Revisiting Rhythms This New Year & Developing a Rule of Life

The phrase “rule of life” has its roots in the early monastic tradition. Although it was made popular by St Benedict in the 6th century, men and women from the early church (3-5CE) were exploring the question of how they could prioritise and structure their lives in such a way that could foster union with God and meaningful relationship with others and the world in which they lived! They understood that to grow and mature spiritually, they needed a thoughtful, conscious and intentional plan. They called this plan a ‘rule of life’. The word ‘rule’ comes from the Greek word “trellis”. A trellis is a support structure that upholds a plant and helps it grow to its fullest potential. They believed that just like a fruit bearing plant, human beings also need a degree of structure to flourish and be fruitful.

Jesus teaches his disciples that if they are to grow in their relationship with Him and live a life reflective of their God given nature, character and deepest desires ( ie fruitful), they must learn to ‘remain’ in Him (John 15). By the word remain, Jesus is talking about ‘making their home in him’, getting their life from him, learning to abide or dwell in him. He warns them that without him they can do nothing. After all God gives life to humanity and all of creation! That life is sustained in and through him. As a disciple of Jesus we are called to embrace this invitation.

We all have conscious or unconscious rhythms and ways of being that shape how we live. Over the years we have developed very sophisticated defense mechanisms, drivers and habits that influence our choices. Those choices shape how we live and who we become. When we talk about ‘cultivating a rule of life’ we are talking about making conscious and intentional choices about the way we live. We are looking to adopt specific practices and life rhythms that will help us slow down and make time for God, ourselves and others. We are taking to heart what Jesus teaches about abiding in him by ordering our lives in such a way that we are connected, dependant upon, and residing in his agape love. We live in a very demanding, noisy and overstimulated world and this can pull us in many directions. When we cultivate an intentional way of living, we can learn to stay anchored to our priorities and commitments. A good rule of life can be described as an external framework for an interior life. It can help turn our hopes, dreams and godly desires into reality as we seek to respond to our call to follow Jesus.

A good rule of life is not a transactional or legalistic practice. It does not invite us to earn favour or blessings from God - we live by grace. It is not an external law that we must follow to avoid punishment or imprisonment, nor is it a practice that we develop because of shame, guilt, duty or fear. Rhythms and practices are not dictated by a human authority figure, and a good rule of life is not intended to be rigid or paralysing!  Life is dynamic - our seasons and circumstances change. Our rule of life is to reflect and support this. 

“A good rule can set us free to be our true and best selves. It is a working document, a kind of spiritual budget, not carved in stone but subject to regular review and revision. It should support us, but never constrict us.” —Margaret Guenther

HOW CAN WE CULTIVATE A RULE OF LIFE?

We are all unique and on a journey. Our rule of life should reflect this. There are many resources and books available to help you with the discernment process of what rhythms and practices would be helpful to you in the season you find yourself. That said most the following principles and practices are recommended by most resources. 

HELPFUL PRINCIPLES

Start where you are at. Small goals are better than ones that are too unrealistic. One step at a time!

Be really specific. What are you going to do and when. Vague goals like “I need more rest” or “I intend to pray and meditate” need to be translated into rhythms. “My sabbath rest starts on a Friday after work to Sunday morning”  I commit to life group on Thursday evenings” Being specific creates anchor points to our week. 

Reflect on your season of life. Do you have dependants? Are you working shifts? Don't try and copy someone else's life rhythms - they may have different commitments and pressures. Prayerfully reflect on your responsibilities and season of life. Look to build in practices that will help you keep focused and connected  - not burden you. 

Keep a balance of practices that will challenge you to grow and you can do with ease and joy! To grow we need challenges, but we also need times of ease. Reflect on practices that you find challenging and commit to one or two. Equally include practices that you find easier and fit with your preferences and who you are.

Keep a balance of spontaneity and structure. Don't become too rigid - or life will become boring or legalistic! Enjoy God's interruptions and call to adventure every now and then!

