lenten
spiritual practices
The word lent comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning “spring” or taken
literally meaning this is the time of year when days lengthen. Lent can be
springtime for our spirits as we nurture growth in faith. The 40 days of lent
do not include Sundays which are considered “mini-Easters.” So lent invites us
to balance 40 days of preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus
alongside “mini-Easters” that prepare us for our ultimate Easter.
At BUC this year we are engaging in two
spiritual practices, fasting and feasting. We are participating in carbon
fasting. Check out the Kairos initiative for this year at:
http://kairoscanada.org/index.php?id=71&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=916
as well as news in Heartbeat from the
Green Team.
We are feasting each week in worship as
we reflect on Jesus’ table ministry. How did he eat and drink with people as a
way to communicate his ministry of compassion and justice? This week we are
thinking about table manners (Luke 14:1-14) which can include proper use of
table utensils as well as preparation to come to the table. What are our
spiritual table manners and what spiritual utensils do we use? First, I suggest
we need to learn more about our individual and congregational spiritual
preferences.
spiritual
preferences or types
Have you considered that there are
numerous spiritual preferences or types? Do you have a sense of your personal
spiritual preference? Are you someone who prefers acting & reasoning
where language and sermons is important in worship? Or do you prefer acting
& emoting where music and personal stories move you closer to God?
Perhaps you are more contemplative and prefer reflecting & emoting
through prayer and meditation? Or
maybe prayer is done in action with your hands and feet in service to others
because your preference is reflecting & reasoning.
To find
out more about your spiritual type go to: http://www.beachunitedchurch.com/10457/content/content_id/202120/Worship
taizé community vespers
Whatever our spiritual preference, we
all need to find spiritual balance by stretching into other preferences. For
those seeking quiet contemplation, come and find rest for your soul with our
Taizé Community Vespers, March 28, 4 pm in Beach East auditorium.
The Taizé community in France is an ecumenical
monastic order with over 100 brothers from over 30 countries. Taizé has
become a place of Christian pilgrimage where peace and justice is encouraged
through kindness, simplicity and reconciliation. Taizé worship style is simple with
space for quiet singing, prayer, and meditation.
Congregation
members who have attended our services say:
"I really didn't know what to expect when I attended my
first Taizé Community Vesper
service. In the hushed candlelit room, we were welcomed by warm colours and
harmonious voices accompanied by stringed instruments. This tranquil atmosphere
and simple service encouraged us to slow down and just "be". It's an
experience not to be missed." Dana Fitton
"If you are looking for an opportunity to stop, I mean
really stop, and get away from the frenzy and cacophony of our contemporary
existence then attendance at a Taizé service is a must. I’ve heard lots of people comment on how
important it is for them to experience some quiet. Taizé services provide a contemplative, prayerful
and meditative experience interspersed with some of the most beautiful choral
singing one can imagine. It’s 45 minutes of rich ritual; a respite from the
noise and demands of everyday life." Jim McKibbon
Let us all continue our lenten journey
by nurturing our spiritual lives and attending to God’s presence however we
understand that presence.
Shalom, Abigail
For more of this week's announcements, view our Heartbeat newsletter at:
http://www.beachunitedchurch.com/10457/content/content_id/198795/HEARTBEAT