Call to Worship
Bluestem Community is an inclusive faith community where every member is honored and valued. We meet on the land, in nature, in direct communion with the Divine, rather than in a building. Currently, while we are preparing Bluestem for its opening, we are meeting on Zoom.
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BLUESTEM COMMUNITY CALL TO WORSHIP
What calls us here to worship? Nature, in the world and within ourselves. Who calls us here to worship? We gather together, alive to the Divine. |
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Bluestem services are led by community members who honor and celebrate life’s deepest questions through fellowship together as a vibrantly diverse, spiritually curious, and supportive community.
Bluestem is a home for spiritual seekers who have been marginalized from other institutions and congregations and desiring of spiritual nourishment. We begin by respecting the Divine in every individual and every living being. 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 healing experiences in nature that nurture and restore our human soul. Worshipful activities are conducted as:
Fellowship occurs throughout the month and is centered on spiritual growth and awareness that strengthens ourselves and our community. Our purpose in collective fellowship is to engage members in life affirming experiences that celebrate the Source of All Life. At Bluestem Community these life sources are discoverable in the woodlands, stream banks, grasslands, and among the native plants and trees. Our fellowship 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. Community members accompany one another in the wonder of nature and grow in awareness of other faith and cultural practices. Fellowship opportunities are planned by designated community stewards and include remembrance rituals prepared by leaders in the community, as well as with other faith communities. Care and support are equally offered to community members experiencing death, loss, and grief. Fellowship activities are centered on spiritual nourishment and renewal, healing and restoration within nature, and stewardship of the land.
Bluestem is a home for spiritual seekers who have been marginalized from other institutions and congregations and desiring of spiritual nourishment. We begin by respecting the Divine in every individual and every living being. 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 healing experiences in nature that nurture and restore our human soul. Worshipful activities are conducted as:
- Services in the natural sanctuary
- Silent reflection
- Walking meditation
- Shared experiences with other faith communities
- Exploration of sacred texts
Fellowship occurs throughout the month and is centered on spiritual growth and awareness that strengthens ourselves and our community. Our purpose in collective fellowship is to engage members in life affirming experiences that celebrate the Source of All Life. At Bluestem Community these life sources are discoverable in the woodlands, stream banks, grasslands, and among the native plants and trees. Our fellowship 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. Community members accompany one another in the wonder of nature and grow in awareness of other faith and cultural practices. Fellowship opportunities are planned by designated community stewards and include remembrance rituals prepared by leaders in the community, as well as with other faith communities. Care and support are equally offered to community members experiencing death, loss, and grief. Fellowship activities are centered on spiritual nourishment and renewal, healing and restoration within nature, and stewardship of the land.
A TYPICAL BLUESTEM SERVICE
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.
