Mission Hills Christian Church

ReflectionStation 1: What do you pray for? How do you face moments of pain and suffering?Station 2: What cross or burden do you bear? What bears you? What is it like to be you or to walk in your shoes?Station 3: What do you stand for? How are you learning who you are?Station 4: Where do you struggle with accountability? Who in your life is a source of affirmation and call out when you need it?Station 5: How do you stand up for what you believe?Station 6: What hurts have you experienced, both physically and emotionally, that leaves you more vulnerable to more hurt? Have you chosen to hide or excessively protect yourself from further suffering, or have you chosen to keep on living and loving and risk being hurt again?Station 7: What ideas or definitions or theologies about God have you let go of (or allowed to die)?stations of the crossStation 8: What social, economic, and political structures have crucified us and others?Station 9: What is your place in history? How do you, and how can you, make a difference in the unfolding of human destiny? What is your part in preventing catastrophic climate change and in advancing economic, social, and racial justice?Station 10: Whom do you blame for the ways in which you suffer? In society, who are our scapegoats?Station 11: When you look in the mirror, do you see the true image of Christ? Do you see the suffering of Christ and also the one for whom Christ is willing to suffer? When have you witnessed the true image of Christ in other people?Station 12: What unfinished business do you have with your parents and/or with your children? If this was your last chance to communicate, what would you say to your parent or child?Station 13: What part of you is dying? What part of you has died? In what ways will you never be the same? Do you embrace this change or regret it?Station 14: What part of your life is entombed - on hold, unseen? What kind of "gestation" or transformation is underway within? What new life might await you when the stone is rolled away from your tomb?Artwork is Fran Moyer's Stations of the Cross at Saint Anselm's Episcopal Church in Lafayette, CA. To follow along with the audio, visit missionhilsla dot com.Readings in the meditation are by Pádraig Ó Tuama from his book Daily Prayer with the Corrymeala CommunityMusic in the meditation is by Apouria.

ReadMatthew 23:1-131 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, 2 “The legal experts and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat. 3 Therefore, you must take care to do everything they say. But don't do what they do. 4 For they tie together heavy packs that are impossible to carry. They put them on the shoulders of others, but are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 Everything they do, they do to be noticed by others. They make extra-wide prayer bands for their arms and long tassels for their clothes. 6 They love to sit in places of honor at banquets and in the synagogues. 7 They love to be greeted with honor in the markets and to be addressed as ‘Rabbi.'8 “But you shouldn't be called Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are brothers and sisters. 9 Don't call anybody on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is heavenly. 10 Don't be called teacher, because Christ is your one teacher. 11 But the one who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who lift themselves up will be brought low. But all who make themselves low will be lifted up.13 “How terrible it will be for you legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You shut people out of the kingdom of heaven. You don't enter yourselves, and you won't allow those who want to enter to do so.

A reflection for Dia de los Muertos.Momentarily distinct with our own bodies and our own consciousness, we are blessed to risk love, to parent new life, to create and innovate, to strive and to rest.And then, finally, to return to You.Knowing that the tasks are never completed, the relationships never simple, the twists life takes often surprising, at last we rest in You, as we once rested in our parents' loving arms so long ago.Oneness from Whom we emerge at birth, we know that all life flows back to you, once more united after the struggles, bruises and delights, the challenges and aspirations, the loves, betrayals and affirmations that make life complex and maddening and sweet.Grant that our rest be serene. May our lifelong harvest of love bring You — and those we love — joy. May our persistent efforts to nurture sustain those we have guided on the way, and may the sweet scent of that sacrifice please You too as You gather us in.Thanks be for this beautiful planet and our moment awake on its surface, for life's fleeting pleasures and abiding connections, for a heritage wise, ancient and abiding, for the tasks we completed and for those attempted, for the loves sustained and ruptured and our friends — whether remembered or forgotten.For it all — thanks, praise, shalom.

