Sunday service report
Aug. 14th, 2006 07:45 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
edenfallingSUMMER SERVICE REPORT, #9, August 13, 2006
Of the 57 of us at this 9th service of the summer, an impressive number of a dozen or so introduced themselves as newcomers, many of them cohorts of the members of the Young Adults group who, working with [Name removed], put together a service that was rich with readings, sing-a-longs, music, and their sermon entitled, "Are We There Yet? Our Search for Meaning and Purpose." [4 names removed] each spoke for approximately five minutes and held our attention throughout---directly and indirectly sharing, what has (and doesn't have) meaning and purpose for them. Their insightful, and inspiring, commentary included such subjects as the need to be right and if , indeed, "right" actually exists; problem-solving and heuristics; the limitations on "knowing"; overemphasizing the search for meaning; purpose as a motivator; spirit contrasted to law; computers and artificial intelligence; being present (ah, yes!); and "life is good," and being alive "is precious" (i.e., when you relax and let it happen).
The congregational dialogue was marked by sincere appreciation for this opportunity to get to know this group of young adults as well as the level of personhood they manifested. And we repeat here their invitation to anyone in their twenties and thirties, as well as the young in heart, to join them every Sunday after service for brunch or lunch.
[Name removed] once again provided pieces and hymn accompaniment on her flute, which were a calming counterpoint to the intensity of what was shared and reacted to. Also repeating itself was the magical clearing of the chairs after the service. The sweetly-offered help in setting up and cleaning up was likewise appreciated.
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That's basically a cut-and-paste from the mailing list, minus some identifying details.
In other words, the service went well, despite a few organization stutters (and the fact that the third hymn really should have gone at least a third again as fast -- it's upbeat, not a dirge! -- but let that go...). Yay us!
Of the 57 of us at this 9th service of the summer, an impressive number of a dozen or so introduced themselves as newcomers, many of them cohorts of the members of the Young Adults group who, working with [Name removed], put together a service that was rich with readings, sing-a-longs, music, and their sermon entitled, "Are We There Yet? Our Search for Meaning and Purpose." [4 names removed] each spoke for approximately five minutes and held our attention throughout---directly and indirectly sharing, what has (and doesn't have) meaning and purpose for them. Their insightful, and inspiring, commentary included such subjects as the need to be right and if , indeed, "right" actually exists; problem-solving and heuristics; the limitations on "knowing"; overemphasizing the search for meaning; purpose as a motivator; spirit contrasted to law; computers and artificial intelligence; being present (ah, yes!); and "life is good," and being alive "is precious" (i.e., when you relax and let it happen).
The congregational dialogue was marked by sincere appreciation for this opportunity to get to know this group of young adults as well as the level of personhood they manifested. And we repeat here their invitation to anyone in their twenties and thirties, as well as the young in heart, to join them every Sunday after service for brunch or lunch.
[Name removed] once again provided pieces and hymn accompaniment on her flute, which were a calming counterpoint to the intensity of what was shared and reacted to. Also repeating itself was the magical clearing of the chairs after the service. The sweetly-offered help in setting up and cleaning up was likewise appreciated.
-----------------------
That's basically a cut-and-paste from the mailing list, minus some identifying details.
In other words, the service went well, despite a few organization stutters (and the fact that the third hymn really should have gone at least a third again as fast -- it's upbeat, not a dirge! -- but let that go...). Yay us!
