The Divine Dance
A couple of years ago I read a book entitled, Weird Church: Welcome to the Twenty-first Century. In the book the authors talked about "the divine dance." For you and me, doing the "divine dance" is realizing God's Spirit working in us, as God does in all of creation. As the dance partner to the "Trinity," we are called, as Richard Rohr states: to "encircle others and creation in self-giving love, generosity, blessing, and service."
In the month of June our sermon series will be called, "Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water." Each week we will look at the scriptures, some informative words from Diane Butler Bass in her book, Grounded, and what the United Church of Christ is focusing on in one of our 3 Great Love Initiatives — Love of Creation. As well, we will hear stories of the love of creation and examine how we can become part of the Divine Dance.
Below are the outlines for each week's messages in June:
June 2
Earth, Wind and Fire...And Water — Genesis 2:4-9, 15
If God is the "Spirit of the Soil," what does that require of us as God's people?
June 9
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water — Genesis 1:1-5; 2:4-7; John 3:16 (Pentecost Sunday)
God's 'heavenly" presence is the air we breathe.- Grounded, Bass-120)
June 16
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water — Genesis 5:1-5; Romans 8:1-11 (Father's Day) Paul reminds us that we are accepted, forgiven and transformed. That is liberating when we look at the difference between "controlled-burns and wildfires" that exist around us.
June 23
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water — Genesis 1:1-2, 20-22 and Revelation 22:1-2, 17 God's presence is like a river: God's justice flows like the waters. To tend to the water reminds us of the source of life and gives practical expression to addressing our environment and the needs of the poor. –Bass-Grounded-p.88
June 30
Love of Creation: Sacred Earth, Sacred Earth
When you receive this newsletter, I will be in the midst of some vacation time. If a pastoral emergency arises, you can contact Second-First Church. Pastors Rebecca White-Newgren and Becky Erbe will provide that care. The office number is 815- 963-8431.
Pastor Steve