As the gospel of Mark progresses, the high expectations of the kingdom of God become more explicit. The story of this young man is the climax of these demands: everything must be submitted to the kingdom. And yet, as always, there remains good news alongside the challenge. 

Mark 10:17-31

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Jesus feeds 5,000 people, then 4,000 in a different region, expanding the scope of God's love for all people. The disciples struggle to get their minds around this. Jesus walks on water and calms the disciples while they are yet in the storm.

Mark 8:1-13

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Suzanne passionately walks through the three miracles performed by Jesus in Mark 5, highlighting the importance and specificity of each. These actions of Jesus put on display the unique power of God's kingdom that has come near. 

Mark 5:1-20

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Jesus gives powerful glimpses of the Kingdom in parables [stories]. God is immensely generous, a provider, and a giver of welcoming light! Jesus shows himself in power over the storms, wind, and waves. 

Mark 4

Questions to consider...

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Troy and Kate Neckers [Elder chair] introduce and invite the community into a more intentional conversation about giving to our church. Troy then offers a few practices to help the community engage with our resources in healthier, more faithful ways. 

Mark 3:7-19; 6:6b-13

Questions to consider...

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

After the first words of Jesus, announcing the nearness of the kingdom of God, Mark sets out to demonstrate what this kingdom looks like. Among the many manifestations, this teaching highlights how new people and new containers are evidence of the kingdom of God.

Mark 2:13-3:6

Questions to consider...

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Jesus' healing of the man with the shriveled hand on the Sabbath in Mark 3 has deep roots in the Old Testament. Jesus is reclaiming Sabbath as a grace-filled rhythm of joy, delight, and connection. We are all invited to participate! 

Mark 2:23-3:6

Questions to consider—

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Mark 1:15

Mark 1:15

Colossians 1:1-14