As the busyness of the Summer season begins, think of all that lies ahead for the next three months. Let us take time today to ground ourselves, welcoming all that is to come with intention, attention, and prayer.

Today's meditation is separated into three parts:

1. What are your spiritual intentions/hopes/prayers?

2. What are your communal intentions/hopes/prayers? Think of the various communities you are a part of (family, friends, church, etc.)

3. What are you intentions/hopes/prayers for something that is on your mind for the summer? (Pleasure/fun, work, justice/service, learning, etc.)

For each question, take time to read, look around at the world around you, and ruminate.

1. Spiritual Intentions

Philippians 4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.

2. Communal Intentions

August Morning by Albert Garcia

It’s ripe, the melon
by our sink. Yellow,
bee-bitten, soft, it perfumes
the house too sweetly.
At five I wake, the air
mournful in its quiet.
My wife’s eyes swim calmly
under their lids, her mouth and jaw
relaxed, different.
What is happening in the silence
of this house? Curtains
hang heavily from their rods.
Ficus leaves tremble
at my footsteps. Yet
the colors outside are perfect--
orange geranium, blue lobelia.
I wander from room to room
like a man in a museum:
wife, children, books, flowers,
melon. Such still air. Soon
the mid-morning breeze will float in
like tepid water, then hot.
How do I start this day,
I who am unsure
of how my life has happened
or how to proceed
amid this warm and steady sweetness?

3. ________ Intentions

June Wind by Wendell Berry

Light and wind are running
over the headed grass
as though the hill had
melted and now flowed.

Summer by Augustine Bowe

A soft rain every other day,
Green grass grows fast and long;
Fat frogs have so much to say,
I'm sure that something has gone wrong.

So much rain has come in June,
Winds are so long and gently blown,
This warm wet weather will end soon:
August will be as dry as a bone.

Summer has a double task,
It must give birth and stay till death;
Only a fool would dare to ask
Mercy of her uneasy breath.

Christmas Service 12.18.22

Question for Reflection
What is the significance of God incarnating in the way the story tells us?

Silent Night
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
’round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav'nly hosts sing: “Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!”

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
radiant beams from Thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night! Holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
with the angels let us sing
"Alleluia" to our King:
“Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born.”

Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle ‘til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.

Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o'er the plains.
And the mountains in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see,
Christ whose birth the angels sing.
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Joy to the World
Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

2022 - August 26th | Liturgy for Summer Welcome Table

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

PRACTICE

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the excellence of [Them] who called you out of darkness into [Their] marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10

Last Sunday at All Together Church we launched our (re)Make Believe campaign, a multi-media outreach campaign inspired by Martin Luther's 95 Theses. Luther spoke truth to power when he nailed his 95 Theses on the doors of All Saints Church in 1517, launching a new era of Christian practice (the Reformation) that de-centered the Church as God’s presence on Earth, and brought power back to God’s people.

A core principle throughout Luther’s writings is the priesthood of all believers, the idea that all people can have a direct connection to God; that we do not need a priest to mediate that relationship. Through our (re)Make Believe campaign, we hope to invite you, our church community, and also people outside of our community, to exercise the radical power of discerning God’s truth for ourselves.

Today, we’re going to put that principle into practice.

To start, let’s find stillness.

Whoever feels called to do so, read the following verse aloud.

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

Get into a comfortable, yet strong, position. Close your eyes. Take 3 deep breaths. Scan your body, beginning at the top of your head and slowly down to your feet. Take a couple minutes. When you are done, open your eyes and wait for everyone to finish.

Let’s read the words of Martin Luther.

Whoever feels called to do so, read the following passage from Martin Luther’s “On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church” (1520).

How then if [the Catholic Church is] forced to admit that we are all equally priests, as many of us as are baptized, and by this way we truly are; while to them is committed only the Ministry and consented to by us? If they recognize this they would know that they have no right to exercise power over us except insofar as we may have granted it to them, for thus it says in 1 Peter 2, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a priestly kingdom." In this way we are all priests, as many of us as are Christians. There are indeed priests whom we call ministers. They are chosen from among us, and who do everything in our name. That is a priesthood which is nothing else than the Ministry. Thus 1 Corinthians 4:1: "No one should regard us as anything else than ministers of Christ and dispensers of the mysteries of God."
- Martin Luther

Leave room for silence.

Now, let’s read the words of those of us who have been bold enough to “nail” a Thesis on the doors of the (virtual) Church.

Use this link to navigate to our Community Vision Board. Spend some time reading the Divinely-inspired words of our church community. Select one or two theses that sparks your connection to Divine, and meditate on those words in your own way. Take a few minutes.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say “Amen.”

QUESTIONS

1. Share a thesis that sparked your connection to the Divine. What rings true about it?

2. By Luther’s words, anyone who is a baptized Christian can be a minister of God. Do you agree? Why or why not?

3. Do you accept the call into the priesthood of all believers? Why or why not? What responsibilities and requirements come with that?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

Everyone in your group is invited to share their prayer requests with the group. We recommend going around the circle so everyone has a turn (you may pass). Try saying “Amen” after each person has shared as a sign that we hear their prayer.

Feel free to use any of the following prompts if you like:

I really need help…
I am so thankful that…
I am totally “wowed” by…
Damn, I am hurting/frustrated/distraught/dismayed that…
I am sorry for…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2022 - August 12th | Liturgy for Summer Dinner Church

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

PRACTICE

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 16:16

Last Sunday at All Together Church we practiced the Examen, an Ignatian spiritual exercise that teaches us to see God in all things, even (and especially) within ourselves, our emotions, and our daily lives. The Examen was created to be a daily practice, a way to stay connected to God’s presence and discern God’s hopes for our lives. The first step of the Examen is to become aware of God’s presence. Today, we will focus on that step. What does it mean to become aware of God’s presence? What does it feel like? How do I know? Let’s practice a few different ways, together.

