Finding the Way of Cross in Nature: A guide for kids
This resource from the Rev. Mia Kano was written for Holy Week and Good Friday, as a way to connect what kids are seeing in the outdoors to the stations of the cross. I can imagine many ways it could be used in a camp setting; there’s a version for adults, too!
This resource from the Rev. Mia Kano was written for Holy Week and Good Friday, as a way to connect what kids are seeing in the outdoors to the stations of the cross. I can imagine many ways it could be used in a camp setting; there’s a version for adults, too!
Spiritual Bypassing: The Work of Anti-Racism in Spiritual Communities
According to a 2020 study by the Pew Center, 63% of Americans still believe that their churches or spiritual communities should avoid addressing day-to-day social and political issues… For its part, the Black church has a long and storied history of using the church to fight for social justice. As of today, Black churchgoers are the only U.S.-based spiritual group which believes that religious groups should express their social and political views (Pew Center, 2020). But where is the rest of the nation? And if we can’t count on Americans to adopt a race-equity lens even when they are attending to their spiritual growth, how can we expect our society to shift?
Continue reading to dig into spiritual bypassing — the tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks. It can sound like: “Talking about racism is divisive,” or “There is no color, we are all one.”
Ultimately, spiritual bypassing speaks to a person’s discomfort and reticence to address a topic that is outside of their comfort zone.
(Thank you to our equity consultant, Suzanne Edwards-Acton, for sharing this resource.)
According to a 2020 study by the Pew Center, 63% of Americans still believe that their churches or spiritual communities should avoid addressing day-to-day social and political issues… For its part, the Black church has a long and storied history of using the church to fight for social justice. As of today, Black churchgoers are the only U.S.-based spiritual group which believes that religious groups should express their social and political views (Pew Center, 2020). But where is the rest of the nation? And if we can’t count on Americans to adopt a race-equity lens even when they are attending to their spiritual growth, how can we expect our society to shift?
Continue reading to dig into spiritual bypassing — the tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks. It can sound like: “Talking about racism is divisive,” or “There is no color, we are all one.”
Ultimately, spiritual bypassing speaks to a person’s discomfort and reticence to address a topic that is outside of their comfort zone.
(Thank you to our equity consultant, Suzanne Edwards-Acton, for sharing this resource.)
Theologians and White Supremacy: An interview with James H. Cone
This interview took place in 2006.
Because of my faith in God and humanity, I have hope that together we can create a society and world not defined by white supremacy. I still believe that we can do what the Gospel demands—make a new world safe for all. Martin Luther King Jr. called it the beloved community. Even during the last year of his life, when all seemed lost, with blacks rejecting nonviolence and whites rejecting genuine racial justice, King did not lose hope that God could make a way out of no way, that there is a divine power of justice at work in the struggles of the poor that cannot be destroyed. It was truly amazing how Martin could sustain his hope for a beloved community at a time when nobody, black or white, seemed to believe in it or even care.
This interview took place in 2006.
Because of my faith in God and humanity, I have hope that together we can create a society and world not defined by white supremacy. I still believe that we can do what the Gospel demands—make a new world safe for all. Martin Luther King Jr. called it the beloved community. Even during the last year of his life, when all seemed lost, with blacks rejecting nonviolence and whites rejecting genuine racial justice, King did not lose hope that God could make a way out of no way, that there is a divine power of justice at work in the struggles of the poor that cannot be destroyed. It was truly amazing how Martin could sustain his hope for a beloved community at a time when nobody, black or white, seemed to believe in it or even care.
Rest can be hard work.
Here’s a reflection that I needed to read, personally, and as a retreat leader.
The media and the Scriptures remind us to rest. I feel my shame creeping in as I realize that my body, mind and soul say they need rest. I am not a martyr by any means. I am, however, a pragmatist. The times feel hopeful and hard, and there’s work to be done.
What is rest? How are we offering it? How are we taking it?
Here’s a reflection that I needed to read, personally, and as a retreat leader.
The media and the Scriptures remind us to rest. I feel my shame creeping in as I realize that my body, mind and soul say they need rest. I am not a martyr by any means. I am, however, a pragmatist. The times feel hopeful and hard, and there’s work to be done.
