The Line

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. As we enter this holiday week and the Advent season beyond (even if Rev. Terry thinks it is Lent.. ;-) each of you should know how special our time together is each week. I have learned to cherish the precious time I have with you, as it emboldens and empowers me to action and decisions throughout the week. It is my prayer that our time together has the same effect on you. Thank you for your time and energy.

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We talked today about names, choices and the system of influences which inform even our most basic of decisions. Going forward, think about how you use your Christian beliefs, the imperatives presented in Matthew 25, the examples set out for us in Daniel, and the model of servant leadership displayed to us by the life of Jesus.

One piece of my lesson that I didn't get to today was the role of our government in this call to social activism. I honestly don't believe that it is nearly as central and important for us in the future as it has been in recent decades. Our government is charged to provide for us: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".. Each of us defines success differently, it has radically different manifestations based on place, time, culture, and the context of neighbors. The government needs to succeed in ensuring opportunities for its citizens equally, not in mandating the content of those provisions. We are each accountable for our own success and failures given the conditions provided for us by our times.

The video Jill mentioned is included here from Advent Conspiracy



As a member of a the Christian community and a follower of Jesus, we are charged to make a difference. We are charged to "just do it", not talk about it, pray about it, or simply expect to others to do it for us. Doing always presents choices and options, and the choice of actions or acceptance is driven by our perception of the line.

Where do you choose to stand up, set an example, and act to preserve your faith(with its implicit call to action)? Jesus was a radical and called us to be the same. I call you to stand up for "your" line and encourage/learn from our class both in relationships, and in the classroom.

Happy Thanksgiving,
jeff

Class BUSINESS:

1. Need some "action" for a Christmas event/party.
2. Need to check in on the Hulettes and help out however we can. first few weeks of new baby are tough, even tougher as we enter Holidays with other children.
3. "Make a difference Sunday" is still on for some time in Q1 2009. I am still looking for ideas on how we as a group, with our families, can put our words into action showing that worship can and will take place somewhere other than just at HRBC on Sunday am. ideas so far include: Children's Hospital trip, Veterans Hospital fellowship, Homeless shelter workday, Neighbor in need blitz on housework, etc.
4. Team teaching on Sundays. I would like to return to a regular rotation where we provide some others in our class opportunities to step up and lead. Volunteers, step up and let me know. I'll schedule it.
5. Deacons Warm up plans for the Winter are underway. Barry and I will be in touch with more details. Please make this chance to meet and interact intergenerationally important in your schedule.