I’ve been listening to a podcast about the Heaven’s Gate cult, thinking how very strange and warped the group members’ beliefs were—they thought aliens from the Halle-Bop comet were going to pick them up. Then I started looking at the story of the ascension: “While Jesus was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was…
This call to worship is based on Ephesians 1: 15-22. We come seeking a spirit of wisdom, A spirit of revelation. We come to know God, And to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. We come to be reminded of the hope to which God has called us, And the riches of God’s glorious inheritance.…
I’m trying something new for our call to worship this week. It’s kind of a do-it-ourselves call to worship. During the prelude, I will invite people to write a type of animal on a whiteboard at the front of the church. Then I will use these animals in the call to worship. (And Peace Mennonite…
The women go to the tomb with spices, the stone is already rolled away, and suddenly two men in dazzling clothes show up, say “Jesus is not here, but has risen,” and the women blunder off to tell the apostles “all this.” The men regard the women’s talk as—it’s usually translated “an idle…
Please see this previous post for an introduction to this prayer series. Suggested Spiritual Practice: Silence Read this meditation on “Dying with Christ” by Father Richard Rohr and practice silent/contemplative prayer in whatever manner you prefer. Music Links: · “Were you there” from Three Mo’ Tenors · “Beneath the cross of Jesus” acapella · “Stay with me”…
*Please see this previous post for an introduction to this prayer series. Suggested Spiritual Practice: Traced Hand Prayer (For a description of this practice with a different scripture, and with a picture, see this previous post.) This practice is a prayerful reflection on Psalm 22:1-21. You will need a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.…
*Please see this previous post for an introduction to this prayer series. Suggested Spiritual Practice: Suggested Spiritual Practice: Daily Examen · Download the “Reimagining the Examen” app · Or find examen guidelines online Music Links: · “Bless the Lord my soul” (Taize) · “Awake my Soul” (Mumford and Sons) · “Say a Prayer” (from Memphis) Call to…
*Please see this previous post for an introduction to this prayer series. Suggested Spiritual Practice: Colored pencil prayer: Offering and Receiving Music Links: · Wait for the Lord (Taize) · You will be found (from Dear Evan Hansen) Call to Worship: (from Psalm 34) I will bless you, God, at all times; I will praise you with my…
Suggested Spiritual Practice: Plant something this week. Think about the gardener in the parable of the barren fig tree. What does it mean to be fruitful? What does it mean to tend beauty? Music Links: “O God, you are my God” (Choral arrangement) “Your love is better than life” (Acapella) “Come Ye” (Sweet Honey in…
Please see the previous post for an introduction to this prayer series. Suggested Spiritual Practice: Visual Lectio Divina You can find a description and example of this practice here. Music Links: All will be well (contemporary song) The 23rd Psalm (Bobby McFerrin) Call to Worship: Christ, you long to gather me under your wings. I…
Each week during Lent, I will post Lenten prayers. There are some suggested spiritual practices and music links for the week. Beginning with the call to worship, there is a daily prayer liturgy that you can follow on your own or with a group. The basic outline and prayers are the same throughout the week,…
It has been a long Epiphany season, but Lent is, finally, right around the corner. I asked my mom—also a pastor—if I could have some of her ashes this year and she just dropped off this tub of burnt palm leaves. So even if I live to be 100 and never retire, I am set…
