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Finding Hope, Beauty, & Possibility in the story of Jesus

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Present in a Broken World | Setting the Table pt. 4

May 23, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 | Setting the Table

When thinking about setting a table, we each have our own vision of what this looks like; sometimes it’s a mother calling that dinner will be ready soon, maybe it’s a pint with a friend, or perhaps it’s a simple lone place setting with your favorite show. Whatever the case, there is usually a common factor: this table is closed and comfortable. Yet, when we look at Jesus in the gospel narratives, the table becomes a dynamic place of inclusion, celebration, and even confronting systems of injustice. Regardless of where we find ourselves, we create space, show up, and embrace the possibility of the moment. Our table becomes open and uncomfortable. In this conversation series, Setting the Table, we explore Jesus’ life around the table. BYOB

Message | Present in a Broken World

This week Carl and Glenn jump into a round table conversation about what it means to show up like Jesus in the world around us.

The Eucharist Litany (Reader portion written by Naomi Lippett)

Reader: This is Christ's table

The table of communion and relationship, where through the work of Christ and the power the Holy Spirit as we feast together on this single loaf and single cup, we are brought into union with the Triune God.

This is Christ's table

The table of shared human life, where no one is excluded and no one unwelcome, where unity is found in difference, where the other is embraced and seen.

This is Christ's table

The table of mystery, where this food nourishes more than just our physical hunger.

This is Christ's table

The table of thanksgiving and joy, where we lift up our lives in response to God's outrageous goodness.

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.

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

Come Holy Spirit and transform these gifts into the means of grace that we need in this moment.

The gifts of god for the people of God.

Run to Christ's table.

All: “We consume the broken body of Christ

becoming the broken body of Christ

present in a broken world.”

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as we walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

When Jesus accepts Levi's invitation to the table a mutual reconciliation takes place. How does being present and holding space with others help move us towards repentance and reconciliation? 

What changes when we let go of controlling a situation and enter into reciprocal relationships?

(Heart)

The Pharisees question why Jesus invested his time with “sinners” and shunned holy people. In what ways are we more like Scribes and Pharisees than Jesus?

(Hands)

How do we show up like Jesus at the tables where others invite us to share space? 

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in 1 John 4:11-21.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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 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.

May 23, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Eucharist, Communion, The Lord's Table, The Lord's Supper, Setting the Table, Luke 5
Comment

Becoming the Broken Body of Christ | Setting the Table pt. 3

May 16, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 | Setting the Table

When thinking about setting a table, we each have our own vision of what this looks like; sometimes it’s a mother calling that dinner will be ready soon, maybe it’s a pint with a friend, or perhaps it’s a simple lone place setting with your favorite show. Whatever the case, there is usually a common factor: this table is closed and comfortable. Yet, when we look at Jesus in the gospel narratives, the table becomes a dynamic place of inclusion, celebration, and even confronting systems of injustice. Regardless of where we find ourselves, we create space, show up, and embrace the possibility of the moment. Our table becomes open and uncomfortable. In this conversation series, Setting the Table, we explore Jesus’ life around the table. BYOB

Message | Becoming the Broken Body of Christ

This week Carl and Glenn continue our series, Setting the Table with a conversation about what it looks like to be a Eucharistic community.

The Eucharist Litany

All: “We consume the broken body of Christ

becoming the broken body of Christ

present in a broken world.”

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as we walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

What changes when we see our role as exploring possibilities instead of enforcing limitations?

(Heart)

When has breaking bread (Eucharist or literal food) created more space for others?

(Hands)

What can we do to become a Eucharistic community as a habit rather than a theory?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in Luke 5:27-32.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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 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.

May 16, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Eucharist, Communion, The Lord's Table, The Lord's Supper, Setting the Table, John
Comment

Consuming the Broken Body of Christ | Setting the Table pt. 2

May 09, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 | Setting the Table

When thinking about setting a table, we each have our own vision of what this looks like; sometimes it’s a mother calling that dinner will be ready soon, maybe it’s a pint with a friend, or perhaps it’s a simple lone place setting with your favorite show. Whatever the case, there is usually a common factor: this table is closed and comfortable. Yet, when we look at Jesus in the gospel narratives, the table becomes a dynamic place of inclusion, celebration, and even confronting systems of injustice. Regardless of where we find ourselves, we create space, show up, and embrace the possibility of the moment. Our table becomes open and uncomfortable. In this conversation series, Setting the Table, we explore Jesus’ life around the table. BYOB

Message | Consuming the Broken Body of Christ

This week Glenn and Carl continue our series, Setting the Table with a conversation about why the Eucharist matters as an act of expansive inclusion.

