|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec. 05 - Saint Columba
Oct. 05 - Playing with the impossible ...
Sep. 05 - Trust
Jun. 05 - Summertime
May 05 - Signs
Apr. 05 - Authenticity
Mar. 05 - Life, Hope and Happiness
Feb. 05 - A New Look
Nov. 05.- Walk a New Way
One God - Three Ways
Mar. 07 - How to Forgive
Apr. 07 - Improbable Surprises |
|
|
Dear Friends, Ashland's intrepid group of worship planners wish to invite you (along with friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and anyone else you feel drawn to ask) to some "Vesper" services this summer. The first of these will be held outside behind the playground, "streamside," after a picnic supper (bring your own and some more to share if you feel like it) at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 11th. The other dates we have planned are July 9th and August 13th at locations that will be identified later. We want to believe (and do!) that the idea for these Vesper services comes from the Spirit - but we also know that the Spirit works through memories that we have of other times and other experiences of worship that have moved us and brought us into a unique feeling of connection with God and with one another. Many of us have had those experiences and think that it can be both meaningful and enjoyable to have some informal worship times like these in the months ahead. Many of you will have different ideas and thoughts about "Vespers" based on your own memories. In essence, "Vespers" are informal experiences of worship (sometimes held outside) that originally began at the rising of the evening star and constituted the church's Evening Prayer. The fading light of day began the time when lamps were lighted. Jewish tradition accompanied this time-transition with a blessing prayer, and Christians continued the custom. Vespers has also been called the "evening sacrifice" as a counterpart to the sacrifice offered every evening in the Temple at Jerusalem, alluded to in the 140th Psalm: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting of my hands, like the evening sacrifice" (140:2). Vespers can also be thought of as "wrapping up the day" with prayers and songs and meditations. It can also be a time of thoughtful examination of how God has played a role in our lives during the day, and how we might or might not have cooperated with those movements of God's Spirit, receiving refreshment and replenishment for the night. Vespers are also one more way we may receive the joy of the peace and harmony - so evident in nature - that come from God alone. Reflecting on their own experiences of Vespers, some of the planning participants say things like this: "Vespers is - alongside a flowing stream, to the songs of swallows and doves, sending our prayers of thanksgiving for the day God has given us, and stilling our souls for the night to come- a spiritual interstice between day and night." Another writes, "For me, Vespers is associated with that quiet moment between day and night" that "happens in a wilderness of transition, so its comfort is in remembrance and its beauty is in praise for what has been and what will be." Still others remember Vespers at church camp from an early age with "group activities and?a camp fire, or a walk to a hilltop overlooking the head of the Chesapeake Bay where a cross was erected?sitting on logs as night approached" having "a brief, casual service with singing, prayer and a simple message" with "fresh air" being a prime ingredient. And yet another from camp writes: "As soon as I hear the term Vespers, I immediately picture ?Vesper Hill' at camp?The last night of every week we had a campfire, followed by a short Vesper service on the hill at dusk. As the sun set, we lit our candles while singing ?Pass It On.' Being out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to cause a distraction, made it easy to feel God's presence. There was a strong sense of calm that would come over everyone as the Vesper service ended. Following the service we would break off into small groups and reflect on the week, tie up loose ends, and resolve any conflicts that had occurred during the week." While we can't guarantee that everyone will have the same feelings as those expressed, I think these show the power of this kind of worship time. Please accept our invitation and join us as we praise God in Christ together in a casual, informal, thoughtful and peaceful way. Mark the dates on your calendars now - and we'll see you first on June 11th - "down by the riverside."
Brett |
|
