The Alchemy of Ancestors / Not The Saint You’re Thinking Of Today
9:15 AM: The Alchemy of Ancestors
We are part of the Web of Life along with those that came before us. This morning we will spend time illuminating and honoring our connections to the ancestors.
An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, Transitional Music Director Emily Hall, and Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke with a reflection by Kevyn Breedon.
10:00 – 10:45 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.
Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:
- What is a gift that you have received from your ancestors? How has it shaped the person that you are today?
- Think of yourself as an ancestor of the next seven generations. (This doesn’t necessarily have to be of people you are actually related to, but could be those that you might influence.) What is a gift that you might be remembered for?
10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café
Our social hour in Hobbs Hall is open to all. Connect with others, learn about the church, find out about programs and other opportunities to connect.
Acme, Giant Eagle, and Meijer grocery gift cards are available for purchase every 2nd and 4th Sunday each month. Learn more about this fundraiser.
11:00 AM: Not The Saint You’re Thinking Of Today
A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by Elaine Bowen and Worship Associate Heidi Sumser.
The calendar tells us March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day but you may not know that it is also the feast day of Catholic saint, Gertrude of Nivelles. She is the unofficial cat lady and patron saint of cats (and mice / rats plus a few other things). Hers is a medieval tale of a young Benedictine nun in Belgium in the 600s C.E. who founded an abbey and found new found fame in 1982. You will be surprised to learn how. We’ll explore Gertrude’s life as a holy feminist and her relationship to the interconnected web of all existence of which we are all apart.
Image: By Jean-Pol GRAND MONT – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7946983
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.