Reflections on the "Beloved Community": Praying Together in the Gap…

Last Wednesday evening (April 22) a diverse group of some 50 Epiphanites gathered for prayer in the Lighthouse. The community events of the previous week had evoked many emotions -- including bewilderment, anger, sadness and fear. We had a chance to bring all our feelings to God, particularly through toning and drumming, and to reflect on thoughts from the Weavings article “The Broken-Open Heart, Living with Faith and Hope in the Tragic Gap.” Sitting around the cross in the light of an Easter Candle, we remembered God’s promise to be with us in all situations, felt the support of reconnecting with community, and the beginnings of hope and possibility that exist in each moment, through the grace of God. Afterwards many stayed to share in small groups.

This Wednesday (April 29) we will have the opportunity to reflect though more traditional forms. In the songs, psalms and readings of evening prayer, we will be invited to reflect and name the “gaps,” the tensions between reality and what we hope or dream: in ourselves, our relationships with family and community, the church and geo-political systems. All are invited to attend. Please bring the Weavings issue with you (copies are still available, as well), along with your journal if you’d like to make written reflections. We will meet from 7 – 8:30 pm, with the option for sharing happening during that time period.