Sacred Traditions And Rituals a call to connection
Since 1997, Sacred Traditions And Rituals has been gathering as an inclusive worshipping community. As a ministry of community, S.T.A.R. reaches out by calling to connection all who seek the Holy and the Sacred through the wisdom of other faith traditions while celebrating their own faith and spirituality.
Led by an ordained member of the clergy, members are encouraged to participate in the leadership of rituals influenced by Creation Spirituality — including music, art, dance, drama, prayerful contemplation, poetry, and prose.
As a caring and compassionate community, S.T.A.R. participates in service and mission efforts and addresses environmental concerns — in the local and broader community. A large share of each month’s offering is designated for outreach, particularly the Sack-Gift-Collection, items given for special community projects.
Hosted by Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Sacred Traditions And Rituals welcomes everyone, regardless of faith background, spiritual preference, or involvement in another denomination.
For S.T.A.R.'s website go to:
Led by an ordained member of the clergy, members are encouraged to participate in the leadership of rituals influenced by Creation Spirituality — including music, art, dance, drama, prayerful contemplation, poetry, and prose.
As a caring and compassionate community, S.T.A.R. participates in service and mission efforts and addresses environmental concerns — in the local and broader community. A large share of each month’s offering is designated for outreach, particularly the Sack-Gift-Collection, items given for special community projects.
Hosted by Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Sacred Traditions And Rituals welcomes everyone, regardless of faith background, spiritual preference, or involvement in another denomination.
For S.T.A.R.'s website go to:
Sacred Traditions and Rituals
Fellowship Hall *Central United Methodist Church * 233 North Church Street * Spartanburg * South Carolina * 29306
S.T.A.R.
Sunday, November 8
Honoring and Remembering
a service devoted to El Dia de Los Muertos
6:00 PM In-Person
(Fellowship Hall)
El Dia de Los Muertos is not Mexican Halloween! It is not scary! Despite the skeletons and skulls, it is not spooky!
Instead, it is a multiday holiday, following a strong tradition of native and indigenous people to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died. From our own culture, we might recognize this celebration as one similar to either All Souls Day or All Saints Day, designated as part of the church’s calendar.
During the holiday of El Dia de Los Muertos, streets are filled with flowers, colorful decorations, and parades. Everywhere are the familiar symbols of ‘calacas’ and ‘calaveras’ – skeletons and skulls – shaped as candied sweets, masks and almost always portrayed as enjoying life in fancy clothes and entertaining situations.
Families celebrate by creating altars and placing offerings of food – favorites of those who have died: pan de muertos (bread baked in shapes of skull and figures), candles, incense, yellow marigolds, and, most importantly, photos of the departed souls. This is a time of gatherings, for family and friends of all ages praying, remembering those who have died, and supporting one another in their own spiritual journeys.
This year, as in most Central American countries, we will celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos a little differently …
EVERYONE JOINING AND CELEBRATING IN-PERSON is invited to bring along a photo of a loved one who has died as we create our S.T.A.R. Family Altar.
EVERYONE JOINING AND CELEBRATING VIA ZOOM is invited to share the name of a loved one who has died and how they are related. You may create a small, home altar as part of the service during our time together. Plan on ‘arriving’ a little early as our Zoom Director, Katherine Wakefield will explain the presentation details.
Though we will not be able to enjoy sharing refreshments and time connecting with one another, there will be special treats for those able to join us in the Fellowship Hall for the service!
** Tranquility With Tea--November 22 --A service devoted to quieting minds, opening hearts, soothing souls … joining together in prayerful meditation and reflection centering on a symbol, idea, reflection or need. These services will incorporate contemplative prayers and silence; music and chants as well as portions from the Zen Buddhist Tea Ceremony.
Sunday, November 8
Honoring and Remembering
a service devoted to El Dia de Los Muertos
6:00 PM In-Person
(Fellowship Hall)
El Dia de Los Muertos is not Mexican Halloween! It is not scary! Despite the skeletons and skulls, it is not spooky!
Instead, it is a multiday holiday, following a strong tradition of native and indigenous people to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died. From our own culture, we might recognize this celebration as one similar to either All Souls Day or All Saints Day, designated as part of the church’s calendar.
During the holiday of El Dia de Los Muertos, streets are filled with flowers, colorful decorations, and parades. Everywhere are the familiar symbols of ‘calacas’ and ‘calaveras’ – skeletons and skulls – shaped as candied sweets, masks and almost always portrayed as enjoying life in fancy clothes and entertaining situations.
Families celebrate by creating altars and placing offerings of food – favorites of those who have died: pan de muertos (bread baked in shapes of skull and figures), candles, incense, yellow marigolds, and, most importantly, photos of the departed souls. This is a time of gatherings, for family and friends of all ages praying, remembering those who have died, and supporting one another in their own spiritual journeys.
This year, as in most Central American countries, we will celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos a little differently …
EVERYONE JOINING AND CELEBRATING IN-PERSON is invited to bring along a photo of a loved one who has died as we create our S.T.A.R. Family Altar.
EVERYONE JOINING AND CELEBRATING VIA ZOOM is invited to share the name of a loved one who has died and how they are related. You may create a small, home altar as part of the service during our time together. Plan on ‘arriving’ a little early as our Zoom Director, Katherine Wakefield will explain the presentation details.
Though we will not be able to enjoy sharing refreshments and time connecting with one another, there will be special treats for those able to join us in the Fellowship Hall for the service!
** Tranquility With Tea--November 22 --A service devoted to quieting minds, opening hearts, soothing souls … joining together in prayerful meditation and reflection centering on a symbol, idea, reflection or need. These services will incorporate contemplative prayers and silence; music and chants as well as portions from the Zen Buddhist Tea Ceremony.
S.T.A.R. has a Facebook page that can help involve you in this ministry!