What’s Going on at the Church
Clips from Tim Whitaker’s Speaking Event on May 29th
“Weighing Truth and Life”
In the last several Sundays and during the event with Tim Whitaker, we’ve been specifically talking about deconstructing and reconstructing our faith. In some churches, this term is met with fear, or contempt, and even hostility. When it’s met with fear, it’s because of the teaching which claims that one’s salvation is secure only to the extent that one is holding to “right beliefs. The problem is that list of “right beliefs” is often based upon a too literal and too limited interpretation of the Bible. When the practice of deconstruction is met with contempt and hostility, it is a variation of “having the right beliefs”. However, the difference is the added conviction that anyone and any church which doesn’t hold the same beliefs is evil and needs to be abolished, and even destroyed. The following is a hopeful, encouraging prayer from Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore.
As you entangle the knotted history of your past and sense the once-solid foundation shifting beneath your feet, take courage – for your beliefs may not be dying but awakening.
Do not be afraid, for many have traveled this road before you and have returned with a deeper understanding of what they know and a profound peace about what they do not.
Now is the time to be teachable, to be circumspect without being cynical, to learn and unlearn, to be soft, to listen, to unravel the threads of what you were taught and preserve the strands of truth – weaving together a tapestry of wisdom.
Now is the time to leave behind those who are always right, who trust in their minds above anyone else’s, who leave no room for wonder and discovery.
Now is the time to have hope, for the truth will be found by those who seek it out. Now is the time to probe the depths of wisdom, to explore what is gray with a sharp, clear eye, to courageously investigate what you do not yet understand, for a faith that asks questions is alive.
Questioning your faith is not a shameful thing but rather a beautiful opportunity to have your mind realigned, your heart transformed, your soul guided home by the One who loves you.
Many may try to discourage you, but remember – you do not walk this valley alone. May you find compassionate companions who are not blinded by bitterness but open to new discoveries, who are willing to wrestle with you and are anchored by steady hearts.
May you surround yourself with wise teachers who may not have all the answers but will help you ask the right questions, who are themselves lifelong students of this infinitely beautiful, eternally mysterious, and complex thing we call faith. Amen.
Blessing and Peace, Ed
Looking to donate to our thrift sales?
If you have any furniture to donate, please take a photo of what you have and send the photos to office@1stpresrahway.org. At this time, we’re not accepting clothes or shoes.
Members usually work on Wednesday’s for our sales from 10:30 am -1:30 pm. If that’s not a convenient time for you to drop off donations, other arrangements can be made. Please email the church office and your request will be forwarded to the “sales crew” so they can respond to your inquiry.
As always, thank you to all who donate. Our sales have been a great success this year because of you!
Important Message from the USRC Board of Directors:
Please read these guidelines about Squier Hall and the formation of the USRC Board of Directors, who will be overseeing the groups meeting in Squier.
As part of the guidelines, please use this form if you have any concerns so that they can be addressed.
Interested in Getting Involved?
We have a lot of different ways for you to get involved – short-term projects, one-time opportunities, working with our livestream technology on Sundays, plus much more. Click on the button below to see what we have on our ‘volunteer wish list’. As more opportunities become available, we will be sure to update our listings.