Rehearsing Scripture | Becoming the Beloved Community (Copy)

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.*

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson

Community Scripture Reading | 1 John 2:7-17

My loved ones, in one sense, I am not writing a new command for you. I am only reminding you of the old command. It’s a word you already know, a word that has existed from the beginning. 8 However, in another sense, I am writing a new command for you. The new command is the truth that He lived; and now you are living it, too, because the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining among you.

9 Anyone who says, “I live in the light,” but hates his brother or sister is still living in the shadows. 10 Anyone who loves his brother or sister lives in the light and will not trip because his conscience is clear. 11 But anyone who hates his brother is in the darkness, stumbling around with no idea where he is going, blinded by the darkness.

We are deeply loved by God. When we turn and love those members of our faith family whom God loves, we are set apart and different from the world.

12 I am writing to you, my children, because your sins have been forgiven by the authority of His name.

13 I am writing to you, fathers and mothers, because you have known Him as the Creator, as the One who started everything.

I am writing to you, young people, because He has given you the power to conquer the evil one.

14 I have written to you, my children, because you have known the Father.

I have written to you, fathers and mothers, because you have known Him, the Creator.

I have written to you, young people, because the voice of God remains and is heard among you. Remember that you have conquered the evil one.

15 Don’t fall in love with this corrupt world or worship the things it can offer. Those who love its corrupt ways don’t have the Father’s love living within them. 16 All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father. These are the rotten fruits of this world. 17 This corrupt world is already wasting away, as are its selfish desires. But the person really doing God’s will—that person will never cease to be.

*The Voice Translation.

The Message

Conversation Series | Becoming the Beloved Community

In the first letter of John in the New Testament, the author presents a vision of what a beloved community could be like. In this conversation series, we are delving into the concept of becoming the beloved community. This journey requires us to transcend the boundaries of being merely a benevolent community and aspire to something even greater.

Rehearsing Scripture Questions

What’s the place in the text that gets you?—that is, fascinates you, bothers you, troubles you, thrills you, haunts you, angers you, gladdens you, or otherwise jumps up to meet you?

Why does it get you?—or fascinate you, bother you, trouble you, thrill you, haunt you, anger you, gladden you, or otherwise jump up to meet you?

From this moment in the text that gets you, what do you know about God?

Why does your community need to hear this today—what you know about God?

What do you want to say?

What do you hope these words will do?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Just a reminder that we are resuming our weekly gatherings for our Sunday Liturgy.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• The reading for Week 26:

  • Colossians 4

  • Philemon 1

  • Luke 1

  • Luke 2

  • Luke 3

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

If You Love Them Let Them Go | Becoming the Beloved Community

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.*

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson

Community Scripture Reading | 1 John 3:11-18

18Children, it is the last hour. You have heard that “Antimessiah” is coming—and now many Antimessiahs have appeared! That’s how we know that it is the last hour. 19They went out from among us, but they were not really of our number. If they had been of our number, you see, they would have remained with us. This happened so that it would be made crystal-clear that none of them belonged to us. 20You, however, have the anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21I am not writing to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and you know that no liar is of the truth.
—1 John 3:23-4:2*

*Wright, N. T.. The Kingdom New Testament, eBook (p. 486). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | Becoming the Beloved Community

In the first letter of John in the New Testament, the author presents a vision of what a beloved community could be like. In this conversation series, we are delving into the concept of becoming the beloved community. This journey requires us to transcend the boundaries of being merely a benevolent community and aspire to something even greater.

Message | If You Love Them Let Them Go

This week, Glenn is wrapping up our conversation series, Becoming the Beloved Community, by exploring what a mature and non coercive love looks like.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

How does shifting from a gatekeeping mentality to one of trust and openness in a community affect our understanding of mature love and its role in fostering personal growth?

Where do you see hope in the potential transformation of communities from gatekeepers to spaces of trust and open-hearted acceptance? How might this shift bring about positive change and growth for individuals and the community as a whole?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

Can you share a personal experience when someone trusted you during a phase of faith transformation or maturity? What emotions and personal resonances does this memory evoke?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

What concrete actions or strategies can we implement to create a community environment where individuals are encouraged to join or leave without fear of judgment, aligning with the concept of mature love as trust and openness?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Just a reminder that we are resuming our weekly gatherings for our Sunday Liturgy.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• The reading for week 25 is:

