God and stuff

I miss church. I miss EPIC Journey worship. I miss the act of imagining and participating in experiential and active worship of God. I miss the doing of church. I miss spiritual discussions with wise and heretical theologians. I miss talking about God and politics with Kari. I want to talk to Kari about how great the Sufjan Stevens Christmas CD would be at an EPIC service. I want to hear about the great cultural material with spiritual significance she has found.

I miss youth group. I miss the ragtag group of kids coming into adulthood with a million questions. I had to run a couple errands last week and while driving I went past them doing their annual scavenger hunt for the food shelf. It broke my heart that I couldn't be there with them.

I need some spiritual fulfillment that doesn't come on Sunday mornings.

Church Report

We did a little adbusting at youth group today. I had Sandra Robinson come and talk with the groupies about media awareness. We played an object lesson game and she helped them gain a better understanding of how the media plays our minds so that we will buy more stuff.

At EPIC we staged our own little Thin Place at the center of our universe in the Chapel. Thin Places are those where the separation between God and ourselves is "thinnest". It can be an actual place (nature, church) or other things like people or music. They are places of connection, a place where you allow your heart to be opened.

It made me think about my own Thin Places. I think I'm something of a neo-transcendental, where transcendentalists found God all around them in nature, I tend to find God all around myself in culture and the city. Like in secular music, or in good works and justice, etc. Of course, walking the Labyrinth at First Lutheran is a place where I allow/force myself to be in the moment and in that can commune with God.

God does not die on the day when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when our lives cease to be illumined by the steady radiance, renewed daily, of a wonder, the source of which is beyond all reason.
Dag Hammarskjold

Eric in England

Eric took a trip overseas last week and made a stop to talk to fellow postmodern worship guy, Jonny Baker.

Two theologians coming together from accross the world to discuss worship philosophy. Eric wrote in an email:

"We discovered that we are both into Marshall McLuhan. I guess I am not surprised…

Basically, he said that he has no formula for Alternative Worship. It is more important to have it develop out of the people who are involved. So I have no words of wisdom from him other than “just do it.”

We both agreed, however, that the internet is changing the world dramatically because it is essentially anti-hierarchical and it links people together around the world in diverse ways that would never have been possible even a few years ago. What would McLuhan have said about the internet? – Answer: The “medium is the message.”"

One more thing about last night...

We listened to my new favorite 'non-church song about God' - "When God Made Me" by Neil Young.

"When God Made Me"

Was he thinkin' about my country
Or the color of my skin?
Was he thinkin' 'bout my religion
And the way I worshipped him?
Did he create just me in his image
Or every living thing?

When God made me
When God made me

Was he planning only for believers
Or for those who just have faith?
Did he envision all the wars
That were fought in his name?
Did he say there was only one way
To be close to him?

When God made me
When God made me

Did he give me the gift of love
To say who I could choose?

When God made me
When God made me
When God made me
When God made me

Did he give me the gift of voice
So some could silence me?
Did he give me the gift of vision
Not knowing what I might see?
Did he give me the gift of compassion
To help my fellow man?

When God made me
When God made me
When God made me
When God made me

I have it on my computer if you would like a copy.

4.5.2006

Last night we had station that will help us get to Holy Week. I found these stations here. We ended with this prayer that I found on Mark Berry's site.

Do you need me? I am there.

You cannot see Me, yet I am the light you see by.
You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.
You cannot feel Me, yet I am the power at work in your hands.

I am at work, though you do not understand My ways.
I am at work, though you do not understand My works.
I am not strange visions. I am not mysteries.

Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me
As I am, and then but as a feeling and a faith.

Yet I am there. Yet I hear. Yet I answer.
When you need Me, I am there.
Even if you deny Me, I am there.
Even when you feel most alone, I am there.
Even in your fears, I am there.
Even in your pain, I am there.

I am there when you pray and when you do not pray.
I am in you, and you are in Me.
Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for
Only in your mind are the mists of “yours” and “mine.”
Yet only with your mind can you know Me and experience Me.

Empty your heart of empty fear.
What you get yourself out of the way, I am there.
You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all. And I am in all.

Though you may not see the good, good is there, for I am there.
I am there because I have to be, because I am.

