Category: Meditations

Service and Joy

One morning, helping in the office at my local congregation, we discovered a man sleeping behind the church. We offered him something to drink and eat and the use of our bathroom for a shower and shave. He used our phone to connect with some resources, but most importantly I simply listened. I heard about his recent struggles, helped him talk through some possible future plans, and empathized with the frustrations of navigating the systems of assistance in our area. I couldn’t fill his wallet, but we were lucky to have the resources to fill his belly. I couldn’t clear his path forward, but I helped him head toward it feeling functional. There were a few things around the office that didn’t get done that day, but the most important thing was centered. I ended that day with a big smile on my face – so happy to have been of service. I often consider the quote from Rabindranath Tagore – “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” -Darbi Lockridge (CLF Board Member)
When has service brought joy into your life?

Worship/Service

When we gather in worship for a “service,” it is so often an inwardly-focused act that many congregations end their worship with phrases like “our worship ends, may our service begins.” Why do those things need to be different? In worship, we pay attention to what is of worth to us–perhaps the needs of our community and our planet should be more present.

How can the act of worship be a service?

Service

As a child, I was taught the value of service to others, to one’s community, and to one’s planet. Throughout my life, I have been called to service. My service has always begun with understanding what my community needs and where my skills and gifts can be used in accountable ways.-Michael Tino (CLF)

How have you participated in service to others?

Happy New Year

As the earth slowly rotates, time zones starting in the Pacific Ocean and progressing westward around the world will enter this year we call 2025. Truth be told, the “new year” can begin at any time. Our Jewish beloved begin it in the Fall, at Rosh Hashanah, our Chinese and Southeast Asian beloved at the Lunar New Year later this month; our Wiccan beloved start their year on Samhain, and our Persian beloved at Nowruz, on the vernal equinox. Whenever your new year begins, it is a time to set intentions. This year, may all of our intentions be loving.

Begin your new year with the intention to center love.