The Story of Victimization is a challenging one. It tells us that when we've been harmed we should let our pain define us. It's a story that encourages us to get stuck in our pain -- sometimes even fueling us to harm others while feeling righteous in doing so.

But this story does not move us toward life. Instead, we must courageously face our pain -- almost certainly with the help and care of others.

Teresa leads us through a look at the Story of Isolation

Teresa and Chris (from Palestine) share thoughts on the third story in our series -- the Story of Purification.

We consider the story of revolution/revenge -- the story that tells us that the only way to happiness and security is to repay pain for pain.

We begin a series for Lent that considers six stories we encounter regularly in our day to day lives -- a series that ends on Easter, which is a seventh story of sorts.

These six stories promise us happiness, security and fulfillment but rarely deliver. As we move through Lent we'll be asking ourselves which of these stories do we believe and might we want to leave them behind for a better story.

Week 1 is the story of Domination.

We are choosing to be bold -- to take risks, to purposefully keep a compelling vision close to our heart, and to lean into each other.

Jesus is our example, and at every turn Jesus extends welcome to all. Those on the margins, those society considered 'last', those disregarded are all included.

Within the community Jesus creates, we find significant difference (socio-economic, political, gender). This is by choice. Jesus chooses to include those who he knew would disagree -- those who would see the world very differently -- those who the world would say should be opponents, if not enemies.

What happens when we choose to include? What happens to us? What happens to the world? We consider these questions together.

Who do we want to be?

Who will we choose to be?

These are questions often asked at the beginning of a new year. And while related, they are not the same.

We may want to be many things -- or to change much -- but without a choice (likely, many, daily choices) those desires will go unrealized.

We must be intentional - purposeful.

Together we consider three choices Jesus invites us to make. This week, that choice is humility.

Luke 18:9-14

From moving trucks to our hope for reconciliation to an inn (or house) in Bethlehem, it often feels like there is no room. No room for repair. No hope of things getting better. No space for this or that group. But the Christmas story reminds us that God is able to make room, to make the last first, to find space for all, to open our often-closed hearts.

For the final Sunday of Advent we consider the power of song - especially the way in which it can help rekindle hope.

As we sing multiple carols, hear poetry and consider what lyrics to our own song of hope might sound like, we work together to find strength and resolve to move toward the lives and world we are invited to by God.