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Discovering Life in the Desert: Encounters of Grace & Love, Healing & Hope
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus – Isaiah 35:1-2 NRSV
The time of Lent is a time of spiritual reflection, preparation and renewal. Culturally messages obsess over returning and restoring our lives, community, culture, city and/or world to a nostalgic idyllic past or impatiently crying out for a perfect utopian world. Between the two extremes lies the present; an uncomfortable, imperfect place where we hunger for intimacy and thirst for deeper healthier relationships. Ironically, the present is all that is and yet in regret, fear, anxiety and worry we are seldom able to be present with ourselves, others, or the divine.
Join us on this Lenten journey as we explore how we might thrive in the valley places and harsh lonely deserts. Hear stories of uncommon grace and forgiveness, hope and joy. Come to "know again for the first time" our Creator whose love defies our logic and limits! Discover a love so big it transforms the deserts and the lonely uncertain spaces between the now and the not yet into the most fertile, hallowed ground where authentic life, love, and joy bloom beyond our wildest dreams!
Feb 17th: Ash Wednesday
Life rises from the ashes… from the dust in the desert places flowers take root and blossom.
Feb 21st: Preparing the Way
Pastor Kevin offers a reflection on unintended spiritual practices that tend our souls; ply, prepare and plant.
Feb 28th: Pilgrimage: Alone in the Desert?
Its common to feel abandoned, lost and alone in the low points in our lives. We are filled with images adn language that seem to indicate that if things are well - "God loves me" - and if we come on to hard times - "I'm being punished..." Pastor Kevin debunks this myth offering a reflection based on Mark 1:9-13. Uncover the hidden blessing and learn how to thrive in the desert, lead from the valley and celebrate your Whole Life authentically as a child of teh God of Love!
Mar 7th: Wandering Aimlessly or Journey of Unknown Purpose?
Ray offers a reflection exploring the many ways we are nourished and are able to nourish others as we wander on our journeys. Are we wandering aimlessly or are we on a journey whose purpose and meaning have yet to be revealed? Uncover the Mystery!
Mar 14th: An Invitation to Abundant Life
Pastor Kevin reflects on the existential realities of our days and time; the challenges we face and the gifts we've been given. Why this journey, why this community, why each of us matter beyond measure - and how together we find our purpose to nourish hope and justice in our community, city and world.
Mar 21st: For-Given?
If hurting people hurt people, can healing people heal people? aChurch4Me? MCC member, Stephen, offers a powerful testimony about life's journey, chance encounters, and the power of forgiveness.
Mar 28th: Prayer Surge: Return to the Garden
We offer a special experiential community worship celebration; through music, song, silences and prayers spoken and unspoken we journey from triumphal Palm branch pageantry to the prayerful commissioning of the earthly ministry of those who would follow the way of Jesus. Join us this day for a spirit-filled time of celebration and prayer.
Apr 4th: Easter Celebration: Mis-Placing Jesus
As we celebrate with great joy the message of the resurection, Pastor Kevin offers a no-holds barred reflection on the message of hope, love and justice which are in the message of Easter and over the years how rhetoric, identity politics, unreflective traditions, institutional religion, and fear of the unknown have mis-placed Jesus.
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