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…