To start, let’s find stillness.

Whoever feels called to do so, read the following verse aloud.

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

Get into a comfortable, yet strong, position. Close your eyes. Take 3 deep breaths. Scan your body, beginning at the top of your head and slowly down to your feet. Take a couple minutes. When you are done, open your eyes and wait for everyone to finish.

Let’s practice looking for God within us.

The leader will read the poem. As you listen to the words, search inside yourself for the presence of God.

Birds Nesting Near The Coast
Soul, if you want to learn secrets,
your heart must forget about shame
and dignity. You are God's lover,
yet you worry what people are saying.
The rope belt the early Christians
wore to show who they were, throw
it away! Inside you are sweet
beyond telling, and the cathedral
there, so deeply tall. Evening now,
more your desire than a woman's hair.
And not knowledge: walk with those
innocent of that:faces inside fire,
birds nesting near the coast, earning
their beauty, servants to the ocean.
There is a sun within every person,
the you we call companion.
Jalaloddin Rumi

Leave room for silence.

Now, let’s practice looking for God’s presence beyond us.

The leader will read the Psalm. As they read, let your imagination run. What images, colors, or lights do you see?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
     he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.
Psalm 23

BREAKOUT

If necessary, form small groups with 6-8 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the conversation - take about 20 minutes to talk with one another. When you are done, move to a time of prayer and appoint someone to read the benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say “Amen.”

QUESTIONS

1. Did you sense God’s presence? What does it feel like? Which of your 5 (6?) senses helped you find it?

2. Do you connect more with God within you, or beyond you?

3. What meaning do you take from Paul’s words that we are God’s temple(s)?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

Everyone in your group is invited to share their prayer requests with the group. We recommend going around the circle so everyone has a turn (you may pass). Try saying “Amen” after each person has shared as a sign that we hear their prayer.

Feel free to use any of the following prompts if you like:

I really need help…
I am so thankful that…
I am totally “wowed” by…
Damn, I am hurting/frustrated/distraught/dismayed that…
I am sorry for…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2022 - July 23rd | Liturgy for Summer Dinner Church

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

PRACTICE

Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Mark 1:14-15

There is a central tension about the coming Kingdom of God throughout the Gospels: what is our role, as humans with limited power and capacity, in bringing it about?

At times, our role is to be passive recipients patiently waiting for the Kingdom to come on God’s eternal timeline. Every time we gather for All-Together Church, we affirm this point of view when we say the Lord’s Prayer: “… Thy Kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:10). The Kingdom comes to us, with and by God in God’s time, regardless of, and sometimes, despite, what we do.

At other times, our role is to be active participants in bringing about God’s Kingdom. At various times, Jesus tells his disciples, followers, and even random strangers on the street that to join in the Kingdom, they must take extreme and immediate action: give up all their possessions (Matthew 19:21), follow him and be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19), or to go to the corners of the earth to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Today, let’s discern together. In this moment, are you being called to watch for God as the Kingdom emerges through time? Or are you being called to be an active shaper of the world into what’s next?

To start, let’s read a parable that highlights this central tension.

Someone read the following passage aloud, slowly:

The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground 27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28 The earth produces of itself first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:26-29

Someone else read it again aloud, slowly.

Now, let’s read this poem together.

We’ll go around the table. When it’s your turn, read as much as you like, stop when it feels right. Let an organic rhythm emerge at the table. Don’t be afraid to start over, re-read, or change your style as meaning comes into focus.

A Complex Movement
over and over again
it becomes known
the peace we seek
is seeking us
the joy a full bud
awaiting our attention
justice in our hands
longing to be practiced
the whole world
learning
from within
this thrilling mote in the universe
laboratory
labyrinth
internalize demands
you are the one
you are waiting for
externalize love
bind together us into
a greater self
a complex movement
a generative abundance
an embodied evolution
learn to be here
critique is a seductress
her door is always open
so what if you get some
we are going further
past reform, to wonder
this requires comprehension
that cannot fit in words
out beyond our children
beyond the end of time
there is a ceaseless cycle
a fractal of sublime
and we come to create it
to soil our hands and faces
loving loving and loving
ourselves, and all our places
-Adrienne Maree Brown

BREAKOUT

If necessary, form small groups with 6-8 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the conversation - take about 20 minutes to talk with one another. When you are done, move to a time of prayer and appoint someone to read the benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say “Amen.”

QUESTIONS

1. Where do you see yourself in the parable? Are you the seed, or the sower? Are you the soil, or the reaper? Something else?

2. What is the peace you seek? How might it be seeking you?

3. What is emerging in your heart after reading this scripture and poem together?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

Everyone in your group is invited to share their prayer requests with the group. We recommend going around the circle so everyone has a turn (you may pass). Try saying “Amen” after each person has shared as a sign that we hear their prayer.

Feel free to use any of the following prompts if you like:

I really need help…
I am so thankful that…
I am totally “wowed” by…
Damn, I am hurting/frustrated/distraught/dismayed that…
I am sorry for…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2022 - July 9th | Liturgy for Summer Dinner Church #1

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

PRACTICE

Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Mark 1:14-15

In every gospel account, Jesus returns time and again to teaching about the Kingdom of God. The phrase occurs over fifty times in the gospels alone! But what does the Kingdom of God describe? A place we go after we die? An earthly realm reigned by justice and peace? The church itself? An interior state of mind?

Scholars and church people over the centuries have argued for all of these interpretations (and more). Which makes sense. Because for all his talk about it, Jesus never gave a definitive answer. Instead, he spoke of God’s Kingdom in parables. Strange stories and metaphors that evade final closure and often defy expectation.

