Advent Daily Devotional, Day 9
Mon, Dec 7 – DAY 9
Peace grows out of contemplative practices. Set apart time for stillness, centering, or movement as a form of meditation or focus.
Sometimes this requires becoming motionless: holding a yoga pose, maintaining a prayer position, or observing utter silence. Sometimes it involves movement of the body such as walking or knitting, and permission to unleash a restless mind through journaling or creative expression. One way or another, we are urged to set apart time and nurture the inner spiritual being.
Along the way, we aim to develop internal equilibrium. Become comfortable knowing ourselves more deeply. Gain insight. Renew energy and creativity.
Altogether, contemplative practices strengthen the spiritual muscles upon which we draw. They create resilience and balance in our bodies, hearts and minds. — Rev Gail
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. — Isaiah 32:17
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. — John 14:27
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. — Saint Francis de Sales
No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for ‘we’ are the only thinkers in our mind. When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find it in our lives. —Louise Hay
LENTEN RESOURCES
Acts of Kindness & Giving for Lent
(guides and calendars sourced from several organizations)
- Illustrated Lent for Families:
*Already printed and available* at front of church, which is always open. Or accessible as downloadable multi-page PDF with coloring pages, scriptures and activity guides. Due to licensing, the link will be sent by email to all church friends and members … if you want to participate, and didn’t receive this email already, sign up on this site to receive our email and we will forward the links to download the PDF files. Or email us directly for the link. - 40 Ways to Keep Lent Holy:
List from Rev Nadia Bolz-Weber’s blog. - Carbon Fast Calendar:
Sign up to receive daily messages/prompts on environmental acts of kindness for Lent. - Solidarity Lent Calendar:
(Includes acts of kindness and generosity and social justice. Download this calendar with acts of kindness and giving) or use their Lent Calendar App to participate - 40 Acts of Generosity Lenten Calendar:
Sign up to access and participate. - 100 Acts of Kindness for Kids:
Printable list.
Reflections and Meditations
- Coloring the Psalms Devotional Guide and Coloring Pages.
*Already printed and available* at front of church, which is always open. Or accessible as downloadable multi-page PDF files from Jackson Community Church’s website. Due to licensing, the link will be sent by email to all church friends and members … if you want to participate, and didn’t receive this email already, sign up on this site to receive our email and we will forward the links to download the PDF files. Or email us directly for the link. - UCC (United Church of Christ)’s Still Speaking Daily Devotional messages. Sign up to receive these.
- UCC (United Church of Christ)’s Still Speaking Podcast. Sign up for podcast
- Mindfulness Applications for computers and mobile devices from Thich Nhat Hahn’s Plum Village (in the engaged Buddhist tradition)
- Jan Richardson’s Painted Prayerbook blog entries
- Maren Tirabassi’s Gifts in Open Hands blog with daily Lenten posts
- Daily Meditations by Fr Richard Rohr, sign up to receive these
- Living Lent Daily: Ignatian Spirituality daily meditations for Lent . Sign up to receive daily email meditations and devotional activities.
- Social Justice Lectionary: Downloadable guide to readings and activities surrounding social justice issues. Extension of MLK Day initiatives.
This Week: Jan 22-28
MON, JAN 22
- CATHERINE PFEIFFER WAKE & FUNERAL
9:30-11:30am • Wake at Everett’s Funeral Home, Natick, MA.
Noon • Funeral at St Patricks Cathedral, Natick, MA.
TUE, JAN 23
- SMALL GROUP STUDY & REFLECTION
4pm • Pastor’s Office. Readings from Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A few copies reserved at library under Jackson Community Church book group. This group will meet weekly through January to read and reflect on this book. 1-2 copies are also available for purchase at White Birch Books. (This gathering is subject to weather conditions, of course.)
WED, JAN 24
- PASTOR’S J-TOWN HOURS
7-9am • J-Town Deli. Drop by for hot beverage, good food, and a visit. - PASTOR’s OFFICE HOURS
10am-Noon • Jackson Community Church. - ANNUAL MEETING & POTLUCK
6pm • Potluck
7pm • Annual Meeting (annual report is available at church in advance)
THURS, JAN 25
- CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES
3:30pm • Yoga with Charlotte Doucette • Parish Hall. $10/pp fee. (Scholarships available)
4:40pm • Guided Meditation with Charlotte Doucette (if yoga class is held, dependent on attendance) • Upstairs classroom. Free. - AA
6:30pm • Church Library
SUN, JAN 28
- INTERFAITH GATHERING
8am • Madeline’s Deli, Jackson, NH
Starts indoors. Reflection & prayer using literature, sacred texts, personal sharing. Continuation of ‘outdoor gathering’ that was affectionately called ‘gazebo church.’ - BLESSINGS of BODIES, BOOTS n BINDINGS
9am • Jackson XC Ski Center. On-site blessings for skiers. - ADULT CHOIR PRACTICE
9am • Jackson Community Church - WORSHIP
10:30am • Jackson Community Church