VergeNow

God knows we need to see him. We need to feel God's presence. This week's meditation invites you to reflect on the ways God is present to you in the person of Jesus and through his Church - through us; God's kingdom on earth.   Originally created by Convergence for the Spiritual Collectives, “An Undivided Heart” Scripture Meditation Series answers the question: “How do I find peace?” by taking you on a journey to find an undivided heart.  Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

God is not an old man with a beard sitting in angry judgment or an apathetic witness in the clouds somewhere above. God knows our weaknesses and failings and doesn't hold them against us. In fact, his response is always compassion. This week's meditation invites to internalize God's overwhelming love and let go of any voice of condemnation.   Originally created by Convergence for the Spiritual Collectives, “An Undivided Heart” Scripture Meditation Series answers the question: “How do I find peace?” by taking you on a journey to find an undivided heart.  Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

Do you ever feel like as you worry and hurry and plan and want, you're looking but not seeing? Listening but not hearing? Loving. But the joy is missing? This week's meditation invites you to take a step into the joy of God's presence by really abiding the “one thing.”   Originally created by Convergence for the Spiritual Collectives, “An Undivided Heart” Scripture Meditation Series answers the question: “How do I find peace?” by taking you on a journey to find an undivided heart.  Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

The idea of worshiping idols seems so primitive. Yet, when I really think about it I realize that there are many things that steal my heart from true worship. This week's meditation asks you to consider whether or not your heart is divided and invites God to redirect the desires.   Originally created by Convergence for the Spiritual Collectives, “An Undivided Heart” Scripture Meditation Series answers the question: “How do I find peace?” by taking you on a journey to find an undivided heart.  Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Says Jesus in Matthew 5:8. “A pure heart is one that is unencumbered, unworried, uncommitted and which does not want its own way about anything but which, rather, is submerged in the loving will of God.” -Meister Eckhart Wow, doesn't that sound good? All I have to do is let go of all my “what if's” and I'm there. Seems hard. But maybe it's possible? This week's meditation invites you to let go of your illusions of control and simply trust God.   Originally created by Convergence for the Spiritual Collectives, “An Undivided Heart” Scripture Meditation Series answers the question: “How do I find peace?” by taking you on a journey to find an undivided heart.  Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

What is the root of worry? Isn't it usually deep down, about security, safety, control? How about - identity? The Bible makes it clear that the person I call “me” is someone whose identity is already secure, rooted, defined. Someone that God is deeply in love with and yet.. I wonder how well I really know that “me.” This week's meditation invites you to look deeper for your sense of self.     Originally created by Convergence for the Spiritual Collectives, “An Undivided Heart” Scripture Meditation Series answers the question: “How do I find peace?” by taking you on a journey to find an undivided heart.  Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 8: We Are Image Bearers. What is your response to God's summons to true identity and purpose? To the lover's call to deepest intimacy? To the voice that beckons you to follow? The command to awaken and live?    This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling." Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

  You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 7: We Do Not Choose. We Respond. Imagine receiving your calling in life as a visceral, tangible experience. Not something you choose or even know but something that happens to you. Something of a coming alive to a reality you may not have known existed.    This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 6: You Are a Cherished Creation.  This is the voice that's calling you; telling you - “You are My cherished creation. You have a purpose. Follow me.”   This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 5: What Are You Doing Here? Isn't that a question we all hear at some point? Triggered by life circumstances, age, or suffering. And we wonder, “What am I doing here?”    This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 4: Where Are You? You were designed for communion with God.    This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 3: Please Come Close. We live our lives longing to hear this voice and to respond like lovers.  This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 2: "Let There Be." And The Was! God voiced into being all of creation. And as he called out, he gave us not only life but identity and purpose.    This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

You are invited to pause, breathe deep and listen for the still, small voice.   WEEK 1: Is Your Heart Restless? A “call,” is no mere job or task. It's a summons that beckons to something deep in each of us.    This original scripture meditation series is an exploration of the nature of "call." It was created by Convergence for our Spiritual Collectives series "On Calling."   Watch the video and visit our video library on our YouTube channel. Read the meditation in written form on the blog here. Learn more about how you can develop your ability to hear God's voice in the everyday and in community here.   Convergence is a place of community and spiritual formation for artists. We'd love to connect with you at: https://www.vergenow.org

