Stories tagged:
joy

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2024.07.14

Liturgy Joy comes with the morningThe kids are downThe dishes are awayOur pets stand guard(Or act like they do)Joy comes with the morningOur minds settle, or perhaps they begin their footmarchPerhaps our tears beginPerhaps we are a mother to our tearsAs the Psalms say,Weeping may tarry for the night,But joy comes with the morningLord, here’s to the anger,To the laughter,To […]

Embodied Joy

When you feel joy… how do you know?  On the eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Gena St. David, delves into the relationship between joy and grief, and points us to how embodying joy can be an act of sacred resistance. [2 Samuel 6:14-19] Reflection When you’re experiencing joy what do you sound like?  When your body feels joy, what do you […]

Holy Bodies

How might your life work differently when you can feel in your body the joy, safety, and pleasure of which the psalmist writes?  On this Pride Sunday, Amy Wolfgang encourages us to feel the embodied confidence of God beside, before, and within our being. [Psalm 16:8-11] Reflection How can our community go before and beside those in fear of their […]

The Joy of Being Remembered

When have you been surprised by joy? On the third Sunday of Advent, Christopher Mack ponders how Mary and Elizabeth found deep joy in challenging circumstances through gratitude, kindness, peacemaking, and solidarity. [Luke 1:46-56] Reflection How might I cultivate joy by practicing gratitude this week? Is there a person or situation where I might choose kindness and generosity? Where can […]

Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2023.12.17

Liturgy Heavenly Lord GodMaker of Heaven and Earth,The hills and rivers sing out your name.As we light the candle for Joy,We pray to find peace and a moment of warmth.Call us into your light,We are ready to be still and listen.Jesus Christ, our Holy Savior,Your love shines out to usLike the star that led the Magi to a miracleTeach us […]

Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.8.13

Liturgy God in heaven, you number the stars.You hold the pillars of the earth firm.You have searched each of us and known us.The inmost being of every personHas been created and gently held by you. We look to you and your strength,Seeking your face always. We see only from where we are,Guessing whether the other is friend or foe.Sometimes looking […]

Promise Keeper

What hope might you create space for in order to stay close to God’s promises? Virginia Cumberbatch opens up about audaciously holding on to hope through seasons of challenges, disappointments, and injustice. [Psalm 105:1-5] Reflection What would it look like to create space to reflect on the promises God has kept? How can the uncertainty or mystery of our human […]