Friday, May 28, 2021

Upper Room Liturgy - Trinity Sunday 2021 - Presiders: Debra Trees, ARCWP, and Suzanne De Froy, ARCWP

Please join us between 9:30 and 9:55 am via Zoom
Here is the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155
phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 825 1215 9155

Deb Trees. Welcome everyone, to the Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community for this Trinity Sunday, 2021. Suzanne DeFroy and Deb Trees are leading us today. This is Memorial Day Weekend in the United States. We remember our family and friends who are no longer with us, and of course those who made the sacrifice while serving our country. We also think of our special awareness of the Triune God in Christian Tradition. The Creator, Lover and Spirit. Please join us and participate with us as we celebrate the Holy One in our midst.

Opening Song:  By Breath by Sara Thomsen 


https://youtu.be/5HgOJiJRKMM

 

LITURGY OF THE WORD 

  

Tim Perry Coons. First Reading

 

I am the mind and the rest

I am the learning from my search

And the discovery of those seeking me

In my understanding of the angels

Who were sent on my word

And the Gods in God, according to my design

And spirits of all men who exist with me

And the women who live in me

I am she who is revered and adored

And she who is reviled with contempt

I am peace and war exists because of me

I am foreigner and a citizen of the city

I am being

I am she who is nothing

Those who participate in my presence, don’t know me

Those who share in my being know me.

 

These are the inspired words of the storyteller in The Thunder: Perfect Mind from the New New Testament by Hal Taussig (4:10- 16)


Alleluia    Dennis McDonald


Jean Albert.  A reading from the Gospel of John

In the beginning, “That which came into being in the Word was life and the life was the light of humanity; and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness never overpowered it.”

During the last days of Jesus’ life, Thomas asked, “We do not know where you are going Master, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.  If you recognize me, you will know my Father also; from now on you know him, indeed you have already seen him”.

Philip asked, “Master, show us the Father and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been all this time among you and yet you Philip have not recognized me? The person who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, then, ‘Show us the Father? Do you believe that I am the Father and the Father in me? In giving you my teaching I am not speaking on my own authority; but the Father himself, living in me, does his own work.  In truth I tell you, the person who believes in me will herself do the work that I am doing; and she will do greater work still, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in my name, I will do. If you love me, you will keep my commandments and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper, to be with you always – the spirit of truth.  The world cannot receive this Spirit, because it does not recognize it, but you recognize it, because it is with you, and is in you.  I will not leave you bereaved; I will come to you.”

These are the inspired words of the anonymous storyteller we call John and the community affirms the by saying Amen.


Shared Homily - Suzanne De Froy


How can we understand and believe in the Holy Trinity?  In the ancient scripture The Thunder: Perfect Mind that was found at Nag Hammadi in 1945, we are reminded of the everlasting interplay of the ‘oneness’ of spirit within the countless realities of Divine creation and physical manifestations.  We also find light and darkness being experienced in living every day.  Thunder speaks of hope for seekers to find rest within struggles by ‘learning’ and ‘sharing’.  Eventually ‘Gods in God’ may be discovered:  the Divine Trinity with the Creator, the physical manifestation of the earthly Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

Believing in possibilities, John also gives us hope at the beginning of his Gospel, when he has echoed Thunder by introducing God by saying, “I am a light that shines in the darkness and the darkness never overpowers it’.  The disciples witnessed the Divine’s light that was working through Jesus.  Yet during His last days, the disciples, who are themselves seekers of the Divine’s essence, do not seem convinced in the new reality they have been experiencing.  They continue to doubt and question where they can find the Creator, known to them as Father.  Jesus explained that the Creator is alive always, not only in Jesus but in them as well.  And those who choose to live His teachings of love and compassion will shine a light on the darkness so the “spirit of truth” may be deeply received.  This was a profound promise that His legacy will live on, long past His death because every person who believes Him, “will herself do the work He has done; and much greater.”

There are other teachings about the mystical dimensions of Divinity available to all.  In scripture we hear that Jesus met a Samaritan woman at the well and they had a conversation. He answered her questions by explaining that God is forever present to her because, “God is Spirit.”  Truth was embodied in Jesus, revealing the mystery of the Divine Trinity at that very moment. 