Join Rev. Lisa Cole Smith from Convergence for a four-part study exploring the spectacular effort of God's chosen people in an art project of magnificent scope. It takes the entire community of makers, craftspeople, leaders, administrators, teachers and patrons all working together under the leadership of artists to fulfill God's command: Build a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. Neither Moses nor priests, warriors nor politicians were qualified to lead the task. This time, artists are called by name, filled with the Spirit, and charged to lead God's people. Come discover the original call of the artist and re-consider your creative gifting in light of the “wise-hearted ones.”   The Wise-Hearted Ones Ep. 4: Ministry of Imagination  Written and Narrated by Lisa Cole Smith Produced and Engineered by Dan ABH Original Music by Jay Smith www.jmusic.us 

Join Rev. Lisa Cole Smith from Convergence for a four-part study exploring the spectacular effort of God's chosen people in an art project of magnificent scope. It takes the entire community of makers, craftspeople, leaders, administrators, teachers and patrons all working together under the leadership of artists to fulfill God's command: Build a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. Neither Moses nor priests, warriors nor politicians were qualified to lead the task. This time, artists are called by name, filled with the Spirit, and charged to lead God's people. Come discover the original call of the artist and re-consider your creative gifting in light of the “wise-hearted ones.”   The Wise-Hearted Ones Ep. 3: Idols and Altars Written and Narrated by Lisa Cole Smith Produced and Engineered by Dan ABH Original Music by Jay Smith www.jmusic.us 

Join Rev. Lisa Cole Smith from Convergence for a six-week study exploring the spectacular effort of God's chosen people in an art project of magnificent scope. It takes the entire community of makers, craftspeople, leaders, administrators, teachers and patrons all working together under the leadership of artists to fulfill God's command: Build a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. Neither Moses nor priests, warriors nor politicians were qualified to lead the task. This time, artists are called by name, filled with the Spirit, and charged to lead God's people. Come discover the original call of the artist and re-consider your creative gifting in light of the “wise-hearted ones.”   Art & Vocation | Convergence (vergenow.org) The Wise-Hearted Ones: Part 2 Written and Narrated by Lisa Cole Smith Produced and Engineered by Dan ABH Original Music by Jay Smith www.jmusic.us   

Join Rev. Lisa Cole Smith from Convergence for a six-week study exploring the spectacular effort of God's chosen people in an art project of magnificent scope. It takes the entire community of makers, craftspeople, leaders, administrators, teachers and patrons all working together under the leadership of artists to fulfill God's command: Build a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. Neither Moses nor priests, warriors nor politicians were qualified to lead the task. This time, artists are called by name, filled with the Spirit, and charged to lead God's people. Come discover the original call of the artist and re-consider your creative gifting in light of the “wise-hearted ones.”   Art & Vocation | Convergence (vergenow.org) The Wise-Hearted Ones: Part 1 Written and Narrated by Lisa Cole Smith Produced and Engineered by Dan ABH Original Music by Jay Smith www.jmusic.us 

If we live in a constant state of wishing for "do-overs" we are unlikely to turn in any kind of audience-worthy performance at all.   In this original video series from Convergence: Created to Create, we are invited to consider our responsibility to curate and create culture not only in our churches but in our world.   Production/Editing: Dan ABH Script/Narration: Lisa Smith Music: Hayden Arp, www.haydenarp.com Jay Smith, www.Jmusic.us Featured Images: Laura Lyon, www.lauralyonphoto.com   See more at www.vergenow.org

The mystery of God requires us to experience and trust something that needs more than intellectual understanding. Art is not luxury. Art is order. In this series, Created to Create, we are invited to consider our responsibility to curate and create culture not only in our churches but in our world. www.vergenow.org Production/Editing: Dan ABH Script/Narration: Lisa Smith Original Score: Jay Smith - www.jmusic.us 

Created to Create: Giving Up and Giving In. Could giving up and giving in be the key to success and happiness? In the lectionary text for this Sunday (Genesis 21:8-21 and Matthew 10:24-29) two stories are told about giving up and giving in. In the Old Testament, Hagar is at the end of herself. Having been mistreated so badly she is hopeless and ready to give up her life and that of her son when God comes to rescue them both and give them new life and a new destiny. In the New Testament, Jesus gives the mystifying "secret of life;" that in order to really live we must give in to an identity that is full shaped by God. Whether you feel like giving up or you need to give in, this video invites you to give in to the music of your life that you were born to create. www.vergenow.org

