As we move through the Advent season on our way to Christmas, we wanted to provide some resources you can use along your journey.
Advent Sharing Time, led by Cullen Hornaday
Cullen will lead a Zoom sharing time on Sundays at 11:00am, based on the book, Pauses for Advent: Words of Wonder, by Trevor Hudson. Find more information and the Zoom link here.
ADVENT 2020 Playlist links
YouTube Advent Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8oF1AqxPHn0GauIFOi8Kbas4woYyKAK0
Spotify Advent Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZHKlpm14TNcTyIJWc3eY9?si=TVEQiIC-QsyBmMpuJaVvBA
Jan Richardson’s online retreat.
https://www.janrichardson.com/illuminated2020
This online retreat is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule. It is about helping you find spaces for reflection that draw you deep into this season that shimmers with mystery and possibility, solace and hope. Each week of Advent we will open a new door—
Week 1: In the Darkness, There Are Many Ways to Go
On shadows, mystery, and the God who meets us in the dark.
Week 2: All Desires Known
On longing, dreaming in a difficult time, and preparing the way for the One who longs for us.
Week 3: To See All the Stars in Our Own Sky
On the stubbornness of hope, the recipe for manna, and taking ourselves to the Festival of Lights.
Week 4: Welcome, Welcome, Welcome
On Incarnation, hospitality, and Christ, is it you, again?
Monasteries of the Heart Advent Retreat
Words into Flesh: Monastery Scribes
The news IS extraordinary: “Emmanuel, God with us, is coming.” But how can we prepare for Christmas, for this miraculous moment that marks the birthing of God into each member of the human race? “I think poetry, music and art are the truest companions for our Advent journey of wonder and hope,” said Mary Lou Kownacki, who will facilitate this eRetreat.
During the four weeks of Advent, participants will receive a poem, a work of art, and a musical selection to reflect on, along with a writing prompt. The only requirement for the course is love of imagination, beauty, and a longing for the day when “in the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness…and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Online retreat with Pray As You Go
Do you know that God is with you?
After a year of challenges, changes, suffering, isolation and social distancing, perhaps there’s never been a more important time to reflect on the Incarnation; to reflect on God’s incredible plan to draw as close as possible to us, by becoming one of us.
As ever, we are in collaboration with Sacred Space too, so if you’d like to listen and read step-by-step, Sacred Space will have that option for you.
Sessions last about 20-25 minutes will be released week by week.
Waiting for the Light, a book by Kayla McClurg, is a collection of 28 daily reflections for the season of Advent. In it, Kayla McClurg ponders the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love — not as lofty principles, but as concrete realities to live more deeply into day by day.
Henry Nouwen Society online book discussion
From their website: “Please plan to join us this Advent for the latest Online Book Discussion as we delve into Henri Nouwen’s “Life of the Beloved” — an inspirational meditation on living a spiritual life in a stressful and, at times, frightening world. We begin on Wednesday, November 25th for greetings and introductions. Then starting on Sunday, November 29th we’ll journey through Advent discussing and sharing insights gleaned from this ageless, yet very timely, book.”
Renovare webinar on Advent waiting
From their website: “Even in a “normal” year, it’s all too easy to find ourselves realizing midway through December that we’ve missed most of Advent. In a disorienting year like 2020, we may be even more likely to let Advent sail by unobserved. And yet, Advent has the potential to be particularly helpful this year.
Renovaré Ministry Team members Lacy Finn Borgo (a spiritual director and professor) and Kai Nilsen (a Lutheran minister) have both written and taught extensively on the gifts of the church calendar. Hosted by Carolyn Arends and guided by participant questions, Lacy and Kai will explore topics like:
How can observing (or introducing) Advent rituals help us with our disorientation?
What are some simple-but-powerful ways to practice Advent in our homes and churches?
How can we create space for both joy and lament in our Advent and Christmas seasons?”
Books recommended by UMC – A collection of Advent books from United Methodist Communications.