Sunday, February 5, 2012
Journey of 53 Churches: Saint Paul's United Church of Chirst 1-8-2012
Journey of 53 Churches: Saint Paul's United Church of Chirst 1-8-2012: I woke this morning, wondering what Saint Paul's would offer to me and my child, and with our open minds my son and I stepped out on our jou...
Journey of 53 Churches: Returning Home-WellSprings 1-1-2012
Journey of 53 Churches: Returning Home-WellSprings 1-1-2012: Last year I ventured back to college being away for almost 20 years. The classes I took in 2011 opened me up to new experiences, and in the...
Sunday, January 29, 2012
New Life Community Church of God 1-29-12
“Moving Forward Together” is this church’s motto. This is just what they do. Once entering the church I felt such an amazing grace within the walls. There was an inner peace that came over me, just sitting there listening to the announcements. There is an amazing energy that comes from the pastor of this church. I realized it when he first began to speak. It was like he was channeling the Holy Spirit himself. There have been only a few churches that I have been to, that get me to raise my voice to say “yes” and “amen” while the pastor speaks. Pastor Aaron Whetstone has this calling about him. He speaks to you, he calls to his congregation, and he raises the energy by walking back and forth praising the Jesus’ name.
New Life had just come off the 21 Day Daniel Fast. So the Pastor had made a joke that he could say the word, Chicken followed by a Hallelujah! Being the foodie that I am, I can completely say Amen to this! He is young and full of life, and when I closed my eyes and listened to him I could have sworn I could hear Paul Giamotti speaking with passion about Jesus.
Pastor Aaron Whetstone began speaking after the announcements were made about upcoming events. In this church the offering is also done right in the beginning. What is different than other churches is that we as individuals walked our offering up the plate and placed our offering into it ourselves. I liked this, it seemed so much more appropriate somehow. This way if those didn’t have anything to give they don’t have to make that journey to the altar. Plus, I liked it because before the adults walked up, all the children took their offering up. It sort of puts things into perspective about what types of households are within this community, and how the children are being raised.
Pastor Aaron Whetstone told us of the story of Horratio Spafford, and how he wrote such a beautiful hymn when he lost his four daughters when the family had taken a vacation. Before he could join his wife he was crossing the waters where his daughters were lost to the sea, and he wrote this song, “It is well with my soul.” Pastor Aaron said that one has to have a great relationship with God if in tragedy we can say that all is well with my soul. This touched me, because I see so many losing faith, so many different faiths and this is why I have went on my own personal journey. Not because I am looking for faith, it is because I want to see how people marvel and wonder in their faith, how those sing their songs of prayer, how others pray, and how they communicate with God, their God, their faith. I want to see the connections we all have and the differences that we have that in some strange and miraculous way truly makes us one in the same.
I had heard before stepping into the church that a mother was returning today with her newborn baby. Who doesn’t anticipate new life within their inner circle? The pastor made it a point to welcome the mother back and let her know just how missed she was. That she and everyone else has their own special energy that they bring to the service, to their congregation. It’s a very personalized church, very family oriented and family based.
We sang songs of their faith together. Though I never heard the songs before, they came so naturally. Beautiful uplifting songs of their faith, that for this day I shared with them. The elders of prayer were called up to the altar for anyone within the church that had a need they would go to an elder and the elder would pray with them and for them. The prayer elder would anoint the one asking for guidance and prayer with oil and pray aloud. There must have been 5-7 elders standing in front of the altar. They were all praying at once. I heard speaking in tongues for the first time in my life, and I heard voices carrying their prayers, different prayers for different people yet all the same. I closed my eyes and allowed the sounds to penetrate within me. As the elders prayed and witnessed Pastor Aaron walking back and forth, assisting in raising the energy in the room. With his “Praise Jesus” and “Amen’s” the room was charged full of the spirit within the room. The once slight drafty church was now warm and comfy and homey. Sitting there I felt comfortable, at home here within this church. Listening to the prayers being lifted, watching those be prayed for, feeling the energy all around me. A woman in the back spoke in tongues while another one called out, “I fail not, look unto me and believe.”
Pastor Aaron said allow Jesus to speak to you, allow him to encourage you and allow him to be the source. Again, I say that Pastor Aaron looked to not be reading from notes, but allowing the spirit to flow through him as he spoke the truth from his heart and soul. He is a very energized pastor, with much energy of the spirit within him.
After the children were dismissed the Pastor began speaking on the Book of Act chapter 2. He said that he just wants to speak what he is being guided to speak about. His sermon was a very good one. He talked about the similarities of the movie, A Few Good Men versus the growth of his church. Like the soldiers in the movie Jack Nicholson said, “You can’t handle the truth”, such as Pastor Aaron couldn’t handle the growth of his church happening over night. He said God/Jesus wants it to happen gradually, slowly so as to build a foundation to grow with new members to learn and lay a good foundation within the walls of the congregation. He said the church is for the world. That you can come to church on Sunday and all, but when you are out in the world you have to be the church outside of the church. This led him into the introduction of his sermon, Taste & See.
Just like trying to feed little kids vegetables there is a struggle and us as parents always use the bargaining chip of, “at least taste it and see if you like it, this way you will know.” He said the Book of Acts is like a Holy Ghost party. He said that he was allowing God to come through to talk through him, to share the word and to empower us. That we are but a body of believers, that God hasn’t called us to be cute but to share the word. Pastor Aaron longs to be “Zapped” by God to feel his presence all the time, not just on Sundays. He feels the need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. We should all allow ourselves to feel the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:17 it states talk about the last days where the Holy Spirit will be pouring out, where young men see visions and old men dream dreams. This time is now. He mentioned Corinthians 13:10 that the day of perfecting tongues will cease. That Paul wasn’t writing for the bible when he wrote, he was writing to tell the churches of Jesus and his works. He was writing to spread the word. He encourages us to not only read the bible but to learn it, to gain knowledge from it. Pastor talked about Acts 2:41 in regards to the baptisms that occurred, that were counted 3,000 in one day. Back in that day they didn’t count women and children and that close to 6-8000 were baptized that day. He said that the pattern of baptisms needs to be this way in the modern times. He said that the word of Jesus needs to be shared, to be discovered and acknowledged. This message is being poured out into the people to love one another to have this core in common with one another.
Pastor Aaron says that we don’t want to be the church that shakes and quakes, but the church that breaks bread and shared the word of God, and body of believers with one another, together. Taste and see that the lord is good. When the Bible was rewritten David says to taste and see when Paul refers to it as the fruit. Pastor Aaron says it’s time to get a little fruity. Pastor said of himself that, “Pastor just got a little crazy.” In Galatians 5:22, love joy and peace-against such things there is no law!
Then Pastor asked for some music so that he could land this plane. He has such a wonderful spirit about him, I just loved his energy! Being Pentecostal means to love Jesus, to land on your feet, to have the path lit for you, to love the Holy Spirit. Paul says in the bible to love one another by their fruit. In other words, to love them for their faith, for their sense of community, for how they live together in harmony with others and help one another. The 21 day fast was not about food, but about what it would reveal to them as a community, for themselves individually and to strengthen their faith and strengthen themselves. Their faith is a fellowship that makes others ask, “Where can I get me some of their happiness, their spirit, and their beliefs. Pastor Aaron grabbed some parishioners and brought them together in front of everyone. Showed us how easily it was to make connections with those, and to let go of past hurts and love one another, accept one another and be in unity with one another. It was catchy, and funny and serious all in the same. It was uplifting, to see all of them smiling at one another, and being themselves with one another.
He talked about a surgeon that had to go inside an infected person and how he may have been cut, and how part of that person may have infected him. He asked, “Aren’t we all like that, infecting one another with a part of ourselves.” Truly makes you think that even though we think we are different, so different, that in faith and in community we find that we are one that we have common ground within our faiths, our beliefs.
Pastor Aaron said something that truly touched me. He said, “Moving forward with God, having a vertical relationship with God, and a horizontal relationship with one another.” This truly inspired me and made me think. How many of us go to church, never reach out to one another unless we are told to, and walk away and don’t think about church other than on Sunday. We do need a better vertical relationships with God and better horizontal relationships with one another.
At the end, Pastor Aaron called those up that were dedicating themselves to live like the Book of Acts in 2012. Most of the parish went and stood by one another, holding hands. They prayed it was beautiful to listen to, it was beautiful and moving part of the service. Then Pastor Aaron’s wife led us in prayer for the feast we would share with one another.
I am so happy to have experienced the New Life Community Church of God. It opened my eyes so much more to so many things I was unaware of. I am learning so much about different religions and their ways. This truly is a magical experience for me. I hope you are enjoying it. If you have the time, check out some of the things below that highlight this service. Though my words won’t do this parish justice, you may just have to experience it for yourself. It’s so worth the trip, at least it was for me! Thank you New Life!
Things to reflect on:
Taste & See-1-29-12 podcast
New Life Community Church of God Facebook page
United Pentacostal Chruch International
Pentacostalism
Pentacostal Church of God
“It Is Well With My Soul”-Horratio Spafford
Rooftops-Ben Williams
“Show me Your Glory”-Kathy Frizzell
Here I Am To Worship
The Daniel Fast
Book of Acts Chapter 2
Corinthians 13:10
Galatians 5:22
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Morgantown Communtiy Church 1-20-2012
“We are that Church.” I was curious about the church’s motto. What does it mean, being “that church?” It was much bigger than I had expected, and there were those gathering when we walked in the doors. They had offerings of coffee and breakfast items, and people were chatting and greeting those coming into the church. I picked up my order of service and read some of the items that were hung around on the church walls. I noticed the words very big G R O W up on the wall. This stands for God, Relationship, Opportunities for Ministry, and World. I was intrigued to what all this meant to them, and what it meant for me. A gentleman kept standing out to me, as we passed by a few times. He was casually dressed, well groomed and had this relaxing air about him. Later, I found out that this was the lead Pastor, Bill Wright.
We went to take our seats as the band prepared. There was a large stage in front of us, and a movie screen. When service began they played testimonies of those that were part of the church professing why they were “That Church.” These people are strong in their faith, and strong in their convictions. Inside the order of service there is a prayer list. It lists their prayers for our Nation and its leaders. There were prayers for physical healing, for cancer healing and recovery, for those having to endure surgery, and for their spiritual needs and their salvation. Lots of names were on this list. My heart went out to each person on this list, as to their family and friends that support and care for them. They passed around a hat to make an offering to the church. This is the first church I have visited that has done the offering first. I found this to be very interesting, since I have never experienced it this way.
Pastor Bill Wright began by telling us the process of selecting new leaders, and new deacons. He brought three individuals up, and asked for others to come up and lay their hands on them and pray for them in their new role and the directions they are taking within the church. This was moving for me, as each person’s energy flowed throughout the room. It brought tears to my eyes, listening to others pray for these three individuals and their new roles within the church. These people putting their prayers and hopes into these three individuals supporting them and lifting them up.
We then sang three or four songs. I had never heard these songs before, and I followed along as best as I could. These were deep songs of praise, with a lot of meaning, a lot of prayer within them. At points of time I just stopped and listened to the voices, the men singing one part and the women another. It was truly different than any other spiritual music I have heard.
