We live in a culture of individualism at all costs. The dominant rhetoric in our society of late has highlighted that fear reigns and many are living in an attitude of “taking care of our own.” But time and again we are reminded in the scriptures of whom Jesus considered “our own”. We are called by Jesus to walk beside and care for all in need, especially those most vulnerable. We are called to recognize and honor our interconnectedness with all of life. The gifts we need to answer that call are already with us, especially when we view the world not one of scarcity but of abundance. The gifts of hope, purpose, healing, meaning, vision and grace are gifts from a generous Creator, and available to us as we seek to follow Christ. Join us as we explore these ideas over the next six weeks of Epiphany in Six Stone Jars: The Economy of Jesus.
Additional Notes about Six Stone Jars
The visuals in church during this Season of Epiphany reflect our theme. Many thanks to ‘stone jar’ lenders Sue and Steve Decker, Sue Newell and Jennifer Copley, and quilt artist Jean Thorstenson for the piece, ‘Kaffe’s Jar’, displayed in the church foyer.
For Further Exploration
You may wish to further explore some of the questions posed and concepts offered in Six Stone Jars. A journal which parallels each Sunday’s topic is available as a printable PDF and is 8 double sided pages.
Read and join us on February 16 (tentative) after church for a discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s newest book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, which is a beautiful exposition of ‘gift’, freely given, freely passed on (ie. not transactional) and how we re-model consumer economies around mutuality, generosity and bountifulness. As of this writing, this book is available at Target, Barnes and Noble, on amazon.com, and on various electronic platforms.