Our Five Priorities have been formed over the last several years and serve to guide our programs and ministries.
1. Nurture vital Christian growth at individual and congregational levels
2. Foster deeper relationships within our church body
3. Embrace diversity
4. Partner with the local neighborhood
5. Be mindful of the church around the world
Worship
Building was full. Seating in the back row against the wall was occupied and a few folks were standing near the doorway.
Verbal introductions with applause. Some friends were here from out of state. I’m local and was introduced in a lovely energetic spirit. Mom/daughter announcement - brought veggies from their garden to share if you don’t take them, daughter will have to eat them. :)
The dancing flame candle was lit. This is a common theme in the third church so far. Traditional to light a candle in worship service indicating the Holy spirit among us.
4 youth served in the worship band: drummer, pianist flute / singers.
Words and lyrics were projected on the screen. Once in English, once in spanish scripture was read in the NRSV translation Acts 9.
Children’s story a large group, active and engaged. They actively participated in taking the collection for My Coins Count.
Interactive, joyful, young families. “The eyes of the heart” was a hymn that stood out for me in this service.
Images projected on the wall as well as words to the songs/hymns.
8x11 images of Saul’s conversion were hung all around the sanctuary and were used in the sermon.
Sermon
Angela led us in a Visio-divina - the eyes of the heart. The scripture focus was Ephesians 1, Paul’s prayer. 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
Angela invited us to choose an artwork to study. Ushers handed out 8.5 x 11 sized pictures of several different forms of artwork focused on the same subject: Saul’s conversion. Congregants were to decide on which one they were drawn to and hold it in their hands. I went over to the wall and chose the one that seemed to call out to me. I was drawn to the contrasting blue and yellow hues. The pencil drawn hand gently reaching out to touch the face… the closed eyes, and partially open mouth seemed to whisper a confession of faith, after doubt has washed away.
Angela asked us to think about how artwork brings scripture to life. How each artist has their own interpretation of meaning. Every day blindness is wrapped up in our lives - with routines, and technology. The art of contemplation is slowing down our lives to reflect and form full thoughts about where we are and what we are doing, feeling, knowing.
Angela walked us through a contemplative visio divina - a long look with God.
She defined Contemplation = a long loving look
A look that takes its time long
It’s full of compassion to be loving
Take the time to look at what is real and true before us: look
Contemplation is a spacious, slow, attentive and compassionate encounter with truth.
Lectio = word Visio = see
In this exercise we were to choose an image.
Sit with this image in our hands. Slow down our minds. Take deep breaths.
Settle in
Take notice of the stirring in our hearts and minds as we look at the picture. Keep breathing deeply, counting to 5 breathing in, counting to 6 breathing out. Engage the slow methodical rhythm.
Embrace the words that come to mind.
Pray.
We spent time in silent prayer. Focused on our pictures, breathing, thinking, contemplating God’s word for us today. Angela’s gentle voice, spoke carefully to bring us back into the space, preparing our words to translate meaning for the message God had given each of us. We were invited into a time of community sharing. Many shared - some deeply.
My thoughts: Saul trusted the darkness to do its work. God’s hand from the light (spirit) into hand (physical) initiated the transformation.
What we hold is transformed through Him and draws / drops out of us into color, white, yellow, blue light. These were the only colors that were in my picture. All else was black and white which translated to me to be the framework of the transformation but not part of the movement. Transformation through God is a gentle falling of colored scales. I sense God is speaking to me to give God all that is not love to be transformed.
Sunday School Classes (MYF and Adult)
All ages participated in the worship service for their summer season.
Takeaway
The inner neighborhood connections and ministry formed friendships and informal relationships. The blending of spanish and english languages, the youth playing the music and leading singing, the visio-divina sermon brought a rich, diverse worshipful experience. Encountering God in a space where He speaks directly to my heart in a way in which I am able to understand defines a worship service at its fullest.
Challenge
The challenge for this congregation would be their full building! A blessing indeed, yet more space for all to engage with one another and God would be welcome. However, there is an intimate, tight-knit family atmosphere because of this closeness that I would not want to sacrifice. Perhaps staying put is the answer.
Prayer
Lord of light and love, grace and peace abide in the community of Laurel Street Mennonite Church. Continue to cultivate a united neighborhood, that fully embraces diversity in language, generations of children, parents and grandparents, both male and female church leadership, holds open doors and generous hearts that are willing to share even deep experiences with God and one another. Bless their congregation, their families and their service in ministering to the needs of their neighborhood as you guide them. Amen
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