Categories
Arts Thought of the Day

beauty will save us

Here is a claim for you –

“There is no art without beauty”

Either an artist strives for beauty – to reveal or represent it, or their art depends on beauty just as shadow is light obscured. Nordic Giants are described as performing “Dressed in feathers and shrouded in a ubiquitous fog the pair look more like residents of Middle Earth. The award-winning short films that accompany the live performance are each one a work of art; by turn poignant and powerful, dark and uplifting.“* and the shadow is the first thing you see when you look at the video thumbnail.

Take a moment to click play, tune in, and step sideways to escape the relentless grip of Chronos. Can you see the beauty, the salvation calling?

You can read the lyrics here https://genius.com/Nordic-giants-together-lyrics

Those who were born when this was released are now teenagers.

Reaching further back in time, the sample in the song draws from this speech by Martin Luther King Jr https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkatimetobreaksilence.htm

(Beyond Vietnam — A Time to Break Silence Delivered 4 April 1967, Riverside Church, New York City)

I encourage you to read the speech in full. There is darkness in it, and a recognition of the mirk which surrounds us. Nordic giants have found the beauty in it though. They have used this to see the world they live in and write what they see. More than this I think they encourage everyone to look for themselves.

In the blink of an eye those teenagers will inherit the world we leave for them, just as we have inherited a world we did not choose.

…We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time...

But what do you do when the light is switched on and you can see? There are many colours of witness. They cannot be imposed upon you. When you live in the light you will see, and in seeing find your path.

It is a sad fact that because of comfort, complacency, a morbid fear of communism, and our proneness to adjust to injustice, the Western nations that initiated so much of the revolutionary spirit of the modern world have now become the arch antirevolutionaries. This has driven many to feel that only Marxism has a revolutionary spirit. Therefore, communism is a judgment against our failure to make democracy real and follow through on the revolutions that we initiated. Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism. With this powerful commitment we shall boldly challenge the status quo and unjust mores, and thereby speed the day when “every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.”

External Link to the King Center: http://www.thekingcenter.org/

This is not an encouragement to build motorways and a concrete future at the expense of the environment. Beauty is more subtle and complicated than that. When you are overwhelmed by a work of art, you are not bulldozed. It is a moment of #SensingSpirituality. It can be a lightbulb moment, as described in John’s gospel where he introduces Jesus as light. Those that see with this light are unlocked to fulfill the hope and potential which has been placed there since the beginning.

So take some critical moments of time and dream of possible futures, and be gentle with yourself and others when you work to make them happen.

And just before you go, here is another Nordic Giants track with another speech to inspire you.

Categories
#SensingSpirituality Forest Church Fresh Expressions

August QFC

Quartz Forest Church Sunday the 20th of August

We will gather as usual at 2pm outside the Crichton Memorial chapel. More info about what will be happening will hopefully be posted closer to the time, but it the experience is meant to be a little wild! Please dress for the weather.

Meanwhile, here is something to think about.

Spirituality, much like environment and society has been excessively commodified and domesticated often as a result of a colonial straightjacket. It has led to a dogmatic approach to faith ensnared by a regulatory impulse that loses the powerful connection with tradition, the living faith of the dead becoming imprisoned by traditionalism, the dead faith of the living. Rewilding the soul is about returning to a state of knowing and doing that refounds our story and leads us home to ourselves, to our place in the world and the creative work we are called to do.

Johnny Sertin, Pioneer Practice, getsidetracked.co 2021, p76

When does our experience of being part of the Christian community become “the living faith of the dead becoming imprisoned by traditionalism, the dead faith of the living” ?

Forest Church is in part a response to sitting in a service and feeling the overwhelming need to leave the building and get out. To walk somewhere, anywhere, but in that place at that time. A childish response to this urge would be to make aloud noise, to act in frustration that pours out before the words to frame it can be formed. A childlike response is to calmly accept that somethings are unlikely to change and seek the presence of God elsewhere. Actively seeking out Jesus in unexpected places and the transformation of the ordinary when coffee shops become thin spaces and parks become gardens where God still walks and provides fruit.

