Prayer: Remembering Our Saints

This morning the Anglican Communion News Service published this little blip:

Today in History: On July 7, 1220, Thomas Becket's shrine was dedicated in Canterbury and became a popular pilgrim attraction.

Now Thomas Becket is my patron saint and this is A Very Important Date. Without it and the attendant popularity of his cult for pilgrims all over the then known world, some of what we know about his story might have been lost.

We sometimes remember the saints who have had an important influence on our spiritual lives only on the Feast of All Saints. Or on their official feast days. But if we look at their histories, we might find many days when it would be appropriate to commemorate them. The saints are living, vital threads in the wonder-ful and sacred Christian tradition. We do well to remember them not only as historical figures but as faithful models who accompany and help us on our journey to God.

And, yes, I'll be singing some of the medieval chants from the Office for St. Thomas on July 7.

Prayer: Online Meditation

Reflection: A few months ago, Ellyn, our former director of Christian Education sent me a link to this great website called The d365 found here. This site features a daily devotional series which were "written especially for students and seek to provide reflections on themes that impact our faith journey. [It is the] hope that in the midst of busy or boring days, this site will create a quiet space in your life for contemplation and prayer." Enjoy this break right from your desk!

Prayer- Celebrate the Summer Solstice!

Earlier in the we marked the summer solstice--the longest day of the year. The celebration of Midsummer's Eve was from ancient times linked to the summer solstice. Bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits which were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southwards again. Why not use this fiery moment as a time of "spiritual summer cleaning"  And say good bye to disappointments by lighting them on fire! We all have these little drains on our psyche that seem to keep us from truly letting go of somethings. Well, today  resolve to stop letting disappointments from the past bring you down and hand them over to God once and for all. Started by making a list of these things on separate pieces of paper. Next, light them on fire.You might be surprised how free this can be!

Worship: Bring a Friend to Church!

June 12^th  at Trinity's 9:30 worship service is “Bring a Friend to Church Sunday!” Come and help us celebrate on Pentecost by inviting a family member, co-worker, neighbor, or any one you can think of to join us for a service at Trinity. We will be having a special message at the 9:30 service for our children as well as an exciting give away and extended coffee hour. Please bring a desert or snack to share.  All are welcome!

Prayer: Musical Intercessory Prayer

I recently made a running play list for an upcoming race made up entirely of songs suggested by my friends and loved ones. When ever a particular person's musical suggestion comes up on the list, I say a prayer for them. This way, they are blessing me with their music and I am blessing them with a prayer of thanks. Give it a shot!

Prayer: Ascension Day Traditions

Today is Ascension Day! There are many superstitions and traditions surrounding this day. Here are a few of my favorites and suggestions for ways you can add them to your prayers today:

• Eggs laid on Ascension day are said to never go bad and will guarantee good luck for a household if placed in the roof. Have eggs for supper and give thanks for the birds and farmers who raised them.
• In Devon, it was an ancient belief that the clouds always formed into the familiar Christian image of a lamb on Ascension Day. Head outside with the family for a mini-sabbath by cloud watching--try to spot the lamb! 
• If the weather is sunny on Ascension Day, the summer will be long and hot; but if it rains, crops will do badly and livestock, especially cattle, will suffer from disease. Luckily for us, the weather is great! Why not take a prayer walk and give thanks for this glorious day?!
• According to Welsh superstition, it is unlucky to do any work on Ascension Day. If you can't take the whole day off, make sure to have a sabbath time built in somewhere to contemplate this Holy Feast.

Worship: Ascension Day

Come and join us on this wonderful Fest of the Ascension! Today, June 2, we will celebrate Jesus' Ascension at 7:30 pm in the chapel. All are welcome!