Exploring the theme for July — Play — in worship.
July 7 “Embracing Delight and Playfulness” with Friction Farm (Christine Stay & Aidan Quinn)
Too often we think playing is just for kids, not a worthwhile use of our grown-up time. We think our time should be productive. Play is not just about having fun and finding joy. It is also part of a fully stocked toolbox for facing the challenges of life with courage, resilience, and energy.
July 14 “The Blessing of Fitting Rooms, and Other Ways to Grow Faith”
A fitting room is a gift because it allows us to try on something new and different, and playfully to get to know our own style. Likewise with new ideas and long-held beliefs. In this worship service we play with trying on ideas, and learn to create fitting rooms anywhere we go.
July 21 “Playing in the Midst of Struggle: To Your Tents, O Israel” with Rev. David Key
Play is defined as engaging in activity for enjoyment and recreation. One of John Lewis’ most famous quotes was “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America”. How do you mix these two? Reflecting on my own life of activism, I will talk about how I have enjoyed most every moment of it.
Are you seeking more ways to explore this month’s theme of Play?
Are you seeking more ways to explore the theme of play?
Consider reflecting on these quotes:
They are enlightened who join in this play knowing it as play, for people suffer only because they take as serious what the gods made for fun. – Alan Watts
To play is to listen to the imperative inner force that wants to take form and be acted out without reason. It is the joyful, spontaneous expression of oneself. – Michelle Cassou and Stewart Cubley
To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it! – Charlie Chaplin
I tell you; we are here on Earth to fart around and don’t let anybody tell you different. – Kurt Vonnegut
Some questions you may use as a prompt for conversation or for a journal entry follow:
- What makes something play for you? Is it: When you feel free from the burden of producing an outcome? When creativity is involved? When you lose time? When you can just be yourself? All of the above? Something else?
- What forms of childhood play have lasted into your adulthood? What has enabled that? What is the opposite of play?
- Who helps you feel playful, or keeps you playful?
- Are you a good winner? How about a good loser?
