Mother's Day is a cherished occasion celebrated across the globe, dedicated to honoring the influential women in our lives. While the day is commonly associated with expressing gratitude towards our biological mothers, it also holds profound spiritual significance. Mother's Day is a beautiful reminder of the divine feminine energy that nurtures, supports, and uplifts us all. In this blog post, we will explore the spiritual significance of Mother's Day and the profound role of the divine feminine in our lives.
The Essence of the Divine Feminine:
The divine feminine represents the universal energy of creation, nurturing, compassion, and unconditional love. It is a spiritual concept that transcends gender and refers to the qualities that honor the feminine principle within all beings. This energy is characterized by qualities such as intuition, empathy, wisdom, gentleness, and creativity. The divine feminine is often associated with motherhood, both in a literal sense and as a metaphorical representation of nurturing and caring for others.
Honoring the Maternal Archetype:
Mother's Day provides an opportunity to honor the maternal archetype that exists within each of us. It encourages us to recognize and appreciate the qualities of love, compassion, and selflessness that are inherent in the divine feminine energy. By acknowledging and celebrating these qualities, we can foster a deeper connection with our own spirituality and tap into the wellspring of nurturing energy that lies within.
Expressing Gratitude and Love:
Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that opens our hearts and connects us to the divine. Mother's Day serves as a timely reminder to express our heartfelt appreciation and love for the women who have played significant roles in our lives. Whether it is our biological mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or any maternal figure, this day invites us to honor their unwavering support, guidance, and unconditional love.
Embracing the Circle of Life:
Mother's Day also invites us to contemplate the profound cycle of life and the role of the divine feminine in it. The act of giving birth, nurturing, and raising children mirrors the creative energy that flows through all of existence. It symbolizes the continuous cycle of creation, growth, and transformation. By acknowledging the divine feminine on Mother's Day, we acknowledge the sacredness of life itself and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The Importance of Self-Nurturing:
Mother's Day is not only about honoring external figures but also about turning inward and nurturing ourselves. It reminds us of the importance of self-care, self-compassion, and self-love. Just as a mother cares for her child, we too must prioritize our well-being and cultivate a loving relationship with ourselves. By embracing our own divine feminine energy, we can foster personal growth, find inner peace, and radiate love and compassion to those around us.
Mother's Day offers us a precious opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the spiritual significance of the divine feminine. It reminds us of the universal qualities of love, compassion, and nurturing that are essential for our personal and collective well-being. As we honor the maternal figures in our lives, we simultaneously honor the divine energy that permeates the universe. By embodying the divine feminine within ourselves, we can create a more harmonious and compassionate world. May we cherish and celebrate the spiritual essence of Mother's Day every day as we honor and embrace the divine feminine energy within us and all around us.
Our congregation gathered for a church-wide meeting on February 26, 2023. For those who missed it or want to review what was discussed, here are my notes:
Financial update:
Dave Lathrop (Board Treasurer) shares a brief financial update. We have a deficit, not an emergency. Expenses are down about 25%, but income is also down about 25%. We've saved a significant amount by swapping out LiveControl.
Pastors update:
Pastor Ben and Pastor Michael are optimistic about the future of Riverfront, but also realistic about the challenges we face. They see our members and regular attenders as a strong core group. They're also seeing tremendous growth in maturity.
Marketing/Outreach Discussion
Jessie B suggests partnering with the gay and lesbian chamber of commerce.
Diana S shares that there’s a real need for what she and Laura experienced, being able to be out in church.
Pastor Ben notes that we are a quadrant 4 church: affirming, contemporary worship style. That was Pastor Nancy’s heart from the beginning.
Jessie suggests sharing Diana’s testimony (and others) as a video that will resonate with others.
Deb M comes from a progressive and affirming but more liturgical style and not enough Jesus. That was the draw. She also shares that a lot of adoptive parents were/are here and that was part of how she found community.
Laura S asks if we’re networked with other churches outside Hartford area. Many people may be looking for something closer.
Ben mentions the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) - also notes we can be a catalyst to create a network.
Kurt M adds that he’s having a hard time with the “COVID hangover.”
Jessie suggests having scheduled lunch or other social gatherings.
Deb says she encounters lots of progressive, spiritual people who don’t want to touch church with a 10-foot pole.
Rich G expresses interest in leaning into the “family” side of RFC. Also the COVID community conversation.
Michael M says we live in a society full of loneliness and hurt and alienation. We are a community of people who can welcome them with love and fellowship. Mentions he’s going to teach a Bible study on Mark.
Ben notes that because of our small size, things can just happen without a ton of bureaucracy.
Jessie suggests doing YouTube interviews or written testimonials. Deb offers to interview people.
Michael is excited about music. Very powerful, very healing.
Ben suggests using the Changing the Sheets podcast as a front door, as well as "checking in" on social media.
Diana says we need to focus on our greeting ministry - signs, physical presence here.
- Admin
At Riverfront Family Church, we have a variety of small groups, including book clubs, bible studies, prayer groups, activity groups, discussion groups and spiritual formation groups. We believe that the power of GROUPS is COMMUNITY. Groups are a catalyst for spiritual friendships and spiritual friendships are a catalyst for spiritual growth.
This Fall, we have 8 small groups that you can connect with. Check them out here.
