Pastor’s Notes
Celtic spirituality perceives the expression of the divine presence in nature’s beauty and life’s rhythms, even the ordinary parts of life. The spirituality approaches the understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. And besides the love of nature and an appreciation of the sacred’s relationship with nature, there lies a deep awareness of the soul’s deep connection to friendships, which forms a “holy” and “whole” community. It brings the awareness of God into the “everyday” experiences of our lives and a greater appreciation for our “special” moments. It is a joyous way of experiencing our lives, opening ourselves to deeper meaning for our most routine tasks, finding the sacredness in the world around us, and the spiritual richness of our friendships and relationships.
Rev. Jack Wall of Chicago said regarding spiritual traditions:
If [the spiritual practice] is not leading toward the struggle of creating human community, continuing to transform human institutions, being involved in the human enterprise of trying to build up the Earth, somehow bringing that power of God[’s] life into the human expression, it is not true spirituality.
Due to the interest in spiritual practices last fall, the Spiritual Practices class desired a continuation of our study and discussions. So beginning on Tuesday, January 24th at 10 am (for those who are available during the day) and Thursday, January 26th at 7 pm we will begin an 8 week discussion of John Philip Newell’s book, A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth and the Human Soul. The book is available for $13.12 (with free shipping for a group order) or $9.99 for the Kindle edition (e-book).
Newell emphasizes creations interconnectedness through Jesus’ wisdom and Paul’s understanding that when the body is divided the whole is diminished. An understanding that leads to the premise: “Wellness is found not in isolation but in relationship.” Newell examines the ancient perceptions of the universe, humanity and faith; followed by the brokenness within our world, both individually and corporately; then concluding with the hope that is inherent within our faith that brings healing and transformation to us, our institutions and our world.
Theologian John O’Donohue shares a Celtic blessing he wrote:
May the sense of something absent enlarge our lives and may our souls be as free as the ever-new waves of the sea. May we succumb to the danger of growth. May we live in the neighborhood of wonder. And may we belong to love with the wildness of dance, and may we know that we are ever embraced in the kind circle of God.
Just another way to say, “Have I told you today that I love you?” Join us Tuesdays or Thursdays at the end of the month.
P.S. Let me take this opportunity to say “Thank you!!!” to ya’ll who have contributed to the Angel Tree, the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, the Crisis Ministry, Communities in Schools and the many other benevolences that First Reformed United Church of Christ participates. Without your loving contributions and efforts the lives of others around us would be diminished.
Your RunnRev,
Robin