2011 women's retreat booklet

REMEMBER:REMEMBER:REMEMBER:REMEMBER:

Lifewithoutspacemakesnosense!

We were created for Sabbath.

So breathe!

University Presbyterian Church

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University Presbyterian ChurchUniversity Presbyterian ChurchUniversity Presbyterian ChurchUniversity Presbyterian Church

Women’s Spring RetreatWomen’s Spring RetreatWomen’s Spring RetreatWomen’s Spring Retreat

April 29April 29April 29April 29————May, 1, 2011May, 1, 2011May, 1, 2011May, 1, 2011

The Cup of Our LifeThe Cup of Our LifeThe Cup of Our LifeThe Cup of Our Life

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE


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For Further Exploration...For Further Exploration...For Further Exploration...For Further Exploration...

THE CHARTER FOR COMPSSION

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chau-vinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compas-sionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious bounda-ries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relation-ships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.

(For more information see www.charterforcompassion.com)

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE 8

Doodles and Things to Remember...Doodles and Things to Remember...Doodles and Things to Remember...Doodles and Things to Remember...

The Spiritual Practice of Sabbath Keeping We are so glad you are here!!!

Time away… was a spiritual practice for Jesus. He was probably as successful at it as some of us are. Just when he thought he was going to get a few quiet moments, away from the pressing crowds, the peo-ple tugging at his cloak, or asking him to “fix them” in some way…. Just when he thought he could make out a far off patch of grass on

which to stretch out and listen to God… Just when he could imagine the stressful knots in his upper back and

shoulders begin to loosen… The crowd came again.

But he never gave up trying to set aside time and space to be with

God… that is what we are here for this weekend. So let us practice Sabbath BOLDLY!


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The Cup of Our LifeThe Cup of Our LifeThe Cup of Our LifeThe Cup of Our Life Thoughts from the Author… Joyce Rupp

"...I have found the cup to be a powerful teacher for my inner life. The ordinariness of the cup reminds me that my personal transformation occurs in the common crevices of each day. The cup is an apt image for the inner process of growth. The cup has been a reminder of my spiritual thirst. As I've held it, filled it, drunk from it, emptied it and washed it, I've learned that it is through my ordinary human experiences that my thirst for God is quenched. In the cup I see life, with its emptiness, fullness, brokenness, flaws, and blessings.

A cup is a container for holding something. Whatever it holds has to

eventually be emptied out so that something more can be put into it. I have

learned that I cannot always expect my life to by full. There has to be some

emptying, some pouring out, if I am to make room for the new. The spiri-

tual journey is like that--a constant process of emptying and filling, of giving

and receiving, of accepting and letting go.”

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

Retreat ParticipantsRetreat ParticipantsRetreat ParticipantsRetreat Participants

Tabitha Alexander & Rebecca Rivenbark #1

Janet Anderson & Judie Waters #3

Laura Baxley* & May Martin Bryan* #5

Susan Ketchin & Brenda Linton #6

Mary Bozymski & Susan Swafford #7

Hilda Patterson & Cass Swon #8

Betsy Bryan & Nancy Pfaltzgraff #9

Alison Kavanaugh & Karen Vandersea #10

Dixielee Caldwell #11

Beth Visser & Carolyn Schwarz #12

Roberta Copeland* & Mary Norris Oglesby* #13

Heather Ferguson* #14

Tavie Flanagan & Lisa Lord #15

Nancy Benjamin #16

Sara Gibb & Sharon Stevens #17

Anne Bryan & Sarah Owen* #19

Katherine Savage & Virginia Joines* #21

Millie Kabrick & Mary Ellen Olson* #23

Deborah Hock #24

* indicates Planning Team Members

This weekend is for YOU! If you find that you have forgotten something or in any need, please don’t

hesitate to let one of the Planning team members know. We want this to be an enjoyable, relaxing weekend… that you will look forward to returning to

next year!