The Eucharist Litany

All: “We consume the broken body of Christ

becoming the broken body of Christ

present in a broken world.”

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as we walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

How does the Eucharist practiced as a ritual help us begin to see our current location, and what is the shared story it invites us into?

(Heart)

What feelings or emotions arise for you as we explore a new reading of the Eucharist as inclusion to the table of Christ?

(Hands)

Who is missing from the table of Christ in your experience, and how can we work to include them?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in John 2.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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 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.

May 09, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Eucharist, Communion, The Lord's Table, The Lord's Supper, Setting the Table, Luke
Comment
Setting the Table Design Video Intro.png

Setting the Table pt. 1

May 02, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 | Setting the Table

When thinking about setting a table, we each have our own vision of what this looks like; sometimes it’s a mother calling that dinner will be ready soon, maybe it’s a pint with a friend, or perhaps it’s a simple lone place setting with your favorite show. Whatever the case, there is usually a common factor: this table is closed and comfortable. Yet, when we look at Jesus in the gospel narratives, the table becomes a dynamic place of inclusion, celebration, and even confronting systems of injustice. Regardless of where we find ourselves, we create space, show up, and embrace the possibility of the moment. Our table becomes open and uncomfortable. In this conversation series, Setting the Table, we explore Jesus’ life around the table. BYOB

Message | Setting The Table

This week Carl and Glenn open up our new series with a conversation about showing up to the table where Jesus is present.

The Eucharist Litany

All: “We consume the broken body of Christ

becoming the broken body of Christ

present in a broken world.”

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

How are systems of discipleship challenged or affected when we realize discipleship, following Jesus, must lead to being present with Jesus at Zacchaeus’ Table?

(Heart)

When have you experienced restoration from sitting with the wrong people? How did it change the way you hold space at a table?

(Hands)

How can we become and show up as better guests?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in Luke 22:7-38.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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 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.

May 02, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Eucharist, Communion, The Lord's Table, The Lord's Supper, Setting the Table, Luke
Comment
44035705-8964-4DCF-802B-21E83CE29DE9.PNG

The Eucharist

April 25, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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

Message | The Eucharist

This week Glenn Collins leads us in a conversation about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11. What did Paul mean when he talked about partaking in the Eucharist in an unworthy manner?

Franciscan Benediction (from Glenn’s Message)

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world, So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

What changes when communion becomes a call towards reconciliation by seeing and being affected by the experience of those around the table?

(Heart)

When has your faith been affected by hearing other people?

(Hands)

How do we create room to celebrate rather than tolerate difference?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in Luke 19:1-10.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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 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.

April 25, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Eucharist, Communion, The Lord's Table, The Lord's Supper, 1 Corinthians
Comment
_Jesus Christs Video Intro (3).png

The Coming & Delayed Christ | Jesus Christ(s) pt. 5

April 18, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 Shared Story

Say Something | Cover by The Arctic

The Message

Conversation Series | Jesus Christ(s)

When we think of Jesus or the Bible, we inevitably think of a finished conversation. The development Jesus is over with, and the definitions are set in stone. This notion of final and fixed closes our ears to the poetics of Paul and other New Testament authors. A poetic drawn out of rich Jewish tradition, the community's needs, and the Christ event. Throughout the next four weeks, we will experience the generative theological project of Christ through the various poems written about him in the New Testament so that we, the church, can continue walking in it.

Message | The Coming & Delayed Christ

This week Carl Amouzou leads us in a conversation about how the different images of Christ that we have affect the way we see God and the world around us. He also explores the images of the coming and delayed Christs.

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

What changes when we honestly engage the idea that the different images of Jesus that we hold shape how we see God and the world around us?

(Heart)

What is an image of Jesus that you have been taught or held onto that has skewed your perception of God or the world around you?

What is an image of Jesus that you have been taught or held onto that has helped you see God or the world around you more clearly?

