The word “Maundy” is derived from Latin “mandatum,” which means “commandment.” On Maundy Thursday (when we celebrate the institution of the Lord’s Supper), not only does Jesus command us to eat the bread and drink the wine in remembrance of him, he also offers us a new commandment: “that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34, Revised Standard Version). In ...
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Ash Wednesday has been called the most difficult service of the year. More difficult even than Good Friday when we remember the death of our Lord. On Ash Wedensday, we come to acknowledge our own mortality. Traditionally, the words we hear when we have the sign of the cross marked on our foreheads are “From dust you were born and to dust you will return.” Not always an easy thing ...
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It's Gaudate Sunday, when we light the candle of Joy. It is traditionally the Sunday that we celebrate Mary's response to the news that she is going to carry the child of God. Gaudate is Latin for rejoice. It's a good time to remember that if Mary can recognize God's blessings in the midst of finding out that she's an unwed pregnant teenager in an age where they could ...
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In the midst of the hustle and bustle and stress and uncertainty of this holiday season, never, ever, ever, ever underestimate the power of stopping to breathe. It's powerful...and it's easy. Throughout the Old Testament the spirit of God is is described by the word ruah, which means breath. God is the breath of life. We cannot live without breathing, and we cannot live without God. So it is not surprising that ...
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Covid Communion--what I call communion using those little pre-made, plastic sealed cups that contain a tasteless wafer and half a swallow of grape juice--has been less than satisfying for me. I was blaming COVID. Turns out, it's me. https://youtu.be/Yt5W1koCXxQ Click below for Liturgy for Keeping Communion Holy Even While Using the Covid Cups Everyone Hates Download Communion Liturgy
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No matter how much we love our country, nationalistic signs have no place in our worship spaces. Nadia Bolz-Weber suggested that someone write a liturgy for removing flags from our sanctuaries...so I did. Please feel free to adapt and use as needed. God of all creation, God of every nation, God who is known by many names, We love our country We give thanks for the beauty You bestowed upon it from the purple ...
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On this Memorial Day weekend, in the midst of the excitement (and anxiety) of being able to gather once again for barbecues, float trips and pool gatherings, let us not forget to remember. To remember those who gave their lives in service and to acknowledge the power of remembrance. If you know someone who has lost a loved one in service to our country, reach out this weekend. One of the ...
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Here's a Lenten ritual you can adapt to use at home--no matter where home is or what the weather is like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeJWYjareBQ&t=24s Lent on Lockdown Starts Wednesday. Join us! Learn More
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It's the question on everyone's minds and lips. What are you doing for Christmas this year? We know what we want to do for Christmas. We want to do what we've done every year. To engage in the traditions we've devoted ourselves to since before we can remember. To take the annual family picture. To adhere to our own tribe's strict present opening timelines and rituals. To eat the ...
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Today is the last day to register for Pulling it Together in a World that's Falling Apart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SgDiTmd_Aw Why the deadline? With the election getting closer, virus rates rising and the holidays on the horizon, life is just going to get crazier. Now is the time the pull it together. 5 Simple Shifts 3 Prayer Hacks 2 Good Things You'll be amazed by what a big difference small changes can make in how you feel and ...
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For many people the new year starts the week after Labor Day. Summer (in as much as there was a summer in the COVID year of 2020) is over, and it's time to get down to business. We are living through one of the most stressful times in modern history---and we are tired. Practicing regular and real self and spiritual care is crucial if we are to have the energy ...
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In my tradition (Presbyterian Church USA), our liturgy in worship is very responsive. A lot of call and response and unison prayers. Many, many opportunities to share our germs with one another. As we think about what worship will look like when we are able to return to worshipping in person, in addition to skipping the congregational singing for now, we will also need to limit the verbal responses. ...
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As churches begin to consider what worship post-pandemic will look like, many are looking at gathering in smaller groups (often at people's homes) before coming together as a whole. The beginning of a new group and new ways of being together is an excellent time to establish some rituals that will not only help bond the group, but also help to keep people safe. I am a huge hugger and absolutely ...
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Check out this video on a ritual for naming your grief and get further instruction in the text below. https://youtu.be/vWvx5RVAAag Items you'll need: a small box or container paperwriting instrumentsymbol of your loss Light a candle to signify the light of Christ. Invite God into the space. You might choose to sing Kum ba ya (which means Come by Here). If you're familiar with the song, you know there are a ...
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Rituals don't always have to be super serious. They can be fun...even playful. And a little play is good for all of us, especially now. Since most of us are at home and sitting down at the table together more than ever, why not add a prayer ritual to dinner? Or maybe just adjust one that you already have. Here's one that can be more meaningful than ...
Read MoreAs important as it is to nurture our faith, encourage one another and keep a positive attitude, we must also make space for the grief we are feeling during this time. And the grief felt in the midst of this pandemic runs a wide gamut. It goes from grieving the loss our twice-weekly exercise class community to the cancellation of a milestone event or a regular tradition to the loss ...
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People are coming up with great ways to celebrate birthdays in these shelter-in-place Covid-19 times. Zoom parties, drive-by parades, balloon bouquets and surprise lawn decorations are all being employed to celebrate those special days. But like everything else in these Covid-19 times, not getting to gather in person with the people we love is a bummer. Here's a short ritual you can do at home to celebrate you. I've attached ...
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When we suffer a loss, it's important to recognize and honor that loss. With the current restrictions around gathering together, many are being robbed of that critical piece of the grieving process. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing ideas for rituals to remember those we have lost when we aren't able to participate in larger ceremonies and observances. I hope you'll share your ideas as well. Note: ...
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The mandate to stay at home and the cancelling of public gatherings is robbing us of much-needed rituals. So each Tuesday, Doubting Believer will bring you rituals to celebrate, mourn and mark special occasions from home. Most of 2020's high school and college graduates will not have traditional graduation ceremonies this year. It is still an important transition in the life of young people, and it needs to be observed and ...
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