Reviewing life rhythms and practices. Are your current practices helping you in your relationship with God and others? If not consider why this may be the case. Have an honest conversation with God, allow him to shed light on your intentions, thoughts, and emotions. Discernment is important and understanding our motivations can speak loudly to us. Look to see how you can either work with your current rhythms in a fresh way or simply change your practices to help build a better support structure. 

BASELINE PRACTICES

Meditation and contemplative reading of scripture ( Lectio Divina, Ignatian Contemplation & Reading Scripture)

Silence and Solitude. (Getting away by yourself for quality time with God and yourself)

Study 

Sabbath (A period of rest to recenter your life, to rest and give thanks)

Simplicity - living simply. (Declutter your life, to slow down, make room for God and others)

Play and Recreation ( Having fun, relaxing)

Service and Mission (Where can you use you gift and talent to serve)

Care for the Physical Body (How is your diet, sleep, exercise?)

Emotional Health (How is your inner life? Do you need to tend to this? Do you need to see a therapist or speak to someone who can help?)

Family (What time do you spend together? How are your relationships? Do you have a date night with your husband or wife? Could you phone a relative once a week to touch base? Do you need to spend less time with certain family members!)

Community (Do you have rhythms for community life and church? How can this become more balanced?)

Giving ( Are you practicing generosity by stewarding your money well, sharing what you have with others, living openly? Sharing your presence?)

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT AS YOU REFLECT ON YOUR RULE OF LIFE

As you prayerfully look over your life, consider how you are currently stewarding your time, energy and resources (including money). Take an honest inventory.

Paying attention to the following areas, what rhythms and practices do you currently have in place?

Your relationship with God

Relationships (marriage, family, friends, church, work, money)

Your deepest self (mind, body, soul)

Would you like to add or exchange any

Which one or two of the practices do you feel drawn to? How might you incorporate them into your life's rhythm. 

WALKING IT OUT TOGETHER

Most of us have probably realised by now that the spiritual journey is simple yet highly complex and profound. On the one hand, we share our human experiences, yet on the other, we learn to appreciate that each person's journey is unique. As we think about life, we see that it's full of action, movement, ups, and downs, advances, retreats, change, stops, and starts! Sometimes, life feels fun, stimulating, filled with variety and incredible surprises, but we also know it can be challenging, complicated, and demanding. Either way, it's certainly never static!

As you consider your life practices and rhythms - take a moment to visit the intentional spaces and places at WWV where you can choose to connect, grow and encourage other along the way. Sometimes we have moments when we need to journey alone - in silence and solitude, but life is meant to be walked out with others - who could encourage you in your next steps?

Jesus & The Passover

We are staying in the upper room for one more week before we move to Gethsemane. As we learn to enter into the life of Jesus we are also looking to understanding his historical context and what his message meant for both Jew and gentile. Understanding a little about the passover meal, as a Jewish feast, and how Jesus enters into that moment, gives us a wonderful insight into the symbolism and meaning of the words of Jesus and what it would have meant to the disciples as they listened.

In my first few years as a Christian, I had the privilege of spending my time in a church community that celebrated the Jewish feasts. I remember my first ever passover - it was special. This experience was brought alive even more as I spent time living and working in Jerusalem. I hope you enjoy the short media clip and teachings that help capture this experiences in more detail!

Sam

Matthew 26:17-30 NIV

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Entering Into The Journey

The Last Supper by Sieger Koder

During Lent we companion Jesus as he makes his journey towards the cross. As we read the key narratives and moments of this story we take time to stop, reflect and notice his experiences and moments of physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual suffering.

Entering into the life of Jesus in this kind of way begins with posture of prayer and a willingness to allow God to engage our imagination as the Father, Son and Holy Spirity breath life into scripture in such a way that it become a time of encounter and transformation.

