Our friend Rabbi Ari led us through the reading of the Megillah, the scroll of Esther. With song, and wit, we tell the story of hiddenness, irony, and redemption.

How shall we live when we're in "foreign lands?" How do we maintain faithfulness, in the midst of tempting compromise?

Suffering. Justice. Blame. Innocence. These are all challenges and ideas that emerge in this, the most ancient of texts we have in our Bible. Predominant on all of them, however, is wisdom.

There is always a temptation to be like those around you, to be seduced into their way of living. Yet, our story is one where we are to be different, to be a light to the nations, not like them.

This is the recorded conversation from our Communal Meal following service, on finding our place in this world.

Our guest Dr. Cyndi Parker continues our series on Story, and what role the concept of "place" has in our narrative. Far from a simple geographical location, understanding our place is about becoming aware of how the physical space within which we find ourselves informs how we belong to the world and to each other, and how we find meaning in all the spaces of our lives.

Pastors Kevin & Danielle share in this teaching, some thoughts and insights from the Book of Judges.

Joshua's famous cry is to "be strong and courageous." This clarion call is the grounding identity of the Israelites as they enter the "Promised Land." Rather than mere "guts," being strong means to stay connected to the stories and covenants that have been established throughout Israel's history. And they are not to turn from it, either to the left or to the right.

The very name of God is one that refuses to be boxed in. So, if you think you're going to box God in—to define God's name—get ready for a broken neck and a weird, weird disease.