THE COMMON GOOD IN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. Paul Versluis (November 10, 2013)
|
|
- Lester Williamson
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 THE COMMON GOOD IN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY Paul Versluis (November 10, 2013) Reading a brief rendition of 1 Corinthians 12, The Spirit gives us different gifts and God empowers us to serve in different ways. The Spirit gives to some of us wisdom, to others faith, to some the gift of healing, to others a prophetic voice, to some an experience of miracles, and to other gift of prayer. We have different gifts but it is the same Spirit. To each is given the manifestation of the Sprit for the COMMON GOOD. May we use our personal gifts and abilities for the common good of our families and community. Use your spiritual gifts to enable this community to flourish. We each have been given a different gift to use for the common good. If you do not use your gifts for our common good, then we are less fortunate. We need your participation to enable our common good. The same is true in the family and at work. Right after speaking about the common good, Paul writes that we should strive for the greatest gift, the most excellent way, which is love. Some teach and some lead the process, some have visions and some pray, some sing and some bring flowers, some make peace and some are prophetic, some have a way of healing wounds and some raise funds, some organize our life and some make offer challenge, but all are needed to edify the community and the most excellent way, the greatest gift is love. When we love God and each other, we serve the common good and we enable our family and community to flourish. Lend a hand, do your part to enable the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. The common good is healthy community. We have to work, participate, play our position as it doesn t just happen by itself. Sometimes I don t do this well, this lending a hand and making my contribution. Because of the distance, I attend my Pastor peer group less than I should. But when I am there, I am engaged and I do my best to enable the group to flourish. A few weeks ago as I listened to a pastor share her story, I had a simple word to share. After the meeting, one of the conference ministers came up to me, smiled and said, I wish you were my pastor. I hardly know this women, but her words encouraged my heart. Life is too difficult to live alone. We need each other, we need to be loved by others to live well. I serve on a board and feel that I am among the least helpful board members in terms of my contribution. I don t bring meals, print flyers, give them big bucks, but when I am there, I am engaged, I do my best to enable the group to flourish. I do my best to build them up. Again, it was just a simple word, about having a disposition of generosity rather than one of scarcity, and one of the members later wrote me, grateful for my part, small as I might think it was.
2 Use your gifts for the common good of your family, community and work. When we love we work for our common good and the Spirit is with us to enable this community to flourish. At our family reunion I wrote the gifts of the Spirit on a piece of paper and randomly handed each person their blessing with a kiss. Your blessing is kindness; your blessing is courage, and so on. Some of the grandchildren took their gifts to bed with them. Grace remembered the gift given to Lucia. I was using my gifts for our common good. A brief philosophy of the common good On the one hand, the concept of the Common Good argues that the good of the community takes precedent over the good of the individual. When we share things in common, we need to consider the other person s perspective and we need a good process for making decisions. The more people who share, the more complicated it becomes to arrive at what we might consider to be the common good. Adding to the complexity is not just that we have different perspectives and the process not well done, but that there are times when the good of the community should not take precedence over the individual. Most would argue that the common good of a nation is best served by military conscription, but we would support a minority position that the common good would allow for consciousness objection. Don said it well, that the common good would endeavor to work to balance collective and individual rights. And when we include not just people, but all creation and creatures in the mix, it is not always clear what the common good is. The common good is something we need to hammer out with a good collective process. Does the common good include salmon in Lake Michigan? I am told that at one time, many favored trout. Does the common good include Iran as a nuclear power? Of course not, but then what about USA? Jesus words about the least of these remind us that we need to include the disadvantaged, the poor, the little ones, the dispossessed in our discussion about the common good. The common good is about ideas and practices that make the world better for everyone and not just the privileged few. The common good does not begin with self interest or national interest but with a shared, collective, global, water-shed perspective. The common good is a spirituality of wholeness, reminding us how everything is connected and we are all part of one whole fabric, and if you damage one part you damage the whole. A Personal story Growing us as a Christian fundamentalists, the most fundamental principle of our faith was the idea and the practice of Separation. Come out from among them, be ye separate was the Biblical slogan we lived by, the deepest, most cherished principle of our spiritual identity.
