Stories tagged:
spiritual growth

Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.9.24

Liturgy Friends and siblings,Welcome to this sacred place this morning.Let us pause for a moment to be still and breathe.[Take a moment for the congregation to take a breath] Today, when we are challenged,may we be receptive to the Spirit’s moving. When we are humbled,may we make room for God’s healing and grace. When we face difficult emotions and trying […]

Engaging Tension with Humility

How can we grow from engaging tensions in our world? Vanessa Maleare shares her story of being shaped by tension in living out her calling, while reflecting on the story of Peter living in the tension of past failure and present affirmation. [John 21:18-22] Reflection Where in your life are you fleeing from tension? Which of these unresolvable tensions calls […]

Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.9.17

Liturgy Each person in this room is a kaleidoscopeof feelings, experiences, thoughts and skills.Always changing, and always showing adifferent aspect of God’s creativity. Each person brings a worldview so richonly their Creator can truly understand it. Our collective body is beautiful in its many parts,Yet it is made truly magnificent whenit comes togetherto seek understanding,acceptance, and love of the other. […]

Shared Leadership as Resistance

How is a practice of shared leadership resistance against oppressive and harmful structures? Weylin Lee vulnerably reflects on the journey of Vox from hierarchy toward non-hierarchy and how this practice is a form of resistance. [Philippians 2:1-8] Reflection Who are the voices we need to include at the table? In what ways might you practice love with the most vulnerable? […]

Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.9.10

Liturgy The Spirit is a force of love, wild and creative:She tears down the walls of our hearts,and builds up courage from within. The Spirit is a practice of freedom:She is daring and audacious.She nurtures gentle strength. That our hope may thrive and justice be our aim,Come, Spirit of Christ, and rise among us. Holy One, our source of life […]

A Posture of Non-Hierachy

What has been your experience of (non)hierarchy in faith communities? At the beginning of our Fall vision series, Gena St. David interrogates our relationship to power and experience of hierarchy in light of a nonviolent messiah who embodied humility.  [Philippians 2:5-8] Reflection What are the strengths and shadows of hierarchy? How might I practice embracing myself, and others? Do I […]

Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.9.03

Liturgy The violence in the world is old,Our place in the world is ever new. Work in us, Good Shepherd, andGive us the foresight to distinguishThe wolves beneath the willow;Give us courage as you scatterwhat prowls in wait. The goodness in the world is old,The threats to it seem ever new. Guide our simple steps, high upon the cliffs,Or low […]