From Our Church Life Minister

02/15/2012

Imagine if you were paired up with Jesus, and you had to introduce Jesus to a curious crowd of folks.

Hello, My Name Is Jesus. 

     I’ve been to a lot of mixers where you have to do icebreakers to get to know your fellow employees, church members, neighbors, and distant relatives. A common exercise is to pair you up with a complete stranger, have a few minutes to get to know each other, and then, in the midst of the whole group, introduce your new friend to everyone else. 

     Here’s the challenge – what do you share about yourself that gives anyone a glimpse into who you really are? Do you talk about your job? Your family? Your hobbies? Where you went to school? A secret passion? Your sense of humor? 

     Now imagine if you were paired up with Jesus, and you had to introduce Jesus to a curious crowd of folks. What would you say?

    Beginning on March 26 and leading to Easter, we will explore several different aspects of Jesus’ role and identity. These broad categories that define who Jesus was and what Jesus did during his earthly ministry come from Marcus Borg’s book, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time. They may be helpful to us as we continue to learn how to tell the story of Jesus and grow in deeper understanding of him. Join us as we explore Jesus as mystic, leader, teacher, prophet, healer, messiah, and savior in all three of our services on Sunday mornings! 

     On Wednesday evenings through Lent, we are forming some new small groups to study and reflect more closely on stories from the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus. We’ve got small group leaders who will guide our discussion and conversation. These groups will give you a chance to meet some new faces in the church as well as go deeper in relationship with Christ.    

     Our bible study time will start at 6:00 PM with a time to eat and chat in the Great Hall. Please bring your own brown bag dinner. Around 6:30 PM, some of our folks will go off to practice bells, while our bible study begins with some time as a whole group and then time in our small groups. Expect the conversation to be open, helpful, and exciting! Childcare will be available as needed. 

     Signup sheets are going out this Sunday to reserve your spot in a small group. There is limited space, so sign up soon!

     And remember, Lent officially begins with Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 22, 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. 

Rev. Nathan