June 2, 2019—Part 1
Resources
+An Altar in the World, A Geography of Faith, Barbara Brown Taylor, New York: HarperCollins, 2009, $14.99.
+Living a Life That Matters, Harold S. Kushner, New York: Anchor Books, 2001, $11.95.
+From Beginning to End, The Rituals of Our Lives, Robert Fulghum, New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1995, $12.95.
My Story
Taylor: “The day of my spiritual awakening was the day I saw—and I knew I saw—all things in God and God in all things.” Mechtild of Magdeburg (P. 2)
Mechthild of Magdeburg, a Beguine, was a Christian medieval mystic, whose book Das fließende Licht der Gottheit described her visions of God. She was the first mystic to write in German, as she did not know how to write in Latin.
1. Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9)
Vegetarianism
2. Interrelatedness
Practice of seeing connections and relationships
3. Imago Dei (Psalm 8)
Eulogies
4. Integrity
Conscientious objection
Bible Story
Story about the Woman Healed (Mark 5:24-34)
Miracles happen everyday
God is present
Your Story
- In Matthew 1:23, the angel of the Lord announced to Joseph that Jesus’ name shall be Emmanuel to mean, “God is with us.” When and how have you experienced God’s presence in your life?
- Do you have a special or sacred place that serves as an “altar” for you? Share this with your group.
- How would you imagine God sees you?
[Don Ng, 6.2.2019]
Paying Attention to Everyday Altars: Reflections on a Disciplined Life
June 9, 2019—Part 2
Resources
+An Altar in the World, A Geography of Faith, Barbara Brown Taylor, New York: HarperCollins, 2009, $14.99.
+Living a Life That Matters, Harold S. Kushner, New York: Anchor Books, 2001, $11.95.
+From Beginning to End, The Rituals of Our Lives, Robert Fulghum, New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1995, $12.95.
My Story
Taylor: Reverence is the recognition of something greater than self—something that is beyond human creation or control that transcends full human understanding. (P. 21) Barbara Brown Taylor is an American Episcopal priest, professor, author and theologian and is one of the United States’ best known preachers. In 2014, the TIME magazine placed her in its annual TIME 100 list of most influential people in the world.
1. Creation
“The sun rises to meet me.”
2. God’s People (Luke 12:25-37)
Practice daily walking and meeting people
3. Everything has a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Journey: Only a blip at FCBC
4. Integrity
Life Purpose: Family history, Final Wishes
Bible Story
Stories about Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-37)
Waiting for the Lord
Worshiping day and night
Your Story
- After Pentecost recorded in Acts 2:42, the life among the believers was learning, breaking bread and fellowshipping together. In addition to what you do on Sundays, are there practices or rituals you do on the other days of the week that inform your faith? What are they?
- What happens to you when you have participated in your practices over time? Share with your group?
- How would you like to be remembered?
[Don Ng, 6.9.2019]