Be Still Episode 0: Welcome

The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge. (Psalm 19:1–2)

God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1–3)

Hello, and welcome. My name is David Holdsworth, and this is Be Still.

This isn't a sermon. It isn't a service you need to keep up with. There's no live chat, no expectation to show up at a certain hour, nothing to perform and no one watching how you respond. Think of it more like a light left on in a room somewhere — quiet, predictable, always in the same place — for whenever you need to wander in, sit down for a while, and be still.

I'm a graduate of Highland Theological College, and I'm autistic. I'm also a Companion of Jesus — an ecumenical Franciscan. So much of church life is built around noise, spontaneity, and social performance — and for many of us, that's not restful, it's exhausting. This is my attempt to build something different: a sensory-friendly space to rest in the story of God.

Every episode follows the same shape: a short reading, the Franciscan Prayer, narrative Scripture from the World English Bible, a few minutes of silence, a gentle question to sit with, a brief invitation to the Table, and a closing blessing. No surprises. You'll always know what's coming, and how long it will take. We'll walk through the Bible's Grand Narrative slowly, at a walking pace.

You don't need to prepare anything or respond to me. You're welcome here exactly as you are — alone, with family, from a hospital bed, or from a car in a parking lot because it's the only quiet five minutes you'll get today.

Most High, good Lord, Yours are the praise and the glory. Praised be You, my Lord, through all Your creatures: Brother Sun for the light of the day, Sister Moon and stars shining above, Brother Wind and the shifting weather, Sister Water so clear and precious, Brother Fire for warmth and comfort, Mother Earth who feeds and sustains us. For all these gifts, we give You thanks. May we walk gently, love deeply, and live in peace with all Your creation. You are goodness, all goodness, you are the highest Good. You are beauty, you are gentleness, you are our protector. You are rest, you are peace. Amen.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." There was evening and there was morning, the first day. (Genesis 1:1–5, WEB)

There is no need to solve this. Just let the words sit with you: I wonder what it means, that the story of everything begins not with noise, but with a word spoken into the dark — and it was good.

You are welcome at this Table wherever you are listening. There is no priest required here but you — this is the priesthood of all believers. When he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me." In the same way he also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:24–26)

The LORD bless you, and keep you. The LORD make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his face towards you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)

Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.