Matthew 22:15-2222:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.22:16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.22:17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?"22:18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?22:19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius.22:20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?"22:21 They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."22:22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

The Beatitudes (Altered with John Dear's Rendering)Arise and walk forth! Those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Arise and walk forth! those who mourn, for they will be comforted.Arise and walk forth! Those who are meek, for they will inherit the earth.Arise and walk forth! those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.Arise and walk forth! Those who are merciful for they will be shown mercy.Arise and walk forth! Those who are pure in heart, for they will see God.Arise and walk forth! Those who are peacemakers for they will be called sons and daughters of God.Arise and walk forth! Those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Arise and walk forth! when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.QuestionHow might the world be transformed if Christians embraced the values and practices of The Sermon on the Mount to resist violence, systemic racism, and environmental exploitation?ReadJust Peacemaking - Glen StassenThe Beatitudes of Peace - John DearPeacework - Henri Nouwen

Joy is a flash of eternity illuminating time. - Christian Wiman

Thanks to everyone who submitted their questions for this episode! Join us Sunday as we wrap up our environmental series with a conversation on this episode and your questions!LinksThird Act Sunrise MovementBuy Nothing ProjectClean Out Your ClosetOne Percent For The PlanetOur Climate Resources Page!

Week 3 of our environmental justice series “Re-Wild.”

WHAT DO YOU SEE? - Thomas BerryWhat do you see when you look up at the sky at night, at the blazing stars against the midnight heavens? What do you see when the dawn breaks over the eastern horizon? What are your thoughts in the fading days of summer as the birds depart on their southward journey or in the autumn when the leaves turn brown and are blown away? What are your thoughts when you look out over the ocean in the evening? What do you see?QuestionsWhat are your values or core principles? What are the connections to the four paths of eco-spirituality?How do the practices of nonviolence connect to the four paths of eco-spirituality? Why is nonviolence important?Where have you experienced “the creative way?” What was that like?Where have you experienced “the transformative way?” How are these paths helpful in mapping Christian and interspiritual eco-spirituality? What would you change or add?RECOMMENDED READINGMatthew Fox: Essential Writings on Creation SpiritualitySpiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth

Recommended ReadingMatthew Fox: Essential Writings on Creation SpiritualitySpiritual Ecology: The Cry of the EarthQuestionsWhy is it important to cultivate eco-spirituality? How does eco-spirituality differ from the dominant Christian and cultural narratives about the world and climate crises?What difference does it make if Christian spirituality begins with original blessing instead of original sin? How might this shift impact our planet if blessing and wholeness were the dominant Christian narrative?Can you think of a time when you experienced the “positive way?” How would you describe it? What does it feel like to live in awe, gratitude, and blessing?How have you experienced the “negative way?” Why does it matter to honor and experience darkness, suffering, letting go, and grief?

A conversation based on Nadia Bolz-Weber's book - Shameless: A Sexual Reformation. In this conversation, we summarize her points on how the Church has caused harm through purity culture and "abstinence only" teaching. Instead, we approach broad definitions of a healthy sexual ethic. It is important to hold Consent, Care, Covenant, and Communication (coined by Rev. Josh Lee) at the forefront of any conversation around sexuality. We are fully affirming of the spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities and recognize that there are additional harms caused to folks in this community.

Matthew 11:28-3011:28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." ///////// 28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.”

In this special edition of the podcast, Kelly and Ryan talk specifically about how our reading, reflections, practices, and language at Mission Hills are a reflection of Mission Hill's values and evolution as a community that creates spaces of belonging, healing, and wholeness. Let us know what you think on social media @missionhillsla, or send us an email at missionhillsla@gmaildotcom! Thanks for listening.

We are excited to share this special edition episode of the podcast with Kelly and Ryan in conversation about some of the frequently asked questions about the concepts of Mission Hills that we do not often have time to explore fully. Please give us your feedback about this episode, what you found helpful, and what questions it raised for you! Part two will be released Friday, June 30th!

2 Corinthians 13:11-13And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace. All the brothers and sisters here say hello. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

TextJohn 20:19-23 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”QuotesIn 2023, 76 anti-trans bills have already been passed, and there are currently 370 active bills. Pentecost reminds us that Christ's Spirit of peace is not with safe Christians in comfortable churches, but with those in locked rooms who fear for their lives. Pentecost invites us to see that it is the trans community to whom Christ offers the Spirit and who becomes the first of a new world full of Her peace and love.ReadWhat Decades of Providing Trans Health Care Have Taught MeTrans Legislation TrackerListenSam and Hailey Hedrick - Middle Of It

