Blog

Visio divina is another way to be contemplative. Visio divina shares roots with the ancient practice of lectio divina. (Lectio divina calls for a slow, careful interaction with scripture through meditation and prayer, allowing a word or phrase to rise in one's consciousness, a holy word to be savored and examined.) Similarly, visio divina invites one to encounter God through images. Try Visio Divina Look at the image above painted by our own Rev. Doug Meyer. Let your eyes stay... Read More

This week we invite you to join us in the ancient practice of reading Scripture called Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina can be done individually or in a small group. The passage we are going to explore is John 4:7-15. Begin by acknowledging God’s presence during this set-aside time. Read the passage. Listen for any words or phrases that jump out. Read the passage again. Spend a moment reflecting on the words or phrases. What is God saying to you through this word or phrase? ... Read More

Chay and Ashley Henson prayerfully decided to step out of their comfort zone and lead a Life Group. They were a little hesitant because, in Ashley's own words, they "weren't biblical scholars," but were looking for a way to get better connected to others at the church. Having been at Trietsch for over 8 years and members for the past 2 ½, the Hensons still felt that "big church feel" that so many experience. Since beginning their Life Group,... Read More

Rev. Clay Horton and Director of Discipleship Denise Robinson share how to create a space to encounter God: The spiritual practice of solitude is a gift, but it takes intentionality. How can you create space to find solitude on a regular basis? Creating space may mean a physical space in your house, or it might be creating space in your calendar. Spend time today creating time and space for solitude. Add some time for solitude to your calendar so that you'll practice it over the... Read More

Breath prayer is an ancient Christian prayer practice dating back to at least the sixth century. Historically, it is associated with the Eastern Church, particularly Greek and Russian Orthodox churches. If you're trying to learn how to pray or what to pray, the breath prayer is a great place to start. Known as the "Jesus Prayer" or "Prayer of the Heart," early practitioners would repeat to the rhythm of their breath the phrase, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son... Read More

Be still and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10 Instruction Find a quiet place, gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Prepare to pray the Psalm in 5 consecutively diminishing sentences. Either aloud or quietly to yourself, say the words, “Be still and know that I am God.” After a couple deep breaths, pray, “Be still and know that I am.” After a couple deep breaths, pray “Be still and know.” After a couple deep breaths,... Read More

Invite God to be with you as you and bless your time together. At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. - Luke 4:42 But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. - Luke 5:15-16 Reflect on the following questions. Feel free to... Read More

Rev. Clay Horton  and Director of Discipleship Denise Robinson share tips to experience God through solitude: "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." - Mark 1:35 Examples of Jesus finding solitude are throughout the Gospels. Even Jesus needed to escape and find stillness. As we live into our first week of our lenten practices, we invite you to add a time of solitude to... Read More

Amy Parsons shares how tough it is to give up control. As we head into Lent, think about what you can give up to God. Is it a habit, craving, behavior, attitude? CHANGE - I love it!  No - wait... I hate it!  Well, I like it when I can control it!  If it's MY idea and I feel good about it and it makes me immediately happy and...and...and that's almost never how it works.  Hello.  My name is Amy and I'm a control freak.    I like change on... Read More

Amy Parsons interviewed the Pippetts about their Life Group. See their answers below. Life Groups start the week of February 11, but you can join a new Life Group up until March 4 at TMUMC.ORG/life . I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie and Alex Pippett, new members at Trietsch, about their involvement in their Life Group. Stephanie grew up at Trietsch as Stephanie Robinson – and I was thrilled to be a part of the village that raised her here! She married Alex who... Read More