Growing with God 2013 The Spiritual Disciplines – Service

The ‘Growing with God’ schedule  January PrayerA vital way to start the year  FebruaryConfessionAsh Wednesday falls on Feb 13  MarchFastingLent includes almost all of March  AprilCelebrationThe joyous Easter season  MayWorship May includes Pentecost  JuneStudyCoinciding with the end of school  JulyGuidanceSummer quiet for listening to God  AugustMeditationKicking back and tuning in to God  September ServiceThe start of a new church year  OctoberSimplicityStewardship time  NovemberSubmissionCreation begins its annual death  DecemberSolitudeAdvent waiting for the Kingdom

Two kinds of Spiritual Discipline  The Disciplines of Abstinence simplicity, solitude, submission, fasting. Especially helpful for activists.  The Disciplines of Engagement Prayer, confession, celebration, worship, study, guidance, meditation, service. Especially helpful for contemplatives.

Look who’s talking  “We are all worms, but I do believe that I am a glowworm.” Winston Churchill, Smart Alec,  “Every person who has ever lived has suffered from a Messiah complex, except one.” John Ortberg, Christian Pastor, 1997  “We often say that we are nothing and the refuse of the world, but we would be very sorry if anyone took us at our word, or told others that we are.” Saint Francis de Sales, Catholic evangelist,  "What does it matter if our own plans are thwarted? Is it not better to serve our neighbors than to get our own way?" Dietrich Bonhoeffer, pastor and martyr,

 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another.” Jesus (John 13:14)  “Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?” Isaiah 58:6-7  “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus (Matthew 20:28)

What is Service?  Reflecting the helping and caring love of God in the world.  “Offering resources, time, treasure and expertise for the care, protection, justice and nurture of others.” Adele Calhoun, 2005

What does service involve?  Humility  Surrendering being in charge  Care of Creation  Compassion  Seeking justice

Thomas Keating’s Welcoming Prayer I welcome everything that comes to me today because I know it's for my healing. I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions. I let go of my desire for power and control. I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval and pleasure. I let go of my desire for survival and security. I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself. I open to the love and presence of God and God's action within. Amen.

The Danger of the wrong motive Self-righteous service  Done for external rewards  Chooses the Big Deals, not the small ones  Chooses when to serve  Is affected by moods and whims  Is insensitive

Self-righteous v True Service Self-righteous service comes through human effort. True service comes from a friendship with God. Self-righteous service is impressed with the Big Deal. True service cannot see the difference between small and large service. Self-righteous service demands rewards. True service is content to remain hidden. Self-righteous service is concerned about results. True service is free of the need to achieve.

Self-righteous v True Service Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. True service is indiscriminate. Self- righteous service is affected by moods and whims. True service is simple and faithful because there is a need. Self-righteous service is temporary. True service is a life-style. Self-righteous service insists on meeting a need even when it would be destructive. True service can withhold service as freely as perform it. Self-righteous service fractures community. True service builds it.