(General Assembly Worship) The last few years have not been easy, including in our local congregations. Whole swaths of members have simply stopped coming; COVID is confusing, and polarizing; many ministers have joined the great resignation; and Pew studies and friends alike have pronounced the end of the local church. In this moment, when so many … Continue reading The Deal On Those Days
Barbara Brown Taylor coins the phrase “Holy Envy” in her book by that title. In it sheexplores what she envies about other faith traditions than her own, and whether she is“looking for greener pastures, or trying to make peace with the realities of her own?”Come explore why it is important to be careful about our … Continue reading Holy Envy
Because music gives space to so much more than words alone, come find refuge and renewal in the music of pianist Magdalene Myint. Worship leaders: Tricia Garcia and Magdalene Myint. Tech Chaplain: John Lehman Tech Crew: Walker Wynkoop.
We welcome back former Modesto poet laureate Gillian Wegener, who will offer an experience of beauty through her poetry. Poetry connects us to and expands on our own feelings, and is as Audre Lorde said “a vital necessity of our existence.” Worship Leaders: Leroy Egenberger, Gillian Wegener, and Jude Markel. Tech Chaplain: Dee Hawksworth Tech Crew: Todd … Continue reading Poetry: A Vital Necessity
The Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2nd, and then celebratedon July 4th. It seems the 3rd may be the perfect day between to reflect. Throughpoetry, our faith principles, our history and future possibility as a country and more,come explore where we are and what we may need to decide regarding where we … Continue reading Between the Signing and the Celebration
With all the ways out there to center, meditate or just plain regroup each day, I’mmaking the case for why breath prayer should be at the top of our list. Come considerthis ancient practice for the first time or be refreshed and renewed in it. We’ll explore it,practice it, and I’m pretty certain you will … Continue reading Why Breath Prayer?
What is your superpower? What is this congregation’s superpower? I know what my answer is and I am curious to hear yours. Because what our world needs right now is people using their superpowers. Worship Leaders: Rev Darcy, Sharon Arpoika, and Magdalene Myint: Tech Chaplain: Robbie Edge Tech Crew: Todd
Jorge Torrez first began sharing his musical gifts with us in April 2017. Join us in this special music Sunday, where we get to enjoy his music and ground ourselves in gratitude for the beauty he has shared with us these past 5 years. I would say this is his “last” Sunday with us, but … Continue reading Blessing of Music – Celebrating Jorge Torrez
The philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, “In difficult times, carry something beautiful in your heart.” One of the most important secrets to successful social change and social survival is that when we carry beauty, it carries us. This month as a spiritual exercise we are invited to find something to carry with us, a reminder about … Continue reading Carried by Beauty
When asked what he would do if he believed the world would end tomorrow, Martin Luther is said to have responded, “I would plant a tree today.” We explore “the trees” we should be planting.Worship leaders: Rev. Darcy, Haruko D, and Jude Markel.Tech Chaplain: Todd Whiteley. Tech Crew: Vic Whaley and Brian Wise.
