Over and over I hear it said that people don’t feel a need for church but they are spiritually hungry. Perhaps institutional church with a dogmatic approach and a hierarchical structure doesn’t appeal to our post-modern society. But where, O where, can people go to feed a spiritual hunger?
For me, spiritual hunger is like physical hunger, it’s a daily experience. I need to eat every day and at least a few times a day. I also need to address spiritual hunger in the same way: every day and a few times a day.
Each one of us has food preferences. I like cereal in the morning but others like bacon and eggs. Spiritual preferences might range from a brief prayer to start the day, or a time to do some journaling, or a reflective run outdoors.
Some of us have food allergies. I’m blessed with being able to eat anything but some members of our congregation have milk or gluten intolerance. Similarly, I have engaged in all kinds of spiritual activities: prayer, walking meditation, fasting, retreats, journaling, dance, and so on.
Others find some kinds of prayer difficult or counter-productive and keep to a spiritual diet that maintains psychological health. For instance, a friend who was raised in an abusive family will only pray to a spirit of life and not use “Our Father” or ‘mother’ prayers.
Traditionally in the season of Lent, we engage in prayer, study, fasting, giving-up, or other spiritual activities as we move toward holy week: Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. This year, consider participating in Cultivating Compassion toward ourselves, each other, the world, and creation. Each Sunday morning, three activities will take place. Choose 1, 2, or all 3. You will find detailed information in Heartbeat for:
1. Be the Change Family Ministry (9:30-10:15am)
2. Cultivating Compassion Worship (10:30-11:15am)
3. Cultivating Compassion Small Group Conversations (11:30-12:15am)
This Sunday we will make a transition from the season of Epiphany into the season of Lent which begins on March 13. As a community of faith and hope let’s deepen our spiritual conversations with God, with one another, and with our innermost selves through cultivating more compassion.
Shalom,
Abigail
Did You Know?
Henri Nouwen, priest, author, pastor, really struggled with his spiritual life and especially his sense of being worthy of God’s love. You can find out more about this prophetic, visionary man at: http://www.henrinouwen.org/
Or, let’s hear his thoughts about prayer:
"Praying is no easy matter. It demands a relationship in which you allow someone other than yourself to enter into the very center of your person, to see there what you would rather leave in darkness, and to touch there what you would rather leave untouched."
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
This weekend at Beach United Church:
This Saturday March 5 from 9-noonish at Beach United Church we're going to have a chili cook off with 3 different kinds of chili and cornbread and brownies. We're going to be busy. The goal is to vote on which chili you like best. Maybe even the lunch program guests can vote too.
Please let
know as soon as you can if you want to join in the fun so she'll know how much food to purchase. As alway, it's open to anyone so bring a friend!
Also this Saturday, don't miss the Jazz Vespers Series "A Lazy Afternoon" at 4:30pm.
And this Sunday Worship at 10:30am is Epiphany 9 "Transfiguration".
And don't forget a special Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper this March 8 at 6:00-7:30pm in the Parlour. Cost is $5.00 (individual), $10.00 (family).
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