The experiences of those who have gathered to share this at Sensing Spirituality walks, or forest church meetings, are positive. They show that these activities help people return to “a state of knowing”. Perhaps by leaving the comfort of the mainstream Sunday morning experience we will rediscover lost treasures of Christian spirituality. Hopefully in doing this and reflecting on the experience we will discover the words to understand the frustration which started us walking.

As we walk we are finding new ways to relate with God, through reading, prayer, ritual, reflection and action. The Quartz experience of rediscovering #SensingSpirituality is being recorded on this website. We are far from alone though and so here is something else to think about from “Pioneer Practice“

the sacred bean eucharist – (after all when two or three are gathered in the UK they are more likely to share a mug of coffee and biscuit than bread and wine…)

Categories
Thought of the Day

Holiday Club 2023

Kate is off to Holiday club this morning. Volunteers from St. John’s congregation will be spending a week working with young people.

They will be led and supported by Janice, and hopefully your prayers too! It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Towards the end of the summer holidays perhaps parents particularly appreciate this service offered by churches.

The theme is “The Lion King”. Kate will be posting frequent updates to guide your prayers. You can get in touch here to be sent e-mails form her, or if you are on the St John’s prayer WhatsApp already they should be sent to you.

Categories
Thought of the Day

Heritage

Each one of us scratches their mark as a passage through time. Sometimes grasping to hold on, sometimes filled with the joy of living.

What if time itself is the womb of God. When our creation reaches it’s term will we be able to step back and find peace after the trauma of birth?

Categories
Thought of the Day

Beauty

Do you need to know the name of beauty to recognise it?

Categories
#SensingSpirituality Forest Church Fresh Expressions

Presence

Finding Jesus in Quartz Forest Church

This post continues the theme from the last post, and builds on conversations the summer season has given time to nurture.

Some people find it easy to become aware of the presence of God in a forest. Or to feel closer to the person of Jesus by taking time out to walk in a wood. Others will prefer the structure of a liturgical church service.

Perhaps the robes worn by the priest allow them to become aware of the presence of Jesus with his disciples the night before he was betrayed. The wafers and wine become the broken body, and the tingling of life flowing to fulfil creation and connect with the present day. Repeating the pattern of words provides strength to live in a rapidly changing world. The seasonal changes of readings and collects remind them of the breadth of the Gospel story and link new theology with a heritage of bronze age stories. The sharing of common words amongst a global communion can help them tune in and feel the buzz of belonging.

On a silent retreat a lady saw a dead tree. It had been dead for decades. When she looked at it though she began to see the life supported by it. A thing that was once seen as dead now supported life in generous abundance.

People taking part in a #SensingSpirituality walk feel peace. Walking outdoors in an attitude of awareness they feel better. They are reminded of a truth which is very difficult to describe using words. It is a truth of being, and experience, rather than head knowledge or understanding.

Fresh Expressions or Attractional Mission?

Jesus took on human flesh becoming present in human life. He, ate, slept, wept, and laughed. The presence of God was present in a particular place, and is present in everyplace. Gathering as Forest Church helps recognise the importance and truth of experiencing the presence of Jesus in forests and parks – or on the high street. If God is broadcasting on all frequencies, then gathering together at the Crichton each month is a way to amplify the signal and witness on this particular channel.

Now we know in part, tune in on a crackling wireless to half heard signals, but one day we will hear clearly and know, as we are fully known.

A cat stalking meaning on a modern mirror
Categories
#SensingSpirituality

Doorways

We made these to accompany taking our worship outdoors. The aim was to find ways to help make #SensingSpirituality while walking more accessible that just asking people to “Find Jesus in the Trees” and hoping for the best.

They contain information and questions which the authors have found helpful when they want to become aware of the presence of God, understand the experience, or connect their current experiences with other experiences they have had.

We call them “doors to #SensingSpirituality. Some might resonate more with you than others. The place where you are might also suit some more than others. Start with the one which appeals most to you, but don’t let yourself get typecast! Some doors don’t open as easily as other on the first try.

