July 22, 2020
Hello, church! I continue to pray for all of you, for the healing of the world, and for our future – as undecided as it can so often feel. I also pray for your spiritual nourishment, and in that regard, this week I offer you a deep well of resources that can uplift and challenge you in the form of decades of lectures from Pepperdine and Abilene.
Peace,
Chess
University Lectureships
For over a century, the individual churches of Christ in this country have been united by lectureship series’ hosted by our various universities. These lectureships provide one of the few opportunities for the churches of Christ to gather together in worship, fellowship, learning, and growth on a large scale. This year’s health challenges have postponed the lectures till next year, so if (like me) you find yourself missing these events, here are some links to recordings from previous years, and if you have never attended these events before, watch a few videos and hopefully you will be convinced to consider attending in the future.
Pepperdine Harbor (links to each year are on the right side)
Family Activities
As you prepare for this Sunday’s worship
Included here are the scriptures, reflection questions, and prayers that are thematically matched to our Sunday worship outline.
Scriptures: Gen 29:15-28; Ps 105:1-11, 45b; Matt 13:31-33, 44-52; Rom 8:26-39
Questions for Reflection:
Are there dilemmas or relationships in which you feel separated from the love of God? Can you imagine that God might be at work there, bringing life in unexpected ways? What would change if you were to claim the promise that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord?
Morning Prayer:
God of ferment, God of life, as I recall the night’s unsettled dreams… as I foresee the day’s demands… come to me in the desires of my heart, in the anger of the excluded, in all I might discount— until I find you everywhere, until your holy love leavens every impulse, for I pray in the name of Jesus, whose surprising call continues. Amen.
Evening Prayer:
Joy of my heart, thank you for this day’s unexpected turns: for provision when I was stymied and laughter born of grace. As I rest in your mercy open my heart to your unruly love and the neighbors you have put in my path. Amen.
Previous Links
Below are the links to resources I have mentioned in previous emails for your continued reference.
Phyllis Tickle’s, Divine Hours
The Way of the Heart, by Henri Nouwen
Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth , by Walter Brueggemann
The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
The Discernment of Spirits and workbook by Timothy Gallagher
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Prayers for a Privileged People
Shattering the Illusion: How African American Churches of Christ Moved from Segregation to Independence by Wes Crawford
Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman
The Road Back to You by Ian Cron
Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, by Brian Zahnd
What Was Wrong with Cain’s Sacrifice?