Rev. Lori Sawdon Easter Service from First United Methodist Church of Santa Rosa on behalf of Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr, Christ Church Methodist of Santa Rosa
When John accuses "evildoers" of leading gullible people into sin, what troubles him is what troubled the Essenes: whether—or how much—to accommodate pagan culture.
I am sitting here imagining the last supper. It’s 1st century Palestine, in a room with a simple, wooden, rectangle table where Jesus and 12 disciples are seated. There are no chairs, everyone is sitting on the floor. It’s a dirt floor, the room has a low ceiling and a narrow doorway.
It is good for us to be here. Be attentive. The Webster Dictionary defines an ‘aha moment’ as a point in time
When we put our highest selves in charge, our inner joy and understanding grows. Children can learn to feel for the right direction within and to recognize that every impulse is not the right one simply because it is there. Every time we remember to put our highest self in charge, the more inner joy and freedom we experience.
Finding ways to be a blessing to others is the best way to avoid doing harm. The idea of non-injury or harmlessness extends beyond our actions to our words and thoughts as well. We don’t want to burden children with guilt about their thoughts, but we want to offer opportunities to infuse their hearts and minds with thoughts of blessing and peace toward others.
From the Celebrating Mystery collection
“I GREET THAT OF THE COSMOS WITHIN YOU”