Anyway, this week we will be expanding our worship pallet (see previous post for passing reference and many other posts in things like "Worship," "Church Life" and "ukulele" for more detail if you wish) by simply opening up the sanctuary once a week for folks who would like to sit in silence for a while. The office will be open so if people need to see me or the church administrator they can do that before or after sitting. the plan is to expand this program a bit to offer at least an hour some weekday evening, but we really need some momentum to just start...
Dear Eliot Members and
Friends,
We are a talkative people.
A few weeks ago, in fact, I preached a sermon about the importance
of words ad how we use them. On Sunday morning we have
announcements, prayers, sermons, hymns, coffee hour and any number of
other opportunities to speak. What is interesting, however, is the
fact that one of the elements of our worship that gets the most
comment in the short minute of silence we take during the prayer.
This is not surprising,
really, when we consider how busy and noisy our lives have become.
For most of us there are very few moments in the day when silence
reigns. Usually we are engulfed in a babel of voices and sounds.
Some are welcome and some are not, but either way, they are all
present in both the forefront and the background of our lives. For
this reason, we are going to try something a bit different at Eliot.
We are going to add some opportunities for silent time during the
week at church.
Our plan right now is to
begin by opening the sanctuary on Tuesday mornings from 9am-11am for
people to come and sit. You can stay a few moments, if you wish, or
you can sit for longer. Felicia and I will both be in the office if
you need anything or just want to chat. We will add other times that
will work for other people over the next month or so, but we knew we
had to start somewhere so Tuesday morning it is.
As we get closer to the
holidays and things inevitably pick up in the rest of our lives,
please remember to take time for yourselves. Sometimes activity is
necessary. However, sometimes what we need is inaction. We need to
sit in the silence. Please check your Eliot eNews and the web page
for additional regular “Open Sanctuary” times. Our goal is to
offer one more time during the day and one in the evening as well so
we can fit all schedules.
Yours in Faith and Hope,
Adam
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