One of the moments we encounter along the way is the Passover or Last Supper. Traditionally this is a theme for Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday - but let’s rest here a while.

Matthew 26:17-30 NIV

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

PAUSE FOR PRAYER

Take a moment to bring yourself towards a place of stillness. Ask for Gods presence as you enter this time of prayer. Trust that his loving eyes are turned towards you - even if you may not sense this straight away.

Imagine yourself in this upper room.

What do you see, smell and hear? Build a picture in your imagination - use the image if this helps.

Place yourself at his table. Where are you seated?

Notice - what’s drawing your attention?

Move your gaze towards Jesus - how does he seem to you?

Jesus invites you to eat and drink with him. He shares his bread and wine with you. How does this feel?

Spend some time in his presence.

Is there anything you would like to say to Him?

What do you sense Jesus saying to you?

Is there an invitation for you?

As you close - finish in prayer - whatever emerges from your time.

Dust To Dust

Lent and Easter is a season of reflection that has been observed by Christians for centuries. It invites followers of Jesus to contemplate the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert in order to prepare for his public ministry as well as the events that led to his crucifixion. During this time many Christians enter a form of inner pilgrimage as they still themselves to reflect on death, lament, and some of the more complex and difficult parts of life.

As we journey into Lent I wonder what thoughts, memories, ideas, feelings and experiences you are currently encountering. Is there something uniquely different about Lent this year, given where we find ourselves? 

I am reminded that this time last year we were beginning to see and feel the impact of Coronavirus throughout the world. One year later, we are still in the midst of a health crisis and whilst many of us are not new to the experiences of difficulty and loss, the stark reality of human fragility has been at the forefront of our collective narrative for some time. In light of this I cannot help but notice how poignant Lent feels this year with its invitation to contemplate the realities of suffering and death. 

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent, we are reminded that we shall all die. ‘For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return’ (Genesis 3:19). 

Death can be an uncomfortable reminder that we are not in control and its inescapable nature invites us to embrace the reality of our own powerlessness and limitations. Our lives are fleeting this side of heaven.

In this season of lent, as we companion Jesus in His story, suffering and sorrow, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and humility for His intervention, presence, mercy and love. In my reading of scripture and moments of contemplation, I’m choosing to dwell deeply and stay present to the difficult and complex road He walked. Its all too tempting to rush towards Easter Sunday with shouts of victory and joy! 

 So as I pay attention - really pay attention, I notice and encounter a God who not only shows a deep understanding of suffering at the hands of others, but also one who knows what it means to choose vulnerability, surrender, trust and love despite this.

I wonder what you will notice as you choose to journey with Him this Lent.

Sam

Come As You Are

Dear Friends God’s peace to you all

I want to take some time to reflect on one of our Vineyard values; ‘come as you are’. Many people coming to our church for the first time will have encountered this value on our welcome banners and the sentiment is always graciously expressed through those on our welcome teams and others. Anybody and everybody can come. Church is open for everyone; to worship, to explore, to just sit and be, to pour out your heart, to enjoy fellowship or to come to serve others in love.

I think we all instinctively understand this and over the years we’ve seen pretty much every type of person in every type of circumstance arrive. But there is so much more to this value than just the welcome of strangers. You and I can ‘come as we are’ every day, in every moment, to God and be assured of the truth of His gracious presence. Heaven is listening and we can be seen and known.

I’ve struggled these last few weeks due to personal circumstances (my father passed away recently) to come to God as I normally would. My head has been full, my body has been tired, my heart has been heavy and my soul weary. It has ebbed and flowed as any bereavement does and each day is different. But I am learning again the beauty of His kindness, even in great sadness. It’s ok to show up tired, or confused, or angry, or silent, or lost, or overwhelmed or even overflowing with so many thoughts, feelings and words you have no idea if there’s a coherent thread in any of it.

