Happy New Year!
For a number of years, when I have planned and led a worship service on the first Sunday of January, (I have often been away), I have offered a contemplative service – it is usually a combination of Taizé style music, images, and short quotations or readings.
I do this for the mystics among us … (I know they are out there … and I am including myself!)
For me, the new year is a time of reflection, introspection, and preparation.
As we discussed in our Painting the Stars faith study a number of times, a Reformed tradition (of which the United Church is a part) worship service is pretty heavy on the “word” part … praying or talking to God in word and song, and listening to someone else’s words. The Reformed liturgy doesn’t include a lot of listening to the part of God that is inside each and every one of us, and in the world.
During the worship serviceI have often played this wonderful youtube video, which uses music from Estonian composer Arvo Part’s Spiegel Im Spiegel. The video includes images, and selected quotes. I invite you to let the words, images or music speak to you and allow you to settle into this new year.
Tomorrow’s service includes the exploration of the story of the Magi … those “wise guys” that we have referred to all during Advent, and imagine what it means that after they met the Christ child they had to “go home a different way.”
I was gifted a lovely mug last week which has sat proudly on our kitchen counter for the last 10 days…
The mug reminds me of a book I have had since the late 1990s, which I still use to this day, by Jan Richardson.
I will be quoting from Richardson’s website The Painted Prayerbook (Inviting Epiphany « The Painted Prayerbook) tomorrow ...
I will also introduce you to the tradition of Epiphany Star Words, and you will each receive a word on a card to take with you.
This is from our materials:
“We know that the most common prayer practice for many involves speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. We believe that star words invite a prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.”
Blessings
Martha
