A Place of Reverence
Bluestem’s ministry is bolstered by the spirit of gathering, where we come to know and be known, to grieve and to mourn, to comfort and be comforted, and to celebrate the mystery that binds us, each to all. Bluestem supports sacred and healing experiences in nature that nurture and restore the soul.
Bluestem is a home for spiritual seekers. We begin with respecting the Divine in every individual and every living being. Fellowship occurs every Friday and throughout the month. It occurs on the land itself, rather than within the confines of a building, where members find comfort and refuge in the healing properties of nature.
Bluestem is a home for spiritual seekers. We begin with respecting the Divine in every individual and every living being. Fellowship occurs every Friday and throughout the month. It occurs on the land itself, rather than within the confines of a building, where members find comfort and refuge in the healing properties of nature.
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Services are led by faith leaders and community members who honor and celebrate life’s deepest questions through fellowship together as a vibrantly diverse, spiritually curious, and supportive community.
Worshipful activities are conducted as:
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Bluestem Quiet Hour
Join us every Friday at noon for a period of quiet reflection in nature. Find us collectively in the Sanctuary, sitting by the pond in meditation, or silently walking. This is a time for slowing down and paying attention to the Spirit within us. It is a nondenominational gathering where we are building community around the sacred in nature, the sacred in our relationships, and the sacred act of remembering loved ones who have departed this life. We share reflections and practice in building a reverent space where each of us is known, valued, and cared for in all seasons of life and death. Feel free to bring a camp chair, cushion, blanket, or yoga mat. The Sanctuary's cedar benches can be moved as needed.
Community members accompany one another in the natural cycles of life and grow in awareness of other faith and cultural practices. Fellowship opportunities are centered on spiritual nourishment and renewal, healing and restoration within nature, and stewardship of the land. They are planned by designated community stewards and include remembrance rituals prepared by leaders in the community, as well as with other faith communities.
Community members accompany one another in the natural cycles of life and grow in awareness of other faith and cultural practices. Fellowship opportunities are centered on spiritual nourishment and renewal, healing and restoration within nature, and stewardship of the land. They are planned by designated community stewards and include remembrance rituals prepared by leaders in the community, as well as with other faith communities.
A CALL TO WORSHIP
Gathering of the Community
Service leader introduces self and invites members to gather in the natural sanctuary of choice. Gathered community introductions, service leader provides brief overview on the sequence of events.
Land Acknowledgment
Musical Appreciation
Community members are invited to share musical talents.
Welcome
Orientation to Bluestem’s ministry. Acknowledgment that prayer can be individual and inspired by the Spirit rather than led by any one person.
Meditation/Spiritual Reflection
Service leader or assistant leads the congregation in a walking meditation, reading of a poem, or selections from sacred texts.
Silent Worship
A period of quiet during which people are invited to speak from the Spirit.
“True silence is the rest of the mind; and is to the spirit, what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” -- William Penn
Blessing of the Day
“Mindfulness energy helps us to be fully present in the here and the now, aware of what is going on in our body, in our feelings, in our mind and the world, so that we can get in touch with the wonders of life that can nourish and heal us.” --Thich Nhat Hanh
We gather at Bluestem in support and care for each other. May we be present for each other today and every day. May the Divine love of all that is, surround us and comfort us.
Service Ends
Fellowship
Includes a period of time for sharing individual and community joys, sorrows, concerns and announcements.
Gathering of the Community
Service leader introduces self and invites members to gather in the natural sanctuary of choice. Gathered community introductions, service leader provides brief overview on the sequence of events.
Land Acknowledgment
Musical Appreciation
Community members are invited to share musical talents.
Welcome
Orientation to Bluestem’s ministry. Acknowledgment that prayer can be individual and inspired by the Spirit rather than led by any one person.
Meditation/Spiritual Reflection
Service leader or assistant leads the congregation in a walking meditation, reading of a poem, or selections from sacred texts.
Silent Worship
A period of quiet during which people are invited to speak from the Spirit.
“True silence is the rest of the mind; and is to the spirit, what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” -- William Penn
Blessing of the Day
“Mindfulness energy helps us to be fully present in the here and the now, aware of what is going on in our body, in our feelings, in our mind and the world, so that we can get in touch with the wonders of life that can nourish and heal us.” --Thich Nhat Hanh
We gather at Bluestem in support and care for each other. May we be present for each other today and every day. May the Divine love of all that is, surround us and comfort us.
Service Ends
Fellowship
Includes a period of time for sharing individual and community joys, sorrows, concerns and announcements.
