Do all the good you can by all the means you can In all the ways you can in all the places you can At all the times you can to all the people you can As long as ever you can (John Wesley)
Created by Rev. Caleb J. Lines
It is extremely unfortunate that the coronavirus is negatively impacting so many (especially those who are elderly or living in poverty) and disrupting our day-to-day lives, however, one valuable insight that may result from this disastrous virus is congregational awareness about the necessity of technology.
For both Classroom and Home Schooling
Are you searching for a way to connect children with an authentic spiritual experience that is inter-spiritual, creative and multi-layered? A Joyful Path is truly progressive Christian curriculum that is inclusive, joy-full, compassionate, and intelligent.
In A Joyful Path, Year Two, we focus on some of the main tenets of Progressive Christianity and Spirituality, giving our children the foundation they need to walk the path of Jesus in today's world. It has stories and affirmations written to help children clarify their own personal beliefs while staying open to the wisdom of other traditions.
This lesson presents just a few ways to open discussion with children and help them explore both the concept of an infinite, omnipresent, impersonal God and also the concept of a deeply personal, divine presence. Neither can be completely understood by any form, expression, or outward experience.
If we look honestly at our mistakes and listen within for guidance, we will discover our true identity as an unlimited spirit.
When we see God within ourselves and others, being kind is natural.
One way we can build an awareness of our inner wisdom, as well as create a spiritual life, is through prayer. God, the Divine Presence, the Spirit of Life and Love — whatever names we use for this Mystery permeating and holding all things in existence — comes to visibility in the human reality we are ... Prayer is the means to deepen awareness that we are intimately connected and bonded with our planet, our universe and all that is in this Presence. It is the means to accept our responsibility for making the Presence of God visible and effective in the human species. Prayer is a way to express our commitment to give the best possible expression we can to this sacred presence. Prayer has to both encourage and challenge us: we pray to be better than we are. Prayer is not about words expressed to an elsewhere God. Prayer is about reflection on life and the interconnectedness of everyone and all things within God’s Presence. Prayer is an affirmation of this presence and of our dignity.
Download the PDF of A Joyful Path, Year One, Lesson #34 - "Experiencing God as Light" right into your digital device. God can be experienced as light, visible to the physical eyes and as a universal inner reality.
We know true joy when we experience the reality of God’s presence within. The word joy is used at Christmastime so often that it is almost synonymous with the season. When we have an inner awareness of the presence of God, we experience joy. When we celebrate the birth of Christ, we celebrate that living presence born on earth. Joyful day! God’s presence can be experienced in every moment of our lives when we become aware that the reality of God never changes; it is not dependent on circumstance or season.
Written with David N. Johnson
Banquet of God, inclusive table, All are invited to dine with the Lord. All here are guests, honored and valued; Come and break bread and drink wine: be restored.
From the Boundless Life collection
Beyond the rain the sun, Beyond the tears the fun, Within the silence the One.
From the Boundless Life collection
May the fire in us nurture the Earth and not consume its life. May the fire in us consume our greed and save this sacred Earth.
From the Boundless Life collection
Holy is my birth and sacred is my mother.
From the Boundless Life collection
Give me warmth in my loving, Strength through forgiving, Peace in my being, Today and all my life.
From the Boundless Life collection
Leader: Creator God to you we pray; - All: Help us hear your children's cry. Leader: Most joyful God to you we pray; ‑ All: Help us share your children's joy.
From the Boundless Life collection
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
From the Boundless Life collection
We give thanks for the plants, Give thanks for the creatures Whose flesh supplies this meal.
From the Boundless Life collection
In silence now we join to pray Listening to the God within. May rich discernment shape our prayers As we learn from cosmic laws.
From the Boundless Life collection
To You, O God, we offer Our life force and its power, Your liveliness within us, Our spirit's fragrant flow'r.
From the Boundless Life collection
I am dancer, I am free, I am see-er and I see, I am mystery, I am me.
From the Boundless Life collection
We eat and drink these fruits of earth that love may grow between us all, between us all.
From the Boundless Life collection
God the One forever making All the old into the new, Source of all creative passion Found in each emerging view,
From the Boundless Life collection
From the womb of Mother Earth We are brought by God to birth With creative tenderness Through God's loving life caress.
From the Boundless Life collection
Within Christ’s complex heart and mind Three streams emerged and joined as one: The man who spoke with prophet’s fire Showed mother-love and childlike fun.
From the Boundless Life collection
Beyond all words that we can form, Beyond all thoughts that we can share, The message of our touch conveys A world beyond all hate and fear.
From the Boundless Life collection
I sing a song of the woman's voice Tender and strong and clear; Of those who longed to gain the vote Despite men's doubt and fear;
From the Boundless Life collection
As flesh reveals a path to sacredness, As body, mind and spirit merge as one, As life is lived with interweaving links, We dance the rhythmic pulse of Moon and Sun.
From the Boundless Life collection
O God of all new visions Of hope and tenderness, The source and inspiration Of love and friendliness, Enable these two people Each other to affirm And find within their marriage The love for which they yearn.