tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74638579317180798792024-03-13T19:55:39.787-07:00Bigger God BlogPastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-34939138216098735322013-08-01T12:53:00.001-07:002013-08-01T12:53:32.850-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">The General Assembly of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada happens every
other year. This year, the Disciples
gathered in Orlando, FL. Tim and I,
along with my father, Traverce Harrison were there from First Christian Church
of Ames. It was a week of worship,
prayer, singing, hearing about the work and challenges of our denomination, and
considering the business of the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">We heard reports from Higher Education
and Leadership Ministries, the Council on Christian Unity, Division of Overseas
Ministries, Disciples Historical Society, Disciples Home Missions, and many
more. We passed resolutions on such topics
as Clergy Parental Leave, Continuing our commitment to starting New Churches,
Open Meetings Policy, Removing Racist Language from our Governing Documents,
Encouraging People to Work for Equal Access to Voting for All, and many more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">One resolution passed by a large majority was on “Becoming a
People of Grace and Welcome to All.”
Disciples have always professed an open table where all are
welcome. This “all are welcome” can be
difficult to really live out at times when you have people with differing
points of view. That’s why we always say
it is Christ who unites us, not our thoughts or opinions or even specific
beliefs. At the table we all gather in
the love and grace of God. So the
question has arisen whether we really mean all are welcome. This resolution seeks to say, “Yes!” From the resolution: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">the General Assembly meeting in Orlando, Florida, July 13-17,
2013, calls upon the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to recognize itself
as striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children
though differing in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity,
nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political
stance or theological perspective…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Also in this issue of The Call, you can read a pastoral letter
from Disciples General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins
expounding on this topic further. First
Christian Church in Ames has been and will continue to be a “people of grace
and welcome to all.” Our tag line is,
“Come as you are, you belong!” And we
add, “And we mean it!” We do not have to
agree to gather around the table and share the bread and cup of Christ. And, as a matter of fact, we are better
people because we dare to meet people “as they are” and offer welcome and
hospitality and to treat each person as part of God’s family, our family, and
trust that we all grow deeper in relation to one another and God when we don’t limit
our interactions to people with whom we agree.
So this resolution, passed by the General Assembly, simply states what
we already practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a commitment to
being a “pro-reconciling/anti-racist” church.
We have a historic and living commitment to building bridges between
black and white people in this country.
While we were meeting in Orlando, the verdict of not-guilty in the
George Zimmerman – Treyvon Martin case was announced. That was a solemn moment to be gathered as
church across racial lines and to see and feel and hear the experiences of
African American brothers and sisters in Christ. One of our African American Ministers shared
that his son asked if what happened to Treyvon Martin would happen to him. It was a sobering moment. Whatever the “facts” of the case, the verdict
has put a people in touch with how much reconciling work we have yet to do as a
nation. As Christians, and as Disciples,
may we do what we can to be “pro-reconciling/anti-racist” in our language and
our actions. May we truly be a “movement
for wholeness in a fragmented world” as our identity statement proclaims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you’d like to read more about the business of the General
Assembly, you can go to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.disciples.org/GeneralAssembly/Business/tabid/511/Default.aspx#Resolutions"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">http://www.disciples.org/GeneralAssembly/Business/tabid/511/Default.aspx#Resolutions</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mark
your calendar! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The next General Assembly
will be held July 18-22, 2015 in Columbus, OH.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Pastor Mary Jane<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-30373821923554814392013-04-30T07:45:00.002-07:002013-04-30T07:45:21.223-07:00<br />
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<b>The Language of Love
in a Time of Terror<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The title of my sermon for the
joint Maundy Thursday Worship with First United Methodist Church and Church of
Christ – Congregational was, “The Language of Love.” On the eve of Jesus’ execution, he ate with
his closest followers and told them, “I give you a new commandment… to love as
I have loved.” By this love others will
know we are Jesus’ disciples. In my
sermon I quoted a line from the hymn, “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”: “What language shall I borrow to thank thee,
dearest Friend, for this thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end? O make me thine forever; and should I
fainting be, O, let me never, never outlive my love to thee.” The language Jesus desires is the language of
love. Even in the midst of his own
suffering, execution and death, Jesus spoke the language of love. And by our love - that deep abiding,
long-suffering, unconditional love that we have received and offer to the world
- Christ lives on and brings healing and hope to a broken and hurting world.</div>
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This week brought with it another
tragedy of violence and suffering and death, this time in Boston, but also in
places around the world that we are unaware.
All of us feel shaken by the senseless bombing. Fear and emotions are high. And it is precisely in times like these that
we need to call upon our faith as we add our words and actions to the vast
array of words and actions in response or reaction to the tragedy. Times like these we are at a loss. We, like the hymn writer, may ask, “What
language shall I borrow?” Our faith
tells us the answer: the language of
love. “By this everyone will know that
you are my disciples.” Love is what we
proclaim in faith is stronger than hatred and violence. Love casts out fear. Love is what heals and saves and brings
“wholeness in a fragmented world.” And,
as the writer of I John says, “love casts out fear.”</div>
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There is another line from a hymn
that we can draw on in a time such as this.
“With the vision in our minds of how the world could be, and the
fullness of our hearts from the suffering we see; when we make all that we are
and have part of God’s destiny, we can fill the world with love.” “Let us hesitate no longer in our doubt and
our dismay; there’s a pow’r at work within us that has promised a new day. And the time will surely come, it will not be
long delayed when God fills the world with love.” So as people of faith, how can we fill the
world with love in such a time as this?
How can we be conduits of God’s healing, saving love in the midst of
brokenness, doubt, violence and pain? How
does the light of God’s love shine through us?
