I really appreciated this article-- the thoughtful analysis about why these things happen and why churches are so prone to it, coupled with very practical suggestions for better practices.
Thank you for your comments Steve and Kathy. The unchecked assumption of "it is clear" is a major flaw in the HSR, and our very need for this study committee in the first place brings this into question as well as our denominational struggle around loving LGBTQ+ folks well since 1973+. Oversimplifying a very complex topic is dangerous. Humility and love, indeed, need to be our starting point in the example of Jesus.
Many experiences in the CRCNA lately have made me question my belonging-- this post is deserving of commendation in its Christlike attempt to courageously call us to examine our hearts in the "how" of this human sexuality dialogue as well as the "what." Thank you ever so much for taking the time and care to write this... Amanda, Joyce, Tim, Chris, Reggie, Mark, Lis, and Lindsay. It is well within the responsibility of your leadership roles to contribute openly to this conversation. Thank you for respecting the call of your role and your service to us and the Lord enough to engage.
We did Lent in a bag last year with rocks to make a daily pathway to a candle for Easter Sunday. On Palm Sunday, the candle was added to the display, on Good Friday the candle was covered with a tissue and on Easter Sunday the "shroud" was removed and the candle was lit. We included a daily lenten reading plan from Luke. Even the adults appreciated it! We shared photos of our lenten rock pathways in our e-newsletter. This year we are going to do the rock pathways again! (And we found inexpensive rocks at our local dollarstore)
I am really thankful for this post. We have started to have some of these conversations in our church but this nuanced post will help us take the conversation farther.
Any way that we could collectively brainstorm some alternative artists, resources, etc. for this? I am loving Porter's Gate and Common Hymnal a lot right now for this.
Posted in: What's in a Name? The Meeting House and Abuse of Power
Amanda,
I really appreciated this article-- the thoughtful analysis about why these things happen and why churches are so prone to it, coupled with very practical suggestions for better practices.
Posted in: Talking About Human Sexuality With Love
Thank you for your comments Steve and Kathy. The unchecked assumption of "it is clear" is a major flaw in the HSR, and our very need for this study committee in the first place brings this into question as well as our denominational struggle around loving LGBTQ+ folks well since 1973+. Oversimplifying a very complex topic is dangerous. Humility and love, indeed, need to be our starting point in the example of Jesus.
Posted in: Talking About Human Sexuality With Love
Many experiences in the CRCNA lately have made me question my belonging-- this post is deserving of commendation in its Christlike attempt to courageously call us to examine our hearts in the "how" of this human sexuality dialogue as well as the "what." Thank you ever so much for taking the time and care to write this... Amanda, Joyce, Tim, Chris, Reggie, Mark, Lis, and Lindsay. It is well within the responsibility of your leadership roles to contribute openly to this conversation. Thank you for respecting the call of your role and your service to us and the Lord enough to engage.
Posted in: Pathway to Easter: A Simple "Lent in a Bag" Activity for Families
We did Lent in a bag last year with rocks to make a daily pathway to a candle for Easter Sunday. On Palm Sunday, the candle was added to the display, on Good Friday the candle was covered with a tissue and on Easter Sunday the "shroud" was removed and the candle was lit. We included a daily lenten reading plan from Luke. Even the adults appreciated it! We shared photos of our lenten rock pathways in our e-newsletter. This year we are going to do the rock pathways again! (And we found inexpensive rocks at our local dollarstore)
Posted in: Pathway to Easter: A Simple "Lent in a Bag" Activity for Families
Love this idea! Any tips on where to find the rocks inexpensively?
Posted in: Should My Church Sing Hillsong?
I am really thankful for this post. We have started to have some of these conversations in our church but this nuanced post will help us take the conversation farther.
Any way that we could collectively brainstorm some alternative artists, resources, etc. for this? I am loving Porter's Gate and Common Hymnal a lot right now for this.