What is rest? How are we offering it? How are we taking it?
The Way of the Cross for Pandemic Time Liturgy
During these uncommonly difficult times, we have seen suffering, grief and loss, and injustice laid bare. This liturgy provides a highly-relevant way for worshiping communities to collectively express a range of emotions, and to witness against the injustices in our world. It is a complete service, with music, spoken liturgy, and artwork for each station.
During these uncommonly difficult times, we have seen suffering, grief and loss, and injustice laid bare. This liturgy provides a highly-relevant way for worshiping communities to collectively express a range of emotions, and to witness against the injustices in our world. It is a complete service, with music, spoken liturgy, and artwork for each station.
UMCRM Advent Resources
The Christian church embarked last Sunday on the 4-week journey that culminates in the celebration of Christ's birth. Advent is a reminder to pause and reflect on God's presence among us, even in difficult or unexpected circumstances, and 2020 sure is a good year for that. If you, your family, and/or your ministry haven't begun an Advent tradition, it's not too late to start. Here are some options:
Tracey and the team at Potosi Pines (NV) developed a beautiful 2020 Advent devotional for their camp family, and they have generously invited us to share it with our communities, too. View online or download
The Christian church embarked last Sunday on the 4-week journey that culminates in the celebration of Christ's birth. Advent is a reminder to pause and reflect on God's presence among us, even in difficult or unexpected circumstances, and 2020 sure is a good year for that. If you, your family, and/or your ministry haven't begun an Advent tradition, it's not too late to start. Here are some options:
Tracey and the team at Potosi Pines (NV) developed a beautiful 2020 Advent devotional for their camp family, and they have generously invited us to share it with our communities, too. View online or download
Online Learning Opportunity: Developing a Rule of Life
Drawing closer to Jesus takes both desire and commitment.
That's where a Rule of Life can come in. For centuries, Christians have used this discipline to order their lives to more closely conform to that of Jesus Christ. In this course, Hillary Raining shows us how in these video presentations entitled:
Original Wisdom
Honoring Your Mystic Sight
Creativity Studio
A Life Long Practice
Learn more and register here. This parallel course is also available for a group developing a rule of life.
Drawing closer to Jesus takes both desire and commitment.
That's where a Rule of Life can come in. For centuries, Christians have used this discipline to order their lives to more closely conform to that of Jesus Christ. In this course, Hillary Raining shows us how in these video presentations entitled:
Original Wisdom
Honoring Your Mystic Sight
Creativity Studio
A Life Long Practice
Learn more and register here. This parallel course is also available for a group developing a rule of life.
A National Service for Healing and Wholeness
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will lead a live-streamed prayer service from Washington National Cathedral, Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness, on All Saints Sunday, November 1, at 4:00-5:30 p.m. EST. In the midst of pandemic, racial reckoning, and a historic election, the live-streamed service will gather Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will lead a live-streamed prayer service from Washington National Cathedral, Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness, on All Saints Sunday, November 1, at 4:00-5:30 p.m. EST. In the midst of pandemic, racial reckoning, and a historic election, the live-streamed service will gather Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor.
Intentional Leadership: A 6-Week Devotional About Change
Download the Leader Guides for a small group 6-week series:
Download the Leader Guides for a small group 6-week series:
Online Class: The Bible & Theology in Color
In this free online class from Nashotah Theological Seminary, you will have the opportunity to study the history and theological insights of the Black Church, Latino/a Protestantism, and Asian American Christians and learn what these insights have to teach us about the present moment.
By the end of this course, you will:
Explore the history, development, and unique theological insights of these ethnic minority churches and individual Christians in the United States: African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/a Americans
Appreciate how each of these traditions transcend their uniqueness and speak important words to the entire church.
Develop a biblical theology of multi-ethnicity and culture.
In this free online class from Nashotah Theological Seminary, you will have the opportunity to study the history and theological insights of the Black Church, Latino/a Protestantism, and Asian American Christians and learn what these insights have to teach us about the present moment.
