Conflict, debate, and disagreement throw many people into a tizzy out of fear or intense feelings. In most situations such reactions come from a simple fact- people have not practiced the skills necessary to engage in topics that hold a diversity of story, a spectrum of opinions, and a wide range of emotions. However, practice and experience can give people confidence.
Week 1: April 12
Sermon: We Gather in Beloved Community, Rev. Dr. Janet Forbes
Sermon
Week 2: April 19
Sermon: Finding Father Abraham, Rev. Dr. Janet Forbes
Conflict, debate, and disagreement throw many people into a tizzy out of fear or intense feelings. In most situations such reactions come from a simple fact - people have not practiced the skills necessary to engage in topics that hold a diversity of story, a spectrum of opinions, and a wide range of emotions. However, practice and experience can give people confidence. OUR PROCESS TOOLS for the series are gathering together, asking questions, hearing stories, finding ourselves, holding tension, mirroring back, and responding. Our process tool this week is ASKING QUESTIONS. What does it mean to form a deeply Christian, broadly interfaith community that loves God and neighbor? Who is my neighbor? We’ll consider FINDING FATHER ABRAHAM as Rev. Janet shares experiences in Hebron last March when she was honored to visit the venerated burial site of Abraham and Sarah, the ancestral parents of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Sermon
Week 3: April 26
Sermon: Did You Hear My Story?, Rev. Sarah Merchant
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
What does it look like to invite someone to share especially if the story is different than our own? What does it look like to listen with curiosity and compassion? What does it look like to tell from an authentic, true-to-self perspective? How does the story emphasize part of a journey, a snapshot in time?
Following this process work, we’ll hear a narrative based on the parable of the vineyard owner who pays all the workers the same amount at the end of the day
Sermon
Week 4: May 3
Sermon: Finding Ourselves in the Story, Rev. Ryan Canaday
Scripture: John 10:10
Week 5: May 10
Sermon: Holding Tension Between Science and Faith, Rev. Dr. Janet Forbes
Scripture: Genesis 1: 1-5
Week 6: May 17
Sermon: Seeing the Other in Our Mirror, Rev. Dr. Janet Forbes
Scripture: Genesis 9:5-6; Matthew 5: 38-41
Week 7: May 24
Sermon: Let Love Lead, Rev. Dr. Janet Forbes
Scripture: Acts 2: 1-8; 11-12