Flyer 2006-2007
the grace 2006 season got off to a fine start. a chilled service reflecting on summer gone and the year ahead.
1. chill - quiet down in god's presence - use the video image of the jar settling from the CD ROM with tune in chill out | sing this is the house of god from one of the late late service albums | play lovebleeps by laura b from the mini album midi a minuit which i got at the big chill this summer with the lyric 'i am calling to you' (could become a grace classic tune i think), and give space to call out to god for the new year... also light three candles to pray for the presence of the father, son and spirit. use the prayer we are hungry from alternative worship | sing heal me from another of the late late service albums (!)
2. examen - look back over the summer using an examen type thing - talk in twos and then reflect on your own on your consolations and desolations... these were the questions jen put together
Consolation – for what moment of this summer am I most grateful?
Desolation – for what moment of this summer am I least grateful?
When did I give and receive the most love?
When did I give and receive the least love?
When did I feel most alive?
When did I most feel life draining out of me?
When have I had the greatest sense of belonging to God?
When did I have the least sense of belonging?
What was this summer’s high point?
What was this summer’s low point?
For what moment of this summer am I most grateful?
For what moment of this summer am I least grateful?
played the tune before from panamerican's quiet city which was perfect with the line let those memories come.
3. looking forward part 1 - revisiting the grace ethos - create, particpate, engage and risk. mike had a wonderful meditation/reflection and piece of liturgy reworking the doors liturgy from the book Alternative Worship. This was the meditation...
About 18 months ago in Grace we started a process of exploring who we were, what we had achieved, where we were going. We summed up several weeks of reflection, thought and prayer into three words. We described the three words as our ethos.
• Create
• Participate
• Engage
And as we learned more about Jesus and our community we found that there were new possibilities in an old, a 10 year old, situation. And where we might previously have made an easy, obvious choice, following the rules of our tradition, we became aware of new options in old situations.
And we found that our new option had the word "truth" written all over it.
But the word "truth" is hard to take. The truth might be uncomfortable. The truth might mean changes we hadn’t anticipated which would shake us out of complacency. We added a fourth word to our ethos:
• Risk
And as we went on facing daily decisions we became aware that any given situation has a choice of doors to go through. The obvious, familiar one, and the new one you're vaguely aware of.
That second door is smaller and harder to find than the familiar big door of comfort and self-satisfaction.
The second door is not directly in front of us - it is in semi-darkness and may be covered in cobwebs until we turn around and find it.
But as we reach out for the second door we find that the word "truth" is suddenly a lot more attractive. We find that the decision to reach for the other door has somehow given us a sense of being "bigger".
If we go through that door, and take the hard option, we find that we were wrong about the fear of the small, restricting room of the truth ... we find the biggest surprise that our hearts can contain ... because on the other side of the small, dimly lit door is a wide open space. And that wide open space is freedom ... it is the Realm of God.
And once we've been through that door we get used to its feeling, and in more and more situations we begin to see the second, smaller door, and we realise that the big door that we're used to going through actually led to a small room ... a kind of prison.
But now that we're learning to find the small door. We are starting to know the price of putting our ethos centrally into the life of Grace.
As a way of re-committing ourselves to our ethos at this, our ‘start of year’ service, a series of responses:
Doors 3
4. looking forward part 2 - personal dreams put to flight - this idea was lifted from laura of sanctus1 who led worship on the emerging churches tour and got everyone writing dreams on paper and making origami birds. she kindly sent me the origami template afterwards. steve has posted his reflection that introduced it summer is over on his blog and in the liturgy section. this looked fabulous and we projected images of moving skies and so on behind it which was fun.
5. prayers and blessing - some simple prayers/blessing led by ben...
Sometimes we can have dreams and goals that were founded on grand ideas. But like the seed on rocky soil, they sprout up quickly and then wither; it seems right for them to die
- And then there are those that are those dreams, visions, aspirations, that are planted so deeply in us that they can feel like part of God's dreams for us.
No matter how low the flame is burning, no matter how little the shoot has sprouted since the seed first took root in our being, our heart still sings out somewhere when we bring it back to mind.
These are the dreams that we want to take flight. To re-engage with the great migration.
Dear God
Just as you don't break a bruised reed or snuff out a smouldering wick, graciously let our plans and dreams take flight.
- Give us a sense of how we can coax it back to life
- Incubate it
- Let us see a next step & the manageable close at hand & And the glorious dream maybe far off.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ
Amen
running order
1. People come in to see the visual - a soap box and microphone projected + CD of speeches for atmosphere.
2. Intro the theme
3. Set the soap box idea up - People given a number to make their great speech. Tickets will have a time on. 8.15,
(possibly making provision for people to prepare before giving their speech)
4. Explore a range of ideas in three groups
A) still small voice
B) those with a voice those without a voice
C) speaking beyond words
7. Some all together feedback
Speaking out when you can't be heard
Verbalising out loud - what's it like?
8. reading and liturgy from Ezekiel
9. brandy snaps ritual (never actually happened)
10. Thanks and goodnight
Intro words
In the beginning God said... and there was - language makes the world
The heavens declare the glory of God... day after day they pour forth speech... there is no language where their speech is not heard - the world speaks
In the beginning was the word - Jesus God's great speech?
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels but have no love then I am only a resounding gong - empty words
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your sight - appropriate words
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt that you may know how you ought to answer one another - words of grace
A gentle tongue can break a bone - powerful words
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones - healing words
The tongue is a fire a world of evil amongst the body - poisonous words
A time to keep silence and a time to speak...
Welcome to Grace. You've probably guessed that tonight's theme is speaking. This is the first in a series of three service on speaking, listening and seeing (Because we want to use the stained glass the seeing one won't be until the summer).
As we have talked around notions of speech, words, speaking, comunicating we have realised it's a big subject. There are also lots of scriptures about it, a few we've touched on here. At the next Gracelet we'll particularly look at some proverbs that touch on speech. But for tonight we have narrowed down somewhat to speaking out...
The track we have just listened to is called Libations by Ursula Rucker. You probably haven't heard of half the people she cites but what we liked about it is that it just lists and lists people who have spoken out for liberation whether in literature, art, sculpture, music, preaching or whatever form. Not all the people listed are Christian but as Christians we have a pretty good heritage in this regard whether we think of the prophets, MLK, Wilberforce, Shaftesbury, Jesus or whoever... We stand in a long line of speaking out with the question hanging over us - what do we want to speak out about?
It may be a bit cheesy but we have got a room with a soapbox in. And we'd like to invite you or as many are brave enough to make your great speech for one minute or so. Before you get worried we are not going to pump the sound out so it will be just you. We'll be able to see you on the screen but not hear you. You'll have a few minutes to think but you could speak out about injustice in Uganda, the environment, Jesus and what he calls us to, generosity, the church, the poor, racism... Why? Well it seemed a good idea when we were planning. We'll talk about it later in the service but we think there's something scary about speaking/voicing something out loud, but there's also something good about it.
