“Prayer is a small fire lit to keep cold hands warm. Prayer is a practice that flourishes both with faith and doubt. Prayer is asking, and prayer is sitting. Prayer is the breath. Prayer is not an answer, always, because not all questions can be answered. Prayer can be a rhythm that helps us make sense in times of senselessness, not offering solutions but speaking to and from the mystery of humanity . . . Prayer is words and shape and art around desperation and delight and disappointment and desire.” – Padraig O Tuama
Staying Connected in the COVID Era
Our first online Evening Worship last night was a great joy! There were 38 people there – and a few pets – which is a pretty regular sort of night for us.
Together we worshiped God through prayer, song, fellowship, a little bit of preaching, and Communion.
We’ll be working on any technological challenges from our end – and I know that many of you are still trying to figure out things from your end. We’ll get there.
News Worth Celebrating
As we mentioned in worship last night, it’s an utter delight to welcome Rev. Dollie Howell Pankey as Beloved’s Theomusicologist in Residence!
Rev. Pankey has been a familiar face at Beloved across the years, preaching and singing for us both in regular worship and at special events. You may also have seen her singing and playing at Poor People’s Campaign events or providing leadership with Greater Birmingham Ministries and Faith in Action Alabama events.
We were in the process of figuring out her role when COVID hit and mixed everybody’s routines and plans. But whether it’s online right now or in-person in the future, she will be joining in some times to share her musical gifts and her teaching and preaching insights.
#EastsideLIFELINE videos from last week
Rev. Jennifer is collaborating with four pastors from our neighboring churches on a weekly video reflection series.
Here are the videos from the past week –
Tuesday – Rev. Eva Melton, Firm Foundation – https://www.facebook.com/beloveducc/posts/2875365905876438
Wednesday – Rev. Malinda Weaver, Avondale United Methodist – https://www.facebook.com/beloveducc/posts/2878139975599031
Thursday – Rev. Sally Allocca, East Lake United Methodist – https://www.facebook.com/beloveducc/posts/2880255278720834
Friday – Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield, Woodlawn United Methodist – https://www.facebook.com/beloveducc/posts/2882446258501736
Saturday – Rev. Jennifer Sanders, Beloved Community Church, UCChttps://www.facebook.com/144209975658725/videos/657309078419564/
