falls victim to today’s busy schedules and some folks noted that it was when they sat around that table that saying grace was the most common.
A little research on saying grace tells me that it’s a practice in many cultures and religions to express thanks for our food and its source. It can be a part of our religious belief as in thanking God or a simple acknowledgement of appreciation for the food and the cook. Wikipedia tells us that the term saying grace comes from the Ecclesiastical Latin phrase gratiarum actio, “act of thanks”. Theologically, the act is derived from the Bible, in which Jesus and Saint Paul pray before meals. One interesting article mentioned that in the Middle Ages it was said as an incantation to protect people from questionable food — of which there was plenty! And the author notes that praying for God’s grace that you don’t die from food poisoning isn’t necessarily a bad motive!
In an article by Lauren F. Winner, she says, “You don’t find grace said when people are rushing around, scarfing food, eating over the sink or in the car, polishing off a meal in ten minutes flat. You find grace offered at tables where people sit still, where they’re trying to pay attention”. But she points out that grace is portable! We don’t need a dinner table to pause and to give thanks even when we are on the run - “saying grace can transform a mere meal into an act of celebration, focus and gratitude.”
So for those of us who are on the run trying to keep up with the fast-paced world that we live in, and sacrificing saying grace because we can’t slow down, here are some short prayers. Be it the hockey arena hot dog or the chips and chocolate bar between meetings, these short words of thanksgiving can always fit into even the busiest schedule.
- by Gail MacGillivray
May all be fed
May all be healed
May all be loved
-- John RobbinsThank you Lord for what we are about to receive.
In Jesus' name. AmenLord, make us truly thankful for these and all other blessings.
I ask this in Jesus’ name. AmenLord Jesus, bless this food to our use, and us to Your service. Amen
Lord, as we enjoy this food may it nourish our bodies and renew our spirits. Amen
The most recent letters from our high school scholarship recipients are below. Our congregation currently sponsors four students' high school tuition. In Belize, high school is not publicly funded, and these students would have financial difficulty attending if not for the scholarships they receive.
Some of the letters were long, so we have included excerpts.
Letter from Amalio (Grade 9 - our newest scholarship recipient)
Joyful greetings from Amalio Revolorio and wishing you the best of all the blessings.
I am a 13 year old child. I was born on March 27, 2011. My favourite sports are football and volleyball. One thing I enjoy doing the most is reading books. I love to read non-fiction books, because some books talk about a person’s life, often giving advice.
As a person I am respectful and kind. Things I like about myself are that I am a very dedicated and responsible. In my family at this moment there is only three of us, my mother (single), my brother and me. I have my grandparents living only from my mother’s side. The family close to me is my mother’s family.
I am in 1 Tapir, that’s my class name, and I am the class president. My classes have been good so far. I learnt things in primary school and I am familiar with them, so I understand the work especially when it comes to Math and English subjects. At my orientation day I was nervous, but as the week went I adapted to the classroom and I started talking with some students. What I enjoy from my homeroom teacher and subject teachers is that they are kind, respectful and most important helpful. What I enjoy about my subjects is that I understand them as well as I enjoy myself learning them.
My goals for this school year is to have a 90% and above in every subject so I don’t take exam, also I look forward for a 4.0 GPA and I will achieve this goal by doing my work as best as possible. If I needed help along the way I think my friends can help me because they are dedicated.
As a president I face challenges. Some of my classmates don’t listen when I speak to them. I cope with this challenge by being strong and not giving up. I also told the homeroom teacher about it.
Thanks to God because by his grade I have no subject giving myself trouble. The only thing is that I had never used a computer so I am slow with typing on it.
Now I say thank you for the scholarship. I am very appreciative of it. This scholarship has helped me to stay more focus and show more interest in my studies. I will do all my classwork, homework and projects to pass so I can keep this scholarship. If I could change one thing in the world, it would that there may be free education everywhere. I would change this because I show interest in school and my studies, I want to continue studying and I know I am not the only one who wants to study. I would like to give this message to the world: “appreciate what you have because not everyone has what another person has.”
I would like to wish you the best of the best for you and your family, I wish you more prosper.
With love and appreciation,
Amalio
Letter from Sylvia (Grade 10)
Dear sponsor,
I am writing to thank you once again for always helping me. It has been such an honor to me. I am very grateful for your financial support and will forever be thankful.
I am now in the 10th grade and have been doing very well. I hope to continue and I will. This year was a blast and I had so much fun. I have been participating in so many activities like dances, acting and so forth. I would really like to join a sport, but there are no girls’ teams. This year I participated in the school’s harvest presentation. My class and I did a beautiful dance. I also participated in the chapel skits and dances and the Christmas presentation. We also had some sports days which I also participated in.
We had our 1st semester exams and I’m pretty sure I passed. I love my school so much and would never change to another school. Also, I never got any demerits nor suspension, I never disrespect teachers, I always do my homework and get good grades, I am also helpful to teachers and I will continue doing my best. I have a very big goal and I really want to succeed.
Once again, thank you so much.
Sincerely yours truly,
Silvia
Letter from Caleb (Grade 11)
Dear friends of St. Hilda's,
Merry Christmas friends of St. Hilda's, I hope you and your family are having a very merry Christmas.
As my journey at Belmopan Comprehensive High School hasn’t been easy but I continue to push on because I’m determined to make my family proud and reach new height.
With 2nd semester around the corner I plan to join my school’s track and field team again but to do so I have to keep all my grades high. We also received word that we will not be taking exams this year but instead a major project.
May God keep us safe for further days ahead, and I greatly thank you for this amazing opportunity.
Caleb
Letter from Korey (Grade 12)
Dear Christ Church Cathedral,
I hope this message finds you well. As the year comes to a close and the Christmas season arrives, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support through this scholarship.
Your contribution has made a significant difference in my academic journey, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities it has provided. I am now at the exciting stage of deciding which college I will attend to further my studies, and I currently have two options in mind. Before making this important decision, I would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance you might have. If there are any colleges you would recommend, I would be grateful for your insights.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with peace, love, and happiness. May the New Year bring you continued success and blessings.
Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.
Warmest regards,
Korey
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for emergency use are accessible in both of our buildings.
In the Cathedral, the AED is hung on the back wall, near the refreshment area. In Memorial Hall, an AED has been placed in the kitchen, on top of the First Aid box on the wall near the dishwasher.
Always call 911 in an emergency.
Using an AED offers someone with a sudden cardiac arrest the best chance for survival. The machines are designed to be easy for the public to use, and give audible directions. An AED will not shock a person unless it detects a shockable rhythm.
All models of AEDs work similarly. Below, you'll find two short videos demonstrating how to use the type of AEDs we have in the Cathedral and Memroial Hall. Please spend a few minutes watching them - it could help you save a life!
If an AED is used, please contact the Cathedral Office, so that we can replace materials used in the resuscitation effort. Thank you to our Health Ministry team for procuring these tools and keeping our First Aid kits stocked.
Learn more about what to do in case of a sudden cardiac arrest: Visit the Call Push Shock website.
