"Come to Me"

"Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

I'm on the Lenten retreat with some 20 plus others from St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The theme of this "silent" retreat is "Space to Explore, Space to Grow." It is led by the Rt.Revd Peter Hullah and the Revd Clare Herbert. We arrived on Friday evening and will head back to London following eucharist and lunch today. It's been a blessing for me to participate and accompany these sisters and brothers in the Lenten journey.

Sub topics have been:

"Gathered in Christ"

"Finding Christ"

"Learning Christ" 

"Living Christ"
and this morning our sending session/Eucharist  will be  "Sent out With Christ."

In addition to lots of time for silence, self-reflection and prayer we also had a poetry reading session last night. People brought their favorite poems and read them. It was an amazing time of inspiration, community and grace. For you know when you read a poem that you really love, you're being somewhat vulnerable and intimate. I am most grateful for this time, this space to "explore and grow."

On Friday it was my privilege to spend several hours with Siku, artist, conceptualist, art director, theologian and creator of THE MANGA BIBLE. http://theartofsiku.com/

He has an exhibit at St. Martin's featuring his Stations of the Cross. I first saw these on Wednesday and have been thinking about them ever since. You can see all of the stations by checking out

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.395443213806455.111813.100000223394424&type=1&l=b48377378c

I am beginning the process to see how I might bring these stations to Denver and other cities
in the USA for Lent 2013. If you are interested in assisting me on this quest, drop me a note.

RTG + Siku

Part of the experience on Friday was watching Siku and photographer Ian Dingle work out some shots for publicity. You can see  three of these shots on Ian's website, http://idphotography.viewbook.com/

Ian and Siku talk about the photos

I am personally very moved and inspired by Siku's work. It is bold, fresh and inviting. I encourage you to utilize it in your Lenten devotions and discipline. 

Sue Ann and I are reading together "LENT FOR EVERYONE" This is all part of the #BIGREAD12.

Once a week we SKYPE to talk about our insights. There are amazing resources out there for folks who want to "explore and grow."

On Thursday evening I attended a lecture at the portrait gallery by Allain De Botton, author of very hot selling book, "RELIGION FOR ATHEISTS." http://www.religionforatheists.com/

Let me say, right away,  I disagree with him and his views regarding God. However,  the very important point he is making is that it's time to move beyond the "existence" debate between believers and folks who don't believe and go to something more helpful.  He is very articulate and insightful when it comes to talking about what church has done right and continues to do well in terms of education, community and the arts. Having experienced a myriad of discussions about "what's wrong with the church" (primarily by people professionally employed within the church) his appreciation for communities of faith is refreshing.
 He argues that religions can teach atheists a thing or two. Conversely, I would argue that atheists/secularists can be instructive for people of faith, as well.  We live in exciting times.

This morning's session, "LIVING CHRIST" is about to begin. We will focus our hearts, souls and minds on Mark 14:3-9, The Anointing of Jesus.  Of course, this story happens at Bethany. And so today like I do everyday, I remember the good people, members, staff and friends of Bethany Lutheran Church.

May you "come to the ONE" who promises rest.
May you find a way to give thanks and celebrate the HOLY ONE in your midst.
May you find "anointing for service" and life.
May the stations of the cross inspire you with energy to love and believe.
Blessings,
rtg