I am excited to announce that starting on Memorial Day at 9:30 am, we will begin a new group meeting called: “Practicing Prayerful Presence.” Among other things, it will be a follow-up from Dr. Tim Bruster’s sermon series “A Healthy Spirituality for Our Time,” and is open to all.
In our own awakening to God’s Real Presence, we become more present to the power of compassion that naturally seeks healing and wholeness wherever and however brokenness happens. So if we play this golden opportunity right, I believe the process will actually sow the seeds for an awakening to the deep power of compassion.
In recent decades, we have learned much about how easy it is to be distracted by our technologies, and not truly listen or be present to ourselves and others. But in this time of overwhelming vulnerability, we are discovering that we can use much of that same technology to connect deeply with others.
Every year at this time, we find our way through Lent into Palm Sunday and Holy Week. And like the first disciples, we too easily miss the main point, or forget what we have learned about how to truly see and be fed.
During this unprecedented crisis, I pray for a “great awakening in compassion.” Mindfulness is one of the most crucial long-term things we can practice, and participate in, as it helps us be present to God’s Presence.
Here we begin the long 40+ day pilgrimage of preparation when we remember and live into the stories of Jesus that lead us through our daily struggles and into the new life we call Easter.
Some of you know that my call to ministry emerged from my experiences of struggle and support after being diagnosed with cancer soon after my 13th Birthday.
Last night we had a wonderful report at the Board of Steward’s Meeting about the recent “Focus First Leadership Summit.” And there is much excitement about specific areas of focus for our church as we move forward.
In my blog last week, I wrote about the then upcoming “Focus First Summit” scheduled for February 9 – 10.
This weekend (February 9 – 10), we will have a “focus first summit” in which some of our leadership in the church will meet about the “Focus First” process we’ve been engaged in with consultant Susan Beaumont since July of 2017.
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