Faithelement Conversations

Learning to Learn

For the session to be discussed on September 5, 2021

Mark 7:24-37

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

Today’s session looks at a text that is often avoided. It presents Jesus trying to get a few minutes alone, and yet approached by a Syrophoenician woman with a request. We discuss Jesus’ interaction with the woman, and the ways it transformed his ministry with Gentiles.

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Notes

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Did You Wash Your Hands?

For the session to be discussed on August 29, 2021

Mark 7:1-23

David Cassady

Crystal Shepherd

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

We discuss our tendency to put people into categories… good, bad; positive, negative; helpful, cruel; wise, foolish… when the truth is that we are seldom that simple. This passage reminds us that the categories we automatically seem to lean on are limited and ignore the complexity of ourselves and others.

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Notes

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Will God Dwell on Earth

For the session to be discussed on August 22, 2021

1 Kings 8:1-43

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

Solomon has overseen the building of the Temple and it is glorious. The task of transferring the Ark of the Covenant to it is now at hand. In dedicating the temple, Solomon recognizes that nothing, even the Temple, can contain God. Are we likewise able to revel in the fact that God is available to all of us, where ever we are?

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Notes

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Dreams of Grandeur

For the session to be discussed on August 15, 2021

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

Today’s episode looks at the rise of Solomon as king. While Solomon asks for wisdom from God, we also see a complex human who uses violence and loves power in ways that bring harm. We discuss both the wisdom and folly that Solomon’s story offers, and are reminded of the complexity each of our lives brings.

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Notes

* Bert mentioned Debi Thomas’ “A KING’S TALE”

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Unredemptive Violence

For the session to be discussed on August 8, 2021

2 Samuel 18:1-33

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

Trigger warning: This episode includes incidences of sexual assault. In our last episode in this series out of 2 Samuel, we take a look at the story of David and his son Absalom. We discuss how this “soap opera” sort of narrative reveals the damage caused by cycles of violence. How can we work to end these cycles in our families and communities? How can we push back against the myth that violence can somehow be redemptive?

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Notes

* David mentioned Walter Wink’s article, “The Myth of Redemptive Violence.”

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You’re the Man!

For the session to be discussed on August 1, 2021

2 Samuel 11:26-12:23

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

Continuing in 2 Samuel, David is confronted about his destructive behavior by Nathan via a story. Although King David is able to see the wrong in his behavior, the costs continue to unfold, including the death of his and Bathsheba’s child.

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Notes

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Same Old Story

For the session to be discussed on July 25, 2021

2 Samuel 11:1-25

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

David Adams

The troubling story of David’s abuse of his power with Bathsheba, and then later her husband, reminds us that this is an old and recurring tale. How do we approach abuse within the church, often by ministers? Where are we tempted to cover up such actions rather than seek transparency and justice for victims? What are ways ministers and churches are working to create safe spaces for worship, community and ministry?

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Notes

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Who Asked For That?

For the session to be discussed on July 18, 2021

2 Samuel 7:1-17

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

David Adams

In this text, we see the desire expressed to build for God a wonderful Temple. At the same time, it raises the question of what God really wants. Do we sometimes seek to give God what we think God wants or what God says is desired?

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Notes

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Ark in the Park

For the session to be discussed on July 11, 2021

2 Samuel 6:1-23

David Cassady

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

David Adams

King David dances as the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem. While its power and affects were visible, the Ark was a mysterious reminder of God’s presence. We discuss both our reluctance to grapple with the very real mystery of God, while also celebrating those times when we can, like David, dance for joy at the works of God in our midst.

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Notes

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Left Out

For the session to be discussed on July 4, 2021

2 Samuel 5:1-10

David Cassady

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

David Adams

The new King David battles the Jebusites to take their city – a city that becomes Jerusalem and the home for the Ark of the Covenant. As this history is celebrated, we must also simultaneously face the brutal killing of the blind and lame. How do we also consider our own history – full of both accomplishments and evils? We discuss how passages like this require us to be honest about both aspects of much of the history of Israel and of our own country.

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Notes

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