Welcoming LGBTQ+ People BECAUSE of Jesus, not IN SPITE of Jesus
SESSION 4 LGBTQ+ Welcome and the Bible. The fourth and final session explores why explicit welcome of LGBTQ+ people is faithful to the Gospel. Continue reading→
The Clobber Verses
SESSION 3 LBGTQ+ and the Bible. Today we are looking at the “clobber verses” – the small handful of Bible passages that are frequently used to reject, shame, and condemn homosexuality and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Continue reading→
Hospitality in the Bible and at New Joy
SESSION 2 LGBTQ+ and the Bible. The second session of this series looks at hospitality in both the Bible and also in New Joy’s history. Continue reading→
Overview of Christianity and Human Sexuality
SESSION 1 LBGTQ+ and the Bible. The first session offered an initial overview of Christianity and human sexuality. Continue reading→
Radical Welcome Next Steps
New Joy is planning a four-week Bible Study and a few experiences to learn from members of the LGBTQ+ community and from members of LGBTQ+ affirming congregations. Continue reading→
Radical Welcome
New Joy’s vision was to be a congregation that “welcomes, accepts, values, and nurtures all people wherever they are in their relationship with God.” “God does not discriminate, and neither do we. New Joy happily welcomes all, without regard to race, income, or sexual orientation.” Continue reading→
The Jews in the Gospel of John
*Image above: ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton thanking Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism. He spoke at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Grace to you and peace, from the One who is, who was, and who is to... Continue reading→
Dear Band Director & Team Coach: An Open Letter
Dear Band Director & Team Coach An Open Letter Dear Sports Coaches, Marching Band Directors, And All The Other Wonderful Adults Who Guide Our Youth In Amazing, High Commitment Experiences That We Cannot Provide For Our Youth At Our Churches: Grace to you and peace, from the one who is, who was and who is... Continue reading→
A New Candle and a New Creed
A New Candle and a New Creed The Paschal Candle At our Easter Bonfire on Holy Saturday, we will light a tall candle called a Paschal Candle. Set on a large candlestick and placed near the baptismal font, this candle is a traditional symbol of the light of the risen Christ. While every gathering of... Continue reading→
The Hope of Leviticus 25, Part 2
The Hope of Leviticus 25, Part 2 As I stated in my previous post, in order for us to understand Jesus’ mission, it really helps if we understand Leviticus 25. When Jesus first preaches publicly in the Gospel of Luke, he claims that the “year of the Lord’s favor” is here! The year of the... Continue reading→