Pastor Bill began to speak about “The God who makes us blush.” (John 4) He told us a story about his little child who goes through the stores in front of people singing God’s praise. He compared it to as we enter teen years and adulthood where we don’t want to be seen with our parents or certain people we don’t like. He said we begin to feel ashamed and vulnerable. We become ashamed to be around certain people for who they are, how they dress or even just being around our mom and dad around our friends. He talked about how we become afraid to show who we really are, who we want to be. That we become embarrassed to talk about God, we hide our religion from others, and we do not spread the message of Jesus and his love for others around us. Whether we want to admit or not, our lack of actions and words speak for themselves. We have not supported our Almighty Creator in the way we as Christians should. He spoke of the scripture Rom 9:1-21. He told of a woman who was Samaritan and who had everything against her. She was a Samaritan and she was a woman and she was an outcast. That didn’t stop Jesus though; he didn’t care about those things. The others went around the city of Samaritan, going into Galilee. Not Jesus, who took the time to speak to this poor woman in the middle of the afternoon who was going for water. Jesus wanted to share the word with her, to teach her and to convey the wisdom of his father. She was taken aback, she wanted to know why Jesus was being this way with her when he was a Jew and she was a Samaritan. The pastor said we should broaden our view of who Christ died for. Jesus wasn’t judgmental, he just wanted to guide her. Pastor Bill said that every conversation can be turned to speak of Jesus. He said don’t think that someone isn’t ready to speak of Jesus, because you don’t know this. Someone may want to learn, but they just need guidance. He said that we are not saviors, we cannot save people, and this is God’s job. Our job is to lead people to Jesus, to speak of Jesus and to share with our fellowman the stories and teachings of Jesus. It is up to God to do the rest. He told us that we shouldn’t allow anything to get in our way, that what we carry around with us daily (burdens) should not hinder us from sharing the word of God and leading someone else to Jesus. He emphasized that we should be real, not fake. He said that we should not continue doing destructive things that we do. That we are not alone in this world and that if we only have faith and share in our faith in Jesus that he will lead us to where we need to be in life. He encourages all of us to tell our story, to be honest and to show others how we have been forgiven and how God has healed our lives. Pastor Bill went onto to say that we should embrace the fact that there are so many people out there that just need to be reached out to, and that we were all created for something beyond this world. That we should talk to someone we love about someone we love. He said that we deny Jesus with the sin of silence. His talk was a very powerful one, with so much detail and so much history of the bible. I had never heard those scriptures spoke of that way and I found it to be very intriguing.
After Pastor Bill spoke, we sang some more songs. He then told us about a video. This video would be how we would close the service. It was called “The Letter from Hell.” This by far was the most powerful video I had ever seen while attending a religious service. It was very intense to say the least. I am a very eclectic person within faiths, and I have an open mind to all religions. In their faith I can see their energy and their purpose and their dedication and love for their holy savior, Jesus Christ. I see them, gathering themselves and creating armies to spread the word of Jesus. I see a very strong, loving community in which they help one another as they spread the word of Jesus and honor him in all their walks within this life. I can see why their motto is, “We are THAT church.” The service was close to two hours long, and both my son and I learned a lot within this service. It opened my eyes to parts of the bible in a different light, and also allowed me to see another religion and their practices. I’m leaving with you a thought that astonished me when listening to Pastor Bill speak. He mentioned that only 5% of the people within the churches ever lead someone to Jesus. 5%...
Things to reflect on:
Morgantown Community Church
Evangelism
Roman 9:1-21
James 4:17
Corinthians 5:20
You are Holy-Michael W. Smith
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Take Me In
Born Again
Revelation Song
Open the Eyes of my Heart Lord
Letter from Hell
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Center For Spiritual Living 1-15-2012
Back in the early 90’s I was searching for a different kind of church. I was looking for a spiritual place that was inspiring and full of loving and open minded accepting people. At the time I found the Center for Spiritual Living located in Paoli PA. I remembered the times that I had visited CSL in the past. It was at a time when I was following the path of Native American traditions and all sorts of new religious paths were manifesting in my life. My time there was only for a short while, but their message stayed with me long after that. I decided that with my current journey I would return for a visit to see how they had grown and to meet the new faces that have graced their community.
The congregation had grown so much that they began renting out the Upper Main Line YMCA’s carriage house for their Sunday service. As I walked through the door I was greeted by wonderful women, who handed me the Sunday program, my welcome packet and the affirmation for the day. Even on the program it stated, “A Welcoming Spiritual Community Inspiring Personal Transformation and Positive Change in the World.” After looking through their eclectic and inspiring book collection, and meeting a few of the other individuals from the community I thought it was time to find myself a seat and settle in to connect with what lay ahead for the service.
A gentleman named Frank, with what looked like a Native American pan flute, began to play. In my mind I was instantly taken from the frigid temperatures outside to a warm Western desert surrounded by blue skies and rolling mountain hills. Frank’s playing of that flute sent me straight into mindful meditation. In that moment I found the peace that I had been looking to quiet my inner chatter of the morning.
Senior Pastor, Bob Deen, made me comfortable and at ease within the first few moments of welcoming the community. I have come to the realization that after watching and listening to him that he may just be Sean Connery’s doppelganger. He began by telling us that we were loved, no matter who we are and where we come from, that all of us there today were loved. In my opinion, I thought that this was just beautiful. It takes a lot to tell people you love them, some people can’t say it at all. But here was this pastor telling those that come to be spiritual with him that this was the first thing we should know. The service began by opening celebrations of joy along with songs and affirmations.
The affirmation of the day was:
I am open to receive.
