FEBRUARY 2013

Theme-Based Ministry Resource Flyer

UUofSCV Mission
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Clarita Valley enhances the lives of members through spiritual development and active service in the community. We offer a diverse, non-dogmatic spiritual home to all who share our values as dened by the Unitarian Universalist Association. We provide a liberal religious voice, a social justice presence in the Santa Clarita Valley, and a stimulating and supportive environment to help our members on their own spiritual journeys during all stages of their lives.

PRAYER

Santa Clarita is just 262 miles from a city I am convinced generates the greatest number of most fervent prayers, by the largest number of people: Las Vegas! That observation is, of course, meant as a joke. But it points to the truism that everyone prays just not in the same way or with the same expectations. For some Unitarian Universalists, for example, prayer is a turn-off because it implies, among other things, 1. the existence of a God who hears and answers our prayers , 2. that there is a right way and a wrong way to pray, 3. that begging the Divine for a win at the slot machine is undignified, if not arrogantly selfserving (given the state of the world). This month is an opportunity to connect with prayer as a viable spiritual tool, as a gift we each are capable of giving ourselves (and each other). How can that be?

One way is by thinking of prayer as a form of truth telling, regardless of whether or not anyone else hears or answers; prayer as a matter of giving expression to your conflict, joy, sorrow, peace; your observations, hopes and wishes, as well as your intentions and commitments. That expression can be in words or songs you have memorized, or those arising in the moment; whether spoken aloud or held in silence. It can take the shape of symbols, drawings or sculptures. It can be expressed physically through ritualized movements/ dance, a smile, a tear, or a random or planned act of kindness and generosity. If prayer is indeed the expression of ones deepest truth, what is your prayer in this moment? In Awe & Gratitude, Rev. Stefanie

Draw your own mandala or write a word prayer here

Tuesday, February 5th, 7:00 PM SHARING CIRCLE: a

meditative evening of personal reflections on spoken and visual prayers. Invite a friend! Led by Gerri Brehm, at the Chalice Center

Unitarian Universalists of Santa Clarita Valley

Website: http://uuofscv.org

Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. 22900 Market St., Newhall, CA

The UUofSCV Chalice Center 22916 Lyons, Suite 2B (Check the calendar for hours)

The Reverend Stefanie Etzbach-Dale

MEDITATION VS. PRAYER?

Meditation and prayer are universally recognized as beneficial spiritual practices, even within the secular settings. They lower blood pressure, encourage a sense of peace and connection, and sometimes even clarity regarding issues with which we may be struggling. How are they different or related? Heres one answer: Meditation generally involves focused receptivity - an openness to new awareness. Prayer involves expressing that of which one is aware. Interestingly, the act of meditation can lead to prayer, and prayer can open one up to new awareness!

Quotes to consider:
VISUAL PRAYER
In Buddhist, Hindu and other traditions prayers are expressed through the creation of mandala-type designs in colored sand, rice flour or butter. The image itself will have great meaning in that cultural context and the act of creating it requires intense focus on that meaning and the process. Creating these visual prayers is a prayerful act of devotion, timeconsuming and amazing to witness. Equally poignant is the fact that these beautiful images are created without the intention of preserving them. After days or weeks of prayerful work, the sand or flour will be swept up, and the butter will be allowed to melt. Something to think about: What are the symbols that express Unitarian Universalist values or your own heart's deepest fears, yearnings, joys? If you were to create a sand mandala to express your interdependence, your awe or gratitude, what would it look like? How would it feel to sweep it up afterwards?

It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. M.Gandhi Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer and forgiveness. H.J. Brown, Jr. To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do. V. Hugo Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. S. Kierkegaard Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presene of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts. A. Cohen Under certain circumstances profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer. M. Twain

PRAYER IN MOVIES
Evan Almighty, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou, Prayers for Bobby, Shenandoah, Meet the Parents Dogma, Glory...

PRAYER IN BOOKS
The Prayer of Jabez, the Yada Yada Prayer Group, Why We Pray What We Pray, Meditations of the Heart, The Poetry of Rumi, Earth Prayers, Life Prayers, Prayers for Healing...

PRAYER IN THE SLT HYMNAL:

Readings - 428, 551, 664, 521,
552, 431, 570, 600, 604, 523, 548, 699, 464, 591, 722, 721; Hymns - 1039, 1031, 1002, 101, 208, 123, 391 364, 154, 388, 384, 385, 393, 395

Next months theme is

Letting Go

UUofSCVs Theme-Based Ministry is a religious education program offering a variety of opportunities for people of all ages to engage with timeless theological themes - encouraging spiritual literacy, relationships, and a stronger sense of responsible personal theology. The 2012-2013 (September-May) themes are: unity, vocation, gratitude, peace, grace, prayer, letting go, salvation, and truth. Contact Rev. Stefanie (RevStef@gmail.com) to speak with her about your ideas on this months theme, or if you have a book, poem, lm, story, practice, or service project recommendation relating to next months theme. You may also contact the contact the Committee on Shared Ministry: Rick Kamlet, Sara Brown, Gerri Brehm.