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| 2021 egg hunt |
Easter is the most important and joyful of all Christian holy days because it marks the resurrection of Jesus. Easter always comes after the spring equinox, when lots of things in nature are returning to life; specifically Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full Moon on or just after the equinox.
The English word Easter comes from the Old English Eastre, which was the name for the spring season.
Easter is the penultimate time of hope, renewal and new life, which is at the heart of the message that Christians wish to proclaim and live in the world. I see this as a reminder to live each day as a new day, and to have faith that the actions I take will have transforming power in the world.
Agenda today:
I bought myself this little book, by Robert J. Wicks (2000), as a birthday treat. The subtitle is: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth.
Chapter 13 continues on the topic of prayer, which is how we join our spiritual life with our day-to-day life. "As we become naturally aware of God throughout the day, we journey in both worlds simultaneously."
We will have an egg hunt again at the Meeting House.
1. Read "Everyday Simplicity"
1. Read "Everyday Simplicity":
Chapter 13 continues on the topic of prayer, which is how we join our spiritual life with our day-to-day life. "As we become naturally aware of God throughout the day, we journey in both worlds simultaneously."
Prayer is divided into 6 building blocks that he calls "a little rule", a set of practices. The first was Enter into Silence, and the second is Conversations with God. He agrees with me that all of our words of prayer project from our own thinking, but that God's words are still there, in our thoughts. It's up to us to discern the fruits of these conversations.
Practice for this section: Talk with God often, with honest, direct, conversation - bring questions and concerns, joys and confusions. Some tips:
- Don't self-censor or try to be wise.
- Talk to a God of the heart, not the head.
- Listen for themes that energize, nourish, challenge, intrigue you: These are probably inspiration rather than delusion.
- Be sure to test leadings with a trusted person.
2. Greet the Easter sunrise with joy
To the old pagan tribes of northern Europe, spring was the time of the triumphant sun, the sun reborn to light the dark valleys. It has been a tradition since the Middle Age for folks to gather on hilltops to watch the sunrise on Easter morning. According to legend, the rising sun dances on Easter morning to honor Jesus’ resurrection.
I haven't managed it lately, but I have deep memories from my childhood of the walk up Coxcomb Hill on Easter morning to see the sunrise, followed by breakfast at our house for anyone from our church who cared to come, and a big egg hunt for all of us church kids.
To the old pagan tribes of northern Europe, spring was the time of the triumphant sun, the sun reborn to light the dark valleys. It has been a tradition since the Middle Age for folks to gather on hilltops to watch the sunrise on Easter morning. According to legend, the rising sun dances on Easter morning to honor Jesus’ resurrection.
I haven't managed it lately, but I have deep memories from my childhood of the walk up Coxcomb Hill on Easter morning to see the sunrise, followed by breakfast at our house for anyone from our church who cared to come, and a big egg hunt for all of us church kids.
This morning I will greet the sunrise in my backyard, with the ducks, as I do most mornings.
3. Egg hunt:
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| 2023 egg hunt |
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| 2024 egg hunt (at home) |
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