(Hands)

How can we participate in the perpetual coming of Christ?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in 1 Corinthians 11:23-32.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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 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.

April 18, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Jesus Christ(s), Colossians
Comment
_Jesus Christs Video Intro (3).png

Video from Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas | Jesus Christ(s) pt. 4

April 11, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 | Jesus Christ(s)

When we think of Jesus or the Bible, we inevitably think of a finished conversation. The development Jesus is over with, and the definitions are set in stone. This notion of final and fixed closes our ears to the poetics of Paul and other New Testament authors. A poetic drawn out of rich Jewish tradition, the community's needs, and the Christ event. Throughout the next four weeks, we will experience the generative theological project of Christ through the various poems written about him in the New Testament so that we, the church, can continue walking in it.

Message | Video from Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas

This week we enter into conversation about following Christ in responsibility and solidarity.

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

What changes when personal salvation is changed into personal responsibility and solidarity?

(Heart)

Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas said, even for Jesus, faith became personal when it becomes faithfulness towards the marginalized, powerless, those forgotten. Jesus saw his own face in them as he promised “as much as you’ve done for them, you do unto me.” Where has faith become personal for you? Where do you see your face?

(Hands)

The story of god’s kingdom we right does not start with the impossible, it starts with the probable, the lives we can see and touch. Where can we begin writing a better story?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in Matthew 25.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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?

  • Every week we try to get to know our community better, and others who are connected to FōS, through our Shared Story segment in our liturgy. If you have a creative gift or something that you found meaningful to you that you would like to share with the community, please send us an email at hello@fos.church

  • Last, 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 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.

April 11, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Jesus Christ(s), kelly Brown Douglas
Comment
_Jesus Christs Video Intro (3).png

The High Priestly Christ | Jesus Christ(s) pt. 3

April 04, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

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 Shared Story

On Death & Resurrection | Carl Amouzou & Glenn Collins

Sacrifice and Atonement | The Bible Project

The Message

Conversation Series | Jesus Christ(s)

When we think of Jesus or the Bible, we inevitably think of a finished conversation. The development Jesus is over with, and the definitions are set in stone. This notion of final and fixed closes our ears to the poetics of Paul and other New Testament authors. A poetic drawn out of rich Jewish tradition, the community's needs, and the Christ event. Throughout the next four weeks, we will experience the generative theological project of Christ through the various poems written about him in the New Testament so that we, the church, can continue walking in it.

Message | The High Priestly Christ

This week Megan Kirk leads us in a conversation about Jesus as our High Priest. What does that look like and how does it affect our faith?

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

Why is it important to re-think our traditions and re-imagine the imagery we use when we describe the role of Christ?

(Heart)

How does the metaphor of Jesus as our High Priest affect your journey of faith? How have you experienced Jesus as High Priest in your life?

(Hands)

How does the end of sacrifice affect our responsibility as Christians to respond to evil and injustice in the world?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3. Click for link.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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?

  • Every week we try to get to know our community better, and others who are connected to FōS, through our Shared Story segment in our liturgy. If you have a creative gift or something that you found meaningful to you that you would like to share with the community, please send us an email at hello@fos.church

  • It’s time for another games night. Saturday April 10th, 2021 @ 6pm PST

  • Last, 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 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.

April 04, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Jesus Christ(s), Colossians
Comment
_Jesus Christs Video Intro (3).png

The Cruciform Christ | Jesus Christ(s) pt. 2

March 28, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

Brave Space by Micky ScottBey 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 Shared Story

God Is Not Abusive | Common Hymnal

The Message

Conversation Series | Jesus Christ(s)

When we think of Jesus or the Bible, we inevitably think of a finished conversation. The development Jesus is over with, and the definitions are set in stone. This notion of final and fixed closes our ears to the poetics of Paul and other New Testament authors. A poetic drawn out of rich Jewish tradition, the community's needs, and the Christ event. Throughout the next four weeks, we will experience the generative theological project of Christ through the various poems written about him in the New Testament so that we, the church, can continue walking in it.

Message | The Cruciform Christ

This week Will Kapahu leads us in a conversation about seeing the Cruciformed Christ and what does that mean for us. What does it look like to follow Jesus in cruciformity, being shaped by the crucifixion?

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through liturgy together?