So I’ve come, come as I am, acknowledged the condition of my being, trusted that however I am is ok and experienced the joy of His mercy, fresh each day. When I couldn’t read, I prayed or I journaled, when I couldn’t do that I sat and was quiet, when I couldn’t bear the silence I talked, when I couldn’t make sense of what I wanted to say I said nothing, when I needed to ramble I rambled, when I found myself being ‘religious’ and trying to follow a formula I called myself out and laughed about it. And I danced like a child around my kitchen to the song that put into words the deepest cry of my heart in that moment.

Friends we can ‘come as we are’.

God has called us to freedom, to live and move and have our being in Him. Jesus invites us to be His friends. He has paid the great price to ensure that, through Him, we can truly know the Father and live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

So however you are, just come to Jesus.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

Peace

Jason

Mystery

Dear Friends, I want to invite you today to consider mystery.

(If you’re of my generation you may be hearing in your mind a song playing as I say this; ‘It's a mystery, oh, it's a mystery, I'm still searching for a clue, It's a mystery to me’).

Life is mysterious and there is much we will fail to ever fully grasp, comprehend, or sadly come to complete peace over, and these present times expose this in all our lives.

Why do certain things happen? Why don’t other things happen? What is our place in all this? And the inevitable questions we all grapple with concerning God; His nature, how we know Him, what HE wants for us and how do we love Him.

We each walk with questions, uncertainties, challenges and ambiguities. Everyone carries scars from their sufferings, longings, hopes and desires that may not be fulfilled in line with their imaginings. And at different times we will walk closely with those whose pain we cannot alleviate in the way we desire.

Following Jesus is an invitation into a relationship that contains mystery, just as being born is the beginning of a lifelong adventure full of questions, many that appear unanswerable.

This is why we are continuously offered ‘peace that surpasses understanding’ and ‘love greater than knowledge’, all from a God who promises to ‘quiet us with His love’ as HE ‘makes us lie down’.

There is so much we can’t control, change, bring under our influence or that can seem insurmountable, but we are always offered the opportunity to continue to receive the greatest gift of all; the beautiful mystery of relationship with God through Jesus.

And whilst this may not ever bring us all the answers or outcomes we seek the trajectory of the relationship is always love, HIS incomparable, outrageously gracious, unfailing, unending, ever expanding love.

In this we can be encouraged, united, ‘rich’ and continue to grow in our intimate knowledge of Jesus; who holds treasures for all that can reveal whatever He needs to give us in whatever season or situation we find ourselves in.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3 NIV)

Wherever you find yourself today, whatever you’re facing, however you’re feeling about life, I pray you will know again that you are loved, you are seen, you are known and HE offers you the wondrous mystery of Himself.

Peace

Jason

BELONGING

Belonging

As we explore the theme of belonging and consider the ways in which we belong to God, ourselves and each other - as the Body of Christ, we may want to reflect on some of the following questions:

What does belonging look like to you & how does it make you feel?

In God’s story we are designed to have authentic connection with the Trinity, others and the created world. We are wired for this purpose. Where do you see this at work in your own life?

Belonging is different to simply "fitting in". We are invited to belong to His family but also embrace and celebrate our uniqueness and design. How might knowing this help you in your journey of belonging? 

What do you do to nurture your sense of belonging to God and His family - the Church?  What do others do to help you belong? 

In what ways does belonging serve as an anchor?

During this season we may feel disorientated and our sense of belonging may feel disrupted or challenged. Take some time to reflect on this and if relevant acknowledge any feelings and thoughts before God.

In what new ways may God be inviting you to think about and experience belonging?

---

New Wine

Short Stories: The Parables of Jesus

 Last Sunday we started a new series called Short Stories - The Parables of Jesus.  A parable is a wonderfully simple narrative that uses every day people, events and items to communicate a principle or deeper meaning. Jesus tells parables to help us focus on God, His character and His Kingdom. They also have a way of helping us understand something about ourselves as we look to make sense of life and follow the way of Jesus! 

