by Erica Palmisano | Mar 10, 2019
A message from the series “Breaking the Chains.” In this first week of the series “Breaking the Chains,” we look at the interconnectedness of contemplation and action, as illustrated in Jesus’ life, with a particular focus on the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. We seek to create space for inward reflection on how the current political climate affects us emotionally, psychologically and spiritually, as well as reflection on our outward responses in this current climate. The objective of this week—and for the series as a whole—is to foster a sense of hope, and develop practices to engage in action for social justice in life-giving ways.
by Erica Palmisano | Mar 3, 2019
A message from the series “Positively Lonely.” Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God.
In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
by Erica Palmisano | Feb 24, 2019
A message from the series “Positively Lonely.” Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God.
In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
by Erica Palmisano | Feb 17, 2019
A message from the series “Positively Lonely.” Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God.
In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
by Erica Palmisano | Feb 10, 2019
A message from the series “God: Partial Perspectives.” People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. In the final week of this series, we consider what it means to be open to the Spirit of God within us, empowering us to grow more like Jesus, and to experience God and serve others in a way that reflects our uniqueness.
