How was church today?

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Church this morning was great - I was at Conference. Youth and the band gathered us in for service with music - "Beautiful Things" and the CAYTs group (Children And Young Teens) led worship. There were 4 kids & their leader. The young woman - maybe in Grade 5 or 6? - was quite a character - very composed & confident with a great sense of humour, infectious enthusiasm, expressive voice & gestures. All the kids participated, talking about their hopes and dreams for the church and for the world. They had placed cut-out leaves on our tables & invited us all to likewise write our hopes & dreams on them & post them on large painted tree trunks they had prepared & hung each side of the room - it was so interesting to read them later & they will be taken to Conference Office. Great music too!
 
Today was the 30th anniversary of Rev. Dr. John Pentland's ordination. Sermon was by the host of the local CBC radio morning show. For the sermon he did an interview asking John for his take on the 9 beatitudes. I liked John's answers for 8 out 9 so that's pretty good. A good topic for a sermon today as the beatitudes are all about blessings and we have certainly been blessed at Hillhurst with the ministry of John.
 
I had church, a few times over a few days, in a wooded, beachside retreat this weekend. Just a small group of us.

We learned the St. Ignatius method of prayer (and discernment), which I find really interesting and creatively engaging...among other things, like singing around a campfire, lead by a guitar player, and the reading of a chapter from author Anne Lamott. I am now reading the book “Travelling Mercies”, written by her, which is one of the most down to earth, real and relatable and funny autobiographical faith based novels I’ve ever read (so far). She’s like a modern day Beat Writer, on a meandering Christian road she never anticipated. She has that San Francisco hippie ethos, too. And she also reminds me a bit of Nadia Bolz Webber. Just gritty (yet paradoxically eloquent and graceful) and real.
 
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Jae said:
Since you posted them directly after mine, and without quoting @jimkenney12, it's only logical for me to feel you were speaking to me.
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Could it be a mis understanding of logos and logic ... and the question of AC knowledge ... which alternates! We swing from knowledge to not ...

But observation of the complexity is revealing!

Then there is the lips afire Agnes and Ignatius and those quieter sorts buried in the script ... we had a grand discussion about possible comings as I am variants following the Isaiah readings ...
 
Kimmio said:
author Anne Lamott. I am now reading the book “Travelling Mercies”, written by her, which is one of the most down to earth, real and relatable and funny autobiographical faith based novels I’ve ever read (so far).
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A huge fav of mine; glad you've discovered her. I find her enormously "real".
 
And thanks for the book recommendation too - now on my list! At Conference I picked up "Boundless Compassion" by Joyce Rupp - her latest offering I think. It's a six week daily study ... good way to begin my retirment.
 
Hey, Mary Jo Leddy will be running a program at Five Oaks, related to her new book coming out.
I don't have a lot more details, but, for those looking for reading and followup in person, she is one of the smartest folks that I know.
Love her principles and writing.
 
A pleasant surprise was received well and discussed afterwards: The message I delivered today was about changing church to meet changing times; just as our Sunday traditions have changed to meet changing times. I was worried that people would take offense about what I said about church buildings becoming less loved/valued in the modern era (fewer baptisms, weddings and funerals rely on churches). And that declining numbers in mainstream churches should not be a surprise to those of us who bend or change past traditions regarding Sunday being a day of rest and worship. (not judging...I hung out laundry and mowed the lawn last Sunday because the weather was perfect for it. Today is rainy so I'll take a nap.) I focussed on change that encouraged and allowed worship, rather than change that gets away from worship. Anyway...I am happy that it got people thinking and talking.
 
The minister talked about the apostles creed, the metaphor of God the Father (parent, not gendered) in relationship with the Son - and of all biblical language being metaphor. It was quite complex and interesting. Also, about the problem with word Lord, implying the sort of earthly power that Jesus was opposed to - which makes that word subversive in Christianity - he comes to show the power of God as Love for the oppressed - to be the humble servant not a brutish leader bent on power and greed - and it is that quality we are called on to follow.

The pastor is very funny. Even with such a complex topic. My favourite thing. I laugh out loud at church, and it's great.

Then, we had communion...then pizza for lunch.
 
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Found out Rev. John is going to only able to work 2 days a week. He needs a hip replacement, which surprised me as he is younger than me and seems like a healthy guy. He did the sermon leaning on the pulpit and with one knee resting on a stool. Don't know when the surgery will happen as on the waiting list. Happens at a bad time as our other minister Rev. Sheena has just recently returned from shoulder surgery so hope she doesn't get overwhelmed with too much work now. Sermon was on what touches us both emotionally and physically. John said some folks in the congregation have told him the only time they feel the touch of another human is during the handshaking during the Passing of the Peace on Sunday mornings. I've never been a fan of the peace passing, but guess it is meaningful for lonely folks who only have the church connection. Also, had a nice conversation with the woman sitting next to me about what she has found touching in her life recently. Then had an fun, if rather windblown, 82 km bike ride. A good day all round.
 
Some people cannot abide by what other people find touching ... and thus the touché in the quixotic joust ... chock Kahn ...

And in darkness men go after it! What's it? The alternate unknown ... thus the loop of the Ankh ... forming a captive Nous ... inner thingy ... as it gnaws you find yourself being snatched away ... into trances ... sometimes resembling PTSD ... out of here and now modes as real life is dissonance ... once known as Eis as you inherit it from your previous live provided to you in the shades of history ... Sha does is eM!

Like an eastern dragon passing over in reciprocation ... the demonyms ripple and bounce ... like Bobby Magee ... and the stroke of the bow against the lost chord! Fiddling demons ... those believing they are establishment quo ... don't accept the dynamic ... the down to the Zea metaphor ... in Zumation ... Semite sign! A word of love insubstantially loaded with data ... wild intelligence?

Don't get the Reuben ... go back for more ... tis sorely required ... for those untouched and generally supposed to be untouchable ... they are ... Tus ... just reach out!

Some individuals may be knocked off their hei 'll hoers ... defunct eagles! Func đ anwag O' Nells ... a' Lexus! The X's representing what we don't know ... exotic, or esoteric?

Supports the unknown idealism ... gods 've myth ... something to figure out ... whiling away the swerve ...
 
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It was Environment Sabbath, and we had a conversation about the importance of Bees. Potluck supper tomorrow night at church (our UCW-light, the Ladies of G_____), and I've picked up some chicken thighs to construct a chicken curry for it. Always tastes better if you make it the day before.
 
My sister and I led worship at a nursing home this morning. She plays the organ; I usually go to help people find the page numbers in their books, or to add my voice to the singing mix. But our minister, who usually leads worship, had to attend an organizational meeting regarding some of the changes coming in the United Church. So I got volunteered to lead worship. The last time I did this, I chose gratitude as my theme. This time, I chose comfort and hope. I kind of enjoy this type of ministry, especially when I do it with my sister. We tend to be a little like a comedy routine, as we move the podium that promptly falls to pieces, and then move the organ, and drop the hymn books etc. But we both bring many smiles, and, in return, get many smiles from the people who attend.
 
Waterfall said:
Worked the night shift last night, so missed church because I slept....sigh
I will listen online and provide my own music I guess:

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Thanks for this!! Haven't heard it for quite a while - first 'big' concert I ever went to was Iron Butterfly LOL!
 
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