Reimagining the Story of Jesus | Christ
An Invitation to Brave Space
by Micky Scott Bey Jones
Together we will create brave space
Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”
We exist in the real world
We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.
We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know.
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be
But
It will be our brave space together,
And, we will work on it side by side.
The Maker | Daniel Lanois
Oh, oh deep water, black and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open,
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger in the eyes of the Maker
I could not see for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel for the fear in my life
And from across the great divide, In the distance I saw a light
Jean Baptiste's walking to me with the Maker
My body is bent and broken by long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the fields of Abraham and turn my head away
I'm not a stranger in the hands of the Maker
Brother John, have you seen the homeless daughters
Standing there with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
There over east of Eden
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Burning in the eyes of the Maker
Oh, river rise from your sleep
Rules of the Table
It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests; a good guest helps make room for everyone present to stay at the table.
This is a place to process together. Questions rooted in curiosity and process are encouraged, rather than questions intended to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.
Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so there is room for everyone to share.
The facilitator will interject when the conversation moves too far away from our explicit topic. All questions are good, but they are not all useful for this specific time.
We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable; we own both our intentions and our impact; we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without immediately needing to defend our own position; we show respect to one another; and we never attack someone else.
Conversation
Openinging Question
What stood out to you as we explored the image, concept and person of Christ tonight? What is one phrase, moment, question, or curiosity that has stayed with you or keeps stirring?
Head | Insight & Understanding
What portrait of Jesus did you first encounter? How does considering Jesus’ whole life—not only his death—as part of his saving work affirm, challenge, or expand that portrait?
Heart | Emotion & Experience
As you consider the portraits of Jesus you have inherited and the one offered tonight, what feelings arise? What feels inspiring or resonant, and what feels uncomfortable or difficult?
Hands | Embodied Practice
What practice or activity helps—or might help—you participate in the life Jesus?