I am open to give. I am open to
participate fully in this amazing
Universe Project.
A lady who had been tending to the books was called up to the front for what seemed like testimonials of their beliefs. She told of chance meetings and inspirations that happened in her daily life and her career and how conscious thought has brought about abundance in beauty and happiness. She recollected a fascinating story of how CSL had made a basket for the Mind Spirit Expo that occurs once a year. She mentioned how it was made with care, and how they all wondered who had received the basket. She went on to tell us that she had recently spent time at a gathering in Reading, and how after it had ended the attendees had went out to eat. After saving a seat for someone that didn’t show she offered the seat next to her to a young lady. This women wondered if this person she gave her seat up to had ever attended CSL’s sister chapter in Reading. Within a few minutes Science of Mind came up, and she exclaimed how she had won the basket from the Mind Spirit Expo and how it led her to a path of self discovery and new found wonders and of course, to their sister chapter in Reading. This reminded me of how things come around full circle and truly what a small and remarkable world we live in and how we are all connected somehow one way or another.
Then we sang a Karen Drucker song called “Thank you for this Day.” This song resonated within me, and took me back to a time when I lead women in song, meditation and drumming at the Full Circle Gatherings at Main Line Unitarian Church. I just chanted along with those singing around me. It was a beautiful beginning and a wonderful energy raising chant.
We settled in and listened to the words that Bob Deen would share with us. He made a lot of sense in his inspirational talk. He talked about how if we have garbage coming in, that garbage will come out. Just like a computer. If you continually put garbage in, you will only get garbage out. He also talked about that with your computer, there are manuals. That all computers are hard wired, and that every once in awhile it is good to read through the manual and make sure that you are tapping into all the necessary potential that you possibly can. Just like ourselves. It is good to examine our lives and make sure that we are living life fully. He said that if we only talk bad about our past, our present and ourselves that we will get nothing but bad out of it. He mentioned working with a woman that wanted this one man to love her. He said each week he would pray with her, and they would work on affirmations to make her life abundant with the love that she desired. He said that one week he overheard her talking about how men were pigs. At this point he made a joke about a book he had heard about called, “Men are Pigs and We Love Bacon,” just the title made all of us laugh! I refer back to the garbage in garbage out statement here, because he stated something so obvious to all of us sitting there. The power of thought, the power of consciousness is always all around us. If we choose to do good, to live in a good way, then good things will happen, but if we choose bad things and to speak bad about other people, then bad things will happen. I have always thought that the power of thought was a very powerful tool. If we constantly beat ourselves up and say we are not good enough and that we don’t deserve to be loved, we are painting our life picture. He also said something that resonated with me. Last year, when I returned back to school I put a motto on my blog that said changing myself so that I can change the world. Well, Bob Deen said just that. We are always constantly trying to change one another. Instead of trying to change one another into what we want them to be, we should change ourselves to who we want to be and what we want out of our world.
There were so many things that Pastor Bob spoke about, and so many good points he made that made me think and made me truly want to learn more. Not just about Science of Mind, but all religions. Though all religions have different ways to celebrate their faith, all of them have such a sense of community and an outreach to one another to connect us all together. For example, during most religious services there is a portion where we offer of ourselves a donation to the church, or the community the church helps. Usually a song is played and baskets are passed around for your donations. At CSL, there is a statement that we all make together. I have read it through a few times, and it is so simple, and pure and about sharing of ourselves and with one another.
Celebrating Prosperity
I choose to celebrate prosperity. Divine love blesses my gift. It is my acceptance of God as the Source of my abundant supply. With joy and gratitude, I share my abundance with this Center. In doing so, I am one with the law of circulation. My tithe goes forth to heal, to prosper, and to bless. It returns to me multiplied abundantly, and I am prospered-and so it is!
Another gentleman, his name was John, stood and sang a beautiful song. This was the second time he had sung. The music played and John sang and some of us clapped while others just swayed to the music. We had been told at the beginning that the teens were away this weekend at a teen CSL retreat. The little ones were there though, and towards the end of the service they were invited up to tell of their day with the Youth leader. The little ones had picked cards with words on it and had drawn pictures to represent the words. One had kindness, while another had imagination, and they were so cute standing up there showing off their art and their representations of the words they had drawn from the cards they had chosen. After the children left, all the practitioners that were in the service stood up and we honored them. These individuals are there to help you find your way, to assist in your affirmations and to help you in any way they can at CSL. Each individual that stood seemed to have an healing reverence about them. You would know these individuals, because they are the ones that open doors for you, touch your shoulder when you are sad, and who seem to show up in your life just when you need someone the most. Each of them had kindness in their face, and smiles that are hard to forget.
Pastor Bob talked a little about the freedom of truth that Spiritual Living gives to him and the others of the Center. To share, to learn and to live in a spiritual and supportive community is truly what message is conveyed in this service. Before the service ended I recalled from the past ones I had attended one of my favorite parts of CSL, and was happy to see that this hadn’t changed in my years being away. We all stood up, and clasped our hands together with the people that stood to our left and to our right. Together, we sang joyfully and with robust the Peace Song.
Peace Song
Now there is peace of earth, and it has begun with me. Now there is peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our power, united all are we. Now we all walk together, in perfect harmony. Now peace begins with me, for this is the moment now. With every step I take, let Truth be my joyous vow; to take each moment, and live each moment in peace eternally. Now there is peace on earth, and it has begun with me.
Take a listen to that song, and just try to not let it get stuck in your head for days, especially with the final last versus! This and the Thank you song by Karen Drucker has been stuck in my head for days. I truly love the churches that celebrate and pray and give thanks with song. Listening and watching and finally joining in with the voices fills me with such empowerment, beauty and joy it is indescribable.