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Next to the hymn I just quoted,
“Fill the World with Love” (Chalice Hymnal #467) is the prayer of St. Francis:</div>
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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;</div>
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Where there is hatred, let me sow love;</div>
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Where there is injury, pardon;</div>
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Where there is doubt, faith;</div>
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Where there is despair, hope;</div>
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Where there is darkness, light;</div>
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And where there is sadness, joy</div>
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O Divine Master,</div>
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Grant that I may not so much seek</div>
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To be consoled as to console;</div>
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To be understood, as to understand;</div>
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To be loved, as to love;</div>
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For it is in giving that we receive,</div>
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It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,</div>
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And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.</div>
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May that be our prayer as we seek to live as people of faith, as
disciples of Christ, in light of resurrection.
May we speak the language of love especially in such a time as this.</div>
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Pastor
Mary Jane</div>
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Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-19695023606351199782013-01-02T12:39:00.003-08:002013-01-02T12:39:49.965-08:00The Story of the Other Wise Man<br />
In anticipation of Epiphany Sunday and the story of the Magi, read this from <i>Darla Ewalt:</i><br />
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January 6 is Epiphany – the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. The biblical story only tells of the gifts that they brought – gold frankincense, and myrrh. Tradition says there were three and named them Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar. Published in 1895, The Story of the Other Wise Man written by Henry Van Dyke is the story of another Magi who intended to travel with his friends to see the newborn king.<br />
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Artaban, sells all that he owns to purchase a sapphire, a ruby, and a "pearl of great price”. He gathers his family and friends to his home and tells them that he will be going on a pilgrimage with his friends, Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar, to find the king who has been foretold by the prophets. Some think him a fool and some give their blessings. He starts off on his journey to meet his friends on his beloved horse, Vasda.<br />
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On the way to their predetermined meeting place, Artaban comes upon a dying Hebrew exile. He struggles and prays about what he should do – stay and help the man or continue his journey. He decides to stay and help the man. In return for his help the Hebrew man tells him that the Prophets say that the King of the Jews will be born in Bethlehem. The delay causes him to miss his friends but they have left a note for him. He sells his sapphire in order to buy supplies so he can cross the desert.<br />
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Artaban arrives in Bethlehem but the streets are deserted. He locates a young mother caring for her baby. She tells him about the strangers from the Far East who arrived but they have left and the Nazarene took his wife and the babe and fled to Egypt. As they were talking, a loud noise of confusion and uproar comes from the streets. The mother and her child hide in the dark corner and Artaban blocks the entryway with his body. He tells the soldiers that he is alone and he will give the blood red ruby to the captain who leaves him in peace. Artaban prays for forgiveness for telling a lie and now two of his gifts are gone. But the mother blesses him for saving her child.<br />
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Artaban travels to Egypt looking for the newborn King. First he looks in the palaces but a rabbi in Alexandria tells him that the King will not be in palaces but among the people. So he searches among the common people.<br />
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Artaban has been searching for the King for 33 years and he is tired and ready to die when he returns to Jerusalem. It is the time of the Passover. A crowd has gathered and Artaban is told that everyone is headed to Golgotha because two robbers and a man named Jesus of Nazareth called King of the Jews are to be crucified. Artaban joins the crowd – is this man the King that he has been seeking? Suddenly he comes upon a young woman who is being dragged by Macedonian soldiers. Upon seeing Artaban she breaks free and falls at his feet. Her father has died and owes money. She is to be sold into slavery. In compassion, he gives the girl his last gift, the pearl of great price, as her ransom. The earth shakes and a stone hits Artaban in the head. As she cradles his head in her lap, the young woman hears a soft gentle voice speaking to Artaban. “Verily I say unto thee, Inasmuch as thou has done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, thou has done it unto me.” His gifts have been accepted and he has found the King. His journey has ended.<br />
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Think about how this short story speaks to you. As we move into the new year, remember that we are also on a journey. Remember the story of Artaban, the other wise man.<br />
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-9925136272782123592012-12-24T05:14:00.003-08:002012-12-24T05:14:53.030-08:00Journaling the Journey: Follow Up<br />
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Today's post is by <i>Deb Lewis</i>:</div>
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I mentioned Janet Conner’s book <i>Writing Down Your Soul</i> in my last blog. These thoughts in the blog
over the weeks have been my response to Conner’s suggestions in the book: Show
Up, Open Up, Listen Up, and Follow Up. In the book, she has much to say about
each of these points.</div>
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As I was thinking about the idea of “Follow Up” for
today, I reread my journal to see if some of the patterns that are emerging
that I mentioned in my last blog were things that should indeed be “followed
up”. So far, other than to continue the practice of writing and going more
deeply into “listen up”, nothing really seems revealed. The book would tell me
to continue to be patient… and just keep on writing.</div>
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Since I am new to this practice, I asked Janet Lott, who
first recommended Conner’s book to me, if she would share from her much longer
experience with spiritual journaling. She sent me the following in response,
which I gratefully include here. Janet says:</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Yes, I have continued to journal. So much of
this sounds cliché, but it's my experience and it's what has kept me going back
to my writing on a deeper level</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Let go...write like no one will ever read it
(even yourself!)...write a fairy tale about going deep inside yourself. I like
to see my insides as an actually place with rooms - I go down to see what's
going on. My entrance is in the forest in a place no one can find but me, and I
jump down a hole kinda like Alice in Wonderland. It's been very revealing and
healing for me</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Write about or to yourself in third person - a
story, a description, a compliment, etc....and be oh, so gentle with yourself. </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->In some seasons I fill a notebook full in two
weeks and in other seasons (like this past year) it takes months to go through
those 100 pages. I am still in the same notebook that I started months ago.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->For me, I am journaling all the time and
sometimes I actually write it down. What I like most about my little cheap
notebooks and my refillable pen is that they don't have legs and walk out on me
when I ignore them.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->They are so patient and willing to write when I
am.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->And mostly . . . listen. Be still and listen.
