A few weeks ago I asked the congregation to give me some themes, texts, music or ideas that we could explore during the summer months when things get more informal. For me it’s a chance to leave the lectionary and explore other sources of faith and find new insights. My thanks to those who have offered ideas. If you would like to, it’s not too late. If you would like to meet and help design a worship service around a theme that could be an interesting experience for all of us and fun.
So far I have been given the names of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk; Henry Nouwen, whose writings we have often used during Lent and at other times; Robin Meyer, an author and the pastor of a church in Oklahoma City; and Chief Seattle and Native American spirituality. That’s a pretty interesting mix. I’ll do my best to honor your suggestions. If you want to discuss the works of any of these people, or help plan a service let me know. Once I had these names before me, I decided to add one of my own. Parker Palmer is a Quaker who has written nine books. His work has been helpful to me over the years.
This Sunday, June 29, the worship service draws from the work of Thich Nhat Hanh. He is from Vietnam. He has survived three wars in his country, and political and religious persecution. He has been in exile for more than thirty years, and now lives in Plum Village, a monastic community in France. He was nominated in 1967 for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his best known books is Living Buddha, Living Christ.
Next Sunday, July 6, our worship will incorporate the work and ideas of Parker Palmer. In 1998 a survey of 10,000 American educators named him as one of the thirty most influential senior leaders in higher education. His most recent book is Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit.
See you Sunday.
David