This summer we are going to explore this curious near-yet-not-quite-here-and-also-within-you Kingdom together. What we might dream up together, thanks to the journey, is yet to be seen.

To start, we’ll read the following passages together.

1) Luke 13:18-30

Someone read the following passage aloud, slowly:

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Jesus said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”

Now, someone else read the following:

The Parable of the Yeast

And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Now, someone else read the following:

The Narrow Door

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. Once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then in reply he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and take their places at the banquet in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

2) After taking a moment to reflect on these parables, read the following poem aloud. One person reading each section.

The Queer Kingdom of God

By: David Weiss

Said Jesus to those gathered near, “The kingly deeds of God are queer—
They foul the plans of those whose more is but the spoils of the poor.
God’s kingly deeds intend to spoil earth’s foolish dreams of what is royal.
The tales I tell are meant to free your ears to hear, your eyes to see
When God is king the rule of men is plain no rule at all, my friends.
When wealth and power go hand in hand, ‘tis tyranny that leads the land.

“Thus God does queer the very thing that earth imagines makes a king;
It isn’t wealth or might or name, not brutal force or far-flung fame.
The royalty of God begins by claiming every person kin.
When God is king and claiming kin, the outcast ones are gathered in.
No wonder then that under breath the pow’rs that be now whisper death
To One who dares to call their bluff, suggest they’ve ruled for long enough.

“For regal claims of welcome wide the Christ of God is crucified.
But let this riddle hold you then, that kin-dom come might come again.
What is the sound of mustard seed growing wild like a weed?
What is the sound of leavened wheat, flour stretched for all to eat?
What is the sound of new made wine, bursting skins of old design?

3) Next, invite one person to read the following (warning filled with academic-esque terms!) aloud:

But for queer people, the present is never enough. Queer people are, by their nature, beings of futurity. As Jose Esteban Muñoz articulates, “Queerness is a structuring and educated mode of desiring that allows us to see and feel beyond the quagmire of the present.” That is, because the present world denies queer people the ability to live as full human beings, entraps them in a society that fundamentally negates their existence, they are able to understand that “this world is not enough,” that there exists a future ideality in which queerness may be fully realized. They intuitively grasp…that a better world is not only conceivable but necessary. Even more strikingly, beyond queerness’ power to reject the world as it is, queer experience in the present can act as a “map of the utopia that is [fully realized] queerness,” offering a “warm illumination of a horizon imbued with potentiality.” In this way, queer aesthetics and ways of being, in their very performance, envision new social relations, offering a brief glimpse of the eschaton of queer life.

- Ryan Carroll, “Fragments of the Eschaton: Queer Christian Soteriology,” Macrina Magazine

BREAKOUT

If necessary, form small groups with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the conversation - take about 20 minutes to talk with one another. When you are done, move to a time of prayer and appoint someone to read the benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say “Amen.”

QUESTIONS

1. What might these passages mean? What words phrases or images are you curious about?

2. Trusting that parables are meant to unsettle us a bit. What surprises, troubles, or confuses you about how God or the Kingdom of God is depicted in these passages?

3. What places in your life and your community might be in need of new planting(s) or fresh leavening? What “seeds” or “leavening” do you have to offer? Where do you see new seeds being planted or leavening mixed by others or by God?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

Everyone in your group is invited to share their prayer requests with the group. We recommend going around the circle so everyone has a turn (you may pass). Try saying “Amen” after each person has shared as a sign that we hear their prayer.

Feel free to use any of the following prompts if you like:

I really need help…
I am so thankful that…
I am totally “wowed” by…
Damn, I am hurting/frustrated/distraught/dismayed that…
I am sorry for…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2022 - July 3rd | Liturgy for In-Person Gathering

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

PRACTICE

In the last week, many of us have found ourselves in the throes of mourning. Jesus taught that he came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). In the creation story, we are introduced to God not as divine dictator, but as the gracious giver of the conditions for life abundant: earth as home, air as spirit, water as life, ecology as community, and mind-body as the capacity for choice. Breathing God’s own Spirit into humankind, God invited us into life abundant with her. The history of our tradition is the story of our ancestors trying to respond to that invitation, and grapple with what it entails - sometimes struggling, sometimes failing, sometimes making beauty beyond imagination.

Following in this tradition, Root + Branch (and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of which we are a part) has always celebrated the dignity of each person to discern - through reflection, prayer, conversation, education, study, and faith - how to live a life that seeks abundance. Yet many of our sisters and siblings have been stripped of the possibility to make a foundational choice; and on this national “birthday weekend,” our country continues to be further torn by violent contention.

As we enter into this present season, we will take some time now for personal reflection to answer the question: what am I called to do, next and now, to seek life abundant?

In a spirit of meditative practice and prayer, take a walk, or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. During this time, you are invited to read the following words from scripture. Where do these words speak to you? Where do they jostle, confuse, or frustrate you? Where do you feel drawn in? Where do they invite expansion or further conversation?

Go forth. We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to begin, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Everything Has Its Time

For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die;

a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill and a time to heal;

a time to break down and a time to build up;

a time to weep and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn and a time to dance;

a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek and a time to lose;

a time to keep and a time to throw away;

a time to tear and a time to sew;

a time to keep silent and a time to speak;

a time to love and a time to hate;

a time for war and a time for peace.

2) Read the following text slowly.

Psalm 139:1-18

The Inescapable God

To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from your spirit?
    Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
    if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
    and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and night wraps itself around me,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is as bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
    Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
    all the days that were formed for me,
    when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
    I come to the end—I am still with you.

3) Sit quietly and experience your inner self fully: your thoughts, emotions, hopes, fears. What is coming up for you? Return to the texts as you feel moved or simply take time to be still.

