August 6, 2021
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
It was a joy last Sunday afternoon to see Amanda Butterick conclude her Stephen Ministry training, followed by traveling to First Christian Church of Peoria to witness the ordination of Hannah Fitch, daughter of Rev. Michael & Karen Fitch, who served as co-ministers in the early 1990s. Hannah's journey of faith began here attending our preschool Sunday School class. I look forward with joy to our Commissioning service of Amanda as our first Stephen Minister during the 9:30 am service.
This weekend we begin our exploration of responding to material poverty through the resourcing of the Lupton Center of Atlanta, Georgia. Seeking Shalom will confront our charitable responses and efforts, its limitations and unintended consequences, and the possibility of a better way to respond to need in our community.
I look forward to participating in the Disciples Virtual Gathering on Saturday. For those more familiar with Disciples traditions and practices, we usually have a biannual General Assembly. In the midst of COVID-19, we are holding a virtual gathering. You are welcome to join me as I gather in the sanctuary for the Bible study, workshops, and concluding worship service. More details below!
Worship This Weekend:
Soul Food: Something Different
We continue to explore how life in God feeds our souls this Sunday. Jesus has just told the crowds to seek the bread of life that comes from God. This week, he reveals his identity: he is the heaven-sent bread of life. But something is confusing here. Some within the group know where Jesus came from, even know his parents and brothers and sisters. Their knowledge of Jesus' origins makes them immediately misunderstand him: how can a human being be heaven-sent?
Tragically, John's identity of those confused as "the Jews" led to the horrors of the ovens of Auschwitz. To be clear, we follow a Jewish rabbi and his thoroughly Jewish students, the disciples. When the Gospel of John is written, it is sent to a congregation made up of both Jewish and Gentile members who believe Jesus as the awaited Messiah. They had recently been kicked out of the local synagogue for their Jesus-as-Messiah testimony and faith. In an effort to reassure the recently expelled members (and to cast local synagogue officials as evil), John simply named those who misunderstood or doubted Jesus' identity as "the Jews." We would do well to remember our Jewish-faith heritage as part of our own.
Jesus invites us to a spiritual meal, an ongoing communion. It is an invitation to intimate engagement with his own life and example. To be living bread is to be an everyday staple, not an occasional treat. Jesus is pointing towards his daily, consistent presence as a source of grace and truth.
Once again drawing from Judaism, Jesus connects his story to the history and future of the children of Israel. The manna of the Exodus as a means of sustenance given to them by God's hand, a way to endure the desolation of the wilderness, to survive. The bread of life is not meant for survival alone, but to ultimate thriving.
Is what you are relying upon giving you life? What we consume ultimately becomes a part of us. Do you consume from the bread of life daily, or merely nibble sparingly?
Seeking Shalom Masterclass
Sunday, August 8, 10:45 am Golden Circle Classroom
At the end of June, I joined 7 others to be part of the Leaders Lab training through the Lupton Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Those who participated in Sunshine Class may be familiar with the name from a previous study we did base on the book Toxic Charity by Bob Lupton.
Leaders Lab will give us the skills, assessment, and recommendations needed to respond holistically to the materially poor as a church. There are all kinds of poverty -emotional, relational, spiritual, vocational, etc. Not just lower-income status.
To help you see, hear, and experience what I am now learning, I am offering a gathering to view, discuss, and respond to Seeking Shalom.
Through Leaders Lab, I am also able to offer individual access to this coursework online. If you are interested in participating through this access, please email me. I will be glad to share the access point information and process.
Disciples Virtual Gathering
Saturday, August 7, 2021
10 am - 7 pm (with a few breaks in-between)
Our gathering begins with Welcome, Music, and brief orientation in the virtual meeting space. First Vice Moderator of the General Board, Stephanie Kendell, and General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens will host.
Bible Study 10:15 am
Hosted by Moderator Belva Brown Jordan, this session will feature Disciples scholars Yolanda Norton and Eric Smith.
Yolanda Norton, founder of the Global Arts and Theology Experience and creator of the Beyonce Mass, will focus on the Biblical notion of covenant in the context of our Disciples tradition.
Eric Smith, Assistant Professor of Early Christianity and Contemporary Christian Practices at the Illif School of Theology, will explore Romans 8:38-39, our theme scripture for the day.
Following both presentations, there will be time for questions from participants.
Workshop #1 - 1 PM
Social Entrepreneurship
A workshop leading local congregations on exploring community needs as a discernment tool for answering the call for churches to start a social enterprise.
Presented by National Benevolent Association
Presenters: Darnell Fennell, Ashley Mayham, and Monica Wedlock Kilpatrick
Workshop #2 - 2:30 PM
Buildings: A Post-Pandemic Blessing or Curse?
Do you have the right facility, with the right function or is it a financial burden? Your building served a specific purpose and function for your community that may be challenged by the changes in society. Disciples Church Extension Fund staff will help you discern the right steps for discovering the proper place from which you can be God's hands and feet.
Presented by Disciples Church Extension Fund
Presenter: Rick Reisinger, Rosario Ibarra, Glenda Survance, Gilberto Collazo, and Craig Walls
Closing Worship
5:30 PM
General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens will offer the message as the whole church worships together from across the miles. A regional roll call will highlight the vast diversity of Disciples, and we will share communion together as a reminder that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.
I will be watching and participating in our Virtual Gathering via our network in the sanctuary, using our audio & video equipment. You are welcome to step in anytime during the day as the event unfolds. Join me for the closing worship, gathering with members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in United States and Canada to celebrate!
Service Opportunities
It is time for more congregational participation in the order of service and providing hospitality on Sunday morning. We need worship leaders for each service, 8 am or 9:30 am. The script is usually completed by Wednesday mornings and can be picked up or sent via e-mail to you. We need greeters to open the door, secure it about ten minutes after worship begins, leave the sanctuary just after communion is shared to offer goodbye at the doorway.
We are still seeking nominations for board officers and trustees.
Invite friends to join you for worship
this weekend, in person, online
In-person on Sunday mornings at 8 am (Traditional) or 9:30 am (Modern) Masks are encouraged regardless of vaccination status if social distancing cannot be kept.
See you this weekend online or in person,
Blessings to you all,
