by Erica Palmisano | Mar 17, 2019
A message from the series “Breaking the Chains.” Winston Churchill famously said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” This week, we look at how to hold the difficult conversations that engaging in social justice involves. Poverty and hunger, racial justice and immigration, and environmental issues have the biggest impact on society’s most vulnerable members; and as followers of Jesus, we are called to speak up for those who are marginalized and oppressed (Proverbs 31:8). Such conversations are often heartfelt and passionate—and this is a good thing! We are talking about important issues that impact thousands or even millions of people created in God’s image. At the same time, emotions can sometimes prevent us from listening, or lead us to be uncaring or unloving in what we say.
We want to follow Jesus’ example of really listening to people—seeking to understand their viewpoint and underlying story. And we want to respond lovingly, with humility and graciousness, believing the best of others. We want to learn from one another, and can often learn the most from those who are very different from us. At the same time, we also want to be willing to challenge ideas and attitudes that do not contribute to justice, healing and reconciliation. We do this, not because we want to win an argument, but because we understand that we are partners with God in bringing more love to the world around us.
by Erica Palmisano | Mar 10, 2019
A message from the series “Breaking the Chains.” In this first week of the series “Breaking the Chains,” we look at the interconnectedness of contemplation and action, as illustrated in Jesus’ life, with a particular focus on the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. We seek to create space for inward reflection on how the current political climate affects us emotionally, psychologically and spiritually, as well as reflection on our outward responses in this current climate. The objective of this week—and for the series as a whole—is to foster a sense of hope, and develop practices to engage in action for social justice in life-giving ways.
by Erica Palmisano | Mar 3, 2019
A message from the series “Positively Lonely.” Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God.
In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
by Erica Palmisano | Feb 24, 2019
A message from the series “Positively Lonely.” Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God.
In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
by Erica Palmisano | Feb 17, 2019
A message from the series “Positively Lonely.” Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God.
In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