Then just start writing and see what happens. Sometimes I write nonsense words
and sometimes I surprise myself with what's on the page afterwards. Sometimes I
doodle or draw.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="12" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/MARYJA~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="12" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Two more resources that have really loosened me
up to listening and writing are "The Artist's Rule" by Christine
Valters Paintner and "Seven Thousand Ways to Listen" by Mark Nepo.</div>
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I plan to try a number of these suggestions myself,
becoming more creative in how I approach my journal! If you have also been
journaling in this season, whether regularly or not, may Janet’s experiences
and suggestions encourage you, too! And if you haven’t been journaling but the
idea has caught your interest, perhaps consider making it a (gentle) commitment
to at least write when you feel called to do so in the New Year!</div>
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Blessings on your journey,</div>
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Deb Lewis<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-30598282537306492382012-12-21T10:28:00.000-08:002012-12-21T10:28:01.386-08:00Greetings to the Winter Solstice and be Transformed<br />
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Today's post is by <i>Darla Ewalt</i>:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today is December 21,
the Winter Solstice, shortest day of the year and the first day of winter. The winter storm yesterday brought a
beautiful blanket of snow that sparkles in the moonlight and sunlight. Last
night as I went down to the shed to feed the horses, I marveled at the
stillness all around me and the beauty of the bright stars shining in the clear
night sky. Surrounded by the quietness
of the night broken only by Thunder’s greeting, I could feel God’s presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Quoting Thomas Keating “Silence
is the greatest teacher there is. God’s
creative Word is uttered in sheer silence, and it is in our ability to resonate
with it that we are transformed.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Mary%20Jane/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/E0X5NUP2/Blog%20%233%20Greetings%20to%20the%20Winter%20Solstice%20and%20be%20Transformed.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This
is a time of rest for God’s creation. A new cycle of life begins today. Tomorrow
the days begin to get longer. Spend some
time today listening to the sounds of the creation. Mostly you will hear silence. Begin a new journey of renewal and transformation
by communicating with your creator and let God speak to you in the Silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Mary%20Jane/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/E0X5NUP2/Blog%20%233%20Greetings%20to%20the%20Winter%20Solstice%20and%20be%20Transformed.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Centering Prayer & Resting
in God by Thomas Keating. Contemplative Outreach Newsletter, 29(1):1-2; Dec.
2012.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-29622385782659139442012-12-19T06:19:00.001-08:002012-12-19T06:19:32.151-08:00Journaling the Journey: Listen Up<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Today's post is by <i>Deb Lewis:</i></span><br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
often have trouble sticking with a task, like exercising or some other new activity
that requires a regular, even a daily, practice. “I’m too busy today…,” is my
frequent response, then by the next day, the practice is forgotten. But as
athletes and other focused people know, continuing a practice develops it into
habit. But I am surprised to find that I have been pretty successful at
journaling through this Advent season. Is it worth the few minutes of time that
I’ve spent each day (having missed only two days since starting)? Definitely!
Developing a habit is much easier when the activity is joyful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">When
we travel, we often focus so much on the fun we’ll have at the end that we miss
what we’re passing by on the journey itself. In her blog, Pastor Mary Jane
wrote about how her parents would try to distract the kids when they were
traveling when she was young so they would quit asking, “Are we there yet?” The
“find the letters of the alphabet” game, or how many different state license
plates can you find, or other such games were fun when we were children, but as
adults, we often weary of the trip, maybe even feel the aches in our bodies
from sitting too long, and feel that anxiousness to arrive at our destination. “Enjoy
the journey itself” is advice given so frequently that it has become almost
trite. But as I look back through what I’ve written, I see that it really does
focus my thoughts and senses to pay attention and appreciate each day of this
Advent journey. For all of us, mixed among the joys of anticipation of
Christmas and the pleasure of gatherings with friends around tables of food
(like last Sunday’s fellowship dinner) as is so common in this season, we’ve
experienced the horror and grief of the tragedies in a number of places over
the past week, especially in Newtown, Connecticut. Obviously, my reactions get
recorded in the journal, along with the more mundane events and thoughts closer
to home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
I go back and read through the journal, “listening” for what I’ve written,
patterns are emerging. For one, each of my journal entries ends with a prayer.
I’m not very good at consistently praying, especially from my heart, but there
on the page are prayers that start my day. Other patterns are too personal to
share here, but they are also good to note.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">One
general pattern that I notice is that I have written lots of questions –
difficult, deep ones – and these are often repeated over the pages of several
days. So far, these have not been answered, but I’m writing with a deeper hope
that they will be. I am rereading “Writing Down Your Soul” by Janet Conner, and
in the book, she says that “listening” – rereading and paying attention – to
what has been written and what is flowing from your pen – is fairly easy to do.
