This post contains a link for this evening’s Maundy Thursday worship. The format is a bit different from earlier Sunday services and includes written, audio, and video pieces. These are the materials you can set up ahead of time at home to fully participate in the service. Hand lotion or oil for the hand massage. […]
Dear Mayfield, One of my favorite things about the physical setting of Mayfield is that the wise seasonal rhythm of the year is always there to be seen and experienced as a mentor in our lives. When mindful of that rhythm, we might see potential grace in these difficult days. Many of us are more […]
A Parade? Really? Palms were the branches that were available in Jerusalem. The long-standing tradition in northern Europe, where there are no palm trees, is to use pussy willow branches for Palm Sunday. Early spring branches, wherever we live, those with buds or perhaps their first hints of leaves or blooms, are the ones to […]
Dear Mayfield, This has been the most unusual season of Lent for me across decades of ministry. Now, when we aren’t crossing one another’s paths in person, we are trying as a household of faith to be deliberate in maintaining our connections and staying present with one another. Many years ago in his book Learning […]
Dear Mayfield, Last Sunday’s home reflection and worship materials explored two things that happened on the road when Martha went out to meet Jesus following the death of Lazarus. In balance during their meeting was a space that held all the feelings of anger, despair, and grief that Martha was bearing and also the occasion […]
Coming Into Pain and Peace Beginning with Breath: As you take several slow deep breaths, inhale for four counts, pause for four counts, exhale for four counts, rest for four counts. (repeat slowly x6) This is known as SOS breathing. When we focus on our breathing and slow it down, it tends to counteract stress […]
Dear Mayfield, This time last year, a number of us had paid for tickets and were planning to attend a Broadway in Chicago musical production, Come from Away, months later in the summer. Come From Away is the compelling story of actions taken by folks in Gander, Newfoundland, a small Canadian town, on September 11, […]
Dear Mayfield, Our midweek Web Notes are all about strengthening and reminding us of the ties that bind us in a time of undetermined length when we are scattered from one another. Today I am offering you brief examples from quilters and a scientist, understandings of our undeniable connection always. I’m also inviting you to […]
We carry around a mosaic of prayer joys and concerns all the time. These are the prayers that have been shared recently for our attention. Joys and Concerns TJ and Sue Mary H. Virginia (Carolyn’s mom), Catherine (Becky’s mom) and other residents of long term care facilities, their families, and the staff members who serve […]
In a Time of Extended Anguish Peggy posted this photo of her cat Willow yesterday. Willow is one of several cats and dogs who live with Peggy. She came via the Carlsons’ barn several years ago. Her off- kilter attire reminds me of how disorienting this time can’t be for us. We can’t quite figure […]