Only in Me does the world have meaning;
Only out of Me does the world take form;
Only because of Me does the world go forward.
I am the law on which the movement of the stars and the growth of living cells are founded.

I am the love that is the law’s fulfilling.

I am assurance.

I am peace.

I am oneness.

I am the law you can live by.

I am the love that you can cling to.

I am your assurance.

I am your peace.

I am ONE with you.

I am.

Though you fail to find Me,
I do not fail you.
Though your faith in Me is unsure,
My faith in you never wavers,
Because I know you,
Because I love you.

Beloved, I AM there. Amen.

God is Here | EPIC | 1.february.2006

to partake in the eucharist is to be mindful of the sanctity of everyday actions
GOD IS HERE. CONNECT.
when i am mindful, i will bless my food, my company, and myself.
GOD IS HERE. CONNECT.
i will take a moment to breathe with the spirit of the universe, offering intention, an invitation, to remember the divine within myself.
GOD IS HERE. CONNECT.
when i am mindful of what i put into my body, the food and drink reflect the love i choose to put into this vessel that holds god within me.
GOD IS HERE. CONNECT.
as we share the eucharist, we acknowledge the presence of god at our table.
GOD IS EVERYWHERE. WE ARE CONNECTED.

18.January.2006

CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK

God be in my head and in my understanding:
God be in my eyes and in my looking:
God be in my mouth and in my speaking:
God be in my heart and in my thinking:
God be at mine end and at my departing.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left…
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me. 

An Opportunity to Serve

Should EPIC serve a Soup Kitchen meal? Our church prepares and serves the meal 4 times in 2006. Two open dates are June 29th and August 31st. What do you think?

Future EPICs

the next epic is january 18th. we need someone(s) to put it together.
other dates...
february 1st
february 15th
march 1st - ASH WEDNESDAY
march 15th

Epiphany Party Photos 3

Kristin and Sarah taking down the Children's Tree. 

Epiphany Party Photos 2

Prayer Lanterns 

Epiphany Party Photos

As the smoke from the incense rise up, so do our prayers to God.

Epiphany Party

Last night, we celebrated Epiphany.

The gifts of the wise men – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – are often interpreted as foretelling the later life of Jesus: gold for a king, frankincense symbolizing divinity, myrrh a perfume for a burial. Tonight we invite you to experience and meditate on these three gifts and think what they might mean in your life in light of the birth of Christ.
- Host -

We un-decorated the tree, travelled to gold, frankincense, and myrrh stations, and "made crafts with God" paper lanterns on the altar.

Then, Jackie introduced to a beautiful new song from Joe Crone...

Strive

that your actions day by day may be

beautiful prayers.

Turn towards God,

and seek always to do

that which is right and noble.

Enrich the poor,

raise the fallen,

comfort the sorrowful,

bring healing to the sick,

reassure the fearful,

rescue the oppressed,

bring hope to the hopeless,

shelter the destitute!

'Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.81

"Now it's time to do the work of Christmas!"

epic 12.21.2005

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows--light! sunbursts of light! Isaiah 9:2

Join us for EPIC on the longest
night of the year as we leave
behind the gathering shadows of
autumn and bask in the light of Christmas.

21.December.2005
5:15 PM Meal
6:00 PM Worship

EPIC 12.7.2005

WAITING ON THE WEST SUBURBAN TRAIN

Merciful God, forgiver of our foibles,
Forgive the rush of madness here before
WE CELEBRATE the coming of your child.
We are aware -- in our most placid moments --
That all our frenzy does not warm our hearts
As solitude and contemplation would.
We know the downtown multitudes around us
Make us forget the reasons why we came
To stand and wait and elbow through the masses.
I am here at the station, tired and quiet,
Waiting for the west suburban train,
Waiting for home and cocoa and a bath,
Waiting -- ah, I have not forgotten, Blessed One,
For that much longed-for Christ.
Yes, I remember.
- Joshua S. Lang

Advent Blog

Check out our new Advent Blog. It is updated daily (ok - I'll try really hard to post everyday).

Next EPIC - December 7th

Keep in your prayers...

