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:
Sunday Evening , September 13, 2020
Six O'clock
Sacred Traditions And Rituals
Spirituality of Covid-19
a service devoted to life in a pandemic
All great changes are preceded by chaos. ~Deepak Chopra
Thomas Aquinas warns us that “despair is the most dangerous of all sins.” Aquinas, in his warning tells us “the worst thing a person can do is to teach despair.” This includes teaching despair to oneself.
Covid-19, from a physician’s perspective is a silent and complex killer. Dr. Les Howard, a retired Internal Medicine physician, will tell us about Covid-19 from the medical and scientific point of view. It would seem Covid-19, because we have no cure, no vaccine and with new symptoms being discovered almost weekly, continues to frighten us even more. We are in a real mess right now. Disheartening at best, since we may find ourselves confronting this dilemma, again and again, for some time to come.
Then, with these truths before us, we will take-a-look at the larger perspective. Drawing from the mystics, we will see that we are in-the-midst of a highly teachable moment, which offers the opportunity to understand in a deeper and broader way. We are being forced at the deepest level of our being, and though great suffering, to contemplate the woundedness being experienced, both personally and collectively. Reflecting in this way, we are reminded that this experience can lead us to great love, rather that great despair!
Les Howard is retired from practicing Internal Medicine in Spartanburg. He enjoys playing the piano, reading and occasionally still carves duck decoys. Les is a long-time member of the S.T.A.R. Community, serving in roles of S.T.A.R. Leadership – currently as a member of the Planning Council.
(Stay awhile after the service, sharing refreshments and connecting with one another!)
Six O'clock
Sacred Traditions And Rituals
Spirituality of Covid-19
a service devoted to life in a pandemic
All great changes are preceded by chaos. ~Deepak Chopra
Thomas Aquinas warns us that “despair is the most dangerous of all sins.” Aquinas, in his warning tells us “the worst thing a person can do is to teach despair.” This includes teaching despair to oneself.
Covid-19, from a physician’s perspective is a silent and complex killer. Dr. Les Howard, a retired Internal Medicine physician, will tell us about Covid-19 from the medical and scientific point of view. It would seem Covid-19, because we have no cure, no vaccine and with new symptoms being discovered almost weekly, continues to frighten us even more. We are in a real mess right now. Disheartening at best, since we may find ourselves confronting this dilemma, again and again, for some time to come.
Then, with these truths before us, we will take-a-look at the larger perspective. Drawing from the mystics, we will see that we are in-the-midst of a highly teachable moment, which offers the opportunity to understand in a deeper and broader way. We are being forced at the deepest level of our being, and though great suffering, to contemplate the woundedness being experienced, both personally and collectively. Reflecting in this way, we are reminded that this experience can lead us to great love, rather that great despair!
Les Howard is retired from practicing Internal Medicine in Spartanburg. He enjoys playing the piano, reading and occasionally still carves duck decoys. Les is a long-time member of the S.T.A.R. Community, serving in roles of S.T.A.R. Leadership – currently as a member of the Planning Council.
(Stay awhile after the service, sharing refreshments and connecting with one another!)
Fellowship Hall *Central United Methodist Church * 233 North Church Street * Spartanburg * South Carolina * 29306
Sunday, September 27
Tranquility With Tea Service
a service devoted to quieting minds, opening hearts, soothing souls
A Call To Community Around …
The Injustice of Justice
Reflection
The Color of Diversity
** Tranquility With Tea—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.
Tranquility With Tea Service
a service devoted to quieting minds, opening hearts, soothing souls
A Call To Community Around …
The Injustice of Justice
Reflection
The Color of Diversity
** Tranquility With Tea—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!