Lent - Week One

Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil is a woman of God gifted as a teacher and preacher and a leader in the international movement for peace and reconciliation. Her mission is to inspire, equip, and empower emerging Christian leaders to practice reconciliation in various spheres of influence. She is an Associate Professor of reconciliation studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University, where she also directs the Reconciliation Studies program. She also serves on the pastoral staff of Quest Church in Seattle, WA. Dr. Brenda is recognized internationally as one of the foremost reconciliation leaders and was featured as one of the 50 most influential women to watch by Christianity Today. She is the author of Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0, A Credible Witness: Reflections on Power, Evangelism and Race (2008), The Heart of Racial Justice: How Soul Change Leads to Social Change (2005), coauthored with Rick Richardson, Becoming Brave: Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now and Empowered to Repair: Becoming People Who Mend Broken Systems and Heal Our Communities.

On this embodiment Sunday Pastor Keeyon and Nora Heaton discuss the Flourishing Neighborhood Index. Nora Heaton, the FNI Project Lead, will delve into the philosophy, timeline, our current progress, and ways for you to get more involved. Check out the website for more information: https://www.wellingtonheightscommunitychurch.org/flourishing-neighborhood-index

Join guest speaker Mari Hunt Wassink as she utilizes text from Genesis 2:4-22, CEB to speak about regenerativity as a spiritual practice. Mari Hunt Wassink is a farmer, educator, and activist. She owns and operates Black Earth Gardens, a small-scale regenerative farm that specializes in growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are culturally important to Black communities in Eastern Iowa, with a focus on dismantling food apartheid and expanding food sovereignty locally. She is also a Land Advocacy Fellow with the National Young Farmers Coalition, where she advocates for federal policies that promote equitable land access for beginning and BIPOC farmers. Mari grew up in Marion and graduated from Coe College. Today, she lives with her husband and their dog in Wellington Heights. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and calligraphy.

He is Risen! On this day we celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the grave. The broader season of Easter, or Eastertide, begins today and lasts fifty days in which we celebrate and look for God's liberating activity in our midst. Let us consider how we may embody the holistic Good News in our daily life. He is Risen indeed!

Good Friday March 29: On this day we observe the death and burial of Jesus.

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. Maundy is derived from the Latin word for "command," and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you." Link to video referenced by Pastor Stephanie: The Black Eyed Peas - #WHERESTHELOVE ft. The World (Video) (https://youtu.be/YsRMoWYGLNA?si=wkzhxmsEGPXQhj2R)

Hebrews 12:1-3 This week we pause to engage in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of prayerfully reading and listening to scripture. Lectio invites us to slow down and engage with scripture with our whole selves with intent to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. Please join us as we engage in Lectio Davina.

Palm Sunday March 24: We commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This feast day falls the Sunday before Easter, and begins Holy Week, the final week of Lent. Monday of Holy Week March 25: Jesus cleansed the Temple and cursed a fig tree. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with costly oil & tears. Tuesday of Holy Week March 26: Jesus debated with the Temple authorities and issued his famed discourse on the Mount of Olives. Wednesday of Holy Week March 27: The religious leaders were conspiring to kill Jesus, and Judas began his betrayal. Maundy Thursday March 28: We memorialize the Last Supper, where Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and invited Peter, James, and John to pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Good Friday March 29: this day of fasting we observe the death and burial of Jesus. Holy Saturday March 30: We commemorate Jesus’ body laying in the tomb. It is the last day of Holy Week and a day of mourning. As you immerse yourself in the movements of Holy Week, what words come to mind? Do any of the words resonate from the list below? Do any of the words cause discomfort? Lean into these words with curiosity and openness. What does your soul want to say to God about the movements and words of Holy Week?

This Lenten season we are aligning ourselves with God's heart for justice. Today we have a guided prayer meditation on Dr. King's "I Have A Dream Speech." We encourage you to do this in community, with your loved ones and to set aside time to reflect with the prompts provided. We've included the speech here in the audio but if you'd prefer to watch King deliver this speech you can find the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0o3a2HIKkuE?feature=shared

This week we pause to engage in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of prayerfully reading and listening to scripture. Lectio invites us to slow down and engage with scripture with our whole selves with intent to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. Please join us as we engage in Lectio Divina.