From Pastor Krista Zimmerman
March 2, 2022
Recommendation of free “Pray as You Go” App/Website
While reading an essay in a book a few weeks ago, the author talked about a smartphone app called “Pray as You Go”. The author and her son listen to the daily episodes in the car. As they listen to the prayer prompts, they take a moment to pause the recording to talk about them. I was intrigued by this prayer app that daily captures the interest of an adult and a child. I went to my app store to see if this still existed, and it does! I have been using it for several weeks and have found it to be a wonderful resource that I highly recommend to anyone! It has helped me reflect on the day, connect with God and even transition into sleep better. The prayer app was intended to be a quick meditation “on the go” while driving or walking or traveling from one place to another. Don’t worry, I’m not falling asleep at the wheel! I mostly listen in the morning or at night.
Each session is about 10-15 minutes long. It starts off with the sound of a bell ringing. This helps me get centered for what is about to come. The bells then fade into a song. The songs are different genres everyday: hymns, chant, contemporary worship, choirs, solos, instrumental, acapella, etc. The song fades into the theme of the day where the leader reads Scripture. Then there are reflective questions that encourage you to use your imagination and tap into your feelings. The Monday through Friday sessions end with a prayer and a blessing. The Saturday sessions are called “Examen” which is a form of reflection in Ignatian Spirituality. The whole app is based in Ignatian Spirituality which comes out of Roman Catholicism. It is all about using your imagination to connect with God. For example, instead of just inviting us to pray to God, the leaders invite us to imagine what Jesus would say or do in a specific situation.
In addition to daily prayer and meditation, there are retreats, special prayers and more. I love the artistry and diversity of it. The app comes out of the United Kingdom so you will notice that the men’s and women’s voices have a lovely accent that is soothing in itself! It also follows the church/ liturgical year.
You an access the app by searching for it on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also get to it online at: https://pray-as-you-go.org/
I hope you will give this prayer app a go! It's free, and it’s a great tool to use at any time to help us connect with God and ourselves and the world but might be especially helpful during this season of Lent as we seek to focus.
If you give it a try, let me know! I hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed me!
From Pastor Beth Ann Stone
February 23, 2022
Have you ever seen that message on Netflix, “Are you still watching?” It shows up on screen if you’ve been watching episodes of your favorite show back-to-back for a long time (not that I’ve ever done that, mind you…). Once you’ve assured Netflix that you haven’t walked away and left your show to run unattended for hours, Netflix keeps things running until enough time passes to beg the question once again, “Are you still watching?”
Maybe you can see where this is going! MPLC is ready to wake up and get busy again after two long years of Covid-impacted community. Since our former volunteer teams have been in flux, our staff and a few members have been working hard to keep our worship life running smoothly. But now we need a lot more of you to step up, check in, and let us know how you’re willing to help!
We need volunteers to host worshippers at services (ushers), to help prepare or serve communion, to make bread, or to read scripture. And our livestreamed Sunday service opens up new volunteer roles we didn’t have before…like the video producer who controls the cameras and slides on the computer in the cry room. For people who’d like to volunteer from home, we need hosts for the Facebook chat during the service. We’ll show you how!
So let us know you’re “still there” by getting involved. Sign up at the table at the back of the sanctuary, or sign up online here. And help us all grow our relationships with God, each other, and our neighbors in the way of Jesus!