Monday, July 25, 2011

Online Book Study

For those of you who are reading Holy Adventure, 41 Days of Audacious Living, let's get going on our online discussion.  We read chapter one.  What do you think so far?  Below are a few questions we can discuss.  Post your comments and we'll get the conversation going.  Answer any or all of the questions.
1.  What spiritual practices or rituals do you regularly engage in?  What are the challenges in maintaining a spiritual discipline?
2.  On pg 14, author Bruce Epperly says "The God who touched Jesus' life also touches our own lives and every life.  God is our everpresent companion, nearer to us than our next breath."  Can you describe a time when God had "skin" for you?
3.On page 8 we read "Though the present moment and the immediate future are shaped by our previous decisions and a multitude of environmental factors, each choice we make can be the tipping point between health and illness, love and fear, and life and death in the unfolding adventure of a day or a lifetime.  As spiritual children of Abraham and Sarah, we are called to listen and then say yes to the movements of God's holy adventure within the ordinary moments of our own lives."  What might God be calling you to say "Yes" to?
4.  What in chapter one spoke to you?  Was there something you disagree with the author about?  Is there something you especially agree with?
TOMORROW's READING IS CHAPTER TWO

For those who are reading Christianity for the Rest of Us, let's discuss the below questions.  Answer any or all or share other thoughts.
1.  Do you relate to the idea of being a "spiritual nomad?"  Why or why not?
2.  How do you think your childhood experience has shaped your spiritual longings?
3.  What in chapter one spoke to you?  Is there something you disagree with the author about?  Something you strongly agree with?
4.  On page 24 the author talks about churches that do not like change.  What are your thoughts about the author's discussion of change on page 24?
TOMORROW's READIN is CHAPTER TWO

I look forward to chatting with you!
Peace of Christ, Pastor Deb

3 comments:

  1. I can relate to being both a "spiritual nomad", and a non "spiritual nomad", through out my Church life.
    Wendy was the minister during my school years. She and I really connected. It wasn't until when I came back from college that she transfered to a different Church.
    I went to Church to listen to the other minister, but couldn't get the connection like I had with Wendy. I stopped going to Church.
    One day someone came up to me at work, who went to my Church. They asked me if I was a C&E member. Which stands for Christmas and Easter. I laughed it off right away, but after I felt hurt.
    Members of my Church would come into my work, they would tell me that they missed me in Church. That I should start coming back. I just made excuses, because I couldn't tell them the real reason why.
    It wasn't until two years ago, that someone walked through my work doors that would change my life.
    Deb came in and asked for paint. We were talking and I asked what brought her to town. Deb said that she got a job being a Pastor at the CCC. I told her that is where I go to Church at. I say my, even though I hadn't gone for awhile.
    Deb would then come in and get me to start coming to Church. Deb was there for three months until I started to go back to Church.
    She has helped me get closer with GOD, and been there many time when I need her.
    I love you
    Rachel

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  2. Well Rachael, You are no longer a nomad. That is for sure. Our church has been blessed by you in many ways, including your leadership with Christian Education. I also have had a time in my life that I was a nomad. Like many people, I was inactive with church life during my college years. I was absent from church life most of my college years. It was not until I married and thought about having children that I returned to the church. There was something about the idea of raising a family that gave me the yearning to return to my faith journey and my tradition.
    I searched out a church and found one in my neighborhood that had many people my age, a minister I enjoyed, and a very welcoming group of people. I'm very thankful for that group of people who helped me transition back into church life.
    peace,
    Deb

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  3. spiritual nomad- yes for sure, growing up we went to church almost every Sunday because that was what you did. After getting married and being on my own I went thru a time of "really, come on if there was a God why is this happening or not happening" maybe that is the selfishness of youth. Now reflecting back the idea He had/has for me is one that I would not change for anything even though at the time I was really questioning. I think maybe I have stopped being such a nomad now and am feeling more at peace....let's see what the next chapter brings both in the book and life

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