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19 Lord of the Dance I danced in the morning when the world was begun I danced in the Moon & the Stars & the Sun I came down from Heaven & I danced on Earth

At Bethlehem I had my birth:

Refrain Dance then, wherever you may be I am the Lord of the Dance, said He! And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said He! (...lead you all in the Dance, said He!) I danced for the scribe & the Pharisee But they would not dance & they wouldn't follow me I danced for fishermen, for James & John They came with me & the Dance went on:

Refrain

I danced on the Sabbath & I cured the lame The holy people said it was a shame! They whipped & they stripped & they hung me high And they left me there on a cross to die! Retrain I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black It's hard to dance with the devil on your back They buried my body & they thought I'd gone But I am the Dance & I still go on! Refrain They cut me down and I leapt up high I am the Life that'll never, never die! I'll live in you if you'll live in Me -

I am the Lord of the Dance, said He! Refrain

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE Page 36

Joyful NoisesJoyful NoisesJoyful NoisesJoyful Noises

18 Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught... my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear...

the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares... we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...

and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be...

as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise...

then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

Saturday Afternoon ActivitiesSaturday Afternoon ActivitiesSaturday Afternoon ActivitiesSaturday Afternoon Activities


During your Saturday afternoon free time, you may want to nap, read, walk around the retreat center – just hang out. And don’t forget our on-site masseuse, Kelly Clark. But if you are interested in a local outing, here’s a little information, along with driving directions. Maps will also be available.

Frescos and religious art: Ben Long, a North Carolina native from Statesville, traveled to Italy to learn the art form of the fresco and has done a wonderful version of The Last Supper at Holy Trinity Church of the Frescos in nearby Glendale Springs. The Church is open for visitors and there is an audio program that gives the history of the fresco, as well as the biblical background of the Last Supper. There are other art pieces in the Church and additional Ben Long frescoes at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. Directions: From the Retreat Center, turn left onto Darnell Woodie Rd and go 1.9 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south toward Glendale Springs on the Blue Ridge Parkway approximately 7.8 miles. Take the 1st right on Trading Post Rd (may be called Miller Gap), then go .4 miles and turn right onto W. Luke Rd, go .2 miles and take a sharp right onto Hwy 16 (also Glendale School Rd). The Church is located at 120 Glendale School Road, Glendale Springs, NC. Jefferson State Park: Park maps are available…. Directions: Go down Darnell Woodie Rd and turn left onto Hwy 18. After 3.2 miles, turn left onto Hwy 88. Go 14.2 miles and as you arrive in West Jefferson, Hwy 88 becomes US 221. Continue on US 221. After you pass Mt. Jefferson Road, turn left on SR 1152 and it will lead you into the park – 1481 Mt. Jefferson State Park Road or GPS 36.397660, -81.473466 West Jefferson (Shopping and Ashe County Cheese): Go down Darnell Woodie Rd and turn left onto Hwy 18. After 3.2 miles, turn left onto Hwy 88. Go 14.2 miles and as you arrive in West Jefferson, Hwy 88 becomes US 221. Go .6 miles and turn right onto Long Street, go .2 miles and turn left onto South Main Street (business US-221). Follow this about 1.8 miles to the core of downtown – or stop at whatever looks good! Ashe County Cheese – 106 E. Main St., West Jefferson, NC.

Friday, April 29

4:00 p.m. Check in begins at Higgins Lodge. (5-6:00 Social Time)

6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner.

8:00 p.m. SESSION 1: “The Cup of Our Lives” During this time we will enjoy some fun interaction, large group sharing, music, and introductions. This time together will set the stage for the entire weekend… relax and enjoy! This time has been prepared espe- cially for YOU! You are asked to bring your cup, the symbol telling something about YOU.

9:30 p.m. By this time we will finish up our planned activities and begin to feel the stresses and chaos of the day melt away.