This has been my experience. But she writes about the patience that is required
to dig deeper, and for truly getting to “the story behind the story” as one
writes from the soul. This writing from as deep a place as you can reach, from
the “source” within, takes weeks and months of writing to fully experience. I’m
not there yet, but enjoying the journey!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deb
Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-7903332267263661912012-12-17T08:06:00.000-08:002012-12-17T08:06:22.070-08:00The JourneyI remember when I was a child and my parents would pack us kids in the Impala and head out on a trip. It wouldn't be very long before one of us would ask, "How much farther?" or "Are we there, yet?" My parents got very creative about keeping us entertained, especially since some of those trips were from Iowa to California to visit my grandma. We'd sing songs and play the "alphabet" game which always lasted longer than you think because it was always hard to find "Q" and "Z" on billboards we passed, unless we were in the Ozarks with many Antique shops. Yes, my parents were masterful at finding ways to keep us "occupied" or maybe "distracted" so we wouldn't be so aware of the long road ahead. And, of course, I've done the same with my children.<br />
<br />
As Christians, however, there is a sense that goes all the way back, that we need seasons of waiting and anticipation and reflection in order to go deeper in our faith journey and in order to connect to the Source of our life. Surface encounters, while nice for the short-term, are not enough to keep us going. Occupying ourselves with "things to do" is okay sometimes, but will not build up our strength as Christians. Distractions may be necessary at times and even inevitable, but not as a way of life. And so the Christian tradition developed seasons of the Christian year to encourage and nudge us to be still and quiet and go deeper and sit with our questions and our doubts and our desire for that which has not yet come in order to develop our strength of character and faith.<br />
<br />
Advent is a season of waiting and anticipating and being aware of the darkness in which we know the light will shine. It is easy in this day and age to allow ourselves to be pre-"occupied" with all the preparations - decorating and cooking and gifts - or to be "distracted" by the lights and glitter and parties and sales. But the focus of Advent was meant to be waiting, watching, hoping, praying, going deeper that Christ might find room at the inn of our hearts and lives. <br />
<br />
So, what can we do in this season to allow ourselves to be present to the journey we are on and not just occupied, passing time and distracted until we can shout "Christ is born!"? What can we do to sit and be aware of our deepest thoughts and desires for our lives and for the world? What can we do to become more aware of the dark places of our souls that need the light of Christ to shine?<br />
<br />
Those are the questions of Advent. May we be aware of the journey and use this time to connect to the "one in whom we live and move and have our being." Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-22230098728258296072012-12-15T20:02:00.001-08:002012-12-15T20:02:27.338-08:00Centering In God<br />
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Today's post is by <i>Darla Ewalt:</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When the world around
you turns upside down and all you seem to see is pain, suffering, and sadness;
the only place of peace you may find is by resting in the presence of God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The practice of Centering Prayer is the
Christian form of meditation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It is
where I find a gentle and loving presence that quiets my fears and fills me
with a peace that cannot be found anywhere else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On Sunday, December 9, I gently introduced 2
minutes of Centering Prayer to those present in the sanctuary. The room was so quiet you could sense God’s
presence. One visitor told Tim that
those two minutes of silence (resting in God’s presence) was the most memorial
part of the entire service. It was a
very powerful experience for this young man considering the competition of
beautiful music, communion and baptisms that are also memorable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consider
joining me on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 or on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and
experience God’s presence. Blessing to
all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-61195362240470635312012-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:002012-12-15T06:03:39.294-08:00Mary's Song - The MagnificatAs we prepare for the Third Sunday in Advent, hear Mary's response (recorded in Luke 1) to the news of Jesus' coming:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">And Mary said, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">“My soul magnifies the Lord, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">for the Mighty One has done great things for me, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">and holy is his name. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">He has shown strength with his arm; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">and lifted up the lowly; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">he has filled the hungry with good things, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">nd sent the rich away empty. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">He has helped his servant Israel, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">in remembrance of his mercy, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">according to the promise he made to our ancestors, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” </span>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-24252319047448272992012-12-13T05:00:00.004-08:002012-12-13T05:00:38.657-08:00God-touchedToday's post is by <i>Sue Prins</i>:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">My
soul yearns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">For
sacred places,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">For
silence to hold my questions,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">For
music to carry my prayers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">For
lofty spaces <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">to
enfold my being <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">And
set away corners<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">To
hold me tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">They
touch my being, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">These
holy places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">Calm
me, quiet me,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">Compose
me, fill me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">And
they leave me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt;">God-touched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-67626397139851908992012-12-12T05:08:00.000-08:002012-12-12T05:08:12.328-08:00Journaling the Journey: Open Up<br />
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Today's post is by <i>Deb Lewis</i>:</div>
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As I wrote last week, some of us FCC folks have committed to
regular journaling in this Advent season. As a small group of us met on Sunday
afternoon, we found that we were pretty successful, having at least written in
our journal on most days. It helps me to have made that commitment to myself
and to others, and also that the commitment has an endpoint on Epiphany. On the
other hand, I’m hoping (and maybe beginning) to find such joy in the practice
of journaling that I’ll keep it up!</div>
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In my message last week, I wrote about “showing up”, with
journal and pen and a block of time in mind for writing. This week, I’d like to
go a step further and write about opening up. Many of my journal entries this
past week centered around events or something I had observed or heard. But to
open up means paying attention to the source of our words so that we can be
“open to them”. Of course, words may come from many places – things we see or
hear, our experiences or memories, our longings or joys, our relationships, and
on and on. Sometimes, though, we may feel as though the words are coming from a
special source deep within or beyond us. We may notice this as we write, or we
may not realize it until we read what we’ve written, and ask ourselves, “Where
did that come from?” This special,
positive source has been given many names – our muse, inspiration, our soul, the
wellspring of words, the Source, the Voice, the Holy, God, Spirit,… However we
may choose to label it, we know that we are given a special gift as the words
“just flow”.</div>
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Are there ways to open ourselves so that such a spiritual
depth may be reached in our writing? Several books that I am reading say “yes”,
that we can at least encourage it (although we should not take it for granted
that it will always happen). One suggestion is to go through a ritual to start
and to close your writing time. It can be as simple as going to a quiet place
and lighting a candle before writing. Another suggestion is to begin with
prayer, asking for the words to come that you need for this day. It may be
helpful to follow this by starting to write in your journal as quickly as
possible with whatever words come to you – just keep the pen moving, then the source
of inspiration may influence your words. Read and think about what flows from
such practice to be sure that it isn’t leading you astray. But the words may
surprise you with new insights and needed clarity.</div>
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Blessings on your journey,</div>
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Deb Lewis</div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-50872532481211087972012-12-11T15:47:00.001-08:002012-12-11T15:47:07.729-08:00SEEING CHRIST IN OTHERSToday's post is by <i>Tim Button-Harrison:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This Advent we are exploring five spiritual practices at Ames First Christian