BREAKOUT

Form small groups with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the liturgy and conversation - take about 20-25 minutes to talk with one another. When you are done, move to a time of prayer and appoint someone to read the benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say “Amen.”

QUESTIONS

1. What might these passages mean? What words phrases or images are you curious about?

2. What is it “time for” in this new season of our lives as individuals and as a community?

3. What do you see that is of God in you? In this community or the other communities of which you are part? How can you live into that more fully?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

Everyone in your group is invited to share their prayer requests with the group. We recommend going around the circle so everyone has a turn (you may pass). Try saying “Amen” after each person has shared as a sign that we hear their prayer.

Feel free to use any of the following prompts if you like:

I really need help…
I am so thankful that…
I am totally “wowed” by…
Damn, I am hurting/frustrated/distraught/dismayed that…
I am sorry for…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

Winter 2022 | Welcome Tables Zine

During this past season of Root and Branch Constellation Groups, a small group of us participated in Welcome Tables Dinner Church. Once a mainstay of Root and Branch rhythms, Dinner Church—like most of our practices around food and eating, gathering and sharing, and spiritual rituals—has needed to evolve over the past few years. For this season of Welcome Tables, we took the posture of taking a step back, examining and re-imagining recognizable yet shifted spaces together.

We safely gathered to share meals and conversation, collectively processing and reflecting on the integral aspects of Dinner Church—aspects that, time and again, bring us back to the table and sustain community with love and care.

We invite the whole of Root and Branch to share in delightful meals, thoughtful conversation, and imaginative reflection. We created this zine—a collection of recipes, poems, rituals, and thought starters—and hope it provides you with the rich nourishment that we experienced together too.

2021 - September 5 | Labor Day Liturgy

The Methodist Social Creed as adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in December 1908

For equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life.

For the principles of conciliation and arbitration in industrial dissensions.

For the protection of the worker from dangerous machinery, occupational diseases, injuries and mortality.

For the abolition of child labor.

For such regulation of the conditions of labor for women as shall safeguard the physical and moral health of the community.

For the suppression of the "sweating system" (i.e. “sweatshops”).

For the gradual and reasonable reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical point, with work for all; and for that degree of leisure for all which is the condition of the highest human life.

For a release from employment one day in seven.

For a living wage in every industry.

For the highest wage that each industry can afford, and for the most equitable division of the products of industry that can ultimately be devised.

For the recognition of the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure remedy for all social ills.

To the toilers of America and to those who by organized effort are seeking to lift the crushing burdens of the poor, and to reduce the hardships and uphold the dignity of labor, this Council sends the greeting of human brotherhood and the pledge of sympathy and of help in a cause which belongs to all who follow Christ.

—

In the early 20th century, as a part of the Social Gospel Movement, American Christians organized around workers’ rights, economic injustice, child protection and social equality. Through prayer, preaching, prophetic speech, and political action, they addressed sin as a problem of social systems and centered not personal, but societal, salvation.

Today, workers suffer from the social sins of our time. Inadequate or absent healthcare, overwork, underpay, and job insecurity, unsafe conditions and disrespect during a pandemic, denied power to organize and speak up for better conditions or out against legitimate grievances. What would bringing the “mind of Christ” and the Golden Rule to bear on these issues look like? What would it mean for us as a church? For you as an individual?

—

On this Labor Day weekend, what is your prayer for workers everywhere?

For…

For….

For…

For your work in particular?

For…

What will you commit to bringing these prayers to action this year?

Toward this vision I will…

What support do you need?

With the help of….

With the help of…

Amen.

New Year’s Liturgy

Dialog for New Year's Eve (Adopted and modified from A Liturgy for New Year's Eve by Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel)

Leader: For everything there is a season
Congregation: And a time for every matter under heaven.

L: A time to be born and a time to die.
C: A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.

L: A time to break down, and a time to build up.
C: A time to weep and a time to laugh.

L: A time to keep and a time to throw away.
C: A time to be silent and a time to speak.

L: A time to love and a time to hate.
C: A time for war and a time for peace.

L: God has made everything suitable for its time.
C: God has put a sense of past and future into our minds.

L: For everything there is a season
C: May we give thanks for what has been and what is to come.

Reading

Burning the Old Year By Naomi Shihab Nye

Letters swallow themselves in seconds.

Notes friends tied to the doorknob,

transparent scarlet paper,

sizzle like moth wings,

marry the air.

So much of any year is flammable,

lists of vegetables, partial poems.

Orange swirling flame of days,

so little is a stone.

Where there was something and suddenly isn’t,

an absence shouts, celebrates, leaves a space.

I begin again with the smallest numbers.

Quick dance, shuffle of losses and leaves,

only the things I didn’t do

crackle after the blazing dies.

PRACTICE

Today, we will practice writing a prayer, with our attention on this inflection moment where one year has ended and another begins. Ritualizing the new year often means looking ahead, making resolutions, setting goals. But it might be just as important, maybe more so, to ritualize the year that is leaving us as well, whether to let it go, give thanks, or probably some of both.

What does it mean to write a prayer? Sometimes it is necessary to complicate things, deconstructing what prayer is or isn’t. But for today, let prayer sit in its simplest meaning for you. Feel free to write whatever you’d like but here is a structured guide to use if you’d like:

(On the Year we are leaving)

-This past year, I was…

-It was a time for…

-Help me remember…

-Thank you for…

(On the Year we are entering)

-May I carry into the new year…

-May I take notice of…

-May I give…

-May I receive…

Amen

We will take a moment to leave the digital world. Find a place of comfort in your home or step outside to take a walk if you’d like.

When we come back together we will break into some small groups. These prayers are between you and God, but you are invited to share them in full or parts of them if you’d like, or any general reflections you had.

