9.26.2004
This is our journey through forests tall; our paths may differ; and yet among them all life's dreams and visions sustain us on our way, as loving gives birth to joy, gives birth to joy. AMEN - Celtic Prayer
We ate and laughed, we sang and prayed, we talked and were silent.
I was in such anxiety for this day to come. This worship to come. Things to happen. We ran into obstacles, but all ended up well. Music turned from a burden into an excellent opportunity. As the group entered the worship space Alanis Morrisette's "Still" was playing. This wasn't planned but just happened to be what was playing. One lady told me later "Alanis Morrisett was playing! I knew this was going to be awesome!" We sang to some 'campfire songs' and I lead one song accapella - rather stressfull, but it all seemed to be right.
The set-up was gorgeous. A circle of chairs, small tables with candles around a succoth (a bamboo booth). Fall leaves around and a transparency of jesus in stained glass projected on the wall.
We talked about wandering and being on a journey. I thought about my faith and how much it has changed since high school, how we've been wandering to make this worship experience happen. I thought about how I once thought that my vocational plan was set, but now seem to be in a state of restlessness.
Others talked about their frustration with being on a journey or wandering - they want a better map for their faith, they want more answers.
How scary it is to let yourself let go of what you *know*. What you believe is absolute truth, that you hold on to with all your might and defend to the end. To let go of that and embrace the unknown, with doubts and nothing concrete. All that is left is faith and experience.
The idea of going into faith with an open mind and heart for new possibilities, the same way we would go on a trip being open to new experiences.
So many ages were represented in our group of about 20 really surprised me - I didn't think as many seniors would be there and expected more 'baby boomers'. They brought a wealth of wisdom to the dialouge.
We had an EPIC service, experiencial, participatory, image rich and connective. People really enjoyed everything, we had a meaningful discussion that inspired and energized me. I am so happy.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all that love has found us - THANKS BE TO GOD.
We ate and laughed, we sang and prayed, we talked and were silent.
I was in such anxiety for this day to come. This worship to come. Things to happen. We ran into obstacles, but all ended up well. Music turned from a burden into an excellent opportunity. As the group entered the worship space Alanis Morrisette's "Still" was playing. This wasn't planned but just happened to be what was playing. One lady told me later "Alanis Morrisett was playing! I knew this was going to be awesome!" We sang to some 'campfire songs' and I lead one song accapella - rather stressfull, but it all seemed to be right.
The set-up was gorgeous. A circle of chairs, small tables with candles around a succoth (a bamboo booth). Fall leaves around and a transparency of jesus in stained glass projected on the wall.
We talked about wandering and being on a journey. I thought about my faith and how much it has changed since high school, how we've been wandering to make this worship experience happen. I thought about how I once thought that my vocational plan was set, but now seem to be in a state of restlessness.
Others talked about their frustration with being on a journey or wandering - they want a better map for their faith, they want more answers.
How scary it is to let yourself let go of what you *know*. What you believe is absolute truth, that you hold on to with all your might and defend to the end. To let go of that and embrace the unknown, with doubts and nothing concrete. All that is left is faith and experience.
The idea of going into faith with an open mind and heart for new possibilities, the same way we would go on a trip being open to new experiences.
So many ages were represented in our group of about 20 really surprised me - I didn't think as many seniors would be there and expected more 'baby boomers'. They brought a wealth of wisdom to the dialouge.
...I am your brilliance and frustration, I'm the nuclear bombs if they're to hit, I'm your immaturaty and your indignance, I am your misfits and your praised, I am your doubt and your conviction, I am your grasping and expectation...And I love you still
We had an EPIC service, experiencial, participatory, image rich and connective. People really enjoyed everything, we had a meaningful discussion that inspired and energized me. I am so happy.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all that love has found us - THANKS BE TO GOD.