This week we begin our new series on theories of Atonement.

Our first week we will be looking at an overview of this important and controversial topic.

Most importantly we will be talking about how we as a community deal learn and live together when wrestling with different beliefs and understanding, and how we live out our vision and values together.

This week, we’re taking some time to explore some of the contemplative prayer practices that we have talked about during our recent series around prayer.

We’ll be walking through practices together as a community, as well as providing a space to explore some prayer practices on our own.

Additional resources can be found on out website at https://elevationwaterloo.org/contemplative-prayer-practices/

Holy Week began this past Sunday with our Palm Sunday celebration—a time that marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Today, as we continue this sacred journey together, we invite you to join us in reflecting on Christ’s path to the cross and rejoicing in the hope of the resurrection.

We’re wrapping up our Reimagining Prayer series this week by taking some time to consider the beauty of reflecting on the words of prayers that have been written by others, and the gift of borrowing language to express words that may resonate with our own hearts and minds.

From contemplative prayer practices to sharing in Prayers of the People, from more ancient liturgy to modern litanies – we’ll be exploring the ways that these practices can invite us into a deeper expression as a community, as well as noticing the ways that God is communing with us in all things.

This week we continue our series “What If: Reimagining Prayer.” This Sunday Devon will share several forms of prayer that he has found meaningful over the years. Together we will explore the connection between prayer and the physical world around us, including ourselves.

Prayers that Hurt, Prayers that Heal: Building Consent into Interpersonal Prayer.

Praying for each other is one of the powerful and intimate parts of Christian community. This week Brian and Grace will lead a discussion on how to be mindful of how we use the power of prayer in ways that make everyone feel safe and included.

Whether prayer feels like a sanctuary or a struggle, a familiar rhythm or a distant mystery—whether you approach it with confidence, doubt, or not at all—you’re not alone. This Sunday, we’re stepping into an honest, open-handed exploration of prayer—one that welcomes our doubts, questions and curiosity.

Together, we’ll consider prayer through the lenses of theology, science, personal experience, and deconstruction, as we’re invited to rediscover, rethink, reconstruct, or simply rest in the mystery of prayer.

A powerless and desperate widow reaches out to connect with the prophet Elisha.  Together, they offer what they have and do what they can,  and with God’s blessing there is a miraculous outcome. 

Their story provides a compelling lesson as to how God participates with His people to provide justice and restore dignity to the most marginalized.

Discussion Questions

Sunday, December March 2nd, 2025

1. Consider/share some ways you might connect  and become an ally to those in need. What are some things or reasons  that may hold you back ?

1. If you were asked “what do you have to offer?”  how might you answer?  Consider the resources, areas of influence, skills, talents, personal attributes that may be uniquely yours.  (Don’t be modest!) 

1. Open Relational Theology posits that we have real choice with real consequences and the outcomes are “open” or undetermined  to both us and God. A more traditional view would say that “God is in control” and will bring about the desired outcome.  Discuss the implications of both views:

1. Open view:  outcome is at risk. What we observe may not be what God desires, but he gives true free choice to people and experiences the outcomes with us.

2. Traditional view: God is in full control of everything; therefore what we observe must reflect what God desires. Everything happens for a purpose.

1. Discuss the following quote  from  The Divine Conspiracy (Dallas Willard) may apply to the modern context and current political climate: 
    “Our union with Jesus allows us now to be a part of His conspiracy to undermine the structures of evil, which continue to dominate human history, with the forces of truth, freedom and love.  We can quietly and relentlessly align with these forces because we know what is cosmically afoot.  To “overcome evil with good” is not just something for an individual effort here and there , it will actually come to pass on this earth”. 

What do we do with our deepest longings? What does Jesus do? Let’s explore through an underrated story as we continue our Stories from Scripture: Flannelgraph Not Included series.

Back in November we introduced the Elevation community to the Peace in Action Team (PiAT),  inviting our community to participate in building the branches of this team.  We are thrilled to further this important work of education, reflection, service, giving and advocacy, rooted in our faith and commitment to justice,  compassion and re-imagined church. 
For this special Service & Learning Gathering, we invite you to be part of this transformative journey.
Together, we’ll:

• Introduce our theme for the next few years, and reflect on why this theme matters in our community
• Learn through regional stories, stats, and lived experiences
• Take first steps toward advocacy and meaningful action
• Shape the vision of PiAT

Your voice, presence, and passion matter. Let’s step forward in peace and action—together.