3 This principle of separation fenced us off from the the world, including Jews and then Catholics, and then Episcopalians and Methodists, and then evangelicals and then any fundamentalist who would associate with any of the above. The big deal was not to deal with people who were not like us. We were to live separated and apart so we would be contaminated. We even practiced secondary separation, not to associate with anyone who associated with Billy Graham, because Billy Graham was known to associate with neo evangelicals. We were taught to isolate ourselves and distrust people not like ourselves. We were suspicious and wary of anyone on the other side of our protective boundaries. This fostered a spirit of hostility, fear, and anxiety. There was no attempt to build bridges, or listen, or understand anyone from another perspective. For the sectarian, there can be no common good or common ground with the world. The word bigot means sectarian, or partisan. These are our neighbors, our brothers and our sisters. These are the people that we need to befriend and work with to forge a common good. It seems to be an impossible task, to listen and include those who would exclude themselves from our company. I believe an attempt to forge a common good from diverse minerals is the will of God, the vision and the mission of God in our time. Not to judge or condemn but to listen and show respect. Not to avoid them but befriend them. Who will do this work of peace? And there is the problem of our brains. We tend to think in dualistic and binary ways and to work for the common good we will need learn to think in non dualistic and more unitive ways. We need to evolve to a new consciousness, a new way of thinking. Carlyon alerted us to the book Moral Tribes, by Joshua Greene. Greene directs Harvard University s Moral Cognition Lab, which uses cutting-edge neuroscience and cognitive techniques to understand how people make moral decisions. Daniel Gilbert writes about Greene, Combining insights from the lab with lessons from decades of social science and centuries of philosophy, the great question of Moral Tribes is this: How can we get along with Them when what they want feels so wrong to Us? Gilbert continues his review of Greens work, Our brains were designed for tribal life, for getting along with a select group of others (Us) and for fighting off everyone else (Them). But modern times have forced the world s tribes into a shared space, resulting in epic clashes of values along with unprecedented opportunities. As the world shrinks, the moral lines that divide us become more salient and more puzzling. We fight over everything from tax codes to gay marriage to global warming, and we wonder where, if at all, we can find our common ground. A grand synthesis of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, Moral Tribes reveals the underlying causes of modern conflict and lights the way forward. Greene compares the human
4 brain to a dual-mode camera, with point-and-shoot automatic settings ( portrait, landscape ) as well as a manual mode. Our point-and-shoot settings are our emotions efficient, automated programs honed by evolution, culture, and personal experience. The brain s manual mode is its capacity for deliberate reasoning, which makes our thinking flexible. Point-and-shoot emotions make us social animals, turning Me into Us. But they also make us tribal animals, turning Us against Them. Our tribal emotions make us fight sometimes with bombs, sometimes with words often with life-and-death stakes. To forge a common good we will need to alter the way we think and act towards those who are on the other side. We have been trained to gain advantage over others and not to work for a common good. We need to learn to cooperate and not separate from those with whom we disagree. We need to foster cooperation with people with deeply felt different moral values. [the new peacemaker] Law of liberty: showing mercy rather than judgment in the book of James You must understand this, my beloved; let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for your anger does not create God s justice. [1:19]. And then reading from James 2:1; acts of favoritism do not conform with belief in Jesus. In 2:9 James adds, [But] if you show partiality, you commit sin Showing favoritism or partiality, in this instance to the rich, is just plain wrong. Discrimination violated the law of love for ones neighbor, what James calls the law of liberty. Rather than practicing partiality or discrimination, we need to learn to practice mercy, for as James says, mercy triumphs over judgment. The common good is a dream for the future of our world. For this dream to become a reality we must practice a ethic of love and extend mercy to those whose values and beliefs are different than ours. When we show partiality and judgment rather than mercy we sin and this leads to increased hostility and fear. But when we show mercy rather than judgment, when we love our adversaries, this leads to liberty and freedom. In a world of increasing multiculturalism, immigration, and globalization, we need to learn to seek a common good, however that is defined in each context. Rather than fostering policies than increase judgment and partiality, we need to foster policies that increase mutual listening and mercy. Rather than using processes that increase separation and antagonism, we need to use processes that increase mutual kindness and respect. Rather than practice a spirituality of fear and anxiety, we need to practice a spirituality of generosity and hospitality. This is God s dream, God s mission, and in Jesus this is our calling, to work for the common good, which is just another word for SHALOM. We are by nature somewhat wired for rivalry and selfish interest. It is the Word, the Spirit and the presence of Jesus among us that saves us, transforms us and empowers us to live not
5 conformed to the patterns of this world s violence and national interests but according to the will of God. Nature is transformed by Spirit, as we are being saved by God s grace.
