Timberline Old Town: Recent Episodes
Timberline Old Town
These are the weekend teachings from Timberline Old Town Church in Ft. Collins, CO. Darren Fred is the primary communicator, though there are a smattering of guests spread here and there. Also, check out the Speaking of Art segments. We love art, we love what artists have to say about art. For more info about who we are, visit timberlineoldtown.org.
Listen in for an announcement about Timberline Old Town transitioning to the Commonplace Church.
Jesus' friends are alarmed that someone who is not "one of us" is casting out demons. Listen to how Jesus responds to this us/them narrative.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
It's summer time! As we spend more of our time outside, what does the natural world - nature - tell us about God's nature? We'll consider a different part of nature each week: the cosmos, birds, water, fields, fire, desert, wind and people.
Kari Stewart - missions pastor at Timberline Church - joins us to let tell us about her adoption journey.
We had a bit of a streaming issue this week, so instead of the sermon, you'll hear a segment called "Recognition of Souls" led by Katrina Tomlin.
Our apologies for the audio quality today. Hope it's still a useful listen. Cover Image: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Since there is a fifth Sunday this month, we're taking part in a congregational service project this from wherever you are! Letter writing is a beautiful practice. Today, we'll write letters to those in our neighborhoods who are often overlooked and commonly dismissed. Take a few minutes with us to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for this letter writing practice. Then, head to https://everydayjoes.squarespace.com/s/Service-Sunday.pdf to download the instructions and templates!
We are taking a look at the year behind us, through the lenses of Colossians 3:12-17, and how to be with and for each other and with and for God. We'll be back in person in the new year!
Cover Image: Illustration by Natasha Miloshevich on Behance
That's a wrap. Our last pillar to building a life in Christ: trust.
Cover Image: "the Blowup" on Unsplash
We're continuing a month looking at the wisdom literature in James, and how it might guide us towards a life of wholeness in Christ.
Cover Image: Parsoa Khorsand on Unsplash
We're continuing a month looking at the wisdom literature in James, and how it might guide us towards a life of wholeness in Christ.
Cover Image: Beth Hope
We're continuing a month looking at the wisdom literature in James, and how it might guide us towards a life of wholeness in Christ.
Cover Image: By Fondation Le Corbusier
We're starting a month looking at the wisdom literature in James.
Cover Image: By Fondation Le Corbusier
Cast your bread upon the water and it will return to you.
Cover image: YUCAR FotoGrafik on Unsplash
Good morning! We're wrapping up our time in Colossians today. Have a listen, if ya fancy.
Cover Image: Ivan Shemereko on Unsplash
What does it mean to set your mind on things above?
Cover Image: Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
We're in Colossians.
Cover Image: Koenig, Peter. A House Built on Rock, from Art in the Christian Tradition
We're starting a series in Colossians. Here's a physics lesson, basketball, and talk of the preeminence of Christ.
Cover Image: Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
Cover Image: Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble[a] and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants. He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield. By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish. When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow, he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth. Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
Psalm 107
Cover Image: Boston Public Library on Unsplash
"I wait for the Lord. My soul waits."
Cover Image: Péterfy, László. Angel of the Plains, from Art in the Christian Tradition
We're starting a series through the Psalms.
"Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, 'Glory!'
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!"
Psalm 29
Cover Image: Eric Muhr on Unslash
It's Pentecost Sunday, according to the church calendar. Join Darren as he shares a few old stories with us.
Cover Image: Kossowski, Adam. Veni Sancti Spiritus
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you." John 15:12-14
Cover Image: Áron Kovács on Unsplash
Welcome to the first week of our online specific service. We are posting the whole thing here, rather than just the message. Tune in and let us know what you think.
Cover Image: "Untitled" by Emil J. Bisttram
You are God's child,
Gifted with dreams and visions.
Upon you rests the grace of God like flames of fire.
Love and serve the Lord in the wildness of your being.
Practice Resurrection.
And may the deep peace of Christ be with you,
The strong arms of God sustain you,
And the glory of the Holy Spirit shine upon your face.
Amen.
Cover Image: Henry Moore, Untitled, head of a sheep, 1972
Holy and righteous God, You raised Christ from the dead and glorified Him at your right hand. Let the words of scripture, fulfilled in Jesus your Son, burn within our hearts and open our minds to recognize Him. Amen.
Cover Image: "Christ Cares for All," from Art in the Christian Tradition
We hear from guest speaker Mandy, who shares her story of family, adoption, and caring for those in great need. She shares her scars and the redemptive work of Jesus in her life.
Cover Image: Turrell, James. "Skyspace," from Art in the Christian Tradition
I'll show you my scars and you can show me yours.
And we can both come back from the dead.
Will you help me see when Hope in your possibilities became expectations for my own privilege?
Cover Image: Talking Friends by Liviu Mihai
What do you want to carry out of the wilderness?
What keeps you from letting go, reckless in your love?
What if we didn't hoard the good seed of our lives? What fruit might grow?
Cover Image: Agnes Denes, Wheatfield - A Confrontation. Two acres of wheat planted and harvested by the artist, Battery Park Landfill, 1982
If you would enter into the wilderness,
do not begin without a blessing.
Do not leave without hearing who you are:
Beloved, named by the One who has traveled this path before you.
Do not go without letting it echo in your ears,
and if you find it is hard to let it into your heart,
do not despair.
That is what this journey is for.
I cannot promise this blessing will free you from danger,
from fear,
from hunger,
or thirst,
from the scorching of sun
or the fall
of the night.
But I can tell you that on this path,
there will be help.
I can tell you that on this way,
there will be rest.
I can tell you that
you will know that strange graces
that come to our aid only on a road such as this,
that fly to meet us bearing comfort and strength,
that come alongside us for no other cause
than to lean themselves toward our ear
and with their curious insistence
whisper our name,
Beloved.
Beloved.
Beloved.
-Jan Richardson from "Circle of Grace"
Cover Image: Pittman, Lauren Wright. "A Choice" from Art in the Christian Tradition
What do you hate so much that you would make a scene to confront it?
What do you love so much that you might act the fool?
Confession: O God, I recognize I have not done all I can to provide access to your house, your family, by my actions and inactions. Forgive me. O Christ, may the passion you have for hospitality toward all be my passion as well. Contemplation and Action: Pay attention to the spaces where you feel known at home. Who’s being left out? What can I do to welcome them? Cover Image: Miguel Henriques on Unsplash
Return to wonder. There are mounts of transfiguration.
You may not be able to tell it and be understood. It’s okay.
These transfigurative events are to remind us that in Christ there is no distance.
These transfigurative events are God’s reminder that you are uniquely known and loved
Practice radical humility
Resist the temptation of shortcuts
Receive sustaining presences
Remember who you are
Cover Image: Otl Aicher, Walking In the Desert, 1982
There is still work to be done against the sin of racism, with justice. Love is justice, and justice is love. These are the times.
Cover Art: "Frustration" by Nester Formentera
Cover Image: Nandi & Natalie, Bisa Butler, 2007
We all have our truths, and they are already fully known by God. Will we tell them honestly? Will we listen to the truths of others with compassion and empathy?
In a time to condemn, Jesus created a time to pause and consider our hearts. Will we hear his invitation towards this healing? Will we listen?
Cover image: "Just as We are One" by Laura James
We're hanging out in Ecclesiastes for a while.
everywhere people are being born
everywhere people are passing on
our souls are content.
In Ecclesiastes there is an invitation to gather together and look at our lives made up of mystery, contradiction, paradox, vapor, smoke...and to see where it all mysteriously finds grounding in God.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
What time is it for as we enter through the through the threshold of a New Year? Who is the Thin Silence of God calling us to be? What do we need to welcome as we step further into the loving heart of Christ?
Image: Grotto of Sarrazine near Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, 1864, Gustave Courbet
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Description
Download our guide to the Advent season here!
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Download our guide to the Advent season here!
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Download our guide to the Advent season here!
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Download our guide to the Advent season here!
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Do we live thinking we have everything to offer? Are we willing to understand we have everything to receive?
Cover Image: Vergesslicher Engel, 1939, Paul Klee
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Photo by Alexander Milo on Unsplash
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Cover Image: Love One Another, Laura James, 2000
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Cover Image: Love One Another, Laura James, 2000
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Cover Image: Andrew Ridley on Unsplash
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Interior of Standen, an arts and crafts family home designed by Philip Webb with interiors by William Morris, 19th century
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Cover Image: Festival of Lights, Serigraph 30 ¾” x 24”, John August Swanson, 2000
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Cover Image: Cover Image: Emmy Lou Packard, Hawaiian Birds, 1950s
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Please read! From Pastor Darren Fred:
Before you listen to this week’s sermon (or even if you don’t), I need to make a confession and an apology. I used the word fat to characterize myself in a personal illustration about being inspired toward exercise and physical fitness several years ago. This was wrong. This is harmful. I believe we should not use the word fat to describe a person: ourselves or anyone else. We all have fat cells in our body — healthy and unhealthy. Many of us have struggled with feelings of shame related to our bodies. Language feeds that narrative. I am angry at myself and sorry to you for failing to uphold this conviction. I am thankful to the person who spoke kindly to me about this after Sunday’s service. If you wish to speak to me personally about this, I am open. Thank you for reading this.
Cover Image:
Paul Klee, Fire at Full Moon, 1933. Aquarelle over Paste Color on Grounded Canvas.
Cover Image: Gregory Colbert, Ash & Snow
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Also, this week, we had some trouble with Darren's audio. So we have included a copy of his sermon here.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are practicing Safer At Home, we are posting our full service in the podcast! Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are on a Stay-At-Home mandate, we are posting our full service. Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are on a Stay-At-Home mandate, we are posting our full service. Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are on a Stay-At-Home mandate, we are posting our full service. Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
What is it to encounter the resurrected Christ? What happens when we do? What happens physiologically when we smile? Join us Easter Sunday morning as we share our favorite stories of encountering ressurection in the Bible, sing some of our favorite songs, and find out what happens when we smile.
What laments are you carrying in this unprecendented season? How might they echoe the laments of the earliest followers of Jesus, as they saw their hope literally die? Join us for a time of honest words, song, and reflection to consider these things and perhaps see how we are companions with Christ.
While we are on a Stay-At-Home mandate, we are posting our full service. Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
While we are on a Stay-At-Home mandate, we are posting our full service. Join us for worship and the sermon. We are glad you're with us.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Artwork
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Podcast thumbnail: Emil Nolde, Dschunke mit grünem Segel | Junk with green sail, 1913.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Thumbnail:
Gerardo Dottori, City in Flames, 1926. Italy.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Randy Bacon is a photographer and filmmaker from Springfield, MO. His exhibit It Knows No Face: Stories Of Suicide Survivorswas on display in September 2019 in Bolt Gallery at Everyday Joe's Coffee House. Randy was kind enough to share his story with us on a Sunday morning.
For more info, visit 7billionones.org
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Christy Nelson is the Bolt Gallery featured artist for June 2019. She joined us on Sunday to talk about her Transform show, the importance of our stories, and the metamorphosis of seeing.
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Holy Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
Our weekly songs, readings and practices are now available in our Weekly Guide! We hope for it to be a catalyst for the movement of the Spirit through our week.
Sign up to receive it here.
Love -
Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's
TEXT
Matthew 16:24-36
TAKEAWAYS
1Write em down: “I am dust and ashes.” “The world was created just for me.”
2Less is more. What do I need to do or say less?
3Spend one full half hour in a natural setting meditating on the flow of life.
4Prayerfully, be who you are in conscious awareness of Christ’s presence
BENEDICTION
The grace of God means something like: "Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you."
There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it.
Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.
Amen.
- Frederick Buechner
SONGS WE SANG
Jesus Paid It All by Kings (MHM)
Heart Of Worship by Matt Redman
Love Song by Jason Morant
King Of My Heart by John Mark McMillan
TEXT
Philippians 2:1-4 MSG
Philippians 2:1-4 NIV
TAKEAWAYS
1 Surrender to Everyone
2 Pray for the person that annoys you
3 Go home, and let all your relatives off the potter's wheel. You are not the potter. - Joyce Meyeer
4 Listen through your screams to the wind still whispering: Don't give up -- Surrender! - Eric Ganther
BENEDICTION
By Rachel Held Evans, who recently passed away and we will miss.
God, go with us. Help us to be an honor to the church.
Give us the grace to follow Christ’s word,
to be clear in our task and careful in our speech.
Give us open hands and joyful hearts.
Let Christ be on our lips.
May our lives reflect a love of truth and compassion.
Let no one come to us and go away sad.
May we offer hope to the poor,
and solace to the disheartened.
Let us so walk before God’s people,
that those who follow us might come into his kingdom.
Let us sow loving seeds, words that are quick with life,
that faith may be the harvest in people’s hearts.
In word and in example let your light shine
in the dark like the morning star.
Do not allow the wealth of the world or its enchantment
flatter us into silence as to your truth.
Do not permit the powerful, or judges,
or our dearest friends
to keep us from professing what is right.
Amen.
PRACTICE
In forgetting ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (see the Message link above), consider this practice:
Pause ... when an interaction or situation causes something to rise up in you
Consider ... is this of weight or is this me just wanting people to be more like me?
Confess ... should the Holy Spirit show us we are keeping others at a distance because of superficial things
Surrender ... to our (God's) love of the person leading to an important conversation or letting it go.
RESOURCE
- During Recognition Of Souls, our friend Maggie lead us in a reading of the poem "To My Mother" by Wendell Berry. You can read that poem here.
- Rachel Held Evan's recently passed. Her book Searching For Sunday has been important to quite a few of us. Dig into her writings here.
