This evening we are gathering to discuss Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of Bishop Curry’s book Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus. As you read through these chapters please have a Bible with you so that you may reference the citations and the biblical context of the citations. As you read through Chapter 8, think about what it means to turn the world upside down with Jesus. What does it mean to call Lord, him who fulfills the Isaiahic prophesy of preaching good news to the poor, proclaiming the release of captives, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed? Luke 4:18. In Chapter 9, what does it mean to keep our eyes on Jesus who did nothing from selfishness or conceit but in humility counted others better than himself? Phil. 2:3. And, finally in Chapter 10, what does it mean to have a church that draws, gathers, invites, and welcomes everyone with different gifts and different persuasions? 1 Cor. 12:12-31. How does the church welcome and understand those who do not look like you, act like you, vote like you, or agree with you on the issues of the day?
Next week will be our last week with Bishop Curry. February 9 is Shrove Tuesday. Beginning on Tuesday, February 16, we will start our Lenten study of Henri Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son. (Amazon’s #1 best seller in Catholicism last Christmas.) If you want us to order a book for you, please let me know.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is halupki (Slovak stuffed cabbage). Discussion about 6:45. Compline a little before 8. Hope to see you here.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace; So clothe us in you Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to that knowledge and love or you; for the honor or your Name.
Collect for Mission, Morning Prayer I ,1979 BCP 101).