Question is not will we have conflict. The question is how to we respond to it in a good and godly way?
Question is not will we have conflict The question is how to we respond to it in a good and godly way? I. The priority of peace in a context of surrender I. The priority of peace in a context of surrender
More informationReformed Church. But we cannot forget a fifth strand, the Afro- Christian tradition, which
History and Polity Paper Angela Wells April 2012 Through reading, studying and praying about the denomination of the United Church of Christ, I have found that our historical roots inform our theology,
More informationand to celebrate 45 years after the March on Washington- 45 years after King s I Have a Dream speech
KEEPING HOPE ALIVE! A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss Oh, What a privilege is ours this day! To honor the legacy of a great prophet, a man who gave his life for freedom- to praise and give thanks for the
More informationBrief Discussion Guide
Sacred Covenants, Faithful Conversations, A DVD resource for talking about marriage equality Brief Discussion Guide Recommend for use by pastors, lay leaders, and group facilitators. This discussion guide
More informationMETHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION. Towards a Methodist Ethos for Education Purposes
METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION Towards a Methodist Ethos for Education Purposes Christian education in schools is integral to the mission of the Methodist Church. Inspired by Christian
More informationCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and
More informationProtestantism. The Reverend Dr. Girard Lowe
Protestantism The Reverend Dr. Girard Lowe Introduction: 1. Many are Protestants who could not tell you what a Protestant is nor why they themselves are Protestants. a. Of course, the term protestant arose
More informationMoral Communities in a Pluralistic Nation
From the SelectedWorks of Eric Bain-Selbo September 21, 2008 Moral Communities in a Pluralistic Nation Eric Bain-Selbo Available at: https://works.bepress.com/eric_bain_selbo/7/ Moral Communities in a
More informationTOOLKIT for MCC CHURCHES Hosting the PULSE Memorial Service on 12 June 2017
1 TOOLKIT for MCC CHURCHES Hosting the PULSE Memorial Service on 12 June 2017 7 June 2017 Thank you for taking a leadership role in hosting a PULSE Memorial Service to commemorate the lives lost and recommit
More informationQuestion Bank UNIT I 1. What are human values? Values decide the standard of behavior. Some universally accepted values are freedom justice and equality. Other principles of values are love, care, honesty,
More informationThe Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace Today we continue our series on the fruit of the Spirit. We ve already considered love and joy; today we ll discuss peace. The question we re asking in this series is, What
More informationPlease carefully read each statement and select your response by clicking on the item which best represents your view. Thank you.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Thank you for taking the time to complete the Catholic High School Adolescent Faith Formation survey. This is an integral part of the Transforming Adolescent Catechesis process your school
More informationThe Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif. Homework Tasks
Chapter 1: Singing in the Wilderness The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif Homework Tasks 1) Build a list of words from the text that describe Najaf s mood and feelings in this chapter. 2) What forms of conflict
More informationFormation of World Council of Religious and Spiritual Leaders
Formation of World Council of Religious and Spiritual Leaders Report of Steering Committee Meeting and Plan for Initial Meeting of Council Objectives of Steering Committee Meeting One of the stated goals
More informationevangelisation & ICT an educational imperative for the knowledge age greg whitby executive director of schools
evangelisation & ICT an educational imperative for the knowledge age greg whitby executive director of schools july 2008 our mission The Catholic school shares the evangelising mission of the Catholic
More informationU Before I 2/14/ Corinthians 13:1-13
U Before I 2/14/2016 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 I before e except after c. Remember chanting that in grade school? For generations, it s been one of the commonly used mnemonics to help children learn how to
More informationECUMENISM. Doctrinal Catechesis Session Mary Birmingham
Doctrinal Catechesis Session Mary Birmingham ECUMENISM Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later
More informationThere are three essential questions that guide my faith journey. I encourage you to ask them of your life as well.
SACRED TEXT AND THE SUSPENSION OF ENDING A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss There are three essential questions that guide my faith journey. I encourage you to ask them of your life as well. Who are you?