SONGS WE SANG
The Earth Is Yours by Gungor
Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing by Audrey Assad
Twenty-Three by Aaron Strumpel
You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham
TEXT
Psalm 139:7-12
TAKEAWAYS
1 We have the Spirit
2 Get lost
3 Take a walk without a plan
4 Practice knowing as we go instead of knowing before we go
BENEDICTION
God go before you to lead you,
God go behind you to protect you,
God go beneath you to support you,
God go beside you to to befriend you.
Do not be afraid.
May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you.
Do not be afraid.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
PRACTICE
Get lost! Go for a walk without knowing where you're headed, pausing to notice what you come across, wondering about it with God. Go for a drive without destination. Follow interesting road signs. See where you end up. Wherever you end up, spend time in silence.
RESOURCES
Elizabeth Rooney: A Later-In-Life Poet
1A Podcast: The Curious Ways We Find (And Lose) Our Way
Busy week! Lydia Cruz - Bolt Gallery's featured artist for April 2019 - shared about the personal origins of her exhibit The Forest. Then we talked about breakfast.
SONGS WE SANG
Mightier by Aaron Strumpel
Your Love Never Runs Out by Loud Harp
Broken Vessels by Hillsong
Sins Are Stones by John Mark McMillan
TEXT
John 21:1-17 (MSG)
READINGS
“The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you’re smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature.”
- Phillips Brooks
“It is while you are patiently toiling at the little tasks of life that the meaning and shape of the great whole of life dawn on you.”
- Phillips Brooks
"What matters is not where we are, but who -- what real things -- are with us. "
- Robert Capon
BENEDICTION
O Lord,
refresh our sensibilities.
Give us this day our daily taste.
Restore to us soups that spoons will not sink in,
and sauces which are never the same twice.
Raise up among us stews with more gravy
than we have bread to blot it with,
and casseroles that put starch and substance
in our limp modernity.
Take away our fear of fat,
and make us glad of the oil
that ran upon Aaron’s beard.
Give us pasta with a hundred fillings,
and rice in a thousand variations.
Above all,
give us grace to live as true people—
to fast till we come to a refreshed sense
of what we have and then to dine gratefully
on all that comes to hand.
Drive far from us,
O Most Bountiful,
all creatures of air and darkness;
cast out the demons that possess us;
deliver us from the fear of calories
and the bondage of nutrition;
and set us free once more in our own land,
where we shall serve thee as thou hast blessed us—
with the dew of heaven,
the fatness of the earth,
and plenty of corn and wine.
Amen
-Robert Capon, from The Supper Of The Lamb: A Culinary Reflection
RESOURCE
Excerpt from The Supper Of The Lamb: A Culinary Reflection
PRACTICE
Set aside 15 minutes. Sit down with a piece of paper in front of you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you 'stand at your real height'. Begin to right down statements beginning with "The truth is..." Write statements until the time is up. What do you notice? What was difficult to write? What feels like provision? What feels like new life?
SONGS WE SANG
Weeping Mary by Loud Harp
Here With Me by Loud Harp
In Christ Alone by Passion
Because He Lives by David Crowder Band
TEXT
Luke 22:14-19
Luke 24:13-32
READINGS
“So this story isn’t yet primarily about Jesus. It’s about people like us, muddled & afraid but showing up, going to look, still not understanding, but unable to let go. About people like us finding a stone rolled away when we thought it was impossible, but not yet understanding why it’s happened or what’s going to happen next.”
- NT Wright
“To practice the sacrament of sacred presence is to be Jesus, and to see Jesus. It’s all right in front of us, here and now...Certainly, if we live in the past, we will be depressed. If we live in the future, we are guaranteed anxiety. Now is always vast and new. Like any practice, it’s not about technique or program. It’s a decision.”
- Gregory Boyle
TAKEAWAYS
- Look
- Linger
- Invite
PRACTICE
This week, practice the Prayer Of 3s as you feel invited:
- Take a moment to pause whatever you are doing and look up. Name 3 things you can see.
- Close your eyes. Name three things you can hear.
- Gently move three parts of your body.
- Take three deep breaths, in and out.
- Be thankful.
- Amen.
RESOURCE
Supper At Emmaus by Caravaggio
Consider practicing Visio Divina with this painting as reference.
Lent is a period of 40-days leading to Easter when we practice letting go in order to receive from God. Sometimes this letting go looks like giving up something very specific - sweets, coffee, etc - and our cravings for those things might draw us to God. Sometimes the letting go is a more internal, daily practice as we listen to the Holy Spirit. Regardless, Lent is both a time of more intense spiritual practice and a season of open-handed surrender rather than tight-fisted discipline.
During Lent, Sundays are feast days. Days when we celebrate mini-resurrections on the way to the resurrection of Christ. For Lent this year at Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe’s, we will enter into these mini-resurrections through the five senses in a series called Awakenings. The senses are signs of life, and we wonder what would happen if we were to be intentionally awake to them. This week, we enter into the sense of sight.
This particular Sunday as also a Movement Sunday. When a month has a fifth Sunday, we take it as an opportunity to break our normal pattern of worship, with the hopeful fruit being a breaking of tired patterns in our lives.
INVOCATION
The following poem by Malcolm Guite was inspired by the account in Mark of Jesus healing the deaf & mute man. Please receive it as our Lenten invitation to practice resurrection:
"Be Opened" by Malcolm Guite
Be opened. Oh if only we might be!
Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:
‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,
Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:
‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,
Speak to a church that closes and excludes,
And makes rejection its own litany:
‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes
For whom I died but whom you have dismissed
Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh
And still we do not hear you. We have missed
Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.
Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb
Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.
SONGS WE SANG
Deliverance by Strahan
Skeleton Bones by John Mark McMillan
Who You Say I Am by Hillsong
Oh How We Love You by United Pursuit
TEXT
Matthew 21:6-11
TAKEAWAYS
1 Reflect on a time you felt especially connected with the people around you.
2 Be curious.
3 Reflect on a time when you said "wow" to the mystery of Christ.
PRACTICE
This week, practice The Daily Examen. Ask the Holy Spirit moments in your day of connection and moments of "wow" to the mystery, whether you missed them or not.
RESOURCE
Watch this performance of "Wake Up" by The Arcade Fire
BENEDICTION
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!
Amen.
SONGS WE SANG
Give Me Your Hand by Aaron Strumpel
May You Find A Light by The Brilliance
I Lift My Eyes by Loud Harp
Relentless by Hillsong United
TEXTS
2 Corinthians 2:14 (MSG)
Psalm 23:1-3
READINGS
"The main thing about Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the atmosphere produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to look after, and it is the one thing that is being continually assailed."
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
“Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to you with my empty cup … If only I had known you better, I’d have come running with a bucket.”
Nancy Spiegelberg
TAKEAWAYS
1 How could beyond me hospitality make a difference in the life of someone you know today?
2 What do you need to exhale today? What can you inhale to take its place?
PRACTICE This week, consider making Breath Prayer a daily practice.
RESOURCES
Smell by Frederick Buechner
Lent is a period of 40-days leading to Easter when we practice letting go in order to receive from God. Sometimes this letting go looks like giving up something very specific - sweets, coffee, etc - and our cravings for those things might draw us to God. Sometimes the letting go is a more internal, daily practice as we listen to the Holy Spirit. Regardless, Lent is both a time of more intense spiritual practice and a season of open-handed surrender rather than tight-fisted discipline.
During Lent, Sundays are feast days. Days when we celebrate mini-resurrections on the way to the resurrection of Christ. For Lent this year at Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe’s, we will enter into these mini-resurrections through the five senses in a series called Awakenings. The senses are signs of life, and we wonder what would happen if we were to be intentionally awake to them. This week, we enter into the sense of sight.
This particular Sunday as also a Movement Sunday. When a month has a fifth Sunday, we take it as an opportunity to break our normal pattern of worship, with the hopeful fruit being a breaking of tired patterns in our lives.
INVOCATION
The following poem by Malcolm Guite was inspired by the account in Mark of Jesus healing the deaf & mute man. Please receive it as our Lenten invitation to practice resurrection:
"Be Opened" by Malcolm Guite
Be opened. Oh if only we might be!
Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:
‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,
Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:
‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,
Speak to a church that closes and excludes,
And makes rejection its own litany:
‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes
For whom I died but whom you have dismissed
Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh
And still we do not hear you. We have missed
Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.
Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb
Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.
ORDER OF SERVICE
HOPES FOR THE DAY:
- Beautiful Trinity, may this day be retreat and rest for each of us.
- Beautiful Trinity, may this day be a pattern interrupt - may something might catch our eyes, pass through our line of sight - and cause us to pause and notice and wonder.
- Beautiful trinity, may this morning be a moment of pause - may this feast day, this mini-celebration of aliveness through sight - that would cause a movement of newly alive, newly refreshed sight during the week.
SONG: Beautiful by Phil Wickham
MOVEMENT 1: What Do You Want Me To Do For You?
Text: Luke 18:35-43
Quote: "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." - Helen Keller
Prayer:
Close both eyes see with the other one.
Then we are no longer saddled by the burden of our persistent judgments
our ceaseless withholding
our constant exclusion.
Our sphere has widened and we find ourselves quite unexpectedly in a new, expansive location
in a place of endless acceptance
and infinite love.
Amen.
(Father Gregory Boyle)
SONG: Be Thou My Vision
MOVEMENT 2: How Do You See?
Text: Matthew 5:3-8
Prayer:
Close both eyes see with the other one.
Then we are no longer saddled by the burden of our persistent judgments
our ceaseless withholding
our constant exclusion.
Our sphere has widened and we find ourselves quite unexpectedly in a new, expansive location
in a place of endless acceptance
and infinite love.
Amen.
(Father Gregory Boyle)
SONG: I Lift My Eyes by Loud Harp
MOVEMENT 3: Who Do You See?
Reading:
"What this means is that even if you are socially shy and generally inarticulate about spiritual matters -- and I say this as someone who finds casual social interactions often quite difficult and my own feelings about faith intractably mute -- you must not swerve from the engagements God offers you. These will occur in the most unlikely places, and with people for whom your first instinct may be aversion. Dietrich Bonhoeffer says that Christ is always stronger in our brother's heart than in our own, which is to say, first, that we depend on others for our faith, and second, that the love of Christ is not something you can ever hoard. Human love catalyzes the love of Christ. And this explains why that love seems at once so forceful and so fugitive, and why, "while we speak of this, and yearn toward it," as Augustine says, "we barely touch it in a quick shudder of the heart."
Prayer:
Close both eyes see with the other one.
Then we are no longer saddled by the burden of our persistent judgments
our ceaseless withholding
our constant exclusion.
Our sphere has widened and we find ourselves quite unexpectedly in a new, expansive location
in a place of endless acceptance
and infinite love.
Amen.
(Father Gregory Boyle)
SONG: Brother by The Brilliance
RESOURCE
This TED talk about how we learn to see
and this TED interview about how going blind gives you vision
BENEDICTION
May your soul beautify
The desire of your eyes
That you might glimpse
The infinity that hides
In the simple sights
That seem worn
To your usual eyes
Amen
John O’Donohue
SONGS WE SANG
Deliverance by Strahan
Skeleton Bones by John Mark McMillan
Who You Say I Am by Hillsong
Oh How We Love You by United Pursuit
INVOCATION
"Be Opened" by Malcolm Guite
Be opened. Oh if only we might be!
Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:
‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,
Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:
‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,
Speak to a church that closes and excludes,
And makes rejection its own litany:
‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes
For whom I died but whom you have dismissed
Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh
And still we do not hear you. We have missed
Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.
Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb
Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.
TEXT
John 1:35-39
TAKEAWAYS
1 What is a food I used to hate and now I’m crazy about it?
2 What is a change I made in my life that surprised me?
3 What is a change I’ve wanted to make for a long time? What is a move I’ve been putting off and it’s time to take the first step?
PRACTICE
Try one new taste per day. Give an old taste another chance. Keep a taste journal for the week.
RESOURCE
Watch Babette's Feast! You can watch the trailer here.
BENEDICTION
And when you partake
Of food and drink,
May your taste quicken
To the gift and sweetness
That flows from the earth.
Amen
John O’Donohue
ISONGS WE SANG
Centuries by Aaron Strumpel
Great Are You Lord by All Sons and Daughters
Broken Vessels/Amazing Grace by Hillsong
King Of My Heart by John Mark McMillan
INVOCATION
"Be Opened" by Malcolm Guite
Be opened. Oh if only we might be!
Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:
‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,
Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:
‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,
Speak to a church that closes and excludes,
And makes rejection its own litany:
‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes
For whom I died but whom you have dismissed
Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh
And still we do not hear you. We have missed
Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.
Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb
Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.
TEXT
Matthew 9:18-26
Mark 10:13-16
Matthew 8:1-4
TAKEAWAYS
1 If applicable, hold you’re partners hand more.
2 If you don’thave a partner, hold a friend’s hand occasionally.
3 Pay attention to those who are alone.
PRACTICE
Keep a touch journal this week. What did I feel? How did I feel? What did I learn about creation, about me, about the creator?
RESOURCE
TED Talk: Why We Hold Hands by Dr. James Coan: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1UMHUPPQ96c
BENEDICTION
May the touch of your skin
Register the beauty
Of the otherness
That surrounds you.
Amen
SONGS WE SANG
Great Are You Lord by All Sons & Daughters
How Beautiful by Mosaic
Dirt by The Collection
How He Loves Us by John Mark McMillan
INVOCATION
"Be Opened" by Malcolm Guite
Be opened. Oh if only we might be!
Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:
‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,
Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:
‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,
Speak to a church that closes and excludes,
And makes rejection its own litany:
‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes
For whom I died but whom you have dismissed
Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh
And still we do not hear you. We have missed
Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.
Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb
Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.
