The Flow of Sustainability
Sunday, April 25th, 2010
April 18, 2010 – Music and Message by Ishak Kang
As a preface to Earth Day, I wanted to delve into the concepts of sustainability illustrated by the works of both Emanuel Swedenborg and William Blake. Although Swedenborg’s writings had quite an influence on the younger Blake, he eventually rejects much of Swedenborg’s moral doctrine. However, the following quotations reveal their shared view on the holographic nature of reality.
“Imagination is the real and eternal world of which this vegetable universe is but a faint shadow.”
-Jerusalem, published in 1804, William Blake
“The visible universe is nothing else than a theater, representative of the Lord’s kingdom.”
-Arcana Coelestia, 3483, published 1749-1756, Emanuel Swedenborg
What is this “Vegetable Universe” Blake is referring to? And, does it matter if its not real? What are our responsibilities to shepherd this world? Is our physical environment a mere representation of celestial patterns and truth? Buckminster Fuller defined these ephemeral truths as “pattern integrity” in his lengthy tome, Synergetics. His most basic example of this was his deconstruction of a simple overhand loop knot in a piece of rope. He explained that it was the ephemeral pattern that had “tensegrity” not the material. It did not matter if he used a hemp rope or even a piece of cooked spaghetti. It is the pattern that matters.
The opening stanza of William Blake’s Augeries of Innocence is one of his most famous…
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.
As the congregation joined me in a song repeating this verse, I remarked on the final scene of the movie, “Men in Black.”
Click here for the scene from Men in Black (dubbed in French!)
Of course, there are more direct pop culture references to William Blake. Here is the scene from Bull Durham.
The value of poetry and art is that because of pattern integrity, they offer us more accessibility to complex concepts. Thanks to these movies and the popularity of Aldous Huxley and Jim Morrison, I have heard of William Blake long before I learned of Emanuel Swedenborg. I appreciate the value of learning more about the true flow of sustainability.
I close this blog post with a description of flow by Mihaly Csikzentmihaliyi…
Flow is completely focused motivation. It is a single-minded immersion and represents perhaps the ultimate in harnessing the emotions in the service of performing and learning. In flow the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand. To be caught in the ennui of depression or the agitation of anxiety is to be barred from flow. The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task.
April 18, 2010 – Music and Message by Ishak Kang
As a preface to Earth Day, I wanted to delve into the concepts of sustainability illustrated by the works of both Emanuel Swedenborg and William Blake. Although Swedenborg’s writings had quite an influence on the younger Blake, he eventually rejects much of Swedenborg’s moral doctrine. However, the following quotations reveal their shared view on the holographic nature of reality.
“Imagination is the real and eternal world of which this vegetable universe is but a faint shadow.”
-Jerusalem, published in 1804, William Blake
“The visible universe is nothing else than a theater, representative of the Lord’s kingdom.”
-Arcana Coelestia, 3483, published 1749-1756, Emanuel Swedenborg
What is this “Vegetable Universe” Blake is referring to? And, does it matter if its not real? What are our responsibilities to shepherd this world? Is our physical environment a mere representation of celestial patterns and truth? Buckminster Fuller defined these ephemeral truths as “pattern integrity” in his lengthy tome, Synergetics. His most basic example of this was his deconstruction of a simple overhand loop knot in a piece of rope. He explained that it was the ephemeral pattern that had “tensegrity” not the material. It did not matter if he used a hemp rope or even a piece of cooked spaghetti. It is the pattern that matters.
The opening stanza of William Blake’s Augeries of Innocence is one of his most famous…
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.
As the congregation joined me in a song repeating this verse, I remarked on the final scene of the movie, “Men in Black.”
Click here for the scene from Men in Black (dubbed in French!)
Of course, there are more direct pop culture references to William Blake. Here is the scene from Bull Durham.
The value of poetry and art is that because of pattern integrity, they offer us more accessibility to complex concepts. Thanks to these movies and the popularity of Aldous Huxley and Jim Morrison, I have heard of William Blake long before I learned of Emanuel Swedenborg. I appreciate the value of learning more about the true flow of sustainability.
I close this blog post with a description of flow by Mihaly Csikzentmihaliyi…
Flow is completely focused motivation. It is a single-minded immersion and represents perhaps the ultimate in harnessing the emotions in the service of performing and learning. In flow the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand. To be caught in the ennui of depression or the agitation of anxiety is to be barred from flow. The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task.
Easter Sunday Sermon – Jim Lawrence
Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Tombstone or Cornerstone?
Easter Sunday — April 4, 2010
Hillside Community Church
Rev. Dr. James Lawrence
Psalm 118:8-24, 29; John 20:1-9 (text follows sermon)
Imagine that a great cathedral is about to go under construction. The foundation must be laid first, and the contractor is inspecting a load of newly-arrived quarried stone. Some stones he approves, and others he rejects. Later in the day the architect arrives on the scene and casually surveys the pile of discarded stones. One stone nearly leaps out of the Read more…
Tombstone or Cornerstone?