The Cultural Mandate of Genesis 1 insists that we are to form a culture, not simply allow it to happen to us. Yet, without conscious attention, we are left with a serious deficit of artistic and creative practitioners in our faith communities leaving us ill equipped to take on the task of culture making. How and why must we prepare those who would take on the vocation of artist? In this series we are invited to consider our responsibility to curate and create culture not only in our churches but in our world. Production: Dan ABH Script/Narration: Lisa Smith Original Score: Jay Smith, www.Jmusic.us  www.vergenow.org www.ourconvergence.org

What if we believed Jesus as much as we believe in Jesus? Learning to See: Fermentation In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus describes a process of complete transformation akin to fermentation; a process by which old ideas, habits and patterns are overturned and new insights are introduced to strengthen and ensure our flourishing. In this meditation series from Convergence on learning to see through the eyes of God, you are invited to consider the ever present mystery and symbol that points to something bigger than immediate circumstances. Check out the video mediation of this episode at www.youtube.com/vergenow Production: Dan ABH. Meditation/Narration: Lisa Smith. Original Score: Jay Smith www.jmusic.us Subscribe to Convergence Newsletter to learn more and stay connected:www.ourconvergence.org; www.vergenow.org

Right now, we are all left "looking up to into the sky" just like the disciples; watching and waiting. "Drowning Process" is an invitation to go with it. (Acts 1:6-14) Why not accept this forced break as a time to catch your breath? Why not observe (perhaps for the first time ever) this holy week in the church calendar to wait and pray with the disciples for that breath to arrive? In this series from Convergence on learning to see through the eyes of God, you are invited to consider the ever present mystery and symbol that points to something bigger than immediate circumstances. Video Editing and Production: Dan ABH. Meditation/Narration: Lisa Smith. Original Score: Jay Smith. Subscribe to Convergence Newsletter to learn more and stay connected: www.ourconvergence.org  www.vergenow.org  

For Mature Audiences Only from VergeNow, suggests that sometimes we may be asking the right questions but, are unwilling or unable to listen for the right answers. Are we trained well enough in our sensitivity to the symbolic to really see where God is at work in our world? (Acts 22:17-31) In this series from Convergence on learning to see through the eyes of God, you are invited to consider the ever present mystery and symbol that points to something bigger than immediate circumstances. Production: Dan ABH. Meditation/Narration: Lisa Smith. Original Score: Jay Smith Subscribe to Convergence Newsletter to learn more and stay connected: www.ourconvergence.org www.vergenow.org  

A Surveyor's Map considers the well worn paths of our daily lives as an opportunity for reflection on memory as a composite of all that has been, is now, and that is still to come. In this series on learning to see through the eyes of God, you are invited to consider the ever present mystery and symbol that points to something bigger than immediate circumstances. Meditation/Narration: Lisa Smith; Music: Jay Smith; Production: Dan ABH. www.ourconvergence.org  www.vergenow.org 

"Imagine the world and all that is in it as enchanted, haunted by the Holy Spirit and the presence of grace.” Andrew Greely. Explore the idea of "God's Word" as an invitation to seeing the presence of God in every aspect of life and nature. Meditation: Lisa Smith; Music: Jay Smith; Production: Dan ABH. www.ourconvergence.org  www.vergenow.org Please consider supporting Convergence and all the great online content we are creating for you during this time by becoming a regular giver. You can make a donation here: www.ourconvergence.org/donate. Thank you for helping us create better together!

This week, Pastor and artistic director Lisa Cole Smith at Convergence leads with a mediative exercise and thoughts based upon a song written by musician/artist Sufjan Stevens. "We Christians believe that God is worthy of worship, but I wonder how many of us are secretly uncomfortable with this idea that it is our sole reason for existence. I often find myself preferring to believe that God exists in order to help me with my life. To make it easier or make me feel better. God exists because I need someone to call on in times of need. Yet, if this is the case, the atheists are right. That kind of faith is a fantasy of sorts. In that faith, I am fashioning a God to fill my needsrather than worshipping a God who fashioned me." - Lisa Cole Smith "All The Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands" written and performed by Sufjan Stevens 

Our "Gather" series continues this week with a LIVE conversation from our Gather 2019 conference with our good friend Dr. Elise Edwards on the topics of ethics, architecture, and convening difficult conversations in Church. Dr. Elise Edwards teaches courses in Christian ethics and theology at Baylor University.  She earned her Ph.D. in Religion at Claremont Graduate University in California, where she studied Theology, Ethics, and Culture.  Prior to pursuing a Ph.D. in theology, Dr. Edwards worked as an architect in Washington D.C. and she still maintains her license to practice architecture. VergeNow's newest podcast series "Gather", is a current case study on re-imagining worship and gathering well in soulful community. For more episodes visit www.vergenow.org/podcast-2

