Jan 21: Music that Makes Community at United Seminary

Music that Makes Community is coming to town! 

Paul Vasile and I will be leading a bunch of paperless songs, sharing the basic skills of leading paperless singing, and inviting you to try your voice in leading a song or three during this day long workshop.  This day will have a special focus on songs from many faith traditions. 

When:  Saturday, January 21, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where:  United Seminary's Bigelow Chapel, 3000 5th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Register online.

Music that Makes Community has been more influential to me than these tagged posts describe. 

Dec 25: Xmas for the Lowly: Embodying the Magnificat

Christmas for the Lowly: Embodying the Magnificat. 

Prayers for the hungry and oppressed. Eucharist for all. 

Dances of Universal Peace from the Judeo-Christian traditions

Plus other tactile activities: Coloring Pages, Labyrinth Walk

Singing Christmas Carols from the hymnal 15 minutes before and after.

 

When:  Sunday, December 25, 2016, 10 a.m.

Where:  St. Mary's Episcopal Church

1895 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN  55105

 

 Prayers.  Dances.  Eucharist.  Carols.

 

 

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The events of this year has been like no other.  It starts with the end of last year at the 4th Precinct, includes Orlando, Philando Castile, Standing Rock, and an divisive election season.  I wonder what is going on, what is going to happen next.  In preparing for this Advent season, reading the Magnificat, Mary's prayer of praise and justice, has new resonance. 

 

Can this season be preparing us to birth something new?  Might the lowly be lifted up?  Will the hungry and oppressed be blessed?  Are we willing to risk vulnerability and uncertainty for new freedom? 

Dec 21: Solstice Service at St. Anne's

In Minnesota where the nights are long and the hours of daylight are short, it's good to mark the winter solstice.  To remember the dark nights are limited, will come to an end, and turn to give way to more light.  Slower than we'd like, perhaps, but it the amount of sunlight will increase. 

Not many Christian communities celebrate the winter solstice as the festivities of the Incarnation follow quickly after.  A sister community to my parish, St. Anne's, has held a simple but beautiful service for several years.  Last year I was fortunate to share some songs at this beautiful service.  They've invited me back this year and I hope you come.  There will be different but delicious prayers, poems, and stories reflecting on the darkness. 

What:  A liturgy honoring the nurturing quiet and growth found in the darkness, and celebrating the return of the Light.

A contemplative service of candles, music, candles, poetry, candles, silence, candles, Scripture, candles, chanting, candles, prayer - and candles! Stay after the liturgy for cookies, cocoa, and an celebratory outdoor bonfire to welcome the return of the light. Family friendly, all are welcome.

When:  Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 7 p.m.
Where:  St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 2035 Charlton Road, Sunfish Lake, MN 55118

For more info, go to the Facebook event.

Dec 17: Dances of Universal at St. Mary's

The Dances of Universal Peace this Saturday will focus on the Christian inspired Dances and reflecting on the Magnificat, Mother Mary's recitation of Hannah's words (Luke 1:46b-55).  And a little light for the solstice.  Please join us! 

 

When:  Saturday, December 17, 2016, 7-9 p.m.

Where:  St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1895 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN

On the corner of Laurel and Howell:  north of Summit Ave, south of Marshall, east of Prior, west of Fairview.  Enter the red double doors on Laurel.  Once inside look for a sign directing you to the room.  We're likely to be in the chapel (go up the stairs to your left and through the sanctuary doors) because the Undercroft is prepped for the Lessons and Carols feast on the following day.