By the end of this course, you will:
Explore the history, development, and unique theological insights of these ethnic minority churches and individual Christians in the United States: African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/a Americans
Appreciate how each of these traditions transcend their uniqueness and speak important words to the entire church.
Develop a biblical theology of multi-ethnicity and culture.
An online retreat example from SSJE
From ECCC member, Society of St. John the Evangelist:
If the idea of a day-long “retreat-in-place” seems inviting to you, then it is God who has whetted your desire. What is God’s invitation to you? Prayer is always a response to God’s initiative, and retreat is the same. Retreat, at heart, is simply about making ourselves available to God.
This guide invites you to cooperate with God as you plan your retreat time. Less is more. We hope the suggestions in these pages will set the stage, so that you can receive God’s gift of love in a time of retreat.
From ECCC member, Society of St. John the Evangelist:
If the idea of a day-long “retreat-in-place” seems inviting to you, then it is God who has whetted your desire. What is God’s invitation to you? Prayer is always a response to God’s initiative, and retreat is the same. Retreat, at heart, is simply about making ourselves available to God.
This guide invites you to cooperate with God as you plan your retreat time. Less is more. We hope the suggestions in these pages will set the stage, so that you can receive God’s gift of love in a time of retreat.
Your Brain Won’t Work As Well: Tips for Spiritual Leaders during Covid-19
My brain is running too fast, I can’t catch my breath, and every so often I’m overwhelmed, thinking about those who are the most vulnerable. Right now, it’s like a big wave is crashing over us, or about to. But this is a big wave we can’t see.
What’s worse, our best tool for caring for people — gathering together — has been taken from us. We’re called to offer presence, but right now presence places people at harm.
My brain is running too fast, I can’t catch my breath, and every so often I’m overwhelmed, thinking about those who are the most vulnerable. Right now, it’s like a big wave is crashing over us, or about to. But this is a big wave we can’t see.
What’s worse, our best tool for caring for people — gathering together — has been taken from us. We’re called to offer presence, but right now presence places people at harm.
Feeling Stuck? You're not the only one. -- Podcast
These are weird, scary, surreal times, but, honestly, I am grateful for how this global crisis has already affected how we see. Here are five things to remember when you’re stuck at home…or maybe when you’re just stuck.
These are weird, scary, surreal times, but, honestly, I am grateful for how this global crisis has already affected how we see. Here are five things to remember when you’re stuck at home…or maybe when you’re just stuck.
Prayers, Readings & Reflections from the ECCC Community
Last week, I asked some ECCC members: What prayer or reflection has spoken to you during this time?
Habits of Grace: Weekly podcast with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Now available: Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry's weekly "Habits of Grace" meditations during the #COVID19 outbreak have been built into a new limited-series podcast offering from The Episcopal Church. Simply search "Habits of Grace" in your favorite podcast player, or follow one of the links below to popular apps.
(You can also simply ask your smart device to "Play Habits of Grace Podcast")
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/habits-of-grace-with-presiding-bishop-michael-curry/id1503355070
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ivlbvix6wwf6xg37ojoqhy562vq?t=Habits_of_Grace_with_Presiding_Bishop_Michael_Curry
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pIBebkhNKBVBayYsGVlA5?si=z-UPR6KxSOSz3AJhMs3CbA
Now available: Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry's weekly "Habits of Grace" meditations during the #COVID19 outbreak have been built into a new limited-series podcast offering from The Episcopal Church. Simply search "Habits of Grace" in your favorite podcast player, or follow one of the links below to popular apps.
(You can also simply ask your smart device to "Play Habits of Grace Podcast")
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/habits-of-grace-with-presiding-bishop-michael-curry/id1503355070
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ivlbvix6wwf6xg37ojoqhy562vq?t=Habits_of_Grace_with_Presiding_Bishop_Michael_Curry
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pIBebkhNKBVBayYsGVlA5?si=z-UPR6KxSOSz3AJhMs3CbA
When the Going Gets Tough -- A reflection that speaks to me, and could to you, too.
