It was a pleasure for me, as the community's chaplain, to participate with them in a house blessing and Eucharist on September 20. What a wonderful way to celebrate their beginning as a community. Several prayers struck me as giving us glimpses into the community's values.
One is their inclusion of a collect for their community's namesake:
Eternal God, the whole cosmos sings of your glory, from the dividing of a single cell to the vast expanse of interstellar space: We bless you for your theologian and scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, who perceived the divine in the evolving creation. Enable us to become faithful stewards of your divine works and heirs of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, the firstborn of all creation, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Another prayer was for the blessing of the guesthouse. We were gathered in their chapel room for this first blessing prayer:
Loving God, you have taught us to welcome one another as Christ welcomed us: Bless those who from time to time share the hospitality of this home. May your fatherly care shield them, the love of your dear Son preserve them from all evil, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit keep them in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Also, I was particularly touched by the prayer for a child as the community eagerly awaits the birth of Liz and Jesse's child. We gathered in their apartment for this blessing prayer:
Heavenly Father, your Son our Savior took young children into his arms and blessed them: Embrace the child whose house this is with your unfailing love, protect her from all danger, and bring her in safety to each new day, until she greets with joy the great day of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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