The mountain I was standing on was completely surrounded by a plane of fluffy, corrugated clouds stretching dozens of kilometres off into the distance. Above and beyond was clear, but all below was obscured by the cloud that started about 5 meters or so beneath me. Standing on the edge of the precipice, I had no land reference points. It was as if I was standing on the clouds themselves, an angel in heaven. I watched the setting sun cast colors onto my clouds – pinks, then golds with purples out on the far edges. It was so beautiful I held my breath so as to capture the consummate peace of this exquisite moment.

There was no great voice, no burning bush, but internally something “clicked.” I had a deep sense, a fragment of awareness, that all before me had been created, and that this creation somehow accommodated me… I, what lay before me, and its creator, were part of the same entity. A warm feeling grew inside me, a knowing that I was enjoyed as much as I was enjoying the moment… I knew this moment had been very special. I had been touched by something that was much more than a great view. It was deeper and more encompassing than anything I had ever encountered.

~ Paul Hawker, from Secret Affairs of the Soul: Ordinary People’s Extraordinary Experiences of the Sacred (p.20)

(The Transfiguration of Jesus). We read of the “mountaintop moment” experienced by Jesus and three of the disciples. This week’s scriptures reveal varied visible manifestations of God and “thin places” (in Celtic spirituality) where the veil between the holy and the ordinary is thin or lifted and earth and heaven seem to meet.

The challenge is to be present in those thin place moments that are given to us. Be aware that there will be a great variety of spiritual experiences within your group. Invite members to talk about their experiences if they wish, being sensitive not to pressure those who prefer not to share. Pray that group members will continue to grow in discipleship and in the knowledge of God’s transforming power.

• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage.
• “Art as Thin Places” (Adult and Ages 15-18 article) introduces some ways in which art can move people into those sacred, “thin spaces.” The media presentation, Flowing Auroras Over Norway, offers another way to experience a “thin place” (available for projection on Ages 15-18 supplement disk).

• Option: use the paraphrase “Jesus on the Mountaintop” (p.74) based on Mark 9:2-8 from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download
• “Transfiguration” (Adult), “On the Mountaintop” (Ages 15-18), “Moses and Elijah” (Ages 12-14), “Transfiguration Characters” (Ages 9-11) resource sheets give background and insight to “transfiguration” experiences in the scriptures.

Some of the many options for exploring Jesus’ transfiguration and “thin place” moments:

• Ages 3-5: transfiguration story puppets, window hanger or response centre
• Ages 6-8: dramatic story and mobiles or sun catchers
• Ages 9-11: art engagement or mobiles or sun catchers
• Multiage: listening games and mobiles or painting reflection or making necklaces
• Ages 12-14: creating symbols or window hangers
• Ages 15-18: experiencing the story and exploring “thin places” or response centre
• Adult: biblical research, art engagement, contemporary insight, and/or personal reflection

• Choose songs to listen to such as “Invocation” (#5) “Pulsing Spirit” (#7) and “Spirit of Life” (#27) on the Seasons Vol. 7 Music CD or available as an mp3 download) that evoke a “thin place” or “transformative” moment for you.
• Response Centre: the mystery of thin place experiences is sometimes hard to express in words. Use art and craft materials to create symbols and images that can portray the concept of “mystery.” If this is done as a group activity display these creations in the church hall.

Lent 1: February 26 – Blessed Connections

Focus: Genesis 9:8-17

The natural world carries messages of God’s grace. We encounter some of these messages in the readings through Lent (beginning with this week’s story of Noah and the rainbow). Ancient people understood that all creation fell and rose together, what affected one species affected all – human actions had planetary and even cosmic implications.

Lent can prompt sober reflection on the brokenness around us. Where can we see violence and division dismembering creation? How are we complicit in that brokenness? And what actions can we begin that might help us re-member again the covenant of grace?

For SeasonsFUSION (which inspires worship in a setting for all ages) see the SeasonsFUSION blog and sign up to receive the SeasonsFUSION tip of the week.

Become familiar with the material which begins on February 26

• Look at the Planning section on the website for the Season at a Glance (for Encore) chart, as well as registration forms, attendance charts, lectionary bookmarks
• Visit the Library on the website and download the Age 3 Supplement.
• Become familiar with the posters and storytelling resources for Lent. Read the “About the Art” article after you lay the posters out before you.

Your feedback is important to us. Please complete the Evaluation form in the Library to offer comments on what worked well and suggestions for improvement.