Sunday 16th of February at 2pm, Crichton chapel
We will gather in February to find Jesus in the trees. As is our custom we will gather outside the Crichton chapel at 2pm on the third Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome to join us, and we adapt what we do according to the people who turn up. Have a look around this website to get an idea of what to expect and please dress for the weather.
There are no facilities other than what is publicly available in the park.
Welcome and #SensingAwareness
We start by taking time to become aware of the time we are gathering in, the place we are standing in, and the people around us.
Almighty God,
COLLECT (Proper 6) SEC lectionary
grant that with our minds set always on your wisdom and love,
we may pursue both in word and deed
those things that are pleasing in your sight;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
We meet in Christs peace
You are welcome whether you consider yourself a close friend of Jesus or are simply curious, we make peace when we meet in peace.
Reading Words
17 He came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
“But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
“Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
Luke 6:17-26
Reading Creation
In Genesis, the story of origins, Adam and Eve are describes as walking in the garden with God. Then they hide because they feel naked and afraid. Does this describe the feeling of alienation that people feel, sometimes so keenly it bites? Perhaps more significantly, what can be done to restore relationships when trust breaks down?
In Genesis God teaches humans how to make clothes. The feeling of being exposed is horrible, but we can learn to clothe our nakedness and shield ourselves, perhaps learning wisdom is the spiritual equivalent of this. There are places in the bible where the relationship between Jesus and Wisdom can be explored.
Today however take some time to look at trees. Trees connect the world below earth to the world above. They are conduits.
Trees transform. They draw nutrients from the soil and produce leaves. They take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transform the air into oxygen we can breath.
On your own or in groups you can do your own thing, or try some of these suiggestions.
- Spend some time reflecting on ways in which trees are analogies for ways in which Jesus restores the relationship between God and humans. Think both about salvation, and also on a day to day level. How can remembering an eternal truth help you with day to day issues?
- Sit or Stand with your back against a tree and take time to relax. Think about the gospel reading. It is good news! spoken to people who came to Jesus aware of their need. What do you need? Imagine the tree as a conduit. What “worlds” does it connect? What flows through the tree, what is transformed?
- What would it be like to be a tree? Perhaps thinking of Ents might help! Pick a tree and stand next to it, what can you learn from it? Imagine standing as a tree, connecting worlds, what is that like? Imagine standing as Jesus connecting worlds, what is that like?
Music
We will use a simple song to gather together. Kate will lead, join in and follow the tunes!
Goodness is stronger than evil;
Wild goose – words by Desmond Tutu adapted and arranged by John Bell.
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Life is stronger than death.
Victory is ours, victory is ours
Through him who loved us.
Prayer
As we stand gathered together, (like a thicket of trees?), we will make time and space for people to pray silently or aloud.
Express thankfulness for something,
Lament or seek reconciliation
Bring your own concerns to God, or carry them for other people.
Then together:
Holy Father, you who dwell in heaven
Honoured be the joy of your glory
May your name be hallowed in your works by the heirs of your people
You are the saviour of mankind
May your spacious kingdom come and your will firm in council be raised under the roof of heaven and also on the wide earth
Give us for this day just dignity, our continued loaf, comforter of the people, steadfast saviour.
Do not let us be tossed too much in temptation, but ruler of the people, give us good deliverance from every evil.
Forever and ever.
So may it be.
Loosely adapted from old English
Refreshment
We will find somewhere to share a cup and a bite to eat! This is usually the central café. Please share what you have experienced because in chatting with each other we sometimes discover meaning that would otherwise remain hidden.