Do you too have an experience of meeting the Divine that you would like to share?

Shared Homily

  

Sharon Beneteau. Statement of Faith 

 

We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery 
beyond all definition and rational understanding, 
the heart of all that has ever existed, 
that exists now, or that ever will exist. 
 
We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word, 
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion, 
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's 
prophets, mystics, and saints. 
 
We believe that We are called to follow Jesus 
as a vehicle of divine love, 
a source of wisdom and truth, 
and an instrument of peace in the world. 
 
We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One, 
the life that is our innermost life, 
the breath moving in our being, 
the depth living in each of us. 
 
We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now, 
stretched out all around us for those 
with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it, 
and hands to make it happen. 

 

Deb:  As we prepare for the sacred meal, we voice our intentions beginning with the words, “We bring to the table…..”  

Dennis: We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen.  

Deb: Please join in praying the Eucharistic prayer together:  

 

O Holy One, you have birthed us in goodness, gifted us with life and cherished us in love. In the heart of our being, your Spirit dwells; a Spirit of courage and vision, a Spirit of wisdom and truth. 
 

In the power of that same Spirit, we lift our hearts in prayer, invoking anew the gift of wisdom and enlightenment, that we may continue to praise and thank you, in union with all who sing the ancient hymn of praise: 

 

Holy Holy Holy by Karen Drucker

https://youtu.be/nTewBnxBy30


Holy One, we see around us the work of your hands, the fruit of your wisdom and love. The unfolding story of creation witnesses unceasingly to your creative power.  We, your creatures, often deviate from that wisdom, thus hindering your creative presence in our midst. 
 
Sending among us Jesus, our brother, you birth afresh in our world the power of Sophia-Wisdom, and in the gift of Your Spirit, your creative goodness blooms anew, amid the variety and wonder of life. 
 

Suzanne: Please extend your hands in blessing.  

 
We invoke Your Spirit upon the gifts of this Eucharistic table, bread of the grain and wine of the grape, that they may become gifts of wisdom, light and truth which remind us of our call to be the body of Christ to the world. 


On the night before he faced his own death and for the sake of living fully, Jesus sat at the Seder supper with his companions and friends.  He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly within them, he bent down and washed their feet.

All lift their plate and pray the following:

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the Passover bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying:

Take and eat; this is my very self.

All lift their cup and pray the following:

Deb: He then raised high the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying: 

Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you.

What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives, as we share communion, we will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge.

(consume bread and wine)

Communion Deep Peace by Sara Thomsen   https://youtu.be/u1ZncDXIBJA 



Deb: In faith and hope we are sustained; in grace and dignity reclaimed. In praise, we thank you. 
 
In union with all peoples living and dead, we unite our thoughts and prayers, asking wisdom and courage: 
- to discern more wisely your call to us in the circumstances of our daily lives; 
- to act justly and courageously in confronting the pain and suffering that desecrates the Earth and its peoples; 
- to take risks in being creative and proactive on behalf of the poor and marginalized; 
- and to love all people with generosity of heart, beyond the labels of race, creed and color. 
 
And may we ever be aware and alert to the new things Your Spirit makes possible in us, as our world unfolds amid pain and beauty, into the fullness of life to which all are called, participating in the wise and wonderful work of co-creation. 
 

Like Jesus, we will open up wide all that has been closed about us, and we will live compassionate lives, for it is through living as Jesus lived, that we awaken to your Spirit within, moving us to glorify you, O Holy One, at this time and all ways. 

Amen.  

 


Kathy Worotny: Let us pray the prayer Jesus: 

 

O Holy One, who is within, around and among us,

We celebrate your many names.

Your Wisdom come.

Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us,

Each day you give us all we need;

You remind us of our limits, and we let go.

You support us in our power, and we act with courage.

