These are devotions for the rest of us. Those of us who long for songs and prayers that don’t lie about our lives. For those who ache for times of reflection that invite lament and confession and help us move toward loving acts of resistance and hope. Devotions for those of us who are ready for new readings of the lectionary, without the lens of toxic religion, and who are looking for moments that can help us embrace ourselves, as we are, and embrace a spirituality that is pro-feminist, pro-queer, anti-racist, pro-human, pro-love.
“And you beneath life's crushing load ... o rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.” With this beautiful lyric from “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” we come to the fourth week of Advent and reflect on love. Cornel West once said, ”Justice is what love looks like in public.” And this week we consider love, not just as a pretty word we toss around, but as an empowering compassion that stands against hate, that stands up to injustice, that stands with those who need it most. So we invite you to find a quiet place, maybe light a candle and sit for a few moments with us as together, we pray and sing and reflect. Featuring the carol "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" arranged and sung by Hannah Rand, we are led this week by The Many's Gary Rand.
Joy to the World. With prayer and Scripture for the third week of Advent along with some reflection on where we might find real joy in our lives. We invite you to find a quiet place, light a candle and sit with us for a few moments. Let's pray together for those who have had their joy trampled on by injustice, while we confess our willingness to accept joy substitutes and pray for the courage to lead a resistance of joy. Written by Lenora Rand, featuring the carol, "Joy to the World," arranged and sung by Hannah Rand, with voiceover by Darren Calhoun and a score by Gary Rand.
This is the second in an Advent series of honest, inclusive, justice building devotions for resistance and renewal, created and led by The Many. We invite you to find a quiet place, light a candle and sit for a few moments with us as we lament the violence we encounter all around us, pray for the victims, confess our part in all of it. And pray for help to become true peacemakers. This episode features the song, "Comfort, Comfort Ye, My People" from the Advent/Christmas album by The Many, arranged and sung by Hannah Rand. The liturgy is led by The Many's Leslie Michele.
A liturgy for the first Sunday of Advent that reminds us to stay awake, keep our eyes open, both to the pain around us, and to the hope that is also present, the hope that we can be a part of. Led by Lenora Rand, and featuring an arrangement of "O Come All Ye Faithful" by Hannah Rand.
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