This Sunday Hannah Bain Spoke on The Parable of The New Wine. You can watch again here

New Wine & Old Wineskins

Mark 2:21-22

21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

‘Sometimes letting go can be painful but if we have eyes to see, we will realise that God loves us too much to leave us where we are! And yet this painful process of renewal must begin - not in a program or ministry or committee room - but inside us. We are the grapes which God lovingly reshapes in order to bring forth new wine for the world.  At the same time we are also the new wineskins that God wants to soften, stretch and sew together; wineskins that will be young and flexible enough to contain and ferment and carry the intoxicating new wine of His Spirit for this time, this era of history. 

No doubt the Lord honours the heritage of the past - at one point it was the dramatic present and the unknown future. But as this parable conveys, Christ does not enshrine it at the expense of the new wine. And if the Lord doesn't, then neither should we. 

All of us probably have ways of being that may have served us well in the past but as this song says so eloquently, today the Lord is calling us 'carry His new fire', which requires us to 'lay down our old ways'; not unlike how we must empty our hands in order to receive each day our daily bread.

Friends, our hands cannot hold both. Let our hearts and memories carry the old ways, but we need both hands to carry God's new fire for today.’

Pat Keady

 Reflection Questions

 Love is a verb. What can you discover from the life of Jesus about the kind of love that He invites us to give?

 Are you allowing God to stretch you - like the new wine skin? What is stopping that? What is supporting that?

 If Jesus were you, what would He do? If He was female, if He was a stay at home parent, or an accountant or an artist, or a church leader. How would He live if He were you?

What are you doing in your daily and weekly routine to be active in your spiritual journey so that you may be formed into the likeness of Jesus?  

What did Jesus do in his lifestyle, to be in step with the things of God? 

 Is there a practice from that you want to bring into your life (stillness, solitude, fasting, lament etc) 

What would it be and look like, to love this community like Jesus loves? 

An Exercise In Discernment

An Exercise In Discernment

I smiled when I briefly saw a book called ‘ I'd Say Yes God If I Knew What You Wanted’. It was a book on discernment. I’ve never read it, but I know from my own life that liminal spaces and periods of “unknowing” can cause us to question our gifts are and where and how we should be giving and serving. If this reflects your season then the following exercise may be helpful as you journey. 

This exerciset is the work of Sara Carlisle and is adapted from  God's Voice Within: The Ignatian Way to Discover God's Will Father Mark E. Thibodeaux SJ

You will need to give yourself some uninterrupted time to complete this. Have a journal to hand. You may complete the exercise in one go, or may end up engaging with each phase over a period of time.

Phase 1

Find a quiet space and begin to notice God’s loving gaze on you. Start with a few minutes of silence or centering prayer.  Begin to pray with words, asking God to make you open to whatever it is that God would like to invite you into.  Notice and name before God any doubts, bias and leanings

Phase 2

Gather Information.  What seem to be the next steps that you feel drawn to take? Enjoy some prayerful ideation.  Allow pieces to remain separate without knowing how they will come together to form a completed puzzle. What seem to be the opportunities?  What are the roadblocks?  What are those aspects of the decision that are unique to you and your situation? Write these down. 

Phase 3

Dream the Dreams—Tapping into Deep Desires.  Begin by inviting God’s intentions for you.  Pray for your desires to be in union with His.  Then, “let God dream in you,” and begin to imagine various scenarios that can ‘see’ yourself in. Let your dreams run wild (note: do not feel the need to come up with formal settings, just notice your desires amidst your life as you dream). Take lots of leisure with this part. How do you hope God will use you in response to the loving work He has been doing in you? How do you sense God drawing and inviting?  Allow yourself to imagine without writing initially.  After you spend some time in a serious dreamland with God, then begin to write some of your imaginings down. 

Phase 4

Ponder the Dreams—Weighing Desolations and Consolations. As you let your dreams run amuck, What do you notice within you?  What energizes you?  What takes life from you or agitates you?  Which leaves you feeling the closeness of God? What might these movements be revealing to you? What are the possibilities? Write down some of your insights. 

