Yesterday evening the Quartz Christian Life Community met up. We discussed what was going on in our lives, and spent time listening to God.
To us do this Andy had chosen a reading, prepared some prayers, and provided a reflection/response activity.
The passage chosen was Isaiah ch.6 vs 1-8 . The prayers were inspired by the legacy of Celtic spirituality and our response was to freehand doodle a continuous line whilst reading the prayers and see what happened. This was done on acetate, so Andy could then attach them as panels onto the backlit cupboard door we had used as a visual focus. This meant that we could view what we had drawn as a collaborative ‘stained glass window’.
Kate was inspired to send a link to this Ian White song
The canopy has been a collaborative effort from the start, and the project was been designed in such a way as to invite involvement by as many people as possible and in a diversity of ways.
It has marked many moments, and for some people they will be very personal and private. The anonymity of the installation intentionally facilitates this, whilst still providing people with a way to see their contribution as part of a whole. There are many stories of making angels, discussing those moments, viewing the canopy, #SensingSpirituality and being inspired through contact with the project that are unknown to individual participants and the St John’s community who have participated in, hosted, and supported this project that could be made known though. These stories are part of what makes than canopy special, and more than just a beautiful collection of colour.
So, if you have time, please will you write down your recollections of the experience before they fade? If you have a memory which identifies someone else, please check with them before you send it to me. If you would like a story to be recorded, but not published outside the Quartz or St John’s community please let me know too. Don’t worry about making it into a fancy story, I can wordsmith the fragments of thought into an article and a record of the process. Pictures are also welcome!
Finally, I know there are people who have stories of their encounters with the canopy who this will not reach. I need your help in this too! Please invite the people you know to send in their thoughts too.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please get in touch!
On Sunday the 30th of January we will hold the first Interweave of 2022. It runs from 6 till 7 and please remember to take a lateral flow test before you come. We will need to wear masks while moving around the building.
At an Interweave you can expect to find a broad range of music, arts, and crafts, used to help people practice #SensingSpirituality . They are collaborative but also aim to provide space to participate with integrity for everyone who comes, whether they would consider themselves a close friend of Jesus – or are just curious.
Interweaves are held within the church building, so it is assumed that participants are at least curious though. This makes them slightly different to Quartz Outerweaves, where we use similar activities but in public spaces or where invited and tailor them to the people we meet without such an expectation.
Candlemass 2022
This Interweave starts with the stories of Anna and Simeon. They have been waiting in the temple, praying and expecting their Messiah. When Simeon sees Jesus he bursts into poetry saying
Master, now you are dismissing your servant[e] in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
We are going to focus on the idea that Jesus is the light of the world, a revelation, and do this using candles.
We will present four ways to use the craft of candlemaking to reflect on the text. Each one could be described as being suited to head, heart, hands, or eyes. The head and hearts activities offer a chance to become aware of truths revealed within you. The hands and eyes offer a chance to discover meaning though looking and doing. You may have a preference, but the aim is to provide a diversity of ways to explore and express the subject rather than pigeon hole people!
Heart – Dip candles
This is a ritual, meditative approach. We are using pure beeswax to make these candles, and the activity will take place in a special part of the church surrounded by reflected light and artwork. You are encouraged to dip the candle, then walk around the building or sit and contemplate the events in the temple imaginatively – soaking up the atmosphere. As you build the layers on the candle, sink more deeply into the story. When you light the candle in the future let the remembered light of the experience fill your mind.
Hands – Recycled Wax
Jesus promises transformation. The broken bits of candle can be melted and remade into something new. As you participate in the action of collecting the broken pieces contemplate the spiritual need for and significance of transformation. Let the old become new.
Head – Illuminating letters
Take some time to explore the text. Look up the references and search the links to deeper meaning. This is an area for study and meditation on the meaning. You could express what you find by writing a short piece, or just pick a few words that stand out to you. The paper they are written on can then be waxed and placed into the mould. When you pour wax in they will become part of the candle, illuminated by the burning flame.