The way it will work is that we have a series of tickets (much like the supermarket deli counter) with times on. Go to make your speech so that you are at the door at your time. You have about a minute which isn't long. I'll knock on the door when your time is up if you go on too long! Not everyone has to do this - we don't want to tip anyone over the edge. But equally it will be a shame if no-one speaks...
(hand out tickets)
feedback questions
We thought it might be worth reflecting on your great speeches...
Turn to a neighbour and tell them what you spoke about (or would have).
(Altogether)
How did it feel to verbalise out loud?
How did it feel to be speaking and not be heard?
We set up a cheesy soapbox - I doubt any of us want to get on a soapbox... Turn to your neighbour again and think what ways might we be able to speak out?
The service began with a sound montage – sounds of traffic and people in conversation gradually became more intrusive and more complex, with voices of politicians and rap bands interwoven. Instead of the normal peaceful start to the service, this noise intruded and made us feel uncomfortable. It was noise to get away from, the unpleasant clamour of a busy and complex world. It grew to a crescendo and then abruptly stopped. And the silence was very sweet afterwards.
Welcome, opening prayer, songs of worship
Soundscape – six CD players around the room played sounds simultaneously – a car alarm, radio 4 news bulletin, ‘Jesus’ blood never failed me yet’, a baby crying, the sound of the sea, and the voice of a needy person who wanted to be listened to. We were invited to walk through the intersecting sound zones and to reflect on the experience. Which was easiest to listen to? Which sound did you want to escape? Where was God? Which needed to be attended to?
Reflection on the soundscape
News Bulletin "Meanwhile, several thousand miles away"
There's something strangely soothing about the news sometimes. Strange, when you think what awful things we hear about hour after hour. Can we ever hear God speaking in the litany of what Nick Cave calls "routine atrocities"? Are we driven to prayer, or lulled back to sleep?
Baby "I want to have some of your attention, give it to me"
Some things have been designed to grab our attention, not always in a pleasant way.
Alarms "Warning! Go back to sleep! Now!"
Something else designed to grab our attention in the middle of the night. But who pays the blindest bit of attention to a car alarm. There's a place for the urgent a case for too much urgency...
The Sea "Peace at last"
Calming... meditative. Do you feel closer to God when sat by the gentle ebb and flow? We often think of being closer to nature as being closer to God. But was Jesus closer to his father on a mountain top, or in a sea of human need and hunger?
Phone Conversation "Don't go ... not yet"
It may be heavier going than the sounds of nature; so many people with so many needs. But, to risk a little paraphrase; "whenever you listened to the least one of these, my children, you listened to me".
Music "Soothing? Moving?"
The sound of a tramp recorded near Waterloo and set to music. He was destitute but still able to sing "Jesus' blood never failed me yet". Sometimes music can point us to God with very specific declarations of faith and devotion. And, sometimes, perhaps God can slip under the radar with a rather less obvious message.
How good are we at listening to other people? A reading
Discussion
In groups of three and four we discussed a couple of questions:
• What does it feel like to be really listened to?
• How can we listen to each other better?
But the discussion had constraints. Each person took three tokens. Every time they spoke they put down one of the tokens, and when the tokens were gone they were not allowed to speak any more. We then discussed this method of discussing! Did you think more about what you were going to say when you knew that your opportunities to speak were precious? Did you listen more carefully? Did it affect the way you contributed to the conversation? How did you feel to have tokens in your hand when other people had used theirs?
Opportunities to think some more about listening to God and listening to self
We were invited to walk around the church and interact with four stations. If people wanted to continue to be silent and still, they could go into the sound-proofed crèche room at the back of the church which was lit with candles.
The stations:
• Obstacles to listening – what stops us listening to God and to ourselves? Take a block from the Jenga tower and write on it what stops you listening to God. Add it to the top of the tower, and come and collect it later
• Where do you hear God? Write or draw on a large piece of paper the places where you find it easier to hear God
• Ignatian spirituality – God speaks to us through our deepest yearnings and longings. Put your fingers on the pulse in your wrist. As you ‘listen’ to your heartbeat, listen to your heart and ask yourself the examen questions – for wat moment today am I most grateful? For what moment today am I least grateful?
• God listens to us – read about people in the Bible that God listened to - Anna, Hannah, David, Bartimaeus
A commitment to listen
We were invited to anoint our earlobes with scented oil as a commitment to listen more intentionally – to the world, to ourselves, to God or to others
The service ended with a prayer
Nine readings... nine tunes... nine surprises...
"Nine" is the Grace version of the traditional nine lessons and carols. The nine lessons are there, but they are allocated to nine volunteers (or groups of volunteers), each with the task of producing their own reflection or interpretation, including music. In keeping with Advent, expect the unexpected.
The readings are:
Lesson 1: The creation
Genesis 1, vv 1-5, 26-8, 31
Lesson 2: The fall
Genesis 3, vv 8-15, 17-19
Lesson 3: The people who walked in darkness...
Isaiah 9, vv 2, 6, 7
Lesson 4: Isaiah's vision of the kingdom
Isaiah 11, vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9
Lesson 5: The Annunciation
Luke 1, vv 26-35, 38
Lesson 6: The Nativity
Luke 2, vv 1, 3-7
Lesson 7: The shepherds
Luke 2, vv 8-16
Lesson 8: The Magi
Matthew 2, vv 1-12
Lesson 9: The Word
John 1, vv 1-14
__________________
Bidding Prayer adapted from Christian Aid
This Christmas may it be our care and our delight to hear the story once again, from the first light of creation to the coming of the new light in Jesus. And as we celebrate his coming with words and music, we rejoice in his unending love for all and in the promise of his kingdom of justice.
And we recognise that it is our calling to make that kingdom a reality; and we pray that like Jesus we may be ready to greet the outsider, uphold the rights of everyone who suffers injustice, and seek to change the world through prayer and action.
God our Father and our Mother, we offer you our praise and worship that it may be pleasing to you. And we offer you our lives that you may use them to fulfil your purpose. In the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The People Walking in Darkness (full version with pictures can be found here)
We’re like the kid who puts her hand up to answer a question in the old Sunday School gag. She says, “I know the answer must be Jesus, but it does sound like a squirrel.”
We hear the words light and child and instantly imagine baby Jesus laying in a manger. The reading comes round every Christmas tucked between carols, and we skip over three verses in the middle of the prophecy that don’t sound so Jesusy. We can hardly imagine the wonder and longing felt by the people that first heard Isaiah’s prophecy. We know what this light is like; we’ve got it wrapped up; tighter than any present.