More informationNatural Rights, Natural Limitations 1 By Howard Schwartz
1 P age Natural Rights-Natural Limitations Natural Rights, Natural Limitations 1 By Howard Schwartz Americans are particularly concerned with our liberties because we see liberty as core to what it means
More informationv o i c e A Document for Dialogue and Study Report of the Task Force on Human Sexuality The Alliance of Baptists
The Alliance of Baptists Aclear v o i c e A Document for Dialogue and Study The Alliance of Baptists 1328 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: 202.745.7609 Toll-free: 866.745.7609 Fax: 202.745.0023
More informationUNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. COMMITMENT to COMMUNITY Catholic and Marianist Learning and Living
UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON COMMITMENT to COMMUNITY Catholic and Marianist Learning and Living THE CATHOLIC AND MARIANIST VISION of EDUCATION makes the U NIVERSITY OF DAYTONunique. It shapes the warmth of welcome
More informationReading the Nichomachean Ethics
1 Reading the Nichomachean Ethics Book I: Chapter 1: Good as the aim of action Every art, applied science, systematic investigation, action and choice aims at some good: either an activity, or a product
More informationWAY FORWARD CONVERSATIONS. Minnesota Annual Conference September, 2018 US AND THEM: SO, HOW DO WE BE THE CHURCH?
WAY FORWARD CONVERSATIONS Minnesota Annual Conference September, 2018 US AND THEM: SO, HOW DO WE BE THE CHURCH? In February, 2019, delegates representing our global church will gather in St. Louis for
More informationProfessional and Ethical Expectations for Clergy. General Assembly of the Church of God in Michigan
Professional and Ethical Expectations for Clergy General Assembly of the Church of God in Michigan Theological and Biblical Foundations We believe in the triune God who desires to rejoice in our worship
More informationHOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST God is looking for someone to : Ezekiel 34:16 1. Seek the lost 2. Bring back those who have strayed 3. Bandage the hurt and the crippled 4. Strengthen the weak and the
More informationDo we still have universal values?
Third Global Ethic Lecture Do we still have universal values? By the Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan at the University of Tübingen on December 12, 2003 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
More informationThemes. Covision Report: July 7-8, Covision Report: Future Church Summit - Themes Page 1
Themes Covision Report: July 7-8, 2017 Covision Report: Future Church Summit - Themes Page 1 Themes: What draws us to this faith? Strong sense of community, caring and mutual connection. Centrality of
More informationGreetings in the Name of the Lord. Blessings for all of you, my friends.
Pathwork Guide Lecture No. 35 1996 Edition August 29, 1958 TURNING TO GOD Greetings in the Name of the Lord. Blessings for all of you, my friends. It is just about a year ago -- as humans measure time
More informationSunday, June 13, 2009 Praying the Powerful Prayers of Paul Romans 15:5-6--A Prayer to be Likeminded
1 Sunday, June 13, 2009 Praying the Powerful Prayers of Paul Romans 15:5-6--A Prayer to be Likeminded Introduction We are going to continue this morning with our current series of studies Praying the Powerful
More informationCATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MEMPHIS. PreK 12 Religion Academic Content Standards and Indicators with Accountability Lists
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MEMPHIS PreK 12 Religion Academic Content Standards and Indicators with Accountability Lists 1 FORWARD The mission statement of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Memphis is: As
More informationSection One. A Comprehensive Youth Ministry Mindset
Section One A Comprehensive Youth Ministry Mindset Section One A Comprehensive Youth Ministry Mindset Catholic Youth Ministry needs room to grow. We need room to minister with the diverse youth of today.
More informationNational Migration Week Mass
Human Dignity & Solidarity Immigration Ministry Parish Toolkit National Migration Week Mass Many Journeys, One Family January 7-14, 2018 Homily Aid January 7, 2018 The Epiphany of the Lord Lectionary:
More informationOver the last few weeks, you were invited to share what you are grateful for.