If I have taken anything away from me from CSL, it is the Thank You song. I sing it each morning, and I end my day by singing it. It has become my chant, my mantra, my own special prayer. Thank you CSL, for the experience, for the mindfulness of my thoughts, and for allowing me to share the space within your community. Truly an open minded community that shares it’s love with anyone that walks through the doors.
Things to reflect on:
Greater Philadelphia Center for Spiritual Living
Ernest Holmes-Science of Mind
Karen Drucker - Thank you for this Day
Inspiration dance done to Thank you for this Day
I am so blessed-Karen Drucker
Karen Drucker website
Indian Flute Meditation
Peace Song
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saint Paul's United Church of Chirst 1-8-2012
I woke this morning, wondering what Saint Paul's would offer to me and my child, and with our open minds my son and I stepped out on our journey.
Saint Paul's is located in Exton, Pa. It looked like one of those churches you would find located in the middle of a field surrounded by yellow flowers and little kids playing amongst the butterflies. At a time in history I am sure it was surrounded by the green fields and the yellow flowers. I lived in Exton growing up, and remember quite frequently noticing the little church by the side of the road. I have never heard of the United Church of Christ before this, but seeing and reading about it online peaked my interest. My son was first to notice the cemetery directly behind the church. I had read that the church was formed in 1830. The church that now stands along Route 100 was erected in 1884. I could see the Gothic style type of architecture the website had mentioned. Upon entering the church it had a feel for old history. I thought to myself, "If the walls could speak." Old buildings, those over a hundred years old, always have a certain mystique for me. It always seems to make me wonder who else had walked these halls, who has prayed here and how were there prayers offered up.
We had followed others into the church, so I think we came in through the back of the church. I recognized the pastor, Jonathan, from the website. He was preparing for the service as we walked by. At the foot of the stairs we were greeted by an older gentleman. He sensed we had never been there, and asked us to sign the guest book. I wrote down my details as he explained to my son and I that during the Lord's Prayer we would be sinners, and that the following visit we would be debtors. Though I may be mistaken on my understanding of this, because I was taking everything else in around me. I walked up the stairs with the uncertainty of being a sinner. I was a little worried and apprehension seem to be creeping up within me, but I took a deep breath and knew that in every religion there is a place for me. The stairs seemed to be like a spirailaing staircase for a moment, I was curious to see what awaited us upstairs. I don't remember being in a church where I came in a door and walked upstairs. To me, this was very symbolic for a lot of reasons. We walked into what looked like a little chapel. My son marveled that even upstairs in this chapel there was another level that would hold the choir members.
The chapel is was very humble looking. The stained glass windows were beautiful, one in particular I noticed had a picture of the Bible with open pages. The service began with prayers and news that the community would like to share with one another. I liked this portion a lot. People sharing amongst their community to all their accomplishments, their prayers and their thoughts. Praying for those that are ill, or have gone on before us.
Their Gathering prayer went like this:
Bright Morning Star,
you are both guidance and mystery,
Visit our rest with disturbing dreams,
and our journeys with strange companions,
Grace us with the hospitality
to open our hearts and homes
to visitors filled with unfamiliar wisdom
bearing profound and unusual gifts.
Amen.
Then Jonathan took out his guitar and began to play Hark! the herald angels sing. It was beautiful, with us the people in the pews singing and Jonathan strumming away on his guitar. I envisioned myself sitting around a campfire at that moment. Breathing in the moment of song with those around me.
After this the plates were passed around for those to offer of themselves and their gifts. Jonathan gathered up all the little children of the Parrish. He sat amongst them, on the floor. He placed himself at their level and spoke of the past Holidays and questioned them about their adventures over the Holiday. The children opened up to him, describing their travels and expressing themselves to him, but to all of us as well. I chose this service because of it's emphasis on the children at the 9am service. I did not expect this though, and it gave me a warm and comforting feeling. As the children spoke I looked to the altar. There atop I saw the bread which was covered and the wine which was covered. I wondered to myself what would my son and I do when it came time to partake in this. I decided to not think ahead and to focus on the moment at hand.
When I was growing up and I was a member of the Catholic church I remember it was always showing the sign of peace to the other members of the congragation was my favorite part. It always reminds me of the song, "Auld Lang Syne," for each time I shook someone's hand or hugged them to offer them peace I feel that it is like a new start. At Saint Paul's you walk outside of your pew, and you begin walking and shaking each other's hand and sharing the peace. It became like a dance in only a few moments. People walking one way down the aisle and the others walking the opposite. Like a well organized line dance with no one in the middle but God. Instead of only being prviliged to shaking only those who approached me hands, I was given the oportunity to shake each and every parrishionsers hand. A moment between each and every person, silent communication and peace. This was all so different for me, but beautiful just the same.
Upon sitting down, Jonathan read the scriptures for the day:
Genesis 1:1-5
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
I listened and interpreted the readings to reflect on my day in the present, and reflected on what it must have meant to those that first wrote the book. Jonathan brought out his guitar again and we sang Beautiful Jesus. In all my journeys I had never heard this song before. I liked it and I followed along singing as best as I could, reading the notes and listening to Jonathan and the others singing.
It was time for his sermon. I listened to Jonathan as he spoke. This is what I got from his sermon. That there is always religion and politics, and that each religion will always say that they are the one and only true religion. That we should open our hearts, open our minds and share with one another. He spoke of how when Paul wrote his letter to Ephesians he was trying to help them open their minds. One excerpt from the Letter to Ephesians states, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." For me, this says that it doesn't matter what is said or done, the wisdom needs to be communicated to those in the higher realms. To make changes on perceptions, we must reach out and share of ourselves our faith and beliefs and and gain a sense of community. If we have unity and have faith, everything else sort of intercedes with one another.
