HELLO!

Last night we went ahead with the faith study, in spite of weather forecasts that caused some anxiety. 16 braved the elements, I stood at the door as 80+ community choir members walked inside. At 650 pm, exactly, all 16 showed up for our study. I was relieved I would not be in the Sams Room by myself. Today we held the second and final session of our daytime study on the Beatitudes. Again, weather was a factor, some of our participants were without power. 16 people participated.

Although we still have two more sessions of our evening Advent Faith Study, I am now pondering what faith studies to offer in the new year. I will have the list of books suggested from the summer: Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories: Reflections on the Life of Christ, Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, What Is the Bible?, and The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem. I may opt to use these titles. OR…you may have a book you’d like to suggest. I am open to suggestions. I have used several already since I came to Woodlawn. All I would ask of those who might offer me a title to consider is…think on whether this topic/theme would have wide appeal. There are many books on faith that I adore but many of them would not make a great faith study as I know interest in the subject matter is quite limited. Just because we find something interesting, does not mean others will.

What summer preaching series would hold your interest? I typically take one month off for vacation, usually July or August. For the month I am presiding and preaching, I like to offer a series of sermons that connect into a larger theme. If I were to tackle a topic for four or five Sundays, what would that be? Usually, during the summer month I do not offer leadership in church, Bethe would be “flying solo”. I have already asked Kaitlin to post this message on our church sign while I am away. Perhaps Bethe can offer a presence you don’t find in my messages, “The quiet voice of the Spirit” and “the joy of not doing anything at all”. Neither of these sound much like Bethe, but they sure don’t sound like me either.

I am eager to address in faith formation, in sermons, special services, faith studies, Bible studies, seminars, workshops, topics that you would find helpful, material that would aid your growth in discipleship, opportunities for you to experience God’s love and empowerment. Help me do this with your suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Peace, Kevin

PS One thing I am toying with, whether to offer a hybrid platform for conversation, using the Sams Room for in-person discussion but also inviting others to join us via ZOOM. I have done this in previous churches.