From the Pastor’s Pen:
Reflections on Light and Shadows
Each Lent, faithful souls “set upon the pilgrims way” (to quote the hymn) seek new ways, new channels, new avenues of deepening our spiritual lives and drawing closer to God. It is also a time to acknowledge those things which separate us from the divine relationship we are seeking.This year, I again join Christians across the centuries who have been fascinated and inspired by the words of the 13th Century poet and mystic Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī. Often when we apply the “Christian lens” to a “non-Christian” writer, we discover how much in common mysticism and spirituality has across many cultures and a diversity of faiths. Rumi is no exception.One of his most enigmatic sayings is “to go out beyond our recall” and “make shadows that I can move in.” I’ve been intrigued by this charge for decades – wondering about types of “spiritual shadows,” what generates them, and how God can and does act within them.When we speak of shadows, often we mean darker and more difficult things. Certainly these are the places where we all most need the gentle tending of the Holy Spirit. If we contemplate the message of the Epiphany season now giving way to Lent – we can make some interesting parallels.First, Epiphany is all about LIGHT and revelation. Shadows are made when something comes between the light source and some thing else. Second, shadows are very unique to each person – and reflect their size, shape, and even type of motion. It follows that the closer we get to the divine revelation of God, the light of the Epiphany, the longer shadow we cast behind us. It is then within these shadows – our unique failures, disappointments, and shortcomings – that God finds room to transform and rebirth us. Such is the journey of Lent.THIS is precisely where Christ asks to be most at work. Sometimes it is when things are at their darkest, colorless, and seemingly hopeless in our lives that we most need God – moving and working and changing and healing.Let all of us this Lenten Season embrace the beautiful light of God’s revelation in the Epiphany of Jesus Christ. Let us ALSO be aware – and present – to how the Holy Spirit may step into OUR shadows. Here God may empower introspection and the inner “soul work” that furthers us towards the goals we would achieve in life and the person we would wish to be.May God truly be our nearer companion upon this Lenten journey – both as our light and our healer within the shadows – and may all our journey’s indeed be blessed.
The Rev. Dr. Paul St. Germain
PS: And if we’ve misplaced our shadow, James Barrie writes of a girl by the name of Wendy, who lived in Bloomsbury, and was very good at sewing them back on. At least, she once was with a little boy named Peter…
Holy Week at TrinityPalm Sunday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. – Liturgy of the Palms
Maundy Thursday March 28, 5:30 (at St. Michael’s in Auburn)
Good Friday March 29, 4:30 Stations of the Cross
Easter Sunday March 31, 10:00
Open LabyrinthThe labyrinth is now one year old! Come experience a meditative walk during Holy Week.
Palm Sunday March 24, 2-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Watch our Facebook page to stay tuned. HOSTS NEEDED: We are seeking to form a team of hosts to allow more frequent and regular open labyrinth times. If interested, learning about the tradition of labyrinths and sharing it, we would love to hear from you.INPUT REQUESTED: Your suggestions are also welcomed about when (weekday, weekend, time of day) and how often (weekly, monthly, quarterly), to open the labyrinth. Can you volunteer to host?You can respond to a quick 5 question survey HERE! Want to know more about labyrinths? Click HERE!
UPCOMING EVENTS at THE COMMONS
Contra Dances
Friday Feb 16 and March 15
7-10:00 p.m.
First hour is an all comers band and easier dance sets.
Please bring a clean pair of soft sole shoes. Dance Concert March 30
Molly Gawler and the Lissa Schneckenburger Trio
Oasis Concerts Wednesdays 12:30-1:00
2/28. Carand Burnet psychedelic surf music, electric guitar
3/13. Jerry Joe Carrier classical guitar
3/20. Dennis Moro acoustic country rock
PHOTOS: (l) Christmas Eve at Trinity 2023, (r) Easter 2023OPEN THE DOOR…WIDER Campaign Update & Thank YOU! Thanks to support from the wider community, 75 stackable, comfortable, movable, wood chairs are on order and expected to arrive in Feb or March. They are sustainably made in the USA by Peter Danko Designs.
The campaign is still open with funds still needed to repair and restore the big front door, and renovate “The Necessary” room! Checks to: Trinity Church/Commons and send to: PO Box 1402, Lewiston, ME 04243-1402. Please note “Commons Campaign” in the memo. Thank you!
LISTENING PROJECTS
Roving Listeners are people who are tasked with listening to local residents to learn about gifts and skills that people have so that we can support and grow them. For more information see the book Having Nothing, Possessing Everything by Michael Mather.
Interested in helping? We are seeking 2 local people to be paid as Roving Listeners for 3 months, and seeking volunteers to help organize the project, and take applications.
Another way to listen is to do Free Listening. It is an international program of the Urban Confessional movement. The 10th International Free Listening Day is April 11th. Want to give it a try?
TRINITY CHURCH & COMMONS As an Episcopal branch of the worldwide Jesus Movement,Trinity Church is a worshipping community that centers its life on Jesus and following him into loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, each other and creation. Whatever your race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, you are welcome here as a beloved child of God. Come visit and join in the work and the worship that sustains us. Weekly Worship: Sundays at 10:00. All are welcome.
Trinity Commons is a project to expand the use of our building to serve more broadly as a community center for the arts, and a variety of neighborhood events or programs, The space also now has a labyrinth, open to the public for quiet walking meditation, at specific times, or by reservation.