What ‘next steps’ have emerged from this time or previous wonderings? What hopes and dreams have come into view?  What have you noticed about them? Take time with these insights and ask God to direct your next path.

Stewardship - It’s A Privilege

Stewardship - It’s A Privilege

‘Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already.’  – C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

At the heart of Christian stewardship is the recognition that all life is a gift from God. All that we are and all that we have - every conceivable thing that flows from and through life, has been entrusted to us by a generous and loving God. Becoming aware of these gifts and choosing to be intentional in the way we nurture and share them is an issue of stewardship. God not only gives us gifts for our own enjoyment and fulfilment,  but also for the care and nurture of others. His desire is that we make a conscious choice on how we manage what He has given us - particularly as we seek to partner with Him and grow in our call to discipleship. We are always free to choose, but the question remains - how are we going to respond!  

“Stewardship is not a program or campaign, it is a posture and way of life that comes from recognising what we have in our hands. It's about taking responsibility for those things, nurturing them well and giving them away as we go. It’s about prioritising, generosity, action, and embracing the freedom that comes from living in a way that reflects our God given identity.  

So How Can We Grow In Our Posture Of Stewardship?

Meditate on scriptures that will help you develop an understanding of stewardship

Be attentive to all God has given you - develop the practice of thanksgiving

Spend time asking God to show you His heart and where He wants you to partner with Him

Ask God to draw your attention to areas of service to others. What's the need and where. What can I bring to help!

Spend some time thinking about generosity - do you love to share what you have?

Notice where and when you struggle to share or give away. Ask God to shed light on this. Give Him permission to show you through his eyes. 

Encourage the gifts and talents that you see in others. 

Show gratitude for the people that God has brought into your life. Call or email to let them know how they have blessed you - let them know that you care and appreciate them.

How Can We Pray

How Can We Pray?

Some people find it helpful to pray at the same time each day. Others may like to pray as they go. Some of us just pray as we are nudged and invited. However you choose to structure your prayer life we would love for you to join us in praying for the following.

A Prayer For Justice & Peace

To the Creator of all races and peoples, who loves each of us for our uniqueness, we offer our prayers of petition: For an end to discrimination in all its forms, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

That each person may be respected and valued as a child of God, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

That the Church may be a witness and a universal sign of unity among all peoples, we pray .                                              Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

That each of us may acknowledge our part in mistakes and sins of the past pertaining to discrimination and racism, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

For a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation among peoples who share a history of mutual mistrust, hatred or aggression, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

That the Church will continue to strive to make every element of human life correspond to the true dignity of the human person, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

For those who have struggled in the past and continue to do so today for civil rights, economic justice and the elimination of discrimination based on race, nationality or religion, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who allow another's race to influence their relationships and limit their openness, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

That we may work to influence the attitudes of others by expressly rejecting racial or ethnic stereotypes, slurs and jokes and be affirming of the cultural contributions of every racial, ethnic and religious group in our world, we pray

Lord of all nations, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, source of our life, we acknowledge you as Creator of all people of every race, language and way of life. Help us to see each other as you see us: your sons and daughters loved into being and sustained by your parental care. Keep watch over our hearts so that the evil of racism will find no home with us. Direct our spirits to work for justice and peace so that all barriers to your grace which oppress our brothers and sisters will be removed. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Source: Augustinian Secretariate for Justice and Peace

Act Justly, Walk Humbly & Love Tenderly

“This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God''“ Micah 6:8)

Dear Friends

During the last two weeks we have watched with deepening sadness the events that have taken place in America. We have listened closely to many stories of pain, weariness, fear and anger, loss and grief - from both near and far. This pain, felt by so many, communicates the reality of ongoing racist abuse experienced in a myriad of circumstances. These recent events serve as a painful reminder of that reality.