TEXT
Luke 1:39-45
1 Samuel 16:14-18, 23
TAKEAWAYS
1 What am I hearing that I need to stop hearing?
2 What am I not hearing that I need to start hearing?
3 Listen to the birds of the air
4 Listen to music without words
5 Listen to a voice that you wouldn't ordinarily
BENEDICTION
May your listening be attuned
To the deeper silence
Where sound is honed
To bring distance home
Amen.
(John O'Donohue)
SONGS WE SANG
All Creatures Of Our God And King by St. Francis of Assissi
Satisfied In You by Sing Team
(27) Take Heart by Loud Harp
Build My Life by Housefires
TEXT
Mark 4:1-20
TAKEAWAYS
The seed is good
We feel like fools
It’s not a secret to be de-coded. It’s a mystery to be experienced
Hold space (Our soil)
- confess weakness and sin
- Receive love and grace
- Cultivate gifts
- Pay attention
BENEDICTION
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.
Amen.
(Elizabeth Barrett Browning)
SONGS WE SANG
Who You Say I Am by Hillsong
God Is So Good by Pat Barrett
Almighty God by Sandra McCracken
Immanuel by Loud Harp
TEXT
Mark 2:15-16
TAKEAWAYS
1Go where you go, but go differently.
2 Questions To Consider:
Who am I avoiding?
Who am I keeping separated?
With whom do I need to have a 21 minute conversation?
3 Have coffee with two of your friends who've never met each other
4 Throw a party and invite people you're not sure will like each other
BENEDICTION
A Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Melissa Carmon is the Bolt Gallery featured artist for February and March 2019. She joined us on Sunday to talk about her series of portraits titled Eternal Color, what eternal echoes reach from their lives to ours, and how we might go with all of it.
SONGS WE SANG
Brother by The Brilliance
Too Proud by Enter The Worship Circle
How Beautiful by Mosaic
Build My Life by Housefires
TAKEAWAYS
Go where you go, but go differently.
BENEDICTION
A Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
SONGS WE SANG
Divine Romance by Phil Wickham
How Beautiful by Mosaic
Reckless Love by Cory Asbury
From The Inside Out by Hillsong
TEXT
Matthew 18:21-35
TAKEAWAYS
1 Practice generous thinking
2 Where might I have a scarcity mentality?
3 Practice paying attention to the gifts we receive, great and small.
4 What do I need to pass on?
5 Truly generous people know who they are and embody mercy
BENEDICTION
Love After Love
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life. Amen. Read more at http://timberlineoldtown.libsyn.com/darren-fred-words-for-the-year-pray#Ud7TrDKXJxem02Hy.99
SONGS WE SANG
Mightier by Aaron Strumpel
Too Proud by Enter The Worship Circle
Fire And The Flood by Loud Harp
Relentless by Hillsong United
TEXT
Luke 18:9-14
TAKEAWAYS
1 Prayer is an antidote (a medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison) for my brain’s chaos and despair including but not limited to anxiety, fear, jealousy, hate, disorientation, insecurity, and saying or doing stupid stuff.
2 Find your prayer(s)
3 Join us Wednesday at noon for midweek prayer at the shop, or join online here.
RESOURCES
Podcast: Jill Bolte Taylor "My Stroke Of Insight"
BENEDICTION
Lord Jesus Christ Son Of God Have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen. ***PRACTICE*** This week, set aside 90 seconds each day to recite the Jesus Prayer: *Lord Jesus Christ* *Son Of God* *Have mercy on me, a sinner.* *Amen.*
We set aside this particular Sunday to spotlight U COUNT, an organization that works to increase awareness of the crime of global sex trafficking and support at risk women, children, and survivors of sex slavery through three fronts: global projects, domestic efforts, and the marketplace. The theme for the morning was "Change Their Story" SONGS WE SANG
Free by Gungor
Beautiful Things by Gungor
White As Snow by Jon Foreman Love Song by Jason Morant
RESOURCE
Video: U COUNT Campaign Info Graphic Information: U Count Campaign
BENEDICTION
Father, We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who showed loving kindness to the powerless, that You will grant to the people of this nation the will to do good, to flee from evil, and to practice all righteousness, making us respectful of life and sharers of Your blessings, caring for one another in mercy and truth. Amen
PRACTICE
Think of someone who you know very well, whose story you know very well. Holding their face in your mind, say this prayer: Remember to be kind Endeavor to be aware Of the quiet world That lives behind each face. Think of someone whose story you've decided you know. Someone who you've written a narrative about, that you might need to let go of. Holding their face in your mind, say this prayer: Remember to be kind Endeavor to be aware Of the quiet world That lives behind each face. Now, see your own face. Knowing your own story, say this prayer: Remember to be kind Endeavor to be aware Of the quiet world *That lives behind each face. from To Bless The Space Between Us by John O'Donohue*
SONGS WE SANG
Spirit Move by Bethel Music
Nothing I Hold Onto by United Pursuit
Psalm 29 by Shawn Keefer
King Of My Heart by John Mark McMillan
TEXT
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
TAKEAWAYS
1
The worst suffering is suffering alone.
2
The curse of rugged individualism is isolation.
3
What needs to be re-integrated?
4
What needs to be unwrapped?
RESOURCES
Video: Psalm 29 by Shawn Keefer
Podcast: The Miraculous Healing Power of Mustard Seeds
BENEDICTION
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ***PRACTICE***
This week, set aside 30-60 minutes to reflect on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what needs to be unwrapped and what needs to be re-integrated.
SONGS WE SANG
Build My Life by Housefires
Nothing I Hold Onto by United Pursuit
How Beautiful by Mosaic
Reckless Love by Bethel
TEXT
Matthew 17:14-20
TAKEAWAYS
1
Helpful and Helpless may be ego narratives
2
Be present
3
Bear Witness
4
Check In
5
Pray
RESOURCE
Video: As If with Malcolm Guite
PRACTICE
This week - in moments of feeling helpful or feeling helpless - recite the Jesus Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
Have mercy on me.
Amen
SONGS WE SANG
Woke Up This Mornin'
It Is Well With My Soul
Mightier by Aaron Strumpel
How Great Thou Art
TEXT
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
TAKEAWAYS
Everything Belongs
Everyone Belongs
Everything is Now
RESOURCE
Podcast: The Bible For Normal People "Episode 2: Richard Rohr- A Contemplative Look At The Bible"
PRACTICE
This week it will be nice weather. Find some sweet music. Put in earbuds. Look at everything. Ponder.
For Advent, we’re following the guide Celebrating Abundance by Walter Brueggemann. We want to create space to sit in the tension between our illusions of abundance and the abundance of newness. Or as Brueggemann says about Advent: "Advent is preparation for the demands of newness that will break the tired patterns of fear in our lives."
Advent 3: The What & The When Of The Christ Child
Song: Spirit Move by Bethel Music
Recognition of Souls Prayer: We confess that we are inured to chaos, O God. We are well accustomed to fear and scarcity, and so we do not easily discern your transformative power. Make our hardened hearts supple once again, so that we might be prepared to celebrate the lord of abundance. Amen.
Songs: Beautiful Things by Gungor O Come O Come Emmanuel Revelation Song by Jesus Culture The Stand by Hillsong
Readings & Commentary: John 3:1-9 Sermon by Darren Fred Benediction:
God, may we live in the mystery of Christ in us, and us in Christ, and move in Christ and have our being in Christ. May we be in Christ. May Christ be in us. May we see and be seen. May we know and be known. May we let go of our perceived need for certain experiences. May we experience everything. Amen.
Resource
A Conversation With Walter Brueggemann from Image Journal
Practice Enter into John 3:1-9 through the practice of Imaginative Prayer, which you can read about here.
*For Advent, we’re following the guide Celebrating Abundance by Walter Brueggemann. We want to create space to sit in the tension between our illusions of abundance and the abundance of newness. Or as Brueggemann says about Advent: "Advent is preparation for the demands of newness that will break the tired patterns of fear in our lives."*
Advent 2: Energy At Midpoint
Song: Reckless Love by Bethel
Recognition of Souls Prayer: By your loving spirit, may Advent be a time of remembering and giving thanks, and also a time of renewing our energy and our resolve for mission. May we rest and obey.
Amen.
Song: Nothing I Hold On by United Pursuit
Readings & Commentary: Isaiah 40:31 From Celebrating Abundance: The poem [in Isaiah 40] reflects a faith community in which the possibilities of the Gospel seem to have failed. We might call it burnout. They could not generate the old vitality. Nothing seemed to work. In this world, appeal to the power of God did not carry much weight.
Song of Reflection: Scattered Stones by Young Oceans Reflection Prompts:
Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
Readings &Commentary: From Celebrating Abundance:
The news in this poem is for the faint in the church, those who have run out of steam, out of patience, out of courage, out of imagination, out of generosity.
The reason we have run out is that we have believed the world too much. We have listened to the Babylonians. We have yearned too much for the American dream. And people who get caught in Babylonian dreams or American dreams wind up without energy for faith and mission.
But as we focus on the God who is free and restless and at work, we break the spell of the empire, and we are free again.
Song: Beautiful by Phil Wickham
Song: King Of My Heart by John Mark McMillan
Benediction:
God, You are here
God, You are good
God, You are enough
Amen
Resources
A Blessing For Longing by Jon O'Donohue Album: Advent by Young Oceans
Practice
In moments of longing this week, stop and pray:
Come, thou long expected Jesus
Then imagine the Holy Trinity turning to you and saying: Come, thou long expected Child
For Advent, we’re following the guide Celebrating Abundance by Walter Brueggemann. We want to create space to sit in the tension between our illusions of abundance and the abundance of newness. Or as Brueggemann says about Advent: "Advent is preparation for the demands of newness that will break the tired patterns of fear in our lives."
Advent 1: Newness Is On Its Way
Song: Children Of The Earth by Josh Garrels
Recognition of Souls:
Living God, visit us in this season with your Holy Spirit that we may get carried away to do obedient things we have not yet done, kingdom things we did not think we had in us, neighbor things from which we cringe. May you act in us, through us, beyond us, more than we imagine, because newness is on its way among us.
Amen.
Song: Are You Listening by United Pursuit
Reading:
John is not the newness. He prepares us for the newness. And his word is that if we want to be immersed in the life giving power of God, then we must do as john says: share your coat and shoes and goods; manage money in neighborly ways; quit being the heavy in social transactions. Who would’ve thought such concrete acts are the tactic whereby God's newness will yet come!
Advent is not the kind of “preparation” that involves shopping and parties and cards. Such illusions of abundance disguise the true cravings of our weary souls. Advent is preparation for the demands of newness that will break the tired patterns of fear in our lives.
Song: Everything Now by Arcade Fire
Reading: Luke 3:15-16
Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
Sermon: Darren Fred
Song: For Joy by Aaron Strumpel
Song: May You Find A Light by The Brilliance
Benediction:
God, You are here
God, You are good
God, You are enough
Amen
Resource
Celebrating Abundance by Walter Brueggemann
Practice
During times of stress this week, pause and repeat this:
God, You are here
God, You are good
God, You are enough
[Your name], you are here
[Your name], you are good
[Your name], you are enough
Heading into the holidays, we are in a three week series thinking about Hospitality in terms of welcome, comply, and farewell. The holidays can be a space in time when anxious scarcity is the loudest voice and heaviest feeling. By practicing hospitality, we begin to depart that system and realize the wealth of what we have to offer to one another: generous abundance. It just so happens that ‘Celebrating Abundance’ is the title of the guide we’ll be using for Advent in December. See where we’re going with this one?
TEXT: John 13:1, John 14:27
TAKEAWAYS: * When we are with people this next month, let’s remember to see them, listen to them, wish them well. * Is there someone we didn’t properly say goodbye to? Might we need to circle back? * In small ways and larger ways, what are we leaving with each other and what are we receiving from each other. When we remember each other, how do we feel? * Some things to leave when we leave: A joke. A compliment. A truth. A note. A small gift. Food. Peace.
RESOURCE:
Watch this and revel in times gone by. When Darren played the song at the beginning of his teaching, we had no idea what was going on. We just knew we didn't know what to do, so some of us laughed.
PRACTICE:
This practice is not directly tied to the sermon this week, but it is relevant to the time of year and our heading into Advent. Brene Brown talks often about joy coming from gratitude. This week, practice an examen of gratitude: * Take 10 minutes to think about the past 24 hours, past week, past year. Whatever length of time, think through it from beginning to end. * Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in revealing the gifts you might come across. * Practice gratitude for these things. Thank God for them. Thank people for them. * Admit something: they did not come from you.
SONGS WE SANG:
- Relentless - Bethel Music
- Skeleton Bones - John Mark McMillan
- Centuries - Aaron Strumpel
- You Found Me - Loud Harp
Heading into the holidays, we are in a three week series thinking about Hospitality in terms of welcome, comply, and farewell. The holidays can be a space in time when anxious scarcity is the loudest voice and heaviest feeling. By practicing hospitality, we begin to depart that system and realize the wealth of what we have to offer to one another: generous abundance. It just so happens that ‘Celebrating Abundance' is the title of the guide we’ll be using for Advent in December. See where we’re going with this one?
SONGS
Mightier - Aaron Strumpel
Build My Life - House Fires
Nearness Of You - Loud Harp
Reckless Love - Bethel
TEXT
Mark 10:35-52
TAKEAWAYS
- What do we really need?
- A quality product (read:love) in a timely manner with kindness
- When we want to be special, what we need is to be known
- Most of us feel like the weird one most of the time
- Kingdom hospitality is to remember that no matter how someone is acting, what we are all looking for is love.
RESOURCE
With That Moon Language by Hafiz (trans. Daniel Ladinsky)
Admit something: Everyone you see, you say to
them, “Love me.”