Generosity and Me November 11, 2018 Rev. Steven M. Conger James 1:17-27 (NRSV) Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there
More informationTHE MESSAGE OF BLESSING
World Council of Churches 10th Assembly 30 October to 8 November 2013 Busan, Republic of Korea Document No. PRAY 01 EMBARGOED AGAINST DELIVERY EN Original THE MESSAGE OF BLESSING HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II
More informationThe Beatitudes As An Ethical Document. Paul Versluis (March 1, 2015)
The Beatitudes As An Ethical Document Paul Versluis (March 1, 2015) The Sermon on the Mount is an ethical document. Jesus is teaching his core values, his ideals, that are rooted in the love of God, self
More informationFrom the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice
From the ELCA s Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice NOTE: This document includes only the Core Convictions, Analysis of Patriarchy and Sexism, Resources for Resisting Patriarchy and Sexism, and
More informationOur Drift Toward War (Delivered June 15, 1940)
Our Drift Toward War (Delivered June 15, 1940) I have asked to speak to you again tonight because I believe that we, in America, are drifting toward a position of far greater seriousness to our future
More informationResilient Mission Model (RMM) Application Guide
Resilient Mission Model (RMM) Application Guide After watching the RMM video use this assessment tool to evaluate and develop the mission strategy for your church or mission team. Complete the first two
More informationFACULTY APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Active for 180 Days
1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502-2269 Telephone: (434) 592-3232 FACULTY APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Active for 180 Days Please answer all questions Date: 1. PERSONAL Position Applied for: Rank
More informationDEGREE. TWO-YEAR DEGREE In MINISTRY (60 CREDITS) (Equivalent to an Associate of Ministry)
DEGREE TWO-YEAR DEGREE In MINISTRY (60 CREDITS) (Equivalent to an Associate of Ministry) A two-year program (60 credits) designed to prepare those called to serve the body of Christ in a support capacity.
More informationMULTICULTURALISM AND FUNDAMENTALISM. Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism Hoffman and Graham identify four key distinctions in defining multiculturalism. 1. Multiculturalism as an Attitude Does one have a positive and open attitude to different cultures? Here,
More informationGNJ Strategic Plan Legislation
2019-23 GNJ Strategic Plan Legislation Whereas, in 2013, United Methodists of Greater New Jersey (GNJ) embarked on a five-year journey to grow the percentage of vital congregations from 14% to 41%, an
More informationYouth Ministry Training Lesson Sixteen: Youth Ministry Shepherding Offering Direction. Lesson Introduction
Youth Ministry Training Lesson Sixteen: Youth Ministry Shepherding Offering Direction Lesson Introduction Session Overview Discovering and Practicing Wisdom with Youth Challenging Youth through Spiritual
More informationSHIFTING THE TRACKS OF HISTORY
SHIFTING THE TRACKS OF HISTORY INTRODUCING 100M In the midst of the rapid change and hyper-growth of almost everything around us, we as the Church have lost our voice to impact the culture. Now more than
More informationPETITION # L-1 AFFIRMING WESTERN JURISDICTION COUNCIL OF BISHOPS RESPONSE TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL AND THE WESTERN JURISDICTION S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 PETITION # L-1 AFFIRMING WESTERN JURISDICTION COUNCIL OF BISHOPS RESPONSE TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL AND THE WESTERN JURISDICTION S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE MINISTRY Resolved: We, the
More informationWhat Is Reconciliation? Witnesses to Resurrection
What Is Reconciliation? Witnesses to Resurrection John Wilkinson Third Presbyterian Church April 16, 2017 (Easter) Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 28:1-10 *** One definition of reconciliation has to do with
More informationThis pamphlet was produced by Young People s Ministries.
This pamphlet was produced by Young People s Ministries. If you would like to learn more about the resources that Young People s Ministries offers, visit us at: https://umcyoungpeople.org This resource
More informationJESUS UNITY. Membership. Information WORSHIP KINGDOM INFLUENCE PRAYER DISCIPLESHIP HELPING WE VALUE AUTHENTICITY L O VE GENEROSITY RELATIONSHIPS
Cnr Murray St & McNabb Loop, Como PO BOX 1075 Bentley DC WA 6983 Tel: +61 8 9313 1600 Fax: +61 8 9313 1604 southperth@lifestreamscc.com www.lifestreamscc.com 14 WE VALUE AUTHENTICITY L O VE RELATIONSHIPS
More informationDiocese of San Jose Guidelines for The Catholic LGBT Ministry Council Patrick J. McGrath Bishop of San Jose