Eyes – Illuminating art
Look around the building. The people who built it have expressed their experience of the light of Christ using visual arts. They were inspired by those who came before them and used the best of the art of their era to hand things on. Does anything stand out to you? Capture it in a sketch, or use the pictures printed out to express what is important to you, wax them and place them in the mould ready to be illuminated by the candle.
Sending out
These are the main activities of the evening, but whilst doing them we can discuss with each other and help ‘illuminate’ the story by collaborating.
To recognise that this is a collective and ongoing activity everyone can roll a second beeswax candle, light it and place it in a sand tray together. The candles we have spent the evening making will then be blessed, and you can choose to light it for the first time before you take it away with you from the collective flame.
St. Bride, or St Brigit of Kildare, is a category 6 saint in the Scottish Episcopal Church Liturgy. For those unfamiliar with the number categories, this means that she is recognised as a person worth special recognition but that remembering this every year is a matter for local discretion.
So why is she significant for Quartz Forest Church?
The day she is remembered on is the 1st of February. This is associated with the first signs of spring and is one of the Scottish Quarter days which marked the change of seasons in the agricultural calendar. It is the promise of new life returning, if not altogether obvious unless you look out for it. We have been walking around the Crichton estate to get to know the place, and there are a few wee signs like snowdrops and bulbs breaking the soils surface.
The Gospel according to John starts with a retelling of the story of creation. In it the cosmic Christ, the Logos, the organising principle and light through which everything can be understood, enters the world as Jesus the human. This light should be recognisable to all Gods children, but some of those who you’d think should be aware of this miss it completely, and yet all those who recognise the good news can be born as children of God. Light is something which helps you to see things as they are, and the act of lighting a candle to look at something is very similar to having someone help you ‘see’ the truth.
Since there have been about 1500 years since the Abbess of the dual abbey of Kildare walked in the fields around it, the historical truth of her life is difficult to discover. The transformation of beliefs about the daughter of the Dagda, or good god, of the De Danan into the stories of the life of St Brigit took place long before the earliest record we have. There is more to truth than historical facts however, and the stories have survived because people recognise a sense of meaningfulness within them. They illuminate aspects of human being which they wish to be reminded of. It is worth taking some time to think about this and to learn to recognise the eternal truths, Logos, that can be found in them.
These truths can be markers of a shared space, where people of peace can gather. Rather than engaging in conflict about whether Christians stole Brigid to fool people into joining the Church, or complaining that neo-pagans are fabricating a pseudo history, why not recognise that this is a good time to clear out clutter to make room for new growth. Search the stories in the confidence that they are pregnant with the seeds planted by God ready to come to term within the womb of time. Have confidence that as you recognise truth the light which it sheds on your assumptions will transform you and set you free to be reborn. Reflect on the words, and find those who will be generous nursemaids to help with this process.
While you are doing this, perhaps you would like to weave a Brigits cross or four to place around your house to remind you. (6Mb download)
Simon will be participating in a gathering at Allanton Peace Sanctuary On the afternoon of Sunday the 30th This is the second of 8 events set equally throughout the year, based on the solar solstices and equinoxes.
Following the devastation of the Second World War, Mr Goi looked for a way to bring peace to all people, and the prayer and affirmation May Peace Prevail On Earth came to him in a moment of great inspiration. He realised that these words express the common wish of all humanity, transcending all boundaries of race, religion and politics. He envisioned that their gentle, yet powerful, effect would activate global peace consciousness.
Allanton website, describing the aim of the founder of their organisation
There is an open invitation to join online.
Imbolc Gathering at Allanton (online)
Sunday the 30th of January, 2022, from 2 – 3pm UK time.
A time to mark the strengthening of the light, as we in the Northern Hemisphere approach spring, in the Wheel of the Year, an auspicious time between the Solstice and Equinox.
Simon will show us how to make St Brigid’s Cross, representing the strong feminine energy of nurturing, hearth and home
This is participatory so if you would like to have a go, bring straw, or long grass, or just paper (A4 cut into strips of 2cm on the long side)
Kirsten will tell us a story, while we weave our crosses.
