As 2021 unfolds, we find ourselves in the wilderness and sensing we are near to finding our way out. We would rather be there already, see a clear path to getting back to “normal”. Yet, Lent has always been a time to reflect upon what keeps us from living whole lives with God, no matter what the circumstances.
This series, based on the book by the same name by Eric Elnes, is about “seeing life through new eyes, recognizing that experiences of failure, emptiness, and uncertainty are as critical for finding our way through life as they are unavoidable.” We will see how experiences of life through the “dark wood” are actually clues to our “calling” or “life path.” Together we will ponder:
How can the struggles of life be the seedbed of spiritual awakening to the fullness of life?
This series, based on the book by the same name by Eric Elnes, is about “seeing life through new eyes, recognizing that experiences of failure, emptiness, and uncertainty are as critical for finding our way through life as they are unavoidable.” We will see how experiences of life through the “dark wood” are actually clues to our “calling” or “life path.” Together we will ponder:
How can the struggles of life be the seedbed of spiritual awakening to the fullness of life?
April 1, 2021 - Maundy Thursday
"The Gift of Disappearing"
This service joins six of the people who journeyed with Jesus through his Passion. We will hear their reflections and what they discovered as they made their way through this Dark Wood of uncertainty, emptiness, temptation, and deep experience of being lost. May you hear this story for the first time or in a new way as we enter this holy time where humanity and the divine meet at the cross. For the source of the artwork and images, please see the credits at the end of the service. Much thanksgiving for the ways their interpretation of scripture helps stir our imaginations so we may find our place in this world.
April 2, 2021 - Good Friday
At the bottom of this page, you will find the link to the Tenebrae service from last year. Or as you observe this holy day, the Bishops and staff of the Northwest Region of the ELCA offer this service for your worship.
March 28, 2021 - Palm Sunday
"The Gift of Misfits"
This holiest of weeks gathers us with Jesus, the crowds, disciples and others as the Passover Festival begins. The gift we find is that God gives us misfits - companions - who are also navigating the Dark Wood and can help us reflect upon what we encounter along the way. The week begins with hopeful shouts of "Hosanna! Save us, now!", but as we walk with Jesus through his experience of the Dark Wood - the Passion - we must also face our own disappointed expectations about what we thought we would find here. May we support each other along the way.
March 21, 2021 - Lent 5
"The Gift of Temptation"
We pray, "lead us not into temptation" and may think about the chocolate we gave up for Lent or the sins that grow out of breaking the 10 Commandments. If we are honest, the temptation we really wrestle with and don't always recognize is what we explore in worship today; doing good that God does not intend for us to do. Act out of obligation, expectations of others, the rewards of the 'safe', 'easy' road that leaves us restless and hungering or exhausted, even when what we are doing is for the good of others. Come and follow the path of Jesus into the Dark Wood, all the way to the cross. Through death, there is life.
March 14, 2021 - Lent 4
"Getting Lost"
It is not easy to admit we might be lost, let alone ask for help to find our way. Today, our worship series invites us to ponder the way the Hebrews handled the length of time they were lost in the wilderness and what Jesus and God offer Nicodemus and all the world, whether we know we are lost or not.
March 7, 2021 - Lent 3
"Being Thunderstruck"
Early cultures and religions once described God's voice as lightning and thunder. Those flashes of insight, moments that rocked their world, lingering rumbles of intuition that helped them know they were still taking steps in the right direction, even in the midst of the storms of life. Come discover this gift of the Dark Wood, God abiding with you and inviting you to join the conversation once more.
February 28, 2021 - Lent 2
"Emptiness"
This week, we took another step closer to offering you this worship resource on Sunday mornings. Our AV Tech team is working through installation issues with our new equipment.
The service will be posted here, as soon as it has been edited.
As the theme for today invites, there is blessing in the midst emptiness.
It is at the heart of what Sabbath is about. An empty agenda - one whole day - a day with God
for renewal, rest, and re-creation.
May you find all this as you encounter God's Word through the bulletin and sermon posted below.
The service will be posted here, as soon as it has been edited.
As the theme for today invites, there is blessing in the midst emptiness.
It is at the heart of what Sabbath is about. An empty agenda - one whole day - a day with God
for renewal, rest, and re-creation.
May you find all this as you encounter God's Word through the bulletin and sermon posted below.
February 21, 2021 - Lent 1
"Uncertainty"
We had some technical difficulties today, recording the worship service. It will take a bit more time for editing, but we will post it here as soon as it is ready. While you wait, the following resources are available for you to begin reflecting upon how the Holy Spirit might be awakening in you, the gift of Uncertainty.
Ash Wednesday,
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“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” — Psalm 51:10-12
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” - Matthew 14: 22-33 The Message |
“Sometimes... you need to step away from the security of your boat onto the stormy sea of your own awakening to discover that a sinking stone is a far firmer foundation than you ever have imagined.” We embark on a series of worship that will invite us to explore all the places where we find ourselves–not just the seemingly stable and blessed places, but the ones that feel like utter failure, or the most tenuous at the least. These are the places where Jesus says “Do not be afraid, it’s me calling you out here to find the depths of your very soul.”
Holy Week Worship
Maundy Thursday - April 9, 2020
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I know, many of you may be struggling with how different this Holy Week is, because I know I am. The rituals, the connections, the coming together around Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, is the hardest part for me. After much thought and prayer, I couldn’t come with a version to offer online, knowing not everyone would be able to participate.
So, I created the Word and Prayer service (see file). You can do at home, anytime on Maundy Thursday. I’d encourage you to use it in conjunction with one of your meals. Because, God regularly shows up there, nourishes you through the food you are eating, and is the One who connects us altogether through the body of Jesus Christ. | ||
Good Friday - April 10, 2020
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Our worship of the Three Days, continues on Good Friday with a Tenebrae service. Gather 7 candles (they can be battery operated or turn on 7 lights/lamps in your home. If you are using lights, make sure you have a flashlight or other small light, so you don’t end up completely in the dark. You will also need a Bible for the first passage from John.
You can take your time and reflect upon these Seven Last Words of Christ as a family unit or you can go on YouTube, to the church’s channel and you will be able to listen and reflect upon art that coincides with the passages and prayer. | ||