iHOPE

Can Religion Be Helpful?

We have an exciting opportunity at New Hope this Sunday.  By way of explanation, let me ask a question:

Can religion be a force for good?

That may sound like an odd question from a minister, but we have all seen how religion can be destructive, even deadly. Hardly a conversation goes by when I am with someone who has left the church that doesn't include numerous references to wounds inflicted by the way people practice their religion. It's enough for people to give up on it altogether and many have. Religion is viewed as a relic of a less evolved and enlightened humanity, not unlike blood-letting. Its value is in understanding from whence we have come, but certainly not a help for where the human species is headed.

Can religion be a force for good? 

Filmmakers at Strayer University posed it this way:

Organized religion has an enormous influence on the actions and behaviors of huge groups of people around the world. But what does that impact look like on a daily basis? And what happens when different religions are at odds with another?

Here was the story they told:

 

This Sunday, the principles of this story (Steve & Bashar) will be at New Hope. It's important enough that we decided to go to a single service at 10:00, followed by a brunch for questions and discussion. It wasn't planned this way, but its a perfect complement to our current series, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" We want to have enough food for everyone so if you haven't RSVP'd for the brunch (it is free), you can do so here.

Steve and Bashar will be joined by their wives, Mary and Malak. There is a wonderful interview with the two of them here.

 Watch the video. Read the interview. Come on Sunday. The question is not if religion can be a force for good, but how?

 

 

Are You Looking for an Oasis?

 

Why do I spend so much of my life trapped like this, on the outer circumference of the inner richness of my own life? Why do I spend so much time unaware of that which alone can fill my heart?

James Finley

Have you ever felt like there was more to life, but it always seemed out of reach?

Are you looking for some balance as well as depth in your life?

Maybe you could use an Oasis!

"Oasis" is the name of our event on Sunday afternoon, October 14, from 4:45-6:30. It is sponsored by GEST (Growing in Everyday Spirituality Team) and it is open to all.

We chose the name, “Oasis” for a reason. An oasis is a place of respite in the desert- a place to find rest from the dry, hot and parched journey. It’s a place to refresh ourselves and get ready for the journey ahead.  That is why I think "Oasis" is a perfect name for this event.  The words we are using to describe its purpose are Respite, Reflection, and Renewal. Here is what it will look like:

The power of Oasis is in its simplicity. We will meet at 4:45 in the Sedalia Room. There will be times for reflections, sharing, silence and guided prayer that will help us sort through the burdens we carry, recognize and respond to the presence of God, and prepare us for the week ahead.  We will conclude about 5:30 and then move to time around a table where we will share a simple meal and good conversation together. It is this combination of stillness and fellowship, that is the secret of Oasis. 

  The theme for this Oasis is "Inner Freedom." Christ offers us a life that is full and abundant (John 10:10), but we seldom experience it. We think the obstacles are outward. In fact, our biggest obstacles are inward. When Paul says he has learned the 'secret of being content, whether in plenty or want," he is talking about something that goes beyond life's circumstances. He is talking about a freedom anchored in our identity with God that liberates us from the never-ending treadmill of social expectations, symbols of success, fear of failure, and destructive views of God.  This kind of freedom yields a life of renewed meaning, purpose, strength and peace. 

GEST has test-driven "Oasis" a couple times to see what works and what doesn't. We think we have something that is meaningful and helpful and are ready to share it with the congregation and community. There is no cost.  Child and Nursery care are available on request. To help us plan, please let us know you're intentions by registering here.

I have been blessed by Oasis and am excited to share it with others. I hope you will join us.