  • Philippians 3

  • Philippians 4

  • Colossians 1

  • Colossians 2

  • Colossians 3

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

A Community of Real Ones | Becoming the Beloved Community

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.*

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson

Community Scripture Reading | 1 John 3:11-18

11This is the message which you heard right from the start, you see—that we should love one another. 12We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one, and murdered his brother. Why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, while his brother’s were right. 13Don’t be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the family. Anyone who doesn’t love abides in death. 15Everyone who hates their brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has the life of the coming age abiding in them. 16This is how we know love: he laid down his life for us. And we too ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17Anyone who has the means of life in this world, and sees a brother or sister in need, and closes their heart against them—how can God’s love be abiding in them? 18Children, let us not love in word, or in speech, but in deed and in truth.
—1 John 3:23-4:2*

*Wright, N. T.. The Kingdom New Testament, eBook (p. 486). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | Becoming the Beloved Community

In the first letter of John in the New Testament, the author presents a vision of what a beloved community could be like. In this conversation series, we are delving into the concept of becoming the beloved community. This journey requires us to transcend the boundaries of being merely a benevolent community and aspire to something even greater.

Message | A Community of Real Ones

This week, Carl continues our conversation, Becoming the Beloved Community by exploring what 1 John tells us love is and what that looks like.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What does it mean to redefine our understanding of love as a compassionate response to one another's needs, instead of attempting to define it in rigid terms?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

How has love as a compassionate response played a role in your own life story?

Where do you find hope in the idea that love can be a compassionate response to one another's needs? How might this perspective improve relationships and foster a more empathetic and caring society?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

What actionable steps can you take to incorporate this compassionate approach to love into your daily interactions with others? How can you actively practice love as a compassionate response?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Just a reminder that we are resuming our weekly gatherings for our Sunday Liturgy.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• For week 24 we will be reading:

  • Ephesians 4

  • Ephesians 5

  • Ephesians 6

  • Philippians 1

  • Philippians 2

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Improvising Faith within the Beloved Community | Becoming the Beloved Community

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who is in heaven,
may your name be held holy,
your kingdom come, your will be done—
on earth, as in heaven.
Give us today the bread that we will need;
and forgive us our debts,
as we have forgiven those to whom we are indebted;
and do not put us to the test,
but deliver us from the evil one.*

*A New New Testament: A Bible for the Twenty-first Century Combining Traditional and Newly Discovered Texts

Community Scripture Reading | 1 John 3:23-4:2

23And this is his command, that we should believe in the name of his son Jesus the Messiah, and should love one another, just as he gave us the commandment. 24Anyone who keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them. This is how we know that he abides in us, by his spirit that he has given us. 4:1Beloved, do not believe every spirit. Rather, test the spirits to see whether they are from God. Many false prophets, you see, have gone out into the world. 2This is how we know God’s spirit: every spirit that agrees that Jesus the Messiah has come in the flesh is from God,
—1 John 3:23-4:2*

*Wright, N. T.. The Kingdom New Testament, eBook (p. 487). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | Becoming the Beloved Community

In the first letter of John in the New Testament, the author presents a vision of what a beloved community could be like. In this conversation series, we are delving into the concept of becoming the beloved community. This journey requires us to transcend the boundaries of being merely a benevolent community and aspire to something even greater.

Message | Improvising Faith within the Beloved Community

This week, Glenn continues our conversation on becoming the beloved community by exploring what improvising faithfulness means and looks like.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

Faith is often described as unchanging, but faithfulness in the beloved community is about learning to improvise together to maintain relationships and a commitment to inclusion. Does this type of faithfulness affect the way you define or name faithfulness? What changes when you name faithfulness as the improvisation of community?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

What feelings emerged for you as we discussed how the beloved community protects your space to find and discover your voice within the community? Does the offer to “protect your space” offer the possibility of something new, or does it cause anxious thoughts to rise?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

How do we practice improvising faithfulness in our community?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Just a reminder that we are resuming our weekly gatherings for our Sunday Liturgy.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• For week 23 we will be reading:

  • Romans 15

  • Romans 16

  • Ephesians 1

  • Ephesians 2

  • Ephesians 3

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Moving from Benevolent to Beloved Community | Becoming the Beloved Community

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Հայր մեր որ յերկինս ես,
Hayr mer, vor hergeens yes,
Our Father, who art in heaven,

սուրբ եղիցի անուն Քո։
Soorp yegheetsee anoon ko
hallowed be Thy name.

Եկեսցէ արքայութիւն Քո։
Yeghetze arkayootyoon ko
Thy kingdom come.

