New Class Beginning May 23: “Living the Questions”

“Living the Questions” is an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers.  LtQ creates an environment where participants not only interact with one another in exploring the best of today’s theological thought, but together strive to explore what’s next for Christianity.  Featuring 30 of today’s leading religious voices, LtQ is comprised of 21 20-minute video segments that include these leading voices of faith, sermon and lecture clips, and digital stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith, and concrete spiritual practices.

Our series will convene on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, beginning on May 23. The first 7 sessions include the following topics: An invitation to Journey, Taking the Bible Seriously, Thinking Theologically, Stories of Creation, Lives of Jesus, A Passion for Christ (Paul), and Out into the World (challenges facing progressive Christians).

We begin our evening together with a potluck at 6:30 (soup is always provided).  Class begins at 7:00 and ends at 8:30.  All are welcome.  Please bring a friend.

New Book Study: "Contemplation in Action," edited by Richard Rohr

In a world weary of war and hungry for deeper meaning and direction, the Center for Action and Contemplation offers a message of hope.  In these short reflections, we are challenged to reflect upon our lives and priorities.  Join with our distinguished authors and let contemplation enrich your action.  Our Keystone book study is Contemplation in Action, edited by Richard Rohr.  Topics include terrorism and nonstop war, nonviolence, restorative justice, prophetic action, true and false self, personal integration, aging, sustainability, art and meditation, and simplicity.  Our ten sessions will convene on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, starting on May 16, and excluding July 4th.  Please join us at 6:30 for a potluck (soup is always available).  The study will be from 7:00 until 8:30.  There is no preparatory reading necessary.  We will read the reflections together.  All are welcome to join us, and please bring a friend.

Resolutions

Two resolutions are coming to the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ's annual meeting from Keystone via the Justice and Witness Ministry Committee. Rich, Peg and Lauren are all on this committee and will all be in Pasco for the meeting this weekend.

One is on seeking a more just banking resource for the Conference. The other is about corporate personhood. The resolutions may well be altered before they get voted on so we can't give a final copy yet but if you would like to get some more information about the issues here are some resources from the national UCC and a national publication:

Resources for churches that want to evaluate their banking relationships http://www.ucc.org/justice/banks/

Article on corporate personhood and Citizens United (this is actually focused on the Citizens United decision and its relationship to corporate personhood)

http://prospect.org/article/dont-blame-corporate-personhood