How might we re-imagine God’s justice in a restorative framework rather than a primarily punitive one? On Christ the King Sunday, Christopher Mack reexamines scriptures on God’s justice and judgment through a lens of nonviolent theology and restorative justice. [Matthew 25:31-40] Reflection Where are you struggling to see God at work in our divisive, violent, over-consumptive, and destructive world? When […]
Stories tagged:
Nonviolent
Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2023.11.26
Liturgy Create a throne room for yourself here,O Christ, but let it be the empty seat beside the anxiousthe lonely chair next to the confusedthe vacant pew next to the hungryand reign as sovereign over the forgottenMay your reign be a mockery to the worldbut good news to those who seek out truthand may we join them in the searchfinding […]
Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.6.25
Liturgy In a world riddled with grief and uncertainty—What words do we speak to soothe our spirits, oh God? Smoke fills the air, violence fills our public space,illness lingers—Where do we go to feel safe, oh God? We are seeking restoration,longing for connection, yearning for joy—How do we reach for flourishing, Oh God? Be with us in our questions.Draw your […]
Into the Midst…
Have you ever had to push through discomfort to stand in your beliefs? On the last weekend of Pride, Amy Wolfgang recounts their own journey of integrating their faith with their queer identity. They challenge us to imagine and live into a hopeful and creative stance toward our collective future. [Matthew 10:27-39] Reflection Is there a hurtful or violent theology […]
Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.6.18
Liturgy Father, I stretch my hand to thee — for no other help I know.Oh, my Rose of Sharon, my shelter in the time of storm.My Prince of Peace, my hope in this harsh land.We come to you waiting for freedom,We come to you crying for justice,We come to you longing for peace.We bow before you this morning to thank […]
Liberated Into Community
How do we pivot from a past experience of deliverance to forming a community practicing sustained love and liberation? On the weekend of Juneteenth, Christopher Mack recalls the evolution of slavery to Jim Crow segregation to mass incarceration in the United States. How do our scriptures’ images of liberating eagles, nonviolent sheep, creative serpents, and peacemaking doves inform how we […]
Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.6.11
Liturgy God, you are welcome in this place. You have blessed us beyond measure by calling us out to be your people and to do the work of life together. May we welcome one another into your presence and recognize what draws us together. As we look around and see the body of Christ, many members but all one people; […]