Church in worship, Sunday afternoon workshops (4:00-5:30), and through this
blog. Seeing Christ in others is the practice I am leading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white;">Today, I’m thinking about music and how it relates to hospitality, in part
because I’m preparing right now for a few extra music events. Tomorrow
(12/12) Mary Jane and I are doing music at the First United Methodist Church
here in Ames. FUMC offers a meal at 11:45 then everyone goes up to the
sanctuary for music. We plan to share folk songs of Christmas from around
the world – and hopefully get everyone to sing along with us. And Sunday
(12/16) I’m heading to the Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines
to lead peace and justice songs for Iowa Peace Network’s Open House and
Alternative Gift Faire from 1:00-3:00. The next Sunday (12/23) I will lead
the people of Ames First Christian Church in caroling to older members of the
church and people in care facilities. We will leave from the church
around 12:30 after a simple soup lunch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Advent is a musical season. And especially in singing together, our
hearts and lives are joined in a deep place. I encourage you to
put yourselves in the midst of singing this Advent season and sense how
you are surrounded by the light and warmth of kindred souls. And may that
spirit remain with you and help you to recognize Christ in the people around
you, wherever you go. </span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-74078555016924922452012-12-10T08:24:00.001-08:002012-12-10T08:24:30.309-08:00Dwelling in the Word (Lectio Divina)<br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Reading scripture is something we do as Christians. But that can seem a bit daunting sometimes. There is an ancient practice of reading scripture that anyone can do and receive much spiritual benefit from. Below you'll find a description of how to practice "Dwelling in the Word" or "Lectio Divina". Why not try it during your daily devotions this Advent!</span></div>
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<em style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Dwelling in the Word, or Lectio Divina </span></em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.75pt;">involves reading the
scripture passage four times while listening for a particular prompting. You might want to alternate reading the
scripture out loud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In order to practice <i>Lectio
Divina</i>, select a time and place that is peaceful and in which you may be
alert and prayerfully attentive. Dispose yourself for prayer in whatever way is
natural for you. This may be a spoken prayer to God to open you more fully to
the Spirit, a gentle relaxation process that focuses on breathing, singing or
chanting, or simply a few minutes of silence to empty yourself of thoughts,
images, and emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Reading</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (<i>lectio</i>) - Slowly begin reading a
biblical passage as if it were a long awaited love letter addressed to
you. Approach it reverentially and expectantly, in a way that savors each word
and phrase. Read the passage until you hear a word or phrase that touches you,
resonates, attracts or even disturbs you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Reflecting</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (<i>meditatio</i>) - Ponder this word or phrase for a few
minutes. Let it sink in slowly and deeply until you are resting in it. Listen
for what the word or phrase is saying to you at this moment in your life, what
it may be offering to you, what it may be demanding of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Expressing</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (<i>oratio</i>) - When you feel ready, openly and honestly
express to God the prayers that arise spontaneously within you from your
experience of this word or phrase. These may be prayers of thanksgiving,
petition, intercession, lament, or praise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Resting</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (<i>contemplatio</i>) - Allow yourself to simply
rest silently with God for a time in the stillness of your heart
remaining open to the quiet fullness of God’s love and peace. This is like the
silence of communion between the mother holding her sleeping infant child or
between lovers whose communication with each other passes beyond words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At the end you might just thank God for the gift you have
received.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-71167397833086361572012-12-08T06:37:00.002-08:002012-12-08T06:37:36.180-08:00The Inner JourneyToday's post is written by <i>Janet Lott:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Inner Journey</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“Stand
at the crossroads and look,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">and
ask for ancient paths:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">where
the good way lies; and walk in it, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">and
find rest for your souls.” - Jeremiah
6:16 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We are nearing the end of the first week of
Advent. What ancient paths have you found yourself upon this past week? Many of
us have chosen to experience ancient spiritual practices such as seeing the
Christ in each other, creating worship settings, diving with lectio divina, salving
with centering prayer, jounaling, and experiencing the labyrinth. Many people
have said that in being faithful to the inner journey their outer journey with
the community is more whole and alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">During the whole month of December, First
Christian holds a labyrinth in the Fellowship Hall which is available on
Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to closing (except Dec. 9 when it is available from
about 3:00 to closing). There are guides available at the entrance to the
labyrinth to help your experience of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is a movement for the labyrinth, which
may also be applied to our journeys in life, the big one that stretches over
our lifetime and the small ones we have each day:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Prepare
. . .</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Prepare
to be open to what you may experience on the path. Follow the path where it may
take you. Ask God to lead you, to go
before you.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Enter
. . .</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Quiet
your mind. If you were to relax and
trust the path you are on, what might you discover or learn? Listen. What do
you want to say to God at this moment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Center . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Being
in the center is a time for praying, meditating and listening for clarity and
insight into who God is calling you to be and do. Be still in your soul. If you get distracted,
it’s okay. God is ready at any time to offer gifts for you to receive and use
in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Go
Forth . . .</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">With
each step outwards, give time to consider what God has offered you during these
last few moments. How will you integrate into your life what you experienced or
heard?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Open
yourself to letting God encourage and empower you to take on a larger life, a
deeper life of action as a child of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In our Journey to Jesus this Advent, we move
along this life-path with the one who said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Take
my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">you
will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">–
Matthew 11: 29-30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Consider
Jesus’ burden being the kind of “light” that illuminates the path...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-12431372441336847562012-12-07T06:37:00.002-08:002012-12-07T06:37:38.784-08:00Be Still and Know That I Am GodToday's post is written by <i>Darla Ewalt:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-Italic; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Be still and
know that I am God.” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRomanPS; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 46:10</span><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Centering Prayer is a
method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative
prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than
breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method
of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The focus of Centering
Prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ. The effects
of Centering Prayer are ecclesial, as the prayer tends to build communities of
faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Four Simple Guidelines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your
intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle
briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to
God’s presence and action within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. When engaged with your thoughts*, return ever-so gently
to the sacred word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in
silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images,
and reflections<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Try the practice of centering
prayer for 20 minutes twice a day or at least once a day. It will change you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-15764199281567210992012-12-06T05:26:00.001-08:002012-12-06T05:26:15.438-08:00Creating Sacred SpaceToday's post is by <i>Sue Prins</i>:<br />
<br />
<br />
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Anyone who has walked in the moonlight through silently
falling snow, or lay beneath a spreading pine filtering the star-scape above,
or tried to memorize the colors in a wondrous sunset so you could replay it
over in your mind's eye.... anyone who has experienced nature's wonders knows
there is sacred space.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But that is God-wrought.