Diocese of San Jose Guidelines for The Catholic LGBT Ministry Council Patrick J. McGrath Bishop of San Jose 1.0 Rationale 2.0 Pastoral Needs 3.0 Pastoral Resources 4.0 Pastoral Response 1.1 Mission Statement
More informationLEADERSHIP PROFILE. Presbyterians joyfully engaging in God s mission for the transformation of the world. Vision of the Presbyterian Mission Agency
LEADERSHIP PROFILE Executive Director Presbyterian Mission Agency An agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Louisville, KY Presbyterians joyfully engaging in God s mission for the transformation of
More informationPope Francis the prophet
Published on National Catholic Reporter (https://www.ncronline.org) Oct 1, 2015 Home > Pope Francis the prophet Pope Francis the prophet by Thomas Reese Faith and Justice Francis in the United States While
More informationSeptember 19, Dear Members of the Candler Community,
September 19, 2013 Dear Members of the Candler Community, I have heard a number of concerns expressed about Candler School of Theology presenting a Distinguished Alumni Award to the Rev. Dr. H. Eddie Fox
More informationListening Guide. Worldview Basics. A Comparison of Major Worldviews. WE102 Lesson 03 of 05
Worldview Basics A Comparison of Major Worldviews WE102 Lesson 03 of 05 Listening Guide [1] You will explore how various worldviews answer Frankl s two important questions. But before you do so, take a
More informationFourfold Communication as a Way to Cooperation
1 Fourfold Communication as a Way to Cooperation Ordinary conversation about trivial matters is often a bit careless. We try to listen and talk simultaneously, although that is very difficult. The exchange
More informationStatement on Inter-Religious Relations in Britain
Statement on Inter-Religious Relations in Britain The Inter Faith Network for the UK, 1991 First published March 1991 Reprinted 2006 ISBN 0 9517432 0 1 X Prepared for publication by Kavita Graphics The
More informationMore Light. January 15, 2017: Epiphany II & Martin Luther King Memorial Sunday Tim Phillips, Guest Preacher at Newport Presbyterian Church
1 More Light Isaiah 49:1-7 January 15, 2017: Epiphany II & Martin Luther King Memorial Sunday Tim Phillips, Guest Preacher at Newport Presbyterian Church Isaiah 49:1-7 Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention,
More informationONE BODY MANY MEMBERS. Part 2: Meeting Our Neighbors Again for the First Time Bible Studies Bible Study #1: Who is a Canaanite?
ONE BODY MANY MEMBERS Part 2: Meeting Our Neighbors Again for the First Time Bible Studies Bible Study #1: Who is a Canaanite? Please discuss the following questions in your groups (15 minutes): 1. Does
More informationSounds of Love Series SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION
Sounds of Love Series SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION I will now speak to you about spiritual evolution. Everything seems to be evolving in this universe. There is evolution of the planets, the stars, the moons, the
More informationQueries and Advices. 1. Meeting for Worship. First Section: What is the state of our meetings for worship and business?
Queries and Advices Friends have assessed the state of this religious society through the use of queries since the time of George Fox. Rooted in the history of Friends, the queries reflect the Quaker way
More informationWhat do we stand for? What do we do? What makes us different?
What do we stand for? What do we do? What makes us different? OUR APPROACH Our approach to training and development is shaped by our belief that individuals almost always engage best, and respond best,
More informationRené August. Preliminary discussion. Explore and analyze. The GlobalChurch Project - René August. Page 1 of 5
The GlobalChurch Project www.theglobalchurchproject.com René August College and University Class Resource This resource is designed to help your classroom discussion. It has specific application questions
More informationYou and I have been chosen for such a time as this.
Dear Gospel Ambassador, I thank God upon every remembrance of you, always making mention of you in my prayers, remembering without ceasing, your work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our
More informationFamily Life. CURRICULUM by TOPIC FAMILY
A R C H D IO C E SE of M I LWAU K E E Family Life by TOPIC Knows that God created families, and that families help each other. Understands love and respect for family members. Recognizes that Jesus taught
More informationA Message From our Director
A Message From our Director Welcome to Action International Ministries! Please give a quick read of what makes ACTION different and see whether this is a family where you would fit, prosper, and bloom.
