The Pastor’s Offering: Beading Our “Rule of Life”

Dear Friends,

I am hopeful those who have been participating in worship either in person or online have found our “Entering the Monastery of the Heart” has provided space for you to listen more deeply to your inner life, to the scriptures, to the voices of other people, and to the daily rhythms of creation. 

The rope that is laid out around the perimeters of the sanctuary and the smaller ropes on our altar tables are a symbolic reminder of our Lenten journey through the “Rule” of St. Benedict. Each week we have added a different color bead to the smaller ropes to represent each principle and the practice connected to it. Each week our hope is that you are taking time to consider the guiding principles and practices you are called to integrate into your daily path as seek to walk in fullness of life. This week we will be reflecting on the principle of hospitality and the practice of “listening to the stranger.” 

During our Worship service on March 26, we will focus on the principle of conversion. After worship, you are invited to participate in a Beading our “Rule of Life” Meditative Workshop in the sanctuary at 12:15 led by our resident beading artist Tammy Nelson and Rev. Laura. You will be provided rope and beads in order to create a piece of wearable or displayable art as a daily reminder of our intentions for our journey ahead. For those who cannot attend, there will be materials for you to take home so you can create on your own.

If you would like to take time before March 26 to review our Lenten journey thus far, including Rev. Laura’s notes on each of the principles and practices and links for further reflection, please see the Weekly Worship Companion Guide.

Below is a summary of the principles and practices we have been and will be exploring and the bead color that corresponds to each one.

Many Blessings,
Rev. Laura