Եղիցին կամք Քո
Yegheetsee gamk ko
Thy will be done,

որպէս յերկինս և յերկրի։
Vorbes hergeens ev hergree
on earth as it is in heaven.

Զհաց մեր հանապազորդ տուր մեզ այսօր։
Z Hats mer hanabazor door mez aysor
Give us this day our daily bread;

և թող մեզ զպարտիս մեր,
Ev togh mez zbardeez mer,
Forgive us our trespasses,

որպէս և մեք թողումք մերոց պարտապանաց։
Vorbes ev menk toghoonk merotz bardabanats
as we forgive those who trespass against us;

և մի տանիր զմեզ ի փորձութիւն։
Ev mee daneer uz mezee portsootyoon
and lead us not into temptation,

այլ փրկեա զմեզ ի չարէն։
Ayl prgea zmezee chare
but deliver us from evil.

զի Քո է արքայություն և զորություն
Zee ko eh arkayootyoon ev zorootyoon
For the kingdom, the power,

և փառք յավիտյանս.
ev park haveedyants haveedeneets
and the glory forever

Ամեն: - Amen

Community Scripture Reading | 1 John 1:1-3

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have gazed at, and our hands have handled—concerning the Word of Life! That life was displayed, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and we announce to you the life of God’s coming age, which was with the father and was displayed to us. That which we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the father, and with his son Jesus the Messiah.*

*Wright, N. T.. The Kingdom New Testament, eBook (p. 483). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Message

Conversation Series | Becoming the Beloved Community

In the first letter of John in the New Testament, the author presents a vision of what a beloved community could be like. In this conversation series, we are delving into the concept of becoming the beloved community. This journey requires us to transcend the boundaries of being merely a benevolent community and aspire to something even greater.

Message | Moving from Benevolent to Beloved Community

This week, Glenn, Megan, and Carl lead a roundtable exploring the shift from a benevolent to beloved community, emphasizing the key differences between them.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

The movement from a benevolent community to a beloved community is not about moving from bad to good but from good to better. What comes to mind when you think about what a benevolent community is, what a beloved community is, and the difference between the two?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

Have you ever belonged to a beloved community? What feelings emerge when you consider the possibility of forming and belonging to a beloved community?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

Where have we done well in forming the beloved community, and where or what do we need to develop to become the beloved community?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Over the summer we have been holding our Sunday Liturgy bi-weekly. On September 10, 2023, we will resume with gathering weekly on Sundays at 5pm PST.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• For week 22 we will be reading:

  • Romans 10

  • Romans 11

  • Romans 12

  • Romans 13

  • Romans 14

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

A Story of Overcoming | A Boy Named Joseph

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

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 Message

Conversation Series | A Boy Name Joseph

In this conversation series, A Boy Named Joseph, we are exploring the story of Joseph. It is a story of toxic family traits, tragedy, and triumph. The story of Joseph has become one of the quintessential narratives we tell about overcoming obstacles in life. Many find inspiration in the meteoric rise of Joseph from enslaved to second in command in all of Egypt. Yet, we often fail to talk about the impact these shooting stars have when they finally land.

Message | A Story of Overcoming

This week, we continuing exploring the story of Joseph, and delve into the dual nature of power, illustrating how it can corrupt, oppress, and offer hope. We also explore how the story of Joseph can challenge us to rethink our own choices and potential to reshape the world.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

What are your thoughts on the various ways power is portrayed in the story of Joseph—as a corrupting force, a source of hope, and a means of oppression?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

What story are you telling yourself concerning power? What does it look like (what did it look like) to choose a different story? What will it cost you, and what do you stand to gain from a new story?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

Reflecting on the insights from the story of Joseph, what proactive actions can you take in your own life to challenge oppressive power dynamics, make more conscious choices about power, and contribute to creating a world where everyone is empowered?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Over the summer we have been holding our Sunday Liturgy bi-weekly. On September 10, 2023, we will resume with gathering weekly on Sundays at 5pm PST.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• For the week of July 31-August 5 we will be reading:

  • Matthew 28

  • Romans 1

  • Romans 2

  • Romans 3

  • Romans 4

• For the week of August 7-12 we will be reading:

  • Romans 5

  • Romans 6

  • Romans 7

  • Romans 8

  • Romans 9

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TBD | A Boy Named Joseph

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

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 Message

Conversation Series | A Boy Name Joseph

In this conversation series, A Boy Named Joseph, we are exploring the story of Joseph. It is a story of toxic family traits, tragedy, and triumph. The story of Joseph has become one of the quintessential narratives we tell about overcoming obstacles in life. Many find inspiration in the meteoric rise of Joseph from enslaved to second in command in all of Egypt. Yet, we often fail to talk about the impact these shooting stars have when they finally land.

