On this Mother’s Day we will start a new Adult class focusing on personal and family transitions.
We are always in transition. The only thing that is permanent is change. Some periods of transition are expected – or sort of expected – like the birth of a baby, the marriage, or a retirement. Some, however, are surprises like medical problems, a divorce, or loss of a job. Whatever the circumstances, the process of letting go of an old situation, experiencing the confusing "in betweenness" of unfamiliar territory, and then launching forward again in a new situation can leave us with a sense of being lost.
In our series on Transitions, we will identify both the endings which happen with change and the possible futures which we might aim for. Chip Schaaff will be the facilitator. Genesis frames our world view in many ways.
In Mickey’s class we will reflect on the specifics of how, when God created humanity it soon became apparent we were too independent for our own good. Even cooperative people, like Abraham, don’t do all that well and rebellious people like Jacob need chastening. Wrestling with God changes us and Jacob is changed into Israel and Israel is, as, perhaps we should be, humbled are improved in the process.
The Wired Word will take up the question Christians have been wrestling with this week: the proper response to the death of Osama ben Laden. How do we balance God’s requirement for justice with compassion and mercy. St Paul wrote, in Romans 13, that “rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer”. And yet, he also wrote, in Romans 12 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
So, how do you balance those sayings?
See you Sunday,
Bill
