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* How can we learn to think as Christians outside the
theological boxes of antiquity? Quietly, I contemplate God.... in moments when I am not content
with ancient answers, that no longer apply to my experience. Hungrily, I devour the
insights of wisdom sages and spiritual mystics who have dedicated their lives to the search
for Divine understanding and relationship. Eagerly....my mind opens. Tradition and trepidation cautions me to be silent... to
separate intellect from faith. Be still.... perpetuate the myths that bring comfort .... It’s
the role you have chosen. Yet, the call is clear... the way to deeper meaning and daily
mindfulness is captivating. It’s time to think differently, to go deeper... to invite the Divine Spirit to enter in .... to
guide me and others gently in new directions. Will you join me?. .... Jan Hryniewicz Two
books will be providing insight and direction for sermon reflection, both by
Richard Rohr: The Naked Now and Learning to Breathe Underwater.
Both invite us to think about and experience God as the spiritual mystics do. Lenten Schedule The journey begins with
you....and your decision to embrace a Lenten experience this year; to think
differently.,..
6:00: Social Hour and 6:30: Festive meal with the flavor of
Cajun! Please bring your favorite Mardi Gras dish OR pay $10. Sign up please
as space is limited. Contact Elaine Robinson @ 283-1398 or erobinson4@maine.rr.com
February 22nd is Ash
Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Set aside a few
moments ( or more) on this day, to contemplate quietly your relationship with
the Divine Presence. Ask yourself: Is my
religious faith meaningful for me? Is God an vailable and sustaining presence
in my life? How do I experience the Divine Presence or Spirit? What do I
actually believe? Am I living mindfully? Take notes,
write down questions, be still and open your mind to the Spirit in prayer. Spiritual Guides Some delightful, insightful
wisdom sages have been invited to inform and inspire our Lenten journey. They
will present at different times in different places to try and accommodate a
variety of schedules. Those who have accepted the invitation to be presenters
and guides are: Rev. Shirley Bowen, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in
Biddeford and Director of Seeds of Hope, on March 7th. The Reverend Doctor Milton P. Ryder, retired American
Baptist pastor on March 14th,
The Reverend Jonathan Wright Gray, retired United Church of Christ pastor on
March 21st, and Rev. E. Lamar Robinson,
retired United Church of Christ pastor on March 28th. Save the Dates Sunday, February 26: 10:00:
Michael Chase will
be preaching.... sharing how his kindness message impacts the lives of
children and youth who are searching for meaning, understanding, direction
and love in their young lives. He is truly a spiritual guide. He and Jan will
lead worship on this first Sunday of Lent. Wednesday, February 29: 5:00 First Gathering at the
Mill Office Sermon Series discussion.... introduction and overview of Richard
Rohr’s book: The Naked Now. ( Following the session, you
can if you choose, to drop into the Union House Pub to enjoy music,
fellowship and pizza at our Give Back Wednesday gatherings. Music by
Ada Goff & Paul & Jeron Comeau and others) Sundays, March 4 – 25: 10:00
worship. Lenten
Sermon Series based on Richard Rohr’s book Learning to Breathe Underwater.
Fr. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province. He founded
the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1971, and the Center for
Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986, where he
presently serves as Founding Director. In Breathing Under Water: Spirituality
and the Twelve Steps, Fr. Richard describes how the Twelve
Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is America’s most significant
and authentic contribution to the history of spirituality. In this
exploration, Fr. Richard draws parallels between Christian principles and
AA’s Twelve Steps, connecting AA’s Big Book with the Gospel. We suffer to
get well. We surrender to win. We die to live. We give it away to keep it.
This counterintuitive wisdom will forever be resisted, denied, and avoided,
until it is forced upon us—by some reality over which we are powerless — and
if we are honest, we are all powerless in the presence of full Reality._– Richard
Rohr, Breathing Under Water– Wednesday
Gatherings: March 7: with Rev. Shirley
Bowen: Brown Bag Noon time event at Union Church. Arrive at the church at 11:45
with your lunch and gather around the table with Rev. Shirley. March 14: with Dr. Milton P. Ryder:
5:00 - Appetizer Gathering at the Mill Office Milt writes about his presentation:
“ It's about cairns, their meaning and their challenge for folks to
observe, to recognize, to respect and even to add-to or build. In the sense
of "living mindfully and thinking differently:" The Mill
Office is in the North Dam Mill, 2 Main Street in
Biddeford. Office # 221.,,,sign over the door. March 21: with Rev. Jonathan Wright
Gray at 6:30 at the gracious home of Heather and Erv Davis, 8 Shore Rd.
in Biddeford ( off Route 9). Enjoy dessert and coffee/tea as you listen and
share. March 28 with Rev. E. Lamar Robinson:
Brown Bag, noontime gathering at Union Church. Arrive at the church at 11:45
with your lunch. Please note: Locations and
times may change, based on the desires of participants! Stay tuned. Holy Week: Palm Sunday – Easter. April 1 – 8 Sunday, April 1: 10:00 Palm
Sunday worship with distribution of Palms and Pussy Willows! Thursday, April 5: 7:00 pm
Maundy Thursday service at the church led by Jan and the Reverend Shantia Wright
Gray. Special music, candlelight and a sacred meal of remembrance. Easter Sunday, April 8: 6:00 am
Sunrise Service by the sea 7:30 – 9:30 Easter
Breakfast in the Community Club 10:00 Joyous worship
How about adding something wonderful this year! Join our
journey!! |
