Thursday, October 3, 2024

We’re coming to that point in the year at which we can be pulled in far too many directions. Even if you love the holiday season - I found myself resisting the urge to listen to Christmas music this morning - finding balance from this point until the beginning of next year can be tough. The chances of us needing to find time to stop, take a deep breath, and catch up with ourselves are high. 

With that in mind, I’d like to recommend Centering Prayer to you. I’m sure some of you are aware of this practice and may already utilize it in your prayer life, but if not I think you might find this approach helpful. Centering Prayer was first developed after Vatican II (1962-1965) as an effort “to revive the contemplative teachings of early Christianity and present them in updated formats.” This means Centering Prayer is “drawn from the ancient practices of the Christian contemplative heritage... and in the writings of Christian mystics such as John Cassian, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux, and Thomas Merton.” But most importantly, Centering Prayer is based on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:6, ‘…But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’” Then in the 1970s three Trappist monks, William Meninger, Basil Pennington and Thomas Keating, looked to these ancient sources to develop a simple method of silent prayer for contemporary people. 

When it comes to the practice of Centering Prayer, it “is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God…” It’s an approach to “prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.” The point of this type of prayer is not to “get it right” or for prayer to be something we tick off of our to-do list. Rather, it’s a form of relationship with God intended to also deepen our relationships with God. 

If you’d liked to try this practice, here are the steps:

1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

If you’d like more detailed information about how Centering Prayer works, a quick Google search will pull up several good resources. Then as you begin, set aside 20 minutes for this practice. Try to do it multiple times a week. If you find it to be useful to you - and it might not be for everyone, no shame in that - you can always work toward using this practice more often during your day. Either way, I do hope you’ll make the effort along with me for quiet time with God during the holiday season. 

Jillian

Opening Hymn: Children of God Of Puritan ancestry and Quaker parentage, the American poet and journalist John Greenleaf Whittier was a strong supporter of the abolition of slavery. This hymn is comprised of the final stanzas of "Worship," a poem expressing his views on the life of faith.

Anthem: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson and arranged by D. H. Clark.

Communion Anthem: Justin Havard will provide the communion music this week. Aeon by Ola Gjeilo.

Closing Hymn: We Offer Christ This was commissioned by St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Orangeburg, SC, for its 150th anniversary. The opening phrase derives from John Wesley's advice to Thomas Coke as he departed for America.

We Celebrate Birthdays with...

Lindsey Kane (1st)

Tom Atteberry (3rd)

Pearson Cross (4th)

Wesley Carrington (4th)

Patti Pate (5th)

Ellory King (5th)

James Shlosman (7th)

Kim Norman (8th)

Rodney Thomas (9th)

Ruben McClanahan (9th)

Mitchell Mobley (9th)

as they celebrate their birthdays

YOUTH

Please contact Jennifer Kimble-Keen (318-307-6716 jkimble8366@gmail.com) if you are willing to provide a light meal for the Youth. They meet every Sunday evening at 5pm to approximately 7:30pm. Thank you!

SEEKERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

This Sunday Rev. Jillian's Seekers Sunday School Class begins a new book, "My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church" by Amy Kenny.

Please read the Preface and first chapter for discussion this Sunday.

Reading Schedule:

October 6 - Chapter 8; October 13 - Chapter 9;

October 20 - Chapter 10

NORTHMINSTER BOOK CLUB

Our next book is Johnny and Jazzbo By Kathryn J. Hardy. The club will meet on Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm at the home of Beth Mayfield for potluck and discussion.

AFTER CHUCH FELLOWSHIP

In order to continue our after church fellowship, we need folks to volunteer to provide drinks and snacks. Please see the sign-up sheet in the hall outside the pastor's office!

Please, NO items with icing or "gooey" stuff. This is getting into our rugs and embedded into the concrete floors.

PUB THEOLOGY - OCTOBER 17

Thursday, October 17 at 7pm at The Fat Pelican!

Advent Makers Group

If you like to quilt, paint, crochet, knit, scrapbook, draw, or generally enjoy making things, plan to join Pastor Jillian on Wednesday nights before choir starting October 16th. We will be preparing for Advent by making squares to accompany each week’s theme. This gathering is for adults and kids of any skill level. 

If you prefer a particular craft please plan to bring your own supplies. If not, Pastor Jillian will provide a variety of materials for you to unleash your creativity! 

FREE TO GOOD HOME!

We will soon be removing our projector and screen from the big Sunday School room and no longer have a need for this equipment. If you are interested in having it, please contact the office or Susan Curry.

A LANDSCAPING OVERHAUL!

OCTOBER MISSION EMPHASIS:

DRAGONFLY HARBOR

Dragonfly Harbor is an organization created to fill gaps in services for human trafficking survivors in Louisiana. They help human trafficking victims with resources and support on their journey from rescue to reintegration. Dragonfly Harbor is one of 65 agencies in the state that work with Human Trafficking. They serve survivors by providing services such as housing assistance, utility assistance, help obtaining documentation/ID’s for school and employment, and trauma focused mental health counseling. 83% of victims are under 17 and 86% of victims are sex trafficked. 

Trunk Needs: feminine/masculine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, washcloths, towels, deodorant, lotions, hair care products, also for African American victims, socks, lounge pants, and t-shirts of different sizes. 

The floral offering was given to the glory of God

Arrangement by Robert Crawford