John 17:1-11Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said:Father, it's time.Display the bright splendor of your SonSo the Son in turn may show your bright splendor.You put him in charge of everything humanSo he might give real and eternal life to all in his care.And this is the real and eternal life:That they know you,The one and only true God,And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.I glorified you on earthBy completing down to the last detailWhat you assigned me to do.And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor,The very splendor I had in your presenceBefore there was a world.* * *6-12 I spelled out your character in detailTo the men and women you gave me.They were yours in the first place;Then you gave them to me,And they have now done what you said.They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt,That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,For the message you gave me, I gave them;And they took it, and were convincedThat I came from you.They believed that you sent me.I pray for them.I'm not praying for the worldBut for those you gave me,For they are yours by right.Everything mine is yours, and yours mine,And my life is on display in them.For I'm no longer going to be visible in the world;They'll continue in the worldWhile I return to you.Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this lifeThat you conferred as a gift through me,So they can be one heart and mindAs we are one heart and mind.

TextJohn 14:15-21 MSG with non-binary pronouns for The Spirit15-17 If you love me, you will guard my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. They are the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because the world neither sees them nor knows them. You know them because they abide with you, and they will be in you.18-20 “I will not leave you orphaned. I'm coming back. In just a little while, the world will no longer see me, but you're going to see me because I am alive, and you're about to come alive. At that moment, you will know absolutely that I'm in my Father, and you're in me, and I'm in you.21 “The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and make myself plain to them.”QuestionsIf Jesus is not talking about “religion” or “relationship,” but Reality, How does his non-dual invitation of abiding love to his disciples differ from conventional Christianity today? How might this perspective change Christian life? to his disciples differ from conventional Christianity today, and how might this perspective change Christian life?Jesus referenced “the world” (kósmos) as “not seeing” The Spirit's abiding love not referring to religious identity but a way of being, living, and loving. Why might this distinction be important?How is embracing Jesus' non-dual seeing difficult in modern life?How might we see the Spirit's abiding love in us?ReadThe Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative SpiritualityThe Good Wine by Bruno BarnhartListen

“Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father's home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b]3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”5 “No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.[c] From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

TextActs 2:42-47That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.ReadRoman Montero - All Things In CommonListen

Abandon your plans of escape and be where you are.Plant gardens. Live and live well. I don't know what your planting gardens may look like, but let me end by providing a glimpse of what they might be like.Live. And live well. Breathe. Breathe in and breathe deeply.Be present. Do not be past. Do not be future.Be now.On a crystal clear, breezy 75-degree day, roll down the windows and feel the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun. If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool autumn day to freeze your lungs, and do not just be alarmed, be alive. Get knee-deep in a novel and lose track of time. If you bike, pedal hard...And if you crash, then crash well.Feel the satisfaction of a job well done.A paper well written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well performed.If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year-old's nose, don't be disgusted if the Kleenex didn't catch it all because soon he'll be wiping his own.If you've recently experienced loss, then grieve.And grieve well.At the table with friends and family, laugh. If you're eating and laughing at the same time, then you might as well laugh until you puke.And if you eat, then smell. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven.And taste. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of life.Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-gift.- Kyle Lake, Final Sermon, 2005

John 20:19-31 19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”22-23 Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe.”28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

Mark 16 - Common English BibleWhen the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and anoint Jesus' dead body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were saying to each other, “Who's going to roll the stone away from the entrance for us?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. (And it was a very large stone!) Going into the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right side; and they were startled. But he said to them, “Don't be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised. He isn't here. Look, here's the place where they laid him. Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” Overcome with terror and dread, they fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.Mark 16 - Common English BibleWhen the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and anoint Jesus' dead body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were saying to each other, “Who's going to roll the stone away from the entrance for us?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. (And it was a very large stone!) Going into the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right side; and they were startled. But he said to them, “Don't be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised. He isn't here. Look, here's the place where they laid him. Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” Overcome with terror and dread. They fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone because they were afraid. Further ReadingEmbracing The Void by Richard BoothbyChrist And The End Of Meaning by Paul HessertLove in the Void: Where God Finds Us ListenDeath with Dignity by Sufjan StevensWatchDevs - HuluTrue Detective Season One - HBO

Matthew 21:1-11 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. 4 Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, 5 Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey's offspring.”[a] 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them. 8 Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord![b]Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 The crowds answered, “It's the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 27:30-54 The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor's palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red robe. They plaited a crown from branches of a thornbush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion. 32-34 Along the way they came on a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry Jesus' cross. Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call “Skull Hill,” they offered him a mild painkiller (a mixture of wine and myrrh), but when he tasted it he wouldn't drink it. 35-40 After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they killed time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you're really God's Son, come down from that cross!” 41-44 The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: “He saved others—he can't save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We'll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his ‘Son' now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God's Son, didn't he?” Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery. 45-46 From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” 47-49 Some bystanders who heard him said, “He's calling for Elijah.” One of them ran and got a sponge soaked in sour wine and lifted it on a stick so he could drink. The others joked, “Don't be in such a hurry. Let's see if Elijah comes and saves him.” 50 But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last. 51-53 At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What's more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus' resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.) 54 The captain of the guard and those with him, when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening, were scared to death. They said, “This has to be the Son of God!”