Of course you do not do this out loud, otherwise
someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us
to connect.
Why not become the one who lives with a full
moon in each eye that is always saying,
With that sweet moon language,
What every other
eye in this world is dying to hear?
PRACTICE
This practice is not directly tied to the sermon this week, but it is relevant to the time of year and our heading into Advent. Brene Brown talks often about joy coming from gratitude. This week, practice an examen of gratitude:
- Take 10 minutes to think about the past 24 hours, past week, past year. Whatever length of time, think through it from beginning to end.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in revealing the gifts you might come across.
- Practice gratitude for these things. Thank God for them. Thank people for them. Admit something: they did not come from you.
SONGS
Holy Spirit
It Is Well
Reckless Love
Lord I Need You
TEXT
Romans 12:9-13
TAKEAWAYS
- People can tell when you're not happy to see them
- Practice seeing people
- Introduce people to people
- Act happy to see everyone - especially the people you aren't happy to see
SONGS
Free - Gungor
Satisfied In You - The Sing Team
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
Relentless - Hillsong United
TEXT
Isaiah 11:6-10
CAMPAIGN BREAK
TAKEAWAYS
Over the next month leading to Advent, regularly read the poem in Isaiah 11:1-10, considering this commentary from Walter Brueggemann:
In poetry we can do things not permitted by logic or reason. Poetry will open the world beyond reason. Poetry will give access to contradictions and tensions that logic must deny. Poetry will not only remember, but also propose and conjure and wonder and imagine and foretell.
Consider these questions:
- What does it ask you to remember?
- What healing rest does it propose?
- What truth and good work does it cause you to wonder about and imagine?
- Where is might edge effect be present in your life that you might engage to help create the place of glorious rest the poem foretells?
BENEDICTION
Risen Christ,
Come near to us who are in places of death,
Come near to us who are strugging to surrender,
Come near to us fools and make us your fools,
And let us practice resurrection in a world that fears death.
Amen
RESOURCE
Podcast: Hidden Brain | The Edge Effect
PRACTICE
Lectio Divina (try this with Isaiah 11:1-10)
The Poem is a 4-week series in Isaiah 11, a section of poetry a few of us have thought a lot about over the years. As a result of that thinking, it has had a large influence on how we view things and do things at Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's. The hopeful fruit of a month in the poem together is a reminder of our identity: congregationally and individually.
TEXT
Isaiah 11:1-5
TAKEAWAYS
- We must reckon with what is and what was, but the Spirit of Christ is always leading us to newness
- Reckon with our words. What is our goal? To impress? To control? To bring healing, joy, reconciliation.
- Shut up sometimes.
- Listen to this: On Being with Krista Tippett - Eugene Peterson
BENEDICTION
Risen Christ,
Come near to us who are in
places of death,
Come near to us who are
struggling to surrender,
Come near to us fools
and make us your fools
and let us practice
resurrection in a world
that fears death.
Amen
The Poem is a 4-week series in Isaiah 11, a section of poetry a few of us have thought a lot about over the years. As a result of that thinking, it has had a large influence on how we view things and do things at Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's. The hopeful fruit of a month in the poem together is a reminder of our identity: congregationally and individually.
TEXT
Isaiah 11:2-4a
TAKEAWAYS
- A few times this week, read Isaiah 11:1-4a. As for the Spirit of Christ to guide you as you...
- Reflect - try practicing the Examen prayer. Write down what was brought to your attention in reflection. Ask “Does it burn good?” Look for new life. Where is there unexpected beauty?
- Rest - Set the list aside.
- Breath - In, out. Rest in you, resting in me.
- Listen to The Poetry of Self Compassion
BENEDICTION
Risen Christ,
Come near to us who are in
places of death,
Come near to us who are
struggling to surrender,
Come near to us fools
and make us your fools
and let us practice
resurrection in a world
that fears death.
Amen
The Poem is a 4-week series in Isaiah 11, a section of poetry a few of us have thought a lot about over the years. As a result of that thinking, it has had a large influence on how we view things and do things at Timberline Old Town & Everyday Joe's. The hopeful fruit of a month in the poem together is a reminder of our identity: congregationally and individually.
TEXT
Isaiah 11:1
TAKEAWAYS
Sins of omission get us all
What do I need to reckon with personally?
What sins of my family or my race or my congregation or my gender do I need to consider that I haven’t considered?
Think big. Think free.
Watch Vapor Meditation and Vapor Gungor official lyric videos BENEDICTON "For A New Beginning" by John O'Donohue
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
TEXT
James 1:19-20
Philippians 4:4-9
Philippians 2:1-8, 12-16
TAKEAWAYS 1 Be slow to speak 2 When you're not speaking think about some things:
- That’s a human bearing the image of God
- We cannot and should not assume that given the same genetic and environmental conditions we would be any different than they are
- Have I been wrong before?
- What are the questions?
- What is the mind of Christ?
TEXT
Ephesians 4:2-6, 29-32
TAKEAWAYS 1 Life is awful beautiful 2 Be gentle with our souls
3
Let them love you. I know you don’t always believe it, but your limp makes you even more beautiful.
4
Pay attention. It’s hard to imagine that nothing at all could be so exciting, so much fun.
BENEDICTION
Let us praise the grace & risk of Fire.
In the beginning
The Word was red,
And the sound was thunder,
And the wound in the unseen
Spilled forth the red weather of being.
In the name of Fire,
The Flame,
And the Light:
Praise the pure presence of fire
That burns from within
Without thought of time.
The hunger of fire has no need
For the reliquary of the future;
It adores the eros of now,
Where the memory of the earth
In flames that lick and drink the air
Is made to release
Its long enduring forms
In a powder of ashes
Left for the wind to decipher.
As air intensifies the hunger of fire,
May the thought of death
Breathe new urgency
Into our love of life.
As fire cleanses dross
May the flame of passion
Burn away what is false.
As short as the time
From spark to flame,
So brief may the distance be
Between heart and being.
May we discover
Beneath our fear
Embers of anger
To kindle justice.
May courage
Cause our lives to flame,
In the name of the Fire,
And the Flame
And the Light.
Amen
TEXT
Isaiah 11:1-9
TAKEAWAYS 1 Disparate: Fundamentally distinct or different in kind; entirely dissimilar: Containing or composed of dissimilar or opposing elements. essentially not alike; distinct or different in kind; unequal. 2 Have a mixer
3
Note the places and times when people who wouldn’t otherwise be together are together and identify the transcendent
4
See Christ in all
BENEDICTION
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
Amen
Mackenzie Matthews is a dear friend and pastor of Timberline College. She's also an impressive visual artist. On 9.16.18, she shared with us concerning the importance of creative work, whatever our work is.
TEXT
Genesis 1.27
Nehemiah 4.16-17
Matthew 13.13-16
READINGS
“Unless we are creators, we are not fully alive.” - Madeline L’Engle
“A singer songwriter named Peter Case was leading a discussion among aspiring muscians concerning lifelong habits of creativity. He talked about how the artist operates as a thieving magpie, always on the lookout for bits, threads and fragments that might serve in the assembling of a nest. With the same working survival instinct, the artist draws inspiration from a half-remembered remark, a billboard, an odd facial expression mis-perceived, a snatch of dialogue among strangers or whatever’s at hand... to articulate something needful, new and timely whether in lyric, image, story or argument. “How old are you guys?” He asked when a lull had set in. Most reported in their late teens and early twenties. Nodding he surprised everyone by saying, “You’ve seen enough then. You have more than enough material to get you where youre going.” After a pause, “But maybe you havent seen what you’ve seen.” - David Dark “Thank you. Thank you and keep going. Please keep writing songs. Please keep believing in music, because we do, and we need it, and specifically we need yours. We need the sounds and words and rhythms of hope and longing and beauty. We need the drums and strings and the haunting twist of your voice. We need the poetry of your lyrics and the spirit and force of your sounds. We’re desperate for great music, and there’s so much out there, but never, ever enough. We’re desperate for great storytellers, great painters, great dancers, great cooks, because art does something nothing else does. Art slips past our brains straight into our bellies. It weaves itself into our thoughts and feelings and the open spaces in our souls, and it allows us to live more and say more and feel more... Thank you and keep going” - Shauna Neiquist TAKEAWAYS Creativity is a matter of human identity. How can you participate in creativity this week? If its not work, is it art? What opposition are you facing when it comes to creativity? Share it with a friend. Have you really seen what you’ve seen? Consider praying for eyes to see and ears to hear. The work you make matters. Thank you and keep going.
TEXT
John 9:1-41
John 10:1-11
TAKEAWAYS
1
The thief climbs in through the fence instead of walking through the gate
2
The thief robs present joy by reminding us we are frauds
3
The thief robs from the now with the not yet and robs from the enough with the not enough
4
Prayer for when the thief is speaking: This is enough. You are enough. I am enough.
TEXT
Matthew 16:13-15
John 8:31-32
TAKEAWAYS
1.
May my words and actions more and more be congruent with the ruth (heart of Christ and my deepest calling)
2.
Three possible sacrifices of following our deepest calling: Misunderstanding, shame, loneliness
3.
Three important questions in pursuing our deepest calling: Is it true? Are my words or actions doing harm as far as I can tell? Are my words and actions motivated by love as best as I can discern?
BENEDICTION
May we be undone by the love of Christ and for the sake of those whose voices have been silenced
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that might act as guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice of their choosing. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
TEXT
2 Chronicles 5:11-14
Mark 7:31-37
TAKEAWAYS
1.
Yield power and listen to the voice and stories of those who are often silenced
Suggested reading:
The Power Of The Powerless by Christopher De Vinck
I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
2.
Practice a prophetic imagination that is deeply rooted in the world around you.
3.
Become curious for the voice of God in the cry of others.
BENEDICTION
May we be undone by the love of Christ and for the sake of those whose voices have been silenced
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that might act as guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice of their choosing. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
TEXT
2 Chronicles 5:11-14
Mark 7:31-37
TAKEAWAYS
- Be mindful this week about when you feel the need to interrupt or interject in a conversation. Ask, "Why?"
- Change one routine this week.
- At least three times this week, set a timer for 4’33”.
Sit in silence, with the word Ephphatha in your mind. See what the Spirit might reveal to you. * Consider reading these books:
Reaching Out
by Henri Nouwen
Interrupting Silence
by Walter Brueggemann
Just Mercy
by Brian Stevenson
BENEDICTION
Be Opened by Malcolm Guite
Be opened. Oh if only we might be!
Speak to a heart that’s closed in on itself:
‘Be opened and the truth will set you free’,
Speak to a world imprisoned in its wealth:
‘Be opened! Learn to learn from poverty’,
Speak to a church that closes and excludes,
And makes rejection its own litany:
‘Be opened, opened to the multitudes
For whom I died but whom you have dismissed
Be opened, opened, opened,’ how you sigh
And still we do not hear you. We have missed
Both cry and crisis, we make no reply.
Take us aside, for we are deaf and dumb
Spit on us Lord and touch each tongue-tied tongue.
July 29, 2018 presented us with a 5th Sunday of the month! On those Sundays throughout year, we take a break from our normal order of service and have a Movement Service. We pick a theme and explore through that theme through three or four different movements in the structure of: Word - Song - Prayer
Staying true to our Voices series, the theme for our movement service this time was The Voice Of The Congregation.
-----
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that might act as guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice of their choosing. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
ORDER OF SERVICE | MOVEMENT: THE VOICE OF THE CONGREGATION
Song of Welcome - Give Me Your Hand
Invocation
Song of Entry - Hallelujah
Recognition of Souls - Ben
Song of Entry - Hallelujah
Prayer
Movement 1:
Recognition of Souls - Luella
Song - Reckless Love
Prayer
Movement 2:
Recognition of Souls - Andy
Song - May You Find A Light
Prayer
Movement 3:
Recognition of Souls - Paul
Song - Beautiful Things
Prayer
Movement 4:
Recognition of Souls - Sara
Song - Because He Lives
Prayer
Conclusion:
Takeaways
Benediction
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that might act as guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice of their choosing. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
TEXT
Mark 10:13-16
TAKEAWAYS
Find and study a picture of yourself as a child. And picture those around you as children too.
BENEDICTION
My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother
Like a weaned child, I am content.
Amen.
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that lead are guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
TEXT
Matthew 5:3-6 (MSG)
Matthew 5:21-22 (MSG)
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)
Matthew 6:30-33 (MSG)
Matthew 7:13-14 (MSG)
Matthew 7:28-29 (MSG)
TAKEAWAYS
The Voice of Jesus sounds like
I see you, I am glad you’re here, I am with you, let’s do this together.
The Voice of Jesus calls us to
Transformation personally and publicly
Community: Life is like doge-ball. Pick a good team.
A rigorous journey
BENEDICTION
O God, gather me to be with you
as you are with me.
Keep me in touch with myself.
with my needs
my anxieties,
my pains,
my corruptions.
That I may claim them as my own,
rather than blame them on someone else.
O Lord, deepen my wounds into wisdom;
shape my weaknesses into compassion;
gentle my envy into enjoyment,
my fear into trust,
my guilt into honesty.
O God, gather me
to be with you
as you are with me.
Amen.
Ted Loder, Guerillas of Grace
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that lead are guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
TEXT
Matthew 25:35
TAKEAWAYS
Consider this Danish proverb:
If there is room in the heart, there is room in the house.
Consider this statement:
Learn how to learn from those who offend you.
Consider seeing this movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwktRDG_aQ
BENEDICTION
Father -
We ask that this path not be a place of emptying
Without also being a place of filling.
That those who use it would quiet themselves to focus on God’s voice,
And upon departing be obedient.
That its pilgrims would find Christ
and in so-doing find love and peace and life.
