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NEW - A GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS FEASTINGFor almost 1500 years, Christians have been celebrating and feasting during the 12 days of Christmas (also known as Christmastide). In 567, the Council of Tours proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas Day to Epiphany (Jan 6) to be a sacred and festive season. And so it began!
Most of us are unfamiliar with the practice of feasting. We associate serious religion and earnest faith with somber practices like fasting. But God’s people are encouraged to practice feasting too. As the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 writes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” And Christmas is a season of serious feasting and serious joy. |
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THE JESUS QUESTIONSThe Jesus Questions is a small group study that helps people engage with and ponder the questions of Jesus. Believe it or not, Jesus asked over 300 questions in the gospels. In every situation, Jesus had a specific and thoughtful question to ask any potential disciple. Questions such as:
Why are you so afraid? (Mark 4:40) Who do you say I am? (Mark 8:29) What do you want? (John 1:38) Will you really lay down your life for me? (John 13:38) For this study, each person draws one question to reflect on and pray about for a week. Gather together and share thoughts, ideas, prayers, and questions. Reflection questions are provided for each question to help deeper engagement. |
THE JESUS QUESTIONSA small group experiences that is highly engaging and participatory. Pull a questions and let it guide your prayer. Gather with others and share your reflections.
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THE JESSE TREEThe Jesse Tree helps us enter more fully into the church season of Advent, which anticipates the coming of Jesus and is a season of expectation. The Jesse Tree provides us with a tangible way to count down and look toward Jesus’ coming through the stories of the Old Testament. Written by Matt Timms and illustrated by Sam Gutierrez, the Jesse Tree is a great way to enter this beautiful and special season.
Buy the book and find a link to download the symbols to cut out and hang on your tree! |
THE JESSE TREEOrder the book, follow the link, download the images, print them, cut them out and hang then on your tree.
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NEW - HAIKU BIBLE STUDY 2021 - 2022When it comes to our bodies, exercises increase our endurance, tone our muscles and expand our lung capacity. Our soul too, needs exercise in order to grow. Certain exercises or "practices" can open up space and give the Holy Spirit time to work in our hearts.
Haiku Bible Study is a "practice" and a small group experience that explores the lectionary. The idea is simple: Start by summarizing each of the four scripture passages for a given Sunday. Then write a haiku based on the common theme. Gather together with others and share your creative insights. |
HAIKU BIBLE STUDYA Haiku is a short little poem. It is based on a syllable count of 5/7/5. However, the form is simply a structure in which to be playful and creative. Here are a couple of poems that I wrote.
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BRIGHTThe season of Epiphany begins on January 6 and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Depending on where Easter lands (it’s a moving holiday) the season of Epiphany can be as short as four weeks and as long as nine weeks.
Epiphany is a season of quiet hope, growing light, and the public ministry of Jesus. Through his teaching and miracles, Jesus makes it increasing clear that he intends to bring healing, wholeness and light to the entire world. One poem for everyday of Epiphany to draw you deeper into the mystery of God's love and light. |
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THE REASON LOVE REACHESA collection of poems for the season of Lent.
Lent is a 40 day season in the church calendar that calls us to name all the ways we wander - some obvious, some subtle. Then, to turn towards the God who loves us and has been eagerly waiting for our return. Not only does God patiently wait for us to turn toward home, God actively goes out and searches for us. Forty poems - one for each day. Poems to shed light on your path as you journey home, one foot in front of the other. |
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GODBIRTHThe things we put out during the holidays fill our homes with light, joy, remembrance and festivity. When the time is right, they are carefully wrapped and lovingly put away until the next year. My hope is that you'll read this book of poems during the weeks leading up to Christmas. As you read, I hope they stir in you the rich joy and sweet hope that can be found during the holiday season.
Godbirth is a collection that began as a series of Christmas presents to friends and family. A total of thirty-four poems written over a period of three years collected into a book of poetry to read on a quiet evening by the fire during the holiday season. |
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READ THESE POEMS ABOUT DAVIDThroughout the biblical narrative, we discover that David is the receipent of God's choosing and promises.
David prays a beautiful prayer of response after receiving the news that his house (lineage) will last forever. David is overwhelmed and knows that he has done nothing to deserve this (2 Samuel 7). This unmerited favor is what the Bible calls "Grace." Grace is heaven shining down on you. Grace is the smile of God. Grace has nothing to do with being a good person, being perfect, trying hard or even trying at all. David wasn't perfect, and his tragic flaws remind us that the blessings poured out on him are not because of his virtue, but because of God's overflowing goodness. |
Sam Gutierrez / Print and Poem
