Parables of Possibility / The Wisdom of Jesus
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 faith and compassion, stirring in conversation and deepening with relationships.
This spring, we take a deeper dive into the "Parables of Possibility," stories Jesus tells to evoke wonder and inspire spiritual and communal growth. In curious conversation and spiritual practice, we'll explore familiar and unfamiliar parables--and the creativity with which Jesus imagines humanness and vitality in complicated worlds. We'll look at the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan (of course)--but also the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge, and the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.
Throughout, our intention is a deeper community of faith, thoughtful relationships and joyful service...the kind of church that meets today's bewilderments with grace and courage!
Below, you'll see two different time slots. Pick one or two that work for you, and look for a note with start-up news in late January! (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 spring. It's just another way we're deepening our connections, and growing in Spirit and faith!
"The Kin-dom is like a Mustard Seed"
The thrust of the parables, says one writer, is "to subvert" some of the "acceptable" myths by which we live our lives. We draw a clear line between the sacred and the profane: and Jesus crosses that line, blurs it entirely. We assume that some offenses mark us forever: and Jesus imagines a Deity always merciful and welcoming. We aspire to spiritual heroics: and Jesus insists that faith happens in dark and unseen spaces, where none can see.
Drawing on the work of Thomas Keating, Brandon Scott and others, we'll join the circle of disciples as we toss around these stories, inquire of God's wisdom, and grow together in community this Spring. As always, our format makes generous space for sharing, for story-telling and prayer.
Each gathering runs between 60 and 90 minutes in length.
KONONIA, Thursday at 11 am: This group will 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 6, and meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of spring months.]
KONONIA, Thursday at 6 pm: This group will 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 6, and meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of spring months.]
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!
What is the Kin-dom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a great bush, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.
Luke 13:18-19
The Kin-dom of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.
Matthew 13:33
