Summer 2023 Series: Extraordinary Time

During this special time in the church calendar known as "ordinary time," the Spirit calls us to embrace the extraordinary nature of this moment. In a deeply divided era of remarkable shifts, accelerating technological advancements, and new ways of thinking about what it means to be human, we find ourselves on the brink of something new, seeking guidance and inspiration.

The stories of the early Christian community from the book of Acts invite us to explore the untapped potential within ourselves and our communities through their timeless wisdom. Our ancestors have tended these stories and passed them down to us, perhaps for such a time as this. Just as the earliest followers of the Jesus Way caught their inspiration from the Spirit’s movement in history and in their hearts, so can we draw from their example as we learn to listen well and love boldly.

As we connect the past with the present, we'll see how the struggles and triumphs of early Christians in the face of their own uncanny moment in history resonate with the challenges we face today. We’ll see how they grapple with conflict, division, violence, and oppression by the Powers that Be. We’ll see how their hearts incubate improbable generosity in the midst of the Roman domination system. And we’ll discover afresh the transformative power of Beloved Community to catalyze just and compassionate social change. 

Together, we'll find strength, hope, and a fresh sense of purpose as we seek new ways forward in this extraordinary time.

 Join us for worship and reflection this summer as we uncover valuable lessons from the past, consider the pressing needs of the present, and cultivate a future rooted in love, equality, and understanding. Together, let’s embrace the extraordinary possibilities that meet us in this moment with open hearts and open minds!

  • June 11th: They Were Together: Meeting the Pandemic of Alienation (Acts 2.42-47)

  • June 18th: Setting a Just Table: Food Justice (Acts 6.1-8)

  • June 25th: Like Scales Falling: Encountering Horrendous Evils (Acts 9.1-19)

  • July 2nd: What Prevents Me? Queer Becoming, Queer Belonging (Acts 8.26-40)

  • July 9th: Send to Joppa: Creating A World Without Walls (Acts 10:1-48)

  • July 16th: Gods Made in Our Image: Faithfully Engaging With AI (Acts 14.8-18)

  • July 23rd: Like Mother, Like Son: Conscious Parenting (Acts 16:1-3, 2 Timothy 1.3-7)

  • July 30th: Follow the Money: Labor Justice (Acts 16.16-40)

  • August 6th: A Roman Citizen: Engaged & Faithful Citizenship (Acts 22.22-29)

  • August 13th: ‘We Too are God’s Offspring:’ Meeting Other Faiths (Acts 17.16-34)

  • August 20th: Indistinguishable from Magic: The Gifts & Risks of Technological Progress (Acts 19.11-20)

  • August 27th: “No Small Tempest:” Weathering Climate Change (Acts 27:13-44)

Nate Craddock