Contemplative Gathering Stations [Justin]
Purpose: To allow people to explore Christian spirituality in a multisensory, move-at-your-own-pace environment of immersion in Christian word, symbol, and practice.
Format: 12 or so stations set up in a large but cozy room.
Stations:
1. Confession/Release: Write sins or burdens on a plastic card with a wet-erase marker. Drop into a basin of water (symbolizing baptism) at the foot of a cross.
Text: Name your sins and burdens, and make them Christ’s. Release them to him, and allow them to be dealt with by his victory over and through death.
2. Prayer wall: Panels or posters on walls for people to write prayers on, either directly or using post-it notes.
Text: Offer your prayers of thanksgiving, desperation, longing, peace, gratitude. [The prayers themselves serve as the primary text for this installation]
3. Incense/Prayer: Pray silently or in writing while lighting incense.
Text: Rev 8:(3) [The] angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. (4) The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

4. Candles/Pray for someone: Candles to light with a prayer for a loved one.
Text: Light a candle as you remember a loved one in prayer.
5. Communion bread: Participation in the broken body of Christ.
The body of Christ - take and eat. “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
6. Communion wine: Participating in the blood of Christ with wine or grape juice.
Text: Remember the blood of Christ, poured out for our forgiveness.
7. Reconnection/Healing relationships: Write a letter to someone you are on bad terms with, to start the healing process. Paper, pens, envelopes, stamps, and mailbox available. Also put out Europe postcards
Text: Take the first steps toward healing in a relationship.
8. Discipline/One Thing: Make an effort to work on one thing in your spiritual life. Wallet-sized cards available.
Text: Choose One Thing to focus on in your spiritual life. Write a reminder to yourself.
9. Baptism: Remember your baptism. Bowl of water to dip finger in and make the sign of the cross.
Text: Romans 6:4 “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
10. Spiritual Topography: Topo maps to set the mood; graphs to draw a line chart of your spiritual ups and downs.
Textt: Chart your spiritual journey’s ups and downs. Pray for the road ahead.
What do you think? I’d like to have 10 to 12 stations set up, with CD players and contemplative music (e.g. Harp46) available.


Looks great! I wish more folk would do this kind of thing…
Excellent! I’d be interested to hear how it goes. Do you think it would be a regular thing or just a one off?
Excellent ideas for initiating Contemplation in the Gathering. I wonder, though, about the validity of introducing these concepts to those outside the Church? Are these elements meant for those who are only “trying out” the ideas of Christianity or for those who have already entered in into the Community of faith?
In other words, are these meant to be Missional or Ministerial?
Dude, this sounds awesome. Where would this kind of gathering be incorporated into Metro Model 3.10?
Very impressive. I can see it creating a very immediate sense of God’s presence and call on our lives. One suggestion is that step 12 could encompass our call to mission and service.
This will be powerful. I experienced something very similar last year called, “Six Steps” (cf. 2 Sam. 6:13) — put on by Flipside. It was incredible.
But what I like most about your approach is the “intentionalization” as well as the “take-home” value. You’ve gotta let us know how it comes off.
If I credit you, will you let me use your idea at one of our upcoming gatherings at Paradox?
i love the ideas. sometimes christians think symbolism like that is wrong. i think that it only helps emphasize what we are doing or saying. i attend a church of christ, where symbolism and those sorts of more orthodox elements are not involved, other than communion of course. i was on vacation with my family over christmas, and on christmas eve we went to an episcpal church for their candle light service. i enjoyed it thoroughly, mainly because of the more reverent feel. i think more “back to basics” churches focus more on God as our “Abba”, while more orthodox churches focus more on God as our holy, sovereign Lord. we could do well to have a medium between the two.
I would echo the above question: For whom is this intended?
Your purpose–To allow people to explore Christian spirituality. . .–can only logically be extended to Christians. A non-Christian cannot explore “Christian spirituality” without first being a part of it. Instead, all that a non-Christian will bring to each of these stations will not be Christian except insofar as they have Christ within them.
My point: Christianity is a state of being, not an adjective.
(I would also quibble with the term “spirituality” but then you’d think I’m just a cantankerous blowhard.)
Oh, Cliff - I already think that! =)
Seriously, this is a critical question - who is this intended for, and does it really make sense to offer Christian symbol and practice to non-Christians?
My answer got too long for a comment, so it’s now a new post here. Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
Aaron-
I’m not sure how anything fits into the Metro model any more. I’m not completely down on models, though, so I would have to say it’s probably under the “Seminars, Workshops, and Spiritual Retreats” heading, though of course my late-modern megachurch library is leaking into the model there.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Good to see you, too, Andrea.
March 10, 2005 City of Lights , Orlando Florida.
Aleluya! Amen! Aleuzenev!
It is written:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel (Good News), and with the trump of GOD (WORD in the BIBLE) and the dead in CHRIST shall raise first, (spiritually death shall know it first). Then we which are alive (spiritually know the CHRIST) and remain (believing) shall be caught up together with them in the CLOUDS (will be communicating with them in the confusion), to meet the Lord in the air (understand GOD mercy and love through the airwaves); and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 2 Thessalonians 4:6-18.
Read and understand now:
“Behold My servant, whom I uphold: Mine elect, in whom My soul delights; I have put My SPIRIT upon him: he shall bring forth Judgment to the Gentiles.” Isaiah 42:1.
“To open the blind eyes , to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house (churches, institutions, and leaders supporting and teaching WAR as a solution for World PEACE).” Isaiah 42:7.
“And I will write upon him My New Name.” Book of Revelation 3:12.
“JESUS ALEUZENEV, Lord and Servant of all people, His New Name.”
Chosen and Faithful go tell everyone the Good News, “Jesus Christ has a New Name.” Thus says Ivor Manuel, prophet Branch of the Lord.
Some links you may find helpful:
Heal Your Church Website
A List Apart
Good typography and page layout would make your message much more readable. Then, we could all find out what exactly you are saying.
ivormanuel@aleuzenev.com
The following message is for conscientious humans with interest in preservation of the most precious resources in the planet Earth, its people and their habitat. The message is prophetic in nature and contains essential truth to enlighten the consciousness of those that seek Peace and Prosperity; and Spiritual Freedom for all new generations for all created people. It is to meditate its contents and search for that truth among those that believe; the Chosen and Faithful, and to make awareness of that Evil Mind trying to control those resources by Fear and Destruction. The message is being stopped and returned by the delivery systems in many occasions with excuses of fatal address errors or no valid recipients, etcetera. Those holding this message are cursing themselves with dark ignorance. Ivor Manuel prays for you and Peace for the World, prophet of the Lord.
January 13, 2005. Orlando, City of Lights. Dear Sirs
It is remarkable to see and hear how many scientific and speculative theories are being exposed on the press, radio and television by the editing media about what some call the wrecked, creeping, wicked weather.
In January 18, 2003; a letter with an “Apocalyptic Warning Message” was sent to the United Nations before the United States lunched its War against Iraq. Press release copies were also sent to some members of the media and clergy, among them “The Orlando Sentinel” main news paper in this city; The New York Times, Reverends Charles Stanly, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson among others; part of that message reads like the following words:
“Then I saw the execution, the execution of hate and wickedness where hundreds of innocents humans at a time, and thousands a time, and hundreds of thousands to the end were killed, children, women and men, young and old, all innocents souls. Yes, I also saw poor innocent souls paid and trained to be mercilessly cruel. The armies of the Beast were drugged to encourage and enhance performance to kill. They dropped over the Earth thousands of what the prophet Isaiah called: “The weapons of his indignation to destroy the whole land.” I heard this King constant vocalization of “Human Rights,” but he does not have regard for innocent humans nor the Holy Spirit within or the Word of God or the testimony they held.”
“ The great truth was given to me in a prophetic vision. Bombs were being dropped unrelentlessly from the sky, pulverizing buildings by the dozens in just minutes; where dozens of innocents were killed at a time, and sometimes dozens of dozens times dozens. The great slaughter, the Earth pounded along with its people and animals. Moreover the shaking and the trembling of the crust of the Earth by the power of these weapons cause braking and shifting underground of rocks, creating earthquakes around the planet. Volcanoes became active and lava started to erupt from cracks and pits of bombs explosions and earthquakes. The Earth was bleeding and the rivers were being flooded with blood running to the seas. Water and air contaminated with chemical dust and winds full of radiation killing thousands more by poison and asphyxia; heat melting flesh and people running crazily over each other trying to find a door to get out of Hell. Total chaos, the acceleration of “Global Warming” by these “Blasphemous Weapons” will melt the poles flooding parts of the Earth with fury.”
Although I am not a scientist or a member of the clergy, nor a politician; but rather a prophet of GOD, I have received instructions to warn the people of America and the World, about how the first great earthquake that produce the “Tsunami”; was in deed the aftermath of the pounding of the crust of the Earth by the “Weapons of Mass Destruction” the United States has being dropping in Afghanistan and Iraq for over a year now. The continuous unreasonably violent striking and blasting of these “BLASPHEMOUS WEAPONS” has reverberate sound, heat vibratory waves along with toxic particles waves in and around the planet. Trembling and shifting underground rock causing earthquakes and atmospheric sudden catastrophic changes by warm toxic winds, rains and snow. The hurricanes that went through Orlando last year and the multiplication of tornados, mudslides, avalanches, floods, sinkholes, volcanoes activation and many other cataclysmic phenomena is also the result of the hateful amount of destructive energy being released by these WEAPONS which in a blasphemous and untruthful manner the United States went to seek in Iraq, but It rather use them there. The Word in the book of Revelation 6:14 says: “And the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their place.” This is the six seal: “A man made Earthquake-Tsunami has moved the Earth out of its axis and more devastation is coming as a result of the anti-CHRIST actions of War.”
Before the 2004 national elections another warning vision was published at http://www.Aleuzenev.com; it was e-mailed to the general media, and the end section reads like this words; again warning America: “And behold; the night vision was now like a great television screen showing the name: The King of MYSTERY BABYLON the GREAT; then there appeared:
The President of the United States of America; dressed with a tricolor hooded cloak garment of stars. And he had in his head a crown of gold that was melting; and the precious metal was going into his eyes making him blind; and as he walked toward a ceremonial bowl filled with water to clean his eyes; he then tripped his foot against a Stone a tried Stone, a Precious Corner Stone set by the ceremonial bowl that was filled with water. [That STONE represents the Doctrine of JESUS CHRIST of LOVE and MERCY toward our enemies for the creation of PEACE]. The vision continuous…And as he stumbled and fell his right foot got caught into the ceremonial vessel and the water turned to blood. The President was trying desperately to get his foot out of the bowl while his back was against the floor; but his foot was caught in the vessel with his greed and egotistical pride; and he was shaking his foot with anger and the satisfaction of force while on his back; but the ritual kettle was boiling over with the sacrificial blood of multitudes of humans. Poor and innocent soldiers from many nations, poor and innocent civilians from Afghanistan and Iraq; the blood of poor and innocent children, women and elders from all over the World was overflowing along his side. [The last twenty words describes something like the TSUNAMI]. The vision ended… And the Cabinet along with his Republican and Democratic courts, and the Clergy were there by his side; standing on their knees inebriated with the wrath of his wine; as the American ceremonial vessel became a drowning river of blood. And there came on the screen the words: THE LAMENTATION of ABOMINABLE HIPOCRASY.”
Today I read:
“And He said unto me, you must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues and Kings.” Revelation 10:11. Ivor Manuel prays for you and Peace for the World, prophet of the LORD.
ivormanuel@aleuzenev.com
While the people America sleep in its laurels, and the anti-CHRIST pushes to gather other nations to join him in his Tyrant’s dream to force Democracy in Iraq; and his greed for intimidation to nations he considers a WMD threat to national security and others. Weapons of Mass Destruction are flourishing like mushrooms in America, thanks to the FDA. In April of 1999 the following Warning article was publish in Orientation Magazine in Orlando Florida: Weapons of Mass Destruction? Reaction to prescription drugs and over- the- counter medications, kill over 100.000 people yearly in the USA; it is the fourth largest killer, behind heart disease and cancer. Another 2 million are seriously injured by Side Effects; the diseases designed by science’s lies and greed for money. Almost six years latter the numbers have increased, the LORD said in my ears: “Do not be afraid of Death because Death is among you, be afraid of not knowing the Holy One while you live.” America Awake! Ivor Manuel prays for you and Peace for the World; prophet of the Lord JESUS ALEUZENEV, His NEW NAME. Revelation 3:12. “And He said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Revelation 10:11. March 3, 2005. Do the people of America have a problem? I would say, “A Bushmangous problem.”
Mr. Ivor Manuel Prophet is a bona fide comment spammer. Just google “aleuzenev”–he’s dropping these comments, verbatim, on religously-oriented blogs all over.
Aleuzenev is Venezuala backwards. What’s up with that?
I thought it was something like halleluja in Russian, but it’s not even close:
http://www.stihi.ru/poems/2002/10/22-628.html
I don’t like Bush either, but why does he get to be the anit-Christ. Why not Bill Gates or maybe a future pope?
So, how does he pick the post to put it on? I mean, what does this post have to do with his message vs. any other RC post? I guess I’d have to figure out what his message is first, huh?
J.Lo-
I just found my new favorite anti-bush bumper sticker today:
FRODO FAILED
BUSH HAS THE RING
Salguod: I think it is submitted spamifically - that’s my guess. I’ve stuck him in the moderation queue as of now.
Ivor,
Read Last Days Madness by Gary DeMar, if you dare. It’s an eye opener to say the least.
Daniel Devlin