Last summer, Northaven engaged in a powerful "Chautauqua" series that was heralded by many.
Your hardworking Worship Commission will soon be contemplating this summer, and perhaps yet another "Chautauqua" series, but perhaps around a different set of issues.
Are there some theological, social justice, or spiritual issues that might lend themselves to a powerful summer study?
What do YOU think would make a good summer series?
We can't promise to use all your ideas, but we'd love to hear them.
Leave your thoughts in the form of a "Comment" below.
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I wish we would wrestle with the issue of justice for the millions of unwanted unborn.
ReplyDeleteWould it be too much to ask to talk about God, Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit and forget "issues" for a little while? If that really is too much too ask could we please please please NOT talk about Northaven?
ReplyDeleteNot to be obtuse, but I didn't get the idea of the "chatauqua" series last summer. For some reason it didn't come together for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this feedback.
ReplyDeleteKathleen: could you be a little more specific?
Anonymous #2: if it didn't come together for you, what kind of series might?
"Enough -- Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity" by Adam Hamilton might be an interesting theme. Both of my childhood friends who are now UMC pastors have used this book in their churches. That's all I know about it, though.
ReplyDeleteWhatever we do, we need to be more mindful of the time. Last year the services all went very long. They were great, but we can't go 90 minutes every week.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a series on core Methodist beliefs? What makes Methodism distinct?
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the mission of the church should mirror the priorities Jesus enunciated for national priorities (Matthew 25). Clean water for all, a food production and distribution system that eliminates hunger, health care that is accessible and affordable, a fair judicial system, systems that make it possible for everyone to secure the basic necessities for human growth and development. I don't see in Matthew 25 any specific instructions as to how the nation and church will accomplish these goals...but the goals seem clear enough.
ReplyDeletejerry hastings
I loved Chatauqua and don't recall the services going that much longer than 60 minutes. Why I loved them was the variety (humor, etc.) and the emphasis on values. One idea would be to look at some of the principle ideas of Wesley; a good resource would be Joerg Rieger's book on Wesley from a few years ago. And I definitely second Jerry's suggestions as another approach.
ReplyDeleteI loved the many styles of music last summer.
ReplyDeleteHow about a Sunday where we "do" church - go out into the community and feed the hungry, visit the sick, repair houses, clean up parks, etc. If someone isn't physically able to do that, they could still participate by praying for those being servedor writing letters of encouragement (or protest!).
Lynette: interestingly, I was just at coffee with somebody who talked about their church doing this...ie, that they had an abbreviated service that ended in the *whole* congregation moving out to do some act of service together....and that they came up with alternatives so that everybody could participate.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how a series featuring the lines from great hymns might allow a tie-in to all the themes that have been suggested.
ReplyDeleteI love Lynette's idea as well. Coming from a church (in San Antonio) that fed the homeless week after week, I really miss that one on one contact with God's Children who are swept under the rug amd forgotten..... once you meet some of these folks, you quickly discovered that once you get to know these folks, they are not the scary boogie men so often portrayed, but most have just fallen on very hard times (there but by the Grace of God go I) and greatly appreciate a warm meal, but more importantly, a warm smile. I'm happy to help in any way possible to see this happen (not only during the summer but regularly!!!) I think you will find it changes how you view the world!
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