Rhythms are the grooves in the record that allow the music of our lives to find expression. The record begins to skip when the rhythm is disrupted, but we can find ways to fix the vinyl. We are in a season where society as a collective has found their well-worn grooves skipping. Sometimes the disruption is a good thing; it creates space for us to make grooves and rediscover old ones. One of the rhythms that we have at FōS is SOAP, a daily plan for reading the Bible and journaling our reflections. SOAP is an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. If you want to join us in our rhythm of SOAP, you can find more information here (fos.church/soapdaily-readings). Our series over the next few weeks is called "The SOAP Sessions," and will consist of messages pulled from our daily reflections. 

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story | Stop, Look, Go!!!

Message | Exiled State of Mind

This week Megan Kirk takes us through the story of Israel’s exile experience found the book of Ezekiel. Who is responsible for our suffering? How does the trauma of an experience shape the way we remember and respond? These are some of the questions we will be exploring in our Sunday Liturgy this week.

Formational Learning:

As we explored the story of Israel’s exile, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

Today we explored the story of Israel’s exile as seen through the lens of Ezekiel. What do God’s agency and Israel’s agency look like in this story?

How does the trauma of exile affect Israel’s understanding of God, and their ability to reflect on their experience?

(Heart)

Looking over your life, has there been a time where you felt like God did not see you, or the suffering in the world? What helped you process and deal with that feeling? (it is okay if you have not yet)  

Or

 On the other hand, is there a dark moment in your life where God’s presence met you? How did God’s presence meet you during your “exile” experience?

(Hands)

Where is one place in your life where you have agency, and how can you use that agency to invest in systems that help others have an abundant life?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

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