This Advent, we will be focusing on the theme “What do you fear?: Insisting on Hope this Advent.” Created by A Sanctified Art, this series will walk us through the Gospel of Luke, looking at the stories of Jesus’s birth – stories with implications of fear of the world around them layered throughout the texts. … Continued
By Chrissy Tatum Williamson In the last post I shared the background on how the sabbatical theme came to be. As soon as I realized what I wanted – no, what my soul needed – the rest seemed to fall into place. The heart of my trip would consist of my daughter and I exploring … Continued
By Chrissy Tatum Williamson What will make your heart sing? Strange question, isn’t it? That’s the prompt for the Lilly Grant for Clergy Renewal. “What will make your heart sing?” Two years ago when I began working on the grant proposal, this question was a barrier for me. It was easy to think of ways … Continued
By Chrissy Tatum Williamson I can’t remember the name of the book I was reading, but I know it was written by Barbara Brown Taylor. I can tell you exactly where the words were on the page (left side, last couple of lines on the page). When I read the words, I felt utterly convicted: … Continued
By Chrissy Tatum Williamson Words for the Beginning. Beginnings are exciting, they fly on the wings of vulnerable hopes; and they are tethered by risk of not becoming reality. Advent is a season of beginnings. These are characterized by hope and fear, reward and risk, preparation and whimsy, and the reality that before anything can … Continued
Throughout the next ministry year, we will offer small groups again as part of our Faith Formation opportunities. Much like last year, the small groups will pair with once-a-month Faith Forums which will focus on various topics throughout the year. Campbell professor and New Testament Scholar, Dr. Jennifer Garcia Bashaw will be here this fall to … Continued
During July, Pastor Chrissy will lead us in a book study on Faith After Doubt by Brian D. McLaren, as our faith formation opportunity for the summer. All are invited to attend the two gatherings on Sunday, July 7 and Sunday, July 21 at 4:00 pm in the Gathering Room. You can purchase the book locally at Quail Ridge … Continued
By Chrissy Tatum Williamson Sometimes the spiritual path is simple and straightforward. Faith comes effortlessly and life feels full of hope. More often – I would dare to say – the path is not so straight, but rather windy and sometimes even repetitively so. Often times when we turn to our Bibles, we find a … Continued
By Chrissy Tatum Williamson How does a weary world rejoice? It must have been early June when the staff began planning the 2023 Advent season. We shared some possible series themes with the Adult Christian Education Committee (now called the Adult Faith Formation Council) and prayed for wisdom in discerning which themes might speak to … Continued