How can we hope to create sacred space?</div>
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<br /></div>
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For me, it begins with prayers for guidance. My hope is to reach beyond myself, to listen
intently and then trust where I am being led.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you're trying to build a personal sacred space for
yourself, inside or out, there really isn't a wrong way to do it. Listen to yourself.... how do you experience
the Holy? Is it through music? Is it through silence? Is it through reading or writing? Do you experience God while drawing or
painting? Maybe it's while seated in
your favorite chair watching dust motes float by on a sunbeam. Whatever it is , make space for it,</div>
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<br /></div>
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That space may be a shelf filled with candles or a mantle
of family photos or a collection of stones and twigs gathered on a walk with a
friend. Or maybe sacred space for you is
actually giving yourself time to experience the beauty God has already laid out
for us to behold.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is no wrong way, only your way.</div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-7825789146573428212012-12-05T05:37:00.003-08:002012-12-05T08:19:12.633-08:00Journaling the Journey: Show Up<br />
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Today's post is by <i>Deb Lewis:</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some of us FCC folks have committed to regular (I’m shooting
for daily) journaling in this “Journey to Jesus”. We write in so many ways that
we take the gift of writing for granted: our grocery list, the note about
tomorrow morning’s dentist appointment, and on and on. At least in a small way,
any words put down on paper or on the computer even casually, briefly or of
necessity (like the grocery list) say something about us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But sometimes, many (most?) of us carve out a block of time
and find a place, pick up a pen or sit at a keyboard, and allow our mind to
walk through a door marked “Writer”. The brain engages hand, and the words are
chosen. We might simply be recording a thought or observation – there, it’s
down in black-and-white. We may wad it up and throw it away or hit the delete
key, but even this has changed us, just for having walked through that door. On
the other hand, we may save the words as a record because they capture
something about who we are: I live, I am here, I matter. Our words become a
milepost for our journey.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This may inspire us to purchase a journal and a nice pen (or
set of colored ones to match our mood as it changes). A warning for those like
me – I’ve done this, spent several dollars for a bound journal, then have
hardly used it because my words just don’t seem worthy of recording in
something so nice. So I’ve put my nearly empty bound journal aside and, since
last spring, I’ve been writing on a yellow notepad. For the coming weeks of the
Advent journey, I’ve gone slightly more upscale – a spiral bound composition notebook
with cute puppies and flowers on the cover, an investment of less than $2. </div>
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Another problem that I’ve run into as a writer, whether of poetry,
journaling or other forms of writing, is soon bumping into my internal censor
or critic. You know, the one that says, “You can’t <u>really</u> write.” “This
is a waste of time when you ought to be doing ____.” “Your spelling or grammar are
too ‘atroshus’ to be a good writer.” “You just can’t get your thoughts together
this morning, so why bother.” “You’re too busy to write right now.” So in my
journal (and the small group of us who met this past Sunday afternoon did this,
as well), I imagined a form for my censor/critic, drew it on the inside cover,
then took a red crayon and X’ed it out. My censor/critic is banished, not
welcome here – or at least that’s my intent! (We’ll see how it goes…)</div>
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So with this introduction, I invite you to journal y<u>our</u>
journey in this Advent Season! And, if you want to share your experiences of
journaling, and learn from others on the journey, I invite you to join us on
Sunday afternoons! [A slight note of caution here, though: don’t write your
journal with the thought that you’ll be sharing your words with us directly from
it – that’s a cue for your censor/critic to show up.] Pay attention and take
pleasure in whatever you write, whether journaling or otherwise – even your
grocery list! But this Sunday we’ll also start to explore how we can be open to
the holy and write with deeper meaning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Blessings on your journey,</div>
Deb Lewis</div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-30201577868611997432012-12-04T05:22:00.000-08:002012-12-04T05:22:32.457-08:00Seeing Christ in OthersToday's post is by <i>Tim Button-Harrison</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Leo Tolstoy’s “Papa Panov’s Special Christmas” tells of an old shoemaker
who has a vision on Christmas eve where Jesus comes to him and says, “Tomorrow
on Christmas I will come and visit you. But look carefully, for I shall
not tell you who I am.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
He wakes the next morning and invites the cold street cleaner into his home for
a cup of tea, all the while looking past him for a sign of his special
visitor. Later, a young woman and child come by and, noticing the child’s
cold, bare feet, he offers her his special little shoes he had been saving, but
still no visit from Jesus. Throughout the day, beggars come by and Papa
Panov offers them comfort and food, but at day’s end he sadly concludes
the vision was only a dream for Jesus never came.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
But suddenly, he realized he is not alone and he begins to see all the people
who had come to him that day, the old road sweeper, the young mother and her
baby, and the beggars he had fed. As passing by, each whispered, “Didn’t you
see me, Papa Panov?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
“Who are you?” he called out, bewildered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his vision, the voice of
Jesus. “I was hungry and you fed me,” he said. “I was naked and you
clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of
those you helped and welcomed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of his big clock ticking. A great
peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov’s heart
until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
“So he did come after all!” was all that he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> "Look carefully” at the people who are in your life and also those in the world
all around you this Advent and Christmas. What if Jesus is your spouse,
your neighbor, your store clerk, your garbage collector, your child, your
letter-carriers, your co-worker, in disguise? And what about all the
strangers you see in passing cars, in stores, in restaurants, walking down the
sidewalk? Who are they? What is their life story? Could it be
that the light of Christ is shining within them? Could it be they are
also Jesus in disguise?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
How might you regard someone differently, even a stranger, if you knew that
person might be Jesus?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-66056137635543569932012-12-02T15:57:00.000-08:002012-12-02T15:57:30.328-08:00Advent "Journey to Jesus" Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ9N80sFLxY/ULveED8lGlI/AAAAAAAAAN4/fLP4wJ11ZTI/s1600/where'sJesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ9N80sFLxY/ULveED8lGlI/AAAAAAAAAN4/fLP4wJ11ZTI/s320/where'sJesus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We begin our Advent "Journey to Jesus" with a DREAM. In Matthew's gospel, Joseph was going to dismiss Mary quietly for becoming pregnant by someone other than him. That was the good and "righteous" thing to do. It was also compassionate. No one could fault Joseph. <br />
<br />
But then Joseph had a DREAM. And, as dreams do, it called upon him to have a bigger vision of the future. Don't dismiss Mary quietly, even though that is a good and proper thing to do. Marry her! Joseph's dream invited him to be part of God's plan and purposes. Joseph's dream invited him to rise even higher than being a "righteous" man. Joseph's dream asked him to give up fear and take up the courage to believe something greater was going on and he could be part of it. God is coming to live among us and Joseph, because he paid attention to his dream, got to be part of that good news of great joy to all the people.<br />
<br />
