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August 2019: Another World

8/12/2019

August's Song of the Month comes from my friend and colleague, the Rev. Kerri Meyer. The text was inspired by a quote by writer Arundhati Roy. Kerri conceived of the song for use in public protest marches, but it is useful in any context in which we recognize the necessity of renewal, conversion, transformation, and hope. The first verse represents Kerri's original text. Additional verses have been added (with her blessing.)

Another world, another world
is not just possible
It's on its way (2x)
And I can see it coming
And I can hear it singing
It's not just possible
It's on its way. (2x)

Another world, another world
is not just possible
It's on its way (2x)
And I can see the children
And I can hear creation
It's not just possible
It's on its way. (2x)

Another world, another world
is not just possible
It's on its way (2x)
And I can see it dancing
And I can hear it praying
It's not just possible
It's on its way. (2x)

For further reflection and discussion

I think we too often forget (or deny, or ignore) the particular prophetic vocation of children and youth. Perhaps because they are usually less exhausted, cynical, and jaded than adults, they are often the ones who can offer the fresh perspective, renewed energy, and restored hope that we all so desperately need if we are going to continue to do the work of building/revealing God's Kingdom on earth.

Spend some time this month (if possible with a young person) reflecting on these questions:

What change(s) would make our world (or church, or family, or school) a better place?
Where do you signs of those good change(s) already in motion or happening?
What might we do to celebrate the good change(s) that are already happening?
What might we do to create, add to, or support those good changes?

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Song of the Month

In early 2019 I began serving as assisting priest at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Albuquerque. St. Mark's is home to a diverse and rapidly growing faith community as well as a Montessori Preschool that serves ~50 preschool children and their families.

One of my first areas of focus at St. Mark's will be to explore creative ways to support the spiritual growth of St. Mark's families, not only at church and school, but also at home throughout the week.

We'll begin our exploration with a "Song of the Month." Each month we'll offer a simple song as an "anchor" for spiritual reflection and growth throughout the month. Parents and other adults in the St. Mark's community are encouraged to learn the song and access further materials for reflection online. Children will practice the song each week in Children's Chapel. Children will be invited to share the song with the entire St. Mark's community during worship (as the offertory anthem) on the 4th Sunday of each month.

If you are the parent/caregiver of a very young child (age 0-2), your child will still benefit enormously from daily exposure to the "Song of the Month". Even though they aren't yet singing, you can be sure they are already listening to you and learning! Experiment with incorporating the song into any part of your daily routine--waking, sleeping, bathing, dressing, diaper change, etc. From an early age, you can help your child establish a pattern of life in which prayer, spiritual practice, and song are a natural part!

If you are the parent/caregiver of an older child (age 3+) try incorporating the song and one short, thematically linked reflection question, action, or prayer into your daily routine--maybe at mealtime, at bedtime, or even during your daily commute.

If you are a teenager or adult with no young children at home, find a way to work the song into your daily routine--perhaps while your showering, driving, or cooking. Discuss the theme or reflection question with a friend or partner--or set aside some time to journal, draw, paint, blog or reflect in some other creative way on your own.

Sunday School Teachers and Small Group Leaders: Consider incorporating the "Song of the Month" or one of the relevant reflection questions into your own sessions, classes, or meetings each month if appropriate.

Everybody: Have fun! Sing out! Experiment! And above all--share your experiences and insights with one another and with me!

August 2019: Another World

For further reflection and discussion

Song of the Month

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