The "Gather" series continues this week with Brian Kirby and our conversation about Taize and contemplative service gatherings.  Dr. Brian Kirby graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry in Theology and the Arts. He has pastored in Europe, Asia, and the US. Dr. Kirby is a musician and snowboarder who minsters in the Washington D.C. area as the Senior Director for Community Life at Community Church. VergeNow's newest podcast series "Gather", is a current case study on re-imagining worship and gathering well in soulful community. For more episodes visit www.vergenow.org/podcast-2

Our "Gather" series continues this week with Erik Martinez Resly of The Sanctuaries DC. https://www.thesanctuaries.org Rev. Erik is a visual artist, community organizer, and ordained Unitarian Universalist minister from a mixed religious family, who grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. He brings experience as a hospital chaplain, public speaker, and panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. He served as a Creative Community Fellow with National Arts Strategies and has received multiple awards from Harvard University. He is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Divinity School. VergeNow's newest podcast series "Gather", is a current case study on re-imagining worship and gathering well in soulful community. For more episodes visit www.vergenow.org/podcast-2

"Gather" continues this week as Lisa Smith is joined by Josh Hayden and Tom Lynch of Mission Possible and First Baptist Ashland, VA  Josh Hayden, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Ashland and Tom Lynch, Minister to Students and Families, First Baptist Ashland; Co-Founders of Mission Possible, a one-day conference that allows young people to explore faith and calling through art, justice, and mission. VergeNow's newest podcast series "Gather", is a current case study on re-imagining worship and gathering well in soulful community. For more episodes visit www.vergenow.org/podcast-2

Lisa Smith interviews Sam Bodkin, CEO of Groupmuse on the way intimate gatherings around classical music are meeting the need for soulful community among Millennials. Sam Bodkin is the founder and CEO of Groupmuse - bringing us together to nourish and harmonize our inner lives and our social, “outer” lives. By deepening our interior worlds with timeless, contemplative music and enriching our social lives with inclusive, joyous community, Groupmuse seeks a greater wholeness in your neighborhood and around the world. For more information visit https://www.groupmuse.com/ VergeNow's newest podcast series "Gather", is a current case study on re-imagining worship and gathering well in soulful community. For more episodes visit www.vergenow.org/podcast-2  

Lisa Smith of Convergence continues our series on "Gather", a current case study on re-imagining worship and gathering well in soulful community. This week we sit down with Lindsay Hayes, a Ph.D student in Learning, Design and Technology from Penn State University as she outlines how the "flipped classroom" education model might translate to churches. "The humans in the building are the biggest resource we have. Talking to each other is the reason we should be coming together in person" "Lindsay Hayes is a Ph.D student at Penn State University where she is studying virtual learning communities. For more information about the faith based group Daughter of a King Organization, visit DaughterOfAKing.co/“  

Artistic Director and Pastor, Lisa Cole Smith opens up the Gather series with an introduction episode on VergeNow's current case study discussing the "How We Gather" reports, Priya Parker's "The Art of Gathering" and recognizing that change is necessary in our quest to gain insight into how Millennials are changing the way we gather and the opportunity for communities of faith to effectively meet the yearning for soulful community among rising generations. "Gather" is our newest podcast series which is a Current Case Study from VergeNow asking how we might transform our worship at Convergence to meet a rising generation. Through an ongoing study group, podcasts, blog, virtual conversations and interviews with “experts” we will explore the How We Gather and Something More reports from Harvard Divinity School and the book, The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. This project is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Part 3 of VergeNow's first series of becoming Creative Church. Lisa Cole Smith, Artistic Director and Pastor of Convergence is joined by Community Coordinator, Dan ABH and Cultural Architect, Jay Smith to begin the discussion of "The Big Why".

Artist Director and Pastor, Lisa Cole Smith discusses what Convergence is, what risk, creativity, and experimenting can do positively in Church, struggles with openness, and continuing what we are called to do.

Episode 1: Beginning Artistic Director and Pastor at Convergence, Lisa Cole Smith begins part 1 of 3 of our first series on becoming Creative Church

Artistic Director and Host / Lisa Cole Smith is joined by Charlene Smith / Producing Artistic Director of Brave Spirits Theatre as they discuss creative courage and the crisis of faith that occurs in creative fields.