lightshine church

The Taize song repeats the refrain, "Stay with Me," which is that request Jesus made to his friends in the garden of Gethsemane. Today in my own way I'm trying to stay with the suffering Jesus. To reflect on this God who shared in our human suffering. This God who calls me also to stay close to those who are suffering today. My mind goes to people and groups of people who are are in pain, as well as everyone who has suffered and died from the corona virus over the last year. Below I've attached a powerful meditation from Irish poet and theologian Padraig O Tuama whose honest reflections are so thoughtful.

Thursday, April 1st at 6pm all are welcome to join us online for a short contemplative Communion service. We will remember the story of Jesus washing his disciples feet and calling us to go and love one another in that same humble way. Bring a candle and your bread and cup for Communion. Zoom link is on Lightshine.org

Justice minded friends - let's go on a pilgrimage across and along the US- Mexico border! The Camino de San Diego happens over five virtual gatherings in May and again in September. Together we'll learn about the current situation at our border and hear from local leaders engaging in justice at the grassroots. For more details. viainternational.org/global/camino-de-san-diego/ or contact Pastor Jennifer. [email protected]

Ligthshine friends, let's support the Westminster Free Clinic with a cooking class, from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Yoga Chapel tomorrow will be all about our foundation, both in the body, the feet and legs, as well as in the heart, which is the forever love of God. The hope is that we have a strong foundation, like a tree with deep, sturdy roots. If your body or headspace could use a bit of grounding, join me at 9am. All are welcome! Link is found at lightshinechurch.org.

Interested in joining up with friends for a Fall book study? The Racial Healing Handbook written by Anneliese Singh includes "practical activities to help us challenge privilege, confront systemic racism and engage in collective healing. The study will be team led by Lauren Hunt, Jennifer Witten, and Rob Douglas. WHERE: Zoom of course!... WHEN: 8 consecutive weeks starting Wednesday September 30th. TIME: 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Please let Rob know if you are interested and order the book TODAY as we will be covering Chapter 1 next Wednesday. [email protected]

The WESTMINSTER FREE CLINIC could use our help this Wednesday, September 16th! We are bagging bagels, beans, rice, oatmeal etc. for the 400 + food insecure families coming each week. If you are available, please grab your mask and come to the Clinic from 1-3PM where we will work together outside. Please let Jennifer Witten know if you plan to come. [email protected]. For more information and directions go to www.westminsterclinic.org. Thank you!

Lightshine Church Leadership Team has been working on helping us become a more welcoming and inclusive church. This is very important to us and we are excited to announce a new Welcoming Statement. Here it is: "Lightshine Church is an open and affirming Christian community, joyfully celebrating God’s loving embrace of all people. We seek to imitate Jesus by welcoming everyone into full participation in the worship and leadership life of Lightshine Church, including those w...ho have experienced the pain of exclusion or discrimination. We welcome all who want to follow Jesus regardless of age, race, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, gender, immigration status, theological perspective, socio-economic status, gender identity, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. We are committed to joining God on the mission of reconciliation, breaking down the walls that divide us and creating a community that shines the light of Christ’s love into the world."

Hi friends, This episode is for all of us struggling to manage our stress, anxiety and internal noise. Hope it's helpful!

Starting this Wednesday night at 7pm, Border Church is hosting a four week Bible study on Acts 2 and creating a space for people across the border to dialogue, pray and come together around God's Word. Join me and our friends from Mexico for a unique, bi- lingual, cross cultural Bible study experience. It should be wonderful! Contact Pastor Jennifer for the zoom link. [email protected]

I recently received an email that says, "Congrats, you are now a published author!" I was invited to contribute a chapter for a new book that is about to be released, "Faithful Innovation: Beginning A Conversation For A Post-Covid Church." Humbled to have been included in this project with such incredible and faithful people. For those who might be interested. http://cyclicalchurches.com/faithful-innovation-book

Douglas family is ready for Paint Night. Tonight at 6 PM online. No skillz required!! Let's have some fun! Link on resources page of website. Lightshinechurch.org

Painting by Sharyn Hammond. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your gifts with us.

Anti-Racism Training Event Lightshine Church is committed to offering ways to better understand and work toward the dismantling systemic racism. We have invited our friends at The Open Table KC to lead us in this training event. August 6th: 6-8 PM Online... If you are interested in learning more about this event or how to register, please use this link below to access our latest newsletter which will contain more details of the event or go to the "Resources" page at Lightshinechurch.org for more info as well. Questions about the event, please email Rob D. [email protected] https://conta.cc/3hkVxUL

You’ve probably heard that a meditation practice has numerous physical and emotional benefits. It’s now widely known to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and ...anxiety, help with chronic pain and depression, and increase the brain’s grey matter leading to better concentration and focus. We could all benefit from a regular meditation practice! Christians have been mediating on God’s Word for centuries. The Fully Present Podcast introduces these ancient prayer practices, like the Breath Prayer, St. Ignatius's Examen and Lectio Divinia. In short 10 minute episodes, we focus on the breath, meditate on different Scripture passages and hope to become more fully present to God’s presence with us. Enjoy!