Written in 2015, and completely relevant today:
Written in 2015, and completely relevant today:
When the going gets tough may I resist my first impulse to wade in, fix, explain, resolve, and restore. May I sit down instead.
When the going gets tough may I be quiet. May I steep for a while in stillness.
When the going gets tough may I have faith that things are unfolding as they are meant to. May I remember that my life is what it is, not what I ask for. May I find the strength to bear it, the grace to accept it, the faith to embrace it.
When the going gets tough may I practice with what I’m given, rather than wish for something else. When the going gets tough may I assume nothing. May I not take it personally. May I opt for trust over doubt, compassion over suspicion, vulnerability over vengeance.
When the going gets tough may I open my heart before I open my mouth.
When the going gets tough may I be the first to apologize. May I leave it at that. May I bend with all my being toward forgiveness.
When the going gets tough may I look for a door to step through rather than a wall to hide behind.
When the going gets tough may I turn my gaze up to the sky above my head, rather than down to the mess at my feet. May I count my blessings.
When the going gets tough may I pause, reach out a hand, and make the way easier for someone else. When the going gets tough may I remember that I’m not alone. May I be kind.
When the going gets tough may I choose love over fear. Every time..
KATRINA KENISON
A reflection from Bishop Rob Wright
Enemy
By definition, a virus infects and brings disease. You could say then, Covid-19 is an enemy! Psalm 23 has a word for us when confronted by an enemy. The poem reminds us that, “...in the presence of an enemy a table is set for us.” The presence of an enemy is not the absence of God or God’s blessing, for us, just the opposite. God does God’s best work with the faith we offer in the face of the enemy. Covid-19 is here, and its consequences will be present for some time. Still, Psalm 23 puts us on high alert for God’s blessings! Now is the time to lean into our God and our faith at our kitchen tables with family devotions. Now is the time to look for the grace in this disruption. Now is the time to see the foolishness in our partisanship and find the unity possible as we face a common enemy. Now is the time to appreciate with new gratitude the portion of health we do enjoy. Now is the time to defy the enemies of compassion and peace and to be other-centered; to strengthen the weak, console the fearful and encourage the sick and lonely. No enemy in two thousand years has been able to cancel the church. In every age, all the enemy has ever accomplished is the rekindling of our commitment to the genius and indestructibility of the power of love as taught and lived by Jesus of Nazareth.
Psalm 23
Enemy
By definition, a virus infects and brings disease. You could say then, Covid-19 is an enemy! Psalm 23 has a word for us when confronted by an enemy. The poem reminds us that, “...in the presence of an enemy a table is set for us.” The presence of an enemy is not the absence of God or God’s blessing, for us, just the opposite. God does God’s best work with the faith we offer in the face of the enemy. Covid-19 is here, and its consequences will be present for some time. Still, Psalm 23 puts us on high alert for God’s blessings! Now is the time to lean into our God and our faith at our kitchen tables with family devotions. Now is the time to look for the grace in this disruption. Now is the time to see the foolishness in our partisanship and find the unity possible as we face a common enemy. Now is the time to appreciate with new gratitude the portion of health we do enjoy. Now is the time to defy the enemies of compassion and peace and to be other-centered; to strengthen the weak, console the fearful and encourage the sick and lonely. No enemy in two thousand years has been able to cancel the church. In every age, all the enemy has ever accomplished is the rekindling of our commitment to the genius and indestructibility of the power of love as taught and lived by Jesus of Nazareth.
Psalm 23
From the New Zealand Prayer Book
FOR PEOPLE CRITICALLY ILL,
OR FACING GREAT UNCERTAINTY
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to N
as s/he/they
wait/s in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make her/him/them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring her/him/them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
FOR PEOPLE CRITICALLY ILL,
OR FACING GREAT UNCERTAINTY
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to N
as s/he/they
wait/s in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make her/him/them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring her/him/them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
Alternative Formation for Folks in Quarantine
Prayer and Worship in Our Homes and flsewhere, from ChurchNext
Psalm 69: Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Psalm 69 (King James Version)
69 Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.
9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
11 I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
16 Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.
19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.
24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.
27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.
30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
33 For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
35 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.