(Head)

What changes when we see Salvation as something we are currently working out (making cruciform) rather than a past event?

(Heart)

Where have we seen the salvation worked out through “dominance and subjugation” or “serving and sacrifice?” What was that experience like for you? What feelings surfaced as you thought about it? Was it life giving or scary?

(Hands)

How do we workout salvation without sacrificing others to our development or freedom?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Hebrews 7, and Genesis 14:18-20. Message us for a link.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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?

  • Every week we try to get to know our community better, and others who are connected to FōS, through our Shared Story segment in our liturgy. If you have a creative gift or something that you found meaningful to you that you would like to share with the community, please send us an email at hello@fos.church

  • It’s time for another games night. What dates work best for everyone? Either the second or third Friday or Saturday of April?

  • Last, 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 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.

March 28, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Jesus Christ(s), Colossians
Comment
_Jesus Christs Video Intro (3).png

The Cosmological Christ | Jesus Christ(s) pt. 1

March 21, 2021 by Carl Amouzou

The Call to Worship

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.

Brave Space by Micky ScottBey 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 Shared Story

In Rage and Solidarity | A Litany by @Blackliturgies

God whose friends fell asleep, 

Whose friends fell asleep to your pain in the garden—

we confess that many of us have fallen asleep to the pain of Asian people in our midst. 

Be near to every Asian person whose pain and trauma is so often ignored, is so often dismissed. 

Help us to bear witness to their tragedies and make space for them in our hearts and minds and cravings for justice. 

May those who fear today be met with divine protection. 

Cover them in a peace that allows them to still grieve in the way we were meant to. 

May those who are angry, be met with a holy rage, 

guide them to people who will not demand their complacency or their emotions to be subdued, 

but who remind them they are worthy of fighting for, of crying for. 

It is not well, and we will say so together. 

Remind us today, their grief will not be erased. 

Inhale: My story belongs.

Exhale: My pain will not be erased. 

Tiny Desk Performance by Kirk Franklin

The Message

Conversation Series | Jesus Christ(s)

When we think of Jesus or the Bible, we inevitably think of a finished conversation. The development Jesus is over with, and the definitions are set in stone. This notion of final and fixed closes our ears to the poetics of Paul and other New Testament authors. A poetic drawn out of rich Jewish tradition, the community's needs, and the Christ event. Throughout the next four weeks, we will experience the generative theological project of Christ through the various poems written about him in the New Testament so that we, the church, can continue walking in it.

Message | The Cosmological Christ

We cannot start from the beginning. We can only start from new beginnings where we create meaning and art out of experiences shaped by traditions. The Bible is no different. Paul created new meanings out of his Jewish tradition to create room for New Creation in the form of an expanding community. Listen carefully to Colossians 1:15-20 and you will hear Genesis 1 whisper to you. A story that began in primordial chaos ended with the possibility of new life and the creation of God's image-bearer. But now we have Rome and Christ, order did not last.

Paul reverses the poem of Genesis by beginning with the image-bearer, Jesus, who will bring the world out of Roman order and into a life-giving community. The re-creation brings life through inclusion, not coercion, and introduces a little chaos into the Roman peace by championing one who inhabits the bloody cross rather than wields it.

Formational Learning

What stood out to you from the liturgy? Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, conviction, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

The author of Colossians used the creation story in Genesis 1 as a launching point to tell a more expansive and generative story. What changes when the Bible becomes the first word in our story rather than the last word in a debate?

(Heart)

Name a time when you were exposed to a new reading of scripture. What was that experience like for you? What feeling came up? Was it life giving or scary?

(Hands)

Who are some voices you can listen to or read now in order for you to expand your list of “right” voices?

Announcements 

  • We have a Slow-Cooker Spirituality group that meets online at 9:30am PST every Thursday. This coming week we will be sitting in Philippians 2:1-11.

    • Using the Head, Heart, Hands questions, spend some time reflecting on the passage and writing 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?

  • Every week we try to get to know our community better, and others who are connected to FōS, through our Shared Story segment in our liturgy. If you have a creative gift or something that you found meaningful to you that you would like to share with the community, please send us an email at hello@fos.church

  • Last, 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 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.

March 21, 2021 /Carl Amouzou
Jesus Christ(s), Colossians
Comment
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