Amen
While Darren is on sabbatical, we're in a series called Voices - exploring the different voices around us (call them wisdom, if you want) that lead are guides on the pilgrimage to the heart of Christ.
Each week, the speaker will act as the guide to exploring a different voice. The guest speakers invited are some of the voices we want people to hear.
TEXT
John 1:1-14
BENEDICTION
Father -
We ask that this path not be a place of emptying
Without also being a place of filling.
That those who use it would quiet themselves to focus on God’s voice,
And upon departing be obedient.
That its pilgrims would find Christ
and in so-doing find love and peace and life.
Amen
TEXT
Genesis 25-33
TAKEAWAYS
- May we be people who recognize our advantages and be humble about them
- May we be people who recognize our disadvantages and find grace
- May we be people who return to places of shame and find mercy. And may we be people who allow others to return to places of shame and find mercy
- May we be people who slay the dragon of ego and find the true source of life.
- May we be people who see the face of God where we once saw adversaries.
BENEDICTION
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you:
wherever he may send you;
May he guide you through the wilderness:
protect you through the storm;
May he bring you home rejoicing:
at the wonders he has shown you;
May he bring you home rejoicing:
once again into our doors.
Amen.
TEXT
Genesis 1:1-2
Genesis 2:7
John 20:19-23
Acts 1:4-5
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
TEXT
Psalm 39:1-13 NIV
Luke 5:1-16 NIV
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Being alone is not necessarily solitude and solitude is not necessarily being alone
2
It is important to know who and when we are
3
It is important that our attempt at solitude be concrete
4
Evaluate time alone: What did I bring out of my time alone and into the world?
5
Bring Christ into the struggle
TEXT
James 1:19 NIV
Matthew 27:11-14 NIV
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Read James 3:2-10
2
Practice holding an idea inside for a little longer
3
Practice letting awkward silence be
4
When tempted to sin with our tongue, pray silently instead
5
Practice silence in new places.
6
Silence is not just a discipline. Silence is a gift.
7
Silence isn't just silence on the outside.
BENEDICTION:
3-3-3-3 Prayer
TEXT
Matthew 13:10-13 MSG
Matthew 13:3-9 NIV
Matthew 13:14-15 MSG
TAKEAWAYS:
1
This week, read the parables in Matthew 13. Take them slow and spend time with them.
2
Be honest with yourself about your cynicism, your isolation, your distraction.
3
Think about what you have received.
4
Pass on what you have received.
5
Tell a good story.
BENEDICTION:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you:
wherever he may send you;
May he guide you through the wilderness:
protect you through the storm;
May he bring you home rejoicing:
at the wonders he has shown you;
May he bring you home rejoicing:
once again into our doors.
Amen.
TEXT
Genesis 1:26-28
Psalm 8:3-6
Colossians 1:15-20
John 1:1
John 1:14
Philippians 2:6-8
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Who do you look like? How do you resemble them?
2
Who do you want to look like? Why do you desire to be more like them?
3
Be Humble.
4
Show someone else they matter.
BENEDICTION:
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son.
Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; Unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER
God of peace,
God of justice
God of freedom,
We give you thanks for your cadences of peace, justice, and freedom
Cadences that have surged
through the lives
of Bob
and Kim
and Morgan
and Darren
and Matt
and Rachel
and all that nameless mass of
risk-takers who have been
obedient to your promises
and susceptible to your dreams.
Deliver us from amnesia
concerning their courage in the face of violence,
their peace-making against hate,
and their hunger for you in a devouring economy.
Deliver us from amnesia:
turn our memory into hope,
turn our gratitude into energy,
turn our well-being into impatience.
That these same cadences of your will may pulse even among us.
Amen.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Revelation 1:1-20 NIV
Revelation 4:1-11
Revelation 22:14
TAKEAWAYS:
1
What does the Church not know? What does this church not know? What do I not know?
2
What do I know but I don’t know how to say it? What have I seen that is a burden?
3
There’s a lot that is massively wrong everywhere and always. What is wrong in my own house that I need to start setting right?
BENEDICTION:
What would it mean for Christians to give up that little piece of the American dream that says, "You are limitless"?
Everything is not possible.
The mighty Kingdom of God is not yet here.
What if rich did not have to mean wealthy, and whole did not have to mean healed?
What if being people of the "the gospel" meant that we are simply good people with good news?
God is here.
We are loved.
It is enough.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Romans 12:1-21
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Not everyone in church is as cool as me. Be curious.
2
I have strengths. We have strengths. Be generous and humble.
3
I have limitations. We have limitations. Be vulnerable.
4
I have blind spots. We have blind spots. Pay attention.
5
We all belong to Father.
BENEDICTION:
May the peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
PRAYERS
- May I see those you have given to me to love and allow myself to be seen by those to whom I have been given to love.
- May I daily surrender before you God, opening my mind to the sacred wind of the Kingdom, letting go of my shame and releasing others from theirs.
- May I practice passing on knowledge and wisdom and food and joy and friends and love so that my life is a vibrant river of life with the grace of God flowing in and out.
- Father, when I am stuck in my own head, in my own fears, in my own shame, grant me the courage to make one move, and when I am depleted with my pursuing, may I be still and receive power from on high.
- We have received mercy. May we be merciful. We have received power. May we be wise and true and humble. Amen.
TAKEAWAYS
- This week, each day, pick one story from the life of Jesus. Read it through. Choose an word of action in that story. Write that word down. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Then watch for opportunities during the day to practice that word.
- With the mission of Jesus in mind, write a mission statement for yourself, your family, your vocation.
Life & Resurrection, Darren shares a funny he's been holding on to for 15 years, Chris reads a poem
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Genesis 2:15-17
Genesis 12:2
Exodus 19:3-6
TAKEAWAYS:
1
How am I mad?
2
Rethink
3
Begin each day this Holy Week in the solid place with this prayer:
Do you love me?
4
Be humble
BENEDICTION:
May it be enough for me
to see God in the world.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
INVOCATION:
May I never grow tired
of starting over or
helping others do the same.
My hope is always in
renewal and resurrection.
BENEDICTION:
Artist of souls,
you sculpted a people for yourself
out of the rocks and fasting.
Help us that we take up your
invitation to prayer and simplicity,
that the discipline of these forty days
may sharpen our hunger for the feast of your holy friendship, and
whet our thirst for the living water you offer through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Genesis 2:15-17
Genesis 12:2
Exodus 19:3-6
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Be humble
2
Be a reconciler
3
Practice the sacred
4
Pray for the heart of Christ
BENEDICTION:
May my pursuit of happiness
never come at the cost
Of someone else's right
to do the same.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Exodus 6:2-8 ; Matthew 1:9-13
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Follow the ark (solitude)
2
Step in the water (prayer)
3
Build an altar (reflect)
4
Do it together
BENEDICTION:
May I have the vision to see this day
(and the work that comes with it)
as a gift.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Exodus 20:1-3
TAKEAWAYS:
1
The practice of St. Francis: Speak to me of God.
BENEDICTION:
May I be too engaged
risking my own failures
To have time to criticize the failures
of others.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Exodus 6:2-8 ; Matthew 1:9-13
TAKEAWAYS:
1
In our return home during this Lenten season, what do we need to let go?
2
In our return home during this Lenten season, what do we need to receive?
3
Who are we with?
4
What is home?
BENEDICTION:
May I have vision and courage
to join God in the places
He's already working
rather than feel
Responsible for bringing Him
with me.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Genesis 12:1, Hebrews 11:8-9, Genesis 22:1-2, Hebrews 11:17-19
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Am I living a good story?
2
In the story I am living, where is the place my character is being asked to leave?
3
In my story, what is the test my character needs to overcome?
4
How have I changed in the story?
BENEDICTION:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Long Story Short: Enter The Story is a 12-week series covering the entirety of the Bible.
What an irresponsible use of entirety! Really, it's an overview of the holy scriptures. The hope is to catch the thread of the story being told: the coming and the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. As a guide, we are using the imperative -enter the story-
Find weekly readings and more here.
TEXT:
Genesis 1:1-5, 2:19-20
TAKEAWAYS:
1
What chaos do I encounter that God is calling me to name?
2
What confusion in me am I asking God to name?
3
Enter the story.
BENEDICTION:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
TEXT:
1 Corinthian 11:23-26
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Learn one new joke per week for four weeks. Tell 3 people.
2
Start a journal in the spirit of receiving and passing it on. Make two daily entries based on two questions:
1. What did I receive today for which I’m grateful?
- Whose day was better because of me?
BENEDICTION:
We ask you, Master, be our helper and defender.
Rescue those of our number in distress; raise up the fallen ; assist the needy; heal the sick; turn back those of your people who stray; feed the hungry; release our captives; revive the weak; encourage those who lose heart.
Let all the nations realize that you are the only God, that Jesus Christ is your Child, and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
Amen.
TEXT:
1 Peter 4:8-11
Hebrews 13:1-3
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Good neighbors don't add sticks to the fire of hate.
2
Good neighbors are yolkfellows.
3
Good neighbors are watchmen.
4
Good neighbors are innkeepers.
BENEDICTION:
We ask you, Master, be our helper and defender.
Rescue those of our number in distress; raise up the fallen ; assist the needy; heal the sick; turn back those of your people who stray; feed the hungry; release our captives; revive the weak; encourage those who lose heart.
Let all the nations realize that you are the only God, that Jesus Christ is your Child, and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
Amen.
TEXT:
Luke 18:1-14
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Now we see through a glass darkly; then, face to face. Now we know in part; then, fully, even as we are fully known.
2
Grit without humility can be annoying.
Humility without grit can be despairing.
3
The prayer in there:
Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
BENEDICTION:
We ask you, Master, be our helper and defender.
Rescue those of our number in distress; raise up the fallen ; assist the needy; heal the sick; turn back those of your people who stray; feed the hungry; release our captives; revive the weak; encourage those who lose heart.
Let all the nations realize that you are the only God, that Jesus Christ is your Child, and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
Amen.
Each week, we take a moment to pause and enter a practice we call Recognition Of Souls. It is a time to remember and realize that we are not in the room alone. Furthermore, we've all ended up in the room in the middle of very different lives and stories. The miracle of congregation is that we're all in the room. The call of congregation is to worship. The act of congregation is to "rejoice with those who rejoice; Mourn with those who mourn."
Sometimes we post the recording of Recognition Of Souls here. Enjoy.
We wanted our time together during the Advent season to be set apart. Instead of our normal rhythm of congregation, we put together an order of service that might serve as an interruption to how we normally gather. Perhaps it will wake us up to hear new things, or give us pause to consider something from a different perspective, or...who knows?
Each week, the liturgy is lead and the homily are given by different folks - different voicesmaking up the mass of humanity anticipating the arrival of the Christ Child.
Interruptions Of Wonder | 12.31.17 | Look
Opening Prayer
Madisen Golden
Recognition of Souls
Chris Deigert
Reading of Wonder
Madisen Golden
Homily - "Look"
Chris Hess
New Year Benediction
Madisen Golden
We wanted our time together during the Advent season to be set apart. Instead of our normal rhythm of congregation, we put together an order of service that might serve as an interruption to how we normally gather. Perhaps it will wake us up to hear new things, or give us pause to consider something from a different perspective, or...who knows?
Each week, the liturgy is lead and the homily are given by different folks - different voicesmaking up the mass of humanity anticipating the arrival of the Christ Child.
Interruptions Of Wonder | 12.24.17 | Shepherds
Welcome & Pause
Chris Hess
Opening Prayer &Recognition of Souls
Chris Hess
Reading of Wonder - "The Shepherd" by Frederick Buechner
Chris Hess
Homily - "Shepherds"
Darren Fred
Advent Benediction
Chris Hess
We wanted our time together during the Advent season to be set apart. Instead of our normal rhythm of congregation, we put together an order of service that might serve as an interruption to how we normally gather. Perhaps it will wake us up to hear new things, or give us pause to consider something from a different perspective, or...who knows?
Each week, the liturgy is lead and the homily are given by different folks - different voicesmaking up the mass of humanity anticipating the arrival of the Christ Child.
Interruptions Of Wonder | 12.17.17 | The Magi
Welcome & Pause
Darren Fred
Opening Prayer
Katrina Tomlin
Recognition of Souls
Maggie Shafer
Reading of Wonder - "Wait" by Antoinette Portis
Katrina Tomlin
Homily - "Joseph"
Chris Hess
Advent Benediction
Katrina Tomlin
We wanted our time together during the Advent season to be set apart. Instead of our normal rhythm of congregation, we put together an order of service that might serve as an interruption to how we normally gather. Perhaps it will wake us up to hear new things, or give us pause to consider something from a different perspective, or...who knows?
Each week, the liturgy is lead and the homily are given by different folks - different voicesmaking up the mass of humanity anticipating the arrival of the Christ Child.
Interruptions Of Wonder | 12.10.17 | Joseph
Welcome & Pause
Chris Hess
Opening Prayer
Darren Fred
Recognition of Souls
Ben Jewell
Reading of Wonder - Excerpt from "Traveling Mercies" by Anne Lamott
Darren Fred
Homily - "Joseph"
Steve Griffin
Advent Benediction
Darren Fred
We wanted our time together during the Advent season to be set apart. Instead of our normal rhythm of congregation, we put together an order of service that might serve as an interruption to how we normally gather. Perhaps it will wake us up to hear new things, or give us pause to consider something from a different perspective, or...who knows?
Each week, the liturgy is lead and the homily are given by different folks - different voicesmaking up the mass of humanity anticipating the arrival of the Christ Child.
