Dec
20
9:00 AM09:00

RETREAT: WE ARE CALLED TO BE GOD-BEARERS

On Saturday, December 20 from 9:00 to 4:00, at St. Joseph, Rev. Teri Smith-Jones, LC, will lead us in an Advent retreat. This retreat will offer an opportunity for us to step away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation and consider more fully the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.  During this retreat, we will be invited to journey with Jesus’ mother, Mary, through iconic images, the words of Scripture, and Christian tradition.  We will explore Mary’s role as the one who said “yes” to God’s invitation and became the God-bearer (Theotokos), and we will contemplate the ways in which God is inviting us to be God-bearers in today’s world. Because lunch will be provided, we ask that you add your name to the sign-up sheet at either of our churches, or contact either church office to register so that we know how much food to provide (but if you only find that you can attend at the last minute, please come even if you don’t sign up).  Please also invite your friends and neighbors to join us.

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Dec
20
4:00 PM16:00

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE (BLUE CHRISTMAS)

On December 20 from 4:00-4:45 p.m. at St. Joseph, Deacon Kathleen will lead us in a Longest Night service, which is also known as Blue Christmas.  This service (offered as we approach the longest night of the year) is a time to acknowledge the grief that is often silently held by members of our community during a season that is otherwise marked by celebration.  It is also a time to remember those we love but see no longer.  Please join us as we offer prayers and light candles in solidarity with those for whom this season brings sadness as well as joy.  Although this service will follow our Advent retreat, you need not attend the retreat to attend this service.  Please also invite any of your friends and neighbors who might appreciate the support of our community during this holy season. 

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Letters of Paul Class
Nov
9
11:30 AM11:30

Letters of Paul Class

Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem in 57 C.E. does not go well.  The book of Acts tells of a mob who attacks Paul.  Then Paul’s nephew warns of a plot to kill Paul, and the commander orders two centurions with 400 Roman soldiers and 70 cavalry to escort Paul to Caesaria.  There, he will be under house arrest at the governor’s palace, but exercises his right as a Roman citizen to a hearing before the Emperor in Rome.  The governor declared, “You have appealed to Caesar.  To Caesar you will go!”  (Why does Paul think he will be safe in Rome?)  Join us, as Paul, Luke, and others board a ship and set out on their journey.

Image found on Freepik.com

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Letters of Paul Class
Oct
12
11:30 AM11:30

Letters of Paul Class

Paul is now in Corinth, and we will do a quick review of Paul’s accomplishments up to that point.  He plans to take a collection to Jerusalem, though aware of the dangers he would face, before sailing for Rome and eventually to Spain.  Luke tells us that those plans soon fall apart, and Paul’s tribulations become an adventure worthy of a Hollywood film.

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Letters of Paul Class
Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30

Letters of Paul Class

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We will resume our classes on Paul and his Seven Undisputed Letters in September with the concluding class in October.  In November, we will then turn our attention to the Gospels and Acts, in chronological order, starting with the Gospel of Mark.  Mark was the first Gospel, probably written from Rome in about 70 C. E.  Mark ignores the Christmas story and immediately delves into the baptism of Jesus, creating a sense of urgency and action.  We will review Mark while being aware of the historical events occurring in Jerusalem and elsewhere at the time.

Image found on Freepik.com

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