Go Forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Break-Out Rooms - 10 min

Announcements

Benediction

The sun hears the fields talking about effort

and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for

I am willing to do everything

to help them grow?”

Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds

in the knowledge and love of God,

and of Jesus Christ,

and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit

be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

2020 - September 26 & 27 | Liturgy for In-Person Gathering

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

PRACTICE

Today we will center our attention on the changing seasons, taking stock of what has been and what may be. In a spirit of meditative practice and prayer, take a walk, or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God.

Go forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to begin, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually.
Luke 21: Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”

Meditate on the text: What words phrases or images are you curious about? What might the text mean?

2) Read the text again slowly.
Matthew 24: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”

Meditate on signs of the past: What are the signs you experienced over the summer? Try to think about this as inwardly and outwardly as you can. Signs in the world as much as signs within yourself.

3) Read the text again slowly.
Mark 13: “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.”

Meditate on signs of the future: What are the signs you are experiencing as the seasons change? What kinds of hopes and expectations do they draw out of you?

BREAKOUT

Form small groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the liturgy and conversation. Appoint someone to read the invocation/benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. What might the text mean? What words phrases or images are you curious about?

2. What are the signs you experienced over the summer?

3. What are the signs you are experiencing as the seasons change? What kinds of hopes and expectations do they draw out of you?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - September 27 | Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

BREAKOUT

Form breakout groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving.

PRACTICE

Today we will center our attention on the changing seasons, taking stock of what has been and what may be. We will take a moment to leave the digital world. Either in your home or stepping outside, take a walk or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can. During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God.

Go Forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually.
Luke 21: Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”

Meditate on the text: What words phrases or images are you curious about? What might the text mean?

2) Read the text again slowly.
Matthew 24: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”

Meditate on signs of the past: What are the signs you experienced over the summer? Try to think about this as inwardly and outwardly as you can. Signs in the world as much as signs within yourself.

3) Read the text again slowly.
Mark 13: “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.”

Meditate on signs of the future: What are the signs you are experiencing as the seasons change? What kinds of hopes and expectations do they draw out of you?

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. What might the text mean? What words phrases or images are you curious about?

2. What are the signs you experienced over the summer?

3. What are the signs you are experiencing as the seasons change? What kinds of hopes and expectations do they draw out of you?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Practice: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - September 12 & 13 | Liturgy for In-Person Gathering

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

PRACTICE

Today we will emphasize space and time for reflective meditative practice. Taking advantage of being out in the world, take a walk, or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can. During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God.

Go forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to begin, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually.
Matthew 13:33 (NRSV) - The Parable of the Yeast
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

2) Meditate: What do the words of the text mean?

3) Read the text again slowly:
Luke 13:20-21 (NRSV)
And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

4) Contemplate: What is the text saying to me in particular?

5) If you were to write this parable, what would you change? (add things, change context or imagery, etc.)

End with this poem:

Bread by Helena Minton
The dough rises in the sun,
history of the human race inside it:
orgies, famines, Christianity,
eras when a man could have his arm
chopped off for stealing half a loaf.
I punch if down, knead the dark
flour into the light, let it bake,
then set it on the table beside the knife,
learning the power
cooks have over others, the pleasure
of saying eat.

BREAKOUT

Form small groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the liturgy and conversation. Appoint someone to read the invocation/benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Share anything that came up for you in mediation/prayer/contemplation that you are comfortable with.

3. Offer your own versions of the parable.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
(Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE
(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - September 12 & 13 | Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

BREAKOUT

Form breakout groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving.

PRACTICE

Today we will emphasize space and time for reflective meditative practice. We will take a moment to leave the digital world. Either in your home or stepping outside, take a walk or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can.

During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God.

Go Forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to begin, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually.
Matthew 13:33 (NRSV) - The Parable of the Yeast
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

2) Meditate: What do the words of the text mean?

3) Read the text again slowly:
Luke 13:20-21 (NRSV)
And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

4) Contemplate: What is the text saying to me in particular?

5) If you were to write this parable, what would you change? (add things, change context or imagery, etc.)

End with this poem:

Bread by Helena Minton
The dough rises in the sun,
history of the human race inside it:
orgies, famines, Christianity,
eras when a man could have his arm
chopped off for stealing half a loaf.
I punch if down, knead the dark
flour into the light, let it bake,
then set it on the table beside the knife,
learning the power
cooks have over others, the pleasure
of saying eat.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Share anything that came up for you in mediation/prayer/contemplation that you are comfortable with.

3. Offer your own versions of the parable.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Practice: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - August 22 & 23 | Liturgy for In-Person Gathering

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

PRACTICE

Today we will emphasize space and time for reflective meditative practice. Taking advantage of being out in the world, take a walk, or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can. During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God.

Go forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to begin, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually. What do the words of the text mean?
Mark 4:26-29 (NRSV)
[Jesus] also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

2) Meditate on the text: What is the text saying to me in particular?

3) Read the text again slowly:
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” (NIV)

4) Engage in whatever form of Prayer feels natural to you: What do I say to God in response to the text?

5) Read the text again slowly:
Jesus said further, “The reign of God is like this: a sower scatters seed on the ground, then goes to bed at night and gets up day after day. Through it all the seed sprouts and grows without the sower knowing how it happens. The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the ear, and finally the ripe wheat in the ear. When the crop is ready, the sower wields the sickle, for the time is ripe for harvest.” (FET)

6) Contemplation on action: What is the text asking me to do or change?

End with this poem:

The Seed-Shop by Muriel Stuart

Here in a quiet and dusty room they lie,
Faded as crumbled stone and shifting sand,
Forlorn as ashes, shrivelled, scentless, dry—
Meadows and gardens running through my hand.