For you are the dwelling place within us, 

the empowerment around us,

and the celebration among us, now and forever.  Amen  

(Miriam Therese Winter)   

 

 

BLESSING

Suzanne: Let us pray together our Blessing for Trinity Sunday

May the God of mystery increase your longing for understanding, May the God made manifest in Jesus the Christ increase your compassion, May the God of mission increase your zeal for truth and justice, And may God the Holy Trinity, bless, preserve and keep you, today and always. Amen


Closing: Glory to God  

https://youtu.be/uLyAzS7FThk




Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Moment of Oneness - May 26, 2021


photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

7:00pm EST

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656
Opening Prayer

“There will be no love dying here!”   


Opening Prayer: 


My soul will not be quieted.

It is a restless seeker for the Love that only it remembers from the womb.

When, my Beloved, will I see your face and feel your presence within me?

With gratitude and love I extol your steadfast hold of me as I walk and rest throughout the day and night.

Beloved, let not my fear and sorrow of these times keep me from radiating your light.

Strengthen and guide me dearest Creator and Oneness of all things. In you, I hope. (Psalm 42- Reinterpreted in a Pandemic, Deven Horne)


Reading:


 "...the expression of sorrow is an expression of love. You mourn what you love. Grief for the world and love for the world are two sides of the same coin. Inseparable…. If you try to pave over the pain because it hurts or pathologize it or drug it then you are losing touch with that great love which, as you experience it, is the great reciprocity at the heart of the universe. It is a two-way street. As you allow yourself to love your world it is loving you back. It is here to discover like jewels in this time of darkness"
                                                                                                                                                                     - Joanna Macy


Silent Reflection:


Intentions:


Warrior-Spirit Prayer of Awakening. . . . Response – May it be so.


May all beings be granted the strength, determination and wisdom to extinguish anger and reject violence as a way. Response – May it be so.


May all suffering cease and may I seek, find, and fully realize the love and compassion that already lives within me and allow them to inspire and permeate my every action. Response – May it be so.


May I exercise the precious gift of choice and the power to change [as] that which makes me uniquely human and is the only true path to liberation. Response – May it be so.


May I swiftly reach complete, effortless freedom so that my fearless, unhindered action be of benefit to all. Response – May it be so.


May I lead the life of a warrior. Response – May it be so.

Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Sensei


Silence to add your own intentions.

Closing Prayer: 

Beloved soul mate, you have time and time again showed us how much you love us through your suffering with us and your celebration with us. You have told us not to be afraid and that just as you have cared for the single feather on each bird’s head and each blade of grass and flower in all of your creation, so too do you love deeply for us. May we hold tightly to this promise and walk with faith in your love in this community ever planting your desires.


Song – There Will Be No Love Dying Here by Gregory Porter


https://youtu.be/w0cwxyr6ejQ
 


Friday, May 21, 2021

Upper Room Liturgy - Pentecost 2021 - Presiders: Terri Kersch and Lindy Sanford-Martinez, ARCWP

Please join us between 9:30 and 9:55 am via Zoom
Here is the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82512159155
phone-in for (audio only).Phone Number: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 825 1215 9155


Welcome:Terri:  As we come together this morning, let’s take a moment to breathe deeply and to smile into each other’s radiant and expectant face. We are gathering today as a group of believers in one place, via zoom.  As we celebrate Pentecost, may we open our hearts and minds to the breath of the Holy One – receiving its encompassing embrace and flame of wisdom.

 

Theme: Lindy”    We will begin today with celebrating our own history.  Oh, we have grown!  Some of us may not know how it all began...this congregation of people who choose to be inclusive, just, and loving!


Then we will listen with our ears, our minds, and our hearts...as the Spirit makes Her presence known. We will bring our concerns to the table, share bread and wine, and open ourselves to the Flame of Love the Holy One has placed burning with us.



History of The Upper Room:  Mary   Today is Pentecost and we also celebrate the Birthday of the Upper Room.  The Upper Room, not yet named, began in Mary Theresa Streck’s living room in 2013. Mary Theresa continued her and her beloved Jay’s tradition of home church. Mary Theresa’s house was overflowing. By the time Mary Theresa was ordained on September 15, 2013 we were celebrating at the Unitarian Church once a month on Sundays at 2pm.