Racist behaviour attacks and undermines the intrinsic value of our brothers and sisters who are beautifully made in the image of God. We have felt the weightiness of this as we have taken time to pause and consider this moment.

To our black brothers and sisters, we continue to lift you in prayer. We acknowledge the anguish, anger and frustration that many of you are feeling. Our message to you is that we hear you, that we love you, that we value you, and we are so sorry for the actions that have caused your pain.

As we listen and learn from your stories we reaffirm our commitment and dedication to the welcome, love, care, understanding and wellbeing of all people. Racism has no place in our community. We therefore would love to invite anyone calling West Wilts Vineyard their home church, to join us as we pray for forgiveness, mercy, justice and reform.

Lord, Jesus, who reached across the ethnic boundaries

between Samaritan, Roman and Jew

who offered fresh sight to the blind and freedom to captives,

help us to break down the barriers in our community,

enable us to see the reality of racism and bigotry,

and free us to challenge and uproot it

from ourselves, our society and our world.

Come, Holy Spirit

In Peace

Jason & Sam

The Beatitudes Part 2

The word 'beatitudes' is derived from beatitudo, a Latin word meaning 'blessedness.

Matthew 5:1-12

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Beatitudes or “blessings” are familiar to the ears of those listening, but see how the words of Jesus are so very different  to some of the rabbinical teachers of the day. 

Hear the words of Jesus Ben Sira who lived approximately 150 years before Jesus. These words are an example of how spirituality would have been framed and experienced by some. 

‘I can think of nine whom I would call blessed, and a tenth my tongue proclaims: a man who can rejoice in his children; a man who lives to see the downfall of his foes. Happy the man who lives with a sensible wife, and the one who does not plow with ox and ass together. Happy is the one who does not sin with the tongue, and the one who has not served an inferior. Happy is the one who finds a friend, and the one who speaks to attentive listeners.  How great is the one who finds wisdom! But none is superior to the one who fears the Lord. Fear of the Lord surpasses everything; to whom can we compare the one who has it? ‘ Ben Sira 25:7-11

In the Beatitudes Jesus is not only making a different kind of statement about who is welcomed by God, he is also naming and identifying how certain postures and characteristics can recieve and experience God. For those listening this would have been so hugely encouraging.

PAUSE

Take a moment to pause and consider what it would have been like to have been present at this time. 

As we contemplate the teachings of Jesus, how may these characteristics and blessings help us as we move and journey through life. 

The Beatitudes Part 1

The word 'beatitudes' is derived from beatitudo, a Latin word meaning 'blessedness.

Matthew 5:1-12

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deals with some of the big questions we may ask about what it means to be a good person and to live a happy and good life. Within this incredible scene he offers a set of statements that describe what it means to live in the Kingdom of God, for now and for all eternity.

As we read the Beatitudes Jesus is saying something about who gets to experience that Kingdom - God’s Kingdom. In Jesus’s day many people believed that only Jewish, male, religiously upright, healthy and wealthy people could enter the kingdom of God – everyone else was excluded. But interestingly Jesus changes this picture by blessing the poor, the marginalised and outcast, the sick, the women and children. He demonstrates that all people are welcomed. What a message to those who had gathered to hear - the poor, the marginalised, the oppressed.

Jesus was turning the values of his world (and ours) upside down. “Blessedness” or true happiness does not come from the condition, place, or circumstance in which a person finds themselves, but rather God’s self giving presence and love. No matter who you are, where you are and what is before you, nothing can separate you from God, His love and His kingdom. The blessing is the relationship with Him and all this brings. It’s a gift that cannot be earned, controlled by another, or taken away.

PAUSE

What questions do The Beatitudes stir in you?

If you were to write a list of Beatitudes who would you include? 

Who in society are seen as the unblessable?

As you explore your own heart, are there groups of people you see as unblessable? 

Where do you notice resonance and resistance as you read this text?

