Sally and Howard discuss Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, and Luke 14:25-33.

Sally and Robyn talk about the vulnerability of God in Jeremiah 2:4-13 in the expression of God's desire for relationship.  Reliance on our own technology and skills rather than God is one theme that emerges. In Luke's gospel ( 13:1, 7-14)  Jesus challenges both guests and hosts to think about humbling the exalted and exalting the humble. Kingdom values here disrupt normal power relations in ways that continue to challenge the church.

Howard and Robyn discuss the challenges of prophetic call, divine initiative, and the message of hope in the midst of struggle in Jeremiah 1:4-10. In the story of a bent-over woman's 'release' in Luke 13:10-17, we find Jesus embodies the idea of Sabbath as a divine gift that is life-giving and a day that frees us from bondage.

Gerald West joins Monica and Robyn this week to discuss Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Hebrews 11:29-12:2, and Luke 12:49-56. We look at the various metaphors used for God and God's people, as well as themes of justice, accountability, judgement, and an active faith.

Monica and Robyn discuss Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, and Luke 12:32-40. Themes emerge about the need for worship and justice, speech and action, to go hand in hand. Luke talks about the kingdom of God as "gift" where the Son of Man comes to serve, and Hebrews reminds us about the surety of trust in God.

Monica and Robyn discuss Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, and Luke 12:32-40. Themes emerge about the need for worship and justice, speech and action, to go hand in hand. Luke talks about the kingdom of God as "gift" where the Son of Man comes to serve, and Hebrews reminds us about the surety of trust in God.

Fran and Monica explore the readings for Pentecost 8, focusing on Hosea 11:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21, but also referencing Psalm 107 and Colossians 3:1-11.

Rachel and Fran explore Hosea 1:2-10 and Luke 11:1-13: readings for Pentecost 7

We mention Rowan Williams' Being Christian

Fran and U-Wen sit down to explore readings from Pentecost 6: Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42

We mention N.T Wright's youtube lecture on Colossians

Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat's Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire;

Joel Green's Gospel of Luke