Times are tough - but we have strength and love woven into our being, brought to us by God and our ancestors. What could we do if we were grounded in those roots? What if healing is the holiest work there is?
How do we find alignment when we are both in this world and yet not entirely of it? All year, we've been exploring how to đłđŠ-member in a culture that works so hard to đ„đȘđŽ-member us and our communities. In this message, we explore how to exist in the world of "getting along" while also staying connected first to Divine Gifts given to us from the start.
What would happen if we start to un-church âTHE CHURCHâ (capital C) and get back to the roots of what it means to be âchurchâ once more? This Sunday, we explored questions like, what does it mean to be church? What part of you gets filled in this place that doesn't get filled elsewhere? Are there places outside of "THE CHURCH" that feel more like church to you? We're building something beautiful here. Join alongside us as we dive in.
A Well-Grounded Hope- Making a Way Out of No Way by Devin Wright
Many of us were handed an Easter story that begins with separation: Youâre a sinner. God is angry. Blood must be spilled before you can be loved. But⊠what if thatâs not the real story? What if resurrection isnât about blood paymentâbut about re-membering what weâve forgotten? That nothing can separate you from the love of God. That youâve always belonged. Youâve always been beloved. Resurrection invites us to reconnectâto our God-created selves, to one another, to the earth, to the cosmos. To piece back together whatâs been fragmented. To rise.
Kate - a seminary-trained mental health therapist - unpacks one of the Bibleâs most mysterious and misunderstood storiesâthe Witch of Endor. For centuries, women labeled as âwitchesâ have embodied resistance, resilience, and a power that defies control. What if this ancient tale isnât about sorcery but survival, truth-telling, and divine defiance?
White Christian Nationalism is a movement of American Christians who are fighting for conservative Christians to hold power in family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government. Is this what Jesus taught in the gospels? How do we reconcile this movement with the teachings of Jesus? How do we respond when Christians use scripture to justify policies that harm and marginalize vulnerable communities?
Is it possible the church and America has whitewashed the complexities and realities of racism, the teachings of Jesus, and the fight for equity and liberation?
Happy Easter & Happy Trans Day of Visibility! by Devin Wright
The only constant is change. Change is built into the universe and life on earth has survived by adapting to those changes. Yet, we are so afraid of change! Religions across the world, older than Christianity, have taught how to process change. How do we adapt to change in a way that makes our lives and the world more healed and whole?
The images of death and destruction in the conflict have been unbearable. How do we make sense of the horror? Did you know white American evangelicals support the Israeli leaders' response to Palestine more than any other group? Why? It has to do with the end of the world. Let's talk about some of the history of the conflict, its connections to American Christianity, and how to seek a compassionate response.
Fall and the Autumn Equinox has had a profound impact on human cultures for thousands of years. What we can learn about the spirituality of Autumn and how to find balance in our lives?
I grew up with a view of faith that was tied to believing in God, reading my Bible, and believing the correct theology about God and the Bible. What if Jesus' view of faith and belief are different?
In June we celebrated LGBTQ Pride. In July, Americans celebrate USA Pride. On the final day of Pride month in June, the Supreme Court ruled that businesses could discriminate against a person based on their sexuality in the defense of religious beliefs. What happens when we value our own religious freedom above the humanity of others? Jesus placed people above theology and his actions were considered "sinful" by the religious elite.
We believe all trans people are beloved and that God is nonbinary! Hear Riley Aliamus share his journey toward discovering his true self along with practical ways to support the trans community. Riley's GoFundMe Page: https://gofund.me/ac22a98e
Matthew 10:35 "I have a come to turn a son against his father." - Jesus. Happy Father's Day! "Traditional family values" have long been a cry of Christianity in America, but what if Jesus' sayings about the family actually challenge traditional family values? Maybe that's a good thing.
*Content Awareness: Discussion of suicide and eating disorders.* Missiongathering's Kevin Criswell shares his personal mental health journey that partly led him to a career in psychology, helping people develop the tools to cope with mental health challenges. Kevin's honesty and vulnerability in sharing his story is inspiring and hopeful for all of us who struggle with mental health. *He was not able to share this during the talk, but Kevin wants listeners to know that he advocates for the use of medication to help with mental health problems as it was beneficial for him as a bridge out of depression. Medication is not a replacement for good social relationships and therapy/counseling, but it can make a difference for some.
The record breaking anti-LGBTQ legislation happening in the U.S. is partly the result of people's interpretation of the Bible and their view that God created and approved of only two genders - straight male and straight female. But, did you know the biblical tradition of Jesus and ancient Judaism recognized four genders beyond male and female? What if the larger story of the biblical tradition is one that points to love and inclusion?