After his sermon, it was time for the prayers for the people. Those that are not themselves and are in need of prayers. I looked further on the order of service and I noticed a little note stating that everyone is welcome to partake in the Lord's Supper. I began getting excited for what was to come.
I was raised Catholic, and I was never allowed to partake in the communion until I had prepared within the church for it. This took many hours of Catechism classes, and a loads hair pulled from my parents heads from offering up quarters for me to learn the Lord's prayer. My son wouldn't have this for he was blessed in a different way after he was born. He never had to learn prayers, or attend classes within a church, for our church was the world outside and the sky was a tapestry of faith in itself. My son learned of God, Jesus and the heavens from his mother who believed that all things were possible, and all faiths have their value. Prior to this service we had a discussion on eating the "Body of Christ," and though he may have been hesitant I could see his little eyes wanting to learn of it, to know of it in and in a way partake in the curiosity of it all. In this moment, he would be able to. We all stepped outside of our pews and gathered around the altar. Jonathan expressed words of the Last Supper and how Jesus told him to eat this bread and drink of this cup in remembrance of him. He went around to each and every one of those in attendance. Each person took of the bread, but they waited. I was rarely given the cup to drink from in the Catholic church, I was curious as to what was happening. Each person received a piece of bread, and then the wine (grape juice) was taken around following the bread. Each person dipped their bread into the juice and ate of it. Even the little children, one must have been a little over 2, was given a piece of bread and waited ever so patiently to dip it into the goblet of juice. This moment filled me with such love and admiration. My son turned to me after tasting of the bread and exclaimed, "That was some good bread." I know he may have only been speaking of the bread in itself, but this moment will forever be in his memory as when he ate of the blessed sacrament. I recalled a time of my great aunt's passing. I was told at the funeral that I could not partake of the sacrament, because I was no longer of that faith. I thought to myself would Jesus have been so selfish and not share at my table with him, for I would always share at my table with those in need of some bread. Isn't this what Jesus tried to teach us. That it doesn't matter who you are, how old you are, what sex you are, that you are a person and you are welcome at my table.
Well, at Saint Paul's United Church of Christ we were asked to share their bread with them, and it was good.
Things to reflect on:
Saint Paul's United Church of Christ
http://www.stpauluccexton.org/
Ephesians 3:1-12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A1-12&version=NIV
Auld Lang Syne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acxnmaVTlZA
Beautiful Jesus
http://www.firstcongmadison.org/hymn-notes/hymn-44-beautiful-jesus
Saint Paul's is located in Exton, Pa. It looked like one of those churches you would find located in the middle of a field surrounded by yellow flowers and little kids playing amongst the butterflies. At a time in history I am sure it was surrounded by the green fields and the yellow flowers. I lived in Exton growing up, and remember quite frequently noticing the little church by the side of the road. I have never heard of the United Church of Christ before this, but seeing and reading about it online peaked my interest. My son was first to notice the cemetery directly behind the church. I had read that the church was formed in 1830. The church that now stands along Route 100 was erected in 1884. I could see the Gothic style type of architecture the website had mentioned. Upon entering the church it had a feel for old history. I thought to myself, "If the walls could speak." Old buildings, those over a hundred years old, always have a certain mystique for me. It always seems to make me wonder who else had walked these halls, who has prayed here and how were there prayers offered up.
We had followed others into the church, so I think we came in through the back of the church. I recognized the pastor, Jonathan, from the website. He was preparing for the service as we walked by. At the foot of the stairs we were greeted by an older gentleman. He sensed we had never been there, and asked us to sign the guest book. I wrote down my details as he explained to my son and I that during the Lord's Prayer we would be sinners, and that the following visit we would be debtors. Though I may be mistaken on my understanding of this, because I was taking everything else in around me. I walked up the stairs with the uncertainty of being a sinner. I was a little worried and apprehension seem to be creeping up within me, but I took a deep breath and knew that in every religion there is a place for me. The stairs seemed to be like a spirailaing staircase for a moment, I was curious to see what awaited us upstairs. I don't remember being in a church where I came in a door and walked upstairs. To me, this was very symbolic for a lot of reasons. We walked into what looked like a little chapel. My son marveled that even upstairs in this chapel there was another level that would hold the choir members.
The chapel is was very humble looking. The stained glass windows were beautiful, one in particular I noticed had a picture of the Bible with open pages. The service began with prayers and news that the community would like to share with one another. I liked this portion a lot. People sharing amongst their community to all their accomplishments, their prayers and their thoughts. Praying for those that are ill, or have gone on before us.
Their Gathering prayer went like this:
Bright Morning Star,
you are both guidance and mystery,
Visit our rest with disturbing dreams,
and our journeys with strange companions,
Grace us with the hospitality
to open our hearts and homes
to visitors filled with unfamiliar wisdom
bearing profound and unusual gifts.
Amen.
Then Jonathan took out his guitar and began to play Hark! the herald angels sing. It was beautiful, with us the people in the pews singing and Jonathan strumming away on his guitar. I envisioned myself sitting around a campfire at that moment. Breathing in the moment of song with those around me.
After this the plates were passed around for those to offer of themselves and their gifts. Jonathan gathered up all the little children of the Parrish. He sat amongst them, on the floor. He placed himself at their level and spoke of the past Holidays and questioned them about their adventures over the Holiday. The children opened up to him, describing their travels and expressing themselves to him, but to all of us as well. I chose this service because of it's emphasis on the children at the 9am service. I did not expect this though, and it gave me a warm and comforting feeling. As the children spoke I looked to the altar. There atop I saw the bread which was covered and the wine which was covered. I wondered to myself what would my son and I do when it came time to partake in this. I decided to not think ahead and to focus on the moment at hand.