Interruptions Of Wonder | 12.3.17 | Mary
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Dick Foth
Recognition of Souls
Chris Hess
Reading of Wonder - Excerpt from "Godric" by Frederick Buechner
Dick Foth
Homily - "Mary"
Mackenzie Matthews
Advent Benediction
Dick Foth
During the Advent season, we are using Pauses for Advent: Words Of Wonder by Trevor Hudson as a guide.
Each entry in the guide - beginning November 27 - follows the rhythm of Pause-Meditate-Practice.
On this particular Sunday, we took time to try and catch the rhythm as a congregation.
PAUSE
Mark 1:1-3
MEDITATE
Darren's homily
PRACTICE
- Find a place that is abandoned. Look at it for awhile. Pray.
- Reach out to a person that is in the wilderness. Write a note. Share a coffee. Make a call.
- Sit on some grass. Ask some questions and take some notes. What do I want right now? Why do I want that? Who am I? Who am I not?
- When you are waiting somewhere sometime soon - and you will wait - look around, see people, and pray.
- Listen to Oprah’s Supersoul conversations podcast with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor: “My Stroke of Insight”
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
TEXT:
Luke 17:5-6 ; 11-19
TAKEAWAYS:
1
Read Psalm 1 in the morning.
Write “meditate day & night” on a 3x5 card.
Stick it in your pocket.
When you take the card out of your pocket, think about that phrase.
2
Ask God and yourself who you need to apologize to. Write that name on a 3x5 card and put it in your pocket.
Apologize.
Shred the card.
3
Write a note on a 3x5 card to someone you haven’t seen for a month.
Put it in an envelope.
Address the envelope.
Mail it.
4
Write “Nicely Done” on a 3x5 card.
Sign your name.
Leave it under a paperclip on a report from a kid, or on a keyboard, or under the plate at a restaurant. Or just look at it before you go to bed.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord bless you and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the eyes of your heart be open to all the blessings which surround you; may this awareness produce a harvest of generosity in your spirit.
May thankfulness rise up within you, not just during this short season, but day after day, from the early morning watch until you retire for the night.
May your prayers reflect gratitude, while also acknowledging the needs of others whose situations are so drastically different.
May the thoughts of Jesus fill your mind, and thanksgiving be your response.
Amen.
Every year, we take 5 weeks to go through our Coat Of Arms. It's always about identity. This time, we're looking at it through the lens of access.
TEXT:
Matthew 13:10-15
TAKEAWAYS:
- What do you do? [job]
- What do you do when you do what you do? [vocation, inclination]
- Why do you do what you do when you're doing what you do? [motivation]
BENEDICTION:
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.
Every year, we take 5 weeks to go through our Coat Of Arms. It's always about identity. This time, we're looking at it through the lens of access.
TEXT:
Genesis 11:4
Genesis 28:10-17
John 1:43-51
TAKEAWAYS:
- Where will you be at this time tomorrow?
- What are the gaps that need to be filled?
- What are the spaces you wish you could climb out of?
- If you could put a ladder in those spaces, what do you wish would climb down into them?
- When we are in spaces we wish we could climb out of, pray for the Kingdom to climb down.
BENEDICTION:
I slow myself down for a moment, and try to realise that God is present.
To me. Here and now. He is present in what I do,
in the people that I meet, and the situations I find myself in daily.
How can I make this reality real for myself?
I remind myself that I am in the presence of the Lord.
I will take refuge in His loving heart.
He is my strength in times of weakness.
He is my comforter in times of sorrow.
Song of Invitation
"Give Me Your Hand"
Mvmnt 1: Recognition
Text
1 Corinthians 1:18,26-31
Song
"Oh Lord, You're Beautiful"
Prayer
Recognition Of Souls
Mvmnt 2: Affirmation
Text
Luke 19:1-10
Song
"You Found Me"
Prompts for contemplation:
- Ask the Father to bring to your mind one person in your life who has administered the healing touch of Jesus to you.If a person comes to mind, practice gratitude.
- Now ask the Father to bring to your mind one person in your life who needs that same healing touch. Think how you might return the favor.
Mvmnt 3: Invitation
Text
2 Samuel 9:1-11
Reprise Song Of Invitation
"Give Me Your Hand"
Benediction
Take, O Lord
and receive my entire liberty,
my memory, my understanding and
my whole will.
All that I am and all that I possess, thou hast given me:
I surrender it all to Thee to be disposed according to Thy will.
Give me only Thy love and Thy grace;
with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.
Amen.
Every year, we take 5 weeks to go through our Coat Of Arms. It's always about identity. This time, we're looking at it through the lens of access.
TEXT:
Luke 1:13-17
TAKEAWAYS:
- What is your full name? What does it mean?
- Did anyone ever give you a nickname?
- What is the name you want God to call you?
- Draw the Crown. Under the crown, write the name.
BENEDICTION:
To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is Love.
Love is my true identity.
Selflessness is my true self.
Love is my true character.
Love is my name.
Amen.
On Nov. 10 & 11, we're hosting a workshop called Exploring The Enneagram. The Enneagram is something a lot of folks are into and a lot of folks have questions about right now. Leading up to the workshop, we're having quick conversations with a few of our friends to hear about their Enneagram experience, and why this workshop might be beneficial for us to attend.
Every year, we take 5 weeks to go through our Coat Of Arms. It's always about identity. This time, we're looking at it through the lens of access.
TEXT:
Matthew 19:13-15
TAKEAWAYS:
- Where do you come from? Draw an image or place a photo in one quadrant of your coat of arms that represents where you come from. Share that in your small group this week.
- Ask someone you don't know very well where they were born.
- Listen to the interview with Rupi Kaur at npr.org
- Check out Dick & Ruth Foth at known.fm
- In small group time and/or personal time, read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Tempus Per Annum means "Time Throughout The Year". In the liturgical church calendar, it is known as Ordinary Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between.
TEXT:
Luke 13:1-9
TAKEAWAYS:
- Take an inventory with these questions in mind: What do I need to add? What do I need to subtract?
- Talk to two people about that inventory. Give those two people permission to ask you about it.
- Ask someone who loves you, "Who do you think I was meant to be and what do you think I was meant to do?"
- Pray for the Spirit Of Truth to tell you the truth.
- For one week, carve out a half hour per day for still movement.
Tempus Per Annum means "Time Throughout The Year". In the liturgical church calendar, it is known as Ordinary Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between.
TEXT:
Phillipians 4:4-9
TAKEAWAYS:
- Start a conversation with someone in your orbit who you don’t know and think you don’t want to know. It doesn’t have to be heavy right off. Ask good questions.
- Re-engage with someone you used to love and with whom you used to agree, but now maybe you don’t. Again, it doesn’t have to start off heavy. Ask good questions.
- Listen to or read someone with whom you disagree. Do so with an open heart.
- Before doing any of this, pray the Jesus prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. * Next time you are angry and your fingers are on the keyboard or the words are heading for your mouth, stop.
You can stop, stop, stop.
For a girl can someday be a lady, and a boy can someday be a man.
Tempus Per Annum means "Time Throughout The Year". In the liturgical church calendar, it is known as Ordinary Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between.
TEXT:
John 14:15-23
TAKEAWAYS:
- A place where everybody or at least some of em know your name
- A place full of grace. And truth.
- A place with good welcomes and good farewells
- A place where you can be real, and they won't run away
Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between.
TEXT:
Psalm 8:1-2
Micah 6:8
TAKEAWAYS:
- Laugh
- Make someone else laugh
- Relax
- Help someone else relax
- Three times in the next week:
- Sit still in silence for five minutes, with nothing on the agenda but being open to what the Lord may - or may not - have for you.
BENEDICTION:
For anyone who says yes to Jesus
For anyone who
believes what Jesus said
For anyone who
will just reach out to take it
Then God will give them
this wonderful gift:
To be born into
A whole new Life
To be who they really are
Who God always made them to be --
Their own true selves --
God’s dear
Child.
Tempus Per Annum means "Time Throughout The Year". In the liturgical church calendar, it is known as Ordinary Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between with teachings that encourage us to do so.
Tempus Per Annum means "Time Throughout The Year". In the liturgical church calendar, it is known as Ordinary Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between.
BENEDICTION:
May love be stronger in us than the fear of the pain that comes with caring. May we learn to make good out of what we're given Rather than only make sense of it. May we find freedom in limitation- to fully give ourselves to what we can do rather than worry about what we cannot. May we have the courage to believe that everything we do matters. Amen.
Tempus Per Annum means "Time Throughout The Year". In the liturgical church calendar, it is known as Ordinary Time - the long stretch between Easter and Advent. This is sometimes a grind and sometimes exhilarating and always Holy. We want to settle in and recognize this time of between.
TEXT:
John 6:1-15
TAKEAWAYS:
- What for you is essential, what is good, what is trivial in this season?
- Where is Jesus inviting you to trust him with the seemingly impossible?
- Where are you? What do you have? Who are you with?
Consider sharing answers with a friend.
BENEDICTION:
May love be stronger in us than the fear of the pain that comes with caring. May we learn to make good out of what we're given Rather than only make sense of it. May we find freedom in limitation- to fully give ourselves to what we can do rather than worry about what we cannot. May we have the courage to believe that everything we do matters. Amen.
TEXT:
Psalm 77:1-6a
TAKEAWAYS:
- Think about songs that have been there for your times
- Listen to them again...and remember
- Listen to Asaphby Loudharp
- Share a song with someone for this time
- If possible, thank an artist for the song they gave you for a time
BENEDICTION:
REPENTANCE AS PROTEST
Father, forgive us
For the hate that we deny
Father, forgive us
For turning a blind eye
Teach us to love,
To lay down our lives, like you
TEXT:
Ephesians 2:8-9
James 2:14,17
Philippians 2:12-13
TAKEAWAYS:
I want to get better at adding value.
I want to get better at real vulnerability.
I want to get better at disagreeing.
I want to get better at there you are.
I want to get better at proximity.
I want to get better at helming find the unique gifts in people.
I want to get better at prayer.
BENEDICTION:
With the city of Charlottesville in mind:
REPENTANCE AS PROTEST
Father, forgive us
For the hate that we deny
Father, forgive us
For turning a blind eye
Teach us to love,
To lay down our lives, like you
TEXT:
1 Thessalonians 5:17
TAKEAWAYS
- For one week, practice the Jesus prayer
- For one week, practice giving full attention to those who arrive in the middle of your things.
Ask the Lord in that moment if it is in fact you who are arriving in the middle of Kingdom things. * Google:
“Ancient Prayers of the Church”
Find a prayer of one of the saints and make it your prayer for awhile.
BENEDICTION
The Jesus Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
TEXT:
Mark 10:35
TAKEAWAYS
- Who do I know to whom I can tell my truth?
- Start telling that person your truth.
- Interrogate your motivations in your relationships.
- In what relationships have I found equilibrium?
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT:
Ephesians 5:21
TAKEAWAYS
- Listen to the podcast Us & Them. It is very good.
- Pray for opportunities to confront and dismantle your Us & Them.
- Spend some time listening to and reading voices you would normally avoid.
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT:
Exodus 25:1-22
TAKEAWAYS
- What are we saying or making or doing that makes a place for us to be present to God?
- Pay attention this week for the mercy seat
- Tell us about what happened between Sundays
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT:
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT:
3 John
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT:
Ephesians 5:11-21
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT
Mark 12:38-44
TAKEAWAYS
- If you're not already doing so, begin to practice the generous principle of tithing to your local church for three months.
- Eat lunch at FoCo Cafe in the next week or two and pay it forward.
- Make a financial donation to some form of art that enriches your life.
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT
John 6:1-5
TAKEAWAYS
- Give something away this week
- Thank someone for their excellent customer service
- For one day, answer the phone every time it rings no matter who it is
BENEDICTION
Lord, turn our praises into hands that clothe the naked, arms that comfort the afflicted, tables that host the stranger, and shoulders that support the weary so that your name may be praised by those who live and die with their backs against the wall.
Amen.
TEXT
Luke 7:36-50
TAKEAWAYS
- Next time I start telling myself an ungenerous story about someone, remind me of the words of Jesus, “Do you see…?”
- Next time I start telling myself an ungenerous story about someone, instead engage with the person generously.
- Next time I start telling myself an ungenerous story about someone, turn it into a generous story.
BENEDICTION
Yours, Lord, is the greatness
and the power and the glory
and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom…
Amen.
During the lenten season, we are using the book Pauses For Lent by Trevor Hudson as a guide.
TEXT
John 12:12-26
BENEDICTION
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory.
Amen
TAKEAWAYS
What am I doing to fit in?
We'll am I doing to set myself apart?
During the lenten season, we are using the book Pauses For Lent by Trevor Hudson as a guide.
TEXT
John 8:2-11
BENEDICTION
The True Love by David Whyte
There is a faith in loving fiercely
the one who is rightfully yours,
especially if you have
waited years and especially
if part of you never believed
you could deserve this
loved and beckoning hand
held out to you this way.
I am thinking of faith now
and the testaments of loneliness
and what we feel we are
worthy of in this world.
Years ago in the Hebrides
I remember an old man
who walked every morning
on the grey stones
to the shore of baying seals,
who would press his hat
to his chest in the blustering
salt wind and say his prayer
to the turbulent Jesus
hidden in the water,
and I think of the story
of the storm and everyone
waking and seeing
the distant,
yet familiar figure,
far across the water
calling to them,
and how we are all
waiting for that
abrupt waking,
and that calling,
and that moment
we have to say yes,
except, it will
not come so grandly
so Biblically,
but more subtly,
and intimately, in the face
of the one you know
you have to love.
So that when
we finally step out of the boat
toward them, we find
everything holds
us, and everything confirms
our courage, and if you wanted
to drown you could,
but you don’t,
because finally
after all this struggle,
and all these years,
you don’t want to any more,
you’ve simply had enough
of drowning,
and you want to live and you
want to love and you will
walk across any territory
and any darkness,
however fluid and however
dangerous, to take the
one hand you know
belongs in yours.
