Church of Our Saviour » liturgy http://cos.sroegner.org 21 Marathon St., Arlington, Massachusetts Sat, 02 May 2009 23:30:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Give Me Time for My Tears http://cos.sroegner.org/2009/02/give-me-time-for-my-tears/ http://cos.sroegner.org/2009/02/give-me-time-for-my-tears/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:36:56 +0000 katherine http://cos.sroegner.org/?p=662 ‘Tis the season to be jolly but not everyone is.  The gear up of music, shopping and decorating for Christmas often reminds people of what they have lost or never had.  In the first week of Advent a special service of prayer and guided meditation was held at COS.  Our seminarian, Dr. Joyce Scheyer, helped prepare the service and presided.  It was an invitation to those who were entering the Christmas season hurting in some way to listen to themselves and one another.

The hymns, prayers and readings offered words of consolation. A candle lighting ritual provided an opportunity to be welcoming and patient with our feelings.  In her reflection, Lily reminded us that Advent is a time to prepare for change and change begins when something else ends.  When something ends there is a tough neutral zone to go through before new beginnings begin.  Advent is an invitation to the neutral zone where we wait for what’s next.  We may feel sad, lost, disappointed, or like a failure, but we wait anyway.  In Advent faith is waiting.

]]> http://cos.sroegner.org/2009/02/give-me-time-for-my-tears/feed/ 0 To See This Day http://cos.sroegner.org/2009/02/to-see-this-day/ http://cos.sroegner.org/2009/02/to-see-this-day/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:39:15 +0000 katherine http://cos.sroegner.org/?p=584 On the Sunday before the inauguration of Barack Obama,  COS celebrated a special liturgy remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. We heard about promises “a long, long time coming.”  Readings from Dr. King’s speeches were interspersed with the scripture set for the day, providing a moving counterpoint between traditional and contemporary sacred texts.  Thanks to Rose Udics for suggesting the readings.

Following the gospel, Lily invited everyone present to speak from their hearts as they reflected on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. in light of the current historic moment, the inauguration of the first African-American president.

Stories of inspiration and encouragement were shared as people spoke about the significance of Obama’s achievement for themselves personally.  Others remembered words of faith and hope spoken to them by others who shared the dream.  Turning points and memories were recalled that are given new meaning in this historic moment.

It was a powerful, moving service. As we prayed that “our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light” we were all grateful to live to see this day.

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