When I was growing up and I was a member of the Catholic church I remember it was always showing the sign of peace to the other members of the congragation was my favorite part. It always reminds me of the song, "Auld Lang Syne," for each time I shook someone's hand or hugged them to offer them peace I feel that it is like a new start. At Saint Paul's you walk outside of your pew, and you begin walking and shaking each other's hand and sharing the peace. It became like a dance in only a few moments. People walking one way down the aisle and the others walking the opposite. Like a well organized line dance with no one in the middle but God. Instead of only being prviliged to shaking only those who approached me hands, I was given the oportunity to shake each and every parrishionsers hand. A moment between each and every person, silent communication and peace. This was all so different for me, but beautiful just the same.
Upon sitting down, Jonathan read the scriptures for the day:
Genesis 1:1-5
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
I listened and interpreted the readings to reflect on my day in the present, and reflected on what it must have meant to those that first wrote the book. Jonathan brought out his guitar again and we sang Beautiful Jesus. In all my journeys I had never heard this song before. I liked it and I followed along singing as best as I could, reading the notes and listening to Jonathan and the others singing.
It was time for his sermon. I listened to Jonathan as he spoke. This is what I got from his sermon. That there is always religion and politics, and that each religion will always say that they are the one and only true religion. That we should open our hearts, open our minds and share with one another. He spoke of how when Paul wrote his letter to Ephesians he was trying to help them open their minds. One excerpt from the Letter to Ephesians states, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." For me, this says that it doesn't matter what is said or done, the wisdom needs to be communicated to those in the higher realms. To make changes on perceptions, we must reach out and share of ourselves our faith and beliefs and and gain a sense of community. If we have unity and have faith, everything else sort of intercedes with one another.
After his sermon, it was time for the prayers for the people. Those that are not themselves and are in need of prayers. I looked further on the order of service and I noticed a little note stating that everyone is welcome to partake in the Lord's Supper. I began getting excited for what was to come.
I was raised Catholic, and I was never allowed to partake in the communion until I had prepared within the church for it. This took many hours of Catechism classes, and a loads hair pulled from my parents heads from offering up quarters for me to learn the Lord's prayer. My son wouldn't have this for he was blessed in a different way after he was born. He never had to learn prayers, or attend classes within a church, for our church was the world outside and the sky was a tapestry of faith in itself. My son learned of God, Jesus and the heavens from his mother who believed that all things were possible, and all faiths have their value. Prior to this service we had a discussion on eating the "Body of Christ," and though he may have been hesitant I could see his little eyes wanting to learn of it, to know of it in and in a way partake in the curiosity of it all. In this moment, he would be able to. We all stepped outside of our pews and gathered around the altar. Jonathan expressed words of the Last Supper and how Jesus told him to eat this bread and drink of this cup in remembrance of him. He went around to each and every one of those in attendance. Each person took of the bread, but they waited. I was rarely given the cup to drink from in the Catholic church, I was curious as to what was happening. Each person received a piece of bread, and then the wine (grape juice) was taken around following the bread. Each person dipped their bread into the juice and ate of it. Even the little children, one must have been a little over 2, was given a piece of bread and waited ever so patiently to dip it into the goblet of juice. This moment filled me with such love and admiration. My son turned to me after tasting of the bread and exclaimed, "That was some good bread." I know he may have only been speaking of the bread in itself, but this moment will forever be in his memory as when he ate of the blessed sacrament. I recalled a time of my great aunt's passing. I was told at the funeral that I could not partake of the sacrament, because I was no longer of that faith. I thought to myself would Jesus have been so selfish and not share at my table with him, for I would always share at my table with those in need of some bread. Isn't this what Jesus tried to teach us. That it doesn't matter who you are, how old you are, what sex you are, that you are a person and you are welcome at my table.
Well, at Saint Paul's United Church of Christ we were asked to share their bread with them, and it was good.
Things to reflect on:
Saint Paul's United Church of Christ
http://www.stpauluccexton.org/
Ephesians 3:1-12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A1-12&version=NIV
Auld Lang Syne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acxnmaVTlZA
Beautiful Jesus
http://www.firstcongmadison.org/hymn-notes/hymn-44-beautiful-jesus
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Returning Home-WellSprings 1-1-2012
Last year I ventured back to college being away for almost 20 years. The classes I took in 2011 opened me up to new experiences, and in the end changed how I viewed the world. I decided that in 2012 I would visit a different church every Sunday. I want to see how those around me celebrate their faith, rejoice in their hope, and come together as a community. There are 53 Sundays in the year 2012, and there are so many different places of worship I wish to visit. I began my journey by returning home to WellSprings Congregation.
Due to many class obligations I was unable to be at my own place of worship, WellSprings, for the year of 2011. I thought this was the best place to start, it being a new year and all. I don't think it would ever matter how long I stayed away, for when walking in the door it felt as I had never left. The support the members of the congregation had given me in my absence, the hugs I received and just the overall sense of loving one another brightened my soul. WellSprings truly is my home away from home. It truly is a community charged full with the charge of the soul.
For me my body always seems to catch up with my mind when the minister reflects on a quote from the Buddhist monk, Thich Naht Hanh. "If we want to enter heaven on earth, we need only take one conscious step and one conscious breath."
