Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click on “more” for details about this week’s Church School classes.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Radical Love. Pastor Heather will preach from 1 Corinthians 13:1–13. Communion will be celebrated.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Heather will preach from 1 Corinthians 13:1–13, and her sermon will be titled “Tough Love.” Communion will be celebrated.
If you’re out of town and/or unable to join us for worship, follow us on Facebook and stream our service.
Taizé Prayer Service | Wednesday, 7 pm
Led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan, our hour-long Taizé service includes sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | McKelvy Room
Injustice in the So-Called Justice System
Justice systems in much of the world are rats’ nests of cruelty and unfairness. Is it inevitable that power over individuals accused and convicted of crimes has to be a corrupting force? As American Christians, our job is first to look unflinchingly at what is being done in our name, and then find out what other Christians are doing to ameliorate the situation and see how we can support the helpers and the helped. Class will be led by Martha Conley, a retired attorney who is fighting to improve conditions of prisoners on death row.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…Do not judge, and you will not be judged…Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”—Luke 6:27, 37–38
Jesus says that practicing such personal and social ethics results in a good—even high—ROI (Return on Investment). This is the true prosperity gospel, the table in the temple at which Jesus would have joyfully sat instead of overturning. Join us as we reflect on Epiphany season readings about such an emerging life, together, in this world.
Join us for this week’s readings: Jeremiah 1:4–10; Psalm 71:1–6; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; and Luke 4:21–30.
Seekers | Garth Overlook Room
The Black Panther Party of the 1960s
T. Rashad Byrdsong will tell us about his experience as part of the Black Panther Party—a political organization in the 1960s. What was the Black Panther Party? What was its purpose, goals, and accomplishments? T. Rashad Byrdsong is founder and CEO of the Community Empowerment Association, based in Homewood.
Soul Food | Good Samaritan Room (G12)
We will continue discussing selections from Meditations of the Heart, by Howard Thurman, led by Steve Evrard, Linda Harrington, Michelle Yamada, and Bill Newcomer.