Saturday, April 30

8:00 a.m. You will wake up to the brisk mountain air and songbirds calling you to the new day created for you. You can go for a walk or sit on the deck with a fresh cup of coffee. Breakfast will be served at 8:00. Coffee available in the Dining room at 7:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m. SESSION 2: “The Open Cup”

12:00 noon Lunch.

1:00-5:00 p.m. Free time.

5:00-6:00 p.m. “The Cup of Joy” … Holy Hour!

6:00 p.m. Dinner.

7:30 p.m. SESSION 3: “The Chipped, Cracked & Broken Cup”

9:00 p.m. Relax!

Sunday, May 1

8:00 a.m. Breakfast.

9:30 a.m. SESSION 4: “The Cup of Compassion”

11:30 a.m. “The Blessing Cup” a Time of Worship

12:00 noon Lunch.

1:00 p.m. Head for home safely… renewed and refilled!

Weekend ScheduleWeekend ScheduleWeekend ScheduleWeekend Schedule

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE


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17 Every Time I Feel the Spirit CHORUS

Every time I feel the spirit Moving in my heart I will pray. Yes, Every time I feel the spirit Moving in my heart I will pray. Up on the mountain my Lord spoke. Out of His mouth came fire and smoke. Looked all around me. It looked so fine Till I asked my Lord if all were mine. CHORUS

Every time I feel the spirit Moving in my heart I will pray. Yes, Every time I feel the spirit Moving in my heart I will pray. The Jordan river is chilly and cold. It chills the body but not the soul. There aint but one train upon this track. It runs to heaven and right back. CHORUS

Every time I feel the spirit Moving in my heart I will pray. Yes, Every time I feel the spirit Moving in my heart I will pray.



15 O for A World Tune: "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" by Carl G. Glaser (1828) & Lowell Ma-son (1839) Lyrics: by Miriam Therese Win-ter, 1987 O for a world where everyone Respects each other's ways, Where love is lived and all is done With justice and with praise. O for a world where goods are shared And misery relieved, Where truth is spoken, children spared, Equality achieved. We welcome one world family And struggle with each choice That opens us to unity And gives our vision voice. The poor are rich, the weak are strong, The foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn; outcasts belong, Who perishes will rise. O for a world preparing for God's glorious reign of peace, Where time and tears will be no more, And all but love will cease.

16 I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

I'm gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime! I'm gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

A Word About Sharing and Holy Listening…

First and foremost, know that this retreat is meant to renew, refresh, and restore you… and we all are different in our needs for this to

happen. Some of us will share in the large group, and some will not. Some of us would rather share in smaller groups or not at all. Any of these decisions are completely individual and therefore appropriate.

Please be sure to listen well to one another. Give every person in

the group ample time and opportunity to speak before anyone speaks twice. Remember that sharing time is not problem-solving time. The purpose of the gathering is not to take care of anyone’s

difficulties; rather it is a time to listen to one another and to encourage one another’s spiritual growth by being present to and

with one another. This is Holy Listening!


There is still time to sign up for a massage on Saturday afternoon! If

you are interested… please speak to Mary Ellen Olson.

For a relaxing afternoon activity, we have a masseuse on site at the retreat center: Kelly Clark from Clearwater Massage offers Swedish, myofascial

release, aromatherapy and neuromuscu-lar therapy

($35/half-hour or $70/hour).

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

The Open CupThe Open CupThe Open CupThe Open Cup

Make a list of the clutter in your life. The clutter that is most difficult for me to discard is.... because....

Then, Remember to put your cup on it's side as a sign of your desire to empty your life of unnecessary clutter. Try to discard one piece of clutter each day.