  The Spirit was strong and was calling our community to create our own space.  In the spring of 2014 we moved to River St. in Troy.  We replaced monthly Sunday afternoon liturgy with monthly Sunday morning liturgy. It was not long before we began celebrating every Sunday morning. Diarmuid O’Murchu, author and social psychologist, was in Albany for a conference. He came to the Upper Room and celebrated Pentecost with us that year. Diarmuid offered the phrase “I bring to the table” and it has been part of our Eucharistic celebration ever since.  Our Theology of Blessing was evolving as our community was growing.


  We still needed to name ourselves.  Honoring our value of inclusivity, we had several community discussions and many names were suggested.  The Spirit led us to choose the name “The Upper Room”.


  In the fall of 2016 our lease was unexpectedly not renewed and we had to find another place to gather.  After an extensive search and discussion, we found The New Covenant Fellowship Hall.  As they say, “and the rest is history”!  But not quite, Covid-19 forced another transition and here today we are telecommuting the celebration of Pentecost and our 8th birthday. Everything is upside down and there are still so many unknowns.  What we do know no matter where we gather, we are community, we are The Upper Room.


Pause


Opening Song “Prepare ye the Way of the Lord.”


https://youtu.be/21FhZIZELr0


Liturgy of the Word


First Reading:  Dottie – A reading from Mark Hart


“Pentecost is a celebration of God’s desire to empower us and dwell with us.”


These are the inspired words of Mark Hart.  The Community affirms these words by saying AMEN.


Second Reading: Ed or Margaret – A reading from an author who remains anonymous


“The mystery of God hugs us in its all-encompassing arms.” 

 

These are the inspired words of one who remains anonymous.  The community affirms these words by saying AMEN.

 

Third Reading: Ellen – A reading from the writings of Hildegard of Bingen


“I am the fiery life of the essence of God.  I am the flame afire.  The beauty of the fields.

 I shine in the waters.  I burn in the sun, the moon and the stars.

 With the airy wind I quicken all things vitality by an unseen, all sustainable life.” 

 

These are the words of the Holy One as heard by Hildegarde of Bingen.  The community affirms these words by saying AMEN!

 

 Dennis:  Alleluia



Gospel  Bernie  


A Reading from the Gospel of John. 


On the evening of that first day of the week,

when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,

Jesus came and stood in their midst

and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

When he had said this, he showed

them his hands and his side.

the disciples rejoiced when they saw the  Lord.

Jesus said to them again.  “Peace be with you.

As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

And when he had said this, he breathes on them and said to them,

“Receive the Holy Spirit.”


These are the inspired words of the anonymous storyteller we call John and the community affirms them by saying AMEN.


Homily Starter - Lindy


I awoke a couple of weeks ago on a grey, cloudy day...I was crabby….full of worry about everything...really...everything! I made blessed coffee, hoping it would wash away some of the stress I felt. It didn’t. It crossed my mind that it was spring and if I looked out the window I might see something that would cheer me up. The minute I lifted my eyes something inside me whispered “Every is always changing.” I am still thinking about that!

So much has changed in the last year and a half or so ... deeply disturbing us all, even the whole world. Just like the women and men the writer called John tells us about today, we are struggling. We aren’t sure how to...where to... when to … work, socialize, help the poor, promote safe law enforcement, stop our government from neglecting and abusing immigrating children…. Do what is right…...do enough...even live the Way Jesus suggested...and much, much more. We just aren't sure how to...

We rarely notice, or even understand that we, like all nature, change every single moment. We hunger for help to become who we want to be... to know what to do...…We rarely notice that help is here, right now!

The Great Mystery we call God holds us in Her all-encompassing arms….wanting to inspire us! If we look in the beauty of nature ,... sparkling water... the brightness in the moon, the sun, and the stars...take in the wonderful scent of water bubbling out of a spring, a loaf of bread lifted out of a warm oven, or the aroma of a rose in the morning... listen to the birds and the softest breeze... if we hold our minds and our hearts open with curiosity and hope...we will notice Her reminding us that every little kindness changes the world…

She will quicken us with the flame afire in Her love …. teaching us things filled with possibility and hope... about ourselves and our world...things we never expected.

