Join the Session in our first book study discussion at Google Meet.
If you're joining with your phone, I'd recommend calling in or downloading the Google Meet app to make it easier. Or you can use your computer by clicking on the link below.
To join in person via Hangouts Meet click https://meet.google.com/xqa-jgmy-vis
To join by phone call+1 320-403-4122 PIN: 118 174 181#
Feel free to record your thoughts or questions here in this discussion forum throughout this study.
How has the church and neighborhood changed? (In a drawing)
Carol: church moving from Dessau to Wilshire (twice), but still no neighborhood; promising opportunities
Nikkie: from the outskirts to a neighborhood; lots of people
Danita: the welcome inside versus outside; neighborhood is what we bring to the church (instead of a location)
Becca: parking lot with a new sidewalk out front; sidewalk chalk encouraging messages
Communal Conversion
Moving through the stages of faith (pages 9-10)
Stages 3>>4 happens when we are willing to question the beliefs we inherited from our dominant culture or family. If we stay the course we fine the beauties inherent in Stages 5 or 6 when we recognize the limits of logic and start to accept paradoxes. We begin to see life as a mystery. Stories and symbols without the theological/ideological box.
Has this church had a communal conversion?
No: We describe the neighbors as unchurched, uninterested
Yes: Going from having to own property to thrive to knowing we really love this place/space and want to be here. Moving from difficult relationships to becoming closer collaborators on the Wilshire campus; better but not as good as it could be.
Abundant Gifts
Call out gifts NCFA has...
Expert in end of life and hospice chaplaincy and care
Seminary trained folks - solid theological community
Proximity to Patterson Park
School on campus
Across the street from vibrant farmer market and community
Community garden and gathering space, mode of service
Partnership with Parsons House, gift of chaplaincy, part of the neighborhood up the road, officing there
Kitchen at Wilshire, save frozen meals, feed folks, health classes, cooking, education, outreach
A/V Set-up, our use and to offer to others
Dormant classrooms being held as private for convenience
Surrounded by neighbors with abilities and assets (UT professors, bookshelf store owner, e.g.)
Abundant Mission Statement
How does it reflect an attitude of plenty?
diverse, empowered, sharing god's love, equipping, encouraging, imploring
We are proud of this and wonder why it doesn't touch on more of our diversity
Thy kingdom come thy will be done on WIlshire as it is in heaven...
How do we see (or want to see) God's will be carried out through our church ministry?
Diversity (racial, economic, regional, national, faith foundation) we have it all
Caring for one another (P&P begin shared beyond those who were present on a Sunday)
Being a beacon on a hill and shining even more and further out that we do now (thanks Danita for shining into RRPC)
God's mission to be affecting; less of what we do, but who we are in the world