14 God of the Sparrow God of the sparrow God of the whale God of the swirling stars How does the creature say Awe How does the creature say Praise God of the earthquake God of the storm God of the trumpet blast How does the creature cry Woe How does the creature cry Save God of the rainbow God of the cross God of the empty grave How does the creature say Grace How does the creature say Thanks God of the hungry God of the sick God of the prodigal How does the creature say Care How does the creature say Life God of the neighbor God of the foe God of the pruning hook How does the creature say Love How does the creature say Peace God of the ages God of the hand God of the loving heart How do your children say Joy How do your children say Home


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11 Dona Nobis Pacem

a. Dona nobis pacem, pacem.

Dona nobis pacem.

b. Dona nobis pacem.

Dona nobis pacem.

c. Dona nobis pacem.

Dona nobis pacem.

12 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Joyful, Joyful, we adore you, God of Glory, God of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before you, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the storms of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

All your works with joy surround you, Earth and Heaven reflect your rays, Stars and angels sing around you, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,

Chanting bird and flowing fountain, teach us what our praise should be.

You are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, Well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Loving Spirit, Father, Mother, all who love belong to you;

Teach us how to love each other, by that love our joy renew.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus, which the morning stars began; Boundless love is reigning o’er us, reconciling race and clan. Ever singing, move we forward, faithful in the midst of strife,

Joyful music leads us onward in the triumph song of life.



Space For Listening

Listening attentively is essential for spiritual growth. To do this, we need open minds and hearts, emptied of the clutter that blocks our way and crowds out what awaits entrance into our lives.

How can you prepare your heart and mind to listen each day?

The empty cup: (2 lists)

Situations that empty me _________________________________________________

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Growth that I can gain

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THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

Readiness to Receive

What do I find most difficult about receiving?

What would help me to be more ready to receive graciously?

Trust

Today, when something or someone challenges my inter peace, I will turn to God, trusting that I will be given guidance and strength.

8 The Water is Wide

The water is wide, I can't cross o'er

And neither have I wings to fly

Give me a boat that can carry two

And both shall row, my love and I

Oh love is gentle and love is kind

The sweetest flower when first it's new

but love grows old and waxes cold and fades

away

like morning dew

There is a ship and she sails the sea

She's loaded deep as deep can be

But not as deep as the love I'm in

I know not how I sink or swim

The water is wide, I can't cross o'er

And neither have I wings to fly

Give me a boat that can carry two



9 Morning is Broken

Morning has broken, like the first morning Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird Praise for the singing, praise for the morning

Praise for the springing fresh from the world

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven Like the first dewfall, on the first grass Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Sprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning

Born of the one light, Eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of the new day!

10 What Wondrous Love is This

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this That caused the Lord of bliss To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down, sinking down, When I was sinking down Beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing; To God and to the Lamb I will sing; To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM, While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll

sing on;

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.

And when from death I’m free

I’ll sing His love for me,

And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

And through eternity I’ll sing on.


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6 Sweet, Sweet Spirit

There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place

And I know that it's the spirit of the Lord

There are sweet expressions on each face

And I know that it's the presence of the Lord

Sweet Holy Spirit

Sweet heavenly dove

Stay right here with us

Filling us with your love

And for these blessings

We lift our hearts in praise (hearts in praise)

Without a doubt we'll know that we have

been revived

When we shall leave this place

7 Tis A Gift to be Simple

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be And when we find ourselves in the place just right, It will be in the valley of love and delight. Refrain: When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed. To turn, turn will be our delight, 'Til by turning, turning we come round right 'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return, 'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn, And when we expect of others what we try to live each day, Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say, Refrain: 'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be, 'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me", And when we hear what others really think and really feel, Then we'll all live together with a love that is real. Refrain:


Generous God,

So many times I’ve come

with my empty cup

A beggar of the heart

Devoid of nourishment

Depleted of energy

And you have filled

Generous God


Afraid of the unknowns

Full of negatives and no’s

Fighting the challengers

Closed and resistant to growth

And you have opened

Generous God


A stranger to my spirit

Crammed with cultural noise

Caught in endless clutter

Crowding my inner space

And you have emptied

Generous God

I come to you again

Holding out my waiting cup

Begging that it first be emptied

Of all that blocks the way

Then asking for its filling

With your love.

