Rev. Rebecca’s Note - Love in the Time of Resurrection: Love As a Way of Life
As we explore the core of who Jesus was and how that influenced how he lived, we inevitably encounter the essence of the Great Commandment: love - of God, neighbor as oneself, enemies - everyone.
“Jesus’ vision for what human community might be like came from his experience of God. If God is that fundamental reality running through all of life and existence, and if the character of that fundamental reality is love, then the finest, most authentic human community must in some way embody love … How can we imagine human life and relationships lived out of the fundamental reality of love? Jesus tried several scenarios in his parables. As stories, they are experiences of love manifest in relationships, not templates for community formation. They are not a blueprint, but invite further imaginative work: how might love be embodied in all our relationships? ” (p. 240-41)
Patterson notes that while this love permeates all Jesus encountered, the biblical articulation of it and our understandings of it may not necessarily be comprehensive. We need to use our theological imaginations to creatively figure out how to bring all that love to all the world as it currently exists in all the ways that we can.
Source: Patterson, Stephen. The God of Jesus: The Historical Jesus and the Search for Meaning. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 1998.
- Rev. Rebecca
Think+Pray+Act(itivites) Survey
Even if you weren’t able to make it on Saturday, please fill out our survey on activities and times by this Monday, May 18 (https://forms.gle/JrLpi4wZvge3QcGF9) to help us set priorities and schedules for the rest of this year. Thanks!
Think+Pray+Act Board Note
Grace and peace to you and yours this unusual month of May, where the gas prices are over $4 and the weather is doing strange things. My flowers have been blooming early too! I’m not sure what that’s about, but I’ll take the beauty and try not to worry too much. The TPA Board was busy in April with the installation of our pastor, Rev. Rebecca, and the launch of our faith community within the Disciples of Christ. This month's news is quite sad, as our beloved board member, Anthony Pulliam, has stepped down from the board. We support Ant in their decision and continue to envelop Ant within the heart of the community. This does leave OPEN TWO BOARD POSITIONS. If you have ever considered how you might make a difference in a different kind of faith community, PLEASE ASK Pastor Rebecca or myself about the open positions. [email protected]
In hope,
Regan Saoirse, Board Moderator
TPA Online - Drawing All Things to God in Easter
Our Online Spiritual Group, Drawing All Things to God, will go on through the whole Easter season and beyond. You are welcome to join us anytime. We will have a brief spiritual practice and a video of the author reflecting on an idea for us to discuss and reflect upon together.
| Join us on Sunday Nights at 6 pm For the Online Spiritual Group aboutDrawing All Things to God Sign Up Here or join our Think+Pray+Act Connect Facebook group for the Link! |
There is so much we can say about Jesus - and much has been said about Jesus, who is the center of our Christian faith! But who is he, really, and what does he really mean to us? As we’re in the 50-day Easter season, in this series we consider who he is through video, discussion, and spiritual practices. See you online!
South City Youth Group Meeting Think+Pray+Act is part of the South City Youth Group for grades 6-12 with Compton Heights Christian Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Oak Hill Presbyterian Church! Youth group members, friends, and chaperones are invited to the end-of-semester barbeque with games and art this Sunday, May 17 at 4964 Reber Pl (NOT Tower Grove Park as on the flyer). This will be the final gathering of the semester - youth group will take a break for the summer and will reconvene in August.
What’s Next
| May 17-23 | Daily Bible Reading 2nd Kings 1-2 - 13-14 |
| Sun, May 17, 5pm 4964 Reber Pl | South City Youth Group: End-of-Semester BBQ Let’s give our graduating seniors a good send-off as they graduate from high school! Backyard BBQ with games and art-making. Open to all youth, friends, and chaperones! |
| Sun, May 17, 6pm Online | T+P+A Online: Drawing All Things to God: Jesus Freak Just what is scandalous about the Gospel? |
| Sat, May 23, 12:30pm Think+Pray+Act 2725 S Jefferson Ave, StL, 63118 | T+P+A Gathering: Pentecost as Justice: Intro to MCU Why is justice so integral to living out the Great Commandment? Join us and special guest DeMarco Davidson, MDiv, Executive Director of Metropolitan Congregations United, as he helps us make tangible connections between the justice mentioned in the Bible and our work we do as a member congregation of MCU! |
| Sun, May 24, 6pm Online | T+P+A Online: Drawing All Things to God: The Courage of Jesus What was courageous about Jesus? Why do you choose to follow him? What scares you about following him? |
| Sun, May 31, 6pm Online | T+P+A Online: Drawing All Things to God: The Jesus Strategy What’s Jesus’ MO? Who does he center and align himself with? How do we go and do likewise? |
| Sun, June 7, 6pm Online | T+P+A Online: Drawing All Things to God: Go Down Moses How did/does Jesus embody God’s liberating love for all that we see in the book of Exodus? |
| Sat, June 13, 12:30pm Online | T+P+A Gathering: Now that we’re in “normal” time (Pentecost and all that follows until Advent is our “new normal” as Christians), what does that mean for us as Christians in this particular faith community? |
| Sun, June 14, 6pm Online | T+P+A Online: Drawing All Things to God: Celebrating the Cracks What about Jesus stirs your imagination? Did he fail? What have your own failures taught you about life? |
What to Know about Think+Pray+Act:
We are an open and affirming faith community that strives to maintain open and free theological learning as an act toward justice. We welcome all spirit seekers into full participation in the life and membership of the community. We actively and faithfully accept as they are people of every race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, relationship status, physical and mental ability, family type, and economic background.
We believe God calls us to do justice and love kindness, giving assistance and healing to others and the planet by following the teachings of Jesus. We promise to love our neighbors, respect differences, and build authentic relationships by learning who we are, taking just action, and breaking bread together. In our actions, God’s love moves and shines.
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