Jesus, Stephen and Violence

New Things!

Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Matthew 28:16-20 - What's God up to? The same, old thing, or something new? Why not both? This week, we talk about God filling up creation with new things, again and again.

Prepoaring for Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21 and Numbers 11:24-30 - What do you know about Pentecost? Is it something that comes up for the first time after the Resurrection, or are its origins much older? Come learn about some of the best good news that we've got!

Scattering Enemies or Making Friends?

Acts 1:6-14, Psa 68:1-10; John 17:1-11 - What is the role of a Christian? Scattering our enemies or welcoming strangers?

Abiding Comfort

John 14:15-21 and 1 Peter 3:13-22 - First, sign up to watch Jeff Shulman's What it Takes [https://www.whatittakesmovie.com/]. Then, think about what you would want if your life fell apart. Someone to stick by you, no matter what, right? Someone who has been where you've been, and knows how to make it through. That's who and what we are talking about this week.

Jesus, Stephen and Violence

Acts 7:55-60; 1 Petere 2:2-10; John 14:1-14. Look, Jesus isn't Caesar and he is not Spartacus. His revolt uses swords only to make sure that there is a pretext to arrest him, NOT to injure humans (ask Malchus!). Too often, Christians try to have it both ways, worship the Prince of Peace, and waging murder and war in his name. The lectionary passages this week address the relationship among Jesus, his followers and violence.