What does it look and feel like to see through the eyes of Jesus?

How may this teaching offer you new insights into God’s Kingdom?

Learning To Lament

During this season of deep reflection, it is important to recognise the biblical practice of lament. Sorrow, sadness, pain, grief, and suffering are part of the human experience and the pages of scripture are full of the struggles of both communities and individuals. We see this very vividly through the book of Psalms - a collection of writings that are full of honest and unfiltered conversations with God. As we follow their movement we encounter moments of incredible vulnerability, anger, protest, regret, deep sorrow, grief and mourning as well as petition, hope, trust and praise. Lamentation is therefore not only a kind of prayer that helps us express our thoughts, feelings and emotions, but also a prayer for help coming out of pain. 

THE PSALMS LEAD THE WAY

 The Psalms can help us as we learn to understand what it means to lament well. They offer us a helpful structure or framework as we seek to gather and express our thoughts and feelings. Perhaps this level of vulnerability and openness before God may feel uncomfortable. But God cares about our experiences and innermost thoughts and feelings. He sees them, whether we have expressed them or not. The Psalms give us confidence as we look to embrace the bold nature of lamentation. 

The Psalms normally begin by addressing God directly and offering an introductory cry.

Personal and communal ‘Psalms of Lament’ normally begin by addressing God directly, offering complaint. They are not overly concerned with how a person ‘should’ feel but rather how that person is feeling. This is important to notice as our emotions will work their way out in life, so adopting this posture is a healthy way to appropriate and bring them to God.

Secondly, they offer a complaint or lament. They articulate the problem and ask the Lord for help.

The Psalmists show us that we can be honest and bold as we pray ourselves empty. We do this by offering unfiltered emotions and language. As we lament we may want to include the confusion we struggle with and the anger and frustration that we are experiencing. The sin, abuse, and brokenness that we have endured or continue to endure, and the acknowledgment of how it affected us and may continue to affect us. We can be brave and tell God how this has impacted the way we may see Him. If we feel distant - tell him. If we don’t know how we feel - tell him that too. The Psalmists also name the questions that they were holding. We too can name our questions before God.

Thirdly, they speak out a confession of trust in God through requests of intervention, praise and thanksgiving.

Once the Psalmists had thoroughly poured out their heart to God we often see them move towards a Doxology. The word doxology comes from the ancient greek meaning praise and glory. It is a form of worship added to the end of many canticles, psalms, and hymns. As the psalmist prays through his complaints, grievances, thoughts and feelings, we encounter a growing awareness of God’s presence in his lament. He moves to acknowledge and praise God for who God is and what God says about Himself. For example, “You are the God who _________.” Or “The truth is ______________.”  When we have and prayed ourselves empty, and if it feel authentic and comfortable, we may want to finish our lament in this way. This is not to be forced but is rather a response to an authentic desire.

WRITING YOUR OWN LAMENT

Take some time and reflect on how the last week (or a time frame of your choice) has been for you. Make note of the predominant emotions you have been feeling during this time, in particular the more negative ones. Reflect on a particular situation or recurring theme that you know has been causing you distress, pain or anxiety and that you feel is beyond your control. Imagine that God is with you and that He has given you complete freedom to lay it all out, to complain fearlessly without judgment, in order to get it all off your chest.

With a piece of paper and pen, invite God’s presence and follow the steps outlined below.

• Address and introductory cry: Identify the Lord as the person to whom you are addressing your complaint. Request for His presence as you express what is on your heart.

• Complaint or Lament: Articulate the problem you are wrestling with. Detail how it is affecting you, the pain it is causing, and ask the Lord for His help.

• Confession of Trust: Verbalize your trust in the Lord. Share your hopes that He will come to your aid, that He will be present with you in your situation.

• Prayer for Deliverance: Request deliverance, or God’s intervention in the problem.

• Praise: Offer praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s many blessings and faithfulness

Thank you to Ann Arbour Vineyard