Ruba brought the message, based on Isaiah 25: 6-8 and Jesus’ parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:15-24), where God is the host/hostess who invites everyone willing to come to the feast to come to the table and find what their heart is most hungry for.

For the message, Heather P. talked to us about her experiences of fasting, and led us in wondering about the ways our experiences of hunger can spur us towards more compassion.

"All violence requires an Other as its target, and the shifting boundaries of our own identity are what contours that otherness.” Mark reflects the story of his own shifting identity and the hope for a community that can create space for complexity

Greg found himself sitting in front of two strangers on a train in Portland. He couldn't help but ovehear their conversation...

David P. brings us a message about the journey of identity.

For First Word, Kay Ellison read James 1:2-6 and shared her journey through some things akin to trials and tribulations. When she shares her difficulties with others, she receives help, gains perspective and opens the door for others to share their journeys. After reading John 16:33, Kay added that she still has goals for herself, even while she sees the good things stemming from life's challenges.

Julie Peyton, self-proclaimed "Christian scientist", gave the message for Evolution Weekend (formerly called Evolution Sunday). Scripture readings were 1 John 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:6. Comparing religion and science, Julie reasoned that both trust in a supportable outcome. There are laws, with space for theories toward those laws. Both seek a truth that can be tested. She cited George Fox, who after hearing a voice drawing him to Christ, wrote in his journal "...and this I knew experimentally." Culture can either foster or hinder both faith and science. Institutional structures and hierarchies are "the world"; we are told not to love that. As humans, we can fall into the trap of loving creation more than the Creator, and trust our own perception too much.

Kevin tells us a story about a lone astronaut lost in space and the complexity of faith.

For the message, Stephen read from Acts 9 and the story of the blinding of Saul on the road to Damascus. He read a Rumi poem using the metaphor of boiling a chickpea and the time it takes to bring soak in all of the flavors. Nelson Mandela provided an example of someone who did not answer racism with racism. Like the chickpea, transformative change is possible in this world and our lives.

Queries: Where are you finding light in this often dark world?

What opportunities do you find to share the light?

Elijah Walker came out to visit from Indiana! For the message, he read John 14:6, 16-20 and reflected on his personal commandment to use Jesus as a role model. He encounters a living Jesus, an experience that to him sounds radical; he frames it another way by asking, “What sacred relationship resonates with you?” He hopes this approach will inspire us to do God’s work, to love and live radically. In his scriptural reference, Jesus calls us “friends”; we can each experience the intimacy of God, who is always with us. Queries: How do you encounter God recently? Who is Jesus to you? What are you missing out on?