Current Worship SeriesEveryone Is Welcome at the TableWhen was the last time you sat at a table with a complete stranger, shared a meal, and listened to each other’s life story? On Sunday May 8 and 15, BELOVED’s Associate Minister VeAnn Clark will be leading Sunday Worship in a two-part series called Everyone Is Welcome at the Table featuring guest speakers Rev. Juanita Rasmus on May 8 and Rev. Allen V. Harris on May 15. Both of these awesome ministers share their stories, experiences, and visions of renewal, transformation, and hope. Join us at God's table of love - YOU are welcome and beloved there!
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Featured Speakers |
May 8 - Juanita Rasmus is a pastor, Spiritual Director, and contemplative with a passion for outreach to our world’s most impoverished citizens. Pastor Juanita co-pastors the St. John’s United Methodist Church located in Downtown Houston with her husband Rudy. In 2009, Juanita was diagnosed with kidney cancer, but she wasn’t afraid. Instead she waited to see what lesson the disease would bring. In August 2010, The Art Project Houston (TAPH) was launched, emerging from Juanita’s recovery from cancer. TAPH is a therapeutic art program for the homeless, hungry, and transitioning community of Houston and those concerned about their plight. During her battle to recovery, Juanita rediscovered her identity as an artist and wanted to share with others how art became such a vital part of her healing journey. Her hopes and desire for the project is to help people express their creativity and thus empowering them through artistic endeavors.
May 15 - Rev. Allen V. Harris, Regional Minister, Christian Church in Ohio and part of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance Virtual Pulpit Supply. While Allen was not the “first” in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to be ordained openly LGBTQ, nor was he the “first” to be hired in a parish setting as openly LGBTQ, he does appear to be the first to do both, and has been out as a fully-embodied queer man in all of his ministerial settings since graduating seminary. Allen has gifts and graces in many areas but is especially experienced in leading congregations and individuals through Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation, Open & Affirming, and Accessible Congregational processes. He delights in and seeks to grow in transformational leadership for non-profit organizations as well as congregations and communities of faith, using social media for mission and advocacy, and in mentoring new clergy. |
Featured Sermons |
May 8: "The Massive Living Program” by Juanita Rasmus from The Work of the People: In the Guided by Grace, Light & Love - 8 Week Series https://www.theworkofthepeople.com
May 15: “Their Voices Are In My Bones” by Rev. Allen V. Harris from Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance Virtual Pulpit Supply (originally presented May 23, 2021) http://disciplesallianceq.org |
What to Expect at BELOVED Sunday Worship
Coffee and community
You're welcome to pour yourself a hot drink as we begin with conversation, learning new names and catching up on life.
MEditation and prayer
We engage in a variety of spiritual practices to re-center and find grounding each week. We incorporate modern practices of mindfulness and the ancient practices of the Christian mystics. We always spend quality time sharing personal prayers for healing of ourselves, our families, and our world
Interactive exploration of scripture
We dive deep into scripture through contemplative reading and open-minded discussion facilitated by our experienced and talented pastors. Everyone is invited to share questions and bring personal experience to the conversation. Many of us are un-learning old, harmful teachings and finding new ways to relate to our faith. Whether listening or speaking, all are free to participate in whatever way feels right.
Communion
We celebrate the Lord's Supper at an open table where all are welcome to participate fully. Virtually, you're invited to use whatever elements you have on hand at home, such as juice and crackers or wine and bread. Families choose how their children will experience this ancient Christian spiritual practice.
Children's Worship and wonder
Kids are invited to participate in Worship and Wonder time in a Zoom "breakout" room separate from the rest of the service. Worship and Wonder invites children (age 3 to grade 3) to experience Bible stories in mindful, hands-on ways. Following the model of Sonja Stewart's "Young Children in Worship," the stories of the sacred texts are brought to life with neutral visuals, and trained storytellers gently offer the words of the stories, inviting questions and curiosity to grow.
Offerings
We gratefully welcome free will gifts in any amount by way of check, cash or online.
