Sunday the 15th of June 2025
As we draw closer to midsummer we meet with each other and God. To seek transformation, to bathe in the green, or just be aware of our curiosity.
As is our custom we will gather outside the Crichton chapel at 2pm on the third Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome to join us, and we adapt what we do according to the people who turn up. Have a look around this website to get an idea of what to expect and please dress for the weather.
There are no facilities other than what is publicly available in the park.
Welcome and #SensingAwareness
We start by taking time to become aware of the time we are gathering in, the place we are standing in, the people around us, and in particular today – the sun.
The Sun is used to visualise masculine energy. It radiates outwards and is associated with strength, energy and power to overcome. Think of Aslan from Narnia roaring in the changes and driving out winter.
It can also be terrifying, and not just if you are on the wrong side of it. Standing before the sun unshielded can be like walking through fire.
Describing this energy as masculine does not mean that it is restricted to males! In Scotland we are particularly blessed to have stories featuring strong women who overcome challenges head on (Scathach, Flora McDonald, Jane Haining among others).
However, the strength of sunlight is perhaps that it is less subtle than moonlight. It can create areas of clearly contrasting shadow and light. There is no fear in love though, and when parts of our being seek the shadows perhaps it is a sign to let go of them. Or to have confidence and let our weirdness blaze publicly as a part of Gods rainbow of creation and promise of mercy.
We meet in Christs peace
You are welcome whether you consider yourself a close friend of Jesus or are simply curious, we make peace when we meet in peace.
Reading Words I
1 These are the last words of David:
“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse,
the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
the hero of Israel’s songs:
“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings grass from the earth.’
“If my house were not right with God,
surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire.
But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
which are not gathered with the hand.
Whoever touches thorns
uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
they are burned up where they lie.”
Reading Creation I
Our theme this Sunday will be the sun. We will take a moment to pause, feel the warmth of the sun on our skin – and find a place where we can do this if it is wet or windy!
Like fire, the sun is an awesome consuming fire but is also vital for life.
We will spend time looking at light and exploring it’s interaction with everything around us. You might find sketching the patterns of light abstracted from the form of the things helpful. Or adjusting the settings on your phone as you take photographs. Use senses other than sight to explore the influence of the sun and light.
- Look for light reflecting from things, feel light, smell change as things warm?
- Study the shadows, and the sparkles. explore the contrast.
- Don’t stare directly at the sun.
Reading Words II
Psalm 104
- Bless the Lord, O my soul:
O Lord my God, how great you are. - Clothed with majesty and honour:
wrapped in light as in a garment. - You make the winds your messengers:
and flames of fire your ministers. - Lord, how various are your works:
in wisdom you have made them all, and the earth is full of your creatures. - When you send forth your spirit they are created:
and you renew the face of the earth. - May the glory of the Lord endure for ever:
may the Lord rejoice in his works.
“The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him”. (Acts 5.30–32)
Reading Creation II
We will find a long line shadow, or make one. We can use this to think about what belongs in the light and what we want to let go of. What needs to be burned away and what needs to be husbanded into being?
You might find collecting objects or writing notes helpful to externally visualise these internal thoughts. Sometimes doing this can help us reveal unexpected connections.
Prayer
As we stand gathered together, bathing in the sunlight? we will make time and space for people to pray silently or aloud.
Spend some time on one side the side of the line praying about the shadow things. Lament, confess, let go!
Cross the line and pray in the positive light. Let Love fill your soul and lead you outwards. A strong warmth to inspire guide and protect.
Together we will pray
COLLECT (The Birth of John the Baptist 24th June – midsummer)
Almighty God,
by whose providence John the Baptist was wonderfully born,
and filled with the Holy Spirit
to prepare the way of your Son, our Saviour:
give us, we pray, the light of spiritual joy;
and guide the hearts of all the faithful
into the way of salvation and peace;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.
Refreshment
We will find somewhere to share a cup and a bite to eat! This is usually the central café. Please share what you have experienced because in chatting with each other we sometimes discover meaning that would otherwise remain hidden.
Forest Church Special!
To mark St John’s day (The baptist, rather than the evangelist) We will gather at Simon and Kates for a BBQ and some fire things on the evening of Tuesday the 24th of June.
