Sunday, July 7th: Scripture: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

"On the Job Training" 

Shortly following Jesus' transfiguration on the mountaintop Jesus and a few of the disciples venture back down to the "real world" where Jesus immediately gets back to work teaching and healing. A short while later Jesus decides to let the disciples go and "get their feet wet" as he sends 72 of his disciples ahead, two by two, to go and do his work. In a very "on the job training" sort of way Jesus gives them instruction on not only how to interact with those they meet, but also offers advice on what to do when they are not welcomed within a community. As I remember my first official job upon turning sixteen I too recall what it was like to experience the "on the job training" in those first few shifts. I recall my frazzled nerves, uncertainty in my abilities, and desire to "not mess up." How might we take Jesus' version of "on the job training" and apply it back to our own lives? In particular as we look at this path of discipleship. 

July 14th: Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14

"Ceaseless Prayer"

Within Paul's opening words within the book of Colossians I am constantly amazed to see what genuine care and attention Paul took for each of the communities to which he was ministering. Within this first book of Colossians we are quickly reminded that as fellow Christians it is not only important to be mindful of how we are living our faith life but to also be mindful of how we are holding one another accountable with "check-in" and ceaseless prayer. Paul reminds us of the importance of praying for one another constantly, as he "practices what he preaches." How are we as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ lifting one another up in prayer? Not only in the difficult times but in the good times as well? This Sunday we will focus in on some of these very questions as we explore the "power of prayer" as spoken about through the Apostle Paul.

Sunday July 24th: Guest Speaker: Barbara Kruger

Sunday July 28th: Guest Speaker: Tom Schmidt