We will have a short meditation, followed by the Divine Spark Mudra, a prayer/meditation of the breath and movement.
The Zoom Room will be open from 10 minutes before. Join us round our fire and hearth. If possible, we will be outside, and will be delighted to see you,
We will meet outside the Crichton church at 2pm on Sunday the 16th. So that you know what to expect – a rough order of service will probably include:
Meeting in Christ’s name and sharing the peace
We meet in Christs name – whether you consider yourself close friends, or are just curious, all are welcome – we share his peace.
A chant to set our minds
Led by Kate
Reading the book
When reading, please remember the context within which this is written and who it is being written to. Some of the words in this translation are often used quite differently nowadays.
You might be someone for whom the recognition of beauty is like a flower blossoming in your mind, or someone who seeks it like the dawn breaking on a distant horizon. Or perhaps you find understanding when patterns of words make meaning fall into place in a beautiful harmony. It might simply be that beauty inspires you to make the world a better place.
Whatever the primary way in which you encounter beauty is, once we examine our experience, and recognise it’s reality, then we are better able to recognise the validity of another persons experience. Then, if reassured, we can develop our abilities more broadly to sense genuine spiritual experiences. This may be in a traditional setting, or it might be in an unfamiliar place.
Spend some time looking around the physical environment we live in, and take time out to reflect and become aware of all that you can sense beyond the five physical senses. The world of the knowable and known. You may be able to describe the experience, but it might also be something which is beyond words. That is fine. This could be described as the numinous, the unknowable, or mysterious.
If you would like help in finding words though, this page describes 5 beyond the physical senses. There are many more of course – but it is a start.
#SensingOtherness tags experiences of sensing an aspect of human being which is more than just its physical elements. People also talk of #SensingAwareness, experiencing a changed state of awareness that could also be described as “being at one” with Nature.
These sensations can be very personal and difficult to discuss, or even describe. When you look at a sunset and describe it as beautiful, what are you recognising?
The author of Wisdom chapter 13 contrasts the experience of sensing the creator in the created with the practice of those who make something and declare that people should worship it. The way it is written could be read as an attack on pagansism.
However, in 21st century Scotland, the emerging spiritualities called pagan are often the ones that are leaving the recieved trappings of religuon behind. They are abandoning the constructs of modern society and searching for something ‘other’. Whilst Christmas has been gift wrapped and is sold on the high street they gather round fires and look into the stars, perhaps like the magi in the gospels, who journeyed out in confidence but without knowledge of their destination.
Hopefully we are not all called into the desert to wear animal skins and eat honey and locusts like John the Baptist, but to what extent do we genuinely preserve our traditions to hand them on to future generations? or do we bind ourselves to the human constructs in order make us feel secure, and remind ourselves of the church of our childhood.
Jesus is described as discussing worship with the Samaritan woman at the well, he says that people will worship in Spirit and Truth. He contrasts the known and the unknown. The high places (often condemned by the prophets, but also a place of spiritual searching) and in the temple in Jerusalem (often condemned for legalism and false religiosity, but where God can be known). He is positive about both. It is also another example of God going out and meeting people where they are, with something to offer and to do something new.
You might be someone for whom the recognition of beauty is like a flower blossoming in your mind, or someone who seeks it like the dawn breaking on a distant horizon. Or perhaps you find understanding when patterns of words make meaning fall into place in a beautiful harmony. It might simply be that beauty inspires you to make the world a better place.
Whatever the primary way in which you encounter beauty is, once we examine our experience, and recognise it’s reality, then we are better able to recognise the validity of another persons experience. Then, if reassured, we can develop our abilities more broadly to sense genuine spiritual experiences. This may be in a traditional setting, or it might be in an unfamiliar place.
Forest Church is an attempt to go outside not only the buildings to worship but also our habits, in the confidence that God is already at work there. By leaving the known and familiar behind, we hope to discover Jesus at work, creating and sustaining all things in being. Re-wilding domestic religion so that we can find our spiritual homes.