Advent is a time to get in touch with your dreams. It is is time to focus on what really matters; a time to deepen awareness of God in our midst - among us - and to live faithfully to that awareness. December can be fraught with a flurry of activity and shopping and commercials and glitter and lights that direct our focus on things that do not bring abundant life. This time leading up to "Christmas" in the commercial sense can leave Jesus and the meaning of his birth lost. It's like the picture. "Where's Jesus"? (Based on the "Where's Waldo" books) In order to "find" Jesus, or make room in our lives and hearts for Jesus, or to stay true to the "reason for the season," I want you to ponder these questions:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What is God's dream?</li>
<li>What is God's dream for me?</li>
<li>What fears hold me back?</li>
<li>How can I bring good news of great joy in my daily life?</li>
<li>How can I give gifts that honor the spirit and meaning of Jesus' birth?</li>
<li>How will Christ be born in me this season?</li>
</ul>
Maybe you want to keep an Advent journal of your thoughts and reflections on these and other questions. You may also want to use the Advent Prayer Calendar to guide you in an intentional way. Feel free to respond to these questions or post your own. Blessings to all on the journey!<br />
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<br />Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-61872279397993117492011-12-05T08:53:00.001-08:002011-12-05T09:03:48.619-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kItB35gRVE/Ttz226X85xI/AAAAAAAAAFc/hvqBXQDRuIU/s1600/photo_257_20091207.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kItB35gRVE/Ttz226X85xI/AAAAAAAAAFc/hvqBXQDRuIU/s1600/photo_257_20091207.6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Expecting the Holy</b></div>
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Advent and Christmas, 2011</div>
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This graphic by Jan Richardson makes me think about the anticipation of this season of Advent. I remember, as a child, being filled with wonder and expectation. I look at this graphic and I can already imagine the kinds of things I might see coming through the door, as well as the kinds of things I might see if I stand in that pointed doorway and look out.</div>
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When we think of the word "expecting" there are a lot of connotations. When I was pregnant, it was common to hear my state described as "expecting". So, as we anticipate the birth of the Christ child, we see how that word makes sense. But even if you haven't had the experience of giving birth, you, no doubt, have found yourself "expecting." When you expect something, you look for signs of it's coming. When you expect something, you interpret what you see and experience through the lens of your expectation. When you expect something, you lean forward and watch, your heart beats a bit faster and you feel a bit more alive and engaged in the world around you.</div>
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So what if this Advent season, we seriously expected the Holy? What if we anticipated the birth of the divine in our time and in our place? What if we allowed that expectancy to influence how we experienced the world and how we saw the signs that just seem to be everywhere when we are expecting? We just might find the Holy in all kinds of places and people and situations! We just might find room for God to live among us in ways we hadn't quite imagined before. </div>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-61927307410072657412011-04-22T08:17:00.000-07:002011-04-22T08:18:20.497-07:00Holy Adventure - Day 41<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">Today is Day 41 in our Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I first began, I thought tomorrow would be Day 41 (I miscalculated), and that the next day would be Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How grand!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But instead, Day 41 falls on Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus’ death on a cross.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And there will be one more day before we can greet the dawn of Easter morning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So with our 41 day adventure completed today, with the completion of Jesus’ earthly life, tomorrow will be just what it is and should be… a day of silence and waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tomorrow, Holy Saturday, will be a day for being in prayer, keeping vigil and contemplating what it is like to live in hope of things yet unseen.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Because of Easter, we do know “the end” of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We do know that life is stronger than death and love is strong than hate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But because of our lives and experiences, we know that it is sometimes hard to keep the Easter promise before us in our day to day living, especially when times get tough.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Because of Easter, we know that the adventure continues with ever new characters (like us) and ever knew situations drawing our attention and needing our response.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In today’s reading Epperly writes, “Psalm 118:24 proclaims, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!’<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Think of that – this is the day! Salvation and wholeness are available right now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We live eternal life one moment at a time every day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each moment is holy and provides an opportunity to be God’s partner in healing our lives and the entire universe.” (p.203)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Today is another day in the eternity of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, in that regard, is just another day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today is also Good Friday when we remember one who was willing to give his earthly life in order to truly live abundantly in love and in tune with God’s dreams and visions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How are you being called to lay your life down for the sake of God’s dreams and visions?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It may not mean crucifixion, but it may mean times of uncertainty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It may take you out of your comfort zone and ask you to risk and dare for the sake of God’s hopes and calling.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">In this time when we go with Jesus to the cross, and wait in hope and wonder for signs of the resurrection, let us reflect upon our experience of this 41 Days of Audacious Living and allow God to speak to us and call us forth into a new day – a day made for joy and hope and risk-taking adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-14165576914452692362011-04-20T07:07:00.001-07:002011-04-20T07:07:46.036-07:00Holy Adventure - Day 39<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">The scripture at the opening of today’s reading is one that has always captivated my imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is from I Corinthians 13 – Paul’s great “love” chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But usually the reader stops before they get to this particular verse, and yet, it is within the context of this discourse about real, lasting love that comes to this point of mystery and grace.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully know.” </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I Corinthians 13:12<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">This verse, in the context of talking about love, reminds us of our need to be humble, because, let’s face it, none of us “knows it all.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We always need to leave room for the fact that what we think we know isn’t the whole picture, and that we may actually not have it “right.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is always more.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">This is a week of keeping it real and humble as we recount Jesus’ last week and the events leading to his execution.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We know the disciples, those closest to Jesus, betrayed, denied, and abandoned Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We know others spun the situation and incited the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We know that in the “end” the power of love and life prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But, we don’t really know how it works.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is much mystery surrounding faith and life and Jesus and God and our own lives and the purpose and meaning of life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is always more.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">There is a song that was sung in worship on a couple of occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I close with a link to the song “More” by Tyrone Wells.