John 4:5-424:5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.4:6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.4:7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."4:8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."4:11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?4:12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?"4:13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,4:14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."4:16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back."4:17 The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband';4:18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!"4:19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet.4:20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem."4:21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.Song: Unfolding by Luca Fogale

Damon Garcia live at Mission Hills, talking about his latest book, The God Who Riots - Taking Back The Radical Jesus. Thank you, Damon, and to everyone who made this event possible. Damon Garcia (he/him) is a writer, video essayist, and public theologian. His work is centered around the intersection between liberation and faith. He is the author of The God Who Riots: Taking Back the Radical Jesus (Broadleaf Books, 2022). He lives in Santa Maria, California. Follow Damon's work on Twitter and Instagram @whoisdamon and at damongarcia.com.

John 3:1-17There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew,[a] it's not possible to see God's kingdom.” 4 Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It's impossible to enter the mother's womb for a second time and be born, isn't it?”5 Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. 6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don't be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.' 8 God's Spirit[b] blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. It's the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”9 Nicodemus said, “How are these things possible?”10 “Jesus answered, “You are a teacher of Israel and you don't know these things? 11 I assure you that we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you don't receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Human One.[c] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One[d] be lifted up 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. 16 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won't perish but will have eternal life. 17 God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.Thomas Merton“There is in us an instinct for newness, for renewal, for liberation of creative power. We seek to awaken in ourselves a force which really changes our lives from within. And yet the same instinct tells us that this change is a recovery of that which is deepest, most original, most personal in ourselves. To be born again is not to become somebody else, but to become ourselves.”QuestionsWhat is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “born again?” Is there a helpful way of re-understanding this metaphor?Our theme for Lent is “Tune In.” How do you understand Jesus telling Nicodemus he must be “born again” relating to this theme?What stands out to you in the Merton quote in light of our Lenten conversation and the Nicodemus story?readThe God Who Riots by Damon GarciaWatchThe Last Of Us - HBOListen

Opening Song: Dust We Are and Shall Return by the BrillianceClosing Song: Forgone by Tow'rs

Matthew 17:1-9 1 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. 2 He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it's good that we're here. If you want, I'll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” 6 Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don't be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don't tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.”

