Yoga and soul work during Lent

Dear Friends,

Greetings! If you are reading this after the first of March, you have survived Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, and Lent has begun. Congratulations!

I think of Lent as a journey - an episode of time to focus more fully on spiritual practices that put me in closer touch with the spirit that resides within.

Ash Wednesday, March 1, was the first day of Lent. On that day I was hanging out with Methodist pastor, Rev. Robin Wells at Railroad Park at lunch time for something we called “Ash and Dash” for those who wished to receive ashes and a blessing to begin their journey. Later that evening, Rev. Robin and I co-lead a traditional service at Tehachapi Community Church, 100 East E Street. During the service people were invited to light candles for others and to receive ashes and blessings for themselves.

Throughout Lent, each Tuesday evening, beginning March 7, at 5:30 p.m., yoga instructor, Nikki Miller, will offer a course in yoga in my church’s education building. Nikki is a delight. I can’t wait. Her yoga course is open to people of any faith or none at all. (Donations to compensate for her time will gladly be accepted each week.) Free childcare will be available for young ones in our nursery and older children and youth may gather in our basement youth room for fun and bonding while parents practice yoga.

Immediately following 40 minutes of yoga, each Tuesday evening, the group gathered will learn and practice various forms of meditation. Then, all ages will gather in Friendship Hall for a weekly activity related to spiritual growth, including “Mindful Eating,” “Soul Collage,” “Inspirational Story-Telling,” “Native American Inspired Worship,” “Dream Work,” and various forms of music and prayer, with the evening ending at 7 p.m.

Come check it out. All are welcome. Let us journey together.

Blessings,

Pastor Nancy

About Tehachapi UCC:

No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here!

The Tehachapi UCC is an open and welcoming community of faith that believes that each person, created in the image of God, holds a piece of the truth. Therefore we respect each person’s unique spiritual journey. We invite you to experience the difference that religious freedom in a caring community can make in that journey.

We are located at 100 East E St., in Tehachapi. Worship and Sunday School are at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Please join us for coffee and fellowship at our Friendship Hall after worship (approximately 11:30 a.m.).

All are welcome.