Pathetic Spiritual Practice

We are in times of great change and uncertainty. Our schedules are upended. Our nerves are frayed. Now more than ever, we need tools to nurture our spirit — even small, imperfect ones. Join Rev. Denise as she helps us explore what spiritual practice really is. Do you have one? What makes it a practice, rather than something you do once in a while? What are the benefits — and what if you’re worried you can’t add one more thing to your list? What if even a tiny, “pathetic” effort was enough to count as a spiritual practice? Rev. Denise promises that even a minimal, low-effort — even pathetic — spiritual practice can make more space in your life. [Image from Wikimedia Commons]

You’re invited to download this handout ahead of the service: We’ll color chalices and make lists of spiritual practices. There will be paper copies of the chalices available in the sanctuary.

Worship Associate: Kirsten Johnson; Music: Denise Jacobs, David Henry, Kirsten Johnson

  • The Share the Plate for Sundays Sept 27th and Oct 4th is Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving Baskets. This is the place in our schedule where this recipient fits best and the money can be delivered in time to help.  The Goodman Community Center on the near east side has been giving away Thanksgiving baskets for decades, providing families with everything they need to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. They started by serving several hundred families. This year they will serve four thousand – that’s more than 25,000 Dane County residents (including more than 10,000 children!

Share the Plate – click to donate

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Order of Service

  • Gathering Song  “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” #188
  • Welcome
  • Prelude 
  • Call to Worship
  • Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
  • Centering in Beauty
  • Shared Music  “Gather the Spirit” #347 (gray hymnal)
  • Time for All Ages  “Spiritual Practice Chalices” with Rev. Denise Cawley
  • Shared Music  “Meditation on Breathing” #1009 (teal hymnal)
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions William Ellery Channing and Marisol Caballero
  • Reflection 
  • Offering 
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Shared Music  “All Will Be Well” (Sing Out Love)
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction