The Way of Love was proposed as the “primary focus of their congregational work and ministry in the coming year” at the 2018 Diocesan convention and the basis “to equip us better for more effective Christian ministry.”
The Vestry adapted this into “Walk in Love” for our Parish goal for 2024. It divides the topic into 4 seasons that fits our lectionary cycle
“The Way of Love” can fit into a weekly series of activities:
Sunday – Worship
1. Worship at St. Peter’s
2. Volunteer for a lay ministry – Altar Guild, Lector, Flower Guild, Chalice Bearer
3. Linger before leaving worship today. Ask God to prepare and send you to go out into the world to witness to God’s love.
4. Pay attention during worship. What part of the gathering fills your heart?
5. Take your bulletin home and see how you can extend the church experience during the week
Monday – Go
1. Take time to listen closely to someone you may not ordinarily take seriously, or who has a different perspective than you
2. Read or watch your local news. Where is reconciliation needed? Pray for healing..
3. Pray for the homeless and those in need of shelter
4. Choose to take a different route to work, to school, or to play today. Who or what did you encounter differently?
Tues – Pray
1. Set a timer for five minutes. Silently repeat this prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
2. Join a family member or friend for 10 minutes for prayer, either in person or by phone.
3. Create a prayer circle or participate in an alternate form of form such as Lectio Divina
Wed – Learn
1. Come to Bible Study
2. Read the Daily Office
3. Read Forward Movement.
4. Choose a book from the library to read
Thurs. – Bless
1. Practice a random act of kindness
2. Identify a blessing you have that you could give away. Then share this blessing with your church, a local ministry, or your community.
3. Call or write a family member with whom you desire a closer relationship. Tell them what they mean to you. Ask how you can pray for them.
Fri – Turn
1. Reflect: Where have 1 fallen short this week? How can 1 make amends?
2. Turn away from the busyness of the week and turn toward someone who gives you life or to whom you give life. Give thanks.
3. Read the Confession (BCP 352) in an unfamiliar location – in the park, at work, at school, or on the bus.What does the prayer inspire you to turn from in that location? What does it inspire you to turn toward?
Sat – Rest
1. Do something that replenishes your spirit.
2. On this day of rest, pause and breathe deeply with a friend or family member. Give thanks for the restorative power of love.
3. How can you or your community open yourselves to people in need of rest and relief from overwork? From oppression? From violence?