Sabbatical

#ServiceShirk

I’m reaching the end of my intended #ServiceShirk which was planned to last from Christmas Day to Holy Week. It’s been a great opportunity to explore different forms of Christian spirituality and practice away from the entertainment – and passivity – of a conventional church service setting.

This Sunday was an exploration of Sabbath and silence using Wayne Muller’s fine book, “Sabbath – Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives”, as a starting point.

Wayne Muller - Sabbath

The book has some great insights into the different ways that people, across cultures, have built structured space and simplicity into their daily lives.

I’ve also been enjoying Anne D. LeClaire’s wonderful “Listening Below The Noise: The Transformative Power of Silence”.

Listening Below The Noise

Next Sunday sees a return to Church for Palm Sunday and, of course, the events of Holy Week will follow. This #ServiceShirk has been great and far more fulfilling and spiritually challenging than the usual hour and a quarter in the pews. That needs some examination. Watch this space for what’s happening after Easter 🙂