  

Closure:  Terri

 

Susan D.  Let us pray our Statement of Faith together

 

All: We believe in one God, a divine mystery

beyond all definition and rational understanding,

the heart of all that has ever existed,

that exists now, or that ever will exist.

 

We believe in Jesus, messenger of God's Word,

bringer of God's healing, heart of God's compassion,

bright star in the firmament of God's

prophets, mystics, and saints.

 

We believe that We are called to follow Jesus

as a vehicle of God's love,

a source of God's wisdom and truth,

and an instrument of God's peace in the world.

 

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

The life of God that is our innermost life, 

the breath of God moving in our being.

The depth of God living in each of us.

 

We believe that God's kin-dom is here and now,

stretched out all around us for those

with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,

and hands to make it happen.

 

Liturgy of the Eucharist

 

Dennis: As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to this table our blessings, cares and concerns.  


We pray for these and all unspoken intentions…. Amen.

 


Liturgy of the Eucharist

 

Lindy:  Father/Mother of Light, from whom every gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind by the flam of your wisdom.  Open the horizons of our minds.  

 

Terri:  We are a priestly people. We are anointed. With open hands let us pray our Eucharistic prayer as one voice:

 

O Nurturing, Mothering one, You are always with us. We are grateful for Your constant loving and unconditional presence. At times we forget that You are holding us, attending to us. We fall and You pick us up. You send strangers, friends, and family to our aid. We are never without Your Light and Spirit.

 

We experience great joy and we experience great pain and suffering. You are with us in the joy and the pain and suffering. When we experience Your presence, we long to sing our hymn of praise: 

 

Holy, Holy, Holy  Here in this Place by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ 


Lindy: Creator and Lover of all beings, we cannot grow in the darkness of this world without Your Light. Our desire to be in Your light is a gift from You. Help us keep our hearts and minds open to You through our love and care for each other and all creation.

 

Terri: Please extend your hands in blessing.

 

This bread and wine is a sign of Your nourishment and a sign of Your great love. Your Spirit is upon us and we belong to You and one another.

 

We thank you for Jesus, simple servant, lifting up the lowly, revealing you as God-With-Us, revealing us as one with you, and all creation.

 

Lindy: On the night before he died, Jesus gathered for the Seder supper with the people closest to him. Like the least of household servants, he washed their feet. Once again, he showed us how to love one another.

 

All lift the plate and pray:

 

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread, and offered it to them saying: 

Take and eat, this is my very self.

(Pause)

 

All lift the cup and pray:

 

Terri: Then he took the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:

Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you.

 

 By Your Spirit we are transformed.  Every time we share this bread and wine we choose to be transformed. We choose to love as You love us.

 

Through him, we have learned how to live.

Through him, we have learned how to love.

Through him, we have learned how to serve.  AMEN.

 

Lindy:  Please receive communion saying: “The Holy One embraces me.”


Communion song: You Are the Face of God by Karen Drucker


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPT7687_yko
 

 

Lindy: Loving Source of our being, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice. We live justly, we love tenderly, we walk with integrity in Your Presence.

 

Phyllis: Let us pray together the prayer of Jesus:

 

O Holy One, who is within, around, and among us, we celebrate your many names. Your wisdom come. Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us. Each day you give us all that we need. You remind us of our limits, and we let go. You support us in our power, and we act with courage. For you are the dwelling place within us, the empowerment around us, and the celebration among us, now and forever. Amen.

Miriam Therese Winter

 

Lindy: Closing Prayer


Nurturing one

We thank you for the earth’s vegetation enfolded in your warmth.

We thank you for earth’s creatures encircled in your loving arms.

We thank you for all those women and men who mothered us.

May we always remain in your everlasting community of love. Amen

 


BLESSING

 

TerriPlease extend your hands and pray our blessing together.

  

May we continue to be the Face of God to each other. May the certainty of our connectedness to one another and all creation ignite us to love more fully. May those who nurtured us be remembered with love today and always.  May we, like Jesus, persist in love and be a blessing for all.  All: Amen.

 

Closing Song  “Day by Day”

https://youtu.be/P3PjfBQjJT8