The people walking in darkness…
What do us city dwellers know about darkness? To us, darkness is yellow. It’s the colour of sodium street lights. It drains the world of colour but not of detail.
What would it be like to see… nothing?
To feel isolated and alone?
To live under the control of empires and powers too strong to oppose?
To long for change, but fear to hope that change is possible?
To lose confidence that God has any power to alter the world?
But darkness is also a place of concealment.
A place where we can mask our true selves.
A place to hide the things we don’t like about us.
Perhaps we know darkness after all.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…
Ah yes, the light. We know about that! The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes. But little lord Jesus no crying he makes. But this baby is also the light of the world. The harsh light of day, penetrator of dark corners, revealer of blind spots who tramples on rose-tinted glasses and heals jaundiced eyes.
This is the light that will not be tamed, controlled or confined. We coo and cluck over the baby in the manger, and attempt to cut God down to size, and make him in our image. For what could be dangerous about a tiny child? Yet the coming light will overturn empires, rule with justice and righteousness, see into the heart of us and save the world. God was born as a boy and made his dwelling among us. That doesn’t mean that because we know babies, we know all there is to know about God.
So watch and prepare for the coming of the light. Greet the coming with joy, and also fear.
Watch and wait. Expect to be surprised. But not comfortable.
Watch and wait.
The Annunciation
Holy is His Name by John Michael Talbot, illustrated with pictures including the following:
An Anachronistic Nativity by Paul Leach
The small hours come and bring with them the sun,
but the darkness is reluctant to give way to anyone.
But night, in itself being an absence of light,
concludes its inherent inferior might,
and concedes that for now, the sun might just be right,
and grudgingly opts to relinquish the fight.
And the sun having won, becomes conscious of time,
so begins to make good on his new chance to shine.
So Joseph wakes up, turns on News 24,
yawns and walks to the mat just inside the front door,
picks up the mail he expected to see,
but decides that his first job is going to be a cup of tea.
Flicks the switch on the kettle, goes to sit on the chair,
that he recently made between trips to Mothercare.
He opens a statement from Lloyds TSB,
casts it aside and reads the one from BT
and just as he ponders why they're serving Nazareth,
the kettle makes clear that it feels that it's had enough
time to boil. So Joseph makes tea.
But his attention is turned to the voice from the TV.
See the strangest thing about a really strange day
is that strange days and normal days begin the same way.
So he turns and considers what this voice has to say,
and how even the most well-woven plans will fray.
Joseph zones out as his brain does the sums,
and although his mind's flailing his face just looks numb.
And Joseph just stands there as minutes stack up,
till the BBC's best fanfare wakes him back up.
Music on the news hits somewhere deep in Joseph's heart
‘cos the news they've just reported has .. blown his world apart.
And whilst the monotone of read news can be something of an opiate,
the epic intermission tunes seems hugely more appropriate.
He walks back to the mail which he left down by the chair
and sees the last unopened letter which he left lying there.
He picks it up although he knows already what it reads,
Opens and reads it and confirms that ... yes indeed ...
He's going to need to go home.
But that's not it. ‘Cos this isn't a journey he'll be making alone.
I think I may have mentioned that he's been going to Mothercare.
And there's only really one reason why a man his age goes there.
See, Joseph has a girlfriend, who's all set to be his wife,
but she currently playing host to a secondary life.
And this half-life is aspiring to be a full life of its own,
for about the same time as Joseph needs to be back home.
Watch the dark clouds bruising
Bellies flushed with water
They swell above your heads
So now we move the sun a few degrees through the sky
just to signify that some hours have gone by.
We rejoin our protagonists just as they've finished packing
and as we step back in, we see brave faces close to cracking,
hid behind facades and charades is the hard realisation
that their will to see this through is lacking.
Pull your coats around you
Feel the wind cut through them
Scraping at your bones
But still the door closes.
And Joseph thinks he knows if those who chose this could be shown his
situation the decision would be reached then to postpone it.
But knows that just for them to see might not inspire empathy
and is actually unlikely to lead to change of policy. And anyway,
he realises his head is in the clouds
and if they're going to get to Bethlehem he needs to hold it down.
Searching their effects for a map he recollects a time when
Mary map-read and what should have taken two days took ten.
He's not falling for the "Leave the map reading to me" gambit again.
Upon successful procurement of a map, they start their quest,
and we'll fast forward this bit and move the sun yet further to the west,
to a time where crepuscular light
soaks the dusty trail they're on, heralding the night.
Their elongated shadows stretch across the panorama
It's time for moratorium.
Joseph puts his arm around Mary;
He holds her, and she holds him.
Their love seems to burn stronger
when everything else looks so grim.
He looks deep into the eyes of the girl who'll be his wife
and says "There's no-one in the world
I’d rather spend the worst day of my life with than you."
She smiles, and rests her weary head on his shoulder,
and Joseph relaxes, content for now to hold her.
Hold her in the falling rain
Hold him like you’ve never done
Let this be a moment
That you won’t forget
That you won’t forget
That you won’t forget
All your life
‘til you die
So once again the sun peeped his head round the world,
just to be present as the story unfurled,
to examine what went down since he did last night,
and to paint this morning's skyline with vivid orange light,
which found the weary couple, sooner than they'd like,
and announced that it was time to resume their hike.
But Joseph knew today would be much like yesterday
so rolled on to his side and asked the sun to go away.
But the sun is persistent so continues his ascent
and ignores Joseph’s ongoing pleas to relent
eventually accepting the inevitable fate,
Joseph takes the bait, sits up straight and berates
the sun for interrupting his rest.
Unjust altercations seem endemic to the stressed.
As rationality resumes it rightful place in
Joseph’s mind, he recognises that they need to make haste
‘cos they're behind.
They get up and they set off much the same as before;
instead of leaving a house though, they're leaving a floor,
and beckoned now by the trail they know they have to go
they let the wind fill their sails but the wind is moving slow.
Do you know what I mean though, where drive is hard to come by?
Destination - current position yields a value much too high?
Well I guess that's how they felt as they set off today,
and the early morning sunlight sees them on their way.
The late afternoon sun however, sees them arrive
filled with elation and glad to be alive.
They go into the first inn they come to in town
and it's true that what goes up must come down,
‘cos they walk away despondently, the last room's just gone.
They thought they'd get a cup of tea, but they've got to carry on,
so they walk on down the road and go to inn number 2,
admittedly a budget affair, but it'll do.
Problem is that this one is jammed full as well
but the bloke behind the counter is happy to tell them
of another one, just down the road,
so off they go again, carrying their load.