Dead that shall quicken at the voice of spring,
Sleepers to wake beneath June’s tempest kiss;
Though birds pass over, unremembering,
And no bee find here roses that were his.

In this brown husk a dale of hawthorn dreams;
A cedar in this narrow cell is thrust
That shall drink deeply at a century’s streams;
These lilies shall make summer on my dust.

Here in their safe and simple house of death,
Sealed in their shells, a million roses leap;
Here I can stir a garden with my breath,
And in my hand a forest lies asleep.

BREAKOUT

Form small groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the liturgy and conversation. Appoint someone to read the invocation/benediction.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Share anything that came up for you in mediation/prayer/contemplation that you are comfortable with.

3. What, if anything, came up during this time that has resonance for you around our moment of pandemic and protest?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - August 23 | Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

BREAKOUT

Form breakout groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving.

PRACTICE

Today we will emphasize space and time for reflective meditative practice. We will take a moment to leave the digital world. Either in your home or stepping outside, take a walk or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can.

During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God.

Go Forth! We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to begin, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually. What do the words of the text mean?
Mark 4:26-29 (NRSV)
[Jesus] also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

2) Meditate on the text: What is the text saying to me in particular?

3) Read the text again slowly:
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” (NIV)

4) Engage in whatever form of Prayer feels natural to you: What do I say to God in response to the text?

5) Read the text again slowly:
Jesus said further, “The reign of God is like this: a sower scatters seed on the ground, then goes to bed at night and gets up day after day. Through it all the seed sprouts and grows without the sower knowing how it happens. The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the ear, and finally the ripe wheat in the ear. When the crop is ready, the sower wields the sickle, for the time is ripe for harvest.” (FET)

6) Contemplation on action: What is the text asking me to do or change?

End with this poem:

The Seed-Shop by Muriel Stuart

Here in a quiet and dusty room they lie,
Faded as crumbled stone and shifting sand,
Forlorn as ashes, shrivelled, scentless, dry—
Meadows and gardens running through my hand.

Dead that shall quicken at the voice of spring,
Sleepers to wake beneath June’s tempest kiss;
Though birds pass over, unremembering,
And no bee find here roses that were his.

In this brown husk a dale of hawthorn dreams;
A cedar in this narrow cell is thrust
That shall drink deeply at a century’s streams;
These lilies shall make summer on my dust.

Here in their safe and simple house of death,
Sealed in their shells, a million roses leap;
Here I can stir a garden with my breath,
And in my hand a forest lies asleep.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Share anything that came up for you in mediation/prayer/contemplation that you are comfortable with.

3. What, if anything, came up during this time that has resonance for you around our moment of pandemic and protest?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Practice: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - August 8 & 9 | Liturgy for In-Person Gathering

BREAKOUT

Form small groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to guide the liturgy and conversation. Appoint someone to read the invocation/benediction.

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

PRACTICE

Today we will emphasize space and time for reflective meditative practice. Taking advantage of being out in the world, take a walk, or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can.

During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God. As a guiding theme, do your best to center your thoughts on the dualities of big & small, outsider & insider, near & far, immanent & transcendent.

We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually. What do the words of the text mean?
Mark 4:30-32
[Jesus] also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” (NRSV)

2) Meditate on the text: What is the text saying to me in particular?

3) Read the text again slowly:
And he said, “How may we depict the Kingdom of God, or by what parable may we present it? As a grain of mustard that, when sown upon the soil, is smaller than all the seeds on earth, and when it is sown it rises up and becomes larger than all the garden-herbs, and produces great branches, so that the birds of the sky are able to shelter under its shade.” (David Bentley Hart)

4) Engage in whatever form of Prayer feels natural to you: What do I say to God in response to the text?

5) Read the text again slowly:
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (KJV)

6) Contemplation on action: What is the text asking me to do or change?

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Share anything that came up for you in mediation/prayer/contemplation that you are comfortable with.

3. What, if anything, came up during this time that has resonance for you around our moment of pandemic and protest?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
(Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - July 25 & 26 | Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

BREAKOUT

Form breakout groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving.

PRACTICE

Today we will emphasize space and time for reflective meditative practice. We will take a moment to leave the digital world. Either in your home or stepping outside, take a walk or find a comfortable place to sit and be still. Try to find a spot or position that helps you feel connected to nature as best as you can.

During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, a way of reading, praying, and connecting with God. As a guiding theme, do your best to center your thoughts on the dualities of big & small, outsider & insider, near & far, immanent & transcendent.

We will come back together after 20 minutes.

Once you are ready, here are the steps:

1) Read the text slowly, noticing every word individually. What do the words of the text mean?
Mark 4:30-32
[Jesus] also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” (NRSV)

2) Meditate on the text: What is the text saying to me in particular?

3) Read the text again slowly:
And he said, “How may we depict the Kingdom of God, or by what parable may we present it? As a grain of mustard that, when sown upon the soil, is smaller than all the seeds on earth, and when it is sown it rises up and becomes larger than all the garden-herbs, and produces great branches, so that the birds of the sky are able to shelter under its shade.” (David Bentley Hart)

4) Engage in whatever form of Prayer feels natural to you: What do I say to God in response to the text?

5) Read the text again slowly:
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (KJV)

6) Contemplation on action: What is the text asking me to do or change?

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Share anything that came up for you in mediation/prayer/contemplation that you are comfortable with.

3. What, if anything, came up during this time that has resonance for you around our moment of pandemic and protest?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Practice: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - July 25 & 26 | Liturgy for In-Person Gathering

GATHERING

We begin with space and time for reflective meditative practice. Taking advantage of being out in the world, feel free to take a walk, or find a comfortable spot to lay and be still. During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, where we take a short piece of our readings for today, and go through the following steps:

Reading - Read slowly, noticing every word individually. What do the words of the text mean?
Meditation - What is the text saying to me in particular?
Prayer - What do I say to God in response to the text?
Contemplation - What is the text asking me to change?

