Sermon in Progress: my Second Take
Earlier this week at my clergy text study and New Joy’s Wednesday Bible Study I had my First Look at Sunday’s Scripture. After some study, prayer, reflection and conversation, here’s my Second Take. Our readings for Sunday are: Daniel 12:1-3 The deliverance of God’s people at the end Psalm 16 My heart is glad and my...Continue reading→
The Gospels and their Authority
The Gospels and their Authority In Sunday’s sermon I said a few provocative things – more than usual, it seems. I don’t think what I said was provocative because it stood outside the teachings of our church, or that I was being insanely controversial. No. But some of what I said clearly provoked questions among many of you following...Continue reading→
Worshipping with our Bodies
Worshipping with our Bodies Among Western Christians there can be a tendency to disassociate faith from our bodies and from the material world in which we live. Popular Christianity envisions souls shooting up into heaven (or down into hell), and ancient Grecco-Roman pagan beliefs persist in widespread cultural notions that our bodies and souls are...Continue reading→
From Love to Love: God’s Passion for All People
From Love to Love: God's Passion for all People Lent, the church’s 40-day season of spiritual discipline and repentance, begins on Ash Wednesday. During this season we will read stories of Jesus’ journey to the cross, the cost of discipleship, and how our Lord was simultaneously embraced and betrayed by those he loved. Ash Wednesday...Continue reading→
Job Opening: Parish Administrator
Job Opening at New Joy Lutheran The New Joy Personnel Team is actively looking for a person to fill the role of Parish Administrator. Please consider sharing this opportunity within your networks, or consider your own call to serve the church in this way. All interested applicants: Please submit a resume and letter/email stating interest...Continue reading→
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→