Brian Manly (one of the original members of the EPIC team) fell from a 25 foot high deer stand and broke his leg in two spots. Keep Brian, Michele, Jewel, and Luke in your prayers.

Future EPICs

November 16th - Kari & Walt
December 7th - Youth - Advent
December 21st - Tiffany & Kari - Advent

Meal @ 5:15 Worship @ 6

All Saints Day

EPIC was wonderful last night. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and cheerful. More like a family gathering than worship. Elementary age kids, youth, college students, singletons, widows, retired, marrieds - all came together to laugh, share, and worship in God's presence. It was awesome! It was even a little crowded in the chapel.

Some words from last night...

May this service of remembrance lift our spirits, lighten our hearts.

...Teach me to take stock of what I have given and received, May I know that it's enough, That my striving may cease In the abundance of God's grace... Edward Hays

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness light; where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; Not so much to be understood as to understnad; not so much to be loved as to love: For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning, that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we awaken to eternal life. - St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

Speaking of saints - prior to EPIC, we watched a wonderful movie in youth group. I highly recommend Millions (www.hollywoodjesus.com review). A rare PG movie that is challenging and entertaining.

More Photos...

...Just for Julie. :)

Earth | Wind | Fire | Water

A photo share from our most recent EPIC. Thanks Jackie and Betsy. Next EPIC - November 2nd.

Like the wind which stirred the waters of creation - GOD IS MOVING IN THE WORLD

Like the holy fire burning in the desert - GOD IS LIVING IN THE WORLD

Like the wind which drove back the waters of Exodus - GOD IS ACTING IN THE WORLD

Like the breath which stirred dry bones in the valley - GOD IS GATHERING IN THE WORLD.

Hey! Look what I did!

I added the lovely "Make Poverty History" wristband banner to our blog! More importantly - I did it using HTML and didn't screw anything up. Huge progress!

Poverty

Last night was our first gathering on our new night and new time.

May God bless you with discomfort
at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that yoiu can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Franciscan Benediction
www.tearfund.org

New Time...New Date

E.P.I.C. will now be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6 PM. Join us for a shared meal at 5:15 and then for worship.

Brainstorm

I did a little thinking and here are my notes for the upcoming EPIC:

potluck
prayer
blessing/ceremony - go outside? stand in a cross facing in
song - Jackie can we sing "for the turning of the world"
discussion of direction of EPIC season
benediction

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. - Thomas Merton

A Blessing for the EPIC season
God of us, God of everything
We come to you as ragged journeyers
Welcome God,
Have we said that enough?
We are the deliquents.
The ones who want to shout out in the middle of the sactuary "But what about this?!"
The ones who stay up too late on Saturday,
The ones who would rather go to brunch on Sunday,
The ones who talk about you over cocktails and keg beer
God, we don't know anything, but we really like to try and figure it out.
So, we ask you to give us a little laser pointer towards the truth.
We do our best to love others, as you first loved us
As we serve each other, we serve you
Help us remember that its about you, its about love
Not us.
As we begin our new season
bring us chaos, bring us peace
bring us truth, bring us song
And as your people we all say:We Believe


Over apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah

On Rosh Hashanah eve, at the start of the festive meal, it is customary to dip some cut raw apples into some honey as symbolic of asking God to grant a sweet new year.

The blessings for the apples and honey:

ברוך אתה ה׳ אלהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי העץ

Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melech ha-olam, borei p’riy ha-eitz.

Translation: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.

A bite of apple dipped in honey is eaten, which is followed by:

יהי רצון מלפניך ה׳ אלהינו ואלהי אבותינו שתחדש עלינו שנה טובה ומתוקה

Transliteraion: Y'hee ratzon mee-l'fanecha, Adonai Elohaynu v'elohey avoteynu sh'tichadeish aleinu shanah tovah um'tuqah.

Translataion: May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors that you renew for us a good and sweet year.

Sue Wallace: An A to Z of Alternative Worship

Check this out - An A to Z of Alt Worship.

EPIC Gathering

EPIC will begin meeting again on Sunday, September 25th at 5PM. Contact Kari for more information.

Encountering God

This Sunday's theme is "Encountering God". One way that we encounter God is through Art. We will begin creating a banner. Join us for an evening of faith and fun.