Each time you read the text, go through all four steps. Try to cycle through these steps multiple times. Notice how things change or grow deeper.

After 10 minutes, come back to the meeting spot when you are done.

Text:
I waited patiently for the Lord;
[You] inclined to me and heard my cry.
[You] drew me up from the desolate pit,
out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
[You] put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
(Psalm 40)

BREAKOUT

Form small groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving. Appoint someone to read the invocation/benediction and to read the texts.

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

READINGS

Memoir by Vijay Seshadri

Orwell says somewhere that no one ever writes the real story of
their life.
The real story of a life is the story of its humiliations.
If I wrote that story now—
radioactive to the end of time—
people, I swear your eyes would fall out, you couldn’t peel the gloves fast enough
from your hands scorched by the firestorms of that shame.
Your poor hands. Your poor eyes
to see me weeping in my room
or boring the tall blonde to death.
Once I accused the innocent.
Once I bowed and prayed to the guilty.
I still wince at what I once said to the devastated widow.
And one October afternoon, under a locust tree
whose blackened pods were falling and making
illuminating patters on the pathway,
I was seized by joy,
and someone saw me there,
and that was the worst of all,
lacerating and unforgettable.

Psalm 40:1-10; 14

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
[You] inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 [You] drew me up from the desolate pit,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 [You] put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are those who make
the Lord their trust,
who do not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after false gods.
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you.
Were I to proclaim and tell of them,
they would be more than can be counted.
6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Here I am;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
see, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.

14 Let all those be put to shame and confusion
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who desire my hurt.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Let’s reflect on the stories that well about ourselves and why. What are ways that you’ve noticed the stories you’ve told about yourself change over the years? What was the reason for these changes?

3. Our stories and narratives always have something to say about the future (our hopes and expectations). What is a story you want to tell about what is to come?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE (Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - July 25 & 26 | Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)
4. Reader

GATHERING

We begin our time together by taking a moment to be in sacred space together. Do something, if you’re able, that will help you create a holy environment. Make sure you have bread and wine (or whatever you can use) for communion.

To start we will practice a form of lectio divina, where we take a short piece of our readings for today, and go through the following steps:

Reading - What do the words of the text mean?
Meditation - What is the text saying to me in particular?
Prayer - What do I say to God in response to the text?
Contemplation - What is the text asking me to change?

Each time the text is read, go through all four steps. We will cycle through these steps multiple times over the course of 10 minutes. Notice how things change or grow deeper each time.

Text:
I waited patiently for the Lord;
[You] inclined to me and heard my cry.
[You] drew me up from the desolate pit,
out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
[You] put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
(Psalm 40)

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

READINGS

Memoir by Vijay Seshadri

Orwell says somewhere that no one ever writes the real story of
their life.
The real story of a life is the story of its humiliations.
If I wrote that story now—
radioactive to the end of time—
people, I swear your eyes would fall out, you couldn’t peel the gloves fast enough
from your hands scorched by the firestorms of that shame.
Your poor hands. Your poor eyes
to see me weeping in my room
or boring the tall blonde to death.
Once I accused the innocent.
Once I bowed and prayed to the guilty.
I still wince at what I once said to the devastated widow.
And one October afternoon, under a locust tree
whose blackened pods were falling and making
illuminating patters on the pathway,
I was seized by joy,
and someone saw me there,
and that was the worst of all,
lacerating and unforgettable.

Psalm 40:1-10; 14

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
[You] inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 [You] drew me up from the desolate pit,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 [You] put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are those who make
the Lord their trust,
who do not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after false gods.
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you.
Were I to proclaim and tell of them,
they would be more than can be counted.
6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Here I am;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
see, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.

14 Let all those be put to shame and confusion
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who desire my hurt.

BREAKOUT

Form breakout groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you? Why?

2. Let’s reflect on the stories that well about ourselves and why. What are ways that you’ve noticed the stories you’ve told about yourself change over the years? What was the reason for these changes?

3. Our stories and narratives always have something to say about the future (our hopes and expectations). What is a story you want to tell about what is to come?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

(Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Practice: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - July 12

Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)
4. Reader

GATHERING

We begin our time together by taking a moment to be in sacred space together. Do something, if you’re able, that will help you create a holy environment. Make sure you have bread and wine (or whatever you can use) for communion.

To start we will practice a form of lectio divina, where we take a short piece of our readings for today, and go through the following steps:

Reading - What do the words of the text mean?
Meditation - What is the text saying to me in particular?
Prayer - What do I say to God in response to the text?
Contemplation - What is the text asking me to change?

The convener will read the text and guide everyone through each step.

We will cycle through these steps multiple times over the course of 10 minutes. Notice how things change or grow deeper each time.

Text:
And [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow.
And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.
Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil.
But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away.
Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Let anyone with ears listen!"
(Matthew 13:3-9)

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

READINGS

Hear then the parable of the sower.
When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.
As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.
But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
(Matthew 13:18-23)

BREAKOUT

Form breakout groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

Meditation
How does Jesus “explanation” of the parable compare to your initial lectio divina reflection?

Testimony
Share about a time when you have been the sower
or
Share about times where you have seen yourself reflect each type of soil.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

(Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

BLESSINGS of the PEOPLE

(I pray a blessing for you that...)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

COMMUNION CUP

After the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Take and drink in the promise of new life.