—Joyce Rupp


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THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

The Chipped, Cracked & Broken CupThe Chipped, Cracked & Broken CupThe Chipped, Cracked & Broken CupThe Chipped, Cracked & Broken Cup

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of

the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your

whole life.”

—Anne Lamott

Reflections:

1) Beatrice Bruteau writes: Falling is part of the journey…Do you

agree?

2) Do you have chips, cracks or broken spaces?

3) Reflect on your originality:

3 Make New Friends

Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver, the other is gold.

A circle is round, it has no end.

That's how long, I will be your friend.

A fire burns bright, it warms the heart.

We've been friends, from the very start.

You have one hand, I have the other.

Put them together, We have each other.

Silver is precious, Gold is too.

I am precious, and so are you.

You help me, and I'll help you

and together , we will see it through.

The sky is blue, the Earth is green

I can help, to keep it clean

Across the land, Across the sea

Friends forever, We will always be.

4 Come to the Quiet

Come to the quiet, and live for a lifetime

in the restful peace of God’s arms.

Come to the quiet, be still and listen

spend a quiet time before God.

The stillness, the silence, the quiet refreshing

in thy presence is fullness of joy.

This is all Jesus asks us to walk in the quiet.

Come to the quiet with God.

Spend a quiet time before God.

5 Will the Circle Be Unbroken

I was standin' by my window

On a cold and cloudy day

When I saw that hearse come rollin'

And it took my mother away

Will the circle be unbroken

By and by, by and by

There's a better home awaitin'

In the sky Lord, in the sky

Lord, I told that undertaker

"Undertaker please drive slow

For that lady that your takin'

Lord, I hate to see her go"



There's a better home awaitin'


I will follow close behind her

Try to hold up and be brave

But I could not hide my sorrow

When they laid her in her grave



There's a better home awaiting




There's a better home awaiting





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1 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home I looked over Jordan, and what did I see Coming for to carry me home A band of angels coming after me

Coming for to carry me home

Refrain If you get there before I do Coming for to carry me home Tell all my friends I'm coming, too


Refrain I'm sometimes up and sometimes down Coming for to carry me home But still my soul feels heavenly bound


Refrain The brightest day that I can say Coming for to carry me home When Jesus washed my sins away


Refrain If I get there before you do Coming for to carry me home I'll cut a hole and pull you through


2 Higher Ground

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay

Where doubts arise and fears dismay;

Though some may dwell where those

abound,

My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,

Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;

For faith has caught the joyful sound,

The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height

And catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”



God of joy and sorrow, help me to do less judging of my life experiences as “good” or “bad” and to do more receiving of

them as part of the process of spiritual growth. I trust that you will be my faithful companion and that you will strengthen me during my difficult times. Help me to grow through all of the

seasons of my life. Amen. –Joyce Rupp

4) Are you learning to love your imperfections? Where would you like

to start?

5) Do you compare and compete with others? Offer gratitude to God for

who you are.

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next. Amen.

—Reinhold Niebuhr

Psalm 139:13-14

For it was you who formed my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am……wonderfully made,

Wonderful are your works!


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Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight; Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight; Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower: Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won, May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

The Sending Forth of God’s PeopleThe Sending Forth of God’s PeopleThe Sending Forth of God’s PeopleThe Sending Forth of God’s People

Benediction and Passing of the Peace


The Perfect Cup

it is time for me to see the flaws of myself and stop being alarmed

it is time for me to halt my drive for perfection and to accept my blemishes

it is time for me to receive slowly evolving growth the kind that comes in God's own good time and pays no heed to my panicky pushing

it is time for me to embrace my humanness to love my incompleteness

it is time for me to cherish the unwanted to welcome the unknown to treasure the unfulfilled

if I wait to be perfect before I love myself I will always be unsatisfied and ungrateful

if I wait until all the flaws, chips, and cracks disappear I will be the cup that stands on the shelf and is never used

