Nazareth Christian Fellowship
Easter ZOOM service Sunday at 5 pm
This is definitely going to be a strange Easter. My family is so used to spending a lot of this week at church. I look forward to the banners and the brass band and the flowers (even though I'm allergic to them). Instead, we will be curled up at home, watching on TV, quiet, no fancy Easter dresses, just us.
At Bible Study, our conversation turned toward our conjectures around what difference this whole global pandemic experience could have on us as a society, as a church, as individuals. We talked a bit about how experiences like this one--liminal, challenging experiences--have an ability to lead us to reconsider our priorities, what really matters. I hope that ends up being true. When all of the pageantry of Easter as we normally experience has been taken away, what is left? As one of you said yesterday, "what's left is the Gospel."
We are left with the story that inspires the rituals and celebrations of this most holy week in the Christian calendar. And the question becomes, what do we do with it? With torture and execution and an empty tomb? What do we do with the idea that death might not be the end? That there could be a love, a way of living, a hope that is greater than death?
Wherever you are this Easter--physically, emotionally, spiritually--even though we might not be gathered together in our places of worship, we are most certainly not alone. The God whose boundless imagination and love and justice--the God who calls us and walks with us--is with us this day and everyday.
As always, if you ever need to talk, I'm here. Don't hesitate to contact me. Christos anesti, dear friends. Christ is Risen.
Blessings,
Nadia
NCF Sunday worship 4/12 @ 5 pm--EASTER
Join Zoom Meeting https://naz.zoom.us/j/4928777096
Chaplain Chat with Nadia @ 2pm
https://naz.zoom.us/j/4928777096
Bible Study continues via zoom Wednesdays at 3pm!
Join Zoom Meeting https://naz.zoom.us/j/4928777096
We will be looking at texts that speak to worry, uncertainty, and transitions.
upcoming online retreats!
Retreats are great opportunities to find grounding in times of business and uncertainty. These retreat offerings will utilize one-on-one and group Zoom meetings along with short readings to address particular needs. All are welcome to participate in these offerings. No particular religious or spiritual affiliation is necessary. To sign up, please email the facilitator indicated under each description. It is our hope that these retreat offerings help you find grounding and perspective during these challenging days.
Senior Retreat 2020: May 7, 1-3 pm
During times of transitions, it is helpful to take time to think about how you have grown in a greater awareness of yourself and others. This retreat will allow you to reflect on your personal highlights, lessons, and memories of Nazareth. The annual Senior Week Retreat is a time to look back on your years at Nazareth and look ahead with confidence and joy! Facilitated by Nadia Mullin, nmullin7@naz.edu and Jamie Fazio, jfazio1@naz.edu
Enneagram Retreat: Lessons for Inner Strength in Times of Uncertainty: April 19, 1-4 pm
The Enneagram is a tool of objective self-observation and personal growth. This retreat will utilize insights of the Enneagram to help navigate your concerns and fears during this time of change and uncertainty. Previous knowledge of the Enneagram is not required. Facilitated by Nadia Mullin, nmullin7@naz.edu and Jamie Fazio, jfazio1@naz.edu
Social Distancing: An Opportunity to Discover My True Self - TBD
This retreat will utilize the spiritual writings of Thomas Merton to help you gain insight into how to live more simply in an anxious world. Merton (who Nazareth has a room dedicated to in the Library) was a twentieth-century spiritual writer, mystic, poet and monk committed to civil rights, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. Discover how you are being invited to live lives of joy rooted in a greater understanding of your True Self during this time of uncertainty. Facilitated by Jamie Fazio, jfazio1@naz.edu
Wholehearted Living Through Fear and Uncertainty - 4/26 1-3 pm
Brene Brown is a world-renowned researcher on shame and vulnerability. In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, she writes about how the acknowledgement of our imperfections and vulnerability allow us to live a more wholehearted life. Join us as we take a look at the 10 guideposts for wholehearted living and have a conversation about how life in the time of COVID-19 is challenging our sense of self, purpose, values, and goals moving forward. Facilitated by Nadia Mullin, nmullin7@naz.edu.
The Condor and the Eagle Retreat: Spiritual journey of Global South and Global North coming together to serve the earth: TBD
The spiritual knowledge of the indigenous peoples of the world brings us into deep dialogue about what does it mean to be human, what is our purpose, about the world, the future and how to we create openings for different forms of future that are not here yet but whose becoming is in our hearts to engender. This retreat invites all students who want to be part of the task of transforming ourselves, our communities, our relations, our world because they believe that a better world is possible and necessary. Facilitated by Dr. Roncero eroncer5@naz.edu
Nazareth Christian Fellowship
Email: nmullin7@naz.edu
Website: www.naz.edu/spirituality
Location: Our Address
Phone: 585-389-2306
Facebook: facebook.com/nazchristianfellowship