The world around us points us towards the divine. Creation itself in the Bible is said to testify to the reality of God. Humanity is said to be created in the image of God. Thus, every encounter we have with others holds within it the possibility to reveal God present. All of this defines reality as sacramental, meaning, reality itself points us towards the God who is beyond us, with us, and within us. In this new conversation series, “Sacramental Reality,” we will explore some different rhythms that help us to experience and see this.

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

If I Had a Son | Bukola

Give Me Faith | Kareem

Message | The Sacrament of Questioning

This week we will explore the Sacrament of Questioning through the story of the believing/unbelieving father found in Mark 9. How does doubt and hope help us to encounter God and each other?

Formational Learning

As we explored the Sacrament of Questioning, what stood out to you?

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

(Head)

In the story found in Mark 9, we see a father desperate to see his son healed. We also see the disciples of Jesus deflated because they were not able to help this man’s son. Both the disciples and the father find themselves in the space of doubt, but find hope in Jesus. How does doubt create space for hope?

(Heart)

How have you wrestled with doubt and hope in your faith journey?

Does your faith allow for questions? And how can these questions help you encounter God and others in a more profound way?

(Hands)

How do we create space for questions within the community?

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.