--- Joyce Rupp

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

The Cup of CompassionThe Cup of CompassionThe Cup of CompassionThe Cup of Compassion

My cup of compassion holds tears of the world; it overflows with sorrow, struggles, and sadness. My cup of compassion holds the cries of children, unfed, unloved, unsheltered, uneducated, unwanted. My cup of compassion holds the screams of war, the tortured, slain, imprisoned, the raped, the disabled. My cup of compassion holds the bruised and battered, victims of incest and abuse, gang wars, violent crimes. My cup of compassion holds the voices of silent one, the mentally ill, undocumented immigrants, the unborn, the homeless.

My cup of compassion holds the emptiness of the poor, the searing pain of racism, the impotency of injustice. My cup of compassion holds the heartache of loss, the sigh of the dying, the sting of the divorced. My cup of compassion holds the agony of the earth, species terminated, air polluted, land destroyed, rivers with refuse. My cup of compassion I hold it to my heart where the Divine dwells, where love is stronger than death and disaster. —Joyce Rupp

“… there now flows a constant stream of tenderness, a stream

in which all petty desires seem to have been extinguished. All

that matters now is to be kind to each other with all the good-

ness that is within us.”

—Etty Hillisum


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The Communion of the People of GodThe Communion of the People of GodThe Communion of the People of GodThe Communion of the People of God

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Special Music “Shores of Jordan”

The Response of the People of GodThe Response of the People of GodThe Response of the People of GodThe Response of the People of God

Prayer’s of the People

Blessed are you, Healing God. Mend the hearts of those we have named this morning and throughout this weekend. May we each bring your healing love to those with whom we live and work. Direct our minds and hearts to sources of hope and healing. Be our vision and strength. Anoint us with the oil of your love and take our hands as we move forward into ever greater healing. As we heal, empower us to be among those who dare to do the things that are just and beautiful, true and faithful so we may be free and whole and home at last, home where we belong, home with our true selves, home with each other, home in the human family, home with you; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Covenant of Shared Brokenness and Wholeness Hymn “Be Thou My Vision” Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.


The Confessions of the People of God The Confessions of the People of God The Confessions of the People of God The Confessions of the People of God

Prayer of Confession (Unison) Gracious God, By your mercy restore the circle of humanity we have broken by our acts and attitudes of exclusion and indifference, our homophobia and faithless biases, our mindless competitiveness, our niceness at the cost of honesty. Have mercy on us, heal us, Lord, and deliver us from our self- promotion, cowardice, and lack of compassion. God of our deepest dreams and deepest hopes, restore in us clean hearts, right minds, a glad resolve to be among those who dare to do things that are just and beautiful, true and faithful, visionary and deeply joyful. By your grace, shall we be mercifully set free to join with you in healing the broken heart and the broken circle of your human family. We pray that you would find our lives stretched to joyful proportions by the stunning grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Declaration of Pardon

Response of Praise “Doxology”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above all ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Illumination

Gospel Reading John 4:4-30

Meditation “The Blessing Cup”


Learning Compassion

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

Thoughts & Questions

for Small Group Reflection & Discussion

“The more we see our world as a vast interconnectedness of all be-ings, the more drawn we will be to compassion because we will see how much one life is related to and affected by another. This spiri-tual oneness is at the heart of Christianity. Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. We are the body of Christ (c.f. Jn 15:1, Cor 12). The life pulsing through us is the life of God giving us spiritual vital-ity....Probably no quality more identifies a Christian than that of compassion....Compassion can be very demanding. It is not easy to know the pain and to feel the hurt of another. Sometimes compas-sion asks us to simply “be” with someone, to wait patiently, to ex-perience their powerlessness with them. At other times, compassion asks us to “do” something, to give of our time and resources, to speak out for justice to “go the extra mile” for and with them as did the Samaritan in the gospel parable. And sometimes, compassion asks us to receive graciously from another who has need of our re-ceptivity and our vulnerability.” (Rupp, pp. 110) How does the image of the “Body of Christ” influence your spiritual path? Have you ever found that simply “being present” to another person, with no words, was the most compassionate act you could have done? Or have you received the gift of “presence” from someone when that was exactly what you needed? Read together and reflect with one another on the two passages that follow. What insights do you gain?


