Pastorates are small home groups of fellowship, study, and prayer designed to renew us in our mission as a church—sharing in the life of God for the life of the world.
In the spring, our Pastorates more sharply focus on “sharing in the life of God” through shared spiritual practices. We do this because the best thing we can give our world is the community we become. And then in the fall, our Pastorates give closer attention to what that “for the life of the world” witness might look like.
Below is a listing of the Pastorates we are offering this fall. We encourage you to participate in one of these groups so that together we can continue to stir up our witness in the world. Sign up on Sundays in the foyer or use the Connect Tab.
Loving Thy Neighbor: Following the Greatest Commandment in Divided Times
every Sunday at 12:30 pm starting September 11 (5 gatherings)
Facilitators: Olivia Abernathy and Cindy Jayne
Hosts: Steven and Sally Swanson
Each Sunday our liturgy begins with a reading of the Great Commandments. We are to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Sounds simple. But the parable of the Good Samaritan highlights how difficult that second commandment was in Jesus’ time when religious, cultural, and political institutions often sharply divided groups from each other. In many ways, the complex realities of our own religious, cultural, and political landscape mirror those of the parable. As in Jesus’ time, these institutions can either enable us to help our neighbor or keep us alienated from them. Using a selection of short readings as a starting point, our discussions will explore ways to discern more fully who our neighbors are and how best to demonstrate our love for them.
American Christianity: Church or Culture?
every other Sunday at 6:00 pm starting September 11 (5–6 gatherings)
Facilitator: Jason Strandquist
Hosts: Rob and Lynn Binkley
As practicing Christians in the United States, how can we understand the militant trends that pervade much of “evangelical” Christianity? Can Christian nationalism, militarism, and radicalism ever be reconciled with the teachings of Christ, or with the apostolic concept of the Church? Many of us tend to idealize the past and deplore the present, but the Church has faced such questions before. Based on common readings and discussion, this group will equip participants to think through the rift between the cultural demands of American Christianity, on the one hand, and the commands of Christ, on the other.
Loving God
every other Sunday at 6:00 pm starting September 11 (4 gatherings)
Facilitator: Gary Osborne
Hosts: Gary and Celecia Osborne’s backyard
Jesus committed his life to loving God, following the Old Testament scriptures and fulfilling its message. Self-examination often renders this message lacking. The challenge, and ultimately the joy, of loving God is fully in your reach. Join me in this personal journey down the path of God’s love. We will focus on the great commandment from Matthew 22:37: “Love thy Lord your God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.” This Pastorate is designed to review (1) how we think, (2) who we are emotionally, (3) how to better take care of our bodies, and (4) explore the essence of self.
What Would Jesus’ Brother Do?
every other Monday at 6:00 pm starting September 12 (6 gatherings)
Facilitator: Fr. Wes Gristy
Hosts: Jay and Katie Beavers
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote an intensely practical book challenging the Church to put the Way of his brother into action for the sake of others. In this Pastorate, we will engage the book of James with an aim of making weekly changes in our lives in service to our neighbor. Listening for the Spirit to guide us in practical application and obedience will be our primary focus.
Rich in Mercy: Sociology for the Kingdom of Jesus
every Thursday at 6:00 pm starting October 13 (4 gatherings)
Facilitator: Joyce Heffernan
Hosts: Len Diffee and Terry Blakely
Sociology is just this—the study of our world’s inhabitants living their lives. There are many histories and plans of how to live life. Why not live out life in the richest of mercies—the mercy of Christ. Join us for a pastorate focusing on Ephesians 2:4–7 as we study supporting biblical texts as well as take a look at some interesting reads. Together we can think about how to bring the rich mercy of God to anyone.