During the lenten season, we are using the book Pauses For Lent by Trevor Hudson as a guide.
TEXT
Genesis 4:1-2
TAKEAWAYS
- When I feel justified in my disappointment, I need to practice gratitude.
- When I feel jealous, I need to practice generosity.
- When I am down or out and about to do something to deal with it, I need to ask this question: Am I intentionally doing harm to part of God's creation?
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
During the lenten season, we are using the book Pauses For Lent by Trevor Hudson as a guide.
TEXT
Luke 14:16-22
TAKEAWAYS
- Sometime soon, talk to someone holding a sign, tell each other your names and your stories (not just his or her story)
- If being poor is lacking something, we're all poor
- Visit Serve 6.8 and learn some about what they do
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
During the lenten season, we are using the book Pauses For Lent by Trevor Hudson as a guide.
TEXT
John 4:13-14
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
TEXT
James 3:3-10
2 Kings 2:23-25
Luke 6:27-28
TAKEAWAYS
- Use some words to tell someone you are sorry for some words you said
- Use some words to bless someone you've not spoken to in some time
- Learn a new joke and tell it to many people
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
TEXT
Ephesians 5:1-20
TAKEAWAYS
- To put on the new self, we might need to put ourselves in some new places
- Read the instructions, and talk to the old timers
- Think about this: where have I gotten hard hearted?
BENEDICTION
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
Amen
TEXT
Ephesians 4:7-32
TAKEAWAYS
- To put on the new self, we might need to put ourselves in some new places
- Read the instructions, and talk to the old timers
- Think about this: where have I gotten hard hearted?
BENEDICTION
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
Amen.
TEXT
Ephesians 4:1-6
Acts 15:36-40
TAKEAWAYS
- Is there a relationship where I currently need to bring repair?
- How can I help nurture and strengthen unity in our life together as church?
- Temperamentally, am I a 'jazz player' in life?
- Who listens well to the rhythm of your heart as well as your words?
BENEDICTION
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
Amen.
When we arrive at a month with a 5th Sunday, we take it as an opportunity to spend the morning moving through three liturgical movements. Each movement looks like this:
- Scripture/teaching
- Story
- Song
- Prayer
We also follow a theme during each Movement Sunday. In January 2017, the theme was Leaving, with the following movements:
- Leaving
- Leaving Again
- Leaving Peace
Here is the entirety of the Liturgy of Leaving for the morning:
- Song of Gathering - "Come Ye Sinners"
- Welcome & Explanation
- Song of Invitation - "The Fire and the Flood"
- Movement I: Leaving
- Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9
- Story: The Relatives Came pt. 1
- Song: "Oceans"
- Prayer: "A hard, deep call to obedience" by Walter Brueggemann
- Movement II: Leaving Again
- Scripture: Genesis 13:5-11
- Story: Excerpt from Listening To Your Life by Parker Palmer
- Song: "Jesus, We Love You"
- Prayer: A poem by Wendell Berry
- Movement III: Leaving Peace
- Scripture: John 14:25-31
- Story: The Relatives Came pt. 2
- Song: "Oh God"
- Prayer: The Prayer Of St. Francis
- Communion
Because part of our recording was corrupted, we have included the original studio recordings of the songs on the podcast instead of our live recordings. Text for the prayers are below.
A Hard, Deep Call To Obedience
You are the God who makes extravagant promises.
We relish your great promises
of fidelity
and presence
and solidarity
and we exude in them.
Only to find out, always way too late,
that your promise always comes
in the midst of a hard, deep call to obedience.
You are the God who calls people like us,
and the long list of mothers and fathers
before us,
who trusted the promise enough to
keep the call.
So we give you thanks that you are a calling God,
who calls always to dangerous new
places.
We pray enough of your grace and mercy among us
that we may be among those
who believe your promises enough
to respond to your call.
We pray in the one who embodied your promise
and enacted your call, even Jesus.
Amen.
From A Wendell Berry Poem
As soon as the generals and the politicos can predict the motion of your mind,
lose it.
Leave it as a sign to mark the false trail, the way you didn’t go.
Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary, some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.
Prayer Of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
TEXT
Romans 15:1-13 MSG
TAKEAWAYS
- Let's tell someone congratulations this week, even if they got what we wanted.
- Let's reach out to someone this week that is hurting and maybe we've been distancing ourselves from them.
- Let's find someone new at work or church or in the neighborhood and give them a treat and tell them we're glad they are here.
- Let's circle back around with someone with whom we didn't do goodbye very well and try again.
TEXT
Psalm 8
TAKEAWAYS
Give people a chance.
BENEDICTION
Occupy Our Calendars by Walter Brueggemann
Our times are in your hands:
But we count our times for us;
we count our days and fill them with us;
we count our weeks and fill them with our busyness;
we count our years and fill them with our fears.
And then caught up short with your claim,
Our times are in your hands!
Take our times, times of love and times of weariness,
Take them all, bless them and break them,
give them to us again,
slow paced and eager,
fixed in your readiness for neighbor.
Occupy our calendars,
Flood us with itsy-bitsy, daily kairoi,
in the name of your fleshed kairos.
Amen
Merry Christmas! In an effort to stay at home with our dear ones, we gathered one morning in the living room of Katrina Tomlin - TOT children's director - and recorded a time of song, prayer, joy, beauty, story, and Christmas. Enjoy the audio podcast, or watch the video here!
For the Advent season, we will be using the book Light Upon Light by Sarah Arthur as a guide. Each component of the service will be taken from that book.
Opening Prayer
Welcome, all wonders in one sight!
Eternity shut in a span!
Summer in winter, day in night!
Heaven in earth, and God in man!
Great little One! whose all-embracing birth
Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heaven to earth.
Text
Isaiah 58:1-12
Literary Selection
Mary at the Nativity by Tania Runyan
The angel said there would be no end
to his kingdom. So for three hundred days
I carried rivers and cedars and mountains.
Stars spilled in my belly when he turned.
Now I can’t stop touching his hands,
the pink pebbles of his knuckles,
the soft wrinkle of flesh
between his forefinger and thumb.
I rub his fingernails as we drift
in and out of sleep. They are small
and smooth, like almond petals.
Forever, I will need nothing but these.
But all night, the visitors crowd
around us. I press his palms to my lips
in silence. They look down in anticipation,
as if they expect him
to spill coins from his hands
or raise a gold scepter
and turn swine into angels.
Isn’t this wonder enough
that yesterday he was inside me,
and now he nuzzles next to my heart?
That he wraps his hand around
my finger and holds on?
Benediction
Moonless darkness stands between.
Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem-star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;
Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;
Now beginning, and alway:
Now begin, on Christmas Day.
For the Advent season, we will be using the book Light Upon Light by Sarah Arthur as a guide. Each component of the service will be taken from that book.
Opening Prayer:
O Thou, whose glorious, yet contracted light,
Wrapped in a night’s mantle, stole into a manger;
Since my dark soul and brutish is thy right,
To Man of all beasts be not Thou a stranger…
Text:
Luke 2:22-35
Literary Selection:
Nativity by Li-Young Lee
In the dark, a child might ask, What is the world?
just to hear his sister
promise, An unfinished wing of heaven,
just to hear his brother say,
A house inside a house,
but most of all to hear his mother answer,
One more song, then you go to sleep.
How could anyone in that bed guess
the question finds its beginning
in the answer long growing
inside the one who asked, that restless boy
the night's darling?
Later, a man lying awake,
he might ask it again,
just to hear the silence
charge him, This night
arching over your sleepless wondering.
this night, the near ground
every reaching-out-to overreaches,
just to remind himself
out of what little earth and duration,
out of what immense good-bye,
each must make a safe place of his heart,
before so strange and wild a guest
as God approaches.
Benediction:
...To Man of all beasts be not Thou a stranger:
Furnish and deck my soul, that Thou mayst have
A better lodging, than a rack, or grave.
Amen.
For the Advent season, we will be using the book Light Upon Light by Sarah Arthur as a guide. Each component of the service will be taken from that book.
Opening Prayer:
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the circling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark and I am far from home—
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, — one step enough for me.
Amen.
Text:
Psalm 137
Luke 2:1-7
Literary Selection:
The House Of Christmas by GK Chesterton
There fared a mother driven forth
Out of an inn to roam;
In the place where she was homeless
All men are at home.
The crazy stable close at hand,
With shaking timber and shifting sand,
Grew a stronger thing to abide and stand
Than the square stones of Rome.
For men are homesick in their homes,
And strangers under the sun,
And they lay on their heads in a foreign land
Whenever the day is done.
Here we have battle and blazing eyes,
And chance and honour and high surprise,
But our homes are under miraculous skies
Where the yule tale was begun.
A Child in a foul stable,
Where the beasts feed and foam;
Only where He was homeless
Are you and I at home;
We have hands that fashion and heads that know,
But our hearts we lost - how long ago!
In a place no chart nor ship can show
Under the sky's dome.
This world is wild as an old wives' tale,
And strange the plain things are,
The earth is enough and the air is enough
For our wonder and our war;
But our rest is as far as the fire-drake swings
And our peace is put in impossible things
Where clashed and thundered unthinkable wings
Round an incredible star.
To an open house in the evening
Home shall men come,
To an older place than Eden
And a taller town than Rome.
To the end of the way of the wandering star,
To the things that cannot be and that are,
To the place where God was homeless
And all men are at home.
Benediction:
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O’er moon and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
Amen.
For the Advent season, we will be using the book Light Upon Light by Sarah Arthur as a guide. Each component of the service will be taken from that book.
Opening Prayer:
Deliver us for Thy descent
Into the Virgin, whose womb was a place
Of middle kind; and Thou being sent
To ungracious us, stayed’st at her full of grace….
Text:
Luke 1:26-38
Literary Selection:
Annunciation by Elizabeth B. Rooney
There was
Is
Has been
And will be
An everywhere
Fixed
And transfixed
Wherin
One single
Simple
Open soul
Received
The potency
Of the creative whole.
Benediction:
…And through Thy poor birth, where first Thou Glorified’st poverty,
And yet soon after riches didst allow,
By accepting King’s gifts in the Epiphany,
Deliver ,and make us, to both ways free.
Amen.
For the Advent season, we will be using the book Light Upon Light by Sarah Arthur as a guide. Each component of the service will be taken from that book.
Opening Prayer:
Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
His is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are,
That have been,
And the future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore!
Text:
John 1:1-18
Literary Selection:
Conversion by Marci Johnson
How can word
become flesh?
Belly. Bone.
Tongue—the feel
in the mouth a word
rolling around. Word,
not a kiss not the thing
itself—a name. The arch
of a foot. Your face
in my hands, just
a name. Blue sky lolling
Beyond the window
frame—eyes open.
Just a way of looking.
Begin with a change.
Benediction:
Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore!
Invocation:
"All shall be well" from At The Still Point
And so our good Lord answered
to all the questions and doubts
that I might make,
saying comfortingly:
I may make all thing well,
I can make all thing well,
I will make all thing well,
and I shall make all thing well;
and thou shall see thyself
that all manner of thing shall be well.
Where He says, I may,
I understand it for the Father;
Where He says, I can,
I understand it for the Son;
Where He says, I will,
I understand it for the Holy Ghost
and where He says , I shall,
I understand it for the unity of the blessed Trinity:
three Persons and one Truth;
and where He says, Thou shall see thy self,
I understand the oneing of all mankind
that shall be saved unto the blessed
Trinity.
And in these five words
God wills we be enclosed
in rest and in peace.
Text:
Revelation 1:1-3
Revelation 3:14-22
Takeaways:
- What is different about me in the last year because of Jesus?
- What is Jesus asking to disrupt right now in my space?
- Have I let Jesus in at all?
Benediction:
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well.
Amen.
Text:
Matthew 15:10-20
Takeaways:
- Where have I become dull?
- Very soon, ask someone with whom you disagree to help you understand.
- Make a list of what is best about the political party you voted against.
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Mark 10:32-52
Takeaways:
- What do I want Jesus to do for me?
- Why do I want that?
- What are my blind spots?
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Exodus 3:1-4:5
Takeaways:
- Take inventory: What am I holding onto that keeps me from the true self?
- This week, when I don't know what to say in a certain situation, practice waiting for the spirit.
- Take some time this week to look at some cattle or horses and just be still.
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
On October 13, 2016 we hosted Q Commons: Engaging Our Divided Nation. During two-hour event , we heard 3 national talks via broadcast and 3 local talks on the Everyday Joe's stage.
Amy Lowe - senior editor & co-founder of Ruminate Magazine - kicked off our local Q Commons talks last week. She reminds us of what happens when we bear witness to each other's stories.
Text:
Genesis 2:25-3:10
Takeaways:
- Where am I now?
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Genesis 1:26-31
Ephesians 2:1-9
Takeaways:
- Knowing "Whose I Am" changes my "Who Am I?" from a QUESTION into a STATEMENT of Who I Am - A Child Of God.
- Identifying the "wrong voices" telling me who I am will allow me to focus on the one true voice who ultimately tells me who I am, which is all I should care about.
- It is by grace I have been saved through faith.
- Whose I am tells me who I am.
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Isaiah 11:1-9
Takeaways:
- Jesus didn't die just so we could go to heaven when we die.
- Where am I and who am I when I am there?
- Are we judging only by what we see and hear?
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Nehemiah 2:11-15
Takeaways:
- Service is responding with mercy and love, not having all the answers.
- The opportunity to respond is around us all the time.
- Look at how Jesus did what he did, and do it well like that.
