How can we reconcile what we say we want to be about as followers of Jesus with how we choose to interact with those around us?

What do Jesus’ parables about dinner parties teach us about hospitality and inclusion? What kind of hosts are we supposed to be in this world? How can we navigate the messiness of relationships to include those who are left out or undesired?

Luke 12 and 13 reveal several stories and teachings from Jesus about the Kingdom of God- a way of living God intends for us. This teaching gives attention to the anxiety that often draws us to be secretive and greedy that ultimately bind us instead of move us toward life and freedom.

How do we resist the urge to control and exert power over others when we are in conflict? How can we flip the script of judgment on to ourselves first?

Many of us feel unsure (and insecure) about what prayer looks like for us now. Luke 11 invites to picture God in a few different ways, and consider what it means to ask God and our neighbors for what we need.

What can the story of Martha and Mary teach us about the diverse ways of following Jesus? How can we enter the new year with less anxiety and more focus on the few things that are necessary?

How can we reconcile a season of what can often feel like cheap joy when events in our lives feel anything but joyful?

Lectionary References for this week:

Old Testament Reading - Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 

Psalm Reading - Psalm 126

New Testament Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Gospel Reading - John 1:6-8, 19-28

Isaiah the prophet, John the Baptist, and Emily Dickinson all lead us into the second Sunday of Advent. They all seem to have something to say about peace when “hate is strong and mocks the song of ‘peace on earth goodwill to men.’”

Advent Readings:

Old Testament Reading - Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm Reading - Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

New Testament Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-15

Gospel Reading - Mark 1:1-8

How do we become people of hope when our time of waiting is uncertain? How can we enact deep hope in the world while we continue our searching and waiting?

This week's readings from the Lectionary - 

Psalm 80:1-7; 17-19

Isaiah 64:1-91

Corinthians 1:3-9

Mark 13:24-37 

What can the revelations of quantum physics teach us about our experience of time and faith? How can we approach the season of Advent as a shift in perspective that brings us into community?