The Method of Centering PrayerCentering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to cooperate with this gift. It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier time (e.g. The Cloud of Unknowing) in an updated form and to put a certain order and regularity into it. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; it simply puts other kinds of prayer into a new and fuller perspective. During the time of prayer we consent to God's presence and action within. At other times our attention moves outward to discover God's presence everywhere.The GuidelinesChoose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within.Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within. When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.Explanation of the GuidelinesChoose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within. (cf. Open Mind, Open Heart, chap. 5)The sacred word expresses our intention to be in God's presence and to yield to the divine action.The sacred word should be chosen during a brief period of prayer asking the Holy Spirit to inspire us with one that is especially suitable for us.Examples: Be, Lord, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother, Love, Peace, Shalom, Still.Having chosen a sacred word, we do not change it during the prayer period, for that would be to start thinking again.A simple inward gaze upon God may be more suitable for some persons than the sacred word. In this case, one consents to God's presence and action by turning inwardly toward God as if gazing upon him. The same guidelines apply to the sacred gaze as to the sacred word."Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within."By "sitting comfortably" is meant relatively comfortably; not so comfortably that we encourage sleep, but sitting comfortably enough to avoid thinking about the discomfort of our bodies during this time of prayer.Whatever sitting position we choose, we keep the back straight.If we fall asleep, we continue the prayer for a few minutes upon awakening if we can spare the time.Praying in this way after a main meal encourages drowsiness. Better to wait an hour at least before Centering Prayer. Praying in this way just before retiring may disturb one's sleep pattern.We close our eyes to let go of what is going on around and within us.We introduce the sacred word inwardly and as gently as laying a feather on a piece of absorbent cotton."When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.""Thoughts" is an umbrella term for every perception including sense perceptions, feelings, images, memories, reflections, and commentaries.Thoughts are a normal part of Centering Prayer.By "returning ever-so-gently to the sacred word", a minimum of effort is indicated. This is the only activity we initiate during the time of Centering Prayer.During the course of our prayer, the sacred word may become vague or even disappear."At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes."If this prayer is done in a group, the leader may slowly recite the Our Father during the additional 2 or 3 minutes, while the others listen.The additional 2 or 3 minutes give the psyche time to readjust to the external senses and enable us to bring the atmosphere of silence into daily life.Practical PointsThe minimum time for this prayer is 20 minutes. Two periods are recommended each day, one first thing in the morning, and one in the afternoon or early evening.The end of the prayer period can be indicated by a timer, providing it does not have an audible tick or loud sound when it goes offThe principal effects of Centering Prayer are experienced in daily life, not in the period of Centering Prayer itself.Physical SymptomsWe may notice slight pains, itches, or twitches in various parts of the body or a generalized restlessness. These are usually due to the untying of emotional knots in the body.We may also notice heaviness or lightness in the extremities. This is usually due to a deep level of spiritual attentiveness. In either case, we pay no attention, or we allow the mind to rest briefly in the sensation, and then return to the sacred word. Lectio Divina provides the conceptual background for the development of Centering Prayer.Extending the Effects of Centering Prayer into Daily LifePractice 2 periods of Centering Prayer daily.Read Scriptures regularly and study Open Mind, Open Heart.Practice one or two of the specific methods for everyday suggested in Open Mind, Open Heart, chapter 12.Points for Further DevelopmentDuring the prayer period various kinds of thoughts may be distinguished.Ordinary wanderings of the imagination or memory.Thoughts that give rise to attractions or aversions.Insights and psychological breakthroughs.Self-reflections such as, "How am I doing?" or, "This peace is just great!"Thoughts that arise from the unloading of the unconscious.During this prayer, avoid analyzing your experience, harboring expectations or aiming at some specific goal such as:Repeating the sacred word continuously.Making the mind a blank.Achieving a spiritual experience.

Gospel of Mary – Chapter 4 Will matter then be destroyed or not?22) The Savior said, All nature, all formations, all creatures exist in and with one another, and they will be resolved again into their own roots.23) For the nature of matter is resolved into the roots of its own nature alone.24) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.25) Peter said to him, Since you have explained everything to us, tell us this also: What is the sin of the world?26) The Savior said There is no sin, but it is you who make sin when you do the things that are like the nature of adultery, which is called sin.27) That is why the Good came into your midst, to the essence of every nature in order to restore it to its root.28) Then He continued and said, That is why you become sick and die, for you are deprived of the one who can heal you.29) He who has a mind to understand, let him understand.30) Matter gave birth to a passion that has no equal, which proceeded from something contrary to nature. Then there arises a disturbance in its whole body.31) That is why I said to you, Be of good courage, and if you are discouraged be encouraged in the presence of the different forms of nature.32) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.33) When the Blessed One had said this, He greeted them all,saying, Peace be with you. Receive my peace unto yourselves.34) Beware that no one lead you astray saying Lo here or lo there! For the Son of Man is within you.35) Follow after Him!36) Those who seek Him will find Him.37) Go then and preach the gospel of the Kingdom.38) Do not lay down any rules beyond what I appointed you, and do not give a law like the lawgiver lest you be constrained by it.39) When He said this He departed.

Let me tell you why (y'all) are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: (y'all) are here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.Matthew 5:13-16 MSG

Matthew 5:1-125:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.5:2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.5:11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

ReadMatthew 4:12-25 MSG“When Jesus got word that John had been arrested, he returned to Galilee. He moved from his hometown, Nazareth, to the lakeside village Capernaum, nestled at the base of the Zebulun and Naphtali hills. This move completed Isaiah's revelation: Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, road to the sea, over Jordan, Galilee, crossroads for the nations. People sitting out their lives in the dark saw a huge light; Sitting in that dark, dark country of death, they watched the sun come up. This Isaiah-prophesied revelation came to life in Galilee the moment Jesus started preaching. He picked up where John left off: “Change your life. God's kingdom is here.” Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed. A short distance down the beach they came upon another pair of brothers, James and John, Zebedee's sons. These two were sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their fishnets. Jesus made the same offer to them, and they were just as quick to follow, abandoning boat and father. From there he went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God's kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God's government, a good government! He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with a sickness, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the “Ten Towns” across the lake, others up from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan.”ListenQuestionsCan Artificial Intelligence follow Jesus?What does “The Kingdom of God is here.” mean for you? What is your experience of this?What does it mean to follow Jesus if it's not merely mimicking behaviors, adopting a particular religious worldview, evangelism/religious vocation, or “being saved”? What is its relation to art, beauty, and wholeness?What is the beloved and creative community to you?

