January Forest Church

21st of January 2024 2pm

Meet outside the Crichton Chapel, Dumfries

We meet outdoors and worship with the weather. Please dress accordingly! and bring a carry chair or anything else you need to make yourself comfortable. We will walk around the grounds of the estate, but save wilderness expeditions for special occasions. Physically, this gathering is a walk in the park.

The plan for the day

Peace

We will meet in Christs name as usual, inviting everyone whether they consider themselves to be a close friend or simply curious to join us in peace.

Prayer

Vene Sancte Spiritus

Lyrics (as sung by Taizé)

Veni Sancte Spiritus (repeating chant).

Come, Holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth with your glorious light.
     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

Come, Father of the poor, come, generous Spirit, come, light of our hearts.
     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

Come from the four winds, O Spirit, come breath of God; disperse the shadows over us, renew and strengthen your people.
     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

Most kindly warming light! Enter the inmost depths of our hearts, for we are faithful to you. Without your presence we have nothing worthy, nothing pure.
     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

You are only comforter, Peace of the soul. In the heat you shade us; in our labor you refresh us, and in trouble you are our strength.
     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

On all who put their trust in you and receive you in faith, shower all your gifts. Grant that they may grow in you and persevere to the end. Give them lasting joy!
     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

We will probably use the repeating chant as a foundation, taking it in turns to read the verses rather than sing them!

Reading from the bible

This week we will be sensitive to the wind.

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’

Reading from Creation

Please bring things to help you become aware of the wind. Kites, windmills, floaty scarves.

Learn to make a windmill here:

Time to respond

We will gather and discuss our experiences, and response to both the readings. Here are some questions that might help you reflect.

What did Jesus have to say about the Spirit and the Wind?

What does it feel like to be moved by an unseen force?

In what ways can we draw power from the wind?

How do we try to control our lives despite the wind?

Describe the presence of Jesus as experienced nowadays, and the experiences people have of the wind. How do they compare and contrast?

Blessing

We go out today
Through a mighty strength:
God’s power to guide us,
God’s might to uphold us,
God’s eyes to watch over us;
God’s ear to hear us,
God’s word to give me speech,
God’s hand to guard us,
God’s way to lie before us,
God’s shield to shelter us,
God’s host to secure us.

As close as the air we breathe, as vital as oxygen.

Lorica, Patric, adapted.

Sharing refreshment

We will most likely head to the central café to share coffee and cake (or equivalent)