September 2019: Be Still

The world outside us is noisy and busy.  Sometimes the world inside us is noisy and busy, too. 
When we come into church
we need to take time
To slow down
To quiet down
To get ready to come close to the Mystery of God
In silence
And stillness
And stories
And prayers

​This month's "Song of the Month" is a song that may already be familiar to some of you from St. Mark's worship or Godly Play classes.  The lyrics come directly from the Bible (Psalm 46:10).  The melody is by John Bell. 

Be still and know that I am God

​Below is  a recording of Father Christopher singing the song. 

And here is a recording of Johanna, Lucia and me singing the song as a round. 

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In order to support children (and adults) at St. Mark's in "getting ready" to find stillness and  listen to God in worship, we've created an Altar of Preparation (see photo, above) at the back of the worship space.  This Altar of Preparation offers a variety of special objects and practices to help us get ready to pay attention and find God in the church and in our hearts.  

We hope that you'll take some time to explore these objects and practices yourself, and that you'll actively support the children in your life and in our church in exploring and incorporating these practices as part of their regular routine for preparing for worship.

The Icon

The Icon
 
An icon is like a “window” we look through to see God. 
Greet the icon with a gentle touch or holy kiss. 

The Water

The Water
 
The water reminds us of creation.  All living things need water to live and grow. 
The water reminds us of washing.  Water makes everything clean and new. 
The water reminds us of baptism.  In Baptism we remember God saying,
 “You are my beloved child. With you I am well pleased.”
Gently touch the water with your fingertips. 
Then gently touch your head, your heart, your left and right shoulders with the water
Making a sign of the cross.   
Remember that God is here right now.  God is within you and around you
In your head and in your heart
On your left and on your right.

The Oil

​The Oil
 
The fragrant oil reminds us of the Holy Oil used to anoint prophets, priests, and kings in ancient times.
The fragrant oil reminds us of the Holy Oil priests still use to anoint people for baptism and for healing.
The fragrant oil reminds us of the frankincense and myrrh the mysterious magi brought as gifts for the Baby Jesus:
Frankincense for God; Myrrh for Humanity
Place one drop of oil in the palm of your hand, and rub your hands together until it is warm. 
Bring your hands to your face 
and take three deep, slow breaths 
allowing the fragrance to fill you 
 

The Colors

The Colors
 
The colored jewels remind us of the special colors
​that mark each day and season in the circle of the church year.
Hold a jewel in the palm of your hand.  
How does the color make you feel?
What does this color make you think of?
Where else can you see this color? In the church? In the world?
Why do you think this is the color for today?      

The Candles

The Candles
 
The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.
The candles remind us that God’s Word is a light for our path. 
The candles remind us that Jesus says “YOU are the light of the world.” 
Light a candle.  Watch the light. Say a prayer.

And speaking of candles,  I want to alert everyone to a

NEW LITURGICAL MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
​FOR KIDS
AT ST. MARK'S:

The Ministry of "Light Bearers"

Once you have taken a few moments at the Altar of Preparation to help your child get ready for worship, ask your child if they might like to help with the liturgy that's about to begin.

​Children at St. Mark's are now invited
to serve as "light bearers"
to help light the way for the HOLY GOSPEL
during our Entrance Procession and our Gospel Procession
in worship each week.
​
  ALL are welcome to participate!  ​

Here's what you need to know to support the full participation of children  as "light bearers" in our weekly liturgy:

• Encourage children who wish to serve as "light bearers"  to make a "throne" for the candle with their hands, then carry the candle carefully and reverently as they follow the leader with the Children’s Cross.
• Remind children who  wish to assist with the Entrance Procession to quietly line up at the back of the church before church starts then follow the leader during the Entrance Hymn for the Entrance Procession. 
• Remind children who wish to assist with the Gospel Procession to quietly line up in the side aisle (the side with the Mary Icons) during the Psalm then follow the leader during the Sequence Hymn for the Gospel Procession. 
• Remind children who wish to assist with the Gospel Procession to stand reverently with their candles, attentively watching and listening as the Deacon proclaims the Gospel, then turn and follow the Children's Cross to Children's Chapel (or return to their seats for the sermon.)

If your child would like to receive additional training to carry the Children's Cross or Gospel in procession, just contact Mother Sylvia and we'll set up a time to practice!  I'm usually free to meet and practice on Sunday mornings before the liturgy.