Dr. Bradley Onishi is the co-host of Straight White American Jesus, one of the most listened-to podcasts on Apple's Political charts. Bradley is a graduate of UCSB, Oxford, and L'institut catholique de Paris. Bradley is currently teaching at the University of San Francisco. He is the author of multiple books, including his latest, Preparing For War: The Extremist History of Christian Nationalism and What Comes Next. Thank you to Bradley for sharing his work with us! For more information about Bradley, visit https://www.bradonishi.com/.Thank you to Jana Nelson for organizing this event, Kelly Ravenscraft for coordination, DJ Joshua Trujillo, Claudia Mena, and our bartender, Brant. We also want to thank the Disciples of Christ Pacific Southwest Region and the Church in Society Committee for the opportunity to host this series of events this year. Our next event will be Saturday, March 4th, with author Damon Garcia.

John 1:29-421:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!1:30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'1:31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel."1:32 And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.1:33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'1:34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."1:35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples,1:36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!"1:37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.1:38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"1:39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon.1:40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.1:41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed).1:42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

TextJesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!” But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it. The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬Listen: We by Arcade FireRead:Hildegard of BingenLoveabounds in all,from the depths exalted and excellingover every star,and most belovedof all,for to the highest King the kiss of peaceshe gave

Matthew 1:18-251:18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.1:19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.1:20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.1:21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."1:22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:1:23 "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."1:24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,1:25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

When The New Hasn't Settled In YetMatthew 11:2-11When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.Questions: What is your favorite holiday seasonal food or beverage?Has there been a time when you were disappointed? How did you respond?If our vulnerability is a connector, how might this awaken us to a deeper experience of the “Kin-dom of God”?What else stood out to you from this text or the podcast?

Opening Song: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Tow'rs

Luke 9:1-6Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God's kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don't load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you're not welcomed, leave town. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.” Commissioned, they left. They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went.Listen: Nostalgic by A R I Z O N AWatch: White Lotus Season 2 - HBO MAXRead: Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating

John 8:31–3631 So Jesus said to those who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly mydisciples, 32 and you will dknow the truth, and the truth ewill set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free'?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave3 to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.California by Bonny Light Horseman

Luke 18:9-1418:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt:18:10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.18:11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.18:12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'18:13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

Dark Testament Verse 8 Hope is a crushed stalk Between clenched fingers Hope is a bird's wing Broken by a stone. Hope is a word in a tuneless ditty — A word whispered with the wind, A dream of forty acres and a mule, A cabin of one's own and a moment to rest, A name and place for one's children And children's children at last . . . Hope is a song in a weary throat. Give me a song of hope And a world where I can sing it. Give me a song of faith And a people to believe in it. Give me a song of kindliness And a country where I can live it. Give me a song of hope and love And a brown girl's heart to hear it. - Pauli Murray

Mark 12:28-3128 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."Quotes“Gospel-based compassion tolerates no outsiders. It embraces and seeks to bring in all who are marginalized, oppressed, and excluded from empowering fellowship. It evokes a double response requiring a reawakened heart that knows it cannot withhold the just action that liberates and empowers. The transformation of the heart, which might also be described as the contemplative gaze, asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless.” - Diarmuid O'MurchuSome Compassionate QuestionsWhat are the needs of our community (world)? Who are we listening to and learning from?Where are those marginalized globally due to climate change and what are they saying about how the crisis is affecting them?What might solidarity look like in our life together? Is our eco-spirituality cultivating patience, curiosity, wonder, and resiliency in our lives?What questions does eco-spirituality present to you?How has your understanding changed or grown during this Environmental Awareness Month?Some Further ReadingCare for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth By Ilia DelioTheology in the Capitalocene: Ecology, Identity, Class, and Solidarity By Joerg Rieger