- Take regular time this week to pray Psalm 139:1, followed by a time of silence. Pay attention and write down anything you hear about who you are.
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Romans 12:16-21
Takeaways:
- Don't be a jerk. Least wise, try real hard.
- Same goes for being a baby.
- Always remember when we start hating people or groups of people that we all have been told different stories.
- Living at peace is not the same as agreeing with everyone.
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Matthew 25:14-30
Takeaways:
- Sometimes, the first movement is turning around.
- Where am I stuck right now?
- What am I afraid of right now?
- What is the first thing I need to do?
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Psalm 29
Takeaways:
- Go to coffee with someone you know has suffered a lot and listen to what they have to share.
- Read something by Brennan Manning
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Psalm 126
Takeaways:
- Go to coffee with someone you know has suffered a lot and listen to what they have to share.
- Read something by Brennan Manning
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Psalm 144
Takeaways:
- Each day this week, take significant time to contemplate a part of your body.
- Each day this week, take significant time to contemplate something in nature.
- One day this week, find a place to sit and just watch your fellow humans for a half hour.
- Each day, thank God specifically for an otherwise overlooked task you were able to perform
Benediction:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Text:
Psalm 51
Benediction:
May God protect you through your time of trial.
May the love of Christ,
seen in what he did,
and heard in what he said
fill you with joy and hope.
May the Holy Spirit advocate for you,
leading into all truth,
lighting the way of faith,
and strengthening you to follow Jesus,
So that you will become
like a strong, young tree,
growing deep and bearing
much fruit.
Amen.
Text:
Psalm 23
Takeaways:
- One day this week, take time to acknowledge and be where you are.
- One day this week, enter into the meditation-memory-prayer structure of Psalm 23.
- Read or listen to The Answer Is 42 by Madeleine L'Engle
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 24:13-32
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 14:1-11
Takeaways:
- When you receive a compliment, say thank you.
- Make two lists: what I like about me & what I don't like about me. Ask someone you trust to look at it and give feedback.
- Open our hearts to the spirit of Jesus everyday to tell us the truth about us.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 11:37-54
Takeaways:
- Contemplate this question: What is the flaw that I most quickly identify in other people?
- And another: Where am I trying too hard?
- And another: What are my litmus questions?
- This week, give someone a kitty. Just kidding, but do surprise someone with generosity.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Matthew 12:46-50
Matthew 13:53-58
Takeaways:
- Always remember, Jesus hardly made everybody happy.
- Being awake to the values of the Kingdom may sometimes look unpatriotic.
- Don't be a jerk.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 10:38-42
Takeaways:
- Three times this week, get in a good space and sit for 20 minutes.
- Take a fast from social media for 48 hours.
- Ask a busy person how they stay still inside.
- Read or watch a Bill Murray interview.
- Listen to The Liturgists Podcast interview with Richard Rohr.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 9:1-17
Takeaways:
- In the next month, attend a live music performance.
- Sometime this week, eat fish with a friend and talk about dynamic compression or sports or music. Definitely Jesus
- Be grateful for dynamic compression. But always remember there is more.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
As circumstances allow, we like to have the visual artist(s) for the current month take a few minutes to give us a word about their art and what goes into it.
Text:
Luke 7:36-50
Takeaways:
- Have a stare down with someone this week and count.
- Practice making eye contact with people.
- Have a conversation with someone you've been avoiding.
- For one whole day, drive the speed limit or under.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 5:27-32
Takeaways:
- Who am I in this story? The one laying something down or the one picking something up? Both?
- Can I remember a time or times in life when I was awakened, when everything changed?
- Start a journal. Record the leaving behinds and the picking ups.
- Break a bad habit. Start a good one.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
John 17:20-26
Takeaways:
- Who am I becoming?
- Who is becoming me?
- Is that a good thing?
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Matthew 12:34-37
Takeaways:
- Pay attention & count this week how many sentences start with "I will..."
- Choose set times this week, every day, to pay attention and just listen.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Matthew 16:23-28
Takeaways:
- Remember that pride goes before a fall
- Remember who is following whom
- Take inventory: Where might I be feeling a little too good about myself?
- And...remember that even after the fall, Jesus still wants us to be with Him.
Benediction:
As you go forth from this place,
may the wind of the Spirit
startle your senses
and blow through your life;
May the fire of the Spirit scorch your complacency
and light your way.
And may the blessing
of the Holy One—
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
rest with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Text:
Proverbs 31:1-9
Philippians 2:1-8
Benediction:
May God, the brightness of the universe, bless us.
May Jesus, the light of the world, disturb us.
May the Holy Spirit, energy of the cosmos, strengthen us.
May we be blessed with the power to speak and live the gospel all of our days.
Amen.
Text:
Matthew 5:14-16
Takeaways:
- What voices do you need to stop listening to?
- Think of one person who needs to know they belong. Let them know they do.
- Keep open house; be generous with our lives.
Benediction:
May God, the brightness of the universe, bless us.
May Jesus, the light of the world, disturb us.
May the Holy Spirit, energy of the cosmos, strengthen us.
May we be blessed with the power to speak and live the gospel all of our days.
Amen.
Text:
John 15:14-17
Takeaways:
- You are my friends, if you love each other.
Benediction:
May God, the brightness of the universe, bless us.
May Jesus, the light of the world, disturb us.
May the Holy Spirit, energy of the cosmos, strengthen us.
May we be blessed with the power to speak and live the gospel all of our days.
Amen.
Text:
Luke 6:30
Takeaways:
- Give to everyone who asks you
- Listen to the voice; the voice will tell you what to give
Benediction:
May God, the brightness of the universe, bless us.
May Jesus, the light of the world, disturb us.
May the Holy Spirit, energy of the cosmos, strengthen us.
May we be blessed with the power to speak and live the gospel all of our days.
Amen.
Text:
1 Corinthians 4:4
Proverbs 8:1-17
Takeaways:
- Is there a truth that I have stopped hearing because the voice has gone silent?
- Is there a truth that I am withholding from someone I love?
- This week, ask someone who loves us what we need to start doing and what we need to stop doing.
- This week, practice radical listening to our best friends.
Benediction:
May God, the brightness of the universe, bless us.
May Jesus, the light of the world, disturb us.
May the Holy Spirit, energy of the cosmos, strengthen us.
May we be blessed with the power to speak and live the gospel all of our days.
Amen.
Easter felt like a party this year, and we were reminded of what matters.
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.
As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning.
Text: Luke 9:28-44
Takeaways:
- Do I want something to be true more than I want to find Truth?
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.
As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning.
Text:Isaiah 55:1-3, John 18:37-38
Video:4'33'' by John Cage
Takeaways:
- The sound of God is not limited to our notions of a voice.
- If you recognize the truths of Jesus, you recognize the sound of God.
- This week, conduct your own performance of 4'33".
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love
As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning.
Text:Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18
Takeaways:
- When we go into rooms this week, instead of thinking "Here I am," let's think, "There you are."
- Spend one whole day not looking at our own reflections.
- Begin every day this week saying out loud "I am Abba's Child. I am beloved."
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.
As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning.
Text:Luke 18:35-19:10
Takeaways:
- Knock the hustle
- Jesus is surprising if we allow him to be. Don't look past what is in front of you.
- Where or by whom do I need to allow myself to be seen?
- Who do I - actively or passively - isolate?
- Read a good poem
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.
As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning.
Text:Acts 16:1-10
Takeaways:
- In the story, there is movement
- Wherever we go, Jesus is there
- Take a walk this week, see what happens
- Pay attention to the coincidences
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.
As circumstances allow, we like to have the visual artist(s) for the current month take a few minutes to give us a word about their art and what goes into it. In February 2016, the portraits of the MULA (most urgent | least available) exhibit made their way onto the walls at 144 S Mason. Photographer Steve Stanton shares about letting the folks in these portraits know they are seen, and that we are all seen.
More information at donatemula.org
As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning.
Text:John 12:12-19
Takeaways:
- Instead of regretting who I was or wasn't, what do I need to start or stop right now?
- What regret do I need to fast?
Benediction:
May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.
Text:
John 17:20-23
Takeaways:
- There is no trying for his glory. We have received his glory.
- Have I received his glory?
- What do I need to clean up, to let out?
Benediction:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Text:
Romans 12:1-16
Takeaways:
- Practice who you want to be.
Benediction:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
14ersis a 4-week series taking place across the Timberline organization, addressing the mountains we want to climb together.
Text:
Mark 9:1-13
Takeaways:
- We are part of a huge story
- Our stories are informed by people we can see and people we can't.
- In the stories of the Kingdom, everyone is always there.
- Practice gratitude for people who've given us access to a better story.
Benediction:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
14ersis a 4-week series taking place across the Timberline organization, addressing the mountains we want to climb together.
Text:
Matthew 28:16-20
Takeaways:
- Discipleship is about what we do and who we are while we're going places and doing stuff.
- People don't want to be told what to believe by people they don't like.
- There's really only one command we gotta get right - love.
14ersis a 4-week series taking place across the Timberline organization, addressing the mountains we want to climb together.
Text:
Matthew 28:16-20
Takeaways:
- When I lose hope, I need to talk to someone who loves me.
- We are the worshipers and we are the doubters. We are always both.
- Whatever we do and wherever we go in His name, Jesus is with us.
It is the first Sunday of 2016 and we are reminded again of our chance at Newness.
TEXT
Ecclesiastes 1:4-9; 3:1-22
2 days after Christmas there are moments of bells and moments of canons as we head into a new year. What will we hear? What will we do?
TEXT
Isaiah 9, Psalm 127
PRAYER
Occupy Our Calendars by Walter Brueggemann
Our times are in your hands:
But we count our times for us;
we count our days and fill them with us;
we count our weeks and fill them with our busyness;
we count our years and fill them with our fears.
And then caught up short with your claim,
Our times are in your hands!
Take our times, times of love and times of weariness,
Take them all, bless them and break them,
give them to us again,
slow paced and eager,
fixed in your readiness for neighbour.
Occupy our calendars,
Flood us with itsy-bitsy, daily kairoi,
in the name of your fleshed kairos. Amen
Advent Prayer:
In our dark nights, we cry to you
In our bright days, we forget what we longed for
May our cries echo
May our longing be immediate
In our sharp minds, we pray for your coming
In our wavering hearts, we can't decide if the road is open or closed
May you clear the decks
May we raise the gates on our tollbooths.
Here we gather as hopeful witnesses to revolutionary birth.
Going from here we encounter oppression in mind and action.
Disrupt us to new life
Advent us to your longing for your children.
Let not sorrow be ruler.
Clear the way for Joy as the undexpected King.
Amen.
Scripture:
Psalm 23
Advent Prayer:
In our dark nights, we cry to you
In our bright days, we forget what we longed for
May our cries echo
May our longing be immediate
In our sharp minds, we pray for your coming
In our wavering hearts, we can't decide if the road is open or closed
May you clear the decks
May we raise the gates on our tollbooths.
Here we gather as hopeful witnesses to revolutionary birth.
Going from here we encounter oppression in mind and action.
Disrupt us to new life
Advent us to your longing for your children.
Let not sorrow be ruler.
Clear the way for Joy as the undexpected King.
Amen.
Scripture:
Psalm 44
Advent Prayer:
In our dark nights, we cry to you
In our bright days, we forget what we longed for
May our cries echo
May our longing be immediate
In our sharp minds, we pray for your coming
In our wavering hearts, we can't decide if the road is open or closed
May you clear the decks
May we raise the gates on our tollbooths.
Here we gather as hopeful witnesses to revolutionary birth.
Going from here we encounter oppression in mind and action.
Disrupt us to new life
Advent us to your longing for your children.
Let not sorrow be ruler.
Clear the way for Joy as the undexpected King.
Amen.
Advent Prayer:
In our dark nights, we cry to you
In our bright days, we forget what we longed for
May our cries echo
May our longing be immediate
In our sharp minds, we pray for your coming
In our wavering hearts, we can't decide if the road is open or closed
May you clear the decks
May we raise the gates on our tollbooths.
Here we gather as hopeful witnesses to revolutionary birth.
Going from here we encounter oppression in mind and action.
Disrupt us to new life
Advent us to your longing for your children.
Let not sorrow be ruler.
Clear the way for Joy as the undexpected King.
Amen.
Scripture:
Psalm 30
Advent Benediction:
A Future Not Our Own by Archbishop Oscar Romero
It helps, now and then, to step back
and take the long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of
the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete,
which is another way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Passage:
Psalm 107
Comtemplation:
Are we willing to clear the decks of our expectations of the ways Jesus will encounter us?
Are we willing to let the creator be creative in the ways he will manifest his Holy refrain?
Reflection:
Have I ever "known" something about God and changed my mind later?
Is there a place right now where I feel like Gamaliel - in the middle?
Passage:
Acts 4:32 - 5:11
Reflection:
Where am I seeing great fear & why?
Where am I seeing great grace?
Passage:
Acts 3:1-10
Reflection:
Would it surprise you if God did a miracle right in front of you?
Who or what do I need to start looking at?
Dick Foth helps out for the second week in a row to help us remember the unbelievable, unimaginable, and unstoppable.
Passage:
Luke 15:11-32
Reflection:
Our good friend Dick Foth steps in to pinch hit and speaks of joy & knowing who we are.
Passage:
Matthew 25:14-30
Reflection:
In what area do we desire to be more faithful with what we have been trusted with, and what does that faithfulness look like?
As circumstances allow, we like to have the visual artist(s) for the current month take a few minutes to give us a word about their art and what goes into it. The artist for August 2015 was Grayson Stallings. His show – “Linear Narratives” – addresses spiritual themes and ideas using a developed lexicon of symbols, in clear cut pen and ink.