we're alive! what's next?

Woo-hoo, indeed -- We're live! And as of 9:30 p.m. last night, Danielle, Ben, Jesse and I finished the bulk of planning for next week's maiden voyage. Sketch is below; Danielle is contacting individual folks (hi Andy!) about specific parts in the gathering.

First, a quick word on TENEBRAE last night:

• lovely space; good use of candlelight and projected images and words
• some nice moments, and also some good lessons learned (too many words, not enough silence, don't toss in new music the day before, drape fabric across pews to direct people into the chairs in the crossing area).
• thanks to all who made it happen: danielle and brent, jesse and ben, and even me :)

NOW for this coming Thursday:
- TEXT: Luke 24:33-34, 36-43 (Jesus shows up amid the disciples, offers physical proof that he is alive, eats some broiled fish)

- THEME: Jesus "shows up" wherever we are, in the midst of our real, physical, ordinary lives. Proof is everywhere, because everything reveals the holy (oh, this is sooooooo Anglican!).

- FLOW:

- OUTSIDE: Funky/cool/holy porch music from 6:10 on ...

- INSIDE: Folks enter, take from basket filled with ordinary items we experience as sacred -- picture, votive candle, sculpture, Ipod & buds with cool song, etc. Think items that engage senses of touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste. PLEASE BRING FOUR ITEMS THAT REPRESENT/REVEAL THE SACRED FOR YOU. PICK STUFF WITH SOME SENSORY POWER.

- OPENING MUSIC: Danielle and Jesse are dubbing a blend of two folky/rock/spirit songs. Folks can sit and listen, see words on screen, chill, chat.

- WELCOME TO THE CROSSING: Steph offers brief welcome and intro to what The Crossing is all about.

- SETTING SCENE: Danielle briefly introduces scripture & story of "The Littlest Angel" and explains tonight's theme.

- SONG: Jesse and Rosanne lead "Open My Heart" chant

- CENTERING: Andy (we hope) leads centering prayer that allows people to engage the object they're holding. Breathe deep, then see it, touch it, smell it, hear it, allow object to facilitate your encounter with God.

- SONG: Jesse and Rosanne lead "Way, Way, Way" chant

- POEM: Ben and Jesse are batting around ideas: Mary Oliver? Robert Frost?

- WORD OF GOD: Luke 24:33-34, 36-43

- REFLECTION: Steph will offer 4-minute reflection on how God shows up in the ordinary, profane stuff, meeting us at "the crossings" and intersections of our lives.

- SILENCE: A couple of minutes to take it all in.

- PRAYERS: Danielle will lead (Steph is putting together Powerpoint with prayers and images. If you got pics that are evocative, send them along).

- EUCHARIST: Steph's special mix, highlighting theme of tasting Jesus, whole world is sacrament but esp. this bread and wine ...

- SONG: Jesse and Rosanne lead "Taste and See"

- BLESSING: Another priestly mix, but we may do it together :)

- DONE BY 7:30 -- Clean up and hang with snacks SOMEWHERE to chat and debrief, clarify who's got April 27.

Voila!

Got thoughts? Send 'em over. Otherwise, I'll see some of you on TUESDAY, for our 4-7 p.m. BLITZ of Downtown Crossing's bars and streets (come when you can; we'll give details on cell phones, cards, etc., this weekend).

A blessed journey through Holy Week and over to the other side, my friends.

Groove on,
Rev. Steph