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We praise You for the work you have given us to do;

We praise You for our friends and for those who gather around Your table;

We praise You for music and books and good company and all pure pleasures.

Praise to You for the endless outpouring of your love.

Our cups are running over!

Amen and Amen!

Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”

Joyful, Joyful, we adore you, God of Glory, God of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before you, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the storms of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

All your works with joy surround you, Earth and Heaven reflect your rays, Stars and angels sing around you, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, Chanting bird and flowing fountain, teach us what our praise should be.

You are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, Well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Loving Spirit, Father, Mother, all who love belong to you; Teach us how to love each other, by that love our joy renew.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus, which the morning stars began; Boundless love is reigning o’er us, reconciling race and clan. Ever singing, move we forward, faithful in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us onward in the triumph song of life.


The Blessing CupThe Blessing CupThe Blessing CupThe Blessing Cup

Sunday, May 1, 2011 The Gathering of the People of GodThe Gathering of the People of GodThe Gathering of the People of GodThe Gathering of the People of God

Call to Worship

Leader: a simple container has spoken in our solitude, a teacher and bringer of wisdom

People: whispering truths of an indwelling God in the container of our soul Leader: harkening to our hidden ability to be filled and to pour from a life of abundance

People: reminding us of necessary boundaries for nurturing the sacred space within me

Leader: inviting us to sip often from the Divine wellspring, source that slakes our spiritual thirst

People: calling to us like a seed in the soil

All: believe, believe, believe in the power that is present in the life that is possible.

Prayer of Praise

O Lord and Maker of all things, from whose creative power the first light came forth, who looked upon the world’s first morning and saw that it was good, we praise you for the light that brings the life of another day.

We praise You for forming us as vessels to be used in your service;

We praise You for the life that stirs within us;

We praise You for the bright and beautiful world into which we go;

We praise You for the earth and sea and sky, for scudding cloud and singing bird;


Thoughts & Questions 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; 24 whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individu-ally members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Jesus is clear in his message of Compassion…

For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.

I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

— Matthew 25:31-45

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE

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New Perspectives from Other Eyes…

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Images that Speak to Us...


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“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.” —Abraham Joshua Heschel “We in the Western world have been conditioned to think that it is only by our doing that we make a difference. We have to have something to show for our good intentions. While action is a vital part of Christian love, it has little effect unless there is a quality of “be-ing” with it. Sometimes the be-ing part of our care is what the other really needs...maybe what they really long for is someone to simply sit and listen to their concerns....When Jesus was in his excruciating moment in the Garden of Gethsemane he needed his disciples to be with him while he prayed. He longed for the comfort of their presence...He just needed Peter and the others to be there with him as he faced his enemies (Lk 22:39-46) (Rupp, pp. 126-127) Then Jesus said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me...”Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” (Mt 26:38, 41). (Rupp, pp. 127)

The Gift of BE-ing

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼

Who are the people in your life who have shown you “the

way of Compassion? What gestures have they taught

you?

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GOD OF COMPASSION,

When I hesitate to be with another, strengthen me.

When I question the quality of my presence, assure me.

When I want to show my worth through action, humble me.

When I miss the needs of the one who suffers, awaken me.

When I forget the beauty of a loving presence, remind me.

When I run away from the call to be there, bring me back. Amen!

2011 women's retreat booklet

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principle of compassion

life page

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