Koinonia & the Gospel of Mark:
Koinonia is an ancient Greek word that suggests communion, friendship, but even more--something like "courage in common." In community, we discover the call to compassion, stirring in conversation and coming to life in relationships old and new. Our Koinonia Program has helped many of us through these past difficult years--as we've listened for the Spirit's encouragement and wondered aloud how we might respond in faith. We're excited to watch the program grow in 2023 and beyond.
This spring, the program will focus on the Lenten journey to the cross, and then the empty tomb. We'll explore the many ways these ancient traditions shape contemporary practice and the deepening community among us. As a guide, we'll use Megan McKenna's challenging introduction to the Gospel of Mark, On Your Mark: Reading Mark in the Shadow of the Cross. How might we read Mark together, in such a way that Jesus' radically inclusive vision of mercy and justice flourishes in our church, and in our relationships?
Below, you'll see several different time slots. Pick one or two that work for you, and look for a note with start-up news in early Februrary! (We'll even them out as best we can, numbers-wise.) Let's lean into the challenges at hand. Let's dare to go deep. Let's grow in faith together!
If you're somewhat new to our community, or you simply haven't had a chance to participate in the past, we really do hope you'll join a group this fall. It's just another way we're deepening our connections, and growing in Spirit and faith!
Each gathering runs between 60 and 90 minutes in length. There are several options here, so that we can accomodate the broadest number of seekers and friends!
Sunday at 1:30 pm: This group would meet at the church, twice a month, in the parlor. [We'll begin for the first time, together, on Sunday, February 5, and meet thereafter on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.]
Thursday at 11 am: This group would meet at the church, two or three times a month, in the parlor upstairs. [We'll begin for the first time, together, on Thursday, February 2, and meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays.]
Thursday at 6 pm: This group would meet at the church, two or three times a month, in the parlor. [We'll begin for the first time, together, on Thursday, February 2, and meet thereafter on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays.]
Other Koinonia Possibilities:
Note: You don't need to register for these two offerings; you're welcome to join us whenever you like!
PARENTS CIRCLE (Fridays at 11 am): If you're a parent with school-age children, you're invited to a special Parents Circle, hosted by Pastor Dave, each Friday at 11 am in the parlor (for an hour). Our particular focus--in this Koinonia Group--is spirituality, sustenance and the parent's journey. (No need to sign up for this one: just come as you can!) The group resumes meeting on Fridays at 11, on February 3.
KOINONIA AT THE TABLE (Sundays at Noon): Our second Sunday service draws on the same energy, generating conversation, inviting curiosity and discernment, and drawing together a community of spirit. We gather every Sunday at noon, in the chapel, and welcome you to come as you wish and find connection among us.
After you've indicated interest, we'll be in touch and orient you to your group's meeting time. Feel free to tell a friend about the program--a friend in the church circle, or beyond it. We're always delighted to share the gifts of community broadly and generously!
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day"
In Jesus God has said YES AND AMEN to it all,
and that YES AND AMEN is the firm ground on which we stand.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1944
