Prayer Flags

A part of our annual camping retreat is to work on a craft project to bring back to the church and share with the congregation.  This year we made prayer flags.

Prayer flags come from the Buddhist tradition.  They write their prayers on flags and hang them from high places like the tops of mountains.  They are not designed to call down their wishes on the land.  Rather they are hanging there to waft their prayers far and wide. 

We gathered this weekend at our retreat, mindful of the solemn remembrance of the day.  Making prayer flags was one way we marked its passing.  

Artichoke Dip

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:20

The time I spend at Bible Study is always precious.  The snacks we share are always yummy.  The conversations are rewarding.  My soul is warmed each time I am enfolded in the welcome of my church family. And tonight was no exception. 




1 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
About 2/3 cup mayonaise

 Mix together until smooth.  (You can use the mixer when you forget to get the cream cheese out of the fridge early enough to soften.  Just be sure to start with the cream cheese alone and beat it until it is soft.  Then add the mayo.)


Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan (Use the best cheese you can afford but the shredded, not grated, stuff in the bottle works well.)

Drain one bottle of artichokes in oil.  (Use two bottles if you love artichokes or just buy the giant Costco jar and spoon out what you want.)  Use a small spoon to scoop the choke part out of the center of each artichoke section and throw it away.  Do the same with the toughest outer leaves.  Roughly chop the rest.  Stir into cheese mixture.

Spoon into a shallow baking dish (about at 2 cup size dish).  Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until it is bubbly around the edges and lightly browned on top.  Serve with crackers, sliced french bread, veggies, tortilla chips, whatever you prefer.