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hope it inspires you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98YyCqPVYHE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98YyCqPVYHE</a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-32564121394368647082011-04-19T07:31:00.000-07:002011-04-19T07:32:13.433-07:00Holy Adventure - Day 38<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">Grief and loss are a significant part of the human experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we are young, we lose a grandparent or beloved pet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We move and have to say good bye to people we’ve come to know.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we experienced those kind of losses, how we handled it was certainly influenced by those around us, particularly our parents.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did they allow us to feel the pain of the loss, or did they tell us to pick our chin up?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did they listen to our questions or did they say “it must have been God’s plan” and cut off conversation?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">The older we get, the more loss and grief we face in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sometimes it can be overwhelming and we try to block out the uncomfortable feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sometimes we allow ourselves to feel the pain and loss.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sometimes we try to figure out why the loss?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who is to blame?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How could it have been prevented?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sometimes we shut ourselves off from others so we don’t have to feel the pain of more loss.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Grief is a process, and it is ongoing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we grieve, we remember the person or the place or situation and what it meant to us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We remember the gifts we received from the person or situation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But there can also be hard memories.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Few relationships or life circumstances are all joy and delight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Usually there are difficult times and challenges, and that can be even harder to allow ourselves to remember and feel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe it seems as though we should only remember the good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But life is full of ups and downs and it is okay to remember the whole range and to thank God for the challenging times as well as the joys.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Epperly quoted Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Only a suffering God can save.” (p.188).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Those words do provide comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They assert that not only are we surrounded by a whole race of people who suffer, grieve and experience loss (the human race), but we live in the presence of a God who knows our suffering and suffers with us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As we get closer to Good Friday, the day Jesus died on the cross, we realize that surely God suffered as Jesus suffered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Surely God is not removed from our weakness and pain, but transforms it into new life and promise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-63934876961453601752011-04-18T06:56:00.001-07:002011-04-18T06:56:30.850-07:00Holy Adventure - Day 37<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">Have you ever had a “near death” experience?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I was in my early 20s I had a couple of them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both involved car accidents when I thought I had no chance of surviving, but somehow, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was not panicked in those moments, I was completely at peace.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was surprising, really, to be that young and feel at peace with the thought of dying.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But that was my experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since that time, I think I have taken a different view of my own death.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t seem to fear it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now don’t get me wrong, I do not want to die anytime soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I feel responsible to do my part to life and long and healthy of a life as I can.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">My “fear” around the idea of death and dying comes more around those I love.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I probably do have some fears related to Tim dying or my children dying or even my siblings dying.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I want those I love to have long and good lives and I wouldn’t want anything to cut that short.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That’s probably a very obvious thing to say.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I suspect all of us feel that way, even though we know Paul’s words to be true: “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">As we go through this week and contemplate the death and dying of Jesus, those words take on a deeper and fuller meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As we move toward the cross this week, we know that God was there and is there even when we falter and fail as the disciples did.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We know that love is stronger than any earthly thing, even stronger than death itself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7463857931718079879.post-82448279553185320402011-04-16T09:12:00.000-07:002011-04-16T09:13:01.760-07:00Holy Adventure - Day 35<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">I found today’s reading especially inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most of us probably know or are related to someone with Alzheimer’s and have had thoughts, questions, observations and many prayers for those<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>who have it as well as their caregivers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I found these words of Epperly’s very comforting, “God’s enduring love and unfailing memory remind us that we can believe on behalf of others, and others can believe on behalf of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We can heal them by our healing words and touch and by singing hymns of faith, and vice versa.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have seen that happen time and time again and know it is God at work in and through all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is that assurance that can really give a peace and a joy that is soul-deep.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">Today marks the end of week 5 of our Holy Adventure!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One week left to go.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But this is not any ordinary week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tomorrow begins Holy Week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And Holy Week is a very important time in the spiritual and faith life of those who follow Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Holy Week begins with recalling how Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young animal to the shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It ends with his own beloved betraying him, denying him, the shouts of “Crucify him!”, death on a cross and burial in a tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Holy Week begins in hope and celebration and ends in darkness, death, and despair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"">I would encourage each of you not to take the short-cut to Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rather, allow yourself to go through the struggle and pain and darkness with Jesus so that the power and glory of Easter may be all the more amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Read, reflect, journal, do the spiritual exercises.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Come to worship tomorrow for Palm Sunday, and again on Maundy Thursday (at First United Methodist Church, 7pm).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Join the Good Friday procession at noon (starting at Bandshell park) as we, like Jesus carry the cross and hear the story of Jesus death.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sign up to be part of the Easter Prayer Vigil that begins at 1pm Friday and goes until 6am Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Live fully in this Holy Adventure leading to Easter!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pastor Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432558201359465394noreply@blogger.com0