The context surrounding Jesus' life was complicated by an imperial domination system. The central features of Roman colonial power were its political oppression and poverty-inducing effects. How was it possible for Jesus to develop a spiritual path of radical compassion out of this social world of political and economic marginalization?

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After having spent time in his community preaching and teaching, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?" For those of us who grew up Christian, how we answered that question was of utmost importance. However, as we mature in our faith, an equally important question begins to emerge: how do we tell the story of Jesus? There are many ways to tell the story of Jesus, but how we choose to tell it significantly informs how we practice the religion he taught his disciples.

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Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus's disciples. The Gospels say she traveled with him, was present at his crucifixion, and was the first to see him after his resurrection. Most Christians don't view her as one of the more important disciples, if they see her as a disciple at all. However, this wasn't always the case; plenty of evidence suggests that the writings attributed to Mary played a key role in shaping the early Christian movement. Join us this Sunday as we explore what happened to Mary's teachings and how the decision to exclude her voice continues to affect Christianity today.

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When most Christians read the story of Abram, Sarai, Hagar, and Ishmael, Hagar is seen as having a small role in a story that ultimately is not about her. However, upon a closer reading, Hagar plays a central role in God's unfolding relationship with Abram and his family. Hagar's story of survival, hope, and redemption mirrors the experiences of many Black, Indigenous, and Other women of Color in America.

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In Jewish and Christian traditions, the voice of wisdom has long been personified as Sophia, a woman. It is a sad irony that the voices of women and other marginalized communities are not usually seen as sources of wisdom in modern Christian communities. What might we learn if we listen to the voices of those whose wisdom has been marginalized? What wisdom can we draw from the community response in Minneapolis and apply here in Los Angeles? Join us this Sunday as Rev. Dr. Carter is joined in the center by our Director of Youth and Social Justice, Everest Harvey, for a conversation on learning to listen to the wisdom both within us and around us.

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The book of Esther was written to help Jewish believers live faithfully in a world that is often unfaithful and sometimes openly hostile. Although she only appears in the first chapter, the same could be said about Queen Vashti. Her story shows the cost and risks women face when they stay true to themselves. Denying patriarchal ownership over her body cost her wealth and prestige, but it gave her so much more in return. Rev. Dr. Cater and Rev. Blair discuss patriarchal power dynamics and how "no" can be a holy word.

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As we continue in the sermon series inspired by women of the Hebrew Bible and Claire McKeever-Burgett's book, In the Beginning Were the Women, we turn this week to a little known story: The Witch of Endor. Yes, there's a witch in the Bible. No, she's not the bad guy. Join us to consider the way society has often labeled women who dare to tell the truth, turning them into villains instead of the prophets God made them to be.

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From the moment we are born, the stories we learn help us make meaning out of our lives. They become the sources of knowledge we draw from when our own understanding falls short. But knowledge isn't neutral; it is always influenced by culture. So, how has our culture shaped what you believe you know? The exodus story is fundamental to Christianity, and yet, when we tell this story, it is important that we ask ourselves which voices have been prioritized, which have been overlooked, and why.

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On Epiphany, churches often focus on mysterious and joyful arrival of the magi, a jovial tale about three royal kings bringing the baby Jesus finely-wrapped birthday gifts. But the reality is that Herod looms large; his actions twist this tale into a tragedy. In fear, Herod chooses coercion and control. Still, the magi persist and persevere, giving honor to a Judean king with insistent hope that his anointing could lead to the restoration of their own Persian customs and culture within the ever-expanding Roman empire. We can't ignore that the Herods of the world still loom large. The slaughter of the Holy Innocents is a painful story that mirrors devastating modern-day events and realities. And yet, this is the work of insisting on hope. We will share holy communion, as love leads us forward.

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After Jesus' birth, fear and oppression continue to pervade the lives of the Holy Family. Due to Herod's persecution, we are promptly reminded that even with Christ among us, the world is still a broken and messy place. In our current world, as we continue to see refugees and immigrants targeted and deported, as well as genocides violently enacted by governing forces, the church has a responsibility to proclaim what is too often ignored: Jesus was born a refugee who escaped genocide by living in a foreign land. How might we notice and be moved by the fears that move us?

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