As they approach the final inn, the sun departs to see
how Canada’s been getting on and leaves Bethlehem be
And the moon enlisted by the sun shares his light
helping people not to bump into things in the night.
They knock on the door to which they've pinned all their hope
and are greeted by a bloke who wants to throw them a rope
but says he can't. He's got no more rooms,
but wants to help them out on account of Mary’s womb.
He wishes he had something to offer, he says,
and if there's a cancellation in the next couple of days ...
Mary looks at Joseph like he'll know what to do,
and he sort of does: he hugs her, and tells her they'll make it through.
Though he doesn't know that, ‘cos don't forget,
he hadn't read Luke, ‘cos it wasn't written yet.
Mary lets some tears fall now on Joseph’s shoulder,
and Joseph's mind is whirring; he can feel it getting colder.
He despairs and he stares, relied upon, but lost
and he's scared, stood there, too aware of the cost.
Statued close together
A precious, tender moment
A solemn, sombre time
And just as they turn their backs and walk away,
the door opens behind them, this man has something else to say
his face, no longer downcast says "You can't stay right here,
but if you're open to suggestion, I’ve got an idea ..."
Joseph will take anything he says and if he's able
to offer something to them lay it down on the table.
The man says his livestock would be happy to share
the stable round the back if they'd like to sleep there.
Joseph wastes no time and ecstatically accepts;
Mary smiles and wipes away evidence that she wept.
The smell in the stable can't assuage their relief
they get brought a cup of tea, to revisit our motif.
The decor's hardly Hilton, but it's everything they need,
if they steer clear of the wet bit where the cow just weed.
And if their son should come, for want of a cot
they can use the manger, ‘cos that's all that they've got.
Joseph says "I need to know the cow's name if I stay..."
The inkeeper smiled. "His name is Gyp I say"
"Stupid name for a cow" said Joe and sat in something sticky
"Stupid name for a dog, but it didn't bother Vicki"
So once again the two of them embark upon sleep,
both convinced that nothing's going to keep
them awake tonight.
But nothing's ever black and white.
‘cos in the moonlight
Mary senses something's not right.
Wakes Joseph up by squeezing him tight
tells him what's happening, its the fright of his life.
It's the night when his wife to be
gives the right to the life to be
and though this scene is a sight to see
this son is the light they need.
So the small hours come and bring with them the son,
And the darkness will leave, ‘cos the light will have won.
guests mark berry and jem from telford led the service. a great way to kick off and look forward to the challenges of a new year.
jonny interviewed mark about what he is up to in telford (will link to mark's report for the last year when he puts it online). and then mark and jem led us in a reflective worship time on the theme set sail.
candles formed the outline of a boat in the centre of the space and then a line of sand ran across the front of the space with the words set sail and brendan's cross on the floor.
taking inspiration from st brendan who knelt on the beach before setting sail in his small leather boat and trusting the wind of god's spirit to blow him where the spirit willed, it was a challenge to set sail in mission leaving the comforts of known securities and trust ourselves afresh to god. it included a ritual of making a mark in the sand before setting sail.
set sail worship trick has links
prayer attributed to sir francis drake
We repeated a version of our Road to Emmaus Communion by Numbers service at Greenbelt.
We decided early on that we wanted to do something out in the middle of the festival, bringing worship to a place where festival goers would pass by as the service unfolded. We secured a slot in the arena on a Saturday afternoon, and set about transposing Communion by Numbers from a cafe vibe to a summer afternoon picnic on the grass. We achieved this with windmills, a deckchair, and a scorchingly hot afternoon. Substantial use of the big screen replaced some of the envelopes.
The attached files include the contents of the envelopes we distributed, and the full text of the service, with notes.
The carbon calculator used at the service can be found here.
The service ended with the following confession and non-absolution:
For failing to think of the harm done to air, water, land, plants, and animals,
Lord have mercy.
For failing to conserve energy, Lord have mercy.
For allowing ourselves to be saturated by the allurements of a consuming culture, Lord have mercy.
For not being thankful for the gifts God has given, Lord have mercy.
God is faithful and just and forgives everyone who turns to him and repents.
But our sins are against our world as well as God. The world cannot forgive, because it has no voice. All we can do is to amend our ways so that we stop damaging it. We end this service not with a blessing, but with a charge to be a blessing to the world that God has given us as a gift.
This article started out as a review of the book Heat by George Monbiot about the reality of climate change and how to address it, but it has since evolved into more than simply a review -- I have added some elaborations of my own. Monbiot draws an analogy between the use by humans of fossil fuel, allowing us to live in an amazing way until the environment is ruined, and the pact made by Dr Faustus whereby, in return for a few years of power, his soul is consigned to hell.
This raises the question: what sort of person would sell their soul? I can think of two obvious examples.
Firstly, somebody who did not believe there was such a thing as hell. An analogy can be drawn with people who deny the existence of climate change. Although they are a dying breed now, there are a few such people, who will always point out the evidence that seems to suggest climate change is not a reality (you can always find some if you look hard enough, in the same way that if you look hard enough you can use the Bible to justify racism. The world would be a better place if nobody did either of these things). We can't be certain what will happen, but the probability that climate change will destroy the environment is high -- and who would gamble their own and their children's life and future on short odds?
And secondly, somebody who was convinced they would go to hell no matter what they did. The analogy here is with people who think they can do nothing about climate change. This belief is far more common, and perhaps reasonably so; according to Monbiot, and also other writers such as Mark Lynas, the average cut in carbon emissions required for people living in the UK is 90%. (To get an indication of how much you need to cut your carbon, click here. This calculator isn't perfect but it is one of the best I have seen).
But Monbiot believes that 90% cuts can be achieved, and sets out a plan for doing so. The use of carbon must be allocated fairly, by means of a rationing system. As a result, excessively carbon-intensive processes such as bringing fruit from the other side of the world (as Faustus does) would be priced out of the market.
And to allow us realistically to live within our ration limits, various changes are required. In summary:
- Build new homes and convert existing homes to "passivhaus" standards, meaning that they require no active heating or cooling systems. This requires improved building regulations. Also replace Portland cement with artificial geopolymeric cement (Monbiot accepts that cement is not a very interesting subject).
- Produce half of grid-based electricity from gas-burning power stations, with capture and storage of carbon dioxide produced, and the other half from offshore wind and wave machines.
- Redesign coach travel to make it the most effective way of transporting people. Move freight to the railways. Run road vehicles off batteries, which can be switched and recharged at "filling stations".
- Replace shopping in large stores with virtual shopping, i.e. home delivery.
- Aviation. Monbiot has no solution -- his message is "you can't". I suggest one of my own: limit the number of flights to a sustainable level (perhaps one-twentieth of the current level), and allocate them according to the benefit they will bring. This will enable international skill-sharing through organisations such as VSO to continue.
What is needed to bring about this absolution from hell? As Monbiot argues, the technology exists; what is lacking is human and political will.
So now it is time to take action. There are many things you can do -- but start by writing to your MP to ask them to support a Climate Change Bill with targets strong enough to prevent global average temperatures from rising to more than 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, this being a critical threshold. A particular requirement is for the Climate Change Bill to cover aviation and shipping. You need to be quick -- the consultation deadline is the 12th of June. See the DEFRA web site for more information.
If you are short of time, Friends of the Earth has a proforma message you can use here. But individual letters are usually more effective.
I will return to Dr Faustus for the final word. He is given numerous opportunities to repent, even after he has signed his pact with the devil. This is how near he gets:
Re-enter GOOD ANGEL and EVIL ANGEL.
Evil Angel. Too late.
Good Angel. Never too late, if Faustus can repent.
Evil Angel. If thou repent, devils shall tear thee in pieces.
Good Angel. Repent, and they shall never raze thy skin. [Exeunt ANGELS.]
Faustus. Ah, Christ, my Saviour,
Seek to save distressed Faustus’ soul.
So what happens after that? The devil appears and distracts him, and he does not repent.
Don't let yourself be distracted.
grace on saturday 10 feb at 8pm
The appreciation of visible beauty is a necessary, though transitory path towards the appreciation of absolute beauty, which is apprehended only by the soul. John of Damscus
A chance to learn something of the history of Iconography, to see how an Icon is created, to practise drawing in the Byzantine tradition and to use Icons for prayerful meditation with iconographer, Suzanna Rust.
grace this month is a 'bring your own station of the resurrection' service. one of the sorts of service we do at grace involves walking around the worship space interacting with stations that have been set up in advance that contain something to cause you to reflect, pray, worship, think, or actively participate in a ritual. These might be as simple as lighting a candle, reading a story, writing a prayer, adding a stone to a pile, looking at a video loop, listening to a meditation, tasting some fruit or whatever. If you’ve never done this before even better – this could be the start of something...
What do I do?
Please bring a station with you on the theme of one (or more) of the resurrection appearances from the list below and/or a tune on an ipod or CD.
1. The Earthquake Matthew 28.2-4
2. Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb John 20.1,2
3. The disciples run to the empty tomb John 20.3-8
4. The angel appears to the women Matthew 28.5-8 or Mark 16.3-8 or Luke 24.2-9
5. Jesus meets the women Matthew 28. 9,10
6. The road to Emmaus Luke 24.28-35
7. Jesus appears to the disciples Luke 24.36-42 or John 20.19,20
8. Jesus promises the Spirit Luke 24.44-49
9. Jesus commissions the disciples John 20.21-23
10. Jesus breathes the Spirit in the upper room John 20. 22.23
11. Jesus reveals himself to Thomas John 20.24-29
12. Jesus appears at the lakeside John 21. 9-13
13. Jesus confronts Peter John 21.15-19
14. Jesus and the beloved disciple John 21. 20-23
15. Jesus appears to the five hundred 1 Cor. 15.3-6
16. Jesus commissions the disciples Matthew 28: 16-20
17. The ascension Acts 1.3-11
18. Pentecost Acts 2.1-11
19. Jesus appears to Saul (Paul) Acts 9.1-18 or 1 Corinthians 15.8
for more information, if you want to bounce your idea of someone else or if you need some technical stuff (a TV or slide projector for example) then e-mail mike on mike.rose@btinternet.com.
the stations were:
[please add a description of your station if you did one]
ice candle with the cheryl lawrie's easter liturgy printed out and these words beneath inviting prayer -
Watch the ice melt...
Think of a situation that could do with some resurrection
Pray for the resurrection to come
phone book with 500 names circled and a letter of invitation from thomas in times of doubt to ring any of them up if you needed reassurance on the reality of the resurrection of jesus.
a computer slide sequence (QT video) of the easter art of he qi
Jesus appears to Saul (Paul)/ Road to Damascus A station based on an Examen. Starting with a challenge as to how we hurt Jesus, bright lights triggered as you approach a sign "Saul, Saul, Why do you persecute me?"
An installation inspired by This Joyful Eastertide:
Had Christ, that once was slain,
Ne'er burst his three-day prison,
Our faith had been in vain:
But now hath Christ arisen!
Jesus broke free from death to enable all people to break free from what imprisons them.
What imprisons people today? What can you do to free them?
And what imprisons you? What can you do to break free?
The installation used articles from Amnesty International on Guantánamo Bay and forced child labour, and human trafficking.
photos:
damascus road | art of looking up | alleluia
For the past four years, Grace has created a lent blog. A different person each day posts a thought, a reflection, an image, a reading - anything to allow us to pause and connect with the season.
This year's blog will run from 21st February to 8th April.
We welcome contributions from anyone who has been to Grace - the more people the better. If you would like to contribute, please email Jen on jenbaker[at]btopenworld[dot]com. Let me know if there are any dates you would like to do, or would like to avoid.
This guide will hopefully explain how you can post on the Grace lent blog for 2007.
To post on the website you will need to create an account. Click here to go to the registration page. Enter a Username and your email address, then follow the instructions in the email you receive.
Before you can create a blog post the permissions on your login need to be changed. Please email Adam and let him know your user name and he'll set the permissions.
Once you have an account and the permissions are set, then you are ready to post.
The first step is to login - use the Login/register link on the left hand side of website, enter your username and password.
Once logged in you will see a fairly blank page telling you how long you have been a member. On the left a new box has appeared with your user name as the title at the top of it. In this box click the link 'create content'. The next page gives you the option of creating a story or an image. Click on 'Story'. This will give you a blank form to create your blog post.
First thing is to give your post a title. Enter your title in the box at the top of the form.
(Next ignore the 'blog cats' drop down box - it can only be set to Lent Blog 2007)
Then type (or cut and paste) your post into the main 'Body' box.
You can format your text by adding simple commands. To find out more you can look at the 'More information about formatting options'.
have a look at this image for more clues:
(This assumes you have the image you want to add on your PC)
To add an image into your text, position your cursor at the postion you want the image to appear and press the green cross at the bottom of the box.
A pop-up window will appear. In this new window click on 'Add Image' in the top left of the window.
In the next form that appears, give your image a Title and Description. Find the image by pressing the 'browse' (or 'choose file') button. Find the image on your computer and select it. Once you have chosen the image, and entered the information press 'Submit'.
This will take you back to the first page in the pop-up window. Now scroll down the list to find your image by its title, click on the title. At the bottom of the window a new set of options appears. Choose if you want your image to appear fullsize or as a thumbnail, then press 'insert image', this will close the window and put a line of code, wrapped in square brackets [], into your text. Next time you preview your entry you will see your image appears where this line of code is.
