Friday Five-Time Out Edition

Mary & Martha
Jesus Martinez Gordo

The RevgalBlogPals are asking how we take time out just before facing the activities of Holy Week: Jesus was great at teaching us to take time out, even in that last week, right up to Maundy Thursday he withdrew, John's gospel tells us he hid! He hid not because he was afraid, but because he knew that he needed physical, mental and spiritual strength to get through... so faced with a busy week:

1. What restores you physically? Figure Skating. The thing about skating is that you need to be thinking about what every part of your body is doing and there's no room in my brain for all the other stressful stuff. Also working in the garden. Right now it's still cold and not much to do - though I've been doing a little outdoor clean up.
Ivy over at Claimed Gathered and Sent reminded me that naps are good too!


2. What strengthens you emotionally/ mentally? Learning something new. Going away to hear a really smart and inspirational speaker is best, but reading, listening to a good Learning Company CD works.

3. What encourages you spiritually? Worship. Good Worship. Good Liturgical Worship. I don't get to experience the Good Liturgical Worship very often, so I've learned to be fed by worship. If it's worship, then it's good.

4. Share a favourite poem or piece of music from the coming week

Sunday: "All Glory Laud and Honour"
Maundy Thursday: I always end the service with "Go to Dark Gethsemane" but leave out the last verse because it's about the resurrection!
Good Friday - It's not Good Friday unless we sing "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" I also love "Ah Holy Jesus"

5.There may be many services for you to attend/ lead over the next week, which one are you most looking forward to?
My favorite service is the Sunday of the Passion. We simple read the Passion story from whichever Gospel we are covering in the Lectionary. This year it is Paul. And we sing verses from "O Sacred Head Now Wounded", "Go to Dark Gethsemane", and "In the Hour of Trial" interspersed with the reading. It's a very moving service for me. The story of the Passion of Christ never ceases to move me.