The next Quartz Forest Church will be on Sunday the 16th of January. Meet at the front door of the Crichton church in Dumfries at 14.00 We will adapt what we do according to the weather, and using the passage from Wisdom and the lessons in the elements we explore the relationship between knowing and unknowing.
The vestry at St John’s in Dumfries have decided to pause meeting in the building as a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. This means that our CLC group won’t be meeting as planned on the 10th. However, activity has not stopped! This is a meditation prepared by Alison that can be used online by anyone with access to the internet.
Preparation
Have a Bible to hand, and select a piece of art to pray with or a place to pray in (if outside have appropriate clothing available!)
Become still in whatever way suits you. Maybe review the last few weeks since we last met and see what comes to mind.
Reflection
Then Listen to Bifrost Art singing Psalm 46.
Psalm 46 Bifrost Arts
Slowly read Psalm 46 two or three times.
Is there a verse or phrase which leaps out to you?
Remain in the place of your choice or with the object you have chosen and pray or repeat your chosen verse or phrase for as long as you like—maybe 20 minutes.
Response
You might like to respond to your meditation in some way, perhaps with words or a drawing.
You may or may not wish to share your response with the rest of us in the CLC group. If you like you can leave a comment on this page or e-mail a photo to Quartz
We have passed through Christmas. The season is a welcome break in the drich winters of Scotland. There is light on the streets, and many people take the opportunity to do something special – even during Covid times. In the public gaze, all eyes are drawn to the stable and the birth of Jesus.
Beyond Christmas, some people might let their gaze be drawn beyond the glittering tinsel and into the cave where Jesus hides with his family while the status quo searches to snuff out this spark of creative potential. What gifts wait to be unwrapped as the story of Jesus unfolds?
The ways in which the story of Christmas has been told have tended towards simplifying the story into one of a succession of visits to the stable. This is used to emphasise very important messages but has become a bottleneck. The story is displayed as a universal story of peace and hope. It becomes an allegorical tale of humility. It becomes a moral encouragement to be generous.
What is lost through? How often do we think about what did the shepherds did after they left the stable? It could have been around two years between the shepherds and the Magi visiting. Perhaps rumours of strange occurrences and civil unrest starting with the shepherds tales had reached the ears of the palace in this time. Perhaps recent politics in Scotland and the wider UK can help us imagine the extent to which some of those in power will go to hold on to power. I am glad that despite the polarisation in society there hasn’t been a return to the troubles and violent clashes that took place in my childhood. Living in an echo chamber both online of off it can encourage false confidence in ideas which seem good, but have evil long term consequences.
Sparks are the ignition of fires though. If we spend time in the stable, perhaps we can learn more about the character of Jesus and this can help us learn about the character we can unwrap. The story of the Magi reveals God placing a message in the stars and ways to read that message in human minds. Laying down kindling in which the spark can catch, for a fire which will illuminate the whole of time.
If we stand with Jesus and look out where he leads, what journeys have been prepared for us to find?
The following is a story of how one phrase led to a transformation in the way the teller saw everything. It is described as a cannonball moment to relate it to the life of Ignatius. Perhaps in the story I am telling in this post it could be described as a spark, or the process of unwrapping a present.
read more at https://www.jesuit.ie/videos/a-cannonball-moment-with-a-homeless-man/
Take some time out to reflect.
What moments have you experienced this Christmas time?
If you pass through the bottleneck of Christmas, what potential do you see as your vision opens up?
Findings from a dig in Dumghie, south of Crossmichael, Castle Douglas, Dumfries. Balmaghie Possibly a Viking hoard. Silver armbands, gold pin, and a pot containing various other objects. The findings are currently at AOC awaiting conservation.
In what ways might a treasure hidden in a Galloway field for around 1000 years be linked with gifts given in Bethlemhem 2000 years ago?
What could this mean for us in the present moment?
Find out some answers and more questions by coming along to the contemporary service in St John’s church 6pm of Sunday the 9th.
… you could also find more about the treasure – and particular the pot – by visiting the National Museum of Scotland website (or the Hoard exhibition in Kirkcudbright)
(Covid precautions will be in place, but please do a lateral flow before you go…)