Easter Sunday — April 4, 2010
Hillside Community Church
Rev. Dr. James Lawrence
Psalm 118:8-24, 29; John 20:1-9 (text follows sermon)
Imagine that a great cathedral is about to go under construction. The foundation must be laid first, and the contractor is inspecting a load of newly-arrived quarried stone. Some stones he approves, and others he rejects. Later in the day the architect arrives on the scene and casually surveys the pile of discarded stones. One stone nearly leaps out of the Read more…
Test Post
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Tolling of the Bell – Abbey of St Peter
This is a test of the “Sermon Podcast Subscription Service” — it is not a real sermon. . . .
Tolling of the Bell – Abbey of St Peter
This is a test of the “Sermon Podcast Subscription Service” — it is not a real sermon. . . .
Sunday, January 10 – Annamarie Torpey
Sunday, January 10th, 2010
Click on the title to hear the sermon and musical interlude:
“Thy Will Be Done”
Or for those of you who would rather read, here is the text of the sermon! The readings are 1 Kings 19: 11-13, Mark 14: 32-36 (text follows the sermon).
Thy Will Be Done
Catherine of Sienna, a woman recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint, said “If you are what you are meant to be, you will set the whole world on fire.” I took this to mean that God has plans for each of us, and if we live those plans out the world can be an amazing place. The trouble is discerning what those plans are. I hope to share with you some of my ideas on how to listen to God for a message on what you are truly meant to be. Read more…
Click on the title to hear the sermon and musical interlude:
“Thy Will Be Done”
Or for those of you who would rather read, here is the text of the sermon! The readings are 1 Kings 19: 11-13, Mark 14: 32-36 (text follows the sermon).
Thy Will Be Done
Catherine of Sienna, a woman recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint, said “If you are what you are meant to be, you will set the whole world on fire.” I took this to mean that God has plans for each of us, and if we live those plans out the world can be an amazing place. The trouble is discerning what those plans are. I hope to share with you some of my ideas on how to listen to God for a message on what you are truly meant to be. Read more…
Sunday, January 3, 2010 – Rev. Jim Lawrence
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010
“To Have Successful Failures (Among Other New Year’s Resolutions)”
Click on the title to hear the sermon, followed by a musical interlude!
Reading: Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.”
“To Have Successful Failures (Among Other New Year’s Resolutions)”
Click on the title to hear the sermon, followed by a musical interlude!
Reading: Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.”
December 20, 2009 – Fourth Sunday of Advent – Rev. Lana Sandahl
Sunday, December 20th, 2009
“An Inward Stirring of Peace”
Finally! All the pieces of recording equipment worked today! Click on the title above to hear Lana’s Fourth Sunday of Advent (Peace) sermon. Keep listening when she’s done — we also recorded today’s anthem!
Readings:
Micah 5: 2-5
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall Read more…
“An Inward Stirring of Peace”
Finally! All the pieces of recording equipment worked today! Click on the title above to hear Lana’s Fourth Sunday of Advent (Peace) sermon. Keep listening when she’s done — we also recorded today’s anthem!
Readings:
Micah 5: 2-5
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall Read more…
December 13 – Third Sunday of Advent – Rodrigo Marcus
Sunday, December 13th, 2009
“Welcoming God’s Joy. . .In God’s Time”
Click on the title to download the sermon!
Readings:
Isaiah 12:2-6
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before Read more…
“Welcoming God’s Joy. . .In God’s Time”
Click on the title to download the sermon!
Readings:
Isaiah 12:2-6
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before Read more…
December 6, Second Sunday of Advent — Rev. Kim Hinrichs
Monday, December 7th, 2009
“Preparing A Way”
Luke 1: 59-79 (text at end of sermon)
One day last week my nine-year-old daughter had a play date with a friend. The next day, I got a call from the friend’s mother while I was at work. She said, “I just wanted to tell you something that Claire said yesterday.” I said “Oh, no… what did she do?” as my heart sank. Read more…
“Preparing A Way”
Luke 1: 59-79 (text at end of sermon)
One day last week my nine-year-old daughter had a play date with a friend. The next day, I got a call from the friend’s mother while I was at work. She said, “I just wanted to tell you something that Claire said yesterday.” I said “Oh, no… what did she do?” as my heart sank. Read more…
Sunday, November 29
Friday, December 4th, 2009
“Are We In The Dark?” – Rev. Jim Lawrence
Click on the title to hear the sermon!
Mark 13: 1-26
As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Read more…
“Are We In The Dark?” – Rev. Jim Lawrence
Click on the title to hear the sermon!
Mark 13: 1-26
As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Read more…
Sermon from Sunday, November 8 by Rodrigo Marcus
Sunday, November 8th, 2009
“Watering Our Soil”
Click on the title to listen to the sermon!
1 Kings 17:8-16
Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” Read more…
“Watering Our Soil”
Click on the title to listen to the sermon!
1 Kings 17:8-16
Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” Read more…
