Spiritual Growth is Progressive
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Keep moving forward
When Moses felt trapped with the Red Sea in front of him and the Egyptian army approaching from behind, he told everyone to "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." But the Lord surprised Moses by replying, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward." (Exodus 14:13-15)
Against all apparent odds, it was Moses stepping forward that saved his people.
Sometimes I feel pretty stuck in my spiritual life. Plagued by some fear or annoyed by someone else's issue. It can feel like the influence of the hells is holding me hostage, confusing my decisions, blocking my heart from sharing my love.
But the important thing is to keep moving forward. Not just physically, though that is certainly helpful, but mentally and emotionally. Curiosity is important. So is exploration. Being open to possibilities. It is tempting to stand still and wait for the Lord to wave a magic wand, but that is not usually how it works. As we move toward the Lord, so the Lord moves toward us and forms a partnership with us and
then leads us to new and better places in our spiritual lives.
Come this Sunday, and let's consider what the Word teaches about taking steps toward spiritual growth.
HOLY SUPPER THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday is our regular, first-Sunday-of-every-other-month Holy Supper sacrament: January, March, May, July, September, November. As usual, it will be served in as covid-safe fashion as possible, including social distancing. Thank you to Elise and Claudia for setting up the Holy Supper in the Chapel. If you can't join us in person, you can still
participate at home with your own bread and wine (or suitable alternatives).
For more information including a recipe for Holy Supper bread, go to our website under the tab for Worship>Special services: sunrisechapel.org
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CHURCH IS OPEN! with appropriate precautions
I'm very happy to see more folks feeling comfortable to come back to in-person attendance. We have had about two dozen people in the Chapel four Sundays in a row. It's so good to see you!
PRECAUTIONS: The Pima County Board of Supervisors mandates are still in effect for mask wearing and social distancing in public spaces. They say these mandates are to remain in place until 75% of the population has been vaccinated.
"Notwithstanding the Governor’s action, the Pima County resolution 2020-96 passed by the Board of Supervisors Dec. 4 is still in effect. Face coverings must be worn at all times when in public or when less than 6 feet from individuals not in the same household.
"The mask mandate will be repealed...
• ...when case counts have fallen below 10/100,000 for two consecutive weeks; and
• ...when the community vaccination rate is 75 percent or above.
At the current time, COVID-19 cases remain above 50 cases/100,000 population/week." (this report was as of April 23)
It seems hard to get specific data these days (there is so much of it!), but according to one website, "In Pima County, Arizona, 397,335 people (37.9%) have received at least one dose and 313,027 (29.9%) are fully vaccinated."
EXCEPTIONS
There are, of course, exceptions to the mask-wearing mandate. For example, I don't wear a mask when I'm preaching because I'm at least 10 feet away from anyone else, but I put it on for social time.
It's up to you, of course, to decide when the time is right to return to in-person participation. I certainly welcome you if you feel comfortable! In the meantime, please continue to participate as much as possible!
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FIRST LUNCHEON IN A LONG TIME!
Last Sunday we had our first Arizona Mountain Camp Luncheon in over a year! Thanks to Mike Villeburn, Bill Smith, Valerie Thim, and Cheri Reynolds for organizing it and to everyone else who helped with set up and clean up. What a treat to eat together again! Stay tuned for more opportunities to dine together.
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UPDATE ON PASTORAL TRANSITIONS
At this point - and things can change - the McCardells have airline tickets to arrive in Tucson (from London) on Wednesday, June 30. If they have to self-quarantine because of international travel, they won't be in church on July 4, but time will tell. We hope to have an installation service on Sunday July 11.
Elise and I are still unclear about when we will leave for Philadelphia. It depends on a variety of things including the sale of our home here in Tucson. We will keep you informed! And please stay connected in this time of transition.
"UR" the heart of the chURch!
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your care and concern, and I hope to see you soon!
With love and respect and anticipation,
Nathan
nathan@sunrisechapel.org 520-820-5148
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You can now watch our livestream on our new, improved website!
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We are experimenting with a new feature, allowing us to "embed" the upcoming livestream onto our website. It will enable you to watch the service on sunrisechapel.org on the Worship > Livestream page.
Try it! And please let me know how it goes. If you like it, share it! If you see needs for corrections or additions, let me know!
Nathan
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World Labyrinth Day - First Saturday of May
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Walk our Labyrinth on May 1 at 1 pm
Every “first Saturday of May” is World Labyrinth Day. On this day, people gather at labyrinths all over the world to “Walk as One At 1” in their time zones, in unity, and for peace and healing. We could use all the healing we can get this year, and in the years ahead.
We will have a socially distanced walk on May 1st, 2021, "Walking as One at 1." Please join us at 12:45 for a prayer for peace and healing for the world, a bottle of water, and good fellowship.
Our 5-circuit labyrinth is located outside on the northeast part of our church property, with shade and mountain views.
Sponsored by Sunrise Chapel, 8421 E Wrightstown Road, Tucson, 85715
Contact person: Tryn Rose: 602-616-5970 / trynrose@gmail.com
For a brief history of our labyrinth and other information, check our website, sunrisechapel.org.
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Help us Create a Tiled Bench Honoring Frank and Louise Rose
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Photo of "Betsy's bench".
You are invited to contribute to a new tiled bench
We would like to install a new bench at Sunrise Chapel in honor of Frank and Louise Rose. The bench will be tiled at Santa Teresa Tile Works using unique tiles that will be chosen to illustrate some of the things that Frank and Louise love about Tucson, the church, and the nature around us.
Have you seen the beautiful tiled bench that was created by the Women’s Group of Sunrise Chapel in honor of Betsy Gladish? It was placed on the East side of the Chapel at the Labyrinth, which Betsy helped create.
The cost of the bench is about $800. When we have reached our goal, a few people will go to the Tile Works to help create the bench. We will let everyone know when it is finished and ready to be placed.
If you have any questions you can contact me, Elise Gladish, at 520-820-1284. If you would like to contribute you can either write a check to Sunrise Chapel and earmark it for the “Rose Bench” and send it to Sunrise Chapel, or you can give cash or a check to me.
Elise Gladish
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Your church home for partnering with the Lord and each other in the practice of cultivating spiritual growth and choosing heavenly joy
www.sunrisechapel.org
nathan@sunrisechapel.org Office 520-298-1245
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