You are welcome to use them. If you have ideas about new cards we can make, please send them in.

Categories
Forest Church

QFC Sunday 16/7/23

Meditation card
A scientists meditation on the water cycle.

Peace

“We meet in Jesus name. Whether you consider yourself a close friend or are just curious, we meet in Christs peace. Peace be with you”

share a sign of peace.

Psalm 85

Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favour

To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.

1 Lord, you were favourable to your land;

    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;

    you pardoned all their sin. Selah

3 You withdrew all your wrath;

    you turned from your hot anger.

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,

    and put away your indignation toward us.

5 Will you be angry with us forever?

    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,

    so that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,

    and grant us your salvation.

8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,

    for he will speak peace to his people,

    to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.[a]

9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,

    that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
    righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
    and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12 The Lord will give what is good,
    and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
    and will make a path for his steps.

Psalm 85
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

OR if this song might be helpful if you are online and unable to join in with the psalm in person.

O God Will You Restore Us, Bifrost Arts

First Reading

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”…
… “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Matthew 13:1-9 then 18-23

Second reading from the book of water

A doorway to wonder made from scientific knowledge.

June has been a dry month this year, but with the school summer holidays rain has arrived!

Take some time out to smell the moisture in the air. Look for the river flowing into the sea. look around and become aware of the presence of water in the growing things.

We are part of this cycle, water flows though us and makes up a large amount of our body. Without it we become very thirsty, very quickly.

Practice #SensingMeaningfulness. (Don’t try to do all of these! pick one which appeals to you most, but then perhaps you’ll find time for another).

  • Creatively interact with the area around you. What things are wet? Are some leaves juicy and full of water while others are dry? Are there things you can make a picture from, or can you make sounds which represent all the forms which the water that surrounds us takes (pattering of rain, rippling river, beating heart…). Dance like no-one is watching!
  • Use the “doorway” card to learn about the water cycle, and follow the prompts to think about it.
  • Let your mind rest and become aware of your senses and experience the moment. As your mind wanders through the sensations of water, what truths do you become aware of? Are you inspired? Where do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Drink deeply.
  • Look at the ways in which water brings life to the seeds and plant around you. Are you spiritually thirsty? What areas of your life need “watering” and how could that be helped?

Discussion

We will make time to listen to each other learn from the different ways in which everyone has experienced water.

Blessing

May the blessing of the rain be on you—
the soft sweet rain.
May it fall upon your spirit
so that all the little flowers may spring up,
and shed their sweetness on the air.
May the blessing of the great rains be on you,
may they beat upon your spirit
and wash it fair and clean,
and leave there many a shining pool
where the blue of heaven shines,
and sometimes a star.

Anon – sourced from A Rocha website

Water from a rainy visit to Devon (Sent in By Allison)
Categories
Forest Church

Quartz Forest Church

Sunday 16th of July

We will meet outside the Crichton chapel at 2pm on the 3rd Sunday in the month as usual. This Sunday we may be dodging showers of heavy rain, so please dress for the weather!

Continuing the theme of the posts on this site, this Sunday we will spend time thinking about water. Some of the reading for the day from the Scottish Episcopal Church calendar are

Romans 8:1-11

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Some of you may be interested to think about the colour green.

Everyone is welcome to just turn up and enjoy, but if you have an experience of water that you would bring with you to share please do.

See you on Sunday!

Categories
#SensingSpirituality creation

Water II

Continuing the theme of water.

23 Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the mighty waters;
they saw the deeds of the Lord,
his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their calamity;
they reeled and staggered like drunkards,
and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out from their distress;
he made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.

Psalm 107:23-31
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

Give yourself time to be aware of the vast range there is in the human experience of water. From resting beside calm pools in leafy burns to vast expanses of ocean.

Exercise your ability to wonder.

Jesus teaches that God is both creator of the cosmos, and comforter. Examine your life story so far. Where do you sense the cosmic presence of God in awesome things? Where do you sense God close with you?

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