Devotions

This isolation has brought us many things, and while we like to look at the negative, I would like to look at some positive things. One thing we seem to have is an abundance of time. It seems we have more time on our hands than usual. I am wondering if in this time you have found space to pray more. Are you finding new or different devotions that could just become part of your regular life moving forward? A lot of folks have been comparing this time of isolation and social distancing to an extended Lent.

But, alas, Lent is over. Easter has come and we are in the midst (hopefully soon) of spring weather. But the time for self-isolation and social distancing has not come to a close. We are still in the midst of this period where time seems to move at a different pace…I usually have to check in on what day it is…and sometimes set alarms to remind me to eat lunch or prepare dinner.

Yet, in this strangeness of time, one thing remains constant. Our spiritual lives and selves need exercise and nourishing. I have found a new devotional that blends the many different Christian traditions into prayers, reflections, and readings. Common Prayer A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals has helped me to center myself in a time when it's very easy to be uncentered. It has brought both nourishing and some much-needed exercise for my spiritual self. Yesterday I began a new venture with Facebook Live…a time to spend checking in on behalf of St. Stephen’s and to share portions of this and other devotionals. It is my hope that around 10 o'clock or 11 o'clock hour on Tuesday and Thursday mornings we can share a few moments together using Facebook live to check-in and pray. That not only will give us a sense of time and days, but it will give us an opportunity to share with one another different devotionals and ways in which we may exercise our souls and bring much-needed nourishment to them.

I invite you to join me live via Facebook - or for any of our opportunities to worship and pray together.

Here are the opportunities and ways to access them:

Tuesday mornings 10:00 am/11:00 am Facebook Live check-in and devotions (friend me at Jason R. Churchill to be notified)

Wednesday evenings 7:30 pm Evening Prayer or Compline. Check the website here to link to the YouTube video or call in at 7:30 pm (301) 715-8592, wait for the prompt and enter your meeting ID 325-424-838#.

Thursday mornings 10:00 am/11:00 am Facebook Live check-in and devotions (friend me at Jason R. Churchill to be notified)

Sunday mornings 10:00 am Service of the Word. Check the website here to link to the YouTube video or call in at 10:00 am (301) 715-8592, wait for the prompt and enter your meeting ID 295-210-035#.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Jason

Image by Andrea Don from Pixabay