Message | TBD

This week, Glenn takes us on the next installment of the Joseph saga.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

We are in a time of social crisis, just like the patriarch’s family was, which gives us the opportunity to choose the next incarnation of the church. What does hope look like when it’s power over? What does hope look like when power with?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

Where have you seen or experienced something hopeful? Did it cause you to mourn your own loss or draw you toward the good and beautiful?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

If the good and beautiful future is power with and hyphenated, how can we begin embracing and practicing that now?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• A reminder that we will be holding our Sunday Liturgy bi-weekly throughout the summer, July 2, to September 10, 2023. Our next Sunday Liturgy will be Sunday, July 30th. We will post the dates in the Messenger chat and on our socials as well.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• For the week of July 31-August 5 we will be reading:

  • Matthew 18

  • Matthew 19

  • Matthew 20

  • Matthew 21

  • Matthew 22

• For the week of August 7-12 we will be reading:

  • Matthew 23

  • Matthew 24

  • Matthew 25

  • Matthew 26

  • Matthew 27

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

From Brothers to Enemies | A Boy Named Joseph

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

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 Message

Conversation Series | A Boy Name Joseph

In this conversation series, A Boy Named Joseph, we are exploring the story of Joseph. It is a story of toxic family traits, tragedy, and triumph. The story of Joseph has become one of the quintessential narratives we tell about overcoming obstacles in life. Many find inspiration in the meteoric rise of Joseph from enslaved to second in command in all of Egypt. Yet, we often fail to talk about the impact these shooting stars have when they finally land.

Message | From Brothers to Enemies

This week, Megan helps us explore the theme and topic of favoritism through the story of Joseph and his family.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

Have you ever experienced or witnessed favoritism or harmful comparisons in your life? How can we heal from the effects of favoritism and move beyond the habit of unhealthily comparing ourselves to others?

(Head) What do I think?

What changes when we reimagine God’s favor as a responsibility to empower and include others instead of a right to exclusive privilege?

Or

How do harmful habits of comparison impact our ability to be present and build community?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

How can you help create an inner sense of acceptance and belonging for yourself this week?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• A reminder that we will be holding our Sunday Liturgy bi-weekly throughout the summer, July 2, to September 10, 2023. Our next Sunday Liturgy will be Sunday, July 30th. We will post the dates in the Messenger chat and on our socials as well.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

• For the week of July 31-August 5 we will be reading:

  • Matthew 8

  • Matthew 9

  • Matthew 10

  • Matthew 11

  • Matthew 12

• For the week of August 7-12 we will be reading:

  • Matthew 13

  • Matthew 14

  • Matthew 15

  • Matthew 16

  • Matthew 17

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Empire State of Mind | A Boy Named Joseph

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

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 Message

Conversation Series | A Boy Name Joseph

In this conversation series, A Boy Named Joseph, we are exploring the story of Joseph. It is a story of toxic family traits, tragedy, and triumph. The story of Joseph has become one of the quintessential narratives we tell about overcoming obstacles in life. Many find inspiration in the meteoric rise of Joseph from enslaved to second in command in all of Egypt. Yet, we often fail to talk about the impact these shooting stars have when they finally land.

Message | Empire State of Mind

This week, Dr. Randy Furushima takes us through the story of Joseph from start to finish. He helps us see the whole story in its context but also helps us pay attention to the subtext and the things we often fail to see when reading Joseph’s story.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Head) What do I think?

How does the story of Joseph change when viewed through different perspectives? How have these shifting perspectives affected the way we engage these stories?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

Joseph was sold into slavery, and when Joseph found power, he ended up enslaving others. Joseph ends up repeating the trauma he experienced at the hands of his brothers. Have you experienced repeating cycles of trauma? What emotions came up for you as you tried to stop and disrupt the cycle? How do we break cycles of abuse from inherited or repeated trauma?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

Joseph’s policies left people with little choice manipulating them to make choices that were against their best interests. How do we lead in ways that empower instead of oppress others?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• A reminder that we will be holding our Sunday Liturgy bi-weekly throughout the summer, July 2, to September 10, 2023. Our next Sunday Liturgy will be Sunday, July 30th. We will post the dates in the Messenger chat and on our socials as well.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

  This week we will be reading:

  • James 3

  • James 4

  • James 5

  • Matthew 1

  • Matthew 2

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Liberation | A Spiritual In(queer)y pt. 4

Zoom Link for The Sunday Liturgy | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89752784023

The Call to Worship

Lighting of the Christ Candle

The Invitation to Pause & Become Present

Our Vision

FōS is a community creating space for everyone to find hope, beauty, and possibility in the story of Jesus by reimagining faith together. 