Once you're happy with your post you can preview it by clicking the preview button at the bottom.
This will show your entry with the form at the bottom for you to make corrections and changes.
You can keep previewing as many times as you like.
You must submit your post before you leave, otherwise it will not be saved.
To save your post you press 'Submit' button at the bottom of the page.
your entry will appear on the front page of the website and at www.freshworship.org/lentblog07
That's it... all done and dusted... Unless you've made a big mistake!
In that case whilst logged in go to the page for your entry, this can easily be got to by clicking on the title of your post on the front page.
At the top of your entry there will be tabs for view and edit. Press edit and you'll see the editing form to correct your mistakes.
Of course once you are really finally happy, tell your friends. email them the link for the lent blog: www.freshworship.org/lentblog07 - they can also pick up the RSS feed using the orange XML button of the lent blog page.
one finger one thumb one arm one leg one nod of the head stand up sit down keep moving:
what language does your body speak in church? what's the connection between physical and spiritual position?
how do bodies speak when words fail?
throw some shapes at this month's grace - every body welcome.
there will be a traidcraft produce stall in the cafe afterwards, as part of fairtrade fortnight 2007 [26th february - 11th march].
feed your body fairly!
steve's photos on flickr here
mark's got a good duck photo here
clear benches out of centre, leave nowhere to sit - prevent people from using remaining benches
hide beanbags in aisle behind pulpit for dragging out later
screens to each side as usual - words to songs and liturgies projected
eucharist: set up in middle of space after the peace with 'fat eucharist' [burger and sugary drink] and 'size zero eucharist' [cigarette and bottled water] either side [steve will buy bread and wine and fat and thin parts]
service sheet text:
The theme of this month’s service is Body
We will be thinking about how we use our bodies to relate to God and to each other in God’s presence.
Please excuse the temporary absence of any furniture. This is entirely deliberate and will be rectified soon enough…
We will be celebrating Holy Communion later. While you are waiting to begin worshipping, you may want to consider how you will be physically expressing yourself during the various stages of communion.
What do you want to express during: The Confession? The Absolution? The Peace?
Are you ready to begin?
Good. Now stop slouching … and is that gum in your mouth? Spit it out at once …
cafe:
Wei Hei has offered to run a fairtrade stall at Grace as it is during fairtrade fortnight. So fairtrade wine for the café would be appropriate.
1. start with empty space [nowhere to sit, posture stations set up]. people enter and are standing
2. greeting [steve]
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
3. welcome to grace [steve]
4. songs - ?, 'this is my body' [jonny]
5. posture stations:
announce stations/where they are, give time for congregation to visit them [steve]
each needs an explanatory sheet/instructions
5.1. discipline/attention/endurance [richard]
5.1.1 pew - sit up straight
5.1.2 prayer stool/kneeler - kneel
5.2. prostration, stretching out - face down:
prostration [steve collins]
kneel down on the floor
bend forward until your forehead touches the floor
stretch out and lie face down
this is the posture of complete submission
abasement
desperation
self-negation
abandonment of self to another
anguish
a pouring out of the inner self upon the ground as an offering
at the feet of god, or another person
in various ordination rituals, the candidate will prostrate themselves
at the feet of the bishop as a sign of submission and self-gift
to the will of God and the church
most churches don't have room for this
the pews or chairs are in the way
the floor is hard and grubby
such nakedness of the soul is embarrassing to the one who prays
and to the rest of the congregation
emotions and clothes will be dishevelled
but the dirt and discomfort is part of the point
this posture implies a need so great
that dignity and comfort are forgotten
have you ever prayed like this?
in church? privately?
prostation bible readings:
Matthew 26:36-39
Exodus 34:5-8
2 Samuel 12:15-17
Luke 8:42-47
5.3. prostration, stretching out - face up
'in the bathtub' relaxing before god - rubber ducks, large beanbag
Jesus, loofah of my soul [Ben Cohen]
I was always a bit of an anxious soul when it came to approaching God. I still can be…
A wise Christian counsel gave me a very helpful piece of advice.
“You need to find somewhere you’re truly comfortable and relaxed.
“Try praying in the bath. It’s hard to get too uptight and anxious while you’re lying there with the bathwater sloshing over the side.”
There are certainly times that sitting upright, back straight, hands together, eyes closed is exactly what’s needed for the discipline.
At other times it’s a good hot bath. Or sitting on a discarded sofa in the back yard with a glass of Jack Daniels (or non-alcoholic equivalent!).
Where could you truly relax, to talk to God - however briefly?
Help yourself to a duck and sit yourself down in the “relaxation zone”. Have a think where you could truly relax in God’s presence…
Name him (or her) and place him/her on the flat palm of your hand.
Now take your new pet home and use to remind you of God in those little laid back moments…
5.4. standing
Praying with your body 1 [ben cohen]
Do you ever feel that something in your life is so overwhelming that you don’t know how to pray about it? Where do you start? How can you stop? Try this simple exercise:
Think of something that you want to bring to God in prayer.
Stand with your body upright. Hands raised above your head, lightly touching.
Now, slowly, deliberately, describe a wide circle with your arms until your hands meet again at your waist.
While you trace the arc, bring to mind each different aspect of the need or situation - let them pour into your mind freely.
It’s as if each facet of what you are praying for is an hour of the day, or the branch of a circular tree.
Take as long as you need to do this; to bring everything to mind.
Then, when you have created the prayer circle, roll it up into a tight ball and hand it back to Jesus Christ.
If you’re feeling brave, keep your hands held out and see what He hands back in return!
Praying with your body 2 [ben cohen]
Praying or worshipping God with your body has gained a reputation among some people as being a bit, well, “woosy” ie for weedy wets. But in Biblical times, there doesn’t seem much that is twee about how they responded to God.
They would throw themselves on their faces in contrition…
Beat their breasts…
And they would “rent their garments asunder”; literally rip their garments in anguish.
It was a sign of rupturing relationship. The High Priest tore his garment at the perceived blasphemy of Jesus’ response
to the question “are you the Son of the Most High?”
Take a piece of fabric with you for the communion. When we confess our sins and receive absolution, tear the cloth with all your might.
There was another symbolic tearing of fabric in the Gospels. When Jesus gave up His spirit to God on the cross, the curtain in the temple - separating humankind from the Holy of Holies - was torn in two. It allowed God’s grace to pour out on the whole World.