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Practice: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

2020 - June 27 & 28

Liturgy for Outdoor Gathering

GATHERING

We begin with space and time for reflective meditative practice. Taking advantage of being out in the world, feel free to take a walk, or find a comfortable spot to lay and be still. During this time, we will practice a form of lectio divina, where we take a short piece of our readings for today, and go through the following steps:

Reading - Read slowly, noticing every word individually. What do the words of the text mean?
Meditation - What is the text saying to me in particular?
Prayer - What do I say to God in response to the text?
Contemplation - What is the text asking me to change?

Try to cycle through these steps multiple times. Notice how things change or grow deeper.

After 10 minutes, come back to the meeting spot when you are done.

Text: ...freed from your sin, you became forever committed to justice. (Romans 6:18)

BREAKOUT

Form small groups if necessary with 3-5 people in a group. Appoint someone to be group leader to help moderate the conversation and keep things moving. Appoint someone to read the invocation/benediction and to read the texts.

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

READINGS

Romans 6:12-18; 20-21 (The Inclusive Bible)

6:12 So don’t let sin rule your mortal body and make you obey its lusts;
6:13 don’t offer the members of your body to sin as weapons of injustice any more. Rather, offer yourselves to God as people alive from the dead, and your bodies to God as weapons for justice.
6:14 Sin no longer has power over you, for you are now under grace, not under the Law.
6:15 Where does this all lead? Just because we are not under the Law but under grace, are we free to sin? By no means!
6:16 You must realize that when you offer yourselves to someone else in obedience, you are bound to obey that person, whether you subject yourself to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to justice.
6:17 Thanks be to God, that though once you were slaves to sin, you became obedient from the heart to that rule of teaching imparted to you.
6:18 freed from your sin, you became forever committed to justice.
6:20 When you were slaves to sin, you felt no need to work for justice.
6:21 What benefit did you enjoy from these things that you are now ashamed of, all of which leads to death?

Tonight, in Oakland by Danez Smith

I did not come here to sing a blues.
Lately, I open my mouth

& out comes marigolds, yellow plums.
I came to make the sky a garden.

Give me rain or give me honey, dear lord.
The sky has given us no water this year.

I ride my bike to a boy, when I get there
what we make will not be beautiful

or love at all, but it will be deserved.
I’ve started seeking men to wet the harvest.

Come, tonight I declare we must move
instead of pray. Tonight, east of here,
two boys, one dressed in what could be blood

& one dressed in what could be blood
before the wound, meet & mean mug

& God, tonight, let them dance! Tonight,
the bullet does not exist. Tonight, the police

have turned to their God for forgiveness.
Tonight, we bury nothing, we serve a God

with no need for shovels, we serve a God
with a bad hip & a brother in prison.

Tonight, let every man be his own lord.
Let wherever two people stand be a reunion

of ancient lights. Let’s waste the moon’s marble glow
shouting our names to the stars until we are

the stars. O, precious God! O, sweet black town!
I am drunk & I thirst. When I get to the boy

who lets me practice hunger with him
I will not give him the name of your newest ghost

I will give him my body & what he does with it
is none of my business, but I will say look,

I made it a whole day, still, no rain
still, I am without exit wound

& he will say Tonight, I want to take you
how the police do, unarmed & sudden

& tonight, when we dream, we dream of dancing
in a city slowly becoming ash.

CONVERSATION

Holy Ground Rules
1. Be present as fully as possible: Bring your doubts, fears and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
2. Provide space for all voices to be heard.
3. Learn to respond with honest, open questions, rather than counsel or corrections.
4. Trust and learn from the silence: Pay attention to what you hear and feel, giving space for reflection.
5. Practice deep confidentiality: Safety and bravery will be built when we can trust that our words and stories will remain with the people with whom we choose to share.

If we all agree to uphold these rules, let us say Amen.

QUESTIONS

1. Which words, images or phrases from these readings resonate with you now? Why?

2. Smith’s poem paints a world of deep complexity. How might this inform the way we think of sin?

3. How does the relationship between sin and justice help us understand what each of these words mean?

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
(Help, Thanks, Wow, Damn, Sorry)

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, Our Mother
Our Farther, Our Other

who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the freedom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever

Amen

BENEDICTION

The sun hears the fields talking about effort
and the sun smiles, and whispers, “Why don’t the fields just rest, for
I am willing to do everything
to help them grow?”
Rest, my dears, in Prayer.

May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of Jesus Christ,
and may the blessing of the Holy Spirit
be amongst you and remain with you always.

ALL: Amen.

Outside Sources:
Gathering: The Religion Teacher (Website)
Invocation: Koren Siddur (translated by Jonathan Sacks), Neil Ellingson
Holy Ground Rules: Adopted from Touchstones by Center for Courage & Renewal
Benediction: St. Catherine of Siena & Book of Common Prayer

Liturgy for Online Gathering

DIY DIACONATE ROLES:
1. Convener
2. Invocation / Benediction Giver
3. Communion Presider (Bread & Juice)
4. Reader

INVOCATION

Leader: To greet the sabbath, come let us go, For of blessing, she is the source.
ALL: Come, beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the sabbath.

Leader: Come Spirit, Advocate, Comforter.
We invoke you—call you in.
Be with us. Come by here.
Call us away from fear.
Help us re-enter this fellowship
of warm courage,
and set out together
in the direction of heaven.

COMMUNION

For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So today, we eat and share bread together, saying, ‘This is our body.’ Take and eat.

PRACTICE

As we begin to reflect on the ideas and themes for today, we will practice a form of lectio divina, where we take a short piece of our readings and go through the following steps:

Reading - What do the words of the text mean?
Meditation - What is the text saying to me in particular?
Prayer - What do I say to God in response to the text?
Contemplation - What is the text asking me to change?

The convener will read the text and guide everyone through each step.

Will will try to cycle through these steps multiple times over the course of 10 minutes. Notice how things change or grow deeper each time.