Mars Hill

Community member Cheryl Molhoek brings her experience working in Advancement to this Teaching, recounting her own journey with understanding money and the church. Inspired by the story of the widow's mite, Cheryl encourages us to think about our financial generosity as a joyful response to God's generosity towards us. 

Mark 12:38-44

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?

It's so difficult to wait - and yet the Bible regularly commands and encourages God's people to be waiting. Waiting does indeed offer a unique opportunity to be bound to the Lord and to share in the sufferings of Jesus.

Luke 13:6-9

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?

Jesus appears to Mary as a gardener after his resurrection. God and humanity are seen as gardeners in Genesis 1 and Revelation 21. In our spaces of work and service, God speaks to us "I am with you," "peace be with you," and "I am sending you."

John 20:11-18

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?

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

Matthew 28:1-10

We wrap up this series focused on the Parable of the Prodigal Son by getting a glimpse of the feast thrown by the father. The celebration is an external picture of the heart of God, desiring a "full house" engagement with this demonstration of extravagant love. 

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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?

Luke 15:20b-24

The welcome of the Father is lavish, undignified, extravagant - not waiting for excuses or repentance - the heart of God is on display in full force. 

Luke 15:20-22. 28

Questions to consider—

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

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

Luke 15:20-22. 28

Coming to our senses is a conscious choice to honestly engage the truth about ourselves. This teaching invites us to name our avoidance tactics and the relationships that have been ruptured by our sinful behavior. 

Luke 15:17-20a

Questions to consider—

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

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

Luke 15: 24b-30