More informationGlobal Ethics "Do We Still Have Universal Values?" Kofi A. Annan
NGO Member of Forum UNESCO and the United Nations Environment Programme ISSN 1201-4133 Global Ethics "Do We Still Have Universal Values?" Kofi A. Annan 3 rd Global Ethic Lecture of the Global Ethic Foundation,
More informationMARCH 18, 2018 EXCLUSION-FREE LIFE
MARCH 18, 2018 EXCLUSION-FREE LIFE Just joining in? Click here for QUICK START Previous Daily Guide: Spin-Free Feb 18 Judgement-Free Feb 25 Despair-Free March 4 Status-Free March 11 As a way to reflect
More informationBega Kwa Bega Companion Synod Relationship. April Strategic Plan for the Saint Paul Area Synod
April 2015 Bega Kwa Bega Companion Synod Relationship 2015 2020 Strategic Plan for the Saint Paul Area Synod A Ministry of the Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA and the Iringa Diocese, ELCT Preface Using the
More informationLiberal Theology Friedrich Schleiermacher ( ). The Father of Liberal theology. Pastored the large and influential Trinity Church
Liberal Theology Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834). The Father of Liberal theology. Pastored the large and influential Trinity Church in Berlin as well as helped found the University of Berlin. He was
More informationWholeness, Holiness & Happiness
Wholeness, Holiness & Happiness Sunday, September 12, 2010 Offered by Rev. Wayne Arnason West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church Rocky River, Ohio Reading "I believe that the very purpose of our life
More informationTHEIR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS
YOUTH FOR CHRIST kwazulu-natal Giving Hope to Children and Youth YOUTH FOR CHRIST THEIR FUTURE IN OUR HANDS Our future in their hands kwazulu-natal Giving Hope to Children and Youth REGIONAL OFFICE - PIETERMARITZBURG
More informationWe Shall Overcome. 1 John 5:1-5
We Shall Overcome 1 John 5:1-5 #13 I. INTRODUCTION A. If you have followed closely with the argument of 1 John these last twelve weeks, I am sure that you have realized that the concepts of truth, righteousness
More informationThe Salvation Army Positional Statement PEACEMAKING
The Salvation Army Positional Statement PEACEMAKING STATEMENT OF POSITION The Salvation Army believes it is God's intention for all people in all their relationships to experience peace that is just, sustainable
More informationIgniting a movement of new worshiping communities.
Igniting a movement of new worshiping communities. SUPPORT NEW DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST (DATE) 1001 New Worshiping Communities: Forming new disciples of Jesus, transforming our denomination, and impacting
More informationBeyond Tolerance: Being a Christian & Pagan Community February 17, 2008 Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty
Beyond Tolerance: Being a Christian & Pagan Community February 17, 2008 Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty Unitarian Universalism is a unique religion in many ways.
More informationUNDOING BABEL Text: Acts 2: 1-12 May 23, 2010 (Pentecost) Faith J. Conklin
UNDOING BABEL Text: Acts 2: 1-12 May 23, 2010 (Pentecost) Faith J. Conklin On a business trip in Mexico City, a man decided to try out his college Spanish. He called room service at the hotel and ordered
More informationWHY PROTESTANTS DON T KISS IN CHURCH Text: 2 Corinthians 13: June 15, 2014 (Trinity) Faith J. Conklin
WHY PROTESTANTS DON T KISS IN CHURCH Text: 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13 June 15, 2014 (Trinity) Faith J. Conklin In a certain household there were a grandfather, father and a young son, about eight years old.
More informationKBDM Questions for Prayer for Today Discussion
KBDM Questions for Prayer for Today Discussion KBDM Should the WSC give conceptual approval to remove the Prayer for Today from Conference Approved Literature? Framing/Background: During its June 2015
More informationAfter a three-week hiatus, today we re returning to our summer worship theme: Bind Us Together.
NOT SO WITH YOU MATTHEW 20:20-28 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK AUGUST 27, 2017/12 TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST After a three-week hiatus, today we re returning to our summer worship theme: Bind
More informationPRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS
(Practical Solutions 12) 1 PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS Lesson 12 "The Problem of Questionable Things" INTRODUCTION: I. Over the years, there have been a number of TABOOS that religious-minded
More informationMeeting With Christ LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. Transforming the human nature. Matthew 5:43-48
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com LOVE YOUR ENEMIES Matthew
More informationDoes your FAMILY have a MISSION?
LEARN how a mission statement encourages your family s relationship with God, your family, our church, our comunity, and our world. LIVE out your family s mission through thoughtful acts of service. PRAY
More informationEPISCOPAL MINISTRY IN THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
EPISCOPAL MINISTRY IN THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH Bishops exercise a ministry of oversight over a diocese. They work with clergy and lay leaders to ensure the mission, unity and good governance of God
More informationBiggest Loser- Conflict
Biggest Loser- Conflict Last Sunday we began this series of messages entitled The Biggest Loser. Of course the TV show and this series are all about healthy bodies. The healthy body we re concerned about
More informationOne Hundred Tasks for Life by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
One Hundred Tasks for Life by Venerable Master Hsing Yun 1. Discover your greatest shortcoming, and be willing to correct it. 2. Set your mind on one to three lifetime role models and resolve to follow
More informationIraq and Anbar: Surge or Separation?