• We are a community practicing Big Tent Christianity.

• We include because we have been included.

• We love because we have been loved.

• We invite because we have been invited.

• We welcome diversity through open tables and open conversations.

• We create space for God's generous guest list to be present and to participate fully.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, let Your name remain holy.
Bring about Your kingdom.
Manifest Your will here on earth, as it is manifest in heaven.
Give us each day that day’s bread—no more, no less—
And forgive us our debts as we forgive those who owe us something.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

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 Message

Conversation Series | A Spiritual In(queer)y

In this conversation series, we delve into queerness, the Bible, and community, exploring overlooked characters and themes through a queer theological lens to help us cultivate a better understanding of the importance of a more generous and expansive community that honors and loves all, embracing the image of God in every person.

Message | Liberation

What can we learn from allowing our different perspectives to help us pick up themes and nuances in the Bible? Megan uses the story of Esther to help us better understand the liberation of coming out.

The Eucharist Litany (portions of this litany were written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table. The table of remembrance, which on the night He was betrayed, in the company of friends, he took bread and broke it saying, this is my body given for you, eat this in remembrance of me. He then took the cup of wine, and gave thanks saying this is my blood of the new covenant. Drink this in remembrance of me.

All: This is Christ's table

Reader: Remembering, therefore, this command of the Saviour, and all that came to pass, we pray:

All: We consume the broken body of Christ becoming the broken body of Christ present in a broken world.

Formational Learning

Rules of the Table

1. It’s Christ’s table, and we are all guests, a good guest makes sure everyone present can stay at the table.

2. This is a place to process together. Questions of curiosity and process are encouraged, not questions to force agreement or coerce a specific answer.

3. Keep answers to 1-2 minutes so everyone has room to share.

4. 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.

5. We commit to hold Brave Space with one another, meaning that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we must own our intentions and our impact, we allow ourselves to be challenged by what others share without the need to defend our own position, we show respect to one another, and never attack someone else.

(Opening Question) 

What stood out to you from the liturgy? What is one point of curiosity or a question that emerged as we walked through the liturgy together?

(Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

What feelings emerged for you in today’s talk? Are there any things in your life that keep you from being your full self today? Where is an area in your life that you desire to experience liberation?

(Head) What do I think?

What are ways the queer perspective and lens can shift how we view theology, scripture, and faith?

(Hands) What do I do to respond?

What is one way you can participate in or encourage the practice of coming out in your life and community?

Examen

The Examen is a daily practice of reflection and prayer that helps us introspectively look at ourselves. Spend a few moments at the end of your day prayerfully reflecting. Grab a pen and journal and write your response out.

• For what moment today am I most grateful?

  For what moment today am I least grateful?

• When did I feel most alive today?

  When did I feel life draining out of me today?

• What was today’s high point?

  What was today’s low point?

Announcements 

• Big announcement for the summer! We are going to be changing our gathering rhythm. We will be holding our Sunday Liturgy bi-weekly starting tonight, July 2, to September 10, 2023. We will post the dates in the Messenger chat and on our socials as well.

• Our Slow-Cooker Spirituality devotions will take us through the New Testament over the next year, requiring us to read for five minutes five days a week. We encourage you to walk through the Head, Heart, and Hands questions daily as you read.

  This week we will be reading:

  • Hebrews 12

  • Hebrews 13

  • Galatians 1

  • Galatians 2

  • Galatians 3

• We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 7pm PST every Thursday. We will read the chapter of the day and reflect together using the Head, Heart, Hands questions to write down what emerges for you. 

  • (Head) What do I think about what I read?

  • (Heart) What do I feel as I am reflecting?

  • (Hands) What do I do to respond?

• Be sure to look out for the latest episode of our Continuing the Conversation Podcast. Find it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify under FōS Church Continuing the Conversation, or on our website www.fos.church/continuing-the-conversation

• One of the ways we invest in the future of FōS is through tithes and offering, generous giving. You can give online at www.fos.church/partner. Make sure to follow the instructions.

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever they may send you;
may Christ guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders they have shown you;
may Christ bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*
Amen …

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.