Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:17-22 and Acts 6:1-7. On this Sunday before the national celebration of Thanksgiving, we are reminded that our harvest and our community gatherings are meant for all, especially those in need. Gratitude leads to giving. Celebration leads…

Sunday, November 14: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (2nd Week of our “Live in Community” unit/practice) Diversity and difference are not new to the Christian Church. The earliest Christians overcame great divisions and celebrated a unity not based on sameness but…

Feast and Listen Together(1st Week of our “Live in Community” unit/practice)Communities of faith, like other communities, often practice their faith around tables of food. “Breaking bread” is not just a way to nourish our bodies, it’s a celebration of…

SCRIPTURE READING: Sunday, October 31: Luke 7:36-50 Challenge “Othering”(4th Week of our “Welcome All” unit/practice)In this story, a version of which is shared in all four gospels, a woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume. The host of this meal is…

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Luke 10:38-42 (Third Week of our “Welcome All” unit/practice) The story of Martha and Mary reminds us there are different ways to welcome. Some of us are consummate hosts and “hands on workers,” like Martha. Some of…

Matthew 25:31-46. The well-known parable of the sheep and goats. Last week we were invited to see God’s practice of welcome in relationship to the entire creation; this week we’re encouraged to practice that welcome with every individual, especially…

Sunday, October 10: Welcoming Others as God Welcomes You SCRIPTURE READING -Genesis 1:1-2:4a This week begins our “Welcome All” unit/practice. The first unit of our yearlong “Follow Me” curriculum/worship calendar was a general introduction to the idea of being…

We continue our new focus on the Follow Me unit this week, knowing that we are not alone, but in community.