Iraq and Anbar: Surge or Separation? Anthony H. Cordesman It is easy to develop strategies for Iraq, as long as you ignore the uncertainties involved and the facts on the ground. Dealing with the uncertain
More informationAt least two quotations, then use these quotation in a clear analysis. of how the language reveals the author s beliefs,` biases
Mr Cunningham November 11th 2012 AP English Language Mr Cunningham (weird) Expository project sections 4-7 Thich Nhat Hanh Being Peace Author s beliefs, biases and background: At least two quotations,
More informationIf only I were, then I am. The Rational Imagination. By Ruth M.J. Byrne. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, pp. ISBN $32.
Citation: Hogan, M. J. (2005). If only I were, then I am. Review of Ruth M.J. Byrne The rational imagination. PsychCRITIQUES Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books (50) 49. If only I were, then I
More informationWholeness Wheel for Congregations Introduction
Wholeness Wheel for Congregations Introduction Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 In this passage St. Paul introduces the metaphor of the Body of Christ. This has come to be a very fruitful metaphor for the Church
More informationLaudato Si Quotes http://catholic-link.org/2015/06/18/the-top-20-laudato-si-quotes-thatyou-cant-miss/ Life 1. Instead of resolving the problems of the poor and thinking of how the world can be different,
More informationThe Effective Catechetical Leader
Heroic Leadership In his book Heroic Leadership (Loyola Press), Chris Lowney explains that what often passes for leadership today is a shallow substitution of technique for substance. He explains that
More informationEXERCISES, QUESTIONS, AND ACTIVITIES My Answers
EXERCISES, QUESTIONS, AND ACTIVITIES My Answers Diagram and evaluate each of the following arguments. Arguments with Definitional Premises Altruism. Altruism is the practice of doing something solely because
More informationDalai Lama (Tibet - contemporary)
Dalai Lama (Tibet - contemporary) 1) Buddhism Meditation Traditionally in India, there is samadhi meditation, "stilling the mind," which is common to all the Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism,
More informationAre You Destroying the Work of God? Scripture Text: Romans 14:13-23
Delivered Date: Sunday, August 23, 2015 1 Are You Destroying the Work of God? Scripture Text: Romans 14:13-23 Introduction Are you destroying the work of God? That sounds like a pretty serious question,
More informationSermon on Luke 10, Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Sermon on Luke 10, 25-37 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, The parable of the Good Samaritan is very well known. Even people who never go to church at all, all know about the Good Samaritan.
More informationA European Philosophy of Congregational Education Edwin de Jong Gottmadingen, Germany. Introduction
A European Philosophy of Congregational Education Edwin de Jong Gottmadingen, Germany Introduction In this article I will present a philosophy of congregational education from a western European perspective.
More informationRené August. Beginning the conversation. Going deeper. The GlobalChurch Project - René August. Page 1 of 5
The GlobalChurch Project www.theglobalchurchproject.com René August Local Church Small Group Resource This resource is designed to help your small group discussion. It's shaped to inspire you to consider
More informationour ƒabric each strand strengthens the whole Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ
Weaving our ƒabric With your help, each strand strengthens the whole Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ The Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ Our Vision The United Church
More informationCIRCLES OF INQUIRY: ANNUAL GATHERING, 2014 RADICAL INCLUSIVENESS: GA RESOLUTION 1327: BECOMING A PEOPLE OF GRACE AND WELCOME TO ALL
CIRCLES OF INQUIRY: ANNUAL GATHERING, 2014 RADICAL INCLUSIVENESS: GA RESOLUTION 1327: BECOMING A PEOPLE OF GRACE AND WELCOME TO ALL The resolution passed at GA 2013 resolving that: The CC (DOC) recognize
More informationThe Arguments for Determinism. Herman H. Horne
The Arguments for Determinism Herman H. Horne Herman Harrell Horne (1874-1946) taught philosophy and education at a number of prominent American universities, and published numerous books and articles.
More informationFull of Grace and Truth: Toward Christ-like Relationships with Muslims
Full of Grace and Truth: Toward Christ-like Relationships with Muslims by Peace Catalyst International Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). As His followers, we aspire to walk in the fullness
More information