The service was focused around, in my opinion, focusing on being within the moment. Allowing yourself to be present in the moment and taking those breaths that we need each day, which I always seem to be reminding myself to do. Grey Pelley eloquently placed all of my recent thoughts and anxieties regarding the holidays that just transpired into his sermon. He was right on when he said that when we are sitting in church on Christmas Eve and singing Silent Night in all honesty our minds are racing ahead of us. Thoughts and lists racing through our minds, always thinking ahead and not being within the moment. What gifts need to be wrapped, what parties need attending. Our thoughts always way ahead of our actual bodies, always expecting, speculating, rehearsing what comes next in our minds.
When he mentioned the brand new unmarked calendar, with no appointments, jobs, birthdays, anniversaries marked upon it and how it seemed fresh and uncluttered and that he did not feel tied down. It gave him a sense of freedom. Then he thinks of all the things that will fill the calendar with and begins to feel weighed down and trapped within the days of the calendar. He said he began to think of those entrapment's not as duties or "stuff" but to think of those items that fill the calendar as possibilities of abundance. Time that will be spent caring for oneself, time with family and making new friends and learning new things. He mentioned Jack Cornfield, the buddhist, and his book, "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry." This made a lot of sense, because we may have things planned out in our mind on how life is supposed to be, but in reality these things may turn into something else. Like doing the laundry.
Hearing Greg speak of his daily routine of getting up, having in his mind one thing, which leads to another task and another and another made me laugh. I have always thought that my life resembled that of a kids book called, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." Because if you give a mouse a cookie it will remind him of something else, and in the end there is a trail of half completed projects and still always so much to do, and at times so much more to clean up and organize. I find this with my thoughts as well. If I don't allow myself to enjoy the time within the moment, it takes away from the simple joys I may have experienced. As Greg says it is time to see your life anew, we all have this opportunity to be within the moment, to allow yourself to see your life in the lives of others in the moment. He ask that we give our self the last gift of the holiday. That we give our self the gift of being present within our own life. I loved this! To think of giving myself the gift of presecnes and maybe in doing so it will bring forth the possibility of abundance.
It was truly a fantastic way to celebrate the beginning of the year. I am thankful for being able to be within the moment with such a wonderful community surrounding me and charging my soul with the charge of the soul.
Things to reflect on:
Possibility of Abundance podcast
http://wellspringsuu.org/index-2.html
Excerpt from Jack Cornfield
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Buddhism/2000/06/After-The-Ecstasy-The-Laundry.aspx
Thich Nhat Hanh
http://www.plumvillage.org/
Unitarian Universalist
http://www.uua.org/
"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Dc1ZBJB3U&feature=related
Due to many class obligations I was unable to be at my own place of worship, WellSprings, for the year of 2011. I thought this was the best place to start, it being a new year and all. I don't think it would ever matter how long I stayed away, for when walking in the door it felt as I had never left. The support the members of the congregation had given me in my absence, the hugs I received and just the overall sense of loving one another brightened my soul. WellSprings truly is my home away from home. It truly is a community charged full with the charge of the soul.
For me my body always seems to catch up with my mind when the minister reflects on a quote from the Buddhist monk, Thich Naht Hanh. "If we want to enter heaven on earth, we need only take one conscious step and one conscious breath."
The service was focused around, in my opinion, focusing on being within the moment. Allowing yourself to be present in the moment and taking those breaths that we need each day, which I always seem to be reminding myself to do. Grey Pelley eloquently placed all of my recent thoughts and anxieties regarding the holidays that just transpired into his sermon. He was right on when he said that when we are sitting in church on Christmas Eve and singing Silent Night in all honesty our minds are racing ahead of us. Thoughts and lists racing through our minds, always thinking ahead and not being within the moment. What gifts need to be wrapped, what parties need attending. Our thoughts always way ahead of our actual bodies, always expecting, speculating, rehearsing what comes next in our minds.
When he mentioned the brand new unmarked calendar, with no appointments, jobs, birthdays, anniversaries marked upon it and how it seemed fresh and uncluttered and that he did not feel tied down. It gave him a sense of freedom. Then he thinks of all the things that will fill the calendar with and begins to feel weighed down and trapped within the days of the calendar. He said he began to think of those entrapment's not as duties or "stuff" but to think of those items that fill the calendar as possibilities of abundance. Time that will be spent caring for oneself, time with family and making new friends and learning new things. He mentioned Jack Cornfield, the buddhist, and his book, "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry." This made a lot of sense, because we may have things planned out in our mind on how life is supposed to be, but in reality these things may turn into something else. Like doing the laundry.
Hearing Greg speak of his daily routine of getting up, having in his mind one thing, which leads to another task and another and another made me laugh. I have always thought that my life resembled that of a kids book called, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." Because if you give a mouse a cookie it will remind him of something else, and in the end there is a trail of half completed projects and still always so much to do, and at times so much more to clean up and organize. I find this with my thoughts as well. If I don't allow myself to enjoy the time within the moment, it takes away from the simple joys I may have experienced. As Greg says it is time to see your life anew, we all have this opportunity to be within the moment, to allow yourself to see your life in the lives of others in the moment. He ask that we give our self the last gift of the holiday. That we give our self the gift of being present within our own life. I loved this! To think of giving myself the gift of presecnes and maybe in doing so it will bring forth the possibility of abundance.
It was truly a fantastic way to celebrate the beginning of the year. I am thankful for being able to be within the moment with such a wonderful community surrounding me and charging my soul with the charge of the soul.
Things to reflect on:
Possibility of Abundance podcast
http://wellspringsuu.org/index-2.html
Excerpt from Jack Cornfield
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Buddhism/2000/06/After-The-Ecstasy-The-Laundry.aspx
Thich Nhat Hanh
http://www.plumvillage.org/
Unitarian Universalist
http://www.uua.org/
"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Dc1ZBJB3U&feature=related
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