The tear of contrition can also be the tear of grace…
5.5. modern seat - the anti-posture posture
The modern seat [steve collins]
sit down
cross your legs
maybe lean forward a bit to pray
the modern church seat is about individual comfort.
it's the non-posture posture.
it says that what you do with your body doesn't matter much spiritually
so park your body and put it in neutral
comfortable but not too much because we don't want you to fall asleep
as if you were on public transport or in a car
[try kneeling on the tube and see what happens]
of course it's ideal for people whose postures are limited by age or infirmity
but all this reinforces the idea that
your body is something to forget about in church
it won’t be required here
there aren't really any bible references for this one
6. then set up the beanbags in centre as usual - get congregation to bring them out of aisle
- bring back some benches too [steve to direct]
7. bible readings - verses illustrating use of postures - several voices to read
8. confession [dean]
think about what posture you wish to confess in
rip fabric obtained from posture station
9. tearing prayer [steve collins]
we have torn ourselves
torn relationships
torn society
torn the earth
and torn away from you
you took our wounding and separation upon yourself
giving your body and your bond with God to be torn instead of us
and at the end,
as you were torn from life itself,
the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom
the curtain separating us from god was torn
10. absolution [dean]
11. the peace - [dean]
12. 'communion bread volleyball' [ben] - get the congregation to play volleyball with an [unconsecrated] loaf of bread. anyone who drops it has to eat a piece before hitting it up in the air again [amazingly, people do this!]. after five minutes of edgy hilarity ben explains that this was to dramatize in a humorous way that it matters how we give out the bread and wine. the actual communion took place with a different loaf and in a more conventional manner.
13. eucharist [dean]
Communion L:iturgy
The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
Father, we give you thanks and praise
that through your Son Jesus Christ
you have created all things.
All that we can see, touch, smell, hear or taste
was made by you, and you saw that it was good.
You give us breath and speech,
that we might sing your praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord.,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
But we have distorted the work of your hands.
By hating each other we have mocked your creation.
By hating our own bodies we have hated you.
And so your Son took on flesh to revel in your world and to heal it.
Born of a young girl, he walked among us.
He delighted in the warm sun on his face and in the sweetness of honey.
He told stories of foxes and their holes, extravagant feasting,
and the tender embrace of a father for his estranged son.
Through tales of the physical he taught us about the spiritual.
Through his death on the cross he abolished false distinctions between the two,
and offers us fullness of life.
On the night that he was betrayed,
at supper with his friends
he took bread, and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to them, saying:
My body for you.
Take, eat; remember.
At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine,
he gave you thanks and said:
My blood for you, a sign of forgiveness.
Drink; remember.
Send the Holy Spirit on your people
Gather all who share this loaf and cup
to the feast where there is no size zero and no obese,
and our true beauty is revealed.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Spirit,
with all who stand before you in earth and heaven,
we worship you, Father almighty,
in songs of everlasting praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.
Amen
14. blessing [dean]
[steve collins]
some questions to ponder:
is jesus too fat for the catwalk?
should we ban size zero saints?
do they encourage christians to develop eating disorders?
what is a healthy weight for a christian?
why are we worrying about people being too thiin in a society in which people are too fat?
does the one create the other?
if the poor are fat and the rich are thin, what does that say about the food we eat?
is there a connection between the health of our bodies and the health of the planet?
can christians have cosmetic surgery?
why don't evangelists look sexy, if sex sells?
how come friar tuck isn't in the latest version of robin hood?
what happens when the you of you isn't the you you see in the mirror?
_____________________________________
bodies - imperfect and perfect
broken/damaged/disfigured bodies
when bodies break down - how do we deal with it?
disability/death
acceptance of brokenness in old traditions/societies
now we expect to cure
ageing - how we deal with loss of youth - legislation against ageism reveals how we are prejudiced for youth
does scattering/dissolution of extended families rob us of models for ageing?
no more nurturing grandparents - they are busy unlocking equity, spending, having a second youth! they want to be young now, rather than embracing the traditional roles of the old.
do extremes of thinness and obesity reveal inner problems as well as physiological? ie the person is an agent in making themselves that way
exposure to images of beauty - there is a narrow range of aspiration - too narrow for most to achieve - not just about sexual beauty - bodies display values such as self-discipline
the old christian cycle of fast and feast - has become binge and detox - detox written up as a 'spiritual' thing as well as physical
diet books - getting you to believe in new values diet wrapped in a lifestyle package that motivates you - the prospect of a 'new you" gets you through the boredom
but christian discipleship is not in our own strength - whereas a lot of body discipline in the world is about our own control and strength
the images we are sold - link into innate biological preferences that are hard-wired into us, but now are pandered to all the time
[it's similar to how we are built to like sugar, but only to get it rarely - now we get sugar all the time and it makes us ill]
fashion - how does it affect us beyond biological preferences?
is it a matter of sex or a matter of power in society?
makeovers and makeover programmes - 'would like to meet' etc
can be redeeming if they go deep enough
there is a connection between how you look/dress and who you are, who you perceive yourself to be
[which is neglected by world-denying forms of christianity]
a change of appearance can be transformative in other ways
it's about expressing/discovering who you are at all levels
_____________________
the theme running through all our discussions is how we connect the physical with the spiritual
the issue for our service is how do we connect the practical and conceptual
what to do/take away from service?
many christians have suffered from a spirituality detached from body - in head, or emotions
"bodies as living sacrifices" was a positive evaluation of the body
religions that govern the body are not necessarily anti-body
but are making the point that spiritual and physical discipline go together
religious rules are a statement that what you do with your body matters
[religions that say 'do what you like with your body' are actually saying that the body is worthless]
we need to dig out the stuff in the traditions to explore for the service:
praying with body
fasting/feasting
jewish stuff which doesn't have the dualism of some christian thought
is there any helpful monastic material?
we need to concretize our thoughts into things people can do and take away, not abstracted discussions
can we look at pictures of different shaped bodies
maybe different ethnicities/types
to see varieties of human possibility and widen our consideration away from the usual western media images in our heads
[steve collins]
body image:
eating disorders
diets
cosmetic surgery
transvestism
gender dysphoria
wigs/makeup/corsets/weights/diet plans
physical discipline as spiritual discipline:
sex
fasting
exercise
asceticism
ageing:
illness/disability:
how do we value damaged bodies?
what is body prayer for people with disabilities?
sign language
senses:
sight
hearing
touch
taste
smell
as modes of spiritual encounter
_____
or start with empty space
people come in and are standing
intro
invite people to try out different postures
posture stations
then open up issue of posture - get a beanbag, think about posture, who you sit with
think of 3 or 4 ways of praying - eg kneeling, prostration - give people a number and a position
twister prayer
posture stations - straight/disciplined ones as well as comfy/slouchy ones
can we find examples of biblical prayer postures eg gethsemane stretching/prostration
jesus walking
prophets
sitting at the feet of teachers
covering of head - differs from time to time, tied to cultural ideas of showing of respect
standing up, sitting down
medieval - standing, gazing on hosts, listening, smells, kneeling - not pews
what posture do you wish to confess in?
ben: section before eucharist
heart things - that we've be moved by
1. communion - how it's done - body language of eucharist
2. body prayer
play bread volleyball with cheap sliced bread
eucharist:
fat eucharist - big mac, sugary drink
size zero eucharist - cigarette, bottled water
normal eucharist
we are not told to think a particular thing but to eat, drink, bathe etc
treating the spiritual and the physical as one thing
The basic idea is that people follow through the worship service together in small groups around tables set up in a cafe style. In the centre of each group is a series of envelopes numbered from 1-10. At the start of the worship we arrange everyone into groups of about 6 people. They begin by opening envelope number 1 and follow the instructions inside. When a bell rings the group open the next numbered envelope and follow the instructions inside. That's it! The beauty of this worship experience is that it doesn't need to be led. It's up to the groups to make it happen.
10 different people produced the 10 different envelopes that followed through the story of the journey to Emmaus in Luke 24. This was the sequence.
1. Chill/preparation - stand and read prayer together, walk around and find a table to sit at while listening to the music track being played
2. Emmaus Road story - read story from bible round table and create iconic candle kit
3. The hiddenness of God (Luke 24:13-16) (see attached file below)
4. Downcast (Luke 24:17-18) On the table were parsley and salt water. 'What has made your soul downcast this week? Spend some time silently reflecting on ways in which you have wounded your life, the lives of others and the life of the world. When you are ready, take some parsley, dip it into the salt water and eat it. The salt water represents tears of repentance; the parsley represents new life that will grow.’ Then we said a confession prayer from Iona together.
5. Storytelling part 1 - sharing our own stories (Luke 24:19-27)
6. Storytelling part 2 - hearing God's story (Luke 24:19-27)
7. Welcoming the stranger (Luke 24:28-29) - 'the flight to Emmaus': we fill in landing cards for one another - it's how we welcome strangers to a country nowadays, and filling in the questions for the person sitting next to you makes you no longer strangers.
8. Breaking bread (Luke 24:30-31) the liturgy we used is here
9. Burning hearts (Luke 24:32-35) (see attached file below)
10 Prayer and blessing
This simple communion service was used in Sue and Richard's lounge, prior to moving outside for a barbecue. The confession was written for the occasion, as a response to the Grace ethos. The eucharistic prayer was adapted from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org).
Grace, mercy and peace
From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Be with you
And also with you.
When our thoughtless criticism stifles the creativity of others,
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
When we keep a tight hold on power and deny others the chance to participate.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
When we prefer the safety of our holy huddle to the wideness of God’s world.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
When we decline to take risks for fear that we might fail.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy
But when we praise the gifts of others,
share the power that we are given,
engage with communities beyond the boundaries of our comfort,
and risk everything we have for the sake of others,
then, God rejoices in us.
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent…
Risen Christ,
you have raised our human nature to the throne of heaven:
help us to see and serve you,
that we may join you at the Father’s side,
where you reign with the Spirit in glory,
now and for ever.
Amen
Acts 1:6-11
Luke 24:44-49
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right to give unceasing thanks and boundless praise to you, Holy God, ruler of the universe and giver of life. You brought the world into being and declared it good; you made humankind in your image, and entrusted to us the stewardship of all creation.
Despite our failings you showed us mercy. Through your law and the voices of prophets and poets, you called us to faithfulness and justice. You commanded us to remember the poor and the needy, the orphan and the stranger. With infinite generosity you forgave us as we followed selfish goals and ignored your words of love. Never abandoning us to our sinfulness, you came among us and showed us the path of life.
Therefore we praise you, joining the saints and angels in proclaiming your glory, as we say,
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Glory and honour and praise to you, holy and living God. Your word of peace has been active from the beginning; your justice has sought incarnation in every age. In the fullness of time you looked with favour upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive your Son through the power of your Holy Spirit. Expecting his birth she sang of your purpose: The mighty shall be cast down and the humble lifted up; the promise of mercy to Abraham and all his children shall be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He pronounced the blessedness of peacemakers, all those who are willing to seek first your Kingdom and your righteousness. Jesus yearned to draw all the world to himself, yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. We returned violence for his friendship, crucifixion for his self-offering. Yet even this you turned to blessing, and transformed his unjust death into the means of salvation.
On the night before he died for us, our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Accept, O Lord, our sacrifice of praise, this memorial of our redemption. Send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts. Let them be for us the Body and Blood of your Son. Send your Spirit upon us also, and grant that we who eat this bread and drink this cup may be filled with your life and goodness. Through the abiding presence of Christ, empower us to live the gospel of peace and bring reconciliation to the world in his Name.
Glory to you, holy and living God.
Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honour and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
Amen.
As our Saviour Christ has taught us, so we pray:
Our Father…
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ’s side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within thy wounds hide me (from the Anima Christi)
Sensory experience
Down one side of the church we set up a sensory experience - doormats, pilates mat, blanket, slate and carboard on the floor; bubble wrap, foil, felt and a bath mat on the wall in between the windows and ledges; cut oranges and lemons at the start and an oiil burner at the end; and then right at the end a surround-sound experience of whispering music where you stood disorientated until you heard someone calling your name.
We started the service in the polygon. One by one people took off their shoes and were blindfolded, then made their way through the sensory experience and into the service.
Resensitising ourselves to the Spirit
Jesus said: ‘The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’ We cannot see the Spirit of God with our eyes, so we need to use different ways to sense the presence of the Spirit. Your journey into the service tonight hopefully awoke your senses other than your sight. What was that experience like?
How often are we aware of the spirit of God? We are so used to our busy-ness, to the tangible, demanding world that we live in, that we forget to tune in to the presence of God. A prayer:
Where our lives have been so crowded with noise that we have drowned out the voice of your spirit
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
Where our hearts have been so overwhelmed with busy-ness that we have squeezed out the presence of your spirit
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
Where we have become defensive through stress and fear and we have shrugged off the touch of your spirit
Christ have mercy
Christ have mercy
Eternal God
awaken our hearts to the reality of your spirit
invigorate our senses with the purity of your spirit
break down our defences with the beauty of your spirit
fill us afresh with the presence of your spirit
In the name of Christ
Amen
There was an opportunity to be anointed with oil as we sang a couple of songs of worship.
Experience of the Spirit
We used the Breathe Nooma DVD – 'is the name of God the sound of breathing?'
followed by space for people to encounter God.
Where is the Spirit?
Jonny talked about being at the Mind Body Spirit festival on Pentecost Sunday. The gifts of the Spirit are not for internal ego-massage in the church, but are for using out in the world, in contexts like these. We invited people to make a kite, to say that they want to be blown by the Spirit out into the world.