Faithelement Conversations

Lamenting the Loss

For the session to be discussed on June 27, 2021

2 Samuel 1:1-27

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

When David learns of Saul’s and Jonathan’s death, he grieves loudly and publicly. Have we forgotten how to grieve in community or to show our lament? Especially as we are coming out of a pandemic that has caused so much loss, might we need to learn from David the gift of lament? We share our losses and find comfort in the sharing.

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Notes

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Slaying Giants

For the session to be discussed on June 20, 2021

1 Samuel 17:1-58

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

This episode considers a familiar text… the story of David and Goliath. Sometimes approached as a children’s story (is it?) the text offers characters in which we may see ourselves, whether it is as the powerful Goliath, the bullying Israelites or the faithful David.

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Notes

* Bert mentioned Bro. Dave Gardner’s Southern retelling of David and Goliath and the Origins of Rock and Roll.

* Bert also suggests checking out an article on David, Goliath, and Sacred Violence (from Journey with Jesus, an e-zine).

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Moving On

For the session to be discussed on June 13, 2021

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

Crystal Shepherd

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Bert Montgomery

As Israel chooses a new king, we watch as their impulse is to select someone bold and strong. Yet, God leads them to the younger brother David, who writes songs and is more sensitive to the real needs of the people — and to God. Leaning on numerous references to the music of the 70s, we discuss how our impulses are often similar, seeking what is “strong” by earthly standards, rather than the sort of leadership that hears and feels and follows God.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

God Bending

For the session to be discussed on June 6, 2021

1 Samuel 8:1-22

Crystal Shepherd

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Bert Montgomery

Samuel, last in the line of judges for Israel, is confronted by a people demanding a king. In spite of his cautions, the people pursue a king. What happens when we get the things we think we need, but they are actually not good for us? What makes us want more than God’s presence — more than what we have? How can we be satisfied and present in this moment, seeking God’s presence and guidance?

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

A Burning Vision

For the session to be discussed on May 30, 2021

Isaiah 6:1-8

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

Our passage this week is from Isaiah. What does it mean for people of faith and the church to lean into an uncertain future? How do we find the courage to not only face, but to hear God’s vision for what is next? Can we speak the truth with hope?

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

Breath and Life

For the session to be discussed on May 23, 2021

Psalm 104:24-34

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

Are human greed and selfishness contrary to God’s order of creation? For this Pentecost Sunday, how might we hear the voice of the Spirit in all of creation? How does our faith help us live with a greater awareness of our connection with all creation?

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

Keeping It Simple

For the session to be discussed on May 16, 2021

1 John 5:7-13

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Crystal Shepherd

It seems that part of the human condition is our tendency to complicate things. Rather than keeping things simple, we add unneeded nuance and complexity. In this episode we discuss the ways simplifying our faith and theology can lead us to live more loving and caring lives.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

Released to Love

For the session to be discussed on May 9, 2021

1 John 5:1-6

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Crystal Shepherd

How we view others matters. John encourages us to see one another not as separate, but as fellow children of God. That sense of value and worth changes how we relate to others and even how we treat ourselves.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

Love is the Whole Thing

For the session to be discussed on May 2, 2021

1 John 4:7-21

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Bert Montgomery

We continue our study in 1 John, again discussing the nuances of the sort of love we are called to share. We discuss the mystery of love — how it transcends language and is something we have to experience and feel. God seems to call us to share a love without it being earned or expecting anything in return. How is this counter to the transactional love we often find in our culture?

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!

Abiding Love

For the session to be discussed on April 25, 2021

1 John 3:16-24

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Bert Montgomery

This passage from 1 John focuses on love. What does love say